(Matthew 16:13-23)
May these words of this Peter be like a rock,
not a stumbling block!
|
|
"Who do you say
that I am?" Jesus asked. Simon Peter answered, "You
are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus
answered, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! ... You are
Peter (petros), and on this rock (petra)
I will build my church..." Jesus then began to speak of
the rough road ahead. And Peter took him aside and rebuked him... "Get
behind me, Satan!" Jesus replied. "You are a stumbling
block..." (Matthew 16:13-23) May these words of this Peter be like a rock, |
"Sharing in the inheritance"
Message preached November 25,
2001
Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Glen Arm, Maryland USA
based upon
Colossians 1:11-20
This sermon was composed in my head, and delivered away from the pulpit in a style one member terms "amble and ramble." Thus, there is no printed text. However, I did compose a song for the message, based upon a portion of the scripture - which I've placed online. It was introduced by the worship leader with the following:
"As we seek to understand and live in this world with people of other faiths, it is important that we not lose track of what we believe as followers of Jesus Christ. We should not impose our faith on others, but neither should we allow it to slip away between our fingers. In this morning’s scripture reading, the apostle Paul speaks to those who are buying the line that Jesus is just like every other important religious figure in human history, no more - no less. These folks are in danger of losing their inheritance, allowing their heritage / their faith to just slip away. To them / to us, Paul writes of how unique Jesus, our Messiah, truly is.
"Many scholars believe that in verses 15-20 of the first chapter of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he is quoting an early Christian hymn, perhaps a song sung at baptism. The words and tune would be familiar to these people, maybe causing them to hum along as they listened to his letter being read aloud. In the process, Paul was reminding them - is reminding us something already known.
"Of course, the music hasn’t been saved, just the words. Pastor Pete has sought to add a tune to them. I will read verses 11-14 of the first chapter of this letter, then pause for Pete to sing, after which I will read the words. You will find his song printed in your bulletin. I’ll be reading from the New English Bible. Listen."
"When
we see the Son"
(my rendition of the hymn in Col. 1:15-20)
©2001 Peter L. Haynes