Category: Sermon Notes

Reacting to the News (Colossians 1:3-14)

Posted on by Alan

History Lesson

Before we continue in Colossians…we got a whole 2 verses done last week :-)…I wanted to share a quick history lesson.

As I wrote those words I could just imagine some of the boys in the front row looking less than enthused at the idea. 🙂 You probably think you get tortured enough with history at school, eh?

Well, the good news is that there is no quiz afterward, it'll be pretty short, and it's going to be interesting because it is about us, not some dead king from centuries ago..who you'll have to memorize what the number after his name was.

"Was that George the III or George the IV?"

Although that kind of history can be quite interesting too if it is allowed to be.

Our Church's Founding

So, have you ever wondered why you are sitting here today?

And kids, I'm not talking about "Because my parents made me"…or adults, "Because I'd feel guilty if I played hooky to rest." 🙂

Instead, why is there even an Antrim Church of Christ? This area has, and has had, plenty of church-going alternatives. Why are we here?

Now…I'm sure I'll get parts of this wrong…for which I'll immediately blame Winslow. 🙂

No, I'll blame taking notes about it at an airport while being tired from a long week with too much travel…and from what is referred to as the telephone game, where every generation of sharing information messes it up a bit.

As I understand it…our humble little congregation started with the Crams and Deans meeting in each other's homes. Their faith was rewarded with others joining their gatherings, including Dick & Evelyn Davis and their kids.

Then someone had a bright idea…maybe they should get a preacher!

Continue reading “Reacting to the News (Colossians 1:3-14)”

Dear Least Important Church… (Colossians 1:1-2)

Posted on by Alan

I Double Dog Dare You

I've previously mentioned a friend of mine who preaches down in northwest Arkansas. He is an expository preacher, whereas I am a topical one…and we've had some fun going back and forth about the benefits and detractions of both.

Well, this past week he said, "This year all I want is to hear you preach through a book of the bible 🙂 pick a short one like 1 John or Ruth and see how it goes."

Daniel wanting expository preaching

And then, in a follow-up tweet he said, "I double-dog dare you ;-)"

Daniel 'double-dog' dares Alan

Now…being male…when you are double-dog dared, you have no choice…no matter how crazy or dangerous the challenge is you've got to do it! 🙂

Continue reading “Dear Least Important Church… (Colossians 1:1-2)”

I Resolve…to Give Up

Posted on by Alan

Serendipities

In an article titled, "Mighty Mouse come down and save the day…," I mentioned how God provides us with little serendipities…and yesterday another one of those seemed to bless me. I was at one of the auto parts stores yesterday, looking for an additive to winterize my motorcycle's gas…and who do I run into in the store? The guy from R.C. Cycles who does the maintenance on my Harley…and who told me exactly what I should get in the back on the left in "Additives."

And the fact that such a convenient coincidence happened itself was serendipitous…because it reminded me how this whole year has been a "convenient coincidence"—right from losing my job just as it started to wrapping it up with a week long cold.

Now that sounds odd, doesn't it…that I'm saying that being laid off and being sick are somehow beneficial…?

But, if it weren't for both I would not have known the right thing to preach on today…or what my greatest spiritual need is.

I don't know about you, but after a week of being ill I feel pretty helpless…

And after seven months of not having a job…and now almost a year out not being entirely sure of how I am going to continue to pay all my bills…

After being sick…and after having my financial foundation crumble out from under me…

I realize just how much I am in need of the One I preach about each week up here.

Continue reading “I Resolve…to Give Up”

How’s that Coulomb Force Working Out for You?

Posted on by Alan

VISION

Well, we've made it to the last letter of my VISION for the Antrim Church of Christ. First, a quick review of the first five letters:

  • V — Values — My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will only get our values from the Bible and that we will value heavenly things more than earthly ones.
  • I — Integrity — My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will always have integrity.
  • S — Seriousness — My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will take our calling seriously.
  • I — Intimacy — My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will have greater intimacy.
  • O — One — My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will be one.

And Christmas Day is appropriate for the N, because N stands for nucleus and nucleus represents the One whose birth we are commemorating…and celebrating…today.

My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that Jesus will be our nucleus.

Atomic Theory

The problem with choosing a metaphor for anything is that there is always a point at which it falls apart. All the more true when the object of your metaphor is an infinite, perfect being. However, as long as we don't try to take it too far, saying Jesus is our nucleus is a great word picture. As I mentioned in my original VISION sermon:

Continue reading “How’s that Coulomb Force Working Out for You?”

