January 15, 2017
Stetson Memorial UMC
Sermon Series:
“Becoming You. .
. ”
“Named”
Adapted from Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?” Sermon Series
Psalm 40:1-7 TLB
Isaiah 43:1-4 NIV
Bible
John 1:29-32, 37-41
NLT
1 Cor. 1:11-12 NIV
Bible
Isaiah 64:8 NLT
“Who Do You Say You
Are. . . ”
Prayer that God’s Word is heard through me
or in-spite of me. . .
Please stand for the reading of the Gospel
according to John, the first chapter, verses 29-31 and 37-41. . . Listen to the
Word of God for His people. . . you and I. . .
Jesus,
the Lamb of God
29 The next day John
saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the
sin of the world! 30 He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man
is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before
me.’ 31 I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing
with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”
32 Then John
testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and
resting upon him.
37 When John’s two
disciples heard this, they followed Jesus.
38 Jesus looked
around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them.
They replied, “Rabbi”
(which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
39 “Come and see,” he
said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the
place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day.
40 Andrew, Simon
Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then
followed Jesus. 41 Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him,
“We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”)
(John 1:29-32,
37-41 NLT)
What
name do you go by? (let people answer) Is there any other
name that you go by? (let people answer) Who do you say you
are? (let people answer) What or who gives you these names? (let people answer) Do you believe
what these descriptions of you (and that
is what these are) or is there something else. . . so much more. . . ?
God’s promises and truths, can be very hard to
understand if we don’t realize who we are in Christ Jesus. Who
are we really. . . how does God equip us. . . what are we supposed to do. . . ?
We have begun to look at who we are in Christ. . . we have begun a deep journey
into these questions and more. I truly
believe that we all want to become the “you” God wants us to be. Let’s see what
transformation happens in us as we become who God says we are and not who the
world thinks we are.
On
our journey, we have discovered one fact. . . you and I are God’s beloved. You and
I are cherished, favored, and loved by God. Even in this world of rejection and
exclusiveness, there is One who never reject us. . . flaws and all. . . no
matter how far we may fall. We have gone to the river with Jesus and remembered
our baptism and the promise found there. How
are you and I doing living the life of abundance of grace and acceptance?
We
talked about the different names that we go by, how we are identified. Last
week we talked about how we are the beloved of God. That is one of the names we
go by. . . if we choose to accept and believe. . . In the John Scripture that I read this morning,
we hear some of the names that Jesus was called by. . . there are many others but let’s talk about the ones from this morning.
Lamb of God
who takes away the sins of the world. With John. . . even before his birth. . .
he knew who Jesus was. Remember how he leapt in his mother’s womb at just the
sound of Mary’s voice. He knew that Jesus was the One who would redeem the
world of its sin and shame. Without this name, there is no Easter Sunday. . . Resurrection
Sunday. . . Without this name, there is
no forgiveness of sin and no restoration of humanities relationship with God. .
.
Rabbi.
. . Teacher...Jesus taught on hills,
in meadows, by the seashore, by a well. . . and so many other places. He taught
about the loving God who wanted to redeem His children. He also taught humanity
how to love each other and how to love God. . . through His actions and through
the words He spoke. We are still being
taught about His and about God through the Holy Spirit. Without this Name,
we would not be able to please God. . . we would not have the example we, as
humanity, needs to do what God wanted and be who God would have us be. . .
Messiah.
. . if it were not for this name. . . well there would be no freedom from sin.
. . there would be no new life with God. . . there would be no Forgiveness of
sins. . . praise God that Jesus wore that
name to the cross for you and for me.
Unfortunately,
we argue and fight about the name we have. . . whose name is correct when it
come to the things of God. This has been going on for centuries. Even Paul had
to deal this sort of division. . . that still is prevalent today. In 1 Corinthians 1:11-12, we hear of an account such as this. .
.
