Sunday, May 04, 2014

sermon, "Hello My Name is ... El Kanna", by Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, May 4, 2014

May 4, 2014
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Sermon Series on “The Names of God”
Sermon 17 of series-
“The Sacred Names of God: El Kanna”
Exodus 34:10-14 NIV Bible
Deuteronomy 4:23-24 NIV Bible
1 John 3:1-7 Common English Bible
Spangler, Ann: Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide

“Hello My Name is. . . El Kanna”


A reading from Deuteronomy chapter 4 verses 23-24. . . listen for a Word from God to you and me the people of God. . .

23 Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. 24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

Let us pray. . .  (Pray for God to illuminate His word and that we would have the open eyes, hearts and minds to conceive and receive it)

Have you ever been jealous about anything? Maybe someone who seems to have it all or someone who seems to get all the breaks in life. . . good breaks that is. Maybe someone who got that big promotion instead of you. . . even though you know you are more qualified than they are. Having 3 daughters has been interesting. . . especially when the “green eyed monster” decides to make a visit. Either someone is able to stay up later than someone else. . . maybe someone gets something and the others didn’t. . . someone seems to get all/more of mom’s or dad’s attention. . .  The list can go on. Three have even been time when I have felt jealous regarding my children. Times when they spent more time at a friend’s house with their mom. . . they come home and tell me how cool this mom is or that mom is. . . stuff like that. Things that make me feel they are happier with other people than with me. I can kind of understand how God must feel when we decide that we “like other things better than Him. . . when we put the gods of the world before Him.”

Scripture compares God’s jealousy to what a husband feels when his wife has been unfaithful. No wonder the first of the Ten Commandments prohibits the worship of other gods. The Lord is our Jealous God. . . El Kanna, who cannot endure unfaithfulness.

Shakespeare described jealousy as a “green-eyed monster.” Mark Twain called it the “trademark of small minds.” Robert Heinlein labeled it a “symptom of neurotic insecurity.” But these are descriptions of  human jealousy will only confuse you if you try to apply them to God, whose jealousy might better be described by the words of the English poet Joseph Addison: “Jealousy is that pain which a man feels from the apprehension that he is not equally beloved by the person whom he entirely loves.” This is the kind of jealousy that impels God to pursue us, despite our evasions, our indifference, or our waywardness.

We are so wayward at times why would our God be Jealous for us? Why would He pursue us and bring us back? Because we are His children. . . as I said I have been jealous at times when my girls have talked highly about other mothers to me. How must God feel when His children go to idols and forget about Him? 1 John 3:1-7 tells us what it means to be a child of God. . . let me read it from the Common English bible for you. . .

See what kind of love the Father has given to us in that we should be called God’s children, and that is what we are! Because the world didn’t recognize him, it doesn’t recognize us.

Dear friends, now we are God’s children, and it hasn’t yet appeared what we will be. We know that when he appears we will be like him because we’ll see him as he is. And everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself even as he is pure. Every person who practices sin commits an act of rebellion, and sin is rebellion. You know that he appeared to take away sins, and there is no sin in him. Every person who remains in relationship to him does not sin. Any person who sins has not seen him or known him. Little children, make sure no one deceives you. The person who practices righteousness is righteous, in the same way that Jesus is righteous.

What does it mean to be children of God. . . are there thing that are our responsibility as children of God. . . :
a.     God Loves us (vs. 1)® He calls us His children. We are considered children and co-heirs with Christ. We are adopted into the family of God through the blood of Lord Jesus Christ. How do we know this? Because of the Cross and the Resurrection of Jesus. . . because God’s Word tells us. . . because of faith and because of the witness of the Holy Spirit within us. Pure undeserved grace given to us from God
b.     We are to be like him (vs. 2)® since we are children of God we will be like Him because we will see Him as He is. We have this hope in our hearts and we purify ourselves by the renewing of our hearts. We renew ourselves by the living word of God and having a relationship with Him and our Risen Lord Jesus Christ. As we become more in the image of Christ we become more like who God has called us to be.
c.      We are not to sin (vs. 6)® Now there are some that believe since they are under grace they can do whatever they want and God will forgive them because they are “a child of God.” This is partly true as in God does forgive us but we are called to remain in our relationship with God and not sin. If we keep sinning and not even trying in this relationship have we truly seen God. . . do we really know Him and His plan for our lives?

