Sermon by: Robert Austell; August 19, 2018 - Ephesians 2:19-22 :: Sermon Audio (link) :: Click link to open and play in browser; right-click to save. Sermon audio is also accessible as a free podcast in iTunes. Search for "Good Shepherd Sermons" or "Robert Austell."  Your browser does not support the audio element. ::: Music :: Cornerstone (Bethel Music) In Christ Alone/Solid Rock (arr. Cottrell) All to Us - worship team (Tomlin, Reeves, Maher, Redman) The Church's One Foundation (AURELIA) :: Sermon Manuscript (pdf) :: This manuscript represents an early draft of the sermon. Some weeks the spoken version varies more than others from the early manuscript. Nevertheless, if you'd prefer to read than to listen, this is provided  for that purpose. About two or three years ago I stepped into the restroom just outside the sanctuary and had a big scare. I’m glad I happened to look up when I first walked in because when I turned the lights on I saw that the drop ceiling was… not right. It was bowed and buckled down and there was at least one piece on the floor. What in the world?! We had just had the big air conditioning unit replaced above that part of the roof and the process of installation had caused that part of the roof to sink a bit. As it turns out, it was probably the fault of the original construction rather than anything the AC installers did wrong. You can also probably imagine the blame game between those folks, the original construction company, and the insurance company. But that part is beyond the scope of this sermon. I’ll just say a huge THANK YOU to John Wright and the facilities ministry team for chasing all that down and making sure it was quickly fixed, safe, and secure for our bathroom needs. My point in all that is that many of us probably take for granted that buildings are well-constructed. Unless you are in the construction or design business or have had a major failure because it wasn’t done right, the best sign of a well-built car or structure is that it doesn’t attract that kind of attention! This morning’s text is talking about something the Lord has made that we get to live in and enjoy. This is the Master-Builder and Architect, the Creator of the world, so you can count on it being well-made and solid! It fits perfectly into our “open house” series because it is talking about the house God has made for His people. So, in recent weeks we have been looking at Ephesians 2 and the broad reach of God’s love, gathering people from far off to be part of God’s family and Kingdom. Today the news to all those God has gathered, far and near, is that God has a home together for us. And it is one God has made, perfectly and with purpose. No Longer Strangers (v.19) In verse 19 we have the connection with what has gone before. Those who once were “far off” or wandering or lost are now, in Christ, no longer strangers and aliens. Those who were strangers to God’s covenant promises have now been brought near, recipients of God’s wide mercy and great love. So, no longer strangers, but now fellow citizens with the saints. Our citizenship is in Heaven, in God’s Kingdom, with God all at once as King, Lawgiver, and Merciful Father. Talk about open house – this is the Good News, that God’s Kingdom and people are not a closed group, but one that welcomes people from every nation, background, education, status, class, and race. All are welcome through Christ, who is the embodiment of God’s promises to bless the whole earth. And it’s not just citizenship in a Kingdom, but verse 19 also says you belong to God’s family: you are of God’s household. Remember the speech the prodigal prepared for his father? He would just ask to be taken on to the household as a hired hand. But the Father did not just hire him on, but welcomed him home as his son. It’s a double-belonging: you are citizens in God’s Kingdom and beloved members of God’s family. I often say that though humanity rebelled against and turned away from God, God did

Sermon by: Robert Austell; August 5, 2018 - Ephesians 2:11-13; Luke 15:20-24 :: Sermon Audio (link) :: Click link to open and play in browser; right-click to save. Sermon audio is also accessible as a free podcast in iTunes. Search for "Good Shepherd Sermons" or "Robert Austell."  Your browser does not support the audio element. ::: Music :: Come Thou Fount/We'll Feast (arr. Austell) What a Beautiful Name (Fielding/Ligertwood) And Can it Be (SAGINA) :: Sermon Manuscript (pdf) :: This manuscript represents an early draft of the sermon. Some weeks the spoken version varies more than others from the early manuscript. Nevertheless, if you'd prefer to read than to listen, this is provided  for that purpose. Today we are returning to our “Open House” summer series. We are looking at how God invites all people to know Him and enter His presence through Jesus Christ and how we can be an “open house” church in participation with what God is doing. Today we are going to start in the middle of Ephesians 2 and slowly move through the middle of chapter three over the next five weeks. The overall theme is exactly that of our summer series: God is an inviting and welcoming God