Oak Hill United Presbyterian Church

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09/06/2026

Greetings!
It is almost Labor Day and it is certainly time to stop and honor all the laborers who built the world economy. And we honor, in particular, the hard working Americans who have made this country great. And though the supervisors, etc., are important too, the vast group of regular workers make it all work. My Dad was a steelworker. I take my hat off to my Dad and all of the Laborers! God bless every one of them.

Matthew 18:15-20
Family Affair

I have for you both good news and bad news this morning.
The good news is that all who believe are all going to heaven.
The bad news is ~ we are all traveling there together

The bad news is further that none of is perfect, none of us is all that easy to get along with all the time, and most of us won't get perfect or always easy to get along with during the journey. Somehow we have to learn to make the trip together.

At the last supper when Jesus gave his blessing to his church, in his final prayer before he faced crucifixion, he called for unity as he spoke these words in John 17:

I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their words--that’s us--that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

The church is important to God—so important that it is called the “body of Christ.” We have been put here to continue the work of Jesus and to bring glory to God in the doing. And as it is important that all of the parts of our human bodies function together, it is vital that all the parts of the Church body function in harmony.

Our people get along very well, but occasionally, there is among Christians, a problem.
From time to time there is a difference of opinion.
Now and then Christians disagree about a doctrine—or how to carry out one of the functions of the Church—should baptism be by pouring or immersion—is Christ’s presence in the Lord’s Supper real or figurative?

The liberals face off against the conservatives—and vice versa.
There are disagreements as to how we can reach out into our community.
Or sometimes, the bone of contention is the which hymn to sing on Sunday morning.

And once in a while, church members get angry at each other—and even angry with the pastor. There might even be a rumor circulate—or a bit of gossiping.

You would think that, in the church, all would be sweetness and light, wouldn't you!

And there is sweetness and light--lots of it--people with smiles on their faces talking happily together--people looking out for each other in various ways.

But churches are made up of people—and as people, we have differences in backgrounds—in ideas—in thinking processes—differences which inevitably lead to disagreements and even anger.

And occasionally we need to interact with other churches who might not agree with our ways of doing things.

For these reasons, we need to be prepared—we need to know what to do when these times arrive—how to keep the family—the family of God--all going the same direction.

This is what Paul was writing to the Roman church about—and this is what Matthew gives us Jesus’ instructions about this morning.

Jesus tells us exactly how to handle these breaks in the harmonious life of the church that God intended us to enjoy—the life we need to show to the world.

So—what do we do when our friend hurts our feelings?
When a brother or sister in the Lord appears to have cheated us—or lied to us?

Do we stay at home a few Sundays and figure the whole thing will blow over? Look the other way and pretend nothing is wrong while all the time feeling ill toward that person?

Jesus says no—do not try to overlook something that is eating at you.
No, confront the problem—the conflict—the hurt—confront it head-on.

Now, Jesus is not suggesting you go up to the person and begin screaming in their face. He doesn’t want us to win—but he doesn’t want us to lose either. He wants us to reconcile.

STEP 1
If we feel that someone has wronged us, the first thing we should do is to immediately put our complaint into words. Talk to the person.

The worst thing we can do about a wrong is to hold it all inside and brood about it. That can poison the whole mind and life, until we can think of nothing else but our personal injury—our hurt—the injustice.

Go see that individual—in person. Do not put the problem into writing. Don’t write a letter. Don’t send an email.

It is so easy for the written word to be misread and misunderstood—there is no tone of voice.

This advice, by the way, is not only valuable for resolving differences within our church family, but the first rule to follow in working out problems between us and our “at home” family—and our friends.

If you are hurt by someone
--and if you think that it is serious enough for you to brood over
--serious enough that you find yourself wanting to mention it to others
--then you must try to heal this breach –this split that has now opened up between the two of you.

Seek out the person and talk to them—calmly—about the problem.
And do it right away. It takes a while for a good feeling to grow into heartfelt affection—but a hurt turns to anger and anger to resentment in short order.

This is not easy. We tend to feel the persons should come to us.
And—most of us really don’t like confrontation.
It is far easier to walk the other way and fume.

But—the other person may not even know he/she has hurt you. Have you ever had the experience of finding out you had hurt someone’s feelings and you had had no idea?

STEP 2
If this private meeting does not right the wrong, Jesus says to take some wise person or persons with you and try again.

