Tag Archives: Paul

The greatest Evangelist in the Early Christian Church

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on June 29, 2015
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Humility — Rev. David J. Schreffler

June 29, 2015

“I fear that perhaps I may come and find you not what I wish, and that you may find me not what you wish; that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. I fear that when I come again my G*d may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned before and have not repented…” 2 Corinthians 12:20-21

“Any show of ill-temper, partiality, or prejudice is to be scrupulously avoided… They must not be over ready to believe ill of anyone, nor too hasty with their censure; being well aware that we all of us owe the debt of sin. If we pray to the Lord to forgive us, we ourselves must be forgiving; we are all under the eyes of our Lord and G*d, and every one of us must stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, where each will have to give an account of himself.” Polycarp (69-155) Letter to the Philippians “For All The Saints” volume II (p. 161)

I was reading a newspaper article the other day — it was the announcement of an ordination service for a member of the Clergy. The article was three or four columns long describing everything this person has ever done in their ministerial educational process and in their work life. Being ordained in the church for Jesus Christ is a second or third career for this individual. What made me stop to read the article, beside the joy of having another clergy in the Church, no matter that I just recently celebrated my 10th year of ordination, what made me stop and read it was the length this person went to list everything they have ever done – every church they have served – every field-education requirement as part of their seminary experience, and every other kind of experience they have had in their lives.

Paul tells the people in Corinth that he hopes that G*d will “humble me before you” — he is hoping to come to them in a manner of humble service. As Polycarp says, it is in front of G*d that we will stand to make an accounting of our deeds. Until then, as pastors, we are called to humble service — we will have our time to tell G*d what we have done at the end of our lives — of course G*d will already know.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on June 26, 2015
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“Judgment-Free” Zone — Rev. David J. Schreffler

June 26, 2015

“Look at what is before your eyes. If any one is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that as he is Christ’s, so are we. For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I shall not be put to shame. I would not seem to be frightening you with letters. For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.” Let such people understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present. Not that we venture to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.” 2 Corinthians 10:7-12

“The self will acquire a new quality or qualification in the fact that it is the self directly in the sight of G*d. This self is no longer the merely human self but is what I would call, hoping not to be misunderstood, the theological self, the self directly in the sight of G*d. And what an infinite reality this self acquires by being before G*d.” Soren Kierkegaard (1813 – 1855) “For All The Saints”, volume II (p. 143)

By Paul’s own account, he was not a good speaker, nor was he an imposing figure. But, his writing skills were pure genius. He had such a wonderful ability to put words on the paper that spoke eloquently of his relationship with G*d, his encounters with G*d, and his instructions from G*d. His letters were so well written, and so welcomed by the faithful, that when they met him in person, his presence was so unimpressive that there was a disconnect for the people. There was a tendency to judge him negatively on his;  presence, his person — which is hard for all of us to avoid.

I listen to a lot of radio. When I listen to a particular person, I try to get an image in my head of what this person may look like. (Possibly you do the same.) I remember listening to one local AM radio personality, and from his voice I pictured a tall person with broad shoulders and great hair — sort of like President Ronald Regan. When I finally saw a picture of the personality, I was really shocked — he looked nothing like President Regan. And I had to be careful not to make a judgment on his underwhelming appearance. But, it is difficult for all humans not to judge each other on appearances. This was Paul’s point. He was fighting the problem of people judging him on his appearance — rather than judging him on his teachings about Jesus. We too are called not to judge one another — but to love one another and listen to one another.

Here is your challenge for today — try to live today in a “judgment free” zone — not judging anyone on anything except on the realization that everyone you meet today is a child of G*d.

Pastor Dave