Sunday, January 15, 2017

sermon, "Who Do You Say You Are...", by Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, Patten, ME, January 15, 2017



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

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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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