If there are ill feelings, a couple of gracious and kind people along might change the whole atmosphere. They should not take sides, but rather help the two to look at the situation a little differently—perhaps reaching a compromise. It might help each one to see themselves as others are seeing them.

The requirement for two or three witnesses comes from Torah law stated in Deuteronomy 19 and was given to protect people against unfair accusations. It is echoed in 1 Timothy 5:19: "Don't receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses."

These are to be witnesses to verify that the intervention took place and followed proper procedure. The goal is not to fix blame but rather to remove the sin and to restore the sinner.

STEP 3
If that still fails, and the hard feelings remain, we must take our personal troubles to the Christian fellowship.

It is here in this part of the reading that there are misunderstandings.
Jesus did not intend this instruction to mean that we should drag the person before the whole group and accuse and berate them. This would contradict everything he has taught.

And folks, scripture does not contradict itself.
Our interpretation of scripture contradicts itself.

We are to take the problem to the CHRISTIAN fellowship—and that could just mean a small group gathered for discussion and prayer. The parties involved are not to be judged in the light of a book of law—or rules and regulations--but in the light of love.

It is in an atmosphere of Christian prayer, Christian love and Christian fellowship that personal relationships may be made right again.

We, as Christians, are to seek to judge everything in the prayerful light of love.

STEP 4
Now if all this fails to resolve the conflict—Jesus says to treat this offender as a pagan and a tax-collector.

At first reading, one could well interpret this to mean to ostracize the person—exclude him or her—declare them to be hopeless.

But let us stop for just a minute—Jesus never set limits to human forgiveness.

Consider who is writing these words—Matthew—a tax collector.
And the one who spoke them is the one of whom it was said,

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to him.” And the people murmured against Jesus saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

• At Jesus birth, the first to show up at Bethlehem to see him were the Magi—Gentiles—pagans-- from the East.
• One of the first healings, also recorded in the gospel of Matthew, was the healing of a servant of a pagan army officer.
• Jesus went to eat dinner with Zacchaeus—the tax collector.
• And—again—there was Matthew—Jesus chose Matthew to be his disciple while he was a tax collector.

If we are going to be with Jesus—then we must be among the people he chose to be with—sinners, pagans, and tax collectors.

And when Jesus speaks of these folks, he always does so with sympathy and gentleness.

It would seem more likely that what Jesus is saying was something like this:

“When you have done all this, when you have given the sinners every chance, and when they remain stubborn, you may think that they are no better than tax-collectors, or even godless pagans.

“But these are not hopeless. My experience is that they too, have a heart to be touched; and there are many of them, like Matthew and Zacchaeus, who have become my best friends.

Even if the stubborn sinners are like tax-collectors or pagans, you may still win them, as I have done.”

It is not a cry to final judgment—it is a challenge to win them with the love which can touch even the hardest heart.
The tax collectors and unbelievers become our mission field.
Jesus Christ has found no one hopeless—and neither must we.

Discipline is not a popular concept these days. We have a live-and-let-live attitude that is uncomfortable with the idea that anyone has a right--much less a responsibility--to discipline anyone else.

But the early church understood the deadly consequences of tolerating sin. Not only would it lessen the chances that the sinner might repent, but it would also tarnish the reputation of the church itself--and affect the ability of the church to bring in new people.

Jesus is addressing the church here, remember, even though the church, at this point, is but a group of Christians who would gather to worship, to pray, to fellowship, and to help each other survive in a hostile world, Jesus was laying the ground work for the church today.

NUMBERS
Jesus says there is strength in the prayer of the group—but this prayer is to be for the common good.

Then, he clarifies once and for all that the numbers game is not important.

“Where two or three are gathered in his name, he is there in the midst of them.”

Our world is so number conscious. It doesn’t seem to matter to some just what is going on in the gathering of people—as long as the number is larger and larger.

One of the larger churches in my area advertised last year on a billboard the number of souls that had come to know Christ in their church that year. It seemed so impersonal—especially in light of the fact that scripture tells us that the angels rejoice when just one soul decides to follow Jesus. Just one soul.

Jesus is not a slave to numbers. Where two or more are gathered, we have a church.

Jesus is as much present in the little congregation as in the great mass meeting. He is just a much present at the Prayer Meeting or the Bible Study Group with a handful of people as in the crowded arena.

He is as much present when your family sits down to take a few minutes and worship together.