Yes, Virginia, There Is a Virgin Mary

Posted on by Alan

Pregnancy Tests

I still fondly remember the night, about five years ago, when I went to brush my teeth for bed and Michelle said to me, "What would you say if I told you I thought I might be pregnant?"

I responded, "I'd say, ‘Why do you think that?'"

Without the forcing you to hear the rest of that story again, the punch line is that the awesome news was that she was, indeed, pregnant, and the following August Augie arrived.

The news of his pending arrival, however, was a surprise to both Michelle and me. Again…without forcing you to hear the story of why…we really had no reason to believe Michelle could get pregnant.

And we are definitely not the first…and won't be the last…parents-to-be to receive unexpected news of a nascent human whose arrival date is in less than nine months.

Perhaps a few men and women sitting before me have had a similar experience? 🙂

Positive pregnancy tests have led to myriad joyful and anxious surprises, haven't they?

Reason for Complete Astonishment

Which leads us to joining the Nativity Story at the point when the cast on stage is a young woman and an angel. Let's turn to Luke 1:26-33:

Continue reading “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Virgin Mary”

One Is the Loneliest Number

Posted on by Alan

Two series

This is another sermon in two series…one series that is intentional…and one that, as I prepared for this talk, I realized I have been implicitly doing.

VISION

This is the second to last talk in the first series…my VISION for the Antrim Church of Christ.

Today we'll be discussing the letter O…which follows:

  • V — Values — My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will only get our values from the Bible and that we will value heavenly things more than earthly ones.
  • I — Integrity — My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will always have integrity.
  • S — Seriousness — My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will take our calling seriously.
  • I — Intimacy — My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will have greater intimacy.

Does anyone remember what O stands for?

Although I kind of liked both ombrotrophic and omnium-gatherum…the best choice was a much better and simpler three-letter word…

One.

My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will be one.

Wisdom from Secular Songs

What about the second series…the implicit series…I mentioned? Can anyone guess what it is?

I realized…as a Three Dog Night song came to mind for this talk…that I've been doing sermons that discuss the wisdom of secular songs…whether they give good advice or bad.

Continue reading “One Is the Loneliest Number”

I Dreamt I Died Last Night

Posted on by Alan

Nightmares

How many here have had a nightmare?

[ Wait for people to respond…and assuming nobody says no… ]

I kind of figured, short of a newborn baby, everyone present for this sermon would confirm they have had bad dreams.

What are they about?

Being chased?

Being attacked by some evil power?

Falling?

A bad day at work?

Someone being especially mean to you?

Maybe the worst kind I had growing up was dreaming all night that I was at school, only to wake up and find it was time to…that's right…get ready and go to school. 🙂

Although I think, in some ways, my worse type of dream that has reoccurred over my life is being out and about and suddenly being naked. I know that may sound humorous to you, but if you've ever had that dream and aren't build like a model, it can be quite disconcerting. 🙂

I Dreamt I Died Last Night

Last week, however, was the first time I recall ever saying, first to myself and then to my wife, "I dreamt I died last night." Of course, what I meant (more exactly) was, "Last night, I dreamt I died."

Michelle seemed to find that extra freaky…I was just lucky to ever remember that I had the dream…let alone a couple specifics about it.

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Don’t Bring Your Sadness Down on Me, Peace Is Free

Posted on by Alan

Peace.

Isn't there is a universal longing for that elusive condition?

Yes, there are those who relish constant turmoil, but I like to think that they are the minority. As a whole, don't we all want peace, whether it be between nations, between individuals, or in our own hearts?

This talk will focus on the last one…although the three levels are intertwined. It would be difficult to believe if all 7 billion of us humans had inner peace there would be university students rioting when their football coach was fired (for doing too little when informed child rape), or that a nation would be rushing to develop a nuclear weapon while at the same time hoping to wipe the only Jewish nation off the map.

And perhaps it is stories like that which are the best indicators of just how how tumultuous the seas or our hearts are…how unpeaceful our souls are. As I was typing this portion I went to The Drudge Report and here is a selection of some of the links I found there:

Continue reading “Don’t Bring Your Sadness Down on Me, Peace Is Free”

“After We Had Torn Ourselves Away From Them…”

Posted on by Alan

VISION

Keeping to my promise of sharing one letter a month, we are now at the second "I" in my VISION for the Antrim Church of Christ. Yes, I do realize that technically I've broken that promise, but I don't think you can blame me for the unseasonably-early pre-Halloween snow that cancelled church last week. Maybe God wanted this talk to wait until today, especially since He has taken most of the snow back while I was away near Dallas. 🙂

In review of the previous letters in VISION:

  • V — Values — My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will only get our values from the Bible and that we will value heavenly things more than earthly ones.
  • I — Integrity — My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will always have integrity.
  • S — Seriousness — My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will take our calling seriously.