11 My brothers and
sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels
among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”;
another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I
follow Christ.” (1 Cor. 1:11-12 NIV
Bible)
I
am not sure why we seem to have a need to always be right. . . because that is
what it boils down too. Why can’t we agree to disagree. . . why can’t we have
an open mind to be taught by each other. . . why can’t we get by this and get
on with the work we are called to do together as “one” body of Christ.
It
is all in the name. . . hope, love, joy, peace. . . but there is also despair,
hopelessness, fear, hatred in a name. I think my most favorite piece of
scripture that gives me hope being named is Isaiah 43:1-4. . . let me read it
to you. . . perhaps maybe we should all
put this in a place where we can read it in those times of trouble and
hopelessness. . .
Isaiah 43:1-4
43 But now, this is
what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob,
he
who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have
redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass
through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through
the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the
fire, you will not be burned;
the
flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord
your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your
ransom,
Cush
and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are
precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you,
I will give people in
exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.
(Isaiah
43:1-4 NIV Bible)
Potter and clay (And yet,
O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are
formed by your hand. . . (Isaiah 64:8 NLT)) The One who knows
our name, the One who teaches us, the One who has redeemed us and called us
their own, the One who takes away our sins and we bare them no more. . . molds
us into the image. . . into the name. . . that He has given us. . . that He
continues to call us. . . Letting
ourselves to be molded by God and not the world, (Image of a potter swirling
the clay on the Potter’s Wheel) we are broken vessel that can only be repaired
by the Potter. . . ( talk about the bowl from Shanequa) the one who created
us for purpose and gave us the name of
children of the Most High God and we bear the name of His Son as we are called
“Christ”ian. . . a Christ Follower.
Who
do you say you are? What do you call yourself? By what name do you go? Who are
you or should I say whose are you? What does He call you? How will that
realization change our lives. . . yours and mine? Beloved. . . and we have learned that we are just that to
God. . . How are you and I going to live our lives? Will we choose the
Wheel of Life or the Wheel of chance that the world offers us? How will we fill
our lives? With the trappings of this world or is there a better way? The
choice is ours to make. I would suggest that we choose wisely because the
alternative is . . . well. . . let’s not go there. . .
Amen
==================
January 21,
2017
the One who
teaches us
January 21,
2017
the One who
guides us
January 21,
2017
the One who
takes away our sin
January 21,
2017
the One who
redeemed us
January 21, 2017
God continues
to call us
January 21,
2017
God molds us
into the name
January 21,
2017
The one who
knows our name
January 21,
2017
God molds us
into the image
January 21,
2017
we bear the
name of Christ
January 21,
2017
children of
the Most High God
January 21,
2017
healing our
broken vessels
edited January
21, 2017
We are the
clay of the Potter – v2
edited January
20, 2017
Claimed by the
Creator – v2
edited January
20, 2017
this is the
God who named us – v2
January 20,
2017
this is the
God who named us
edited January
20, 2017
do we know our
name – v2
edited January
20, 2017
Rabbi,
Messiah, and Lamb – v3
edited January
19, 2017
our identity
in Christ - v2