Wherever faithful hearts meet, however few they may be, Jesus is there.

CLOSE
Hang onto the goal—reconciliation. Be reconciled one to the other. Love each other. Put that love first. Pray for your enemies—but pray for your friends too. Go to the person and work out your differences.

Then God will bless you—and God will bless the cause of Christ—and God will bless your congregation. Amen.

PRAYER
Gracious and merciful God -- each one of us here today struggles to do what is right, but we find it hard - especially when it comes to how other people have hurt us or hurt those whom we love.

Help us today to make a break through - bring to mind the old resentments that we have – the old grievances - the old wounds that haunt us - and help us to forgive them and those involved--as you forgive us through the blood of Christ Jesus.

Father, we pray for those people who are caught in the ancient eye for an eye cycle of vengeance; for those who are ill in spirit, soul or body because of the lack of forgiveness in their lives; for those burdened with resentment and anger.

Hear, we pray, our prayers for the special people suffering—in need of healing-- and the problems that lie upon our hearts this day -- We hold before you these who are in need (insert your prayer list).

We hold before you our world - and especially those people and places affected by the fires and flooding which plague our world. We pray for both those who are victims and those who work to bring recovery.

We pray too this day for those who lost loved ones in the horrible 9/11 disaster and we earnestly pray that such may never happen again.

And we thank you for the laborers who daily keep our country going forward.

Lord - we thank you and we praise you for hearing our prayers and for coming unto us to be our savior and our guide - our brother and our friend. We bring our prayers to you in the name of Jesus Christ.
~ AMEN

Sunday service, September 6, 2026. Rev. Evan Fisher. Sermon: The Debts We Incur. Julie Miller - reading of the Psalte...
09/06/2026

Sunday service, September 6, 2026.
Rev. Evan Fisher. Sermon: The Debts We Incur.
Julie Miller - reading of the Psalter.
Kim Spohn: Organist / pianist
Sheila Smith: Youth leader

Youth class: Ellie Triplett, Addy Massie, Ava Dunn, Emma Dunn and Ben Trimble.

Submitted by: Teresa Malone Jenkins, Youth leader ✝️

08/31/2026

Good Day to You!
Though fall doesn’t officially begin until the 22nd, most of us feel it begins on September 1. And fall means change. We welcomed the green and now we appreciate the colors. Change. It is something we rather dread when change affects our lives, but stop and think about the good changes that have come about as the years have gone by. Changes in the medical world are spectacular—life saving. There is an improvement in transportation, in our way of heating—and now cooling—our homes. I can send this on line when before I would have to mail it to each of you if possible. Just think of the good changes.

Matthew 16:21-28
The Emblem Of Our Faith

To really get hold of the significance of today's gospel reading with its talk of the cross and of suffering and dying and being raised you need to remember what happened just minutes earlier in the scene.

Jesus has led his disciples to the region of Caesarea Philippi, and there
he asked them,
"Who do people say the Son of Man is?"

They tell him - "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

Then he asks them - "But what about you?" Who do you say I am?"
And Peter answers "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Jesus answers Peter's assertion by saying that Peter is truly blessed - that this confession has been revealed to him by God the Father and then he says to Peter that on his faith he would build his church - an everlasting church - and to him he would give "the keys of the kingdom of heaven so that whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

And then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

Then today's reading begins - with the words

"From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he
must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the
elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be
killed and on the third day be raised to life. “

Notice the word that is repeated twice in this single verse, the word that Peter reacts to immediately by taking Jesus aside and attempting to rebuke Jesus saying "Never Lord! This shall never happen to you."

That word is "must."

I must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things.
I must be killed be killed - and on the third day be raised to life.

I think we can understand Peter’s reaction.
Many of us feel the same way today as Peter felt then.

It makes no sense to him that the Messiah, the Son of The Living God, must suffer and die.

It makes no sense to him that the King over Israel, the one promised of old to arise from the line of David and to rule over David's kingdom, must suffer many things at the hands of the very people who should welcome him with open arms.

It makes no sense at all that a dear friend - a holy man - a righteous man - a man destined to rule God's own people should be speaking of defeat instead of victory – of disgrace instead of honor - of a horrid and early death - instead of a glorious and long life - and saying that it MUST be so.

Peter simply doesn't hear what Jesus is saying -
and what he does hear - he doesn't want to accept.

