Sermon: Fixing America, Part 3 — The Opposite of Blasphemy

Intro

We have all bad-mouthed authority figures behind their backs — criticized a law officer, grumbled about a boss or complained about our parents. Worse, we have all taken God’s name in vain.

Goal

Let’s understand how blasphemy destroys us and our country and how praise of God is an answer to fixing America.

Sermon Plan

We will look at your name and God's Name, our best friend’s name, the purpose of the law, hired hands, the one true church, that abundant life, addiction, shepherds, pastors and the opposite of blasphemy.

Your Name, God's Name

Your name is a mark of identification. It labels who you are. The mention of your name carries the honor and reputation you may have in the community, good or bad. How would you like it if your name became a swear word. When something bad or surprising happened, would you like it if people cursed your name? Would you like your name being used for abuse, swearing and generally considered to be a worthless or dirty word? In Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 one of the Ten Commandments asks us not to use God’s name in vain. That means that we respect his name and not use it for evil, lying and similar vain and useless purposes. How should we treat the name of the Good Shepherd (John 10:10-18), the one who lay down his life for us?

Our Best Friend’s Name

Imagine that we had a best friend who loved us more than any other. Suppose that best friend sacrificed everything for our welfare including dying to save our lives. Would we want to bad-mouth that person? Would we like it if others started bad-mouthing that person’s reputation? Would we feel uncomfortable if others used his name as a swear word? As a part of his covenant with ancient Israel, God asked them not to abuse his name (Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5). The shepherds of this world (politicians, industry leaders and yes, even church leaders) can not care for us in the same way as the Good Shepherd (John 10:10-18). Jesus loves us as no human being possibly can. How do we treat the name of the Good Shepherd? Ought not his name be revered more than any other?

Purpose of the Law

Imagine someone who loved us more than anyone, yet we turned our backs on him. Not only that, but we bad-mouthed that person, ruined his reputation and used his name as a swear word. Yet, despite all that, he died to save us. Even after he did so, we continued to abuse his name. That is what the law teaches us (Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5), that all human efforts fail. The gospel teaches us that God still sent his Son to do what we cannot. That is why Jesus is called the Good Shepherd (John 10:10-18). He knows that his sheep are weak and cannot follow the rules. Those who use the law to puff themselves up do not yet understood the law. The purpose of the law is to humble us and prepare us for the gospel.

Reading of the Text: Read John 10:10-18

The One True Church 

Official Catholic teaching is that it is the one true church. Official Orthodox teaching is somewhat alike. Official teaching of a number of denominations large and small is very similar. Yet, they cannot all be the one true church. Such exclusive thinking is not new. There were times that even Jesus’ disciples were caught up in such mentality. John 10:10-18 adds something interesting to this discussion. Jesus said that he had other sheep not of this fold or sheep pen. The “one true church” mentality on the human level stinks of politics and egotism. I like to call it “exclusive franchise” thinking. There certainly is one true church, but there is nothing in the Bible that specifically speaks of God having just one exclusive organization of human beings. It appears that God’s flock exists in more than one sheepfold.

The Abundant Life

When we read that Jesus came that we may have life to the full, the abundant life, we may read into the passage a purely materialistic abundance. We may assume that this passage means accumulating things, when it actually refers to an abundant life (John 10:10-18). An abundance of things can actually detract from an abundant life. Jesus said that we ought to be on our guard against greed because life does not consist of an abundance of possessions (Luke 12:13-21) but in being rich towards God. So, what is the abundant life? It is a life filled over and above our necessary dullness. It is a superior life, a life that is remarkable, one that is lived with greater honor. It is life devoted to the things of God, a life lived within the sheepfold of Jesus.

Addiction or Abundant Life

What would be our society’s greatest addiction? When we speak of addiction, we may think of alcohol or drugs, but those are not our world’s greatest addictions. Our economy relies upon creating addictions to products. Two of our greatest addictions are unhealthy foods and materialism. Advertising deceives us that material goods make an abundant life and politics deceives us that fixing America begins with a materialistic solution. We are constantly lied to that materialism and degenerate foods will create the abundant life. Yet, Jesus warned against greedy materialism because that is not life (Luke 12:13-21). Jesus came that we might have truly rich and satisfying lives (John 10:10-18). Attending church regularly is important, because Jesus gathers his sheep to give them a better life. Fixing America and each of us having a full life begins in his sheepfold.