January 19,
2017
the God who
gave us life
January 19,
2017
We are clay of
the Potter
(starting with
second stanza of “God is the one who formed you”)
January 19,
2017
God is the one
who formed you
January 19,
2017
we were only
dust
January 19,
2017
you give us
the breath of life
January 19,
2017
we are all
formed by your hand
January 19,
2017
Claimed by the
Creator
edited January
19, 2017
You are mine –
v2
January 19,
2017
the Lord your
God
January 19,
2017
we are the
clay - 2
January 19,
2017
this is the
potter
January 19,
2017
the Creator of
the universe
January 19,
2017
we too are
beloved – v2
January 18,
2017
I have called
you by name
January 18,
2017
You are mine
January 18,
2017
I have
redeemed you
edited January
18, 2017
Rabbi,
Messiah, and Lamb – v2
January 18,
2017
Rabbi,
Messiah, and Lamb
edited January
18, 2017
Rabbi, teacher
– v2
edited January
18, 2017
many pieces,
one body of Christ
edited January
18, 2017
I follow
Christ – v2
January 18,
2017
I follow
Christ
January 18,
2017
John spoke his
name
January 18,
2017
Jesus was the
Lamb
January 18,
2017
do we know our
name
January 18,
2017
Christ taught
us about God
January 18,
2017
we are taught
by his life
January 18,
2017
we are still
being taught
January 17,
2017
Rabbi, teacher
January 16,
2017
Jesus wore
that name to the cross
January 16,
2017
shattered
pieces of the body of Christ
January 16,
2017
Claiming other
masters
January 16,
2017
we have gone
to the river
January 16,
2017
we are God’s beloved
- 2
January 16,
2017
not who the
world thinks we are
January 16,
2017
may we become
who God says we are
January 16,
2017
to become who
God wants me to be
January 16,
2017
we have found
the Messiah - 2
January 16,
2017
we have found
the Christ
January 16,
2017
named by God
January 16,
2017
labeled by the
world
January 16,
2017
I want there
to be more
edited January
16, 2017
a Follower of
Christ – v2
January 16,
2017
a Follower of
Christ
January 16,
2017
He is the One
January 15,
2017
rejecting
their labels
January 15,
2017
names we long
to hear
January 15,
2017
the names we
hear whispered
January 15,
2017
the names we
call ourselves
January 15,
2017
peeling away
the veneer
January 15,
2017
following the
Messiah
January 15,
2017
leaving the
prophet
January 14,
2017
leaving John
at the Jordan
January 14,
2017
bringing Peter
to Christ
January 14,
2017
chasing after
the Christ
on Andrew,
brother of Peter
edited January
14, 2017
fire fell upon
the Christ – v3
(editing
version 2)
edited January
14, 2017
through the
waters, through the fire – v2
January 9,
2017
through the
waters, through the fire
edited January
14, 2017
we are blessed
– 3 – v2
January 14,
2017
we are blessed
- 3
January 14,
2017
who are you
January 14,
2017
Do we know who
we are
January 14,
2017
You are the
Beloved of God
January 15,
2017
Stetson
Memorial UMC
Sermon Series:
“Becoming
You…”
“Named”
Adapted from
Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?”
Sermon Series
Psalm 40:1-7
(TLB)
Isaiah 43:1-3
(NIV Bible)
John 1:29-32
(NLT)
John 1:37-41
(NLT)
1 Corinthians
1:11-12 (NIV Bible)
Isaiah 64:8
(NLT)
and sermon,
“Who Do You Say You Are…?”
text
video
by Pastor Ruth
Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Children’s
Message – mystery box
by Pastor Ruth
Foss
Stetson
Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 15,
2017
&
edited January
13, 2017
Fire fell upon
the Christ – v2
edited January
13, 2017
Fire fell upon
Him – v2
edited January
13, 2017
Fire fell upon
the Christ
January 13, 2017
fire fell upon
him
edited January
12, 2017
life-giving
fire – v3
(editing
version 2)
edited January
12, 2017
a moment in
history – v2
edited January
12, 2017
a moment in
history
January 12,
2017
a moment in
history
edited/new
January 12, 2017
in the water
we die
January 12,
2017
into the
waters we fall
edited January
12, 2017
through water,
through fire – v2
edited January
12, 2017
droplets of
your mercy – v2
edited January
11, 2017
this is the