And Jesus condemns that lack of hearing - that lack of accepting – that lack of understanding by saying to Peter:

"Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you
do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

And then by telling all the disciples, who have been listening to this exchange between Peter and Jesus:

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself (there is that
word MUST again) and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever
wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find
it...".

Have you ever wondered why throughout the gospels Jesus rebukes demons who identify him as the Son of Man and warns his disciples to not tell others that he is the Christ, the Son of the Living of God?

It always struck me as strange.

I mean is not our whole faith based on the understanding that Jesus is the Word of God made flesh?
- that he is the promised shoot arising out of the stump of Jesse?
- that he is the fulfilment of the promises made to Abraham and to Moses,
to David and to Jeremiah and to Isaiah and all the prophets?

Indeed, isn't it the job of the Holy Spirit to reveal this very thing to us, much as Jesus says to Peter at Caesarea Philippi that he is blessed because the Father has revealed it to him?

"Jesus - You are the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of the Living God!"
Can't we say it?? Shouldn’t we tell the whole world - right now - today?"

Well, of course, we can—and should. But at the very beginning the disciples were told not to.

And the reason for that is because the people of the time, the faithful people, the hopeful people, who awaited the Messiah, would, upon hearing the news, fail - much as Peter failed - to hear the message of the Messiah.

The message concerning his life - I must suffer.
- I must be killed and on the third day rise.

And the message about their lives - If anyone would come after me,
he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever
loses his life for me will find it.

We see it today in some churches
- this failure to hear what the Messiah is all about, and what the Messiah, the Christ expects—demands-- of his followers.

We see it where forgiveness is proclaimed without requiring repentance,
where communion is offered without the need for confession and reconciliation and where wealth and health is promised if you just believe –
rather than service and sacrifice, the humility and the self-giving that is
the sign of our calling--the sign of sainthood.

Someone once said: "Jesus promised his disciples three things – they would be entirely fearless, absurdly happy, and always in trouble.".

That's not the kind of message most people want to hear.

Trouble we already have.
What we want is a world without trouble -
a world where all our problems are taken away with the snap of the fingers
a world where our enemies are made to vanish - just like that,
a world of peace and plenty and happiness,
a world where we and those we love can have everything a person desires.

That is what the Messiah is supposed to do -
the Messiah is supposed to make our world better,
to bring in the age of peace and plenty with one quick snap of the
fingers and - if there must be a bit of fighting at the very beginning to get rid
of those who oppress us.
It should be a glorious affair, one with no injury or cost to the good guys, one where the enemy will be soundly and completely defeated and where those who have fought for the king will be honored in their victory with him and the world will be safe forevermore....

But no.
From the moment that Peter and the other disciples recognized Jesus as the Messiah, from that time Jesus began to explain to them that he must suffer and that he must be killed and on the third day rise.

God's ways - praise be to God - are not our ways.
And the emblem of our faith is not a crown - but a cross.

And the field of battle upon which our Lord wins his victory is not the sand of Judah and of Palestine but the hearts of men and women like you and me.

And what he fights against - and what we fight against with him, is not an
enemy of flesh and blood, but rather the principalities and powers of this
world, the world's way of doing things - that way which began when the
serpent suggested to Eve that she could become like God if she simply
reached out her hand and took the fruit that God said she should not eat.

Think about one of the beautiful flowers surrounding us on these final summer days.

A flower's beauty can only be realized by its first being planted in the ground, in the form of a tiny seed.

Think about the fires that plague our hills in the fall when the leaves are dry.
Most times in cases like ours, fighting fire with fire is just about useless when the fire is very big and the land is very dry.

But rain - the rain we so often complain about in the middle of the summer--well, there is nothing like it to beat down the flames that threaten our homes .

As it is with seeds that are meant to be flowers - so it is for us.
As it is for the blazing fires of our world from which we need deliverance
- so it is with Christ.

Evil is not overcome by evil.

And a life worth the living is not found by clinging to the life we have, and surrounding it with all the toys that the world affords us.

Rather it is found by letting go of ourselves and our own selfish desires and our own feeble way of understanding things - and being obedient to the one who makes seeds to grow.

Yes Peter, Jesus must suffer and must die - and yes, that seems so wrong -
but listen - didn't you also hear him say "and on the third day be raised?"