The Hired Hand

Who is your pastor? That person is not the Good Shepherd, but a hired hand. That is the terminology used in John 10:10-18. All pastors read those words and say to themselves, “I hope that is not me.” Yet it is all pastors except the one, Jesus Christ. We must face the fact that we are being described here. Even Jesus’ disciples ran away during difficult times. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can any of us stay and fight. Pastors often compare themselves by how big their congregations, how long they have served, how many books they have written or other egotistical comparisons. From this passage success as a pastor is not measured by such silly standards but by standing firm when the wolf attacks. A great pastor is one willing to die for their congregation.

Shepherds

I grew up spending summers on my uncle’s sheep farm. Though I learned a lot about sheep, I did not learn much about shepherding. Later I became pastor of a rural church with many sheep farmers. Though I learned a lot more about sheep from them, I still did not learn much about shepherding until I met Robin. She was a shepherd. There is a difference. Sheep farmers have thousands of sheep, but Robin had a small flock and knew each one by name. Sheep often flee a sheep farmer, but when Robin took a small can of grain and shook it, they came to her and they knew her voice. That’s an advantage of small churches. Jesus is like Robin. He is the Good Shepherd and calls us into his flock to be cared for individually (John 10:10-18).

Pastors

The word pastor is one of the least used words for a church leader in the New Testament, but a very meaningful one. Whereas other words carry meanings like envoy, servant, older person, teacher and overseer, the word pastor means a shepherd. Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:10-18), and every human pastor is an assistant to him. As churches grow larger it becomes impossible for one pastor to provide individual care and so assistant pastors or small group leaders become the hands-on pastors of the flock. Whatever level of pastoral care can be given is vital because there is nothing more important to Jesus than his flock. All pastors know that they are inadequate and totally incapable of providing what Jesus would, yet we count it a privilege to love and be loved by the flock of Christ.

The Opposite of Blasphemy

We live in a world where every boss is criticized, where every leader is disrespected and the super-wealthy are automatically suspected of greed. There is plenty of reason to criticize a fellow human being. After all, we all fall far short of any godly ideals. A temptation that we all face is having that jaded, skeptical attitude towards God. Yet, Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:10-18). What does that mean? It means that, even though we are tempted to blaspheme his name because we are worn out by the constant corruption of fellow human beings, Jesus really is not like that. Instead of abusing his name and using it as a curse word, he really deserves the exact opposite. Jesus truly deserves praise, honor, love and abundant thanks for the full life that he bestows upon his flock.

Outro

We are all tempted to grumble against God and taking his name in vain is not censored in the media when barnyard and sexual swear words are. Fixing America starts by praising the name of him who created us instead of cursing God. We need to get back to praising and honoring the name of God.

Sermon: Fixing America, Part 2 — Dead Idols, Living Savior

Intro 

Our world is filled with idols — cars, homes, skyscrapers, boats, airplanes, electronic gadgets, racial or gender superiority, real estate, property, science, education, medicine, constitutions, legal systems, nationalism, celebrities, drugs, brand names, political parties, capitalism, government, free enterprise, unionism, the economy, consumer goods, status, titles, position, money, gold, oil, stocks, bonds, central banks, materialism, leisure, religious traditions and religious doctrines. 

Goal 

Let’s understand how idolatry destroys our country and how worship of our triune God is the only answer to fixing America. 

Sermon Plan 

We will look at the commandment against idolatry. Though there are many idols we could discuss, we will specifically look at the idols of exclusivity, false gospels and the golden calf of impatience with God. We will see that our idols are useless and dead, whereas our Savior is alive.

Pictures, Statues & Idols 

Some people think that any picture or statue is an idol (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5) and so refuse to allow statues of biblical heroes or pictures of Jesus in their churches. Is that the case? What does the commandment against idolatry really mean? It does say not to make an image of anything in heaven, on earth or in the water. However, it also says not to bow down to them. Can we look elsewhere for an answer? Yes we can. We may notice that the mercy seat was covered by two statues of cherubs, images of things in heaven. We may also notice that the tent covering the tabernacle contained pomegranates embroidered into its fine tapestry. Those are images of things on earth. The difference is that those statues and pictures were not worshiped. Nobody bowed down to them. 

