tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19427999003271811492024-03-14T08:16:57.399+00:00Reflections on the Sunday Lectionary ReadingsDavid Owen and Mark Smith reflect on the lectionary of Sunday scripture readings.David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.comBlogger349125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-53296166237048103872017-12-09T21:23:00.002+00:002017-12-09T21:23:11.306+00:00Mark 1.1-8 (NRSV)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="background: lightgrey; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-highlight: lightgrey;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background: lightgrey; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">The
Proclamation of John the Baptist</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<sup><span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The
beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">2</span></sup><sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">As
it is written in the prophet Isaiah,<br />
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,<br />
who will prepare your way;<br />
</span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">3</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> the voice of one crying out in the
wilderness:<br />
“Prepare the way of the Lord,<br />
make his paths straight” ’,<br />
</span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">4</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness,
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">5</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And
people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were
going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing
their sins.</span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">6</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Now John was clothed with camel’s
hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild
honey. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">7</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more
powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the
thong of his sandals. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">8</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I have baptized you with water;
but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">My text this morning is
written in Mark 1 and verse 3:</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“… the voice of one crying out in the
wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord,<br />
make his paths straight” ’” <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Samuel Massey writes:</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The message of Christ has raised up nations and brought them
low, launched and defeated armies, started large social movements and destroyed
others. Think of all that has been done in the name of Jesus Christ and how
inconspicuously the Gospel begins according to Mark. Here we find none of the
thunderous poetry used by John to describe the pre-existent Christ. We dream no
dreams and no angels visit with us. Caesar Augustus and Herod seem pretty far
away. No excuse here for Christmas trees or mob-ridden malls or long hours
putting together services of lessons and carols--thank God! All Mark offers to
us is John the Baptist, many people’s worst nightmare, smelling like a camel
and calling people to change their ways.</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Most people agree
that the beginning of the Good News or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gospel</i>
of Jesus Christ has the ministry of John the Baptist as the starting point. The
author of this wonderful record goes back to the Old Testament to show how John
was the fulfilment of prophecy and he is correct in stating in the first
instance that the message originally came from the prophet Isaiah. But the
reference to the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">messenger</i> in verse 2
does not in fact come from Isaiah, but from Malachi 3.1. Professor Charlie
Moule explains: ‘The fact that the two quotations are both ascribed to Isaiah
may mean that they occurred side by side under a single heading in some
collection of prophecies.’ For me, it matters little; what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">does</i> matter is that Jesus is indeed the fulfilment of the prophetic
hope for a saviour; a Messiah. </span>In verses 2 and 3, therefore, we see how
Mark reminds his readers that the true Messiah would have been announced by a
forerunner, and that John the Baptist was the Elijah that the Jewish people
would have been waiting for. He also stresses that the people heard the
integrity of John’s announcement and his message that ‘... nothing less than a
national repentance would constitute the expected Messianic preparation.’
(Nineham)</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It is not impossible that John had been a member of the Dead Sea
Scrolls community in Qumran; those dedicated people who spent time studying the
scriptures and preparing themselves by austere and disciplined living. This
community had used baptism as a rite of passage for those who wished to join
the Jewish faith. Bathing or sprinkling with water was a widespread religious
symbol for purification. Ezekiel had used sprinkling as a figurative expression
for the moral cleansing of the nation by God.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John’s message included baptism. Mark also points out that
when John explained his baptism he made it clear that it was a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">preparation</i>, not to be compared with the
action of the one who was coming – the ‘mightier one’. This was the one
important thing that John did that was not part of Old Testament prophecy – he
baptised – or so it would seem; but the way Mark presents this important
historic episode, brings John’s baptism in line with the prophecies in the way
he makes John baptising become part of his proclamation. The prophecies spoke
of a messenger or ‘proclaimer’ – ‘the voice of one <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">crying</i> in the wilderness’.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John’s baptism was of<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
significance and baptism with the Holy Spirit is of special significance. Moule
explains that ‘... the Holy Spirit is God himself at work among his people, and
it is possible for a person literally to have the Holy Spirit poured over him
like water ... like a deluge, purifying, judging presence of God himself.’ </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In Acts 1.5 Jesus also refers to baptism with the Holy Spirit and in
Romans 8.9 Paul claims that unless one has the Holy Spirit, they are not
Christian. In Acts 2, the beginning of the Church is marked by the signs of the
Holy Spirit’s presence as the fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel 2.28 ff.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">John was dramatically portraying the great significance of his call to
repentance. Those who responded to his call to moral reform submitted
themselves to being dipped in the river as a sign of their response and
commitment. But John called for much more than mere moral reform; he was
preparing for something much greater.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We see, therefore, that Mark starts the story of Jesus long
before his birth; it did not even begin with the appearance of John the Baptist
preparing the way for his ministry, ‘... it began with the dreams of the
prophets long ago, that is to say it began long, long ago in the mind of God.’
(Barclay) But this does not mean that John’s message is not vitally important
as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord into the world and at the
heart of this is the need for repentance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Advent is a time of preparation – of getting ready – a time
to return to God. It is a time when we need to be honest with ourselves and
open our eyes to see the truth about who we are and how we are living. We need
to be willing to see what we do not want to see; we need to be willing to admit
to the sin that we have become so comfortable with, that we no longer see as a
problem. This is the hardest part, because we do not like to think of ourselves
as sinners and we like to think that we are always right. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also need to make confession to those whom we have
wronged. This too is hard, because it is so out of fashion and so many people
are out of the habit of doing it. But there is absolutely no point in us
apologising to God until we have first apologised to the people we have
offended – as Barclay suggests: ‘The human barriers need to be removed before
the divine barrier can be removed. When we have done what it is humanly
possible to do; then we can make our confession to God. It is only when we
confess that we have sinned that God can give us those lovely words: “You are
forgiven!”’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there is another side to this – and important side – and
also very difficult. So often these days people feel offended and the person
who causes the offence knows nothing about it, because they never intended to
cause any hurt at all! People can be over sensitive sometimes and it is not
impossible that they might also have no right to be offended. We must never
forget that an integral part of Christian love is that we are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not easily offended</i>; we are not touchy,
over-sensitive people. So, when we do feel offended we need to ask the first
and most important question: “Am I justified in feeling offended or am I being
touchy?” because if it is true that we ought not to be, then it is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we</i> that need to come before God and seek
forgiveness; and it is best that the other person concerned knows nothing about
it all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But is must also be a time when we reflect on the presence
of the Holy Spirit in our lives, implanted there at our baptism and springing
into life when we came to faith; it is this Spirit that gives us the courage to
do the difficult things, and also fill us with God’s pure love and forgiveness,
leading to a deep sense of inner peace and joy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These are difficult, and big challenges, but central to
practical Christian living.</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This passage stands apart from the rest of the Gospel as a
sort of curtain raiser in which the reader is introduced to the context, so
that when the curtain goes up in verse 14, they will already know who the lead
character is and can understand the significance of the message they are about
to receive.</div>
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<br /></div>
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This makes clear that Mark wrote his Gospel from a
particular standpoint, i.e. that he accepted the traditional Jewish position of
a Messianic hope; so he wrote about Jesus not from biographical or psychological
interest, because he believed rather, that in the life of Jesus, the Jewish
hope had found fulfilment. He believed that, in Jesus, God had begun his ‘...
final intervention in history, the first, but decisive stage in the overthrow
of the powers of evil and the establishment of God’s Sovran rule.’ (Nineham) </div>
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<br /></div>
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And because of the revelation of this central fact in the
history of humankind was to be explained, it could transform people’s lives.
The same is true for us this Advent and Christmas. The advent of Jesus means
that there can always be more to our lives, more in our lives. There is yet
another opportunity for the Holy Spirit to deal with the sin in our lives. But
we need to admit that it is there, want to do something about it and then open
our hearts to the transforming love of God in the Holy Spirit. John said to the
people of his generation and I believe the message is as true today as it was
then:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> “Prepare the
way of the Lord, make his paths straight”. Amen. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Break Free From the Scrooge Syndrome</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Each year, in the weeks leading up
to Christmas, a great number of people find delight in the marvellous story
written by Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol. There is something in the story
that lures us back to it year after year; we never seem to grow tired of
hearing its message. The main character in the story is a surly old man named
Scrooge, who lives a miserly existence. He sees no benefit in being generous
with the poor, or even providing a living wage to dedicated workers. He
clutches onto his money and despises the thought of parting with any of it. But
it is not only his money that Scrooge withholds from others, it is his entire
being. He withholds love and kindness, he withholds warmth and friendship.
Then, one night, Scrooge undergoes a profound crisis. He sees himself through
the eyes of others. He has a vivid vision of his past; and then his present.
But what is most frightful to him - what shakes him to the core of his being -
is when he is granted the opportunity of a lifetime. He is allowed to witness
his future. But his future proves to be so dark and frightening, that it
prompts within him a dramatic change. He undergoes a radical transformation and
becomes an entirely new person. Rather than being cold and indifferent to
people, he becomes generous and compassionate.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is a heart-warming story. But
more than that, it is a hopeful story. It provides us with the hope that we too
can make needed changes in our lives. We can break free from the ruts we have
burrowed, and the negative behaviours we have cultivated. We can become kind
and compassionate, humble and hospitable, joyful and generous.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have never read anything which
suggests this, but I wonder if the story of John the Baptist influenced Dickens
and served as an impetus in his creation of A Christmas Carol?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-57839184494965108362017-11-26T09:11:00.002+00:002017-11-26T09:11:33.956+00:00Christ the King<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><span style="color: #880000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Ephesians 1.15-end SERMON</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0cm;">
<b><span style="color: #880000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Paul’s Prayer</span></b></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">15</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> I have heard of </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">your faith<span style="color: #010000;">
in the Lord Jesus and your </span>love<span style="color: #010000;"> towards
all the saints, and for this reason </span><sup><span style="color: #777777;">16</span></sup><span style="color: #010000;">I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you
in my prayers. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777;">17</span></sup><span style="color: #010000;">I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father
of glory, may give you a <u>spirit of wisdom and revelation</u> as <u>you come
to know him</u>, </span><sup><span style="color: #777777;">18</span></sup><span style="color: #010000;">so that, with the <u>eyes of your heart enlightened</u>,
you may know what is the <u>hope to which he has called you</u>, what are the
riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, </span><sup><span style="color: #777777;">19</span></sup><span style="color: #010000;">and what is
the immeasurable greatness of his <u>power</u> for us who believe, according to
the working of his great power. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777;">20</span></sup><span style="color: #010000;">God put this power to work in Christ when he raised
him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly
places, </span><sup><span style="color: #777777;">21</span></sup><span style="color: #010000;">far above all rule and authority and power and dominion,
and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to
come. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777;">22</span></sup><span style="color: #010000;">And he has put all things under his feet and has made him
the head over all things for the church, </span><sup><span style="color: #777777;">23</span></sup><span style="color: #010000;">which is his
body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.</span></span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">My text this morning is written in Ephesians 1:15-16:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">15</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus
and your love towards all the saints, and for this reason </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">16</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I do not cease to give
thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In this passage we see the essence of the characteristic of the Church: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">loyalty to Christ</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">love to others.</i> These two are
inextricable linked together because true loyalty to Christ <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i> always, if it is authentic, lead to
love for others (verse 15).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">There can be a loyalty to Christ that does <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> issue in love for others. Some monastic orders shut themselves
off from the world, and I have to confess that this makes little sense to me,
unless its purpose is to be of service to others. If not, it strikes me almost
as a form of selfishness because the individual concerned might feel closer to
God and have a sense of peace and tranquillity, but this is of little worth
unless it also leads to love for others. At the same time, I have enormous
respect for those monks and nuns who live this way so that they might be of
more use in caring for the needs of others. The Jesuits, Fransiscans and Mother
Teresa’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sisters of Charity</i> are
notable and wonderful examples as was the case of the Community of the
Resurrection in South Africa with their school, colleges and hostels and a
notable example being Trevor Huddleston. This was true of early Methodism as
well: when people came to Christ and became part of the Church, the society
they lived in was transformed. Loyalty to Christ<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> must</i> issue in love for others or it is meaningless.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Indeed, whatever we do, unless it results in love for others, is
worthless. The Spanish Inquisition and the Pharisees are examples of those who were
guilty of trying to be so right that this led them to do the most hurtful
things to others. I believe Paul here gives us a practical yardstick with which
we can measure if something is truly right; anything that does not issue in
greater love for others should make us seriously question what we do, because it
is only in our loving of others that we show our love for Christ.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In our Gospel reading we are told of the very practical way this love
ought to be demonstrated: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty,
clothing the cold, visiting those in prison. Jesus, in this parable identifies
with each person in need, because on the cross he took their place. We meet
with Jesus when wee minister to those kin need – indeed that person becomes the
presence of Christ for us. De Dietrich, in her commentary on the Parable of the
Sheep and the Goats explains what Jesus is implying here: “How many times will
we have passed by Jesus without recognising him.” She continues:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">He comes to us under the figure of the stranger,
the refugee, the person of another race, or the sorry bore. And we turn away, or
treat such persons with humiliating conceit. Ione day he will say to us: “That
was I.” Could he then not say to us: “You pretended to know me, but I did not
know you!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I am glad to hear that in some cities there has been a revival in attendance
at Cathedral worship. I love Cathedral worship with all its pomp and beauty;
but there is a real danger that this can cover all sorts of dreadful things. We
have all heard of times when Cathedrals have been in the press because of
conflict, strife and general inappropriate behaviour. Sadly, I have also
experienced this first hand, and in fact, it is a major reason why today I am
ordained as a Methodist and not an Anglican! Gladly, most Cathedrals are
beacons of love and hope in Christ in the heart of our cities. Beauty only
really becomes beautiful when it is an ingredient in showing love for others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">This refers to some theological debates as well. The ‘truth’ will become
evident when the theology issues in greater love for others. All too often, in
debates and discussions, Barclay accurately states that ‘... we have just
enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.’ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paul then prays for a Church that he loves and that is doing
well. He prays that they may have wisdom using the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sophia</i> (which refers to the deep things of God) and so asks that
the Church might be taken deeper into the knowledge of the eternal truths. This
reminds us of an important dimension of our life and ministry. It is necessary
that we are a people of depth – that the Church be a thinking people. We must
beware of dumbing things down; but rather, always strive ourselves to go deeper
and deeper into the depths of truth which issues in love. At the same time,
this is worthless unless we make it a personal discovery as well. Socrates
said: ‘The unexamined life is not worth living.’ Barclay suggests that an
unexamined religion is not worth having and adds: ‘It is an obligation for a
thinking man to think his way to God.’ Lionel Swain adds that knowledge here
also means something else; it is knowledge in the sense of ‘intimate
experience’. Thompson adds that here, Paul is praying for ‘... a deeper
understanding of the ...Gospel and its implications, so that one can move
closer into line with God’s mind and attitude.’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The ministry of the Church must be a teaching ministry. The
exposition of scripture from the pulpit is a vital element, because we know
that the scriptures are God’s primary way of communicating with his people of
every age and generation. The paradigm was set on the road to Emmaus when Jesus
expounded the Word to the disciples and they felt their hearts warmed within
them – as was the case of John Wesley on that important evening in Aldersgate
Street in 1738. As we listen to the scriptures read and the preacher’s
exposition, we should not only be interested in what the preacher thinks but
more importantly we should also asking: “What is God is saying to us as a
Church; and what is God saying to me as an individual within the Church?” We
come seeking knowledge that touches us and moves us, challenges us and blesses
us – we come – as verse 18 explains: to have the eyes of our hearts
enlightened. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But as our Lord reminds us in the Parable of the Sheep and
Goats, unless this enlightenment leads to love, as de Dietrich explains, we may
have the most orthodox of beliefs, but we remain in death.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We are therefore in this passage, challenged to get things
into proportion. So much time is spent in the church discussing mundane matters
and these often result in conflict. How much time do we, as a Church, spend
discussing the ‘... eternal verities of God?’ How many hours do churches spend
discussing ‘problems’ for every one that is spent discussing the depths of
theology? Paul here is praying for the people to be led into a deeper wisdom of
the eternal things of God and this prayer will never be answered unless we give
up time to listen to what God is saying to us; time prayerfully discussing what
this means and then acting on what we feel God is calling us to do.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Paul then prays for a greater realisation of Christian hope.
We live in days of despair. The economy is terrible and the myth that money is
the root of all happiness and security has been destroyed. But many in our
society have nothing to replace it with. We need to offer the world an
alternative – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the</i> alternative – the
universal and eternal way. The insight we can offer the world is that even in
the midst of suffering and uncertainty, there is always <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hope</i> and this hope is sure. We know that God’s cause and ways will
win the day eventually, for this has been the testimony of history – for even
if we do not get to experience it in this life, there is nothing – not even
death – that can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our
Lord (as Paul stresses in Romans 8).</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Paul continues in his prayer for a new realisation of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">power</i> of God. For Paul, the proof of the
power of God was in the Resurrection of Christ. Sin had done everything in its
power to destroy Christ; people had done everything to get rid of Christ; but
God raised him from the dead. The Resurrection proved that his power is greater
than any human agency and that no human can thwart the power of God. Even
though we can’t fully understand it all the time – God is ultimately in
control. The last verses also make clear that all in the heavenly realm are
also under God’s ultimate control. But even more importantly, this same power
is available to us, to help, to strengthen and encourage those who are
committed to being faithful to God’s call. Our assurance is not based on mere
wishful thinking, but on a fact of history: God <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">did</i> raise Jesus from the dead. Think of Jesus and the disciples at
the time of his death. Everything seemed hopeless, crushed, ended – but God
raised Jesus and he appeared to his disciples and the ministry continued and
still does. As we gather together as a community of faith, Jesus continues to
meet with us, especially in the breaking of the bread, nourishes our
relationship with him, and encourages us to go out into our world giving
expression to his love for others. This is the focus of the Gospel reading
appointed for today where Jesus tells the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The last verse is of great significance for us – because it refers to
the Church in every age as the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">body of
Christ.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Despite reforms and improvements over the years, the 20<sup>th</sup>
century was a human catastrophe and disunity still remains throughout the world
between different races, languages and religions, sadly even within
Protestantism. Jesus died to bring unity – but we still seem far from it. This
ideal of unity is expressed in the next chapter where Paul speaks of Christ
breaking down the wall that separates. As Barclay puts it: ‘Jesus Christ was
above all things God’s instrument for reconciliation.’ He uses the analogy of a
doctor finding a cure for a deadly disease: unless that cure is taken to the
different parts of the world where the disease is prevalent, sufferers will not
be cured! Doctors must get to know about it and must be trained as to how to
use it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cure is there – but it needs
a corps of people to take the message and the technique throughout the world.
