Sermon Archives

Sunday, September 7, 2014

New Testament Reading:  Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-30

Sunday, July 6, 2014

New Testament Reading:  Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-30

Sunday, June 15, 2014
Father's Day

• Likes to talk
• Likes good church music
• Likes to study the Bible

New Testament Reading:  Luke 5: 1-11

Sunday, June 8, 2014
Pentecost

New Testament Reading:  1 Corinthians 12: 4-13

Sunday, May 25, 2014

 
   The original Memorial Day observance was started May 5, 1868 as Decoration Day to put flowers on the graves of those who had fought in the Civil War.  The date was changed to May 30, because it was thought flowers were readily available all over the country by that date.  After WW I, it was extended to honor anyone who had died in service in any conflict.  In 1971, Memorial Day became a national holiday and was moved to the last Monday of the month.  1.32 million people have died – from the American Revolution to present.

  There is a commitment from our veterans – whether they were drafted or volunteered.  They have given service.  Would you?  You might be ok to give your life for your spouse or your children, or even your friends. But can I give my life for someone who hates me, someone who doesn’t believe what I believe, or even someone who does despicable things?

  In the verse today, Acts 17: 22-31,  Paul tells us how important God is and what Jesus has done.

  True service is when you aren’t getting anything. You give your life for someone else to have an opportunity.  That is what Jesus did for us.  He didn’t fight for a country, for a family, for land or mineral rights, he fought for our Salvation, and Life Eternal.  He willingly volunteered to be our servant.

  The most bloody war fought for our country was the Civil War.  We fought hard. Our country has continued to grow.  The strength didn’t come from the government or the president.  Our ability to come together came from our faith.  The government started wars, not soldiers. We have to honor our soldiers.

  Our country is 200+ years old and went from nothing- but we have the opportunity to worship, we have the opportunity for our kids to be educated, have the opportunity to drink water not contaminated, have the opportunity for food to be readily available.  This isn’t true around the world, and even in some places here.

  What should we do?  We teach, we love, we show who Jesus is, not who we want him to be, but who he is….

Everyone has the right to know Him. 

  When we hear the story of feeding the 5000, the disciples wanted to send them home, Jesus said feed them.  A kind boy brought fish and bread.  Give service: He said, Feed my sheep…HE said when I was sick, you gave me care….

Mathew 25 tells us how to be his servant.  Do we do it? Do we teach our young people about His love?  If you want your child to be a good servant, you need to be.

1.3 million people who gave their life for us should be honored.

Jesus served and gave his life.  The disciples turned away and denied him in the midst of the battle.  It might not seem like a battle, but he could have done something very different with his power.  His humbleness gave him the greatest victory.  His death on Good Friday leads to a celebration on Easter.

Our service in his honor should be to give love.  Every child deserves education, food, clothing. We serve through our church and individually. We have the opportunity to be in service, to be a servant of God.

Even simple everyday ways—when you are stuck in construction, do you let someone merge in front of you?  God sees these little things.  True service is showing God how much we care.

We celebrate, yet there is a scandal attached to the VA. Our veterans should be receiving the best care. This has happened when it has been about the Government, not about God.

True service is following the one true Servant—Jesus Christ. 

New Testament Reading:  Acts 17: 22-31

Sunday, May 11, 2014
Mother's Day

"Are You My Mother?"

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

Listen to the Mother's Day Sermon

 
  Today’s message relates to the early childhood reader by P.D. Eastman,
“Are You My Mother?”  You might want to re-read it!

When someone asks, Are you my Mother?  Your answer should be YES!

I started thinking about the 45+ mothers who have helped me in my life.  In today’s Bible reading, John 19:25-27, we hear some of the last words Jesus spoke.  He essentially told John that he needed someone to take care of him and he told Mary that she needed someone to take care of!

In December 1977, when I was 12, my mother had a stroke. I was blessed to have my sister Causandra step into the roll as my Mom, even with her own family to raise. But right at the moment of grieving, when family and friends had descended upon us, a Mom rescued me.
Ms. Tina, our neighbor came down and took me to her house where she comforted me and let me just be a kid for awhile.

Mothers nurture, discipline, give sound advice, and tell the truth when you need to hear it.

I keep thinking of all the Mothers who have helped me. I consider you all my Mothers, because you take care of me in a special way. Even if you are young, if you are not a biological mother, or don’t have a biological mother, you can be one. 

One of my mother’s from St. Timothy took care to be sure I was able to participate in trips the youth group was doing. She saw to it that I had clothes, food, and money.  When we had the 8th grade production which included a scene with a grandmother dying, and I cried, Mrs. Higggins was a mother to me in hugging me and letting me grieve my own Mother.

Mothers are like super heroes. They may help you with cookies, money, diapers, how to change a diaper, and a swift kick when it is needed.

Once I had a boss who was like a mother. I had a work obligation in Pontiac at 1:00, but I had to pick up my daughter in Grosse Pointe at 11:30. I told my boss I couldn’t make the work meeting She said, “Go get your daughter and bring her to me, I will watch her, you go to the meeting.”