Or, think about the call of Moses:
Yes Moses, I want you to leave the comfortable life you have found here in
Midian - I know you are wanted for murder in Egypt
- I know you can't speak well,
- I know that you require some kind of way of convincing my people
you have talked to me,
- I know Moses that even though I AM WHO I AM - the God of your
ancestors, has spoken to you, you don't want to go.
Jesus continues: “but haven't you heard me? I have heard my people's cry - and I am going to lead them out of bo***ge and bring them to this very mountain to worship me - if you but do as I ask.”

Or maybe—as we stand at our burning bush, we might hear - Yes _(you)____
- I know that I am asking you to go an extra mile when - in an ideal world - you shouldn't even have had to go the first.

And yes, I know that John and Mary don't deserve your time and your care after all that they have done to hurt themselves and their families.

And yes, I know that you have worked hard for what you have and shouldn't have to share it with those who haven't worked at all.
I know all that you have done and I know that other folk should be taking their turn instead of you – but haven't you heard?!

It is not only about what you are being asked to give up,
it is not only about dying to your self - to your idea of what is good and what it is not
- it is not only about taking up my cross and doing my will instead of indulging your own.

It is also about gaining the very thing you and everyone else needs the most: a life worth living - a life that gives life - a life that is joyful and unafraid - a life which death cannot destroy - a life in which the kingdom of God draws near and is lived and shared with all.

Yes, God talks to each one of us.
He talks about how we need to die to ourselves each day and to put his will first in our lives, and yes, it is not going to be fun or easy - especially at first; - but think about what is coming and what we will become.

Or not.

Praise be to Christ Jesus our Lord who died so we might live and who lives that we never die—and who asks us to take up our cross and follow him. Amen

PRAYER
Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for the privilege of standing before your throne and for your son who makes this possible. We thank you for your love and your mercy.

We ask that you give us the strength and the courage to daily put ourselves into your hands, to listen for your voice and to trust you to equip us for whatever you give us to do.

Father, we stop and especially thank you this morning for the many men and women who have, day by day by day, diligently and faithfully worked and by their combined efforts have made this country great.

We pray for those of our friends and family who have health problems this day, Lord. There are those undergoing treatment, there are those who are seeking a diagnosis, there are those who live with pain, those who are grieving this morning. We bring to you: (Insert your prayer list.)

Holy God, we pray for our Christian brothers and sisters not fortunate enough to share the freedom we enjoy in this country. We ask that you prevail on the world scene and touch hearts that the cruelty and injustice cease to exist.
May all governments seek the peace of your kingdom .

Help us in our daily lives, oh God, to truly love one another. We bring this and all of our prayers to your throne in the name of Jesus Christ . Amen

Our Youth class for Sunday School. August 23, 2026. ✝️. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten S...
08/24/2026

Our Youth class for Sunday School. August 23, 2026.
✝️.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. That who so ever shall believe in Him, shall have everlasting life.
John 3:16.

Submitted by: Teresa Malone Jenkins, Youth leader.

08/24/2026

Hello Folks!
Start looking for your rake. The time is almost here. Yes, it is hot out, but not for long. The lovely green trees will soon start turning all shades of red and yellow. It is amazing how the trees at just the right time start sending their sap down to its roots for the winter and the leaves adjust. How could anyone even think that all these miracles just happen. Unending thanks to our Creative and Loving God.

Matthew 16:13-20
The Final Exam
St. Peter at the Pearly Gates is the subject of oh so many jokes. In one story,
St. Peter asked if a man had done any good deeds. The man replied, "As a matter of fact, I have."

The man went on to tell about seeing a biker beating his girlfriend. He told how he had thrust himself in the middle to protect the woman, and had even punched the biker in the nose. Impressed, St. Peter asked, "When did you do that?" The man replied, "About ten minutes ago."

Where did St. Peter get his reputation as heaven's gatekeeper? Well, today's Gospel lesson answers that question.
But--let's start at the beginning.

In a sense, Jesus was giving the disciples a final exam.
The course work of Discipleship 101 had been completed. All that remained was for Jesus to test what the disciples had learned over the past three years.

Our school term has just begun here in 21st century America, but in the world of Jesus’ disciples, the three year course in the science of living, here and forever, is coming to an end. There were only two questions on the test—the first was a multiple choice. And that second one was an essay question.

“Who do people say the Son of Man is?” and then –
“Who do you say that I am?”

Jesus had to ask this second question.
Who do YOU say that I am.
He had to know--before he went into Jerusalem to the painful betrayal--to the agony of suffering--to the horror of the cross--he had to know if anyone had really listened--really paid attention--if anyone had grasped who he was.