The same is true of the Gospel – it is there – but unless it is taken into the
world, it remains ineffective. It is only in Christ that all can come together;
it is only in Christ that there can be unity and peace and flourishing – and
the Church is the agent that is given the task of taking this good news to all
people. The church ought to be the corps of Christ but so often it has become a
corpse!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Christ is the head – the Church is the body – and the wonders of
salvation cannot become real in the world unless the Church takes it to the
peoples of the world. Barclay explains: ‘... God’s plan for the world is in the
hands of the Church ...’ It is God’s plan that the warring elements of the
world be brought together in peace; and to make this possible he sent Jesus and
the Holy Spirit, but this message and this power must be taken out to all
people. The Church is the body, with Christ as the head, and so it is in the
hands of the Church to bring all this to fulfilment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Church – we – are called to be a living organism with the ascended
Christ as the head, called to do his work in the world ‘... as once his own
body and flesh and blood had done it.’ <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This</i>
is the essential nature of the Church, as A M Hunter explains: the Church is‘...
an organism truly responsive to the impulses of the mind and heart of Christ,
an organ sacrificially expendable in the carrying out of his great and gracious
purposes ...’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I know that this circuit is committed to being faithful to this calling
and so, as Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">15</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus
and your love towards all the saints, and for this reason </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">16</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I do not cease to give
thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Amen.</span></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-55655390469448871632017-11-18T13:32:00.002+00:002017-11-18T13:32:15.936+00:00Talents<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Surgery in hospital and need to travel on courses has meant not many contributions of late. But I am well now and back, and so I hope to me more helpful in future.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">D </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Matthew 25.14-30 (NRSV): The Parable of the Talents</span></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">14</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> ‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves
and entrusted his property to them; </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">15</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">to one he
gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to
his ability. Then he went away. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">16</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The one who
had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made
five more talents. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">17</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In the same way, the one who had the
two talents made two more talents. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">18</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But the one
who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid
his master’s money. </span><sup><span style="background: lightgrey; color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">19</span></sup><span style="background: lightgrey; color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">After a long time</span><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> the master of those slaves
came and settled accounts with them. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">20</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Then the one
who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents,
saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more
talents.” </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">21</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">His master said to him, “Well done,
good and trustworthy slave; you have been <span style="background: lightgrey; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">trustworthy in a few things</span>, I will put you in <span style="background: lightgrey; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">charge of many things</span>;
enter into the joy of your master.” </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">22</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And the one
with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me
two talents; see, I have made two more talents.”</span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">23</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">His master
said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been <span style="background: lightgrey; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">trustworthy in a few
things</span>, I will put you in <span style="background: lightgrey; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">charge of many things</span>; enter into the joy of your
master.” </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">24</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Then the one who had received the one
talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man,
reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter
seed; </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">25</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you
have what is yours.” </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">26</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But his master replied, “You wicked
and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather
where I did not scatter? </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">27</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Then you ought
to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have
received what was my own with interest. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">28</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">So take the
talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. </span><sup><span style="background: aqua; color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-highlight: aqua;">29</span></sup><span style="background: aqua; color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-highlight: aqua;">For
to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but
from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">30</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">As for this
worthless slave, throw him into the <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">outer darkness</span>, where there will be weeping and gnashing of
teeth.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">My text this morning is written in Matthew 25 and
verse 29, which reads:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">For to all those who have,
more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have
nothing, even what they have will be taken away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">When I preached on this text for the first time in
1992, as a Probationer Minister in my first appointment in Jeffrey’s Bay, South
Africa, I entered the pulpit from the vestry door to find a church packed – way
over 300 people in attendance. It had been announced that I was preaching on
this passage and members of the congregation had spread the word, and many
visitors, together with my members were asking: “How is he going to explain <i>that</i>
verse.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A wealthy man goes
away on business and leaves the remainder of his wealth to his workers – each
according to their ability. The wealth is expressed in ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">talents’</i> which was the largest unit of currency at the time. In NT
Greek ‘talent’ only referred to money, in modern times it now refers to ‘gifts’
largely as a result of this parable because of the phrase ‘... according to his
ability.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The words ‘After a
long time ...’ (Verse 19) is of significance because of the delay of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">parousia</i> a technical, theological term
for the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Second Coming of Jesus</i>. After
this long time, the master does return and demands a reckoning – which is a reference
to the final judgement. The first two servants are praised for both their
industry and courage in doubling their amounts of money – and for their
faithfulness – a vital component because faithfulness in small things means
that one can be trusted with larger things – larger responsibilities – and
intimate friendship with the master. The fact that both servants receive the
same reward shows how it is not one’s accomplishments that matter, but rather
one’s faithfulness. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The last servant is
condemned because of his inactivity. His defence lacks pure logic putting
forward that it was because of the demanding nature of the master that he did
nothing. Out of fear of failure; he did nothing and so lost all that he had!
This has everything to do with God’s free gift and our human response.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: lightgrey; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: lightgrey;">The verse of my text, then, is not that difficult; it
can be paraphrased as “A disciple who gives of himself to the gift that God has
given him will receive greater grace still; the one who does nothing will lose
it.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">In the book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Screwtape
Letters</i> by C. S. Lewis, a devil, briefs his demon nephew, Wormwood, in a
series of letters, on the subtleties and techniques of tempting people. In his
writings, the devil says that the objective is not to make people wicked but to
make them indifferent. This higher devil cautions Wormwood that he must keep
the patient comfortable at all costs. If he should start thinking about
anything of importance, encourage him to think about his lunch plans and not to
worry so much because it could cause indigestion. And then the devil gives this
instruction to his nephew: "I, the devil, will always see to it that there
are bad people. Your job, my dear Wormwood, is to provide me with people who do
not care."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We must always
remember that this is a parable and so we need to remember that we are dealing
here with something that ought not to be taken literally. It is a story to
explain a complex lesson of some considerable depth, so that ordinary language
simply would not do. It deals with a scenario that would have been commonplace
in the society of the time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A master was going
away so he entrusted his property to his slaves. Those who had proven
themselves often held managerial positions. He apportioned property <i>according
to the ability of each</i>. He was not asking anything unreasonable: five to
one, two to another and one to the last. The one with five made another five,
the one with two another two, but the one with only one, buried it in the
ground to keep it safe – again a common practice of the day. After a long time,
the master returned and praised and rewarded those who had doubled what they
had been given but condemned the one who had done nothing and gave what he had
to the one who had made the most.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So, what does it all
mean?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There is an element
of the <i>Parousia</i> – the Second Coming of Jesus - in this passage. We now
know that the Gospel narratives were eventually written because the long
awaited return of Jesus in the <i>Second Coming</i> had not yet happened. But
they did not doubt that Jesus would return as a judge and that people would
need to give account of how they had lived their lives. At this level, all
Christians have been given gifts and we will all be judged on how effectively
we have used them. So, the master’s journey would have been a reference to the
Ascension, the slaves are the Christians and the property refers to the gifts
of the Holy Spirit that all Christians have been given. The long delay refers
to the delay in the return of Christ, and the settling of the accounts refers
to the Last Judgement or the Day of Reckoning. The horrible reference to what
some people refer to as ‘Hell’ in verse 30 in some translations, is a wrong,
because literally, the Greek should be translated as 'outer darkness' (as in
the NRSV). The weeping and gnashing of teeth is most commonly agreed by
scholars like Fenton, as something added by a later editor and reveals more
about the views of the editor, putting his particular spin on the story, rather
than what Jesus either said at the time. But they would be correctly
reflecting the seriousness of Jesus' warning that not using one's talent would
have serious consequences and so is still well stated in this classic ancient
hyperbole.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The slaves were
probably a reference to the Scribes and the Pharisees and their use – or rather
misuse – of the Law of God – the truth of God as revealed in the Scriptures.
They wanted to keep things exactly as they were, changing nothing at all – like
the man who buried his talent. This is why they are condemned. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus is alive and
present in the Church as we meet. He still speaks to us through the Scriptures
when we open our minds to receive what He has to say to us. This is why a
preached message is a sacred thing, and for me one of the greatest privileges
possible. Jesus speaks, not only through the mouth of the preacher but also in
the discussions and gatherings of the people of God. This is why meetings of
fellowship, discussions, Synods and Conferences are so vital. This is why
people will be called to give account, and if they persist in burying the truth
that is being revealed rather than setting it and people free to discern the
mind of God. Jesus challenges us by asking: Are we open-minded? Are we
adventurous? Is our faith alive and vibrant? or is it buried and dead in the
ground?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">E</span><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ach and every one of us has
been given gifts from God and they are immeasurably valuable because they come
to us from God <i>according to our ability</i>. We are never asked to do
anything that God does not also equip us to do. It is not the talent or gift we
have that matters, but what we do with it. What is your gift? Are you using it?
When last did you ask: What can I do to enrich the fellowship of the people at
Christ Church and the people of Shepshed? Could it be that I am asked to pray
regularly? Could it be that I am called to send messages of encouragement?
Could it be that I am asked to greet people and welcome them? When you ask, you
will find that the opportunities are countless and wonderful and the more you
respond in faithfulness, the more you will find to do. </span><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Peter J.
Blackburn in his book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Using What We Have</i>
provides the following helpful illustration:</span><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">An anonymous
writer has said, "My small son and I were taking a walk. In the far corner
of the field we found a small patch of beautiful and fragrant flowers. They
were in the middle of weeds, almost completely hidden and unnoticed, yet these
flowers were blooming in full beauty and we sensed their fresh fragrance. All
of us have met persons unnoticed by many, but who in the middle of struggle and
unlikely surroundings far from the centre of attention live lives of beauty and
fragrance. And living lives which seemed obscure they faithfully fulfilled
God's calling for them. God's question on the last day will not be, 'How much
were you noticed?' or even 'How much did you do?' Rather, his question will be,
'Were you faithful in fulfilling your calling where I placed you?' "</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">T</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">he reward we can look
forward to when we faithfully use of talents is <i>more work</i>. The ones who
doubled their talents were given more, which meant greater tasks and greater
responsibilities. This is a great joy. When we are faithful, God blesses us
with more and more opportunities and our lives become more and more meaningful
and useful, and we have a real sense of purpose.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As soon as we become
active by using the talents we have been given,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus comes into our lives and blesses us and others through us, which
compounds our blessings over and over and over again. Or as Jesus put it to his
listeners:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an
abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken
away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Amen</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-63231626199435391912017-11-04T13:29:00.002+00:002017-11-04T13:29:13.819+00:001 Thessalonians 2.9-13 (NRSV)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1 Thessalonians 2.9-13 (NRSV)</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">9</span></sup><span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> You remember our labour and toil, brothers
and sisters;</span><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <span style="background: white;">we
worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we
proclaimed to you the gospel of God.</span> </span><sup><span style="background: white; color: #777777; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">10</span></sup><span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our
conduct was towards you believers.</span><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><sup><span style="background: white; color: #777777; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">11</span></sup><span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his
children,</span><span style="color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><sup><span style="background: white; color: #777777; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">12</span></sup><span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">urging and
encouraging you and pleading that you should lead a life worthy of God, who
calls you into his own kingdom and glory.</span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">13</span></sup><span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> We also constantly give thanks to God for
this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you
accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is
also at work in you believers.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Most religious experiences
often takes place in the ordinary and is in fact when we are involved in living
ethical lives; what Paul is writing to the Thessalonians as lives that are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pure, upright and blameless </i>in conduct.
Even the great mystics through the ages have downplayed the ‘special’
experiences that they have been privileged to have, suggesting that the only
experience that matters is that which makes one love one’s neighbour better.
This is what the religious life is all about – lives that are worthy of God
(verse 12).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But the difference
between the lives we have been called to live and those who are committed to
ethical living in a secular way is that our lives are inspired by the Word of
God – as expressed and demonstrated in the life of Jesus of Nazareth in history
– who is the living Word. More than this, we do not live in this way because we
have to – in order to earn God’s favour or to achieve some or other end or
consequence. We live this way because we are inspired by love – we live
ethically because we want to live this way as a loving child would want to
please a loving parent – never out of fear. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And what is more, it
is the Word that is at work in our lives (verse 13 b) enabling and equipping
and making possible that which we desire, but cannot achieve in our own
strength.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And so we do this in
the midst of our daily toil, working night and day so as to be a burden to no
one. That lovely hymn of George Herbert springs to mind:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Teach me my God and king, in all things Thee to see; and what I do in
everything, to do it as for Thee. ...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
servant with this clause, makes drudgery divine, who sweeps a room as for Thy
laws, makes that and the action fine ...</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">May we all experience
the love and empowering of our Lord as we go about the ordinary things of life.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Paul is trying to encourage his
readers, preparing them for the demands that their Christian vocation is going
to make of them. He addresses them as brothers (and the NRSV rightly adds
‘sisters’) because in Christ, there is no distinction – all are one in Jesus Christ
by faith.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Paul encourages them to remember
how, when they were missionaries, they had worked hard so that they would not
be any extra burden to anyone else; supporting themselves, in contrast to other
roaming philosophers who were always wanting some sort of financial gain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Just as God’s grace had
transformed the lives of Paul and the other preachers, the Thessalonians must
also expect their lives to be transformed by the Word of God. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">After the destruction of the
Temple in AD 70, the Jewish faith became a faith of the Book. When they read
scripture, they came to it with a sense of expecting the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shekhinah</i> of God to be present with them; touching them and
transforming their lives. When they read of Moses receiving the Law at Mt
Sinai, they came with the same sense of expectation – as if they too were
present on the mountain, wanting God to reveal Himself to them. The first
Christians were Jews and they read scripture in the same way, but expecting the
Holy Spirit to make Jesus as a living presence among them. They could not wait;
the expectation was ever present; and they were blessed.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We need to recapture this sense of
expectation – coming with a deep sense of eagerness – with the question: “What
has Jesus got to say to me today?”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">John Stott suggests that instead
of being a burden to the Thessalonians, Paul had been like a father to them, by
both his teaching and the example he set for them to follow. While setting
children an example to follow, fathers ought also to encourage, comfort and
exhort them – urging them to live worthily of God and even insisting on it.
