Roger's Postings

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Genesis 11:1-9/Acts 2 To the glory of Mankind or to glory of God?? 27/5/07

(Gen 11:1-9) {4} Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." {5} But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. {6} The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. {7} Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." {8} So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth,
(Acts 2:1-21) When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. {2} Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. {3} They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. {4} All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them
{12} Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"
{17} "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
{21} And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'

In our readings this morning we have two contrasting pictures of human life, both running parallel with each other, but in opposite directions. One seeking the glory of mankind – the other, the glory of God. One showing mankind in it's sin – the other, people living in the realm of God's love and the influence of his Spirit. They express two realities for us to live by.

Perhaps without going any further, lets us look at the situation at the tower of Babel. In this situation we see something of what is happening today in our own society. In light of what God’s view of this event is, we should really stop and think. Now the situation at the Tower of Babel was that the people went out to build a great tower in order to make a name for themselves and to hold themselves together as a society. They thought that it was through their own great achievements that they were going to be able to solve all problems and have security and peace. They, by their own achievements, were going to make the world a better place to live in and they were going to be able to find their own way to be with God.

Now doesn't that all sound just a little bit familiar. Our society today is very little different, and in many ways our own lives mirror some of this. We today are out to make our world a better place to live in, by our own efforts: we want to find and create peace, harmony and happiness on a united front. We are constantly coming up with all kinds of new inventions and technologies to make things better and easier for ourselves: But above all to make a name for ourselves; and to hopefully somehow be a someone, so that we might be acceptable.

There it is, I believe, that we come to the bottom line of it all. It is all being done for the glory of mankind. No consideration for God and his ways in any of this. In fact it is back to the very sin of Adam and Eve; wanting to be equal with God and to have control over our own lives. The old, sinful human spirit is up to the same old tricks over and over again. Yes, on the surface, so often, everything looks very good and above board; but scratch the surface and we find that which is very deceptive and dangerous.

It is dangerous when we look at the end results. Ah yes, we are able achieve all sorts of great things, but God knows that all we end up in doing through it all is to destroy ourselves and most importantly our relationship with God. Our sinful human nature cannot do otherwise. Yes, we today have the capabilities of doing tremendous things: just by way of one example; in the area of genetic engineering, science is making all kinds discoveries in this human area. The latest that is publicly known is the cloning of embryos for experimental purposes. One wonders how far we are away from creating a monster that will do untold damage to our world. We certainly are wanting to play God – we are wanting to be lord and master - dictators of life on earth - without regard for God and his Word. Euthanasia, abortion and now the creation of life to destroy it, are good examples of where we are heading in this area. Deep down what we are saying, is move over God, we are going to do things our way. God and what he has to say is irrelevant, to what we want to do.

The result of all of this, though, is, as we are beginning to see, that the more the emphasis is placed on the glory of humanity, the more we see misunderstanding, disunity and loneliness. The more our Lord and his ways are ignored, the more that confusion reigns, Unfortunately this sad picture of the tower Babel is also so prevalent in our world today. The same end result is happening over and over again; and we are not coming to our senses. We are not waking up and realizing that this is the picture of the sin of mankind. Here we need to remember that in this picture there is no good news - no hope for the future. As much as all these so-called advances promise us much, if we leave God out of the picture we find nothing but chaos and the destruction of society and humanity as a whole.

But here today as we celebrate Pentecost Sunday we are reminded that there is also another picture; another happening that runs directly parallel, but in the opposite direction, to that which we have just explained. Here, of course, we are reminded of God’s work in the whole Pentecost event to help us to get a right perspective on all of this. And of the continuing outworking of the Holy Spirit in our world today to lead us in a direction that is good and helpful for us. In so doing we are also reminded of what it is it that the Holy Spirit is all about.

As we think of that first Pentecost day in the midst of the confusion that abounded in that city we see people being drawn together. Though people were there from all over the world, they heard in their own language all the wonders of God as seen in and through Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection. They heard plain, ordinary people saying and doing incredible things, not for the glory of mankind, but for the glory of God. God has sent His Holy Spirit to be with his people to lead and guide them in a good and helpful direction. His whole aim is to lead and guide people to Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of sins that he has won for us so that we can once again be united to God and one another. Then the flow on from that is to give us a way that we can live and approach life that is helpful, encouraging and that will benefit us all. It is all possible for us as God’s Spirit works amongst us.