Recently, when I was making the decision to step away from a lucrative and stable job and full time into ministry, I was quite nervous.  I was afraid of the politics. I was afraid I couldn’t do it.  I called my daughter’s Grandmother, and she said, “This is what you were born to do.”

I am your mother. I build you up. I pray for you. We can all be spiritual mothers. Who have you talked to? Who have you helped? Even a stranger in the grocery store who needs a calm word when her toddler is misbehaving-you are the mother. 

Men can be a spiritual mother too. A good friend reminded me that I might have to be Mother and Father to my daughter at a time when I was so angry at her Mom, and I wanted to throw up my hands and walk away.  He pointed me in the right direction-to be there for my daughter.

Some say Mother is Love.  Remember 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;  it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

• Mothers teach love.
• Mothers give love.
• Mothers are love.

If you are asked, “Are you my Mother?” Please say yes!

 Thank you Lord for Mothers!

New Testament Reading:  John 19: 25-27

Sunday, April 27, 2014

 
  When someone goes out of their way or does something for you when they did not have to, hopefully you say Thank you. We should say thank you to God. Our altar this week is in honor of Earth Day. Each cloth represents a part of God’s majesty. We should say thank you to God each time we see his creation.

As the poet, E.E. Cummings wrote:

I thank You God for most this amazing day:
for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky;
and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes
(I who have died am alive again today, and this is the sun’s birthday;
this is the birth day of life and of love and wings:
and of the gay great happening illimitably earth)
how should tasting touching hearing seeing breathing any
–lifted from the no of all nothing–human merely being doubt unimaginable You?
(now the ears of my ears awake and now the eyes of my eyes are opened)

  God created it - not man. The scripture talks about our salvation. What do we know? We need to thank God-he loved us so much that he came down to the Earth as man. At Easter he conquered death and rose as our Messiah.

 We want proof. We are all from Missouri - “the show me state”. In John 20:19-31, even the disciples wanted proof. Jesus appeared to many of the disciples and Thomas did not believe. Many of us are doubters too. We want our miracles to know that Jesus is resurrected. We want the big one - but there are little ones each and every day. One day you forget your lunch and don’t have any money and a client comes in and brings everyone pizza, isn’t that a miracle?

 He shows us love and kindness. He gives us a chance to be in relationship with God. Some things have changed, some have not. While at a bell choir conference, unfortunately I was mistaken for a server. But 100 years ago I might have been in chains. Women are now CEOs and are not property of their husbands. Children were seen and not heard, but now they can advocate for other kids! We have a long way to go, but it is better than it was. We should thank God every day for the sins he took from us. We aren’t as forgiving. If someone owes us money and they are not managing their money well, we get angry. Then they ask for more money for a great investment. Are we likely to give them any? Would you trust their money with them? We do that with sin and he trusted us anyway! We can have a chance to do the right thing.

 He gave us the Earth — and we don’t always take care of it.  But we get another chance every day to recycle, lower emissions. God has every right to do something bad.  A flood?
No, he promised there would be no other flood. But he could destroy us in other ways. 

• The air we breathe
• Beautiful sanctuary
• Worship in freedom
• Friends - even the crazy, zany kind
• Family
• Relatives — mend relationships where it is needed.

New Testament Reading:  1 Peter 1: 3-9

Palm Sunday, April 13, 2014

  The Green Mile was a thought provoking movie.  A man took on the burdens of others; so many times he was on death row.

  The scripture today is about Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, on a donkey or colt.  People were aware of Jesus and were excited.  They knew about stories such as Jesus raising Lazarus. Palms were laid on the road, so even the animal didn’t touch the ground.  Like all parades, the people were excited.

  But we are fickle. We have parades for athletes and athletic teams when they are winning….but if they have an issue, we turn away.  If they fall, we criticize. 

  Jesus knew why he was going to Jerusalem.  Why would he allow himself in this?  The same people who were yelling “Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna” would later yell, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him, Crucify Him.”

  Newscasts have information about entertainment. The number one movie over the weekend is presented as news. What does this tell us about the real world? There is mental illness, and poverty and budget cuts to programs to help these issues. Our education system is in crisis, yet college tuition keeps going up.  This is the first generation where the young people do not feel they will do better than their parents.  Do we want to hear the bad news?

  Jesus knew what he was doing. They would yell, “Crucify Him”. Jesus did it so we can be fickle.  He offered redemption. He took the beating and the death for us. We deserve it.  Who among us can take the evil of society and allow us to have eternal life?

And I am coming, and I will die. In John 12:20-35, Jesus teaches about his death. He said he is the light but he would only be there for a short time. 

  There is a lot of bad news- recent stories on the news.  Such as the man who was beaten after stopping at the car accident. And the woman who killed her child and chopped him in pieces.  And the kid who took a knife to school and injured 20.

  But there is a tipping point. We shine a light on the issues. 6 of the people have been arrested; a fundraiser for the man’s medical expenses raised double the goal.  We are not letting the evil take over.  Can we forgive the 12 who beat up the man?  The others?