whose reach is far and wide. And He is building a refuge, a home, and a sending station on earth through His church. And that’s us! I have included part of the story of the prodigal son in today’s readings because that parable captures the theme in a memorable and moving story form. We’ll consider that story, our own story, and who God is forming us to be as His church in this place. The Prodigal (Luke 15:20-24) The story of the prodigal son is practically the reverse of this. The younger son, eager to have his independence and be free of the responsibilities of life at home asks his father for what only would have come to him at his father’s death. It was insulting, selfish, and particularly in the days Jesus told the story, embarrassing and shameful to the father and family. But after burning through all the money and finding himself not only in one of the lowliest jobs imaginable for a young Jewish man (feeding pigs!), he remembered something of who he had been and recognized where he was currently. He remembered that even the servants in his father’s household ate and slept better than this. He remembered the kindness of his father, though he would not imagine the extent of it. He recognized just how low he had come and decided to go beg his father to take him on as a hired hand, to regain some semblance of dignity and life. Now you probably know the end of that story and we just heard it read anyway. But I want to pause there and look at Ephesians with you. Remember! (vv. 11-13) Starting in v. 11, twice we see the word REMEMBER. That’s what scripture says. Remember who you were and what happened to you. Remember what God has done. Let’s look: 11 Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. Paul is writing to non-Jewish people – that’s who Gentiles are – about their relationship to God before the salvation of Christ. The first “remember” was that they were outside of God’s Word and covenant. Circumcision was the sign of participation in God’s covenant with Abraham and only those who were part of Israel took that sign. The second “remember” in verse 12 continues, spelling out some of the implications of not being part of the covenant. The Gentiles were separate from Christ (and all the promises and hopes for God’s Messiah signified and spelled out in that covenant). Interestingly enough, anyone who WAS familiar with God’s covenant with Abraham and with Israel knew that God’s promises and hopes were not limited to the people of Israel, but

Sermon by: Robert Austell; August 12, 2018 - Ephesians 2:13-18; Luke 15:25-32 :: Sermon Audio (link) :: Click link to open and play in browser; right-click to save. Sermon audio is also accessible as a free podcast in iTunes. Search for "Good Shepherd Sermons" or "Robert Austell."  Your browser does not support the audio element. ::: Music :: What a Beautiful Name (Fielding, Ligertwood) Women's Trio: Put Peace into Each Other's Hands (arr. Holstein) Prince of Peace (Michael W. Smith) My Lighthouse (Rend Collective) :: Sermon Manuscript (pdf) :: This manuscript represents an early draft of the sermon. Some weeks the spoken version varies more than others from the early manuscript. Nevertheless, if you'd prefer to read than to listen, this is provided  for that purpose. Division, arguments, polarization, barriers, frustrations, anger, fear… while these things have been around since the first sin of Adam, it seems all around us (and in us) in a new and alarming way these days. Do you feel it? It’s not just politics, economics, or race; those are manifestations of something deeper and more pernicious. Last week we looked at the wideness of God’s mercy in welcoming home the lost, wandering, and far off. We focused on the character and compassion of God, portrayed so vividly as the loving Father in Jesus’ parable of the lost or prodigal son. This week we will focus more on what God did out of that character of mercy and compassion. We left off with “But now in Christ Jesus, you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (v.13) Today we’ll look at the verses that follow and unpack what that means for humanity and for us. Sin Remembered: Civil Rights Museum, Birmingham, AL I don’t know that you need an illustration of the division, arguments, barriers, anger, and fear, but I want to share one. One of the most significant memories I will have of the high school mission trip to Birmingham, Alabama, was the time we spend in the Civil Rights museum. We met in the park outside the museum where different historical civil rights moments have been captured in bronze. We walked a path between bronze, life-sized snarling dogs unleashed on black citizens. We walked through a door to see bronzed full-scale water hoses turned on us as they were on children in one tragic and historical moment in Birmingham. The museum itself was well-done, a walking tour through black and white history, with things to see, touch, and listen to. We saw a jail cell like that where Martin Luther King, Jr., penned his “Letter from Birmingham Jail” urging the white clergy and Christians not to remain silent or aloof in the face of racial injustice. We saw the