promise – v2
edited January
11, 2017
unconditional
love – v2
edited January
11, 2017
you have been
sealed with power – v2
edited January
11, 2017
breaking open
our lives - v3
(editing
version 2)
edited January
11, 2017
our jars of
alabaster – v2
edited January
11, 2017
scattering our
gifts – v2
January 10,
2017
you have been
sealed with grace
January 10,
2017
you have been
sealed with power
January 9,
2017
you have been
sealed – v2
January 9,
2017
through water
we are redeemed – v2
January 9,
2017
Remember your
baptism – v4
(editing version 3)
edited January
9, 2017
through water,
through fire
January 9,
2017
through the
waters, through the fire
January 9,
2017
life-changing
baptism
January 9,
2017
WE ARE BELOVED
- 2
January 9,
2017
through his
name
January 9,
2017
this is the
promise
January 9,
2017
we too are
beloved
January 9,
2017
the delight of
my life
January 9,
2017
marked by my
love - 2
January 9,
2017
accepted,
flaws and all
January 9,
2017
love is
conditional
January 9,
2017
Cherished,
favored, and loved
January 8,
2017
unconditional
love
January 8,
2017
the flame
within us
January 8,
2017
to complete
the new creation - 2
January 8,
2017
in our baptism
of water – 2
&
================
February 6, 2016
let these waters remind us
February 6, 2016
Come, refresh us
February 6, 2016
droplets of your mercy
February 6, 2016
you have been sealed
February 6, 2016
your healing waters flow
February 6, 2016
through water we are redeemed
edited February 6, 2016
Remember your baptism – v3
(editing version 2)
edited February 5, 2016
Remember your baptism – v2
February 5, 2016
Remember your baptism
February 5, 2016
Fire and Water work together - 2
edited February 4, 2016
the Spirit and Water – v4
(merging edits to version 2 and version 3)
February 3, 2016
Fire is added - 2
February 3, 2016
out of the waters - 2
edited February 3, 2016
God created – 2 – v2
February 3, 2016
God created - 2
February 2, 2016
the earth was birthed - 2
February 2, 2016
God, through Christ
February 2, 2016
God created light - 2
February 2, 2016
the flames within us
February 2, 2016
in our baptism of water
January 20, 2016
fire and water work together
January 17, 2016
never before
January 17, 2016
understanding
January 17, 2016
all of a sudden
January 17, 2016
unveiling our eyes
edited January 14, 2016
The Spirit and Water – v3
(editing original)
edited January 11, 2016
The Spirit and Water – v2
January 10, 2016
The Spirit and Water
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Psalm 29
Acts 8:14-17
and sermon, “Fire and Water ”
text:
video:
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
Children’s
Message from Mystery Box
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
praise
song - “Hear Our Praises”
praise song – “You Deserve the Glory”
praise songs - "We Will Dance",
"Blessed Assurance", and "Glory and Honor", all together
offertory
– “Your Love Oh Lord”
Stetson
Memorial United Methodist Church
January
10, 2016
======================
&
January 8,
2017
My Chosen One
January 8,
2017
remembering my
baptism
January 8,
2017
Water and Fire
edited January
8, 2017
life-giving
fire – v2
January 8,
2017
life-giving
fire
January 8,
2017
Spirit of fire
– v2
January 8,
2017
Spirit of fire
January 8,
2017
You are God’s
Beloved
January 8,
2017
temples of
fire
January 8,
2017
Fire added
January 8,
2017
the life you
birthed in us
January 8,
2017
This was God’s
Servant
January 8,
2017
coming to the
Jordan
January 8,
2017
I can’t
baptize you
edited January
8, 2017
Cherished of
God – v2
January 7,
2017
Cherished of
God
January 7,
2017
His cousin
standing before him
January 7,
2017
Baptizing Christ
January 7,
2017
Baptizing
Jesus
January 7,
2017
taking God
into his arms
January 7,
2017
Cherished and
Beloved
January 7,
2017
more than a
prophet
January 8,
2017
Stetson
Memorial UMC
Baptism of the
Lord Sunday
Sermon Series:
“Becoming
You…”
Adapted from
Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?”