  That light shines on us too! Jesus went to Jerusalem for our sins. We can live and continue to shine our light. Can we be the light outside these four walls of church? Do we stand up for justice in our workplace?  If someone is harming you or your children, can you forgive? You can know who He is.  He obeyed his Father. He wants us in relationship with God. How can we solve the problem before it escalates to murder? Do we have a light to shine? He took a death march to Good Friday for a reason, and Sunday, Easter Sunday, we will hear the rest of the story…

New Testament Reading:  Matthew 21: 1-11

Sunday, March 2, 2014

There is a difference between transformation and transfiguration.

Transformation - a complete or major change in someone's or something's
                                  appearance or form

Transfiguration - an exalting, glorifying, or spiritual change

Jesus revealed himself to his disciples in Matthew 17: 1-9

Jesus showed himself to his disciples as their Messiah.  If this happened today it would be viewed as as hoax.  His resurrection was proof that Jesus is the Messiah.  He was transfigured into God, right in front of the disciples.  Up until then, they had viewed him as human,  but now they know him as God.  It is a hard concept for us to understand.  

What does this mean for us?  How are we to live our lives knowing this?  We are to be transfigured, too.  Be as Jesus is and was.  

How do We do this?
Re-read the scripture 1 Peter 1: 13-21.

How should we live our lives?
If we think clearly we will want to change  How do we make the change?
Through obedience.  It starts with your actions, not by what denomination you are.  Not by what church you attend.  God judges you by your actions. Give back the worldly things and focus on Jesus.  Not who you are,  but your love for Jesus.

Be a stranger in a foreign land . . practice Christian principles in a world that may not understand them.  You are a stranger in this world. Be obedient to God through your acts of service.  Live your life as Christ wishes.  We judge people by clothes and cars and status.  But doing that only means we are still stuck in the flesh. 

You know, Lent is not in the Bible.  It is based on the 40 days/40 Nights before Easter where we sacrifice to remember the suffering of Jesus.  But we practice Lent to keep us in check.  When we transform, people see us differently.  We look the same, but act more like God.  Transformation comes through obedience. it is hard work and not easy.  We attend service and sacrifice things during Lent to strengthen us.  Communion also does this for us.  When we pronounce "This is the blood, this is the Body" We are renewing our spirit.  Jesus is now inside you and you are transforming.

  You will never be perfect.  You will make mistakes.  But you will notice the difference.  Others will notice the difference.  Once you are transformed, you will think differently about the little things.  You will make better decisions.  You will do the right things.

Read 1 Peter 22-25 again.  And remember to transform and trade your sorrows for joys.

New Testament Reading:  1 Peter 1: 13-21

Sunday, February 23, 2014

We go to school as kids, with the goal of being “done”. We go to college, looking to “get out”.  And we often only go because we have to.  But really, we should be going to school or learning in other ways simply for the quest for knowledge and understanding, not just to check off the goal.

 Psalm 119 is 176 verses. They are focused on:

1.  Teach me Lord, let me learn
2.  What are your rules/commandments, Lord?
3.   A prayer to be with the Psalmist (us)

Read Psalms 119:1-8; 33-40; 169-176
 There are 66 books in the Bible. My job as the Pastor is to help you understand what the Bible says. My views may be different from a previous Pastor, or different form the many commentaries written about the books of the Bible. But there are ten ideas in the Bible that do not need interpretation. You can live by them.  Of course, it is the 10 Commandments.  Name the 10 Commandments (from the congregation) No matter where you are from or where you go, you can live by them.  At work, if someone asks you to clock in for them, there is a commandment that applies.  If my former youth group members are getting married, and I am envious, there is a commandment about that; If you see someone who drops $100 and you have been having hard times, you still know what to do-based on the commandments. We all follow them, but we are sinners and sometimes we fail.
Then there is the great commandment.  
In Matthew 22:32-40 Love God, and Love your neighbor as yourself. You don’t have to learn everything in the Bible. By re-reading and studying you will learn new Points of view. If you read something as a youth and re-read years later, you gain a different perspective.  You do need to understand the 10 and the greatest 2. Even the secular world understands-call it pay it forward/karma/what goes around … If I want someone to help me, don’t I have to help others?  Most motivational books are based on the commandments.  All self-help books boil down to these basics. We allow the TV and internet to teach us-but we don’t let the Word of God teach us.  How should we feel? How should we love our Neighbor?  If something bad happens,we dwell on it.  You might eat out a thousand times and one time you have poor service, and you just can’t get over it and you tell everyone.  Stop living in the negative!  Our education system is bad, and a lot of people blame it on the teachers. But think back to your teachers, you had ten who were phenomenal, one who should have retired, but we focus on the “bad one”.  Every profession has good people who love their job, who work hard, who want to keep working. Following the precepts of the 10 commandments and the 2 commandments, we should respect the work of someone else.  The commandments say have no other God, no false images/idols. But money, and coveting a house, a degree, smart kids, we forget to accept what God has given us.  We get caught up in TV and TV perceptions. Are we liberal or conservative?  Who do we vote for?  Think about who you are voting for-do they glorify God? Do they love others?  Mostly they talk badly about one another-do we even want them representing us? God teaches us and shows us. He works with us and for us. Don’t let others teach us-learn the Commandments and live by them!

