Sunday, June 15, 2014

sermon, "Hello My Name Is . . . Abba", by Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, June 15, 2014

June 15, 2014
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Peace with Justice Sunday/Fathers Day
Sermon Series on “The Names of God”
Sermon 23 of series-
“The Sacred Names of God: Abba”
Luke 15:11-24 Common English Bible
Romans 8:14-17 Common English Bible
Galatians 4:4-7 NIV
    Names of God Bible (with direct verse lookup), The Baker Publishing Group
Spangler, Ann, Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide

“Hello My Name Is. . . Abba”

Let us pray. . .  (Pray for God’s illumination of our hearts, minds and souls.)
Creator, Sustainer, Almighty God, you who created all that we see. We have come into your house to worship you this morning and hear the word you would have for us this day. We pray for your presence and your Spirit here with us as we listen to your word. May we leave this place today understanding more about you and your will for our lives. May the meditations of our hearts and the words of our mouths be pleasing to you oh Lord, our Rock and Redeemer. Speak Lord; your children are waiting to hear your voice. . .

Today is Fathers Day. It is a day that we, as society, have set apart to honor our earthly fathers.
It is a day that we think of those who have been like fathers to us. . . mentoring us and loving us as if we were their own. You know. . . it is only fitting that not only is it Fathers Day today but it is also Trinity Sunday. . . the day that we celebrate and give thanks to our Heavenly Father. . . the day that we think about the “3-Faces of God”. . . The Father, Son and Spirit that together make up our God.

As we continue our journey of learning about and praying in the Sacred Names of God, we have heard many names for God on our journey thus far. How fitting it is that today we talk about our Father in heaven. . . the Father of all fathers.  The name Abba. . . Father is the name that has so many images attached to it. It is a name that for many brings to mind the love and mercy of our Father. . . which art in heaven. . . our Abba Father. . .

The Names of God Bible states:
The Hebrew Scriptures normally depict God, not as the Father of individuals but as Father to his people Israel. Pious Jews, aware of the gap between a holy God and sinful human beings, would never have dared address God as Ab (Hebrew) or Abba, the Aramaic word for “Daddy,” which gradually came to mean “dear father.” Jesus shocked and offended the religious leaders of his day by claiming that he had a Father-Son relationship with the God whose name they feared even to pronounce outside of the temple. Rather than depicting God as a typical Middle Eastern patriarch who wielded considerable power within the family, he depicted him primarily as a tender and compassionate father who extends grace to both the sinner and the self-righteous.

Though the Old Testament provides many rich names and titles for God, the New Testament reveals him most fully. Jesus, in fact, shocked and offended the religious leaders of his day by claiming that he had a Father/ Son relationship with the God whose name they feared even to pronounce. Also, by inviting his followers to call God “Father,” he made this the primary name by which God is to be known to his followers. That’s why we can boldly pray the prayer Jesus taught his disciples, “Our Father who art in heaven. . . .”

One of my most favorite stories of a father and son relationship is the one found in the scripture I read this morning. . . the Prodigal Son. Most of us have heard the story of the prodigal son numerous times. But have you ever noticed that Luke 15:20 states that the father saw his son while he was still at a distance? The New International Version says that his father spotted him while he was still a long way off. This detail is there for a reason. It implies that the heartbroken father had been eagerly looking for his son, longing for him to come home.

 I like to think of God this way, as an eager father searching for his child. We may think we have strayed too far for God to take us back, but he is beckoning us home, watching for us even while we are still a long way off. How comforting and hope=giving is the fact that our God. . . Abba. . . our Daddy is there waiting for us to reach out our hand to His as He leads us in the path of righteousness for His namesake. . .

So. . . with this information. . . with this knowledge of God and the relationship He desires. . . no He longs for. . . from His children, how should we act and feel? Well. . . let we read a couple of scriptures that might give us a clue to not only who we are but whose we are. . .

