David Bahn – Reflections

Romans 12:1-2

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. ² Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

I’m looking forward to the football game this afternoon between the Texans and the Patriots. Hmm…How’s that for a face-off of political dimensions! At the end of the game there will be a celebration. One team will advance toward the Superbowl game. The other will head home. I’m not too terribly optimistic about who will go home and who will advance; the Texans really have their work cut out for them! It will certainly also be an exuberant celebration – perhaps even excessive.

There will be many celebrations of a different sort this morning – some have already begun around the world for hours now. People have and will gather today in churches large and small, glorious and humble, formal and casual: all celebrating the salvation of God that is ours through faith in Jesus.

We will be celebrating here at St. John today as well. In fact we’re emphasizing  that part of our mission and the way we describe a balanced life of following Jesus. We speak about celebrating, living and sharing the abundant life of Jesus as balanced discipleship. We love God, love our neighbor, and share the message of this love with the world – near and far.

In particular today we’ll talk about the multi-facited manner of celebrating the grace, love and salvation of God. We will consider how we embrace the covenant love of God in Christ by Holy-Spirit-inspired actions:

• Reading the Bible
• Worship
• Prayer life
• Tithing/Generosity
• Devotional life

This is our calling under Christ: because of his mercy and as an expression of the fullness of our faith (God’s gift itself!). God has done it for us. He loves us and has called us to be his children. He has brought us to faith by his mercy. That’s not to say that we have no challenges in regard to this. It is to say, however, that because of Christ we can celebrate with confidence and deep joy. This is my hope and my prayer for the people of God here at St. John today and every day: Celebrate the love, grace, salvation, truth, justice, and reign on Christ over all things and in our hearts!