Old Testament Reading:  Psalm 119

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 The scripture today reminds us that we have similar issues today, “I’m Methodist”, “I’m Baptist”, I belong to a non-denominational church”…

How do we come together? As you know, I am a big Geek and I like all of the Star Trek series.  On one episode, there was a culture that assimilated every other culture - they take it and make it their own.  If people act/talk all the same, conflict would end, right?  They even have a United Federation of Planets which has to write rules for everyone to get along. The idea of melting pot seems unappealing—put your meat and your vegetables and everything you are about to eat into one big pot and cook it down—won’t it be flavorless and an ugly gray color?  Instead how about a buffet with many things to choose from, carrots, peas, green beans, and collard greens, all available for one meal.

In the scripture, Paul is criticizing the church at Corinth. He says, I am glad you weren’t baptized by me, or you would be claiming to belong to me.  Shouldn’t we all say, “We belong to Christ”?  At the end, Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins.  But there are many ways to get to the cross.  Just like, if I wanted to go to the Auto Show in downtown Detroit, I could take many different roads and still end up at the same place. Similarly, different denominations claim a different way to get to Christ.  We should all be in one accord with doing what God intends us to do.  Some people have even said, “God is Methodist.” Or “God is Catholic.”  OR God only loves music played gently on a pipe organ, or God only likes praise music, or God loves a good jazz riff… The truth is: God loves you and wants you to worship him and do his bidding. 

Are we changing people’s lives?  Are we taking care of the hungry, the poor, the downtrodden? We come together as Immanuel and in our community as the greater church. In the 2 ½ square miles that is Eastpointe there are more than 30 churches.  We haven’t come together to preach one accord.  John Wesley reminded us God is love.  He is our creator and he made us.  He came to us as Jesus Christ and died for us.  He showed us, “Our relationship is so strong, I will come and die for you.” We are caught up on liturgy and music and where and when we “do” church.  Did you come to the church for the call to worship or because you can serve on a committee?  We didn’t come for the preaching, or the music, but because we seek a relationship with God. We are not together every day. What sustains us is the relationship with God.  Why attend church?  You come to church to be with other believers. You support them and they support you.  It is a prayer, a hug, a relationship – a community of believers.   How do we have a relationship with others?  Churches are dying because we impose our wants with different ways to be in worship.  God wants us to be in relationship and to communicate.  IF you have a friend and you haven’t talked or written on a long time, can you pick up where you left off, even if two years have passed?  You can reach them and connect.  God just wants us to be in relationship! If I haven’t seen someone in a while and they say “Haven’t seen you…” I always invite them to church. I know where I will be on Sunday morning! Every denomination has a better way.  There is no better way.  We need to come together to do God’s work.  Not to diminish any work—it is just not the only way.  “We are supposed to do it a certain way.”  Young people are looking for authenticity.  They want to connect. Jesus Christ said come with a child-like open-mindedness - open to possibility. Have you ever seen a child who didn’t want to go somewhere? You cannot drag them! Love each person as they come.

In Matthew 4:18-23, Jesus asks the fishermen to put down their nets and become fishers of men.  Remember, fishing was a very traditional job in the region, and was passed down from father to son.  These two saw an opportunity.  They were Jewish, but trying to connect to the people.  We should heal the sick, that isn’t in any liturgy. We should feed the hungry, that isn’t in the liturgy. When the followers did this, they saw what could happen.  Not because Jesus was the greatest preacher, but because he was authentic and he loved them.  He gave them a chance to turn away from sin and to be in relationship with him and with God. If you come to the cross, he will love you. We can feed the hungry, we can hug; we can accept others where they are. They can feel the love! Who wouldn’t want to be a part of it?  Stop dividing ourselves – contemporary or traditional, denomination A vs. B, or church vs. church.  We belong to Christ.  It is not my job to bring people to the United Methodist Faith or to Immanuel. It is my job to bring people to Christ! Even if they end up going down the street and joining a different church – we serve a great God.

New Testament Reading:  Corinthians 1: 10-18

Sunday, January 19, 2014

January 20th is the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  I'll try to give you some more information about his background, something you do not already know.  I am going to share with you Rev. King’s letter from the Birmingham jail.  At the time, he was being persecuted for doing the right thing.  Eight Alabama clergymen sent him a letter.  The letter can be summed up as “you are an outsider and you shouldn’t come around here stirring up trouble.” And “Negros should wait for the court system.” 

Interestingly, 2 of the signers were Methodist bishops.  And the laws they wanted to wait for were unjust.  Rev. King responded with a long letter, I am going to share 6 paragraphs today. The whole letter will be linked on our website and Facebook page.

Martin Luther King, Jr. helped to change the status quo.

You can find the full letter at:  Letter from Birmingham Jail

Excerpts from the letter:

My Dear Fellow Clergymen,

While confined here in the Birmingham City Jail, I came across your recent statement calling our present activities "unwise and untimely." Seldom, if ever, do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas...But since I feel that you are men of genuine good will and your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I would like to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms.