Real faith arises from contact with the living God, who by his own definition is jealous for our attention, our devotion, our love. He’s not interested in competing with other deities. He neither shares his glory nor compromises his holiness. This is our Jealous God, the one who loves us with an everlasting, all-consuming love.

So. . . how are we doing as we try to become the likeness of Christ? Are we causing Dad to be jealous or are we giving Dad our attention? Are we are looking up to our Big Brother, wanting to be just like Him or are we going our own way? Are we striving to be more like Him each day? We have a jealous God that loves us with a passion. We have a God who will not put up with our putting other gods before Him. . . the god of money. . . the god of possessions. . . the god of envy. . . the list deities goes on. How will you respond to the call to new life of being the mirror image of our Brother and Savior, Jesus Christ? Will you lay aside the deities of the world and follow the One true God? The choice is ours to make. Which will you choose?

Let us pray. . .  (Pray to El Kanna)
Lord, you are holy beyond my understanding, perfect in a way I cannot perceive. Help me to catch a glimpse of your glory and to grow more zealous for your name, that I might exalt it by the way I live and the way I love. Send your refining fire to heal and purge my heart and send your all-consuming love to lead me home.
(Spangler, Ann (2008-09-09). Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide (p. 122). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.)

AMEN!

May 4, 2014
Sermon 17 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Exodus 34:10-14 NIV Bible
Deuteronomy 4:23-24 NIV Bible
1 John 3:1-7 Common English Bible
Spangler, Ann: Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Kanna à Jealous God
children’s message
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . El Kanna”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
May 4, 2014
&
Sermon 16 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Genesis 21:1-21 (The Message Bible)
Acts 4:32-35 (The Message Bible)
Psalm 139
“Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide”
By, Ann Spangler
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Roi à God watches over us
children’s message
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . El Roi”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
April 27, 2014
&
Easter Sunday
Sermon 15 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Jeremiah 23:5-6 (GODs Word Translation)
Jeremiah 31:33 (GODs Word Translation)
Matthew 28:1-10 (English Standard Version)
 “Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide”
By, Ann Spangler
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Yahweh Tsidqenu à The Lord Our Righteousness
Communion
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Yahweh Tsidqenu”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
April 20, 2014
&
Palm Sunday
Sermon 14 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Isaiah 53:7-12 (The Message)
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Matthew 20:26-27
(Matthew 21:1-11)
“Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide”
By, Ann Spangler
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Ish Makaboth à Man of Sorrows
song and sacred dance by Erica Berberena
to “Hosanna” by Kirk Franklin
distribution of the palms
Communion
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Ish Makaboth”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
April 13, 2014
&
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Sermon 13 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 94:2-15 (Living Bible)(TLB)
Ezekiel 37:1-14 (The Message Bible)
“Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide”
By, Ann Spangler
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Shopet à Judge
Communion
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Shopet”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
April 6, 2014
&
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Sermon 12 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Isaiah 53:1-9 (The Message)
“The Suffering Servant”
1 Samuel 16:1-13
“God Looks into the Heart”
“Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide”
By, Ann Spangler
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Ebed Yahweh à Servant of God
Communion
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Ebed Yahweh”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 30, 2014
&
Third Sunday in Lent
reading of poem, “Lent”
by Ann Weems
from her book, Kneeling in Jerusalem
Sermon 11 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 31:1-5 (Names of God bible)
John 13:12-17 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
(John 20:16 – in the garden)
“Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide”
By, Ann Spangler
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Rabbouni/ El Emet à Teacher/God of Truth
Communion
children’s sermon by Regina Goode
about Johnny Appleseed
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Rabbouni/El Emet”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 23, 2014
&
Second Sunday in Lent
Sermon 10 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 121