So where the Holy Spirit is truly at work we have something that draws people together and unites them in good way instead of scattering and dividing. There is whole reversal - people drawn out of their loneliness and confusion because they are loved, forgiven and accepted; and are given an understanding of what life is really all about. They are given a new spirit which alters their whole focus of life. Instead of the focus being on self and what we humans want out of life, Jesus Christ is the name that is held up. Here there is the desire to live for and please this one who is all important: this one who has done so much for us. In Jesus and his death on the cross we are united to that which builds up rather than tears down. Here we are not only given the desire to love, but are united to the One who himself is Love. The more that he and his love becomes a part of our lives, the more that peace and harmony comes into our hearts, homes and communities, and a transformation begins to take place. Then instead of everything being done for the glory of self and mankind, it is done for the glory of God.

So we see the Holy Spirit was sent so that our focus is brought to Jesus Christ alone. There in his death on the cross and his resurrection, and our connection to him in baptism, we are united with him and one another. The Holy Spirit uses the Word and the sacraments to help us to know that we have forgiveness of sins, life and salvation in Jesus Christ, and so we have everything that is important. WE don’t need something more, so as to be seen to be OK, or as an assurance that our name is recorded alongside Jesus’. No, the Holy Spirit in giving us faith in Jesus Christ and his death on the cross has given that which gives the unity, peace and name which we need, for this life and the next.

So there we have briefly two pictures of life. The first one we are all a part of - we know that all too well. Too often we think and live only for self and the glory of humanity which leads us to confusion and loneliness. But the second picture has also broken into our lives here. The Holy Spirit is at work here in this congregation. The Spirit is at work through the Word and sacraments, taking the focus off of us and placing it where it truly belongs; on our Lord Jesus Christ. The more we allow the Spirit to centre our lives on Jesus the more we will glorify God by living, acting and speaking in accord with his Word.

So today I pray that the Holy Spirit will increase his work in each one us, so that more and more we may be drawn together with our Lord Jesus Christ; and that above all greater glory can go to our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For to him alone, belongs all glory and honour, now and always. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Redeemer Lutheran Church
Toowoomba

Hymn 129

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Ephesians 1:15-23. Spiritually focussed! 20/5/07

{15) For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, {16} I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. {17} I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. {18} I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, {19} and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, {20} which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, {21} far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. {22} And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, {23} which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Today we particularly remember Jesus’ ascension. That is his physical departure from this earth to now sit at the right hand of God the Father in all his glory. Now in this reading, Paul's uses Jesus’ ascension as an inspiration and basis for his prayer of encouragement for the Ephesians, and for us today. He prays that we might be given the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that we may know the Lord Jesus even better. Also so that we might have the spiritual insight to know the hope that we have as Christians, because of what Jesus has done for us through his life, death, resurrection and ascension. Here particularly what he has accomplished in his ascension for us.

Now it is interesting to ponder over this prayer and begin to understand in a deeper way what Paul has in mind for us. I believe we today need this just much as the Ephesians of Paul’s day. All of us are constantly in need of what Paul is praying for here. We all struggle with the faith. We know somewhat, what it is to be Christian but somehow it doesn't seem to always be there for us. We lack that sparkle – that something extra – that we believe should be there; we get caught up in life and so often our Christian life suffers as a result. We look here, and around us, and everything seems a long way from what it should be. We face various situations and many times cannot see and hope beyond – and so feel trapped and alone. Spiritually we are only firing on one cylinder. We feel that life is a real battle and we seem to be failing miserably.

That is why Paul prays, that our great God might give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we might know him better. He prays that God's Spirit will continually give to us and be at work in our lives with his wisdom. Now more than ever before we need the Spirit’s guidance to help us to know how to best deal with and live our life as a Christian, every day. But also, and particularly, to never lose sight of that which is important for us: that is to know God - to really know him. Not just to have some knowledge about him and what he has done for us. The devil knows that too.