Modern Idolatry 

Idolatry is worshiping an image of anything in heaven above or here below (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5). An image is something made by human hands. In spirit it means that in today’s world we have hundreds of idols which we worship. The list could include such things as cars, homes, skyscrapers, boats, airplanes, electronic gadgets, racial or gender superiority, real estate, property, science, education, medicine, constitutions, legal systems, nationalism, celebrities, drugs, brand names, political parties, capitalism, government, free enterprise, unionism, the economy, consumer goods, status, titles, position, money, gold, oil, stocks, bonds, central banks, materialism, leisure, religious traditions, religious doctrines and so on. Is there anything wrong with these things? Just as there was nothing wrong with a bronze snake on a pole, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with these modern man-made images. The idolatry is in worshiping these things. 

The Idol of Exclusivity 

Bowing to the idol of exclusivity is a form of self-worship (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5). This happens when patriotism becomes jingoism or denominational loyalty becomes bigotry. It is easy to idolize our opinions and exclude those who believe differently. Jesus welcomed thousands and fed them, ate with prostitutes and other sinners. Even after all his disciples had abandoned him, when he arose from the dead, he rejoined them blessing them with peace (Luke 24:36-49). The idol of exclusivity blinds us to the reality of Jesus and his inclusiveness. On both sides of modern debates over gender, sexual orientation and social justice we can easily exclude those who Jesus would not. Inclusion does not mean that we have to agree on everything, but that we welcome even those with whom we disagree on some things to mutual fellowship in Jesus. 

The Idol of the Prosperity Gospel 

The idol of the prosperity gospel is a heretical counterfeit (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5). It denies our calling to suffer. That does not mean that God does not give health or wealth. However, this false gospel perpetuates the idea that true believers ought not suffer, or that poverty and sickness are results of our personal sins, when the exact opposite is often true. This bogus gospel which claims to be spirit filled, is in reality idolatrous and materialistic. Part of the Christian life is willingness to suffer with Christ (Romans 8:17), to follow his steps in sacrificing our lives for others (1 Peter 2:21). Jesus did not sin, yet suffered for us, rising again on the third day and promising power for us from on high (Luke 24:36-49). Simply reading what Jesus taught helps avoid this deception. 

The Golden Calf of Impatience 

While Moses was on Mount Sinai alone with God, Israel built an idol (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5) — a golden calf (Exodus 32). The people grew impatient with Moses’ absence. They wanted leadership that they could see. Aaron weakly bowed to the people’s wishes, built an idol and threw a party. The people ran wild and thousands died. Jesus too had informed his disciples of what must take place at the cross (Luke 24:36-49) but they still scattered. Rather than patience with God’s plan, they had built up an idol in their minds of immediate salvation from Roman oppression. We too are impatient with God. When we don’t see immediate results from God or church leadership, we too take matters into our own hands. We create the golden calf of impatience. Let us wait in patience for God to provide. 

Reading of the Gospel

Let’s read today’s Gospel text Luke 24:36-49.

Worthless Idols 

Idols are variously described as vile, disgusting, detestable, vain, worthless and useless in the Bible. When we worship a fashion, a gadget or a drug, we are worshiping a dead thing, an idol (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5). Anciently, idols were cast, or sculpted by human hands and worshiped as if they could help. Idols can be set up in the heart (Ezekiel 14:7-8). In 1 Samuel 15:23 arrogance and stubbornness are tied into idolatry. It describes idolatry of the ego. When we are arrogant and stubborn we are worshiping ourselves. An idol is something that cannot help at all when disaster strikes (Jeremiah 11:12). An idol cannot release us from failure, which is what remission of sins means (Luke 24:36-49). Ultimately, only God can save us from our human problems. Everything else is a worthless idol. 

Dead Idols, Living Savior 

Whether made from molten metal or carved from wood, an idol is a death thing (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5). Even the idols of our minds are fabrications in our hearts. We are people who cannot live beyond the grave on our own. The great difference between and idol and Jesus is that Jesus is alive. An idol is dead. Jesus rose from the grave. An idol is useless to save. Jesus lives to save. In Luke 24:36-49 he addressed his disciples after his resurrection and promised a power that no idol can provide. It is a power that all of us can have. It is not a power that is from within us or that we can create. It is a power from completely outside of our human ability. It is a power from on high, from heaven alone. 