Romans 8:14-17 Common English Bible (CEB)
14 All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters. 15 You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children. With this Spirit, we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The same Spirit agrees with our spirit, that we are God’s children. 17 But if we are children, we are also heirs. We are God’s heirs and fellow heirs with Christ, if we really suffer with him so that we can also be glorified with him.
We are given the right to call God Abba and we are co-heirs with Christ. Now think about that for a moment. We can call the Maker of Heaven and Earth Daddy and not only that but we are adopted as His children. . .  The Spirit within us tells us. . . reassures us that we are children of God. . .  How awe inspiring is that? It gives us hope when we feel hopeless knowing that God has adopted us as His children. . . even though we are flawed and imperfect. You see. . . God signed the adoption papers for us in the blood of His son and our Brother Jesus Christ at the foot of the cross so long ago. . . and like our earthly fathers He protects us. . . even unto death.

Galatians 4:4-7 New International Version (NIV)
4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to son-ship. 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

We are no longer a slave to sin and death. God purchased our freedom through His Son Jesus Christ. Our Spirit within us calls out to Him because we are children of the Most High God. God. . . in His time set us free so that we could be adopted into the Family of God. We no longer are enemies of God but we are called friends of Jesus who for the sheer joy of it, went to the cross for us so that we too can have a relationship with our Father. . . Abba Father in Heaven.

Knowing that the Father will keep our souls safe. . . Abba Father is there watching over us. . .  means we can put our energy not into building up our sense of self but into building up his kingdom. Secure in his arms, we can learn to take the risks that faith requires. If we have been playing it safe, resisting some new direction in our life that we know to be right, maybe. . . just maybe we need to take some time today to meditate on God’s faithfulness. Tell him you want his will more than you want your own. Then go ahead and do whatever the Father asks! Just saying. . .

Today is Fathers Day and we celebrate those men in our lives that have loved us and mentored us. Scripture tells us that we. . . being human and flawed. . . know how to give good things to our children, how much more will our Father in Heaven. . . the perfect in all His ways Father. . . give to those who love Him and are called by His name. Is there someone you may know who needs the love of a good and perfect Father who will never leave them or forsake them? Perhaps it is time that we, as Christians help them find the ultimate Father figure found in our heavenly through the blood of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Maybe. . . just maybe we could reach out our hand and lead them to life everlasting. Perhaps then there will be a shift in the tide of despair and hopelessness. Let us celebrate our fathers here on earth as well as Abba Father and honor them with our lives. You see Abba Father loved and still loves the world so much, that’s you and me. . . all of humanity that He sent His only Son and everyone one who believes in Jesus shall not perish but have everlasting life. What an awesome privilege we have. . . what a daunting task we have at hand. But perhaps that’s the whole reason why we are here. . . to make a change in others lives. Maybe. . . just maybe if we reach out to the lost. . . just maybe. . .

Let us pray. . .
Father, thank you for loving me even when I was “still a long way off.” You showed your gracious, fatherly love even when I bore little resemblance to you. Strengthen my identity as your child and help me to glorify your name by reflecting your character. Help us to be Your image to the lost and hurting of this world as we live out the Great commission, “Go into the world and make disciples of all nations. . . baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”

Amen.