(1)  I think I should give the reason for my being in Birmingham, since you have been influenced by the argument of "outsiders coming in." I have the honor of serving as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization operating in every Southern state with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. We have some 85 affiliate organizations all across the South...Several months ago our local affiliate here in Birmingham invited us to be on call to engage in a nonviolent direct action program if such were deemed necessary. We readily consented, and when the hour came we lived up to our promises. So I am here, along with several members of my staff, because I have basic organizational ties here. Beyond this, I am in Birmingham because injustice is here. Just as the eighth century prophets left their little villages and carried their "thus saith the Lord" far beyond the boundaries of their home towns; and just as the Apostle Paul left his little village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to practically every hamlet and city of the Graeco-Roman world, I too am compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my particular home town. Like Paul, I must constantly respond to the Macedonian call for aid.

(2)  I must make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers. First, I must confess that over the last few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White citizens' "Councilor" or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can't agree with your methods of direst action"; who paternalistically feels that he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by the myth of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait until a "more convenient season." Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection. .

(18)  I have heard numerous religious leaders of the South call upon their worshippers to comply with a desegregation decision because it is the law, but I have longed to hear white ministers say follow this decree because integration is morally right and the Negro is your brother. In the midst of blatant injustices inflicted upon the Negro, I have watched white churches stand on the sideline and merely mouth pious irrelevancies and sanctimonious trivialities. In the midst of a mighty struggle to rid our nation of racial and economic injustice, I have heard so many ministers say, "Those are social issues with which the Gospel has no real concern," and I have watched so many churches commit themselves to a completely other-worldly religion which made a strange distinction between body and soul, the sacred and the secular.

(23)  So here we are moving toward the exit of the twentieth century with a religious community largely adjusted to the status quo, standing as a tail-light behind other community agencies rather than a headlight leading men to higher levels of justice.

(24)  I have traveled the length and breadth of Alabama, Mississippi and all the other southern states. On sweltering summer days and crisp autumn mornings I have looked at her beautiful churches with their lofty spires pointing heavenward. I have beheld the impressive outlay of her massive religious education buildings. Over and over again I have found myself asking: "What kind of people worship here? Who is their God? Where were their voices when the lips of Governor Barnett dripped with words of interposition and nullification? Where were they when Governor Wallace gave the clarion call for defiance and hatred? Where were their voices of support when tired, bruised and weary Negro men and women decided to rise from the dark dungeons of Complacency to the bright hills of creative protest?" .

(25) Yes, these questions are still in my mind. In deep disappointment, I have wept over the laxity of the church. But be assured that my tears have been tears of love. There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love. Yes, I love the church; I love her sacred walls. How could I do otherwise? I am in the rather unique position of being the son, the grandson and the great-grandson of preachers. Yes, I see the church as the body of Christ. But, oh! How we have blemished and scarred that body through social neglect and fear of being nonconformists.

(26) There was a time when the church was very powerful. It was during that period when the early Christians rejoiced when they were deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town the power structure got disturbed and immediately sought to convict them for being "disturbers of the peace" and "outside agitators." But they went on with the conviction that they were "a colony of heaven," and had to obey God rather than man. They were small in number but big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be "astronomically intimidated." They brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contest.

(27) I hope this letter finds you strong in the faith. I also hope that circumstances will soon make it possible for me to meet each of you, not as an integrationist or a civil rights leader, but as a fellow clergyman and a Christian brother. Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear-drenched communities and in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all of their scintillating beauty.

(28) Yours for the cause of Peace and Brotherhood,

M. L. King, Jr.

Before he was a doctor, he was a Reverend. His father, grandfather, and-great-grandfather were pastors.  He was named after Martin Luther, the leader of the Protestant Reformation.

In Rev. King’s time, the laws kept everyone separate.  I couldn’t be the Pastor of this church. People could not attend school together.

He was not alone. He came to help the protest.  And he told them, no matter hwat happens, you must sit calmly. You cannot raise a hand or say anything.  If you go to jail, you just go.  If you are beaten, you cannot raise a hand. If someone is yelling in your face, you cannot yell back.  This is what he preached – non-violence.   The black people were looking for the same opportunities.

He was breaking the law, but it was an unjust law.  By unjust, we mean that it applied to people who did not have a vote in passing the law.  Segregation is legal. And some would say, but the blacks can vote. But in order to vote, the black people had to walk long distances to the polls, and had to pass a test, and had to pass a person with a gun.

He inspired people. He was still preaching every Sunday.  His non-violence message came from the Bible.  Today’s verse was Luke 6:27-31, about turning the other cheek.

He wrote speeches, but the important thing was that people were inspired. Some saw him on T.V., some saw what was happening in their communities and they began to write to their congressmen.  Laws were passed.  But changing a law doesn’t change much.  Hearts have to change by meeting people and getting to know them. So if you can meet at school, and you can meet at worship on Sunday, it will be easier to be equal.