difference in desks, books, materials, and more in reconstructed classrooms from segregated schools. It reminded me of much of what I’ve read in the Color and Character book of Charlotte and West Charlotte history that I’ve been reading this summer. Our whole group moved slowly as we saw the history of barriers and division and contemplated how many obstacles and division continue to this day. As I read today’s text all this came to mind, not because the distinction of Jew and Gentile are the same thing exactly, but because it is fruit from the same tree of human sin and selfishness. I want to take a moment to look at Paul’s focus in the passage, but then broaden out the discussion to speak to some of what we face today. Breaking Down the Barriers and Division (vv. 14-16) Verses 14-16 describe what God did through the sacrificial death of Jesus. In this context it is focused on the reconciling of Jew and Gentile, those described in Ephesians as being either inside or outside the blessing of the covenant promises and presence of God. Yet Paul has reminded his readers that God’s intent from the beginning was hope and salvation for all people. And that promise is fulfilled in and through Jesus. Listen to those verses again: 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups

Sermon by: Linda McMillan Bowman; July 29, 2018 - Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Peter 2:11-12 :: Sermon Audio (link) :: Click link to open and play in browser; right-click to save. Sermon audio is also accessible as a free podcast in iTunes. Search for "Good Shepherd Sermons" or "Robert Austell."  Your browser does not support the audio element. ::: Music :: Come, Christians, Join to Sing O Word of God Incarnate Let Your Heart by Broken :: Sermon Manuscript (pdf) :: This manuscript represents an early draft of the sermon. Some weeks the spoken version varies more than others from the early manuscript. Nevertheless, if you'd prefer to read than to listen, this is provided  for that purpose. Ready…Set…..Go Earlier this week I was at Bald Head Island with my kids and grandkids. Really tests your love of family when trapped in beach house with 10 grandchildren, ages 1 to 7, and it rains for three days and three nights. God bless those little boogers. They can demolish a house in no time at all. There were cookies tucked between sofa cushions, partially deflated balloons hanging from lamp shades, half empty baby bottles poking out from under beds and sticky fingerprints all over every-thing! And there I was grumping around- picking up this, putting away that, hollering “shut the door, were you raised in a barn?” yet all the while, smiling discreetly- thanking God for those precious little babies. For in addition to leaving sticky fingerprints on the doors and windows and walls, those adorable little monsters were leaving fingerprints on my heart. Speaking of fingerprints, a 19th century statesman for world peace named Eli-hu Buritt once said this: “We are each forming characters for eternity. No human being can come into this world without increasing or diminishing the sum total of human happiness, not only of the present but of every subsequent age of humanity.” What Mr Burritt meant was that all of us are leaving fingerprints not on just walls and windows and doors, but on people we come in contact with through our words and our actions. Question is: What kind of fingerprints are we laying down? What is the message we are sending? To our children? To the person at the office? At the gym? In the classroom? To that random person at the stoplight or in the Target? You might remember a FB post several months back. In it, a New York woman can be seen and heard threatening a Delta FA. Moved/crying baby. Threaten FA job/curses Her fingerprints? The message she was sending? U-Galy and it went viral……..1.8 m people. Unfortunately negative messages make far better news stories and leave bigger fingerprints than acts of goodness and kindness. And thanks to social media, these messages can go viral in seconds. We’ve got to realize our actions and our words have a powerful impact on people. Elihu Buritt had no idea just how right he was; we are indeed forming characters for an eternity. In our passage from I Peter, the author, the disciple Peter himself is talking to those on the inside, the devoted church goers, similar to us, and he is reminding them to “live an exemplary life among the NATIVES.” Live an exemplary life among the NATIVES. I don't know about you but calling people who are outside the church “Natives” sounds dangerous to me. Might have been different in Peter’s day but in this day and age, we should be very careful about how we use language to type people into categories. Other translations for this word natives unsaved neighbors pagans (yicks) try calling your neighbor who doesn’t believe a pagan and see if you get invited for 4th of July picnic. People who don’t believe Let's settle on “Live an exemplary life among the people who don’t believe.” But as you heard read earlier Peter didn’t end there. He went on to say “so that your actions will refute their prejudices.” Refute their prejudices? Why would we, the church of Jesus Christ have to refute or prove wrong THEIR prejudices? Where did they, the natives, the folks that do

