Sermon 2022.07.03

We are saved by the grace of God through faith and not by works.

What is grace?

Grace is being comfortable and living abundantly as Isaiah 66:10-14 prophesied. He says that everyone who loves Jerusalem and everyone who feels sad and angry about the situation of war and violence that is there will be happy. Not only Muslims, but also Jews, Christians, and all nations. This is grace poured out for all. Our bodies will flourish. It’s great and it’s a free gift that God gives to you. But God is angry with his enemies.

Who are the enemies of God? The enemies of God are those who mistreat and abuse their own beings and others. Paul says in Galatians 6 that we are to receive those who transgress against God with kindness and affection. Let us love the enemies of God. Also be careful not to think too much about yourself, because you too easily fall into error.

This is faith: understanding that we have to take responsibility for our actions and not blame God. You reap what you sow. If you want to reap something different from what you have, you have to sow different seeds. All the violence and suffering in the world is not God’s will. No. Because God has already forgiven human beings all along. If there is violence and suffering it is our fault. Paul says that to sow by the flesh is to reap by the flesh. Violence against human beings and creation exists because we think according to the flesh and not the spirit.

Paul says that he will never presume anything I accept the cross of Christ. This is living by the spirit. Why? On the cross Jesus showed what faith is: receiving God’s enemies with kindness. Open arms in love. It’s not work in order to earn. It is service in order to love.

This kind of life of loving enemies and suffering on the cross is only for Jesus; because he is special? Or is it a lifestyle for everyone? In the Gospel of Saint Luke 10 Jesus sent out seventy disciples to do exactly the same thing as him. He says that you are sent as sheep into wolves. In other words: you are sent to the cross, to love and receive God’s enemies with kindness. To live like this is to live totally free.

Twenty-one years ago I heard a sermon on this text by Pastor Jim Proper, the director of Lutheran Retreats Camps and Conferences. I was a camp counselor. The pastor said that we were sent to serve as Christ. I was surprised to have to take care of children after training. Because we had two weeks of playing and I forgot the purpose: to be a counselor to boys and girls. May we not be too comfortable here together, we are sent like sheep within wolves to love the enemy. Amen.

Sermon 2022.07.03

Estamos salvados por la gracia de Dios através la fe y no por las obras.

¿Qué es la gracia?

La gracia es sentirse cómodo y vivir en abundancia como profetizó Isaias 66:10-14. Dice que todos que aman a Jerusalén y todos que se sienten tristes y enojados por la situación de guerra y violencia que está ahí van a estar gozosos. No solamente Musulmanes, pero también Judios, Cristianos, y todas las naciones. Esta es la gracia derramada para todos. Nuestros cuerpos van a florecer. Es buenísimo y es un regalo gratis que Dios te da a ti. Pero Dios está enojado con sus enemigos.

¿Quiénes son los enemigos de Dios? Los enemigos de Dios son los que maltratan y abusan a sus propios seres y a otros. Pablo dice en Gálatas 6 que nosotros debemos recibir a los que cometen transgresión contra Dios con amabilidad y cariño. Amemos a los enemigos de Dios. También ten cuidado de no pensar demasiado en ti misma, porque también fácilmente caes en error.

Esto es la fe: entender que tenemos que tomar responsabilidad por nuestras acciones y no culpes a Dios. Cosechas lo que siembras. Si quieres cosechar algo diferente de lo que tienes,