There is good purpose and wisdom in this: to live ‘good’ lives is not so much
because there will be a reward later; it gives a person a sense of dignity and
worth <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">now</i>. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And the good news will always be
that we are not left alone to struggle to do this and fail all the time because
it is beyond our ability. God’s word can work in us to enable us to live lives
worthy of God and it is this way of living that gives us the greatest sense of
self-worth, because it is fulfilling the purpose for which we are in the world.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Is what we teach our students and
our own children this Word of God? Is our message authenticated by the way it
changes lives? Are those in our charge living lives of dignity and worth,
because they are living as God intended? </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #010000; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Difficult questions for us to
answer, because of the places where we work and the nature of our society
today. We also know that being too specific in our message more than often
turns people off, rather than encourage them to holy living. Once more, I
believe our first and foremost duty is to earn the right to say something
specific because the lives <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">we</i> live
are like living letters to be read of all (2 Corinthians). It is our conduct
that sets the scene – and this is the greatest of all challenges. It is easy to
‘talk the talk’ and too many evangelists fall into this trap thinking that they
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">have </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to say something; but the Gospel message only
comes with power and people will only be willing to receive it when we ‘walk
the talk’ – and this needs all the grace we can get!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-76137071681047757762017-10-14T20:27:00.000+01:002017-10-14T20:27:01.865+01:00Philippians 4.1-9 (NRSV)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
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<b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Philippians 4.1-9 (NRSV)</span></b></div>
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<sup><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1</span></sup><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Therefore, my brothers and sisters,</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <span style="background: white;">whom I love and long for, my joy
and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Exhortations</span></b></div>
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<sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">2</span></sup><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> I urge Euodia
and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.<sup>3</sup>Yes, and I ask
you also, my loyal companion,</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <span style="background: white;">help these women, for they have
struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the
rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. </span><sup>4</sup><span style="background: white;"> Rejoice</span> <span style="background: white;">in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.</span> <sup><span style="background: white;">5</span></sup><span style="background: white;">Let your
gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.</span> <sup><span style="background: white;">6</span></sup><span style="background: white;">Do not
worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.</span> <sup><span style="background: white;">7</span></sup><span style="background: white;">And the
peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus.</span> <sup>8</sup><span style="background: white;"> Finally, beloved,</span> <span style="background: white;">whatever
is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever
is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there
is anything worthy of praise, think about</span> <span style="background: white;">these things.</span> <sup><span style="background: white;">9</span></sup><span style="background: white;">Keep on doing the things that you have learned and
received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I refer to A M Hunter’s short
commentary to begin our reflections on this lovely epistle.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My text is written in Philippians 4:7:</span></div>
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<sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">… </span></sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the peace of God, which
surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Paul exhorts us to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stand firm</i>, for the crown or garland of
victory will someday be ours. At this point, Paul remembers something that had
happened to specific people and where there had been disagreement – more than
this we know nothing about them – other than that they had quarrelled. What a
terrible thought, to be remembered for this alone! Paul encourages them to
‘agree in the Lord.’ When we realise our common bond in Christ, reconciliation
will not be far away, but sometimes we need the intervention of a third party
to help us along the way. Who this was remains an unsolved mystery. There is
nothing sadder than when Christians fall out with each other; sadder still when
people have died and there has not been peace with others.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From verse 4, Paul returns to one of
his favourite themes: ‘Rejoice in the Lord ...’ He repeats himself in order to
convince his readers, ‘... and again I say ...’ that joy <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can </i>accompany afflictions. A M Hunter suggests that the Greek in
verse 5 can be translated using Matthew Arnold’s famous ‘sweet reasonableness’
referring to what the Greeks saw as justice and something better – what the
NRSV translates as gentleness. Hunter explains: ‘... It describes the person
who knows when to relax justice and let mercy come breaking in ...’ and we do
this because ‘... the Lord is near ...’ echoing the words of the Psalmist
(145.18) ‘... the Lord is near to all who call upon him ...’ </span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Do not worry about anything. Wow, if
only I could learn this lesson for it has consumed so much of my life! Jesus
made the same exhortation (Matthew 6.25; Luke 12.22). Paul continues to explain
suggesting that true prayer and anxiety cannot (or should not) coexist ‘... the
way to be anxious about nothing is to pray about everything ...’(Hunter) The
word ‘supplication’ refers to the cry of personal need. When we pray and make
our requests known to God we should always add thanksgiving. If we do this,
Paul promises us in verse 7 that we will know God’s true and rich peace.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Paul promises the ‘peace of God’ which
passes all understanding’ – something that is beyond human comprehension will
keep, literally <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">garrison</i> their hearts
and their minds. Hunter explains: ‘The paragraph began with joy; it ends with
peace. Is Paul saying that if we have not God’s peace in our hearts we cannot
have his song on our lips?’</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Verses 8-9 are apparently unique to
Paul because they contain words that are not found anywhere else in his letters
– or even anywhere else in the New Testament – but also because they commend
virtues that are more akin to those found in Greek philosophy, especially the
stress on ‘truth’, ‘justice’, ‘excellence’ and what is ‘worthy of praise’. Why
did Paul emphasise and want his readers to reflect on these ethical virtues? </span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is not impossible that the church
in Philippi were not willing to acknowledge anything good in the values of
those outside the church, so what Paul is commending here is that we should
acknowledge and even commend all those things that are ‘good’ no matter where
we might find them and to ‘take them into account’ when deciding what to do.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Paul then ends with a return to what
he had taught them as well ‘...learned and received and heard and seen in me
...’ i.e. what he had taught and what he had revealed to them by his personal
example. Hunter concludes: ‘If the Philippians do this, “the God of peace”, the
God who is the Author and Source of peace ... will be with them ...’</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I echo these thoughts in my own
experience. For nearly 20 years I have been teaching in the United Kingdom,
many things including history and the philosophy of history, Renaissance and
Reformation Theology, New Testament, Philosophy of Mind, Religion and most
recently Ethics and now religious authority: in the process I have needed to
explore things both inside and outside the Christian faith. Until recently I
have also been teaching Buddhism as well. All these things have enriched me and
I am grateful for the privilege of sharing these things with pre University
young people who have kept me on my toes. While I always return to the
fundamentals of the faith in Scripture, I know that I need to take all these
things ‘... into account ...’ and am blessed with peace in the process; if for
no other reason that the glimpses of truth that these other ways have always
seem to me to refresh my understanding in the ultimate and compete truth that
is only available in our Lord, Jesus Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A few thoughts from J H Holden’s
commentary on the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Prison Letters.</i></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This passage of Paul’s writing is a
detailed commendation of virtue as a Greek would have seen it. Holden suggests
that Paul, ‘... unselfconsciously acts upon that positive evaluation of pagan
ethics which he gives in Romans 2.14: ‘When Gentiles, who do not possess the
Law, do instinctively what the Law requires, these, though not having the Law,
are a law to themselves. They show that what the law requires is written on
their hearts, to which their own conscience bears witness ...’</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The non-believer is perfectly capable
of knowing the main ethical principles by which humans are meant to live, and
when people behave in this way, they enter the presence of God as Paul explains
in verse 9.</span></div>
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<sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘</span></sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and
heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.’</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">St Francis of Assisi is reputed to
have said: “Preach the Gospel everywhere and only when necessary, use words.”</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Nothing can be more attractive than a
holy and pure life, not a ‘holier than thou life’. We have all met judgemental
people who think they have all the answers and who are always critical of
others. Nothing can be more off-putting. But we have also all had the privilege
of meeting people whose lives are filled with the joy of the Lord, those who
rejoice. What is a characteristic of the life of love is gentleness, prayerful
living and peace, even in the midst of terrible things. Paul exhorts us today
to live in this way and then we will know God’s peace and fulfilment and we
will attract others to become disciples of Jesus. And he also gives us a very
practical way of doing this, and that is to prayerfully fill our minds with
whatever is:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>True</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Honourable</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Just</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Pure</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Pleasing</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Commendable</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Excellence</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Worthy of praise</div>
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Is this characteristic of what we watch on television, film,
what we look at on the internet, the books we read, the music we listen to, and
what we study?</div>
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<br /></div>
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If we seek to live in this way and with God’s grace and with
the aid of the Holy Spirit, for none of this can we ever achieve in our own
strength, we all can know what Paul speaks of in verse 7 in our own lives:</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<sup>… </sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Amen.</div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-3846102601960597892017-10-07T16:29:00.003+01:002017-10-07T16:29:16.777+01:00Matthew 21:33-end<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Parable of the Wicked Tenants</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup>33</sup> ‘Listen to another parable. There was a
landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine press in
it, and built a watch-tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another
country. <sup>34</sup>When the harvest time had come, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he sent his slaves</b> to the tenants to collect his produce. <sup>35</sup>But
the tenants seized his slaves and beat one, killed another, and stoned
another. <sup>36</sup>Again <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he sent
other slaves</b>, more than the first; and they treated them in the same
way. <sup>37</sup>Finally <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he sent
his son</b> to them, saying, “They will respect my son.” <sup>38</sup>But
when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, “This is the heir; come,
let us kill him and get his inheritance.” <sup>39</sup>So they seized him,
threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. <sup>40</sup>Now when the
owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?’ <sup>41</sup>They
said to him, ‘He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">lease the vineyard to other tenants who
will give him the produce at the harvest time</b>.’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup>42</sup> Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read
in the scriptures:<br />
“The stone that the builders rejected<br />
has become the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">cornerstone</b>;<br />
this was the Lord’s doing,<br />
and it is amazing in our eyes”?<br />
<sup>43</sup>Therefore I tell you, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the
kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces
the fruits of the kingdom</b>. <sup>44</sup>The one who falls on this
stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup>45</sup> When the chief priests and the Pharisees
heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. <sup>46</sup>They
wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowds, because they regarded him as
a prophet.</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To place our Gospel reading into its context, Matthew puts
these parables in a section that deals with the authority of Jesus as it was
being challenged by the religious authorities of his day. In Jesus’ response he
makes it clear that unless we are producing fruit, a new obedient people will
take the place of those who previously had the privilege. As Ivor Jones
explains:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
There will be unexpected entrants
into the kingdom of God who will replace those who expect a place. … a new
obedient people will take the place of those who revolt against God and his Son.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The vineyard is one where the owner had lavished great care.
He is also generous in leasing it to the tenants. But they go to extreme
lengths to deny the owner his lawful rights – killing those whom the owner
sends – and as a result they are displaced. Of course, Jesus is here referring
to the people of Israel of his day. They had been God’s chosen people, but they
had rejected the prophets who sent warnings over the ages, and so had suffered
serious losses – the northern kingdom by this time had ceased to exist because
they had been defeated by the Assyrians, and the southern kingdom of Judah had
been defeated by the Babylonians, they had their temple destroyed, had been exiled
as slaves in a foreign land and had only relatively recently in their history
returned, and rebuilt the temple. And now God sent his Son, Jesus, and he was
here prophesying what they were going to do to him, what the tenants did to the
owner’s son in the parable. Verse 42 is a quote from Psalm 118:22-23.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The stone that the builders rejected<br />
has become the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">cornerstone</b>;<br />
this was the Lord’s doing,<br />
and it is amazing in our eyes”? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here Jesus is making a fantastic claim, because he is
claiming to be the cornerstone – a direct reference to the messiah. In the
early Church, the first Christians also used this Psalm to warn of the
seriousness of rejecting Christ. The telling verse is verse 43:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<sup>43</sup>Therefore I tell
you, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the kingdom of God will be taken
away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the kingdom</b>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To the people who heard Jesus tell these parables, the
meaning would have been crystal clear if they knew their scriptures: the vine
was a reference to Israel especially the song of the vineyard in Isaiah 5:1-7.
But they would have been challenged because no human father would ever send his
only son when his slaves had been killed. In fact, we all know that the idea of
the way Jesus saves us seems an offence to reason, because most would find it easier
that the tenants be left to the consequences of their actions – no matter how
dire they might be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To return briefly to the parable of the cornerstone. This is
a reference to the Temple, which had always been at the heart of the Jewish
worship of the time. Matthew was probably writing at a time after AD 70 when
the Temple had been destroyed yet again, and the people forced to flee, but now
can make sense of what Jesus had said earlier. The new tenants – the followers
of Jesus – us – would be a new nation – not one of race or language, and not
one with physical borders, but a holy nation, a new people – born from above. The
author to the first letter of Peter chapter 2 explains in verse 9-10:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<sup>9</sup> But you are a
chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order
that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness
into his marvellous light.<br />
<sup>10</sup> Once you were not a people,<br />
but now you are God’s people;<br />
once you had not received mercy,<br />
but now you have received mercy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the central message is clear – it is important that
whomever the tenants in the vineyard are, they must bear fruit, or else the
privilege they have will be taken from them and given to someone else.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But how does this challenging passage touch our lives as we
gather as the tenants in God’s vineyard in Loughborough?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Firstly, it tells us a
great deal about God</i>: It reminds us that God trusts us to get on with producing
fruit for him. He does not stand over us - he lets us get on with things. He
trusts us to love one another, to forgive one another, to bear the fruits of
the spirit with each other: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness
and self-control. Are these the fruits of our lives, are these the virtues
people would use of us – both as individuals and as a church community – and as
a Methodist Circuit. Does love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentles and
self-control spring to mind as those things that stand out about us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It tells us about God’s
patience with us</i>. In the parable he sends out messenger after messenger –
even when they are appallingly treated. He did not punish the tenants as they
deserved, he gave them other chances. Do we follow his example, or do we take
offence and right others off as soon as we clash with them?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It tells us of God’s
judgement</i>. In the end, the master took the vineyard from the cultivators
and gave it to others. This is a stern judgement – when he takes away a task
that he has called us to do. Barclay writes: “A person has sunk to their lowest
level when they become useless to God.” But herein also lies a positive
blessing: perhaps when we feel down and useless, we need to ask: “Lord is there
something that I can do for you, that I am not doing?” because it is also true
that one feels most blessed when we know that we are being useful to God – even
if it is doing the simplest things that others might not even notice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Secondly, it tells us
much about humankind:</i> It reminds us of our great privilege. The vineyard
was well equipped with everything – hedge, winepress, and watchtower – which would
have made the task of the cultivators most effective. Whenever God gives us a
task to do – whenever he calls us – he also equips us. When we do not bear the
fruits of the spirit, it is perhaps because we are not being united with the
spirit in prayer and the sacraments, when we are trying and failing because we
are trying in our own strength and not the strength that God supplies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It tells us of human
freedom.</i> God leaves us to fulfil our calling as we like, he gives us the
freedom to express our callings in ways which enrich our sense of self because
our obedience liberates us – it makes us even more ‘free’. Jesus said: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My yoke is easy and my burden light.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It reminds us that we
are answerable – that we need to take responsibility for whom we are and how we
act toward others.</i> If we are bearing fruit, we liberate others, if we think
exclusively of ourselves, we bind them instead of setting them free. I love the
African notion of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ubuntu – </i>for me
the great gift of African theology to the world. Simply put it is the idea that
– <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am whom you enable me to be</i>. We
are answerable to God and each other in the way we set others free; or bind
them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It tells us of the
deliberateness of human sin:</i> In the parable the tenants are deliberate in
their disobedience. Sin is deliberate disobedience, a liberating thought
because we all so often fall short because of our human frailty, and I am
convinced that God makes the distinction as we as parents do for our children
and as we should all do for each other in the family of God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thirdly, it tells us
much about Jesus:</i> It tells us that Jesus claimed to be the long promised
Messiah. The owner’s slaves symbolised the Hebrew prophets, Jesus is the Son.
This parable makes one of the clearest of Jesus’ claims to be unique.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It tells of the
sacrifice of Jesus:</i> It is clear that Jesus know what lay ahead for him – he
would be handed over to the wicked and be killed. But he went ahead because he
know that it would demonstrate how much God loves us all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus is the stone: the foundation stone on which everything
is built, the cornerstone which holds everything together. To reject Jesus and
his ways is to batter one’s head because it is in living in this way that we live
life and that in all its fullness, and not merely exist.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We live is a society that has rejected the foundation and
cornerstone that gives life real meaning and purpose. And we need to ask: Are
we tenants in the vineyard that are producing fruit – fruit in our own lives so
that others may want to share in our harvest – and offering fruit to others so
that they too might have life?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-86377266070400955172017-09-23T15:42:00.002+01:002017-09-23T15:42:51.066+01:00Apologies for missing last week - we needed to take our son to university ...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
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<b>Matthew 20.1-16</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Labourers in the Vineyard</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup>1</sup>‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner
who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. <sup>2</sup>After
agreeing with the labourers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his
vineyard. <sup>3</sup>When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others
standing idle in the market-place; <sup>4</sup>and he said to them, “You also
go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” So they went. <sup>5</sup>When
he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. <sup>6</sup>And
about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to
them, “Why are you standing here idle all day?” <sup>7</sup>They said to him,
“Because no one has hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the
vineyard.” <sup>8</sup>When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his
manager, “Call the labourers and give them their pay, beginning with the last
and then going to the first.” <sup>9</sup>When those hired about five o’clock
came, each of them received the usual daily wage. <sup>10</sup>Now when the
first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also
received the usual daily wage. <sup>11</sup>And when they received it, they
grumbled against the landowner, <sup>12</sup>saying, “These last worked only
one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the
day and the scorching heat.” <sup>13</sup>But he replied to one of them,
“Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily
wage? <sup>14</sup>Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this
last the same as I give to you. <sup>15</sup>Am I not allowed to do what I
choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” <sup>16</sup>So
the last will be first, and the first will be last.’ </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
My text this morning is written in Matthew 20.15-16:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
“<sup>15</sup>Am I not allowed to
do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am
generous?” <sup>16</sup>So the last will be first, and the first will be last.’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another lovely parable causing readers to pause and think!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From the earliest times, people like Philo (the Jewish
contemporary of Jesus) and Origen (one of the early Church fathers) warned us
that we should not shy away from difficult passages of Scripture, for it is
indeed these, that take us to new and wonderful depths. They also remind us to
beware against taking them literally, for the end result would be folly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is one of those parables, which on the
surface seems to applaud injustice. But if one understands the employer as God
himself, it takes on a whole new dimension. Everything we receive from God, has
nothing to do with what we have done to earn it, all we have is a result of God
being merciful to us. So, we are accepted by God, not because of who we are and
what we have done; we are accepted by God because of who Jesus is (God
incarnate) and what he has done for us. This means that, even the sinner who
repents at the eleventh hour will be as welcome as we are. Verse 15 holds the
key to the passage where Jesus said: “<sup>15</sup>Am I not allowed to do what
I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” <sup>16</sup>So
the last will be first, and the first will be last.’ As de Dietrich states: ‘…
those who believe they enter it “by right” run the grave risk of being among
the last.’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew records Jesus as ending off his last discourse with
a reference to the first and the last and, being focused on a Jewish audience,
is the only one to include this parable. We can safely assume that he was
directing what he was saying also specifically to the Pharisees, and their
literalism and legalism, in response to their criticism of him for socialising
and even inviting tax collectors and sinners to be part of his group – in fact
– to be part of the Kingdom of God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It has nothing to do with economics and business practice!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The landowner went out early in the morning and hired
labourers for the vineyard. The workers would have been thrilled to have work
for the day. The parable continues that the landowner hired more labourers at 9
o’clock in the morning. He never promised them a full day’s pay but that he
would ‘… pay them what is right …’ He went out again at noon and 3 o’clock and
again at 5 o’clock. The working day would have ended at 6 o’clock. To these
later workers he makes no mention of the rate of pay.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of the working day, the owner sent his manager
into the vineyard to pay them all, starting with those who had been hired last.