Do you remember what the second I was for?

That's right, intimacy.

  • I — Intimacy — My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will have greater intimacy.

What is intimacy?

But what exactly is intimacy? When I first started thinking of a title for this sermon, I thought of calling it, "You said what?!" (Instead it is "After We Had Torn Ourselves Away From Them…," a quote from Scripture.)

"You said wait?!" because if I were to walk up to any woman here at church other than my wife and tell her I would like to get intimate with her, I suspect the most appropriate response might be a slap across my face. 🙂

And if I did the same with one of the guys…I can't say I'd blame them for punching me. 🙂

But in my VISION I've specifically said I hope we will all have greater intimacy…which means I've literally told you all I hope to get intimate with you.

Please do not all rush up here to either slap or punch me! 🙂

Continue reading ““After We Had Torn Ourselves Away From Them…””

Occupy Sadness

Posted on by Alan

A New Character

One of the blogs that I check out daily is "The Corner" at the National Reivew Online. It has multiple contributors, but I'll admit I've never been really good, even with books, about remembering who the authors are (assuming I even check with a shared blog like "The Corner").

However, this past week while away near Dallas, one entry caught my attention enough that I e-mailed myself a link to it. The writer was Charles C. W. Cooke, and this is how it started out:

I have found both anger and frustration in Zuccotti Park, but it did not prepare me for what I happened upon last night when the sun went down. Wandering among the protesters, away from the chain of malcontents which forms a permanent fence around the park, I met a new character, one whose role in the movement has hitherto been obfuscated by the shouting: his name is Sadness. Speak to those in the vanguard for more than a few seconds and the topic will inexorably veer sharply into moon-bat territory — 9/11 "truth," Jewish conspiracies, sorcery, fantasies of mass execution, a New World Order — but, in the beating heart of the commune, my interlocutors wanted instead to talk about loss.

This was less funny, and entirely devoid of the oddness which permeates the boundary. One woman had lost her son to a car accident, another her husband and house to divorce. A younger man was grieving for his brother, who had shot himself. Others had less dramatic tales, but there were many more stories of hurt and heartbreak and alienation than one would usually encounter. Most of these tragedies, by admission of their narrators, have very little to do with Wall Street; but the sudden grouping of people united by anger, upset, and frustration have provided a sort of homecoming for the bereaved that has proved irresistible.1

Up to reading Cooke's words I'll admit that my main emotions about the "Occupy" protest were a combination of frustration and disdain. Frustration because they are getting a lot more attention than their often incoherent and impossible agendas warrant and because that ample media attention ignores (and avoids) the anarchist, socialist, and communist underpinnings of many of its organizers. Disdain because, let's be serious, randomly interviewing participants leads to some pretty idiotic quotes. I suppose I might instead find it humorous, but their foolishness is backed up with a willingness to break the law to enforce their will. A Wall Street Journal's survey found "virtually all (98%) say they would support civil disobedience to achieve their goals, and nearly one-third (31%) would support violence to advance their agenda."2

Continue reading “Occupy Sadness”

Of Witches and Goblins and Big Black Cats

Posted on by Alan

As many of you know, I avoid creating sermons for holidays—they seem so perfunctory and repetitive. That, and I'm rebellious and stubborn at heart, so having the calendar implicitly tell me I must do something makes me want to do it all the less.

Now Halloween, which is a couple weeks away, isn't a holiday where there would be a sermon expectation—other than in very conservative churches where they might expect a "Don't do it!" talk to help keep their children from falling into the temptation of celebrating the Devil's holiday—selling their soul for a bunch of unhealthy foodstuffs that modern liberals consider so evil that they are trying to tax it and ban it from schools.

Hmmm…has Alan just shown his hand…and is about to say that those who celebrate Halloween are celebrating with Satan?

You'll just have to wait and see. 🙂

Continue reading “Of Witches and Goblins and Big Black Cats”

Missing the Bus

Posted on by Alan

Introduction

Today's sermon is going to be brief and a bit short on scriptural references. That's because I think the testimony it includes from a friend of mine is so powerful it's best to let it almost entirely stand on its own.