Sermon by: Robert Austell; July 15, 2018 - Psalm 19:1-10 :: Sermon Audio (link) :: Click link to open and play in browser; right-click to save. Sermon audio is also accessible as a free podcast in iTunes. Search for "Good Shepherd Sermons" or "Robert Austell."  Your browser does not support the audio element. ::: Music :: When Morning Gilds the Skies (arr. Austell) My Lighthouse (Rend Collective) May the Words of My Mouth (Ellie Holcomb) - Bess McLawhorn, vocalist I See the Lord (Falson) :: Sermon Manuscript (pdf) :: This manuscript represents an early draft of the sermon. Some weeks the spoken version varies more than others from the early manuscript. Nevertheless, if you'd prefer to read than to listen, this is provided  for that purpose. Last week we looked at the first part of Psalm 19, which declared that the heavens and all creation are “pouring forth speech” that God IS and God is glorious – powerful, big, creative, amazing! We also looked at the middle part of the Psalm, which overflowed with love and gratitude for God’s Word – His Law and Commandments written in scripture. God has shown us who He is and what He wants! So with the broad message of creation and the specific message of scripture, we come to the final part of Psalm 19, which describes what is left: how we respond to that amazing, enormous, and yet intensely personal message from God to humanity. We are going to look at three aspects of responding to God’s revealing of Himself: OBEDIENCE, REPENTANCE, and WORSHIP. Obedience (v.11) With verse 11, we are put on notice that God has not been silent: “By them [God’s Words] Your servant is warned.” If Romans 1 declared that God’s general revelation in creation leaves humanity “without excuse” then God’s specific commandments leave us all the more responsible. God has told us who He is and what He wants. The Psalmist says that we should not ignore that! But the warning also comes with a hopeful promise and invitation. Continuing in v.11, “In keeping them there is great reward.” The word ‘them’ refers to the Commandments and words of God that have just been so eloquently described in the preceding verses. God’s Laws are not to shut us down or rob us of joy or imprison us. They are for freedom and blessing and flourishing. I have talked many times about how the right kinds of rules and boundaries protect us and bless us. Think of speed limits… we don’t have them because lawmakers want us to have no fun; we have them to reduce accidents and deaths on the road. It’s hard to really believe that when you are 17 and feeling the power of a car engine beneath your feet, but it is nonetheless true. Likewise, God’s Word to us is for our good; actually, for our best! So the Psalmist begins this third section holding out the goodness and blessing of obedience, of faithful response to God’s showing us who He is and what He wants. Repentance (vv.12-13) In verses 12-13 we read about the process of turning around. That’s what repentance is… turning around from whatever keeps us from looking or listening to God and turning TOWARD looking, listening to, and serving God. I gave an example last week that it could be as simple as laying my phone down to pay attention to what God is doing around me or in the people around me. Or it can be as difficult and deep as seeking to relinquish a habit or addition or sinful pattern to God’s help and healing. Let’s look at some of the language the Psalmist puts around repentance. “Who can discern his errors?” (v.12) – Repentance involves an honest look at ourselves to discern the ways we sin and are turned away from God. And indeed it is only with God’s help and the light of His Word that we can do so. But that is the first step in turning from sin toward God. We have to examine ourselves and consider our transgressions and rebellion against God. “Acquit me of hidden faults.” (v.12) – Repentance involves trusting in and throwing ourselves on the mercy of God. We can’t earn or prove our w

Sermon by: Bess McLawhorn; July 8, 2018 - Philippians 2:12-18 :: Sermon Audio (link) :: Click link to open and play in browser; right-click to save. Sermon audio is also accessible as a free podcast in iTunes. Search for "Good Shepherd Sermons" or "Robert Austell."  