To their surprise, they all received a full day’s wage. While they waited, those
who had been hired thought that they were in for much, more – but they too
received what they had agreed to. They complained to the landowner, the words
of their complaint are important; notice in verse 12. ‘… and you have made them
equal to us …’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The landowner explained that he had done no wrong; he had
given them exactly what they had agreed to adding (in verse 15) ‘…<sup>15</sup>Am
I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?’ </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Pharisees and some of the Jews in Jesus’ day thought
that there were especially favoured by God above others and that they held
pride of place. What Jesus was teaching and doing therefore seemed scandalous
to them. The second part of verse 15 includes ‘…Or are you envious because I am
generous?’ The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New English Bible</i>
translates this as ‘… Why be jealous because I am kind?’ Literally, the Greek
translates ‘… is your eye evil?’ which is part of our vocabulary today as
giving someone ‘the evil eye’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for
‘grudging envy and jealousy.’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have already established that the landowner represents
God and so this parable is all about the abundance of God’s grace. When God is
gracious to us, we are humbled and should be deeply grateful, but it is also
true that when we see God being gracious to others – and it seems that he is being
more generous to them – then we give them ‘the evil eye’ because we think they
are underserving. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are God’s children by his grace; none of us could do
anything to deserve this, or earn it, it is all a result of God’s free grace to
us; all we have ever done, is receive the gift. Sometimes, being part of the
kingdom means enduring scorching heat and burdens like the labourers that had
to work all day, but, as Jesus reminds us, his yoke is easy and his burden is
light. We should rejoice when we see others being welcomed in. Meier suggests
that</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
The real problem is that the
grumblers harbour envy (literally, ‘an evil eye’) because the lord is generous
towards those with no merit to stand on. His generosity is an expression of
gracious freedom, not spiteful arbitrariness, while their complaints are an
expression of their lovelessness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of my students have asked me if I do not think I have
missed out, having become a Christian when I was relatively young. They suggest
that they want to go wild and enjoy all the pleasures of life while they can,
and it would seem a pity to miss out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My response is always the same; those who only find Christ
later in their lives are the ones who have missed out, for life with Christ is
rich and full and meaningful. To find forgiveness and fullness and meaning and
purpose, is to find freedom – what Jesus intends for all. Following Jesus and
his ways is indeed the way of freedom; following the ways of the world are the
ways of bondage and meaninglessness. Like the workers hired later in the day,
the landowner found them ‘… standing idle …’ with no purpose. The ways of the
lord are not like our ways; we cannot even begin to understand his generosity
and love. Meier adds: ‘… those who think they can calculate exactly how God
must act are in for a surprise.’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The law of the lord is the way of freedom, and this is why,
the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, with 176 verses celebrates the
freedom that comes from following the Law of the Lord in which delight is
found. Before Jesus, the Roman philosopher Cicero also discovered this truth in
his statement: ‘… we are slaves of the law so that we might be free …’ Charles
Wesley articulates this beautifully in his hymn with the words ‘… my chains
fell off, my heart was free, I rose went forth and followed thee …’ The Apostle
Paul had freedom as central to his teaching, building on the message of our
Lord.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The kingdom of heaven is now and then; it is about richness
of life now, and the earlier one comes into the kingdom, the greater the fulfilment
and blessing will be. We should never be jealous of those who only come in
late, but have pity on them for having missed out on so much and for so long.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Some useful illustrations from
www.sermons.com</i></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Generosity Is the
Secret to Our Joy</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There is an old rabbinic parable about a farmer that had
two sons. As soon as they were old enough to walk, he took them to the fields
and he taught them everything that he knew about growing crops and raising
animals. When he got too old to work, the two boys took over the chores of the
farm and when the father died, they had found their working together so
meaningful that they decided to keep their partnership. So each brother
contributed what he could and during every harvest season, they would divide equally
what they had corporately produced. Across the years the elder brother never
married, stayed an old bachelor. The younger brother did marry and had eight
wonderful children. Some years later when they were having a wonderful harvest,
the old bachelor brother thought to himself one night, "My brother has ten
mouths to feed. I only have one. He really needs more of his harvest than I do,
but I know he is much too fair to renegotiate. I know what I'll do. In the dead
of the night when he is already asleep, I'll take some of what I have put in my
barn and I'll slip it over into his barn to help him feed his children.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the very time he was thinking down that line, the younger
brother was thinking to himself, "God has given me these wonderful
children. My brother hasn't been so fortunate. He really needs more of this
harvest for his old age than I do, but I know him. He's much too fair. He'll
never renegotiate. I know what I'll do. In the dead of the night when he's
asleep, I'll take some of what I've put in my barn and slip it over into his
barn." And so one night when the moon was full, as you may have already
anticipated, those two brothers came face to face, each on a mission of
generosity. The old rabbi said that there wasn't a cloud in the sky, a gentle
rain began to fall. You know what it was? God weeping for joy because two of
his children had got the point. Two of his children had come to realize that
generosity is the deepest characteristic of the holy and because we are made in
God's image, our being generous is the secret to our joy as well. Life is not
fair, thank God! It's not fair because it's rooted in grace.” From: John
Claypool, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life Isn't Fair</i>, Thank God!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Embrace the Sense of
Community</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There’s a play by Timothy Thompson based on this parable in
which he depicts two brothers vying for work. John is strong and capable;
Philip is just as willing but has lost a hand in an accident. When the
landowner comes, John is taken in the first wave of workers, and as he labours
in the field he looks up the lane for some sign of Philip. Other workers are
brought to the field, but Philip is not among them. John is grateful to have
the work, but feels empty knowing that Philip is just as needful as he.
Finally, the last group of workers arrive, and Philip is among them. John is
relieved to know that Philip will get to work at least one hour. But, as the
drama unfolds, and those who came last get paid a full days’ wages, John
rejoices, knowing that Philip – his brother – will have the money necessary to
feed his family. When it comes his turn to stand before the landowner and
receive his pay, instead of complaining as the others, John throws out his hand
and says with tears in his eyes, “Thank you, my lord, for what you’ve done for
us today!”<br />
<br />
God’s justice arises out of a sense of community in which we see the “eleventh
hour” workers as our brothers and sisters whose needs are every bit as
important as our own.” From Philip W. McLarty, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">100 Points!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A man dies and goes to heaven. Of course, St. Peter meets
him at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter says, "Here's how it works. You need
100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done,
and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good
it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in." Okay, " the man says,
"I was married to the same women for 50 years and never cheated on her,
even in my heart." That's wonderful," says St. Peter, "that's
worth three points." Three points?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He says. "Well, I attended church all my life and
supported its ministry with my tithe and service." Terrific!" say's
St. Peter. "That's certainly worth a point." "One point? Well I
started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans."
Fantastic, that's good for two more points," he says. "Two
points!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The man cries. "At this rate the only way to get into
heaven is by the grace of God!" St. Peter smiled. "There's your 100
points! Come on in!" <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Traditional</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-64826739155381966782017-09-03T13:00:00.002+01:002017-09-03T13:00:56.615+01:00Apologies for lateness ... preparing for the start of a new term.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;">Matthew
16.21-end: (NRSV)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;">Jesus Foretells
His Death and Resurrection:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">21<span style="background: white;"> From
that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem
and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and
scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.</span> <span style="background: white;">22And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him,
saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’</span> <span style="background: white;">23But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me,
Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on
divine things but on human things.’</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;">The Cross and
Self-Denial</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">24<span style="background: white;"> Then
Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny
themselves and take up their cross and follow me.</span> <span style="background: white;">25For those who want to save their life will lose it,
and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.</span> <span style="background: white;">26For what will it profit them if they gain the whole
world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? </span>27<span style="background: white;"> ‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels
in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been
done.</span> <span style="background: white;">28Truly I tell you, there are
some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man
coming in his kingdom.’</span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Some ideas from J C Fenton ...</div>
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<br /></div>
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In the earlier verses of this chapter, we have the record of
the time when Jesus revealed his identity as God’s Messiah to the disciples.
This next utterance would then have been difficult for them to grasp, because
their understanding of the Messiah would not have included any form of
suffering. If fact this would be true for all Jews at the time. The concept of
a suffering Messiah only came much later when Christians came to understand the
significance of the death and Resurrection of Jesus and came to see it all as
being part of God’s plan of salvation.</div>
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<br /></div>
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This is the first explicit prediction of the Passion. It is
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sceptical of scholars do not deny that this sort of prediction was part of
Jesus’ message to his disciples. </div>
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Jesus used stark words of condemnation to Peter, using the
title <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Satan</i>, because Peter was
opposing the will of God. The ignorance of Peter is not just of the future of
the disciples but also the future of Jesus: Jesus makes it clear that there is
cost involved in following him. Jesus therefore begins to teach his disciples
(pupils) that if they wish to come after him, and enter the glory of the age to
come, they must follow him by being obedient to the will of God and this will
mean suffering. They must not try to follow the secure way in this world,
because this would mean losing their lives in the age to come.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Even though it seemed as though the disciples had understood
the fact that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah, they still did not get what
this meant: they were still thinking of a conqueror, a warrior king, who would
deliver them from their political oppressors. If the disciples had gone out and
preached these ideas to the people, the result would have been rebellion.
Before they could preach that Jesus was the Messiah, they had to learn what the
true message was.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Central to the message was going to be the Cross and would
entail a great deal of suffering. This was anathema to Peter who had been
raised with the idea of a conquering Messiah and the idea of suffering seemed
incredible, so he said that this must never happen. This is followed by the
great rebuke ‘Get behind me Satan!’</div>
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<br /></div>
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Barclay suggests that we need to understand the following if
we hope to make sense of this passage:</div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus reacted in the way he did, because he was probably
reminded of his great temptation in the wilderness at the beginning of his
ministry: he had been tempted to take the path of power, meeting material needs
and compromise with the ways of the world. Peter was confronting him again with
the same temptations. Again and again, throughout Jesus’ ministry he confronted
these temptations: no one would want a cross, a degrading and painful death.
Barclay writes: ‘The sharpness and poignancy of Jesus’ answer is due to the
fact that Peter was urging upon him the very things which the tempter was always
whispering to him, the very things against which he had to steel himself ...’
That is why Peter was Satan; that is why Peter’s ideas were man’s and not
God’s. Satan is any influence which seeks to turn us away from the ways of God.</div>
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<br /></div>
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O that we might always be able to resist the ways of Satan
...</div>
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<br /></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-7468765477597799462017-08-18T23:00:00.002+01:002017-08-18T23:00:28.162+01:00The Canaanite Woman’s Faith<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
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Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #880000; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Matthew 15.21-28 (NRSV)</span></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #880000; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="border-bottom: double windowtext 2.25pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm;">
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: 12.65pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: double windowtext 2.25pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">21</span></sup><span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and
Sidon.</span><sup><span style="background: white; color: #777777; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">22</span></sup><span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Just then a Canaanite woman from
that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of
David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’</span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><sup><span style="background: white; color: #777777; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">23</span></sup><span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But he did not answer her at all.
And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps
shouting after us.’</span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><sup><span style="background: white; color: #777777; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">24</span></sup><span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">He answered, ‘I was sent only to
the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’</span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><sup><span style="background: white; color: #777777; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">25</span></sup><span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But she came and knelt before him,
saying, ‘Lord, help me.’</span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><sup><span style="background: white; color: #777777; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">26</span></sup><span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">He answered, ‘It is not fair to
take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’</span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><sup><span style="background: white; color: #777777; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">27</span></sup><span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the
dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’</span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><sup><span style="background: white; color: #777777; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">28</span></sup><span style="background: white; color: #010000; font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman,
great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was
healed instantly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In the earlier
verses of chapter 15, the question arose: ‘What is it that defiles?’ Here Jesus
is dealing with the issue of Jews and Gentiles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>J C Fenton suggests that the two issues are connected, because the Jews
at the time believed that in order not to be defiled, they needed to keep
themselves separate from the Gentiles. Eventually the Church came to understand
that in Jesus, the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles had been broken down
– a reference to Ephesians 2.11-22.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Ephesians
passage has particular significance for me. It became the motto of our little
multi-racial Presbyterian Church in South Africa, where my father was the
session clerk and which I attended from its inception in 1962 – the first of
its kind in South Africa. The logo was a broken wall with the text underneath
and it appeared on our first hymn book which included hymns and songs in
English, Afrikaans and Xhosa, published using a spirit printer and an old
Olivetti typewriter, with translations happening on the hoof! (My 84 year old
mother in Cheshire still has one on her bookshelf). My parents used to break
curfew and have black, coloured and Asian friends over for meals and Bible studies.
We were a small fellowship, and we were often infiltrated by the Special Branch
(they were <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so</i> obvious) but the
witness of being part of this fellowship until I was 12 years old (1969) has
been long-lasting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Ephesians
passage is also special to me because I did an exposition on this passage on
Christmas Day 1993 to over 700 people (two sittings), at the Jeffreys Bay
Methodist Church – before the first democratic elections the following April.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This story was
probably used by the early Church when there were discussions as to whom should
be allowed to become members of the Church and so Paul wrote to the Ephesians
and also to the Galatians (3.28). The message is also implied in 2 Corinthians
5.17 – all key texts as we challenged the Apartheid South Africa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The disciples
tried to send the Canaanite woman away – just as later Jewish Christians would
oppose preaching to the Gentiles and in fact to have any contact with them
(Acts 11.1ff). Jesus admitted that he had not gone beyond Israel in his own
ministry – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I was sent only to the lost
sheep of the house of Israel</i> – but it is clear from passages like this that
the Gospel is – as we Methodist stress – for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">John Meier has
some interesting thoughts on this reading ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus has just
torn down the wall of laws about clean and unclean which kept Jews and Gentiles
apart, now he acts out his teaching in one of the few contacts with a Gentile.
This occasion is similar to the one with the Centurion (8.5-13). But note how
the Gentile here addresses Jesus as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lord</i>.
Jesus responds to this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">faith</i> as well
as her <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">humility</i>. This is an important
reminder for me. It is all too easy to become complacent, even presumptuous
about our contact with God.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mark refers to a
Syrophoenician woman; Matthew changes this to ‘Canaanite’ –which conjures up
the Old Testament image of the early enemies of the Jews. But her use of the
titles <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lord </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Son of David</i> shows that she believes that Jesus <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> the promised Messiah who has been
rejected by his own people. Jesus remains silent at first; the annoyed
disciples want to get rid of her and Jesus breaks the silence to say that his
mission was limited to Israel which needed to be saved because they were like
lost sheep. The woman persists. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Whenever I read
the parable that follows, on my liberal western ears it sounds harsh and
uncharacteristic of our Lord; it comes across to my modern ears as rude and
almost racist. True, Jews did treat Gentiles with disrespect and sometimes
referred to them as dogs; but I find it difficult coming from the mouth of our
Lord. But Meier offers some interesting observations as he paraphrases the
woman’s response where she agrees with the parable, but turns it to her
advantage:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘Yes Lord, your statement of priorities is
correct, and as a Gentile I acknowledge the rights and privileges of Israel;
indeed the Jews are admitted to be the “masters” of the pagans. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yet</i>, precisely on the terms of your
parable I have hope; sooner or later some crumbs will inadvertently fall from
the table to the floor, to be snapped up by the dogs.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus cannot be
convinced by any claims or even merit, ‘... but he is overcome by the prayer of
faith, expressed with humility and humour.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It was faith that
gave the first Gentiles access to our Lord – both to healing and salvation –
and so the woman’s daughter was healed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Once more I am
caused to pause and think about my presumption as I relate to our Lord, and am
touched by this tender encounter.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Barclay suggests
that there are a number of things worth noting about the Canaanite woman. (i)
She was filled with love, having made the misery of her child her own. Our love
for our children is always a reflection of God’s love for us, His children. We
will do anything for our children, and it was her love that, realising that she
would probably be shunned, or even treated harshly and unfairly, that spurred
her on. It was probably also love that enabled her to see our Lord’s compassion
beneath his strange initial response to her request. Barclay adds: ‘... there
is nothing stronger and nothing nearer God than love ...’</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(ii) This woman
also had faith: Her faith grew when she made contact with Jesus. She began by
calling him <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Son of David</i> – which was
a popular, political title and the way of seeing Jesus as a great and powerful
wonder-worker – but it was a title which looked on Jesus in terms of earthly
power and glory. Initially she came for help to a powerful <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">man</i>. But she ends by calling him <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lord</i>. It was as though Jesus forced her to look more closely and to
see more, the divine. Jesus wanted her to ‘... see that a request to a great
man must be turned into a prayer to the living God ...’ and her faith grew in
her confrontation and drew her to worship – she begins with a request and ends
with a prayer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The woman also
had indomitable persistence – and could not be discouraged. It is suggested
that some people pray, not really expecting anything to happen. But the woman
knew that Jesus was her only hope and so was in deadly earnest. Her prayer was
a passionate outpouring of her soul – she had no choice. This reminds me of
that tender moment in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shadowlands</i> the
story of the relationship between C S Lewis and Joy Davidson. On her death,
Lewis was grief-stricken and also said that he prayed because he had no choice,
it was just something that flowed through and from him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The woman also
had the gift of cheerfulness: she was in the middle of trouble, but still kept
her sense of humour. Jesus loved this light of hope. She brought with it all
great love and together with her faith, found an answer to her prayers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is how
philosopher Dallas Willard puts it, as he defines exactly what is a disciple:
"One of those who have trusted Jesus with their whole life, so far as they
understand it. Because they've done so, they want to learn everything he has to
teach them about life in the kingdom of God now and forever, and they're
constantly with him to learn this. Disciples of Jesus are those learning to be
like him" (Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the
Character of Christ, 241).</span></div>
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David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-6230051761333108232017-08-12T16:46:00.002+01:002017-08-12T16:46:46.239+01:00Jesus walks on water<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
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<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #880000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Matthew 14.22-33 (NRSV)</span></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #880000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Jesus Walks on the Water</span></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: left;">
<sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">22</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Immediately he made the disciples get into
the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the
crowds. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">23</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">by himself to pray</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">. When evening came, he
was there </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">alone</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">, </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">24</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">but by this time the
boat, battered by the waves, was </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">far from the land</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">, for the wind was against them. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">25</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And early in the morning
he came walking towards them on the lake. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">26</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But when the disciples
saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And
they cried out in </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">fear</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">27</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But immediately Jesus
spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">do not be afraid</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">.’</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm;">
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: 12.65pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">28</span></sup><sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Peter answered him,
‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">29</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter
got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards
Jesus. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">30</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But when </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">he
noticed </span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">the strong wind,</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><sup><span style="color: #0000bb; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">*</span></sup></a><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> he became </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">frightened</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">, and beginning to sink,
he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">31</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Jesus </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">immediately </span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him,
‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’</span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">32</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">33</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And those in the boat
worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: 12.65pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Barclay offers the following thoughts:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After the feeding of the 5000, Jesus
sent his disciples away. Matthew stresses that Jesus ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">made’</i> i.e. compelled them to embark on the boat and go on ahead.
