Monthly Archives: October 2015

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on October 29, 2015
Tags: Authority, ,   

If You Say It, Live It — Rev. David J. Schreffler

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October 29, 2015

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!” Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.” Matthew 7:24-29

“What then is authority? Authority is….something which remains unchanged, which one cannot acquire by understanding the doctrine perfectly. Authority is a specific quality which, coming from elsewhere becomes immediately apparent, when the content of the message or of the action is posited as indifferent.” Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) The Present Age, “For All The Saints” volume II, (p. 972)

Kierkegaard is stating something we all know to be true – when two people say something, and one has authority and one does not, if the message is the same, the one who carries the authority will be heard over the one without. Why? It is simple really, because they carry authority either through their position, their status, or their observed or presumed authority. For example, it two people preach the Gospel, one being a pastor set apart by the church, and the other a lay person, the pastor will be heard as having a more authoritative message – even if the message is the same. But if the pastor is known to be a hypocrite, then this damages his authority.

So why did Jesus carry authority over the Pharisees and the Scribes? Most likely it is because his deeds and his actions matched his words. He tried to live the words which he preached. He lived the life of the servant, serving others, not needing to be served, and the people knew he meant what he said – and thus it gave him authority.

If you live your life recognizing the authority of Jesus’ words and commands, then you will live a life that is built upon the rock of Jesus – and that makes us all wise.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on October 28, 2015
Tags: ,   

Peace and Light — Rev. David J. Schreffler

 

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October 28, 2015

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried
on their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill
and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.” Isaiah 60:1-5

“I’m reminded of two men who were talking about their New Year’s resolutions. The first man said, “We decided as a family, we watch too much T.V. My son watches so much T.V. that he doesn’t get his chores done. My daughter watches so much T.V. that she doesn’t get her homework done. My wife watches so much T.V. that she doesn’t get her work done.” The other man said, “Well, what have you decided to do?” “Well, I have decided that I’m simply going to unplug the T.V. That is as soon as the football season is over!”. God is counting on you and me to make our lives and the ministry of our churches great, but let’s not wait. Let’s begin today to discover the great possibilities ahead of us. In our scripture reading today, Isaiah is speaking about the peace that will come to the nation of Israel. Peace won’t come easily, but the reward will be great. The same is true for us. We can fulfill the great possibilities of peace and hope, if we allow the light of Jesus Christ to shine through us. Peace and hope won’t come easily, but the rewards will be great. May we all do our part in fulfilling the great possibilities God has given to each of us.” (Ron Newhouse, Daily Devotions website, September 22, 2015)

We all know that change does not come easily. And we all know that sometimes peace does not come easily. Each new year that comes along brings the possibility of positive change. During the New Year preparations, many people consider doing something that might change their behavior and their health for the better. And many of those same people quit their plans for change before the end of the month. But positive change does not always have to just involve our personal lives.

What might you be able to do to bring more peace into our families, into our churches, into our communities, and into the world? That is something you will need to consider. But when the light of Christ shines through us, we are capable of great things. “Arise, shine; for your light has come.” Each day can be another “new” opportunity for the Lord to do great things for you, and to you. When we allow the light of Christ to shine through us, we are capable of great things.

Pastor Dave