Your browser does not support the audio element. ::: Music :: He Leadeth Me O Church Arise/Arise, Shine (Tomlin; Getty/Townend) Lord, Reign in Me (Brenton Brown) :: Sermon Manuscript (pdf) :: This manuscript represents an early draft of the sermon. Some weeks the spoken version varies more than others from the early manuscript. Nevertheless, if you'd prefer to read than to listen, this is provided  for that purpose. One of my favorite writers is a man named Bob Goff. Bob has written two books about his wild adventures that he has encountered while following Jesus. He is a crazy dad, ambitious neighbor, a member of the honorary consul for the Republic of Uganda and calls himself a “recovering lawyer”. Each chapter of his book tells a story, big or small, of experiences in his life that he relates to stories of Jesus. What I love, and what I think captures readers so well, is that Bob is eager to seek out love in unexpected places. These unexpected places, people, and events bring out the romantic whimsy of Christianity. One chapter he drops out of high school for 3 days to pursue his dream of being a park ranger and a bit later he travels across the world with his kids to meet foreign diplomats and show them neighborly love. The book is titled “Love Does”, which I love because it encapsulates him so well. He writes “…Love is never stationary. In the end, love doesn’t just keep thinking about it or keep planning for it. Simply put: Love Does”. It takes our notion of Love being a feeling that happens and puts it into action (something that does).  It changes our perspective of how love works in our lives. This is part Paul’s message in Philippians 2:12-18, the passage that follows Eric’s from last week. Our faith is not something we can just think about or plan, but something that happens in action. To review a little bit of context, Paul is writing his letter to the Christian community in Philippi. Before Jesus’ time, Philippi was a very strong, significant city- both politically and militarily. It was a part of the Roman Empire at the time, and was known as “the urban center of the east”. After Jesus’ death, the church in Philippi was the first church Paul founded in Europe (around 50 AD). So, we can see the importance of this church and the city’s history. Paul is writing this letter to the Philippians, as he awaits trial in jail. As we heard earlier, Paul is encouraging the members of the Church to continue to pursue an active faith. He also highlights God’s hands at work in our will along with the intent of our actions- to do things without grumbling or disputing. As we learned last week, Paul loved this church, and they loved Paul. They had a great relationship from the establishment of the church and Paul’s mentorship. Part of the letter’s intent was to update the Philippians on how he, Paul, was doing. Understandably, the Philippians were concerned both for Paul, and what the results of his trial would mean for the future of the Christian faith. Thus, the letter serves to as an update, and primarily to encourage the Christians of Philippi regardless the outcome of the trial/ Paul’s fate. Live Out Active Faith Paul’s central message, his directive, in his letter is telling the Philippians to continue to pursue their faith in action. He mentions two key verbs in the passage: work out your salvation in verse 12 and do all things without grumbling or disputing in verse 14. It’s easier to understand how to do all things without grumbling or disputing, however “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” seems daunting. It seems daunting because I don’t think of Christians as people who tremble in fear of their salvation. When I think of salvatio

Sermon by: Robert Austell; July 15, 2018 - Psalm 19:1-10 :: Sermon Audio (link) :: Click link to open and play in browser; right-click to save. Sermon audio is also accessible as a free podcast in iTunes. Search for "Good Shepherd Sermons" or "Robert Austell."  Your browser does not support the audio element. ::: Music :: God of Wonders (Byrd, Hidalong) Every Promise of Your Word (Getty, Townend) I Sing the Mighty Power of God (ELLACOMBE) :: Sermon Manuscript (pdf) :: This manuscript represents an early draft of the sermon. Some weeks the spoken version varies more than others from the early manuscript. Nevertheless, if you'd prefer to read than to listen, this is provided  for that purpose. Have you ever looked at a sunset, with the deep reds and oranges extending through layers and layers of clouds and thought, “What artistry!” Or my other favorite – looked at the rolling ranges of the Blue Ridge mountains cascading one after another into the hazy distance and thought, “How majestic!” When I see such breath-taking beauty in creation I can’t help but think of God and be awed by the world around us. That is the thought captured in Psalm 19: “The heavens are telling of the glory of God… declaring the work of His hands.” That Psalm continues with vivid metaphors to explore the ways in which God’s creation glorifies its Maker. Then, in what may be a surprising turn for us as modern readers, the Psalm turns to the beauty and perfection of God’s Law… another life-giving and God-glorifying product of God’s person and power. Today we will look at these two gifts of God – creation and commandments – and then see how Jesus connects and embodies these two gifts. Creation (Psalm 19:1-6) Psalm 19 declares that the heavens “speak” – they tell of the glory of God and declare the work of God’s hands. (v. 1) This kicks off a string of metaphors where the passing of days and nights also “pour forth speech” and “reveal knowledge.” (v. 2) What is this message? What is this knowledge? It is that GOD IS CREATOR and GOD IS GLORIOUS. And yet, these are not actual words and speech, and too many miss the majesty and glory of God all around us in Creation. Creation’s “voice is not heard.” (v. 