John’s account of this event gives us further insight. John suggests that the
crowds, after the feeding of the 5000, wanted to make Jesus their king by force
(John 6.15). This was completely out of line with how Jesus saw his ministry
and it is possible that his fickle disciples might have complicated matters
still further. Jesus needed to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">be</i>
alone and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">deal</i> with the situation
alone. He did not want to involve the disciples.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When Jesus was alone, he went up the
mountain to pray. As the night progressed, there was a sudden storm – not
uncommon in this region. Jesus eventually began to walk around the lake to
reach the other side. It was probably spring time and full moon and so Jesus
would have been able to see the plight of the disciples and they would have
been able to see him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But did Jesus actually walk on the
water or did it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">look</i> as though he
was? Barclay suggests that the Greek could mean that he was or that he was
walking <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">towards</i> the water. It is not
impossible that Jesus did walk <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">on</i> the
water, because we know of other natural miracles that Jesus performed. It is
also possible that the storm had blown the boat toward the northern shore and
that Jesus was walking through the surf to help them. But, as Barclay suggests,
whatever explanation one prefers is of little consequence because the meaning
and significance of this passage remains perfectly clear. And this is that, in
times of need, Jesus comes to us. When life is a struggle, Jesus is there to
help us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The reality of our lives is that we
often have to face ‘winds of trouble’. When these times happen, we do not have
to face them alone, because Jesus comes to us through the storms of life, ‘...
with hand stretched to save, and with his calm clear voice bidding us to be of
good courage, and not to be afraid.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> is what matters and what all
Christians can testify to the truth of and that is in the storms of life, we
never need to face them alone, for Jesus always comes to us, helps us and even
blesses us in the process.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I continue with the aid of Barclay for
a while longer. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There is no passage in the New
Testament that reveals the character of Peter better; it tells us three things
about Peter:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Firstly,</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> he was given to
acting on impulse and without thinking about what he was doing. He did this
again when he vowed unswerving loyalty to Jesus before our Lord’s arrest, only
to deny him soon afterwards. Peter’s troubled was that he was ruled by his
heart, but this does not mean that his heart was always wrong, in fact his
heart was always right, because his instinct was always to love.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Secondly</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, Jesus wants us
always to face every situation, sometimes in all its grimness, before we act.
Jesus was always completely honest and wants us to see how difficult it is to
follow him. Peter needed to learn that it is not a good idea to act on the
emotional moment without counting the cost first. He eventually learned this
lesson.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thirdly,</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> whenever Peter
failed, he clung on to Christ and so was able to rise again. His failures
brought him closer to Christ. Barclay suggests, ‘A Saint is not a person who
never fails; a Saint is a person who gets up and goes on every time they fall.’
Peter’s failures only made him love Jesus Christ more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">These verses also give us insight into
more. When Jesus got into the boat, the wind died down. This shows that
wherever Jesus is, the wildest storm becomes calm. This was the experience of
Francis of Sales: He noticed that when people went to the well to draw water;
they would put a piece of wood into the water before carrying it away, to keep
the water steady. Francis concluded: Whenever your heart is distressed, put the
Cross of Jesus into the centre of your heart, to keep it steady; this will
bring peace and calm.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is indeed my experience ...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Some further thoughts based on the
commentary by Suzanne de Dietrich ...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We are not sure how much solitude
Jesus had access to at this point in his ministry but it would seem that it
only happened at night. In order to experience it, Jesus needed to leave the
conditions of their tiny lodgings ‘... that cruel lack of privacy imposed on
the poor.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There are three accounts of the
crossing of the lake that took place after the multiplication of the loaves,
and all of them point to the difficulty of the crossing and the sudden
appearance of Jesus: they all show how the disciples did not recognise Jesus at
first and that he appeared to come to them , ‘walking on the sea’. But Matthew
alone includes the experience of Peter who also walked on the water but began
to sink because he was gripped with fear. All those in the boat prostrated
themselves saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The mystery of this experience calls
to mind the post-Resurrection experiences as the disciples’ confession of faith
anticipates that which will be made later. Does this reflect the memory of
Matthew of the Risen One blending with that of the earthly ministry of Jesus?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But the incident has a double message:
(i) Jesus is Lord of the elements because he is clothed with the very power of
God. Jesus is not only a teacher whom the disciples follow but also the Son of
God to whom they prostrate themselves. (ii) Faith in Jesus is empowering; but
the faith that begins to doubt ‘sinks’ and can flounder, but our merciful Lord
comes to our aid.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A W Argyle suggests that the secret of
Jesus’ power lay not only in the fact that he was the Son of God, but also in
the fact that he was constantly in fellowship with the Father in prayer. ‘This
was the essence of his inward life, of which his ministry was the outflowing.’
Archbishop William Temple wrote: ‘The right relation between prayer and conduct
is not that conduct is supremely important and prayer may help it, but that
prayer is supremely important and conduct tests it.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Verse 27 is of some special
significance. What is translated as ‘it is I’ is more literally translated as
‘I am’. As we know these words are often used as a self-revelation of Yahweh in
the Old Testament – once again a reference to the Incarnation. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Verses 28-31 are peculiar to Matthew.
To come to Jesus across the water required a great deal of courage – which
Peter demonstrated – but his faith wavered and Jesus saved him. This must have
been of great encouragement to Matthew’s original audience as they were often
confronted by ‘storms’ and ‘dangers’. Argyle too, suggests that these verses
must have originated from this early preaching of the Church as it is
significant that Mark makes no mention of it, and it is accepted that Mark used
Peter as his source. It is also interesting to note that here the disciples
accepted and declared Jesus as the Son of God and in Mark’s account their
‘minds were closed’!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A few last thoughts on the Gospel
reading, this time aided by J C Fenton ...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The emphasis here is to deal with the
separation of the disciples from Jesus, their insecurity, their fear – even
their terror – which lasts until the fourth watch of the night. The
significance here for the Church is that although we are physically separated
from Jesus after the resurrection ‘... yet he is praying for them, and will
come to them again as the Son of man; they are to take heart and have no fear,
although they are beaten by the waves of persecution, and the wind is against them.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">With reference to the passage from
verse 28 ff. We know that the early Church revered Peter as the first of the
great disciples and the Rock on which the Church is built *(10.2 and 16.18)
nevertheless, Matthew adds this important other dimension of Peter’s character
and experience: Matthew does not shy away from Peter’s denial of our Lord
during the Passion and here he represents Peter as one of ‘little faith’ – a
doubter. His failure here and Peter’s restoration by Jesus, may be an
anticipation of Peter’s future failure during the Passion and his restoration
after the Resurrection.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fenton suggests that this section
seems to be a preachers’ elaboration on a theme by means of a story ... once
again, if this is true or not is of little concern to me, because it is my
experience that our Lord treats me and those I know and love with the same
grace, and for that I am grateful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-25216799137508073642017-08-05T13:54:00.001+01:002017-08-05T13:54:20.382+01:00The Transfiguration<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span lang="EN-US">Luke 9.28-36 (NRSV)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US">The Transfiguration</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777;">28</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000;"> Now about eight days after these sayings
Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the
mountain </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">to pray</span></a><span style="color: #010000;">. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777;">29</span></sup><span style="color: #010000;">And while he was </span><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">praying</span></a><span style="color: #010000;">, the
appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777;">30</span></sup><span style="color: #010000;">Suddenly they
saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777;">31</span></sup><span style="color: #010000;">They appeared
in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish
at Jerusalem. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777;">32</span></sup><span style="color: #010000;">Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with
sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men
who stood with him. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777;">33</span></sup><span style="color: #010000;">Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus,
‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one
for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777;">34</span></sup><span style="color: #010000;">While he was
saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as
they entered the cloud. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777;">35</span></sup><span style="color: #010000;">Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my
Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ </span><sup><span style="color: #777777;">36</span></sup><span style="color: #010000;">When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And
they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In this study we see
Jesus, Peter, James and John on the top of a mountain where Jesus confirmed to
them what they had come to understand as Jesus' true identity - that Jesus was
the Messiah. Appearing with Moses can be seen as symbolising Jesus as the total
fulfilment of the Law; appearing with Elijah can be seen as symbolising Jesus
as the fulfilment of everything the prophets had foretold about the Messiah.
This great event therefore confirms the truth of what the disciples had
confessed about Jesus - that he was in fact the Messiah, the Christ, the
Saviour of the world. This reaches a climax in verse 35 when the Father spoke:
'This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him'.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Father told the
disciples to listen to Jesus. Remember what Jesus had been telling them - that
he was on his way to Jerusalem where he would suffer.</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1942799900327181149#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> The
disciples needed some encouragement after hearing the hard words about bearing
a cross; they also needed some graphic confirmation that Jesus was who he
claimed to be.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It must have been an
amazing experience. It was so wonderful that Peter never wanted it to end.
Peter's desire to remain and revel in this ecstasy is indicative of what many
of us feel in our moments of glory. The commentator in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life Application Bible</i> writes:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; tab-stops: -36.0pt 0cm; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sometimes we too have
such an inspiring experience that we want to stay where we are - away from the
reality and problems of our daily lives. Knowing that struggles await us in the
valley encourages us to linger on the mountaintop. Yet staying on top of a
mountain prohibits us from ministering to others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Peter's response also
reveals another danger - the problem of people running after wonderful
experiences. There is no doubting that it is important to have encouraging and
uplifting experiences - but we must never fall into the trap of trying to
rekindle them to the exclusion of everything else. So many people fall into
this trap. Some have become spiritual grasshoppers - jumping from church to
church in search of experiences. Many churches go through times of incredible
growth when they introduce something new and exciting. People flock from all
other churches and join - but they only remain until some other group creates
something fresh and new or the experience has worn off.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is a truth in all
areas of life. We only really enjoy and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">appreciate</i>
the times of delight and happiness when the times of sadness remind us of our
great blessings. We take many things for granted until something happens to
make us to cherish our blessings. People who are told that they have a limited
time left to live start taking notice of their loved ones and their environment
in a special way - sometimes for the first time in years. I am sure you can
think of many other examples.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To base one's life and
faith on experiences is a terrible mistake because our experiences are so
fickle. What we need to base of lives on is the Word of God. Wiersbe writes:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; tab-stops: -36.0pt 0cm; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As wonderful as these
experiences are, they are not the basis for a consistent Christian life. That
can come only through the Word of God. Experiences come and go, but the Word
remains. Our recollection of past experiences will fade, but God's Word never
changes. ... That was why the Father said "Hear Him!" and why Peter
made this same emphasis on the Word in his report [in] 2 Peter 1:12-21.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Listen to excerpts from
Peter's message in that passage:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; tab-stops: -36.0pt 0cm; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>... with our own eyes
we saw his true greatness ... We were there with Jesus on the Holy mountain and
heard this voice speak from heaven. All of this makes us even more certain that
what the prophets said is true. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">So you
should pay close attention to their message</b>, as you would to a lamp shining
in some dark place. (CEV)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When we base our lives
on the Word of God, we begin to experience the process whereby we experience
our own personal, spiritual transfiguration. Luke does not actually use the
Greek work that is translated as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">transfiguration</i>.
Matthew and Mark do. The word is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">metamorphose</i>
which means to experience a change in our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">nature</b>
and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">character</b>. This is what
salvation is all about, the transforming of people from sin to holiness. This
is God's will for us. Paul explains in Romans 12:1-2:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; tab-stops: -36.0pt 0cm; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Therefore, my friends,
I implore you by God's mercy to offer your very selves to him: a living
sacrifice, dedicated and fit for his acceptance, the worship offered by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">mind</b> and heart. Conform no longer to
the pattern of this present world, but be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">transformed
by the renewal of your minds</b>. Then you will be able to discern the will of
God, and to know what is good, acceptable, and perfect.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In Christ's
transfiguration on the mountain the Father also emphasised this very point - He
told the disciples to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">listen</i>. In the
context of the passage the Father was saying to the disciples - as paraphrased
by Donald Miller:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; tab-stops: -36.0pt 0cm; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Unreasonable as his
account of his suffering may seem, and incongruous though it may be with your
idea of Messiahship, nevertheless listen to what he is saying, and believe it!
You are the ones who do not know what you are saying ... Jesus does. Listen to
him!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is only in Luke's
account that we are told of the conversation that took place at the
transfiguration. In verse 31 we read: 'They ... talked about all that Jesus'
death in Jerusalem would mean'.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Because this was the
topic of conversation at such a time 'shows how central the death of Jesus is'
(Morris). The word Luke uses to describe 'death' here is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">exodos</i>. Because this is an unusual word to use in this context we
should take note of some special significance. Morris explains that we are
intended to see Jesus' death as it is related to Israel's exodus out of slavery
in Egypt. He elaborates:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; tab-stops: -36.0pt 0cm; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Exodus had
delivered Israel from bondage. Jesus by His 'exodos' would deliver His people
from far worse bondage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ellis links the
significance of this to what Jesus had taught the people beforehand:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; tab-stops: -36.0pt 0cm; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The 'exodus' typology
is clearly in view. Jesus is the new Moses who establishes a new Israel, gives
a new covenant, and through his death and resurrection delivers God's people
from the 'Egypt' of sin and death.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The death of Jesus is
the central teaching of the Scriptures. The entire Old Testament looks forward
to it and the entire New Testament elaborates on it - taking us into the depths
of what it means. As J C Ryle states:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; tab-stops: -36.0pt 0cm; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let us take heed that
this death of Christ is the ground of all our confidence. Nothing else will
give us comfort in the hour of death and the day of judgement. ... Christ dying
for our sins and rising again for our justification must be our only plea, if
we wish to be saved.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ryle concludes: 'If
saints in glory see in Christ's death so much beauty, that they must needs talk
of it, how much more ought sinners on earth!'</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; letter-spacing: -.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Cross of Christ is
central to our faith. But more than that, because of the Cross of Christ we not
only have a wonderful eternity waiting for us after death, we have the
opportunity to know heaven on earth as we fight and conquer sin in our lives in
the power if the Holy Spirit. We are offered forgiveness and transfiguration -
the metamorphosis of our lives as God renews our minds and thereby our lives.
Let us not be like Peter and seek only the joy of the mountain top experiences.
But let us listen to God's word and allow it to transform us into the likeness
of Jesus Christ.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1942799900327181149#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Leon
Morris offers the following interesting comment: 'The combination of glory and
the conversation about the death of Christ [was] also a way of teaching the
disciples that true glory and the cross are not incompatible. But we should
also understand it all as having significance for Jesus Himself. In the
quietness He had doubtless thought long about the outworking of His vocation.
He was about to go up to Jerusalem and die for men. This vision on the mountain
set the seal of divine approval on the step He was about to take'. (Morris,
p. 171. See also Caird, p. 132).</span></div>
</div>
</div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-13918042401106964832017-07-26T13:19:00.002+01:002017-07-26T13:19:32.737+01:00Parables for 30th July 2017<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<br />
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<span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Matthew 13.31-33, 44-52 (NRSV)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Parable of the Mustard Seed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup><span style="color: #17365d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">31</span></sup><span style="color: #17365d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"> He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like
a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; <sup>32</sup>it
is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of
shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in
its branches.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Parable of the Yeast</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup><span style="color: #17365d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">33</span></sup><span style="color: #17365d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"> He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast
that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of
it was leavened.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Three Parables</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #17365d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">44</span></sup><span style="color: #17365d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"> ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which
someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and
buys that field.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup><span style="color: #17365d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">45</span></sup><span style="color: #17365d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"> ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine
pearls; <sup>46</sup>on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold
all that he had and bought it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup><span style="color: #17365d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">47</span></sup><span style="color: #17365d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"> ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into
the sea and caught fish of every kind; <sup>48</sup>when it was full, they
drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad.<sup>49</sup>So
it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the
evil from the righteous <sup>50</sup>and throw them into the furnace of
fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Treasures New and Old</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup><span style="color: #17365d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">51</span></sup><span style="color: #17365d; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"> ‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ <sup>52</sup>And
he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom
of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what
is new and what is old.’</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm;">
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<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">This reflection is based on William Barclay’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Daily Study Bible</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Kingdom of Heaven begins with the smallest beginnings, but in the
end it will be something great. Barclay suggests the following:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Firstly</span></i><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">, an idea may well change
civilization, but it often begins with one man. In the British Empire it was
William Wilberforce who changed the world with the abolition of slavery and he
was inspired by reading the book by Thomas Clarkson, who was a close friend of Pitt,
who was the Prime Minister; but it took the action of one man – to make all the
difference.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Secondly</span></i><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">, a witness must begin
with one person. In the Christianisation of Africa, the most effective way was
not to begin by teaching people to read, giving them the Bible and then
convincing them of the truth of the message. Rather, it worked when a Christian
family went and lived among the people. It is the witness of one person who
often makes all the difference.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Thirdly</span></i><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">, reformations often have
small beginnings – and someone has to start it all off. Luther began by nailing
his 95 Theses on the Church door in Wittenburg – his local church – and the
Church and the world was transformed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The parable of the mustard seed must therefore have been of great
encouragement to the disciples, as they must often have despaired. They must
often have asked if they could really make any difference. (This makes me think
of others like Abraham and Moses and Samuel ... Mary and Joseph). H G Wells
commented: No historian can portray the progress of humanity honestly ‘...
without giving a foremost place to a penniless teacher from Nazareth.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Jesus seems to be saying that none of us should be discouraged; we must
serve and witness just where we are and that ‘... each one of us must be the
small beginning from which the kingdom grows until the kingdoms of the earth
finally become the Kingdom of God.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Barclay helps with our understanding
of the Parable of the Yeast ... verse 33:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Kingdom of God is all about
transformation and the following are characteristics of the transformation:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Firstly</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, our faith
transforms individuals – from the most heinous sinners to gracious saints. It
is the function and the power of Christ to make bad people good. Christianity
begins with individual lives and through Christ, the victim of temptation can
become the victor over temptation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Secondly</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, Jesus
transformed life for women specifically. In Greek culture of the time, women
lived in seclusion, with nothing to do beyond the household tasks. Their lives
were characterised by drudgery and hardship. In Christ all are one – as Paul
explained in Galatians 3:28.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thirdly</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, Christianity
transformed the lives of the weak and the ill. In the ancient world, those who
were weak and ill were seen by society as a nuisance. In Sparta, every newborn
baby was closely examined and only the strongest were allowed to survive.