Although this challenge is not really over; the new frontier is economic rights.  We have warm church. Coffee hour, maybe lunch after church.  But there are people living in a cardboard box who are not warm. There are people who have not eaten today or yesterday.  You might hate school, but some cannot attend school because their schools are closing-not just in the big cities, but in rural areas, too.  Libraries are closing. Did you know that 15% of Americans have no access to the internet? Even if they can afford it, they cannot get to it.  Even closing a business such as Barnes & Noble cuts off access to books and learning.

The haves and have-nots divide is getting wider.  Differences of where a child is born makes a huge impact.  Why is a child hungry, why don’t they have clothing? This is our civil rights issue today.

How much does college cost? If someone doesn’t go to college. They have limited opportunities.  How about in Virginia where a factory was built up stream from the water supply. The company got a tax break, and the county got jobs, but the water was contaminated. It is a poor area.  Would it be allowed somewhere else? Here in our community, drive southbound on I-75 and notice the odors and the smoke. Would that happen northbound or in Bloomfield Hills? No!

How do we do what we need to do?  Matthew 25:34-38:

³⁴ “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began. ³⁵ I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. ³⁶ I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’

³⁷ “Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? ³⁸ When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear?

We are going to start a noisy collection on the third Sunday. The children will assist us in collecting. This month the donation will go to the United Methodist Children’s Home.  The Children’s Home provides a family environment for vulnerable children.

It starts with the power of one.

When you think about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. legacy, think not just of what he has done,
but what one can do.

New Testament Reading:  Acts 10: 34-43

Sunday, January 12, 2014

We all have favorite things. But we are fickle and they change.
Our scripture today, Acts 10:34-43 reminds us, God has no favorites. He is for everyone.

You have the opportunity to be the favorite.  Today is the second Sunday in Epiphany when we traditionally celebrate the baptism of Jesus.  Baptism is an outward expression of you turning to God.

There are three ways to be baptized: immersion, pouring, sprinkling.  All are about the outward expression of turning to God.  When we baptize children, the parents take on the responsibility of bring the child up as a Christian. At confirmation, the child makes the pledge for themselves.   Baptism is a pledge to turn your life to Christ – you accept those things.  Baptism is a sign of membership, but you are only baptized once, even if you change denominations. 

Once you are baptized, you have a life-long relationship. Read Luke 1: 13-17 – the birth of John the Baptist.

John and Jesus were not Christian, they were Jewish.  Some call being baptized being born again.  You are a new person in Christ.  You are not perfect.  You will make mistakes and bad things will happen. But now you know sin is wrong and you ask for repentance.  When you want to change, turning to Jesus isn’t easy.  The evil powers will try to pull you back.  Want to meet the devil? Go to church.  You may start to question things. Do you make errors? Even the Pastor makes errors and others are there to say “I told you so.”  This is the devil.  Do not tell someone else how to live. Do not judge. Instead, live as though you are doing the best you can in your circumstances, and you are learning from your errors.

Turning your life to Jesus is a commitment to try to do the right thing.  Before, you didn’t know and ignorance was bliss.  But now you worry about others before yourself and about making God pleased.

Read Matthew Chapter 3: the Ministry of John the Baptist.  Jesus was baptized.

Are you God’s favorite?  God doesn’t have a favorite football team or a favorite person. There are 5 billion people. Everyone has an opportunity to be the favorite – to have a relationship with God.  You are always loved!  You might not turn away from your previous ways: cussing/drinking/gambling. What kind of Christian are you?  You don’t do everything perfectly?  But God does care about you! 

Read John 14:12-14. You can do what he has done and even greater things if you believe.  You can turn away.  It doesn’t make your history go away. It makes you change. Kneel at the throne. There is no color/no gender/no sexual identity. 5 billion people have an opportunity.  He only knows that you want a relationship and you will try.  Even when you change churches, he likes you. It doesn’t matter, as long as you desire to meet him.  Baptism is an outward sign.

What is the outward sign of your peace?  John told the Pharisees and Sadducees to come to the river based on their heart. He rebuked them for doing it because it “Was the thing to do”, and warned of being burned by fire. 

Similarly, a marriage license is an outward sign of a commitment. But some people live as though the commitment doesn’t matter and others, even without the piece of paper, are truly committed.  Do you act like you want to be together forever?

God wants you to say:  This is who I am and I want you to love me just as I am.  Everybody has the opportunity to be God’s favorite.

New Testament Reading:  Acts 10: 34-43

Sunday, January 5, 2014
Epiphany

What are your plans for New Year?

New Testament Reading:  Matthew 3: 1-12

Sunday, December 22, 2013
Fourth Week of Advent

Christmas is a hectic time, even for Pastors.

New Testament Reading:  Matthew 3: 1-12

Sunday, December 15, 2013
Third Week of Advent

Some conversations are difficult.