3) Though the rising of the sun is like a groom coming out of his chamber to see the bride or an athlete racing to the finish line (v. 5), we sometimes still miss out on the message: GOD IS GREAT AND GLORIOUS! Why do we miss it? Like any other thing going on around us, we can be distracted or lose focus. The Psalmist used very vivid imagery… who can imagine missing the groom or bride entering the marriage service or the athlete winning the big game or race? But I’ve seen folks lost in their text messages or conversations missing really significant things going on around them. I’ve been that person myself. Mission trips like the one I just returned from often serve to reset my focus; serving others can do the same even without leaving home. Or we focus on other priorities… or our self. But the Psalmist’s point is that this is not to be missed! Folks often complain that God is invisible and quiet, but the point the Psalmist is making is that God is showing Himself all around us all the time! Listen to how it is put in Romans 1:19a-20b: …that which is known about God is evident… for God made it evident. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that [humanity is] without excuse. That is what theologians call God’s “general revelation” – it may not contain the specifics of salvation or forgiveness from sin, but it does proclaim – even “shout” – in its own way that THERE IS A GOD! And the reach of this general message is far further than the written word. It stretches and reaches “to the end of the world.” Bible translators are still laboring to get scripture translated into every tongue, but the sun rises and sets, the starry expan

Sermon by: Bess McLawhorn; July 8, 2018 - Philippians 2:12-18 :: Sermon Audio (link) :: Click link to open and play in browser; right-click to save. Sermon audio is also accessible as a free podcast in iTunes. Search for "Good Shepherd Sermons" or "Robert Austell."  Your browser does not support the audio element. ::: Music :: He Leadeth Me O Church Arise/Arise, Shine (Tomlin; Getty/Townend) Lord, Reign in Me (Brenton Brown) :: Sermon Manuscript (pdf) :: coming... This manuscript represents an early draft of the sermon. Some weeks the spoken version varies more than others from the early manuscript. Nevertheless, if you'd prefer to read than to listen, this is provided  for that purpose.

Sermon by: Eric Vanderheide; July 1, 2018 - Philippians 1:27-2:11 :: Sermon Audio (link) :: Click link to open and play in browser; right-click to save. Sermon audio is also accessible as a free podcast in iTunes. Search for "Good Shepherd Sermons" or "Robert Austell."  Your browser does not support the audio element. ::: Scripture and Music :: Great Are You, Lord (Ingram, Jordan, Leonard) Be Thou My Vision/Open My Eyes (arr./chorus Austell/Youngblood) Solo: Son of God, Son of Man (Bean/VanderHeide) Spirit of the Living God (Iverson; v.2 Baughen) :: Sermon Manuscript (pdf) :: This manuscript represents an early draft of the sermon. Some weeks the spoken version varies more than others from the early manuscript. Nevertheless, if you'd prefer to read than to listen, this is provided  for that purpose. INTRODUCTION The book of Philippians has been a favorite of mine since my early days in high school. I have long cherished the words of Philippians 2:5-11 as some of my favorite in Scripture and as good words to live by. I am thrilled and honored to be asked to preach today and to share some of my thoughts regarding these words in Philippians and those just prior to them. Before we get to that, however, I would first like to give you some background to this wonderful letter from the apostle Paul. The Philippian church is located in the city of Philippi in Macedonia or Greece. They were an official Roman colony (due to significant historical events) and the people of Philippi were proud and devoted Roman citizens; and, as with all Romans, the emperor was viewed as a divine being and worshiped. In fact, much like we sing the national anthem before public sporting events, the citizens of Philippi would shout “Ceasar is lord and savior” before public events. This became a big cultural issue for the Philippian church since their citizenship is in heaven – as Paul states in chapter 3:20 – and they are to profess devotion to Jesus as Savior and Lord. It’s widely accepted that the apostle Paul wrote this relatively short letter to the church in Philippi, and quite simply, he adores this church. He begins the letter thanking them and telling them how he always prays with joy for them (1:3). Paul considers them his cherished partners in ministry (1:5,7-8). Paul loves these people. He longs for them with Christ-like affection, and hopes for the day when he can be with them again (1:26). As a teenager who struggled with anxiety, one of the things that attracted me to this book was that it contains some form of the word “joy” 16 times in these four brief chapters! I find this astounding considering the fact that Paul is in jail and awaiting trial for his faith and life in Jesus! Not only that but he continues to praise God because the gospel is continuing to flourish and