Now that basic knowledge of God and Christ and other aspects of the Christian faith that are important for us, has been made known to us over and over again. We have come to know that we are unable, in any way shape or form to be acceptable to God, by our own goodness or merit. But then thankfully we also have had revealed to us all that God has done for us through our Lord Jesus Christ and his life, death, resurrection and ascension. You have come to know of the importance of Baptism, Holy Communion and prayer. These are all basic to the Christian faith.

But the Spirit also wants us to really know and be in a close personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He does this so that we can look to him and trust him completely as we go through life. He and what he says and does is what is all important for us.

As the Spirit brings us into this relationship where we know Jesus as not only a friend but as God Almighty himself, we can have the confidence to face life, however it might come, knowing that our Lord has the where-with-all to care for us and get us through this life and into heaven. Jesus is the one who died for each one of us so that we can be forgiven. He was raised again so that we can be sure that there is life for each of us, beyond death, with himself. At our baptism he has come to each of us personally to seal that forgiveness and assure us that we are now members of his family. Then week by week he comes to us in a very real way at the Lord’s Table so that we can go forward confidently, knowing that we are forgiven, and that he is with us always. So Jesus is there with us and for us as go about life. And this is what the Spirit brings, gives and makes us aware of. This is great stuff; if only we would realize it.

But Paul goes on and prays that eyes of our heart might be opened up to know the hope to which he has called us, the riches of his glorious inheritance in heaven. He wants each of us to see beyond the here and now: beyond me and what I want, to that which has been won for us; to the One who is all important, great and powerful; incomparably so. And to know that power which raised Jesus from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above every other rule, authority, power and title. To know that this power is at work for our good: That every thing is under his all powerful feet and authority.

And that is his great point here. Jesus was raised from the dead and has ascended on high so that together with his heavenly Father he may be able use his power for good - our good and the good of others. And that power; and that great God who has done so much, is there: he is all powerful; he is almighty; and he has won a place for us in this glorious inheritance. We are a part that greatness in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. It is all there - our great God is there – and he is for us – and he wants us to know this as we go about our lives every day.

And that is what Paul prays that God's Spirit will make you and me aware of in a greater and greater way: That the Spirit will give us this knowledge and understanding more and more all the time. Yes that we may know this great hope that is there for us through Jesus and his life, death, resurrection, ascension and reigning on high; and also that we might be given the wisdom to see it all in its right perspective. It is of far greater importance than what we see and experience here and now, in so far as our earthly world is concerned.

Now that surely gives you and me the confidence to go forward each day and face life in whatever way it comes; because we know that our Lord and saviour rules in all his glory, guaranteeing our inheritance with him. So I would like to conclude with Paul’s words, leading up to this reading here before us.
(Eph 1:3-14)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfilment--to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.

To him be glory and honour now and forever. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Redeemer Lutheran Church
Toowoomba

Saturday, May 12, 2007

John 14:23-29. Can live at peace! 14/5/07

{23) Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. {24} He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. {25} "All this I have spoken while still with you. {26} But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. {27} Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. {28} "You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. {29} I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.

Here in the lead up to Jesus’ ascension and then Pentecost, he gives his disciples some very good advice and reminders of some very important things that they and his Church will hold dearly to. Because he will no longer physically and visibly be with his people, he wants them to have the same peace and confidence of knowing that he and his Father and the Spirit are with them, even though we cannot see him.

But this raises the question that troubles many people today. How do we know and how can we be sure that God is with us today? So we find many ‘Christian’ looking for visible and outward signs: looking for the ‘magic bullet’ that will give them the assurances, blessings and peace that they long for. They are looking for that ‘something spectacular’ that will suggest that they are on the right track.

With that, they then are constantly left unsure, searching, creating division and disharmony. ‘Perhaps we need more of this spiritual gift, or that experience, or something else.’ This one says and suggests this, another seeks to put the emphasis somewhere else. How can we know for sure? Which is right? This leaves them unsettled and unsure. It’s all too hard.

Yet it is in this whole area that Jesus wants to reassure his followers there is a peace and certainty that he has for us; guaranteed. We can be sure that he is present with us; that his Spirit is with and leading us to what we need to know. He does have for us that which gives us the certainty that we need, as we go through life every day.

But he makes it quite clear however that this presence, certainty and peace only comes to those who love him. "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.