Christians in the ancient world made places for the blind and infirm to be
nurtured and cared for. ‘Christianity was the first faith to be interested in
the broken things of life. ... There is nothing in history so unanswerably
demonstrable as the transforming power of Christianity and of Christ on the
individual life and on the life of society.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Almost all scholars would agree that
the parable of the yeast speaks of the transforming power of Christ and of his
kingdom in both the life of the individual and the world, but there is
difference of opinion as to how that transforming power works and operates. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Some </span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">suggest that the Kingdom of God works
unseen – that we cannot see the leaven working in the dough any more than we
can see a flower growing – and that the work of the yeast continues in this
way. This is a message of encouragement, meaning that at all times we must take
the long view of things. If we look down the centuries we will see the steady
progress of the Kingdom. With Jesus Christ and the Gospel, a new force has been
let loose on the world and silently, but also inevitably, that force is
transforming the world and that God is working his purposes out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Others</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, like C H Dodd,
contend almost the opposite suggesting that the work of the kingdom can be
plainly seen. When you put leaven in the dough, you can see it rise. In the
same way, the work of the Kingdom is a disturbing force, plain for all to see.
In Thessalonica, the Gospel turned their world upside down. ‘The action of
Christianity is disruptive, disturbing, violent in its effect.’ People
crucified Jesus because he disturbed all their orthodox habits and conventions.
Persecution of Christians has happened in history because it desired to take
both people and society and remake them! There is in fact, nothing more
disturbing as Christianity – this is why so many people hate it and why they
resent it and would wish to eliminate it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is not a matter of choosing between
these two ways of seeing this parable, because they are both true: the power of
the Kingdom of God is always working, even if we do not see or notice it; but
there are times when its presence is plainly manifest. Barclay explains:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘The Kingdom, the power of Christ, the
purpose of God is like a great river, which for much of its course glides on
beneath the ground unseen, but which ever and again comes to the surface in all
its power and its greatness, plain for all to see in its action.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A few final thoughts on the parable of
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">treasure hidden in the field ...</i>
with Barclay to guide our thoughts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Barclay suggests that he man who found
the treasure, did so, but not by chance. He seemed to stumble unexpectedly upon
it when he was going about his daily toil. He would probably have been doing
his job well and would have dug deep, and not merely scraping over the surface.
Barclay suggests that God becomes special to us when we are about our work and
especially when we are doing it to the best of our ability. He writes: ‘... the
presence of Christ Himself are all to be found in the day’s work, when that
day’s work is honestly and conscientiously done.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This was the experience of Brother
Lawrence while working in the monastery kitchen and he wrote: ‘I felt Jesus
Christ as close to me in the kitchen as ever I did at the blessed sacrament.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This parable also suggests that it is
worth any sacrifice to enter the Kingdom of God. To enter the Kingdom we need
to accept and do God’s will. This may mean giving up ideas and even visions
that we might hold dear, to abandon certain habits and ways of life and accept
discipline and self-denial that is never easy. In short, it requires us to take
up our Cross and follow Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Encouraging and challenging thoughts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc392598641"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-no-proof: yes;">I heard Professor Levine speak on this parable when I
was in Nashville, Tennessee a few years ago.</span></b></a></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Toc392598641;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-no-proof: yes;">Professor Amy-Jill Levine
(Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies, Vanderbilt University:</span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></b></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A short biography from the Vanderbilt
University website to introduce Professor Levine</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">:</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A self-described ‘Yankee Jewish feminist who
teaches in a predominantly Protestant divinity school in the buckle of the
Bible Belt’ … Levine is an award-winning teacher who combines
historical-critical rigor, literary-critical sensitivity, and a frequent dash
of humor with a commitment to eliminating anti-Jewish, sexist, and homophobic
theologies. Her special interests include the Bible, the historical Jesus, the
intersection of religion, gender, and sexuality, and the Jewish context of
Christian origins.” </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Levine offered ways of using the Bible as a resource for building
character. The essence of her method is the point that it is important for
people to note that one does not have to agree with everything in order to get
something important and valuable out of a text. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In commenting on the parable of the
Pearl of Great price she reminded us of the importance of not taking things
literally and the importance of ancient hyperbole. Any savvy merchant,
realising the value of something he found would only ever sell what he did not
need – never everything – because he knows the value of everything. She
suggested that this simple verse is rich in meaning – not only for Christians –
but for all who reflect on it. It asks us to discover what really matters to us
– our ultimate concern – and to take stock to ensure that this is our focus.
The hiddenness of the treasure implies the need to search and to dig deep to
find it. When we discover our purpose, we need to commit ourselves to getting
it. The reference to ‘kingdom’ suggests that we need to consider others as well
in the process, and implies respect for all irrespective of status, class or
gender. In discerning what really matters to me, requires me to understand what
really matters to others, for I can only really love my neighbour when I
understand what concerns them ultimately as well. When needing to give
something up for what matters more or most, also helps us to appreciate who we
are and what we have. The process demands that I examine whether what matters to
me is ‘good’ and able to withstand critical analysis; it should lead to the
question: “Is what is concerning me ultimately really of value?”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Levine made the point that the Bible
never spoon feeds us, because it has too much respect for us, it gives us the
dignity of enabling us to discover the truth for ourselves, especially as we
engage with others, are open to their views and the teachings of those who have
devoted their lives to studying it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-89098281688382482632017-07-14T20:31:00.002+01:002017-07-14T20:31:26.195+01:00Parable of the Sower<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><span style="color: #880000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23 (NRSV) SERMON</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #880000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Parable of the Sower</span></b></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">13</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">2</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Such great crowds
gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole
crowd stood on the beach. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">3</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And he told them many things in parables, saying:
‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">4</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and
the birds came and ate them up. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">5</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did
not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of
soil. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">6</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root,
they withered away. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">7</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew
up and choked them. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">8</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain,
some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.</span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">9</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Let anyone with ears listen!’</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #880000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Parable of the Sower Explained</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">18</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> ‘Hear then the parable of the sower. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">19</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">When anyone hears the
word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches
away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">20</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">As for what was sown on
rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it
with joy; </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">21</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when
trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately
falls away. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">22</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word,
but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields
nothing. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">23</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the
word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a
hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’</span></div>
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My text this morning is written in Matthew 13:23:</div>
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<sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">23</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the
one who <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">hears</b> the word and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">understands</b> it, who indeed <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">bears fruit</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">yields</b>, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another
thirty.’</span></div>
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There are different ways of accepting the Word of God and the
fate of any spoken words depends on the hearer. This is evident in the work of
comedians: if the spirit of the gathering is receptive – if people want to
laugh – even those jokes that in a different context will fall flat, get a
laugh. I have found this to be true when watching comedians on television with
others. Those of us at home have less laughs than those in the audience.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The image of stony ground represents those whose minds are
shut – people like Richard Dawkins – who refuse to listen or hear anything to
do with God. Prejudice can make a person deaf to everything. An unteachable
spirit is a barrier that cannot easily be broken down. This sort of attitude
can be the result of the following:</div>
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<br /></div>
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</span></span></span>Pride that thinks that it does not need to know
anything;</div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Pride that thinks it has already found all the
answers. (This is often true of some in the Church who feel that they know it
all and their theological approach is the only way);</div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Fear of new truth;</div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Refusal to adventure and to discover new ways of
thinking;</div>
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</span></span></span>An immoral character and way of life;</div>
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</span></span></span>The truth often condemns the things people love,
and so they reject it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The old saying holds true “... there are none so blind as
those who deliberately will not see ...” These are the people who are like
stony ground.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Secondly</i>, hearers
who are like the shallow ground: These are the people who fail to think things
through. As a result they are at the mercy of every new craze; they take things
up quickly and then just as easily drop them. They feel the need to always be
in fashion. They begin things with enthusiasm, but when things become
difficult, they just abandon them. They are swept off their feet by emotional
preaching or some experience, but the truth of the matter is that no person can
live only on emotion. Barclay adds: “People have minds and it is a moral
obligation to have an intelligent faith ... Christianity has its demands, and
these demands must be faced before it can be accepted.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thirdly</i>, there are
the hearers who have so many interests, that the most important things get
crowded out. Our modern lives are so busy, that we often do not have the time
to read and to pray – in fact – a recent statistic revealed that even the
majority of Christians do not find the time to study the Scriptures other than
on Sundays. Meier writes: “faith is strangled by the silken chord of deceitful
wealth or suffocated by a pile of anxieties over worldly success.” There is also
a danger that even doing ‘good’ things can get in the way and can be done for
the wrong reasons and at the wrong time. So it is not the things that are
obviously wrong that are always the danger – as Barclay states: “... second
best is always the worst enemy of the best ...”</div>
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<br /></div>
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Lastly, there is the reference to the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">good ground.</i> Here the person’s mind is open and fresh and cleansed.
There is a willingness to learn. Understanding comes when a person thinks
things through and discerns what it means to them personally. But this is not
all, there is the final, most important part, allowing the word to transform
action, producing good fruit from the good seed. Barclay concludes: “The real
hearer is the person who listens, who understands <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and who obeys</i>.” Meier states that the good ground represents true
disciples – those who understand and do what it commands.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This parable not only has an important impact on those who
hear it; it also has an impact on those who are already members of the Church;
not only did it have something to say to the crowds; it also had something to
say to the disciples.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At times the disciples would have been discouraged. Humanly
speaking, at the time, Jesus would have enjoyed little success: he was being
excluded from the synagogues, the most important religious leaders of the day
were against him, and few lives had changed significantly. It is true that many
came to hear, and to receive the blessings of healing and deliverance, but most
went away unchanged when they had got what they had come for. The disciples can
be excused for being disappointed and discouraged from time to time. And for
disciples, today, read the members of the Church. We too can easily become
discouraged, because we seem to be such a small minority, and our numbers seem
to be declining rather than growing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The good news is that the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">harvest is sure</i>. Our job is to be faithful and to plant the seed:
some will fall by the wayside, some might appear to grow and develop only to
die out, but we also know that there will be some that will deliver good, rich
fruit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But we need to pause here, and ask an important question:
Are we sowing good seed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we sowing
seed at all? J C Ryle warns: “He must sow the pure word of God, and not the
traditions of the Church, or the doctrines of men. Without this labour will be
vain.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is our message? Are we wrestling with the Scriptures?
Are we searching the Scriptures? Are we, as the author to the letters to
Timothy reminds us, ‘... rightly explaining the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)’.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is all too easy to slip into the confidence of
fundamentalism, claiming that we just take everything in the Bible as literal
truth. But we know that it is never as simple as that. God wants us to wrestle
with it so that we can hear Him speak to us, as a Church and as individuals. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When a sower sows seeds, they do not look for quick results
- it takes a long time before an acorn becomes an oak. It may take a long time
before a seed of truth planted into a person’s heart, takes root and grows and
flourishes into something beautiful, as one’s life is filled with God’s love.
We live in an age that looks for quick results, simple answers, and easy
certainties. None of these are part of a life of faith. Craig Keener comments:</div>
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<br /></div>
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... in the long run drawing crowds
is less significant for the kingdom than training those who will multiply the
work by training others in turn. Perhaps many of us prefer numbers in the short
term over spiritual depth because we lack the faith to believe that such depth
is essential; ... but 50 disciples with spiritual depth will produce greater
numbers in the end than a million raised hands without commitment ever could.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is only one evidence of hearing the Word rightly – it
is bearing of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Without this, our
religion is worthless, no matter how committed we might seem to be – it is like
the sound of a gong or the tinkling of a symbol. Jesus has made it clear to us,
as recorded in John 15:16 where he stated: “... I appointed you to go and bear
fruit, fruit that will last, so that the father will give you whatever you ask
him in my name ...” and ending with verse 17: “I am giving you these commands
so that you may love one another.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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J C Ryle adds: “We must never be content with barren
orthodoxy, and a cold maintenance of correct theological views; we must not be
satisfied with clear knowledge, warm feelings and a decent profession; we must
see to it that the Gospel we profess to love produces positive ‘fruit’ in our
hearts and our lives. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This</i> is real
Christianity.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The letter to James reminds us in chapter 1 and verse
22:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Be doers of the word, and not
merely hearers who deceive themselves.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Apostle Paul, writing to the Galatians adds: “... for
you reap whatever you sow ... So, let us not grow weary in doing what is right,
for we will reap and harvest-time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we
have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for the
family of faith.” (Galatians 6: 7b, 9-10)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus put it this way:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">23</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the
word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a
hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Amen </span></b></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-80300055403056289012017-07-03T21:47:00.002+01:002017-07-03T21:47:33.137+01:00Matthew 11:16-18, 25-end: (NRSV)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Matthew 11:16-18, 25-end: (NRSV)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">16</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> ‘But to what will I
compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and
calling to one another,<br />
</span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">17</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> “We played the flute for
you, and you did not dance;<br />
we wailed, and you did not mourn.”<br />
</span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">18</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">For John came neither eating
nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon”;</span><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Jesus Thanks His Father ...</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">25</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> At that time Jesus said,
‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these
things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to
infants; </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">26</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">yes, Father, for such was your
gracious will.</span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">27</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">All things have been handed
over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one
knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal
him.</span><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">28</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> ‘Come to me, all you
that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">29</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Take my yoke upon you, and
learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">30</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">For
my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Some thoughts from Barclay …</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus seems disappointed in the people he was dealing with:
some seemed like little children playing in the village square where one group
did not want to play at weddings or funerals – they did not want to play at
being happy or sad. They seemed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">contrary</i>!
No matter what was suggested to them, they did not want to do it – they found
fault with everything. In the same way they rejected the way of John the
Baptist because he isolated himself from society and lived such a different
life; and they rejected Jesus who lived so in the midst of life. They could
find grounds for criticism in everything and anything!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Barclay suggests that when people do not want to listen to
the truth, they will easily enough find an excuse for not listening to it.
There is also no need for reason in the process: they will criticise the same
person or institution from conflicting points and ignore the fact that they are
contradicting themselves. Adults can be like children in the village –
contrary!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only way to silence them and prove the truth is through
deeds: John moved people’s hearts to repentance – and this had not happened for
a very long time (about 400 years); in Jesus people were finding new life and
goodness and power to live as they ought, and most important of all they felt a
real sense of connection with God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is time for people to stop judging and finding fault and
rather give thanks when we are enabled to draw close to God – even if the style
and methods we are exposed to are not the ones we prefer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Barclay comes up trumps yet again!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From verse 25 onwards, Jesus is speaking from experience:
the rabbis and the wise men of society had rejected Jesus; intellectuals had
found no use for Jesus – but the humble welcomed him. Barclay reminds us that
we need to be careful here and to discern what Jesus is really saying here:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
“He is NOT condemning
intellectual power; he is condemning intellectual pride – The heart not the
head is the home of the Gospel.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is nothing wrong with cleverness, there is something wrong
with pride. You don’t need to abandon the intellect, you need to adopt
humility. Faith is not connected with ignorance; it is connected with
lowliness. Barclay adds: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
“A man may be as wise as Solomon,
but if he has not the simplicity, the trust, the innocence of the childlike
heart, he has shut himself out.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rabbis recognised this truth and there are many parables
within the rabbinic tradition revealing how it is the simple that are often the
closest to God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This passage ends with the greatest claim that Jesus ever
made – and this claim is at the centre of the Christian faith, and it is that
it is in Jesus alone that we see the revelation of God to man. Other people may
be sons of God, but Jesus is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the</i> Son
of God. St John put it this way where he has Jesus saying: “He who has seen me
has seen the Father.” (John 14:19) Here Matthew records Jesus as saying: “If
you want to see what God is like, if you want to see the mind of God; the heart
of God, the nature of God; if you want to see God’s whole attitude to people –
look at me!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Jesus Christ alone, we see fully, what God is like. Jesus
can give this knowledge to anyone who is humble enough to receive it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-6339957669071472442017-06-24T10:36:00.002+01:002017-06-24T10:36:22.990+01:00Matthew 10.24-39 (NRSV)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<h1>
Matthew 10.24-39 (NRSV)</h1>
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<sup>24</sup> ‘A disciple is not above the teacher, nor
a slave above the master; <sup>25</sup>it is enough for the disciple to be like
the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of
the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! </div>
<h2>
Whom to Fear</h2>
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<sup>26</sup> ‘So have no fear of them; for nothing is
covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become
known. <sup>27</sup>What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what
you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. <sup>28</sup>Do not fear those
who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy
both soul and body in hell. <sup>29</sup>Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?
Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. <sup>30</sup>And
even the hairs of your head are all counted. <sup>31</sup>So do not be afraid;
you are of more value than many sparrows. </div>
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<sup>32</sup> ‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me
before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; <sup>33</sup>but
whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. </div>
<h2>
Not <span class="Heading2Char"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Peace</span></span>,
but a Sword</h2>
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<sup>34</sup> ‘Do not think
that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace,
but a sword. <br />
<sup>35</sup> For I have come to set a man against his father,<br />
and a daughter against her mother,<br />
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; <br />
<sup>36</sup> and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household. <br />
<sup>37</sup>Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me;
and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; <sup>38</sup>and
whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. <sup>39</sup>Those
who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake
will find it. </div>
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<br /></div>
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My text is Matthew 10.39:</div>
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<sup>39 ‘</sup>Those who find
their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find
it.’</div>
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Jesus tells his disciples that they cannot expect to be
treated in any way better than him. If people showed no respect for Jesus, they
will not show respect to his disciples. Jesus refers to Beelzebul, which in
Aramiac means <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lord of the house</i>. We
as Christians belong to the house of Jesus, and so those giving their
allegiance to others are going to have little time for them. But we are not to
be afraid, because the truth will prevail. Jesus had explained the truth to the
disciples, but the world was not yet ready to receive it. But the time would
come when our Lord’s suffering, death and victory over sin, death and evil
would be proclaimed from the rooftops for all to hear. The sad truth is that
this proclamation often lead to the martyrdom of those who proclaimed it. But
even this should not concern us, because Jesus explained that people can only
harm – even kill – the body; who we really are is present within our souls,
where true life happens. Who and what we are is not contained in our bodies,
the God life, the true life, the real life, the life in all its fullness – what
God offers to all and what we have accepted as Christians - is a gift from God
alone. But if the life of a sparrow matters to God, how much more do we matter.</div>
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God’s knowledge of us, even our physical bodies, is intimate
and detailed – even the hairs on our heads are numbered by him. But why ought
we to ‘fear’ God. Here we see our Lord once more using hyperbole to get his
point across.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Death comes when we deny
our Lord by betraying ‘… the love which he has manifested to us …’ When we live
in a way that fails to imitate our Lord, this is when we perish, this is when
our lives are compromised and some even die. People in this state can be in
perfect physical health, but have died inside!</div>
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This is the truth that we need to declare from the rooftops;
that there is life, real life, life in all its fullness, and it is a free gift,
offered by Jesus to all who would receive it. Once more Jesus goes into
hyperbole, stressing the need to proclaim this message, loud and clear, so that
people might know what it is to live, and not merely exist.</div>
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Our world is full of people who merely exist. They have
everything that money can buy and then some, but they still have nothing. We
need to be eager to pass the message on. Love, is at the heart of what it means
to be fully human, for it is the nature of God himself, as John explains in his
first epistle.</div>
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What then is it that we must proclaim?</div>
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We are to announce salvation to all people, for ‘… such a
pardon is only truly received if we are eager to pass it on …’ </div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In <b>Romans
10.14-15</b> Paul writes: “</span>But how are they to call on one in whom they
have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never
heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are
they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are
the feet of those who bring good news!’”</div>
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We bring the good news that real life is possible, full life
is possible, but it is not what people think it is; it comes when people live
for others and not only themselves. Fulfilment follows selflessness.</div>
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And what it our motivation: <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In <b>2 Corinthians 5.14-15</b> Paul explains: “</span>For the love of
Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all;
therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live
no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.” Unless
our motivation is love, then we are doing everything for the wrong reason; for
God is love and he calls us to follow the ways of Christ which are the ways of
love.</div>
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From verse 34, Jesus returns to his earlier theme … the
struggles his disciples will need to face up to. These even happen within one’s
families. Verse 34 is shocking in its hyperbole and paradox. These seem strange
words to come from the person who exalted peace in the Beatitudes in the Sermon
on the Mount. De Dietrich explains: ‘… to announce the peace of God is to
denounce all false ideas of peace, which are only frightful caricatures of it
…’ Verses 34-37 have been sadly abused at times and have been invoked to
justify some dreadful behaviour – but only if they are embraced in their
literal expression. The division comes when the disciple of Jesus follows his
ways of selfless love and their family oppose it. This could be seen in South
Africa where children opposed Apartheid and were opposed by their parents;
where parents opposed the money grabbing dishonesty of a child who was using
unjust business practices or when a daughter-in-law supported her husband in doing
what is was right and his parents objected. Our love and obedience to the
message of Jesus must be prominent. And this can imply the cross of forgiveness
and self-sacrifice in the midst of hatred, dishonesty and injustice. Real peace
comes when people follow the example of our Lord and live for others, even
those who might harm us.</div>
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Sadly, we today live in a world where real peace is not the
experience of many. Today’s ‘peace’ is a mask, a cover up, disguising falsehood
– and so there is no peace. This is what Jeremiah spoke of … ‘they have treated
the wound of my people carelessly, saying, ‘Peace, peace’, when there is
no peace. (<b>Jeremiah 6.14</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">)</span></div>
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Jesus came to disturb all false ideas, to tear to pieces
with the sword – his words – all the false masks that people use to pretend and
not be themselves as the author to the Letter to the Hebrews explains: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Hebrews 4.12-13:</b></div>
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Indeed, the word of God is living
and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul
from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and
intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked
and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account. </div>
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There might come a time when the call will come and we will
need to leave all to follow Jesus. It could even mean a Cross. This is not a
symbol of death, it is the mark of humiliation – the condition of a slave. It
is in this that a disciple is not above his master. But we are seldom asked to
go this far. The question is would we be prepared to, if the call came?</div>
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Again, this passage reminds us of the folly of literalism.
We know that throughout the ages, the New Testament and the Christian leaders
throughout history have warned about taking things literally that are meant to
explain and reveal a deeper truth, for this is to limit the real depth of gift
we are being offered. What we are called to is the willingness for extreme
self-sacrifice, for this is the way to the only true life. When we are willing
to give up everything, then we find the real meaning of life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is summed up in the prayer of Ignatius
Loyola:</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
teach me to serve you as you deserve,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
to give and not to count the
cost,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
to fight and not heed the
wounds,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
to toil and not to seek for
rest,</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
to labour and not to seek
reward,</div>
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except that of knowing that I do your will.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Christians are those who live selfless lives. In reality the
Christian parent lives for their children and their children for their parents.
It is selfishness that is the cause of division within families and when the
Christian calls for selflessness, conflict arises.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus said: <sup>39 ’</sup>Those who find their life will
lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.’ This verse is
pivotal; it occurs in six different forms. Here the word translated as ‘life’,
is the same as can be translated as ‘soul’. As Argyle explains: ‘Both meanings
are included here. By gaining his (physical) life, a person will lose his real
self; by losing his (physical) life, a person will gain their real self.’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We look after our bodies as best we can, but never at the
expense of the soul. As Bonhoeffer explains, Jesus was the example of true
love, divine love, the expression of the nature of God himself he was – ‘a man
for others …’ and we are called to be the same. As Jesus put it: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<sup>39’</sup>Those who find
their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find
it.’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-15667323507547835842017-06-17T11:13:00.002+01:002017-06-17T11:13:46.404+01:00Romans 5:1-11 (NRSV)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Romans 5:1-11
(NRSV) </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Results of
Justification</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="cc"><sup><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1</span></sup></span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Therefore, since we are
justified by faith, we<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">through
whom we have obtained access<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to
this grace in which we stand; and we<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>boast
in our hope of sharing the glory of God.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And
not only that, but we<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>also boast
in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and
endurance produces character, and character produces hope,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and
hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. </span><span class="vv"><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6</span></sup></span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> For
while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Indeed,
rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person
someone might actually dare to die.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But
God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for
us.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Much
more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be
saved through him from the wrath of God.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For
if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his
Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But
more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through
whom we have now received reconciliation.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: double windowtext 2.25pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm;">
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My
text is written in Romans 5:1-2:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="cc"><sup><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1</span></sup></span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Therefore,
since we are justified by faith, we<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>have
peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">through
whom we have obtained access<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to
this grace in which we stand; and we<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>boast
in our hope of sharing the glory of God.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Through
Jesus our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">status</i> changes from one who
was at enmity with God, to one who has peace with God. Because of what Jesus
has done for us, we are placed in a right relationship with God – because we
have been declared right with God by our faith – a gift that God graciously
gives us. But Paul goes on and states that more than mere status has changed,
also our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">state</i> is transformed and so
the saved sinner cannot go on sinning, we need to become what we have been
declared to be. Barclay puts it this way: Christ’s death changes our status;
Christ’s risen life changes our state. Jesus is not a dead person from history,
he is alive and is here to help us, guide and direct us, to fill us with his
strength to enable us to overcome temptation, “... to clothe our lives with
something of his radiance <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">if we live
forever in his presence</i>.’ J A T Robinson explains: ‘... the prodigal has
been allowed to enter a new status, when henceforth, everything is different.
... Now everything can be enjoyed as a child of God!’ He who changed our status
with God can also change our state.” (Barclay) </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">God does not love us because we are good. Maly
explains ‘... rather, we are good because God loves us ...’ and this is
expressed most clearly in verse 8. This says something really important about God:
He is not an offended deity, appeased by a self-sacrificing Christ; he is a
Father who takes the initiative because he is filled with love for us. We were
reminded of this in the Gospel reading where we read: “For God so loved the
world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes on him, shall not
perish, but have everlasting life.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This
is really good news to reflect on during this season of Lent: Jesus enables us
to quit sinning and become good people; our sanctification is where the saving
process goes on and never ends, “... until we see him face to face and are like
him.” (Barclay)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Our
salvation is a process which includes the original coming of Christ. His death
and resurrection are all proof of God’s love – it happened because God loves us
and to show how much God loves us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But
it is important to stress that it is not a matter of a vengeful God and a
loving Jesus. Jesus did <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> change
God from being angry and vengeful to being gracious. The whole thing springs
from the love of God. Jesus did not change God’s character; he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">revealed</i> God’s character and show what
God’s character has always been; as Barclay concludes: “He came to prove
unanswerably to men that God is love.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">Barclay
describes this passage as one of Paul’s most lyrical in which ‘... he almost
sings the intimate joy of his confidence in God ...’ Trusting faith, the
accepting of God at his word ‘... has done what the labour to produce the works
of the law could not do; it has given a man peace with God.’ Before Jesus came
and until a person accepts as true that which Jesus says about God ‘... no
person could ever be intimate with God.’ In effect, Paul is saying that outside
of Jesus, God is ‘unfindable’.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">Others,
including Jews at the time had an image of God that was fierce and frightening.
Barclay continues: “It is only when we realise that God is the God who is the
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ that there comes into life that intimacy with
God, that new relationship which Paul calls justification.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">Through
Jesus we have an introduction to the grace in which we now stand. Barclay
explains that he word translated as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">introduction</i>
is the same one used when introducing one into the presence of royalty – it is
also used of a worshipper as they approach God. So, Jesus ushers us into the
presence of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">King of Kings</i> and
when we go in we find grace, not condemnation; not judgement, nor vengeance
‘... but sheer, underserved, unearned, unmerited and the incredible kindness of
God ...’ In later Greek thought, the same word was used to refer to describe a
harbour or haven for ships. As long as we rely on our own efforts, we are
tossed about by the winds and tempests of life; but now Jesus welcomes us into
a haven of safety – the haven of God’s grace. We no longer rely on what we can
do for ourselves, but on what God has done for us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">Writing
this again now, reminds me of the joy I experienced when I first came to
understand this ... and I rejoice once more in the beauty of God’s grace and
His love for us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">But all
this does not alter the fact that this life can be hard. Our lives are often
filled with pressures: sorrow, persecution even, want, need, loneliness (to
name a few). But united with Christ, and relying on his grace all this can lead
to fortitude (what the NRSV translates as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">endurance</i>)
– <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hupomone</i> – but Barclay says it is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">endurance –</i> and more ‘... the spirit
that can overcome the world.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">We do
not passively endure, but actively overcome and conquer the trials and
tribulations of love. Barclay explains using the example of Beethoven, who when
he was told he was going deaf responded: “I will take life by the throat.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This</i> is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hupomone</i>! He continues: ‘Sorrow colours life ... but you can choose
the colour.’ This too is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hupomone</i>.
This is fortitude, and this produces character.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">In the
experience of the Holy Spirit, people have a foretaste – a first instalment as
it were – of the glory of God that shall be. This experience makes us long for
the fulfilment of what adoption into the family of God really means. The final
completion of this experience will come with the resurrection of our bodies. We
are not disembodied spirits as the Greeks thought, we are both bodies and
spirits, and this is how our salvation will be completed; only we will be given
new bodies, ones that will not be subject to decay. Our new bodies will be
spiritual, but they will still be bodies. I love the way Paul explains this in
1 Corinthians: just as a seed is planted and grows into a flower, so our
earthly bodies will be ‘planted’ and a new body will emerge, one with the
earthly body – just different and eternal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">So, our
human situation is not hopeless: Paul was an optimist. He saw sin, the state of
the world and the human condition realistically, but he also knew of God’s
grace and it is this that filled him with hope – ‘... life was an eager
anticipation of a liberation, a renovation and a re-creation wrought by the
glory and power of God ...’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">There
is eager expectation – this life ought to be (in Barclay’s words) ‘... a
throbbing, vivid expectation ...’ like a person leaning forward looking to the
horizon in expectation. But the reality is that life can also be a struggle.
Within we also battle sin and without we live in a world of death and decay. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">But: we
don’t only live in the world, we also live in Christ. We do not only see the
world, we also look beyond the world to God. We do not only see the
consequences of human sin, we also see the power of God’s mercy and grace and
love. Because of this, the keynote of the Christian life is always hope and
never despair – ‘... the Christian waits not for death, but for life ...’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">Verses
9-11 provide the wonderful explanation of the consequences of our justification
by faith. In verse 9 it is explained that we are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">justified by his blood</i> – this is a reference to his passion and
death. Justification is the starting point. But it is more than us being
declared right with God; verse 10 speaks of how this makes it possible for us
to be reconciled with God – this means that our relationship with God is
restored.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">Reconciliation
is never the movement of a person back to God, ‘... it is rather God’s action
of drawing the person back to himself ...’ this is why the verb is always
passive and why we ‘receive’ reconciliation. All this because we have been offered
the free, gracious gift of faith. Maly continues: ‘By faith we are what we are
not.’ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">Jesus
spoke of entry in through a narrow gate – it is both necessary and impossible.
But what is impossible for us humans is possible with God and so He does all this
for us in and through Jesus Christ our Lord.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">And so
we have peace, that which passes all understanding, keeping our hearts and
minds in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ our Lord.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">The key
words of Paul in this letter are: peace, glory, endurance, hope, love, the
Spirit, salvation, reconciliation and life. J A T Robinson claims that all
these words ‘... are given their full orchestration and reach their crescendo
in Chapter 8.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif;">Philosophers
challenge us by saying that there is a difference between what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> and what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can be</i>. I think this is a wonderful challenge, especially in this
time of Lent. But the Gospel makes this so much more possible. We all know the
frustration of trying to change and failing over and over again. The good news
is that God gives us His Spirit, to enable us to become what we want to be (and
what God wants us to be because he loves us so much). J A T Robinson explains
in the simple statement: ‘... The Christian life is based on the pattern –
become what you are ...’ The apostle put it this way:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span class="cc"><sup><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1</span></sup></span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Therefore,
since we are justified by faith, we<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>have
peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">through
whom we have obtained access<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to
this grace in which we stand; and we<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>boast
in our hope of sharing the glory of God.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="cc"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Amen.</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></b></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-44383031096861223002017-06-11T19:30:00.000+01:002017-06-11T19:30:00.333+01:00Trinity - apologies for lateness<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">Matthew 28:16-20</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">The Commissioning of
the Disciples</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup><span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">16</span></sup><span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;"> Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the
mountain to which Jesus had directed them. <sup>17</sup>When they saw him,
they worshipped him; but some doubted. <sup>18</sup>And Jesus came and
said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. <sup>19</sup>Go
therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, <sup>20</sup>and teaching
them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you
always, to the end of the age.’</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: double windowtext 2.25pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm;">
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">My text
this morning is written in Matthew 28:19-20:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<sup><span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">19</span></sup><span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, <sup>20</sup>and
teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am
with you always, to the end of the age.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
disciples were living in difficult and uncertain times. Their world had been
turned upside down, they had all been on an emotional roller-coaster ranging
from despair when their Lord had been arrested, and executed, and then the news
that he had been resurrected – followed by doubts and disbelief – and the many
appearances of Jesus to them to reassure them. They had also lost a much loved
member of their group – Judas – and if they were honest with themselves, many
of them might have had the same questions and doubts he had, at different
times, but they had just never acted on them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">Matthew
is disarmingly honest – throughout his Gospel – and even now. Some critics of
our faith have suggested that we cannot trust the Gospels, because they have
probably been altered to suit the message of the early Christians. But this is
difficult to accept, because they are so imperfect, in fact sometimes even
contradictory, and it is this that gives them the historical credibility that
confirms their authenticity. The imperfections of the disciples are never
hidden – and the same remains true here.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
eleven are obedient and go to Galilee as they had been instructed, and to the
mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw Jesus, they worshipped
him. It is interesting to note that, despite the many claims Jesus made to be
the Messiah, the disciples had never worshipped Jesus before this event, because
it was only now, after all that had happened, that they finally understood, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">but they still doubted</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">People
often misunderstand the notions of faith and doubt. They are not opposites, but
different sides of the same coin. Our faith is not something that is
unreasonable; we do not need to commit intellectual suicide, suspend all
reason, and blindly accept things, even if they do not make sense. It is good
to question, it is good to doubt, it is good to challenge. For our minds are
finite and limited and are bound by limits of what we can think. It is
wonderful to know that every generation and age should always push the
boundaries of knowledge and understanding, and today we live in a world which
has a far deeper understanding than ever before. And the engine that often
drives this forward is the combination of doubt and faith; doubt raising
questions and faith daring to think the impossible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">God is
infinite and we are finite; we will never be able to fully understand God. St
Paul speaks of God being like the potter and we merely like the clay that the
potter uses; there is no way that the clay can even come close to understanding
the potter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">But what
we can understand, what we can follow, what we can know about God has been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">revealed</i> to us in Jesus. If anyone wants
to know what God is like, then our answer is, look to Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">Brett
Blair uses the example from the Work of Soren Kierkegaard to illustrate this
point:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Soren
Kierkegaard, the great Danish theologian of another century tells a story of a
prince who wanted to find a maiden suitable to be his queen. One day while
running an errand in the local village for his father he passed through a poor
section. As he glanced out the windows of the carriage his eyes fell upon a
beautiful peasant maiden. During the ensuing days he often passed by the young
lady and soon fell in love. But he had a problem. How would he seek her hand?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He could
order her to marry him. But even a prince wants his bride to marry him freely
and voluntarily and not through coercion. He could put on his most splendid
uniform and drive up to her front door in a carriage drawn by six horses. But
if he did this he would never be certain that the maiden loved him or was
simply overwhelmed with all of the splendor. As you might have guessed, the
prince came up with another solution. He would give up his kingly robe. He
moved, into the village, entering not with a crown but in the garb of a
peasant. He lived among the people, shared their interests and concerns, and
talked their language. In time the maiden grew to love him for who he was and
because he had first loved her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This, simple almost childlike story, written by one of
the most brilliant minds and it explains what we, Christians, mean by the
incarnation. God came and lived among us. It is wonderful that this happened,
because it shows us that God is with us, that he loves us and wants us to live
fulfilled lives. It also gives us a firsthand view of what the mind of God is
really like. When people ask what God is like, we point to the person of Jesus
Christ. God himself is incomprehensible. But in Jesus Christ we get a glimpse
of what he is like. In the person of Jesus we are told that God, that
mysterious ‘other’, as Anselm of Canterbury hundreds of years ago explained as
‘… that, than which, nothing greater can be conceived …’ the one who created the
universe, was willing to be one of us, talk our language, eat our food, share
our suffering and die on a cross for us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Jesus commissioned his imperfect, doubting, fallible disciples
and through them us; as De Dietrich explains:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is
indeed by his power alone that they will go everywhere he will command them to
go.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is the task of the Church, to make disciples of
Jesus everywhere in the world. We are given the authority to do so by Jesus,
who has the authority from God, authority because it works, is powerful and can
make a real difference in the world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Just pause and think for a moment: If everyone in the
world followed the ways of Jesus, honestly and sincerely, the world would be a
wonderful place to be. We could all experience ‘… earth as it is in heaven …’
The fact that we do not live in such a world is not God’s fault, it is the
fault of humankind, who stubbornly refuses to be disciples of Jesus. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">This is
so important as it is the final message Jesus gave to his disciples, and
through them to us. The most central element is not the baptising – which –
while this is important, it is not as important as our Lord’s command – ‘… [to
teach] them to obey everything I have commanded you …’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
message of Jesus, is the message of God, authenticated by the Resurrection and
Ascension of Jesus. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">he
Trinitarian formula – ‘… in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit …’ is only ever mentioned here and nowhere else in the New
Testament. But it encapsulates the truth of God because this is how we
experience God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">Baptism
is important because of what it symbolises – the need to repent – to stop doing
those things which are unloving towards others as well as ourselves. We are exhorted
to admit when we get things wrong (something some of our politicians need still
to learn to do). It is only when we do this that we will ever stop doing them.