The survival of the Christian faith depended upon the answer. If there were none who had grasped the truth, then all his work was undone. If even just one realized the truth, his mission would be carried on.

It is interesting that Jesus chose Caesarea Philippi for this dramatic moment in Christian history. For here, religious organizations abounded. (Cess a ree’ a)

There were temples of the ancient Syrian Baal worship.
A cavern in a nearby hill was said to be the birthplace of the Greek god of nature, Pan.

From this cave, the River Jordan sprang to life, a reminder of the ancient faith of Judaism.

And in Caesarea Philippi there was a great temple of white marble built by Herod the Great in homage to Caesar.

What a setting! Jesus set himself against a background of the world’s religions and demanded to be compared with them.

When Jesus confronted his “students”—his 12 disciples--with the question about his identity , the disciples offered a series of possibilities.

Wouldn’t you have thought by this time, they would have known better?
But then—by this time—now--with all of the signs and prophecies that have been fulfilled—with all the miracles of nature and humanity we witness daily—with all of the preaching and the teaching—wouldn’t you think that all of humankind would know better—but we don’t. And neither did the disciples.

They overlooked the obvious!

QUESTION #1
Jesus began with a general question. “Who do men say I am?” “What do other people think of me?”

Some said he was John the Baptist. John had been murdered by Herod but was such a great figure, he might have come back from the dead.

Others thought he was the prophet Elijah. Malachi had written that God promised that they could expect the return of Elijah just before the coming of the Messiah.

Still others said that Jesus was Jeremiah. It was believed that before the Israelites had gone into exile, that Jeremiah had taken the ark out of the Temple and hidden it--and that before the coming of the Messiah, he would return and produce it, bringing the glory of God to the people again.

These identities were all complimentary--but they fall far short.
Other religions say Jesus was a great man, a spiritual leader, a holy man or teacher, a prophet, an ethical person. But they fall far short.

The answer to this one question is what separates Christianity from all the other religions of the world. Most of them teach some form of the golden rule; they teach ethical living and positive thinking—many acknowledge the existence of Jesus--but they don’t know who Jesus is.

QUESTION #2
Now, Jesus asks the most important question of all time. “Who do YOU say I am?” The “you” here is plural. The disciples fidget and search their minds for a good answer--except for Peter.

Impulsive Peter who so easily puts his foot into his mouth--who may not always do the right thing--but who always does something--Peter jumps right in with the answer. And this time he gets it right!

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus asks us, too, “Who do you say that I am?”

The church came into being through Jesus Christ, yet often the church does not know him well.
We talk about Jesus,
sing about him,
tell our children how much he loves them,
and offer prayers in his name –
and yet too few really know who Jesus is.

We may know all about Jesus, but still not know him. The way we answer Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” defines our relationship with him--that answer defines our life.

This getting to know Christ involves first the surrendering of our hearts, then our lives to Jesus.

This decision frequently happens all at once—but the growing and the knowing takes place as we read scripture, as we pray, as we live.

Paul writes that to follow Christ, we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. In this way we will learn the will of God.

What does it mean to offer ourselves to God as a living sacrifice?

Life has a way of making this body of ours somewhat wrinkled and torn, or perhaps even filled with pain or disfigured in some manner—and in most cases out of shape. Our spiritual selves are no better, I’m afraid.

Is it necessary that we have everything in perfect working order to be "holy"—to be acceptable at God’s table—to get to know God?

Of course, we all know better than that.

God wants us to present ourselves to him—as we are--and let him make us holy and acceptable—physically and spiritually.

And, says the gospel, when we join ourselves to him,
when we offer ourselves to him completely - body, heart, soul and mind -
God will accept us –and through Christ--
- God will take that which is now imperfect - and make it perfect,
- that which is perishable and make it imperishable,
- and that which is mortal and make it immortal.

As we turn to him and let him transform us—as we mature in faith, as we serve him more and more—we get to know this Jesus—to really know him—Jesus-- the Son of the Living God.

It starts with a decision and it ends in heaven.

THE GREAT PROMISE
Jesus had succeeded.
For Jesus knew that it would only take one person to carry his message on after he was back in heaven. It wouldn’t take an army—it wouldn’t even take all twelve disciples—but just one with the power of the Holy Spirit would start a movement that would not—could not—be stopped.