But what does it mean that we are to love him? We all would say that we love Jesus. However the love that the Bible speaks of, is a love that is completely devoted to the other. The other is the one that we are completely focussed on and see as important. So if Jesus is the one who is all important to us then we have the assurance that he has all of this and much more for us.

If Jesus is the one we are completely devoted to, then we will obey his teaching. Obey here has much more the idea of guard, keep or watch. People will only guard that which they think is valuable and important. They will make themselves dependent on this and will allow their lives and actions to be determined by it. So because God’s Word is valuable and all important for us and for our lives, we will see ourselves as being dependent on it and we will live by what it says.

With that being the case in our lives then Jesus says that he and the Father will make their home with us. With God’s Word as central in our lives we don’t only have the assurance that God is pleased with us, or that he looks favourably on us. No, it says he will make his home with us: he will dwell in us, and be inseparably associated with us always. That is his promises and assurance to us today and always. We don’t need extra experiences or ‘something more.’ We have his promise that when we hold dear his Word and teaching he is with us always.

But along with that, he also says that the person who does not take his Word seriously, but thinks that they can ignore, change or play with what we have in the Bible; they therefore do not love him. The implication of course is that they then do not have the presence, peace and assurance that Jesus has here in mind for us. And as we look across the ‘Christian’ scene today, I believe this speaks volumes. People and churches are troubled and afraid, torn apart by diverse thinking and more. Look, listen and learn.
But so often we hear, ‘But that is only your interpretation. Surely they also may be right. How do we know?’ And that thinking goes on. So Jesus goes on here to make the point that, the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. So we are not left to each make up our own interpretation: where we can twist and change that Word to suit what we want it to say. No, the Spirit will remind you of everything that Jesus said and taught.

And what is it that was his central teaching? That we must turn away from our sinful, selfish way of living; that is looking to ourselves and our wants and desires. And turn to look to Jesus as God himself come into our world, to die on the cross, so that we might have the forgiveness of sins, and the assurance of eternal life with God. Then he rose from the dead so that we can be absolutely sure that he was who he said he was, and that everything he said and promised for us, is for real.

So the Sprit’s work is not primarily to give us some extra-ordinary gifts so that we can feel good and so that be sure that he is with us. No, it is always, first and foremost, his objective to point us to Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection for us and for our salvation. Having done that he has done what he was sent to do. So when we read and listen to the words of the Bible, we know that the Spirit is at work for us, when he is pointing us to Jesus Christ and the cross. If we are being encouraged to doubt, divide or change that Word, or to shift the focus from what Christ has and is doing, to us and what we do or think, then we best beware. It just might be another spirit at work.

However with the Spirit pointing us to Jesus and the cross for the forgiveness of sins, and as we guard dearly this Word of his, showing that he is the one who is all important to us and our lives, he assures us that he is with us. Then he goes on to say, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

Yes now we have the complete assurance that his peace is now ours; freely given to us. The absolute certainty that we are loved, forgiven, have eternal life and much more is all there for us guaranteed; here and now. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. From this we can see that this peace is far more than feelings and experience. Because it is given by our Lord it is not dependant on me, my faith or lack of it, or anything else. It is his gift and promise that is there with us always; through thick and thin.

So as we look to him and focus on him, all this and more is yours and mine, here and now, as we live without Jesus visible presence here with us. As Jesus says, that is a good thing that he goes physically away from us, for physically he could only be at one place at one time. However now that he has gone to the Father, not only has he sent his Spirit to lead and guide us, but now he and the Father also promises to dwell in those who love him.

What a promise! What a reassurance that is, to us who are living at a time when there is much unrest and diversionary thinking, all with the aim of trying to reassure ourselves that God is with us; and in an effort to find this peace that God has to give. Yet here again we are reminded that it is all there for those who love Jesus. For again if we believe that he is the one who is all important, then we will treasure and guard his Word, listening to what his Spirit leads us to know. That of course is nothing other than Jesus Christ and his death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. There we know that we are loved, forgiven and assured of all the blessings that God himself would have for us. Yes nothing now can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. His peace has been left with us; his presence is with us.

What joy; what reassurance, what peace this message is for us as we live as his people day in day out. To our great God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, therefore be all glory and honour, now and always. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze
Redeemer Lutheran Church
Toowoomba