Outro 

We are all tempted to worship the idols that we have all created. Fixing America starts by destroying the idols we have created. We need to get back to worship of the true God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — in him alone is salvation and no other.

Sermon: Fixing America, Part 1 — No Other Gods

Intro 

Fixing America does not begin with politics but with God. Which gods do we worship? Do we worship money, status, our legal system or do we worship the God of heaven? 

Goal 

I want us to understand how breaking the commandment “you shall have no other gods before me” destroys our country and how worship of our triune God is the real answer. 

Sermon Plan 

We will look at the Ten Commandments and focus on the one against other gods. Though there are many false gods we could discuss, we will specifically look at the gods of Mammon, status and legalism. We will see how Thomas finally realized the truth about Jesus as “my Lord and my God.” 

Counting 10 Commandments 

Most people don’t realize that there are at least four different ways of counting the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. Eastern Orthodox and Protestant reckonings are similar, except that Orthodox Christians count the prologue in with the first commandment. Jews separate out the prologue as the first word or commandment. Catholics and Jews both combine the ban on other gods and idolatry into one commandment. Catholics then divide the ban on coveting into two. We must also remember that these passages do not use the term Ten Commandments, but the words. Even other places where our translation reads Ten Commandments, the original language is just the ten words. However we count them, they are wonderful principles which would go a long way to solving any society’s problems. Politics largely discounts these remarkable solutions to fixing our country. 

National Gods 

Using the Protestant and Orthodox counting of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5) the first contains the words, “You shall have no other gods before me.” This counting separates the first two commandments into bans on gods and idols. The word for gods is Elohim, which is much broader in meaning than our English word. It includes gods, angels, judges and other great and mighty ones. The words do not therefore ban angels, judges or other heroes of our society. They do forbid placing any such individual before the God of heaven. What gods have we placed before the Lord of the Universe? Our politics puts money before God. Our education puts science before God. We put self before God. We put our way of life before God’s way. We have elevated many gods before the God of heaven. 

The God of Money 

What would a nation look like that does not worship Mammon (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5)? If we used money as a tool instead of worshiping it as a god, how would lives look? Would banks eliminate bloodthirsty fees? Would CEO’s take modest salaries instead of gross excess? Would the pricing of goods and services be fair from the farm to the table? Would politicians focus on doing what’s right instead of money? Would predatory and deceptive pricing be gone? Would employee pay improve because employers are no longer greedy for big money? Would a work week be less stressful, because our needs are satisfied without working overtime or two jobs? Would lawyers and doctors and drug companies charge affordable fees instead of plundering our purses? Would people’s needs come before money? There is such a regime, the kingdom of God. 

The God of Status 

What would a nation look like where status was not worshiped as a god (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5)? Would people be less valued for their celebrity, clothes, jewelry, cars, yachts, private jets and mansions that they own than the character that clothes them? Would the cars we drive be less important than the integrity that drives us? Would ordinary people be celebrated because they live honest and upright lives? Would fame and fortune be less important than morality and personal sacrifice? Would the genuine love of a family be more important than the hollow cheers of an adoring crowd? Would respect and decency be more important than flashy jewelry and exposed flesh? There is a place where fame and fortune are totally irrelevant. It is a place where righteousness and faith are highly honored. That place is everywhere where God reigns. 

The God of Legalism 

When crime escalates and dishonest business practices are widespread, we turn to the god of legalism (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5). Can more laws save us? There are so many laws nowadays that recent news reports claim that we all break the law at some point. Our laws have made us a nation of criminals. Ancient Israel had the most perfect law ever devised, without corruption, given by God. However, it became a god that was worshiped more than the God who gave it. It became ineffective and burdensome because it was applied in the letter and not the spirit. It also failed because the people failed. Just as our laws make us all criminals, so too did the Old Testament law make us all sinners. There is a solution to law, but for that we must go to the Gospels. 