First, about my friend. I can't say he and I were close…but he was more than just an acquaintance. We worked together at CVS/Pharmacy in West Lebanon, New Hampshire…and if you have ever have had a similar experience…you'll know that you develop a type of bond with anyone you've regularly worked at 3:00 in the morning with…especially if you, he, and another person always shared an "on the edge of freezing" two liter Mountain Dew when you really should have been sleeping.

Don't worry…we used separate cups. 🙂

His name is Mike (as was the name of my other 3AM compadre)…and he was close enough to my wife and me to help Michelle out when I left two months ahead of her for a job in Atlanta with ProTix (working on the Olympics). Michelle was pregnant with Mikey…hard to believe such a grown man ever was just an embryo, eh?

Michelle was pregnant with Mikey…and we had two Siamese cats, Simon and Garfunkle. Pregnant women aren't supposed to get near kitty litter, so Mike came over to our apartment in West Lebanon and changed it as needed.

No, he wasn't a very close friend…but as I said…he was a good friend…as shown by that repeated act of kindness.

Continue reading “Missing the Bus”

What Kind of Friend Are You?

Posted on by Alan

VISION

When I shared my VISION for the Antrim Church of Christ, I promised to speak on one letter of that acronym per month…and since I'll be heading to check out the Hartt School in Hartford with Mikey next Sunday, keeping my word means that today we are on the letter S.

Stepping back two letters first:

  • V — Values — My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will only get our values from the Bible and that we will value heavenly things more than earthly ones.
  • I — Integrity — My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will always have integrity.

Does anyone remember what the S stood for?

That's right…"seriousness"…

"My vision for the Antrim Church of Christ is that we will take our calling seriously."

Serious Consequences

It is amazing how limiting even 30 to 35 minutes for a sermon can be…and today's sermon is no exception. For instance, what is the best way to convince you all sitting before me that we, as a church, need to take our calling seriously?

Continue reading “What Kind of Friend Are You?”

Heaping Burning Coals on 9/11

Posted on by Alan

Ten years ago today I was sitting in my office at Tickets.com in Fairfax, Virginia. I was on the phone with my boss, and she was doing my yearly review. As we were chatting, she mentioned she saw a report on TV that a plane crashed into one of the World Trade Center towers. She and I both assumed it was pilot error with a small plane…until…of course…a second aircraft hit the other tower. At that point, she couldn't continue.

And, of course, that wasn't the end of that day's havoc…a third airliner was used as a missile into the side of the Pentagon, and a fourth crashed into a field in Pennsylvania thanks to brave passengers who weren't going to allow their flight to be used to victimize anyone else.

  • We all saw the images of the planes crashing into the sides of those buildings.
  • We all saw the flames and smoke coming from the upper floors.
  • We all saw people who decided it was better to jump then to be burned to death. I saw one article that said it was around 200. 200!
  • We all saw the unimaginable collapse of both buildings…as if someone had carefully set explosive charges to bring them straight down.
  • And we all knew that not only were many of the buildings' occupants killed by the impact of the airliners, the heat of the inferno, and the the massive weight of the structures' concrete and steel falling on top of them…but that that final result of the evil acts also killed firefighters, policeman, and other emergency personnel.

Over 400 hundred first responders who…like every other victim…started that day just like any other day…

Altogether between the four terrorist attacks almost 3,000 died, including the 19 hijackers.

Continue reading “Heaping Burning Coals on 9/11”

A Grumpy Person’s Kryptonite

Posted on by Alan

One of the 242 people or organizations I follow on Twitter is Sylvia, a person who works in marketing at a hard rock venue down in Worcester, Massachusetts. I'm not entirely sure if I've met her…but I suspect I have. Either way, I think I started following her because the club's Twitter account suggested I should.

Now, I'm a bit of two minds about what she writes. She's very funny…but she also uses words I'd rather not see come through on my timeline. As an example of both, this was on of her tweets when a hurricane recently decided to visit our east coast:

"Thanks to Irene, I'm not the biggest heartless ***** in America right now."

That quote also reveals her Twitter persona…a hard woman with little patience for stupidity. Not the kind you would expect to spend a ton of time painting her toenails, if you know what I mean. But, with lines like these I think you can understand why I deal with the risk of ingesting profanity:

Continue reading “A Grumpy Person’s Kryptonite”