June 15, 2014
Sermon 23 of “What’s In A Name. . . ”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Luke 15:11-24 Common English Bible
Romans 8:14-17 Common English Bible
Galatians 4:4-7 NIV
Names of God Bible (with direct verse lookup), The Baker Publishing Group
(Closing prayer Adapted from: Spangler, Ann,
Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-        Abba à Father
children’s message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Hello My Name is. . . Abba”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
June 8, 2014
Trinity Sunday
Peace with Justice Sunday
&
Sermon 22 of “What’s In A Name. . . ”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Joel 2:28-29 Names of God Bible
Genesis 2:7 Names of God Bible
Acts 2:1-18 Gods Word Translation
Names of God Bible (with direct verse lookup), The Baker Publishing Group
Spangler, Ann: Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-        Ruach (Breath), Ruach Elohim (Spirit of God), Ruach Qodesh (Holy Spirit)
children’s message
-          Adding Air to the Balloon
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Hello My Name is. . . Ruach”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
June 8, 2014
Pentecost Sunday
&
Sermon 21 of “What’s In A Name. . . ”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Genesis 17:1-2 (Names of God Bible)
1 Samuel 17:45-47 (Names of God Bible)
Ephesians 1:15-23 (Common English Bible)
Spangler, Ann: Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-        El Shadday, Yahweh Tsebaoth  à Almighty God, the Lord of Hosts
children’s message
-          We can defeat our giants,
in the strength God gives us
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . El Shadday”
June 1, 2014
&
Sermon 20 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
1 Peter 3:13-22 (CEB)
Acts 17:22-31 (CEB)
Sirach 34:19-20 (CEB)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-        Yahweh Ropheka  à the Lord Who Heals
children’s message
-          When we are sick,
God is our Healer
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Yahweh Rophekah”
May 25, 2014
&
Sermon 19 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 23 (King James Version)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-        Yahweh Roi and Yahweh Shammah  à
 the Lord is my Shepherd and the Lord is there
children’s message
-          God takes care of His children
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Yahweh Roi/ Yahweh Shammah”
May 18, 2014
&
Sermon 18 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Nehemiah 1:5 (English Standard Version)
Isaiah 35:1-2 (The Message Bible)
Deuteronomy 7:21 (English Standard Version)
John 4:7-15 (The Message) (MSG)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Hannora à Awesome God
children’s message by Ellen Dickinson – Amen and Bow Wow!
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . El Hannora”
May 11, 2014
&
Sermon 17 of 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
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          El Kanna à Jealous God
children’s message
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . El Kanna”
May 4, 2014
&
Sermon 16 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Genesis 21:1-21 (The Message Bible)
Acts 4:32-35 (The Message Bible)
Psalm 139
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”
April 27, 2014
&
Easter Sunday
Sermon 15 of 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)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Yahweh Tsidqenu à The Lord Our Righteousness
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Yahweh Tsidqenu”
April 20, 2014
&
Palm Sunday
Sermon 14 of 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)
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
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Ish Makaboth”
April 13, 2014
&
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Sermon 13 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 94:2-15 (Living Bible)(TLB)
Ezekiel 37:1-14 (The Message Bible)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Shopet à Judge
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Shopet”
April 6, 2014
&
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Sermon 12 of 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”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Ebed Yahweh à Servant of God
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Ebed Yahweh”
March 30, 2014
&
Third Sunday in Lent
reading of poem, “Lent”
by Ann Weems
from her book, Kneeling in Jerusalem
Sermon 11 of 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)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-          Rabbouni/ El Emet à Teacher/God of Truth
children’s sermon by Regina Goode about Johnny Appleseed
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Rabbouni/El Emet”
March 23, 2014
&
Second Sunday in Lent
Sermon 10 of 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”
March 16, 2014
&
First Sunday in Lent
Sermon 9 of 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”
by Raymond A. Foss
filling in for Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
March 9, 2014
&
Transfiguration Sunday
Sermon 8 of 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”
by Ellen Alward Dickinson
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
March 2, 2014
&
Sermon 7 of 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”
February 23, 2014
&
Sermon 6 of 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
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”
February 9, 2014
&
Sermon 5 of 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
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 Foss
and sermon “Hello My Name Adonay”
February 2, 2014
&
Sermon 4 of 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
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”
January 26, 2014
&
Sermon 3 of 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
children’s sermon
-          “and God Created. . . “
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . El, Elohim, and Eloah”
January 19, 2014
&
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
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
children’s sermon
-          There is only One who can save us, Jesus, the one Savior
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Yeshua/Mashiach”
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”
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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,440+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

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