Christ will be exalted whether Paul lives or dies. And so Paul lays out four reasons he is writing his beloved church: First, he seeks to thank them for the generous gift given to him through Epaphroditus and update them on his circumstances. Second, he urges them to stand strong together through persecution and to live joyfully through all circumstances. Third, he warns them of false teachers that are popping up, not necessarily in the Philippian church, but throughout the various churches he has planted. Finally, he takes the opportunity to call on two specific people in the Philippian church to reconcile their disagreements for the sake of the gospel. PHILIPPIANS 1:27-30 So in the first 26 verses of chapter 1, Paul has been overflowing with love and praise for the Philippian church and at the same time rejoicing that God continues to work through him to spread the good news of Jesus even among his jailers. And then he says – “Only. (vs27)” And here the apostle takes on the role of teacher and encourager for the word “only” as one commentator said, should be interpreted as a verbal warning finger lifted up to focus their attention on what he is about to say. And wha

Sermon by: Robert Austell; June 24, 2018 - Luke 14:15-24; Isaiah 25:6-9 :: Sermon Audio (link) :: Click link to open and play in browser; right-click to save. Sermon audio is also accessible as a free podcast in iTunes. Search for "Good Shepherd Sermons" or "Robert Austell."  Your browser does not support the audio element. ::: Scripture and Music :: Creation Sings the Father's Song (Getty/Townend) Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy  (Indelible Grace) Solo: Jesus Loves Me Medley (Gwen Ingram, soloist) O for a Thousand Tongues/One Great Love (David Crowder) :: Sermon Manuscript (pdf) :: This manuscript represents an early draft of the sermon. Some weeks the spoken version varies more than others from the early manuscript. Nevertheless, if you'd prefer to read than to listen, this is provided  for that purpose. We are in the middle of a dinner party with Jesus and some religious people. For several weeks, we have been reading about this event where Jesus healed a man and then began teaching about what God and the Kingdom of God is like, using the dinner party as a way to explain these things. Last week, in the passage immediately preceding this one, Jesus reminded us that we can’t buy, earn, or deserve God’s invitation. Rather, God’s invitation is entirely on His terms, a gracious act extended to the world. At the end of that teaching, in Luke 14:15, one dinner guest exclaimed, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the Kingdom of God!” I suggested last week that he got it… that he understood what Jesus was saying. It’s hard to know for sure, because we weren’t there. But, Jesus responds to him in today’s text as if to say, “Yes, that’s right; but I’m not sure everyone here understands (maybe you either)!” So, in today’s text, Jesus clarifies God’s invitation. Another way to say this is that the man’s exclamation is correct – blessed IS everyone who will eat at God’s Table. But perhaps some of the assumptions around that earthly table were wrong… many not around that table might be included; and maybe everyone present at that table would not be at God’s Table. That’s what Jesus is addressing here. The Invitation (v. 16) In verse 16 Jesus begins his parable: “A man was giving a big dinner, and he invited many….” In some ways, Jesus is just clarifying what he has just taught. He has been describing God as the gracious and inviting Host, who calls people to him without regard for what they can offer in return. That is not to say that behavior or faith is not important to God. Rather it is to say what the Apostle Paul later said so clearly, “God demonstrated His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) In other words, God invites us to Himself entirely on His own terms. The particular struggle the Pharisees had – and remember, that’s who was at the table with Jesus – was that they were trying to come to God on their own terms. Now, please know that they weren’t evil people. Just the opposite; the Pharisees were trying their hardest to follow God’s Law and live religious lives. Jesus was correcting a wrong assumption that often comes with that kind of diligent religious living. That wrong assumption is that we somehow can make ourselves worthy of God’s love and salvation. That assumption also can lead to the second wrong assumption that those who are not practicing diligent religious living are unworthy of God’s love. This is one of many examples of Jesus teaching something that is later echoed by the Apostle Paul. Paul would pick up this theme in Romans, where he wrote that in fact none are worthy of God’s love; yet God loves us anyway. That is the heart of Jesus’ table-teaching here… that the invitation to salvation is extended to all, because we all are “sinners.” That is the heart of the Good News – that whoever you are and whatever you have done, God invites you to Himself through Jesus. The rest of Jesus’ teaching here is addressed to his table-companions. The unfort