Failing the No-Other-Gods Test 

The law about no other gods (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5) is wonderful. Why is it so impossible to keep? The Sermon on the Mount reveals that if we have thought wrongfully in our hearts, it is the same as if we have done wrong. With that being the criteria we all fail. We have all had other gods before God. We have all put money ahead of God. We have worshiped celebrities as Saviors before Jesus. We have thought, “There ought to be a law against ...!” But, the real answer is a change of heart, repentance. The answer lies in what Thomas realized in John 20:19-31 [read aloud]. When we see Jesus as “My Lord and my God” and that it comes by faith, then we will understand salvation. Let us worship our triune God because no other deserves the honor. 

Outro 

We are so tempted to place other gods before the true God. Money, which is a mere tool, we worship as a god. Status, which is nothing but a delusion, is a god we worship. In trying to solve crime which starts in the heart, we have created so many laws that we are all now criminals. Fixing America does not start in the political arena, but in repentant hearts of faith. We need to get back to worship of the true God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — in him alone is national salvation and no other. Fixing America begins at home in each and every individual's heart.

Sermon: Living the Resurrection

Intro

When we think of suffering we don’t think of it being the path to success. As we groan and mumble let us think of Christ’s resurrection as the ultimate symbol of success after suffering.

Goal

I want to show us all how encouraging the resurrection is for today.

Sermon Plan

We will see how there is victory through suffering and that God intends that we live the resurrection today, that he can resurrect all our failed dreams if we only ask.

Victory through Suffering

We are all tempted by immediate gratification. We want pain to go away, now! We are drunk on sugary, fatty, unhealthy foods. When we want satisfaction we may also be tempted to do other things the wrong way. Life delivers frequent tests as to whether or not we want to endure short-term pain for long-term gain. We may be tempted to lie, cheat or steal to avoid that short-term pain, because we want immediate gratification. However, short-cuts can harm us in the long term. Jesus prayed that he would not have to endure the cross, but in the end chose to suffer. Easter Sunday is not about avoidance of suffering but about victory through suffering (John 20:1-18). The natural human desire to avoid short-term suffering can cause long-term pain for ourselves and others. Victory through suffering is sweet forever.

Living the Resurrection

Is the resurrection (John 20:1-18) relevant to our lives now? It was not an Old Testament observance and the Sadducees doubted it. Resurrection Day is part of Christian Passover season, Easter in English. It is a greater celebration than days which more directly picture Passover, like Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. It is our hope after this life, but also something we can live every day. How do we live the resurrection now? One example Jesus gave was that when we have a celebration we ought to invite the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind (Luke 14:13-15), people not often represented at parties of the rich and famous. By loving our neighbors, we live Easter all year and will be rewarded wonderfully at our own resurrection. Let’s give new life away and live the resurrection today.

Resurrecting Dead Dreams

This dog-eat-dog world is called a jungle, where people walk all over each other. Just to survive, we become tough and and bitter inside. Yet, Jesus came to save us from ourselves and the world around us. That’s what the resurrection is about (John 20:1-18). Romans 5:10 says that we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son and saved by his life. When everything in this world seems to be out to destroy us, God is there to rebuild. Have our marriages been dying? God is there to give them life. Have our dreams shriveled up and died? God is there to resurrect them. Have our spirits shrunk and withered with discouragement? God is there to revive our spirits. He is on our side and wants to save us. All we need do is ask.

Conclusion

If we are suffering at the present time, it is good to remember that suffering is the path to glory. Jesus’ resurrection was not for him alone, but so that we too may be saved by his life, now and forever. Jesus' resurrection was also not for us alone, but for everyone we meet. When we sin we take life, little bit by little bit. Let's determine to live resurrected lives by giving life in a thousand ways every day through words of encouragement, righteous business ethics, and showing love to everyone we meet.

Sermon: Leadership worth Celebrating

Intro

Where does our salvation, the solution to all our problems, really come from? Does it come from here below, greedy free enterprise, heavy-handed government, political parties, science, medicine, education, technology or military might? Or does it come from above, from the highest place of all?

Goal

I want to help us understand the true meaning of hosanna in the highest.

Sermon Plan

We will look at the Christian vote, Jesus’ new ride, the meaning of hosanna in the highest, and Jesus as a non-violent subversive, the only leader worth celebrating.