New Testament Reading:  Acts 4: 32-35

Sunday, December 8, 2013
Second Week of Advent

New Testament Reading:  Matthew 3: 1-12

Sunday, December 1, 2013
First Week of Advent

Old Testament Reading:  Isaiah 2: 1-5

Sunday, November 24, 2013

"Working Together"

A Reflection on a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  2 Thessalonians 3: 6-13

Sunday, November 17, 2013

There is Much Work
to be Done

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  2 Thessalonians 3: 6-13

Sunday, November 10, 2013

The Best is Yet to Come

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

Old Testament Reading:  Haggai 1:15b - 2:9

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Saint, Sinner or In-Between

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Luke 6: 20-31

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Not Like Them

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

 New Testament Reading:  Luke 8: 9-14

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Be Still and Know I am God

Sermon by Dean Miles

Old Testament Reading:  Psalm 27:1

Sunday, October 13, 2013

It Can't be that Simple

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

Old Testament Reading:  2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15

Sunday, September 22, 2013

A Good Manager

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Luke 16: 1-13

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Lost and Found

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Luke 15: 1-10

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Playdough

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

Old Testament Reading:  Jeremiah 18: 1-11

Sunday, September 1, 2013

I Can Do Anything Through Christ

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Philippians 4: 10-13

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Is It Time?

Dr. Althea Lynn Simpson Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Luke 13: 10-17

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Good News

Lay Speaker Heather Nowak Preaching

Old Testament Reading:  II Kings 7: 9
New Testament Reading:  1 Peter 3: 15

Sunday, August 11, 2013

When Is He Coming?

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Luke 12: 32-40

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Don't Be Anxious

Lay Speaker Bob Kern Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Philippians 4: 4-9

Sunday, July 28, 2013

The Lord's Prayer

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Mark 19: 29-33

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Preoccupied

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Luke 10: 38-42

Sunday, July 14, 2013

A Good Neighbor

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Mark 19: 29-33

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Are You There?

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

Old Testament Reading:  Psalm 77: 1-2

Sunday, June 23, 2013

We Have to be Authentic

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Galatians 3: 23-29

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Sink, Swim or Walk?

Marquette District Superintendent
Elbert Dulworth Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Galatians 3: 23-29

Sunday, June 9, 2013

I Once Was a _________

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Galatians 1: 11-24

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Can You Feel It?

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Acts 2: 1-21

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Can I get a Witness?

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Acts 1: 1-11

Sunday, May 5, 2013

They Love Me

They Love Me Not!

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  John 14: 23-29

Sunday, April 28, 2013 

"Why 'THEM' "?

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Acts 11: 1-18

Sunday, April 7, 2013 

"Seeing is Believing"

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  John 20: 19-31

Sunday, March 31, 2013  - Easter Sunday

"Where Is He?"

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

 Did you read today’s scripture: John 20:1-18?

Jesus’ tomb is empty!  They looked in and saw the cloths-but no body.  Mary saw Angels, then she saw someone she presumed to be the gardener…when he spoke she recognized Jesus.  The other disciples knew the scripture, but they did not know that what was foretold in the scripture was happening.  They walked with Jesus, talked with Jesus. 

Luke 24:13-35

¹³ Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. ¹⁴ They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 1⁵ As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; ¹⁶ but they were kept from recognizing him.
¹⁷ He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. ¹⁸ One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
¹⁹ “What things?” he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. ²⁰ The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; ²¹ but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. ²² In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning ²³ but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. ²⁴ Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
²⁵ He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” ²⁷ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
²⁸ As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. ²⁹ But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
³⁰ When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. ³¹ Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. ³² They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
³³ They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together ³⁴ and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” ³⁵ Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

Even his followers didn’t know who he was. They were repeating the gossip.  Jesus reminded them of the scripture; he told them they were foolish.

Jesus suffered for you. The scripture said the Messiah would suffer. If he didn’t rise on Sunday, he would not be the Messiah.  When the tomb was empty, they should have known.  If they didn’t know, even meeting him and talking to him, how do we know him?

We should know Jesus!  Did you receive forgiveness? Have you sinned? Has someone forgiven you? The coach or the teacher who pushed you and you did better…this is Jesus.  He wants the best for us.  With God, you step up and then he asks for more. Jesus is inside of you! Do you think Jesus was ok with dying? He did ask, ‘Why have you forsaken me?” Couldn’t it be someone else? Why do I have to die?   But he still had to do it.  Do you ever grump about what you have to do?  But you do it anyway.  Did Jesus really want to die?  He understood his sacrifice and what his purpose was. 

God gave you a gift, use your time, talent, gifts, and make the sacrifice. Can we do more for God?  Sacrifice for Jesus-take care of your family, help someone else. It comes from God.  Do it for God. Do it for Jesus Christ, for what you are called for? There is something burning in you – what is stopping you?

Your sacrifice brings you closer to God.

Jesus is walking with you and talking with you.  The love you give…God called you.  That is how you know he is alive! He is inside each of us/ The smile, the hug, the sacrifice of time-is the Jesus in you.  God allows you to pay it forward; the offering is increased ten times. Your skills, gifts, grow 10 times.  He is alive! You are Jesus!

In the scripture, walking to Emmaus, their heart was warmed. Jesus was inside of them! Working, living, breaking bread. He took the beating for us. He Hung on the cross for us. The third day – he is alive! He is not there – he is alive!  He is alive with spirit!