Sermon Series
Isaiah 42:1-9
Matthew
3:13-17
Acts 10:34-43
and sermon,
“Cherished, Favored, and Loved…”
text
video
by Pastor Ruth
Foss
sermon blog
meditation
blog
Children’s
Message – mystery box
by Pastor Ruth
Foss
Stetson
Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 8,
2017
Baptism of the
Lord Sunday
&
January 7,
2017
prisoners of
Christ – v2
January 7,
2017
being vessels,
servants
January 7,
2017
prisoners of
Christ
edited January
7, 2017
offering our
witness – 2 – v2
January 7,
2017
offering our
witness - 2
edited January
7, 2017
like seeds of
the Sower – v2
January 7,
2017
within the
alabaster
January 7,
2017
like jars of
alabaster
January 7,
2017
our jars of
alabaster
January 7,
2017
scattering our
gifts
January 7,
2017
showering our
gifts
edited January
7, 2017
breaking open
our lives – v2
January 7,
2017
breaking open
our lives
January 7,
2017
breaking open
the bottles
January 7,
2017
laying our
gifts at Christ’s feet
January 6,
2017
like seeds of
the Sower
Epiphany Day /
Three Kings Day
January 6,
2017
like gifts of
the Magi
Epiphany Day /
Three Kings Day
January 6,
2017
we share our
stories of faith
edited January
6, 2017
Ignore the
world – v2
edited January
6, 2017
becoming who
God says we are – v2
Epiphany Day /
Three Kings Day
edited January
6, 2017
treasure we
carry – v3
Epiphany Day /
Three Kings Day
edited January
6, 2017
treasure we
carry – v2
January 6,
2017
treasure we
carry
Epiphany Day /
Three Kings Day
January 6,
2017
redistribute
grace
January 6,
2017
grace is
entrusted to us
January 6,
2017
we hold grace
edited January
6, 2017
who are we
really – 2 – v2
January 5,
2017
a new revelation
January 5,
2017
becoming who
God says we are
January 5,
2017
our identity
in Christ
January 5,
2017
Do we know
January 5,
2017
Ignore the
world
January 5,
2017
who are we
really – 2
January 4,
2017
a journey to
discover
edited January
4, 2017
who are we
really – v2
January 4,
2017
who are we
really
January 4,
2017
who we are in
Christ
edited January
3, 2017
yoked to one
another – v2
January 3, 2017
yoked to one
another
edited January
3, 2017
Doing more
together – v2
January 3,
2017
Doing more
together
January 3,
2017
Too much for
us to carry
January 3,
2017
Let’s Do This
Together – v2
January 3,
2017
Let’s Do This
Together
January 3,
2017
We are
commissioned
January 3,
2017
God will dwell
with us
January 2,
2017
Their Reward
January 2,
2017
we celebrate
the Magi
January 2,
2017
Doing more
January 2,
2017
Saving more
January 2,
2017
Grace is given
- 3
January 2,
2017
Let’s bring
them
January 2,
2017
maybe this
year
January 1,
2017
Let’s share
the message
January 1,
2017
we can do this
together
January 1,
2017
not sitting
silent, doing
January 1,
2017
Stetson
Memorial UMC
Epiphany of
the Lord Sunday
New Year’s Day
Sermon Series:
“Becoming
You…”
Adapted from
Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?”
Sermon Series
Psalm 8 NKJV
Revelation
21:1-6 CEB
Ephesians
3:1-12 CEB
Matthew 2:9-10
NIV
and sermon,
“Let’s Do This…!”
text
video
by Pastor Ruth
Foss
Children’s
Message – tissue in mystery box
by Pastor Ruth
Foss
Stetson
Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 1,
2017
Epiphany of
the Lord Sunday
New Years Day
All of my
poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001,
2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014,
2015, 2016, and 2017. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See
all 42,950 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Christ, God,
Spirit, grace, love, faith, Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist
Church, journey, cherished, beloved, Isaiah 43, Psalm 40, John 1, 1 Corinthians
1, favored, baptism,
#Christ #God
#Spirit #grace #love #journey #cherished #beloved #Isaiah43 #Psalm40 #John1
#1Corinthians1
==============
Christ, God,
Spirit, grace, love, faith, Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist
Church, journey, Isaiah 42, Matthew 3, Acts 10, cherished, favored, loved,
baptism of the Lord, baptism,
#Christ #God
#Spirit #grace #love #baptism #journey #Isaiah42 #Matthew3 #Acts10 #cherished
#favored #loved #BaptismoftheLord
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