John 3:1-17 (not read)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Yahweh/Yahweh Yireh (ya-WEH yir-EH)à The Lord will supply
Prayers of the People by Ray Foss
children’s sermon by Kelly Curtis
-          Mark 1:12-13 – story about Lent and waiting
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Yahweh”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 16, 2014
&
First Sunday in Lent
Sermon 9 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Job 19:25-27 New International Version (NIV)
Romans 5:12-19 New International Version (NIV)
Isaiah 49:7
Leviticus 25:48-49
Numbers 35:9-30
Jeremiah 50:33-34
Mark 10:54
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Go’el (go’EL)à Redeemer
Opening Prayer
children’s sermon
-          Why are You Sad?
and sermon “Our Redeemer Lives”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …Go’el”)
by Raymond A. Foss
filling in for Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 9, 2014
&
Transfiguration Sunday
Sermon 8 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 46
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Olam (EL o-LAM)à Everlasting/Eternal God
and sermon “Hello My Name El Olam”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …El Olam”)
by Ellen Alward Dickinson
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
March 2, 2014
&
Sermon 7 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Daniel 4:19, 24-35 (The Names of God Bible)
1 Kings 19 (The Names of God Bible)
Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Elyon (EL el-YOHN)à God Most High
children’s sermon, “God Rocks!”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon ““Hello My Name El Elyon”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …El Elyon”)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 23, 2014
&
Sermon 6 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Ishà Bridegroom
Hosea 2:16, 19-20
Revelations 19:6-9
 (All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
Worship Songs:
-          Bless His Holy Name
children’s sermon, Scouting Sunday,
by Jean Howes
-          God’s promise
and sermon “Hello My Name Is… Ish/ Bridegroom”
 (in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …Ish”)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 9, 2014
&
Sermon 5 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Adonay (Adonai)à Lord
Daniel 9:9-16
Daniel 9:17-19
Daniel 9:9-19
 (All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
children’s sermon
-          a servant is someone who serves the Lord,
using all of their talents to bring His kingdom on earth,
serving our Master in everything they say and do.
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon “Hello My Name Adonay”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …Adonay”)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 2, 2014
&
Sermon 4 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Chayà Living God
Joshua 3:7-13
2 Kings 19:14-16
Jeremiah 10:3-5
2 Corinthians 6:15-16
(All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
children’s sermon
“We have a living and breathing God who is always there for us.
He answers us when we call. Our God is not dead…He surely alive…“
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon “Hello My Name is …El Chay”
 (in the bulletin as “Hello My Name is …El Chay / Living God”)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 26, 2014
&
Sermon 3 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El à God
-          Elohimà God
-          EloahàGod
Genesis 1:2-2:3
Deuteronomy 28:2-6
(All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
children’s sermon
-          “and God Created. . . “
by Pastor Ruth
Closing Song – “Friend of God”
and sermon “Hello My Name is …El, Elohim, and Eloah”
 (in the bulletin as “Hello My Name Is. . . God“)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 19, 2014
&
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
(and a time to celebrate and remember our own baptism)
Sermon 2 of “What’s In A Name…”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Yeshua --> Jesus
-          Mashiach --> Christ, Messiah
Matthew 1:18-21
Psalm 2
Mark 1:14-20
Matthew 3:13-17
 (All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
children’s sermon
-          There is only One who can save us, Jesus, the one Savior
and sermon “Hello My Name is …Yeshua/Mashiach”
(in the bulletin as “Hello My Name Is. . . Jesus, Christ, Messiah“)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 12, 2014
&
Epiphany Sunday
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
Sermon Series on “The Names of God”
Sermon 1 of “What’s In A Name…”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Ha-Shem -> the Name
-          Ehyeh -> I Am
Exodus 3:13-14
Leviticus 24:10-16
 (All Scripture is from The Names of God Bible)
children’s sermon
-          different names, different meaning – one person
-          many names for God, all one God
and sermon “Our Many Faceted God”
(saved as “Hello My Name Is. . . “)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 5, 2014


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 35,240+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

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