New Testament Reading:  Luke 19: 28-40

Sunday, March 24, 2013  - Palm Sunday

"The Headliner"

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

 Everyone had their own understanding and expectations of Jesus-they had heard of the miracles.   Jesus knew of the expectations.  He rode into the City on a colt, and the crowds yelled “Hosanna”.  To them, the meek shall inherit the kingdom meant their lot in life would be changing.  Someone is going to change everything. We can look back with 20/20 hindsight and we know that Jesus is going to die. But the crowds did not know this.  In that moment, they didn’t know, and even those who had not seen the miracles followed along with the crowd.  They didn’t know what was going to happen, but oh, did they have expectations!  The promises from the Psalmists were coming true.

Read: Psalm 118:19-29.

This is what is expected. Success is assured. What does this mean?  They thought it meant they would be Prosperous in money and land;but they didn’t know what Jesus was about to do!  When the Pharisees tried to stop the crowds, Jesus told them, event the stones will cry out.  And still, the people did not know.

Some people have given their life to God. They thought the hard part was coming to the altar to praise and worship Jesus. But the hard part is still coming—it is the sacrifice!  The same people exalting and shouting “Hosanna”.  will soon be shouting, “Crucify him!”, and they will set a thief free.  People are fickle. We raise expectations that are unrealistic.  (Think of any sports team—if they win, we follow and shout, if they loose we won’t even take the free tickets!)

The parade of people waving branches and shouting Hosanna was far out of Jerusalem.  Read Luke 19:41-45.  The people don’t see the opportunity Jesus and God is offering.  They are celebrating, but they do not see the sacrifice.  We have to sacrifice!

We have a wonderful church building—decorations, band, sermons; but it all means nothing if we do not understand that he came to Jerusalem to die for us!  We have an opportunity to be his arms and feet in the community.  We have the vision of the past—but what do we have for the present and the future?  The Christian faith is filled with pride for new Christians.  But, would you say you were Christian if you had to sacrifice? If you had to sacrifice for other believers who you felt were worthy? If you had to sacrifice for those you thought were unworthy? 

We have expectations of all kinds of headliners—when we go to see a band, we expect certain songs. If they don’t sing those songs, didn’t they still practice? Didn’t they still put on a show?  Could you do the exact same thing every day for 365 days?

The crowd wants Jesus to repeat miracles.  BUT he came to save everyone—everywhere. He is going to take the lashes, and carry the cross, and die for you.  Jesus came to save you and to give you the opportunity to live!  This is not the show. Jesus is the light and the truth.  As the music plays, and the kids lead a parade of palm leaves, Jesus will be more than the headliner!!! He will be inside each of us!

New Testament Reading:  Luke 19: 28-40

Sunday, March 17, 2013  - Fifth Sunday of Lent

"Moving Forward"

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Philippians 3: 4b-14

Sunday, March 10, 2013  - Fourth Sunday of Lent

"True Worshippers"

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

New Testament Reading:  Luke 13: 1-9

Sunday, March 3, 2013  - Third Sunday of Lent

"Room to Grow"

Pastor Albert Rush Preaching

Today’s Scripture: Luke 13:1-9 (re-read it!)
Do you have a green thumb? 
   Most plants will do well with some love and care. Usually we are not patient. We have to nurture and take time. We cannot make up for a drought with a flood!
Also read Galatians 5:16-26
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.  
   Jesus is saying that you must repent.  Repent means? Yes, say you are sorry.  Yes, say that you don’t plan to do it again.  And apologize to those whom you have sinned against.  We are sinful, you plan to never do it again; but sin is fun!  It is a trick of the devil. It separates you from God. But you like it so you do it again.  You cannot just say I am sorry, then do the same sin again tomorrow. No, you don’t plan to do it – you must really try not to.
   How does this relate to the fig tree?  If the tree isn’t doing well, we have to give it care.  Someone has to fertilize it. And someone fertilized you—someone threw manure-they told you the truth about yourself!
   You may look in the mirror and say “I am not who I say I am”  You have the fruits of the spirit to make and grow fruit!  What about those who are bare fig trees?  You might be tired of hearing it.  BUT give them manure-the truth will set you free. Once you give it, back off and give them room.  They need support:  you provide light and the Word.  Invite them!  They will bear fruit. You were Jesus and the spirit to them.
   Encourage them. People will be judged on the fruit they bear.
We are encouragers . . . the scripture reminds us it isn’t about who was first or last or worst or best, we were sinners. We can improve and help others to improve.
   Pastor shared a story of an improve group through Star Family Services that he presented with.  They shared a skit with a group of young people in a youth home, awaiting jail.  The story focuses on one bad child. He caused his grandmother’s house to be burned down, his sister to be beat up, and he was stealing money from the family.  The family gets together and because they cannot handle it anymore, they will end his life. They feel it is only a matter of time before he dies; it might as well be them.  The point is he never knew what he was doing to hurt his family. So the next scene is the parent taking the kid around the corner and the sound of gunshot.  One young man who was presented this skit jumped up.  He was crying!  He said, “Why did you have to kill him? He could have changed! I could have changed!”  Everyone was moved.
  Can you change? Can you help someone else change? We are sinners, but we keep repenting!

New Testament Reading:  Luke 13: 1-9