The Christian Vote

One side of politics supports the poor, which Jesus said we should do. Another side is largely against the killing of innocent unborn children, a righteous cause. One side sees salvation in greedy free enterprise. The other sees salvation in heavy-handed government programs. So then, which side should a Christian vote for? Both sides are weak and strong on issues important to the kingdom of heaven. The choice is difficult. It is not the church’s job to tell people who to vote for. The church has a job in politics as prophet to both sides of power. When Jesus rode into town on a colt (Mark 11:1-11) the crowds understood where our real hope comes from. They shouted “Hosanna in the highest.” All human efforts fail miserably. Real salvation only comes from one place, the highest of all, heaven.

Jesus’ New Ride

When we think of a new ride in today’s world, we think of a new car. However, in the world of equestrians a new ride is not the best ride, but an untested and untrained ride. It takes a special eye to see a champion in an untrained colt. So when Jesus entered Jerusalem on the back of a colt (Mark 11:1-11), what was he representing? A young foal or filly might buck. It might not know where to go. It could be a wild, frisky and frolicking ride. It is a risk. It is a humble ride symbolizing the humility of Christ. Taking a chance on something new is typical of Jesus. Doing things the way they have always been done was not a hallmark of his ministry. Doing something new and risky was integral to Jesus’ ministry.

Hosanna

What is the meaning of hosanna? We hear of it throughout the church year and especially on Palm Sunday (Mark 11:1-11). The crowds who were celebrating Jesus kept shouting, “Hosanna! … Hosanna in the highest!” What did they mean? Hosanna is a combination of two Hebrew words. The first is yasha meaning “help” or “save” and is also a root of Jesus’ name. The second is na meaning “please” or “we pray” and the combination into the Hebrew word hoshia-na is both a plea and a praise. It is also a cheer. Jesus is the only one fully worthy of the cheer. Unlike most world leaders who ride in expensive carriages and limousines, leaders of Israel were to ride a donkey symbolizing the humility that God expects of his leaders. We shout hosanna in celebration of the true Savior.

In the Highest

When Jesus rode into town on a colt (Mark 11:1-11) why did the crowds shout “Hosanna in the highest?” We know that hosanna means save us please or save we pray. Then, what does it mean hosanna “in the highest?” The translation comes from a Greek word meaning in the highest regions, a superlative found often in Greek poetry meaning heaven or euphemistically, God. In a world where people look to political parties, science, medicine, education, technology or military might for salvation, this speaks to us as well. High position in every human endeavor is occupied by the most intelligent and well educated people who are unable to solve humanity’s problems. Our problems are spiritual in nature and the solutions to our problems are spiritual. Christians call that solution salvation, which only comes from the highest of all, heaven.

Non-Violent and Subversive Jesus

When Jesus rode into town on a colt, it was a very non-military picture (Mark 11:1-11). Some interpreters even suggest that it could have been a nursing mare with her colt alongside. Either way, his ride fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. Christianity is about a takeover of this world’s systems. Christianity is non-military and non-violent but also subversive. Jesus was always radical and controversial. Passover (our Easter) was a time when Israel remembered being freed from slavery in Egypt. Since then Israel had suffered under other tyrants. Alexander entered Jerusalem on his war horse, a black stallion in 332 BC. Jesus’ entry on a donkey would have reminded them that Caesar was the new Pharaoh. Jesus entry mocked the merciless leaders of this world and promised a new world order without the corruption of this world’s mismanagement.

Worth Celebrating

What events in our lives are really worth celebrating? Would we say wedding anniversaries, birthdays, a new job, a win by our favorite sports team, a coloring by a small child? All those things are worth celebrating. Mark 11:1-11 celebrates Jesus. How ought we to celebrate Jesus in comparison to all other celebrations? Is the wedding of the lamb worth celebrating? Is the birth of our Savior worth celebrating? Is our permanent position for eternity worth celebrating? Is a win for the kingdom of heaven worth celebrating? Are the efforts of little ones in Christ worth celebrating? Our weekly church service is also a celebration. We celebrate victory over all wrongs, salvation from our own embarrassing mistakes, and every bit of it in thanks to the one who made it all possible. Let’s be willing to lavishly celebrate Jesus.

Outro

Our salvation, the solution to all our problems, does not come from here below, from greedy free enterprise, heavy-handed government, political parties, science, medicine, education, technology or military might. That is the meaning of hosanna in the highest. Our salvation comes from no place but heaven. That is leadership worth celebrating!