We say—but I am just one person—what can I do?
This rather takes care of that question, doesn’t it?

Jesus said to Peter:
“… you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

Jesus goes on to say that Peter will have the keys to heaven and whatever he binds on earth or loosens on earth will be also done in heaven.

Here are the verses, Matthew 16:17-19 that split the Christian world.
And it is a matter of interpretation.

The Roman Catholic Church interprets this to mean that to Peter were given the keys which admit or exclude people from heaven and that he was given the power to forgive or not to forgive people of their sins.

It is argued that Peter here became the Bishop of Rome and that this power was passed down to all the Bishops of Rome—and that it exists today in the Pope, who is the head of the Catholic Church and the Bishop of Rome.

Their beliefs are sincere—and I respect their right to this opinion.

Protestants, however—and when I say Protestants, I mean any non-Roman Catholic Christians—Protestants look at these verses differently.

It becomes so important to look at scripture in the context of how things were said and done in the time in which it was written.

Peter’s name was l..Petros in Greek—and that means “rock.” But the Greek word used for a stone was different. It is petra.

Jesus was saying “You are petros (his name) and on this petra (stone or rock) I will build my church.

The word rock is used time and time again in the Old Testament to refer to God himself.

He was saying that the rock is Peter’s faith—and upon this faith the Church is founded. That faith would be the spark which would kindle the worldwide Church.

Peter was the first member of the Church, and, in that sense, the whole Church is built on him. This rock of faith was the cornerstone.

The Church began with Peter.

This Church does not refer to a building. No, it is the fellowship of all believers in Jesus Christ, not limited to any group or denomination—but reaching out to all who love the Lord.

As for the gates of Hades—Hades was not hell—the people of Jesus’ day believed it was simply the land of the dead. There could be no hell to punish those who reject Christ before Christ came to earth.

Jesus is the one person whom the gates of Hades or death could not shut in. He burst the bonds of death. They could not prevail against him—nor his Church.

Peter will hold the keys to the kingdom. In those days, the person having the key to a house was the faithful steward of the house. He opened the door in the morning and closed it in the evening. And it was only through him that visitors could gain access to the house.

Peter will be the steward of the kingdom—and the whole idea in Peter’s case is that of opening—not closing—opening the door of the kingdom.

The binding and loosening of people’s sins is a little more difficult to understand. But these terms were very common Jewish phrases and they mean to allow or forbid. Decisions had to be made about what was forbidden or allowed under a particular law.

Peter was going to have to make important decisions which would affect the whole Church.

When we put into modern language this passage we read today--which has caused so much argument and controversy--we see that it deals not with religious organization but with the things of salvation. It would now read like this:

Jesus said to Peter: “Peter, your name means a rock, and your destiny is to be a rock. You are the first person to recognize me for what I am, and therefore you are the first stone in the building of the fellowship of those who are mine. Against that fellowship, the powers of evil will no more prevail than they will be able to hold me captive in death.”

He continues, “In the days to come, you must be the one who will unlock the doors of the kingdom so that Jew and Gentile alike may come in; and you must be the wise administrator and guide--who will solve the problems and direct the work of the young and growing fellowship—the family of God.”

God made it all so simple. Humanity has tried desperately to complicate it.
The details can be argued—the interpretations will vary greatly.
Wars have been fought over those differences.
But God makes it so clear.
Get to know Jesus.

Jesus says, “Who do you say that I am? “
Let us answer with Simon Peter, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Amen

PRAYER
Gracious and Holy God - we thank you for your mercy and your love. We thank you that you ask for all that we are and your promise that when we give ourselves to you that you will make us all that we were created to be.

Transform us we pray. May our suffering, like Christ's, bring healing to others. May our weakness be filled with your strength as a testimony to your power. Take our thoughts and our feelings - and remake them so that they are like your Son's - and fill us with your wisdom so that we may be able to know and approve your good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Lord, we ask that you hear the prayers for those who are especially upon our hearts today. We think of the hungry and the homeless, those who grieve and those who live in fear; Bring light and love, healing and freedom, and encouragement to each person and situation that we now raise before you, loving God. You know each need. (Insert your prayer list.)

As we travel the path of Christ this coming week, Great God, keep us safe and make us mindful of your mercy, and joyful that you are able to bring good out of evil and life out of death.

Touch us now, Lord, and lead us day by day. We ask it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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