Not only is the wonderful gift of forgiveness possible, it is freely available,
because Jesus gives it to us as a gift on repentance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">Baptism
is also symbolic of dying with Jesus to sin. This is a lovely image: we need to
die to the old ways, and if we do this these ways will no longer have any
impact on our lives. We can be born to the new ways of Jesus. This is the
wonderful good news of our message. To follow the ways of Jesus – the ways of
forgiveness and love – are difficult, in fact impossible – if we try to live
this way in our own strength. Not only has the way of Jesus, the way of life in
all its fullness – been revealed, the ability to live this way – the ability to
make life on earth as it is in heaven has also been offered to all as a free
gift. Last week we celebrated the gift of the Holy Spirit, the spirit of Jesus
which is within us to equip and enable us to live as disciples of Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">This is
why Jesus ends with the reminder:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">… And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the
age.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">As de
Dietrich explains:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">… Thus, in this new birth which baptism signifies, the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are all present and active …</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
will be present in their midst through the word and sacraments and through the
Holy Spirit – to the end of the age.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">Whenever
we meet together in churches and chapels, in homes and other gatherings Jesus
is present with us in the power of his Spirit. Remember in Matthew 18:20 Jesus
said:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<sup><span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">20</span></sup><span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among
them.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">On this
Trinity Sunday, we rejoice that it is our experience of God is as Trinity, one
God but experienced as Creator (Father), saviour (Jesus the Son) and that all
this is real for us today in our own lives, Holy Spirit. And let us ask that we
might be challenged to repent of our sins, that we might die to them and that
we might be given the ability to obey everything Jesus has commanded us to do.
So that where we are, people might have the experience of living on earth as it
is in heaven. For this is what Jesus wants of us. As Matthew wrote:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<sup><span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">19</span></sup><span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: 12.0pt;">Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, <sup>20</sup>and
teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am
with you always, to the end of the age.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-52478003808269510302017-06-03T10:32:00.001+01:002017-06-03T10:32:18.995+01:00Pentecost<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Acts 2:1-21</span></u></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Coming of the Holy
Spirit</span></u></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #666666; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">2</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">When the day of Pentecost had come, <u>they were
all together in one place</u>. </span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">2</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And suddenly from heaven there came a sound <u>like</u>
the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were
sitting. </span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">3</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Divided tongues, <u>as of fire</u>, appeared among
them, and a tongue rested on each of them. </span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">4</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and
began to <u>speak in other languages</u>, as <u>the Spirit gave them ability</u>.</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">5</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Now there were devout Jews from every nation
under heaven living in Jerusalem.</span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">6</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And at this sound the crowd gathered and was
bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of
each. </span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">7</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all
these who are speaking Galileans? </span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">8</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And how is it that <u>we hear, each of us, in our
own native language</u>? </span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">9</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of
Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, </span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">10</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both
Jews and proselytes, </span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">11</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Cretans and Arabs—<u>in our own languages we hear
them speaking about God’s deeds of power</u>.’ </span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">12</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">All were amazed and
perplexed, saying to one another, ‘<u>What does this mean?</u>’ </span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">13</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But others sneered and
said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Peter Addresses the Crowd</span></u></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">14</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised
his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. </span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">15</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Indeed, these are not
drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the
morning. </span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">16</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">No, this is what was spoken through the prophet
Joel:<br />
</span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">17</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“<u>In the last days</u> it
will be, God declares,<br />
that I will <u>pour out my Spirit upon all flesh</u>,<br />
and your sons and your daughters shall <u>prophesy</u>,<br />
and your <u>young men shall see visions</u>,<br />
and your <u>old men shall dream dreams</u>.<br />
</span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">18</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Even upon my slaves, both
men and women,<br />
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;<br />
and they shall prophesy.<br />
</span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">19</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And I will show portents in
the heaven above<br />
and signs on the earth below,<br />
blood, and fire, and smoky mist.<br />
</span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">20</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The sun shall be turned to
darkness<br />
and the moon to blood,<br />
before the coming of the Lord’s great and
glorious day.<br />
</span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #777777; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">21</span></sup><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Then <u>everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord shall be saved</u>.”</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">My
text this morning is written in Acts 2.21:</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">…
everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved …</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Pentecost
was originally a Jewish festival. Literally it means 50<sup>th</sup> - because
it fell on a ‘week of weeks’ after the Passover – so it is also sometimes
referred to as ‘The Feast of Weeks’. The weather was mostly good at this time
and a great many people travelled to Jerusalem for the occasion, and
so never was there a more international crowd in Jerusalem than at
this time. God’s timing was perfect – something special and significant would
happen - and the news would be taken to the four corners of the then known
world. </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Pentecost,
for the Jews, had two main significances: (i) a reminder of the giving of the
Law at Mount Sinai and (ii) an offering of the first omer of the
barley harvest to God – two barley loaves were offered to God in gratitude for
the completed harvest. On this day, no ‘servile’ work was to be done and so it
was a holiday for all and there was generally a great crowd in the streets. There
would, therefore, be no better time for God to reveal his truth to the people
of the day – especially something as important as the giving of the Law at
Mount Sinai – the giving of the new law of love.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Notice
how on the first Pentecost, the people were all together in the one place. It
is so vital that people come together, because this is a time of special
blessing and encouragement. People claim that it is not important to attend
worship regularly. I beg to differ. Without regular worship, prayer and the
study of the Scriptures together, we begin to starve, spiritually and we will
struggle to keep going. Luke gives us the recipe for spiritual growth and
renewal as he explains later in this chapter – in verse 42: ‘</span>They
devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of
bread and the prayers.’</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In
the past the Spirit of God had been given only to special people for special
occasions. In the days of the Old Testament, it was also a temporary gift. The
people in the Old Testament times longed for a time when the Spirit would be
present all the time and be available to all people and so Moses prayed – as
recorded in Numbers 11.29: “Would that all the Lord’s people be prophets, that
the Lord would put his Spirit upon them!” In their foretelling of the coming of
the Messiah, the prophets hoped that he would be different from all others in
that the Spirit of God would rest on him (Isaiah 11.1-3). On the first Day of
Pentecost the longing of the Old Testament was fulfilled for the Spirit came, ‘...
not to some individual in crisis, but to an assembled people ...’ and not temporarily,
but to dwell in their midst, to be their bond of fellowship, the secret source
of their common life, the inspiration for their mission to the world, and to be
the power of their preaching.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The
disciples were so overwhelmed by the presence of the love of God that they
could not express it in ordinary words and so they burst into ecstatic speech.
You cannot speak in this way by trying to do so, because it is not the work of
normal human faculties – it is a gift of the Spirit of God – and it has
recurred in the Church from time to time as we read in 1 Corinthians 14 as well
as Acts 10.46 and 19.6, and it continues to the present day, especially in
times of revival. </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">St
Paul was sceptical of all these ecstatic utterances, preferring intelligible
words, making the important point that, if a stranger came in to an assembly
and this was happening, he would think he had stumbled across a gathering of
the insane. A message that all can understand is much more important. But we
must not dismiss this gift too quickly.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In
my first pastoral appointment, a retired minister and his wife were a wonderful
support to me. After one Pentecost Sunday service, Mel told me the story of a
time when she was nursing in Port Elizabeth. A very ill patient was
admitted from a Russian trawler and was in a coma. She felt called to pray for
him and, having the gift of tongues, began to pray in her ecstatic language.
When the sailor recovered he asked for the nurse who had prayed for him in
Russian and it turned out to have been Mel!</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">On
this first occasion the gift was the ability to speak in other languages. We
know that such a miracle was unnecessary as all the people present would
probably have understood Aramaic – as we see when Peter explained everything in
the second part of our reading – he just used his normal language and all the
people there understood him. There is also no evidence that there was any need
to use this special gift in the later ministry of the Apostles. </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Why
then did it happen? Because it symbolised something important– the healing of
the nations by bringing people together and reversing the divisions as symbolised
by the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11.1-9. All divisions can be healed when
people come to Christ.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In
all my many travels throughout the world – whenever I have met Christians –
Amish, Mennonite, Brethren, Roman Catholic the experience has been the same,
one of immediate kindred spirit and a sense of fellowship. Paul is so right
when he explains in that, in Christ, we are one (Galatians 3.28).</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It
also symbolises the importance of people being able to have access to the truth
of God in their own language – so that they can be nourished, blessed,
encouraged, challenged and be given the gift of God’s truth for their own lives
that they too ‘... can hear the message in their own languages telling of the
mighty works and love of God.’</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">This
has inspired missionaries to reduced languages and dialects to writing – and to
make illiterate masses literate – so that they can find things out for
themselves, and make free decisions for themselves, by studying the Scriptures
for themselves.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Peter’s
sermon was more important than this miraculous gift. The Greek word translated
as ‘addressed’ in verse 14 is the same word used in verse 4 to speak of the
gift of tongues. It is the explanation of things that matters most, because
faith comes from understanding and deciding for oneself. We read in Romans
10.17 where we read: ‘</span>So faith comes from what is heard, and what is
heard comes through the word of Christ’, and again in 2 Timothy 2.15: ‘Do your
best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no
need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.’ Judaism has a lovely
image of a pious Jew being covered by the presence of God as they study the law
– the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shekinah</i> – the glow of God that
accompanied Moses when we he returned on receiving the Law from Mount Sinai. As
people prayerfully study scripture today, this can be their experience as the
Holy Spirits refines – like fire – and inspires with depth of insight and understanding.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Peter
explains that what happened was in fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecy of
Joel. </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">This
prophecy speaks of the last days – and these clearly have not happened yet.
Does this mean that Joel and Peter got things wrong? I do not think so. Rather,
the event of Jesus and Pentecost ushered in a new kind of time. We live in a
time when the ‘Kingdom of God’ could reign and where there could be peace and
the end of poverty; a time when justice and fairness could prevail. A small
percentage of the defence budget of each country could end poverty. But then
people would all need to accept the ways of Christ: repent of the sins of
selfishness and pride, be willing to admit fault and apologise, attempt to
right the wrongs we have done and work for a better world.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But
sadly the people of the world have chosen to reject the ways of Christ and so
in reality we still live in the kingdom of this world and injustice, suffering,
poverty and warfare remain the order of the day. But this need not be so for
Jesus came to show us a different way, the way of love, and he gives us His
Spirit to be able to live in the ways of his Kingdom. </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">To
put it most simply; on this feast of Pentecost, we must also remember that the
reality of the presence of the Spirit of Jesus is also real for us in our own
lives. It is not just for someone special, because in God’s eyes, we are all
special. This is what Wesley discovered and it was this message and this
experience that set England and the world ablaze with love and hope and peace
as people learned how special they and others are. It is this truth and this
experience that enables us to love ourselves and others. It is a life-changing
message. </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When evangelist John Wesley (1703-1791) was
returning home from a service one night, he was robbed. The thief, however,
found his victim to have only a little money and some Christian literature. As
the bandit was leaving, Wesley called out, "Stop! I have something more to
give you." The surprised robber paused. "My friend," said Wesley,
"you may live to regret this sort of life. If you ever do, here's
something to remember: 'The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all
sin!'" The thief hurried away, and Wesley prayed that his words might bear
fruit.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Years later, Wesley was greeting people after a
Sunday service when he was approached by a stranger. What a surprise to learn
that this visitor, now a believer in Christ as a successful businessman, was
the one who had robbed him years before! "I owe it all to you," said
the transformed man. "Oh no, my friend," Wesley exclaimed, "not
to me, but to the precious blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin!"
</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Our Daily Bread</span></i><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">, October 1, 1994.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Pentecost
is a time of the giving of a new law – the law of the Kingdom of love. It is a
time to be reminded that we can live as citizens of the Kingdom of God, because
God’s Spirit enables us, equips us and empowers us. It is a time when we are
inspired to go out with the message to the world – extolling – “Things need not
be this way, there is a better way ...” for as Peter quoted from the prophet
Joel for as Luke wrote so many years ago ‘...</span><u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">everyone
who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved</span></u><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> …’</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 10.35pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #010000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Amen. </span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-3096691119325794342017-05-27T16:23:00.000+01:002017-05-27T16:23:02.988+01:00John 17:1-11 (NRSV)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
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<h1>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">John 17:1-11 (NRSV)</span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Jesus Prays for His Disciples</span></h1>
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<br /></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">1</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Father</b>, the hour has come; glorify your
Son so that the Son may glorify you, </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">2</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">since you have given him authority
over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given
him. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">3</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and
Jesus Christ whom you have sent. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">4</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I glorified you on earth by finishing
the work that you gave me to do. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">5</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">So now, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Father</b>, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had
in your presence before the world existed.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">6</span></sup><sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world.
They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">7</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">8</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have
received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed
that you sent me. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">9</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on
behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are
yours. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">10</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have
been glorified in them. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">11</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And now I am no longer in the world,
but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in
your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: double windowtext 2.25pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm;">
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I am indebted
to the works by McPolin, Barclay and Morris for this reflection.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">This
is a lovely passage where we encounter our Lord at his most vulnerable and
caring. It is the most prolonged of our Lord’s prayers as recorded in the
Gospels. (It is not his longest prayer because we know that he prayed all night
before he chose his 12 Disciples). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">In
addition to being a sensitive and caring prayer, it is also a theological
synthesis, which reflects on the content and direction of the whole Gospel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Here
Jesus discloses the nerve-centre of his life ‘... a communion with his Father
and which finds expression in the repeated name ‘Father’’ in verses 1 and 3 –
but also 11, 24 and 25).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
prayer for ‘glorification’ is a petition that the disciples may <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know</i> the Father and the Son in a ‘...
ongoing, loving and life-giving communion with them.’ (verse 3) In this
communion through faith and love, the Father – God – is known in and through
Jesus, especially when Jesus had passed through his <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hour</i> of death and Resurrection to his Father’s glory.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">McPolin
writes: Jesus, the man for others, prays for his disciples and the main part of
the prayer is ‘... and intercession with his Father for the present ...’ his
disciples there and then. He continues:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Firstly</span></i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">, the
disciples belong to the Father, and everything that belongs to the Father
belongs to Jesus too. The disciples are the Father’s gift for they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">were</i> the Father’s (verse 6) and now they
belong to Jesus as well – therefore they are precious to Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Secondly</span></i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">, they are
precious for personal reasons, for they share in the love of Jesus, for they
acknowledge by faith, who Jesus is.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Thirdly</span></i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">, because
Jesus is leaving them behind, Jesus is concerned about them and how they will
cope when he goes, so he is moved to pray for them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Verse
9 seems to exclude the world from his prayer, but this is not a general
principle because later, he prays for the world, that those without faith may
come to believe in him (verses 21 and 23).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">This
is a prayer for intimate friends – it is as if Jesus is saying: “I, your son, am
praying for these men who are faithful to you.” And the prayer is for a special
gift – the gift of intimacy of communion with himself and his Father and Jesus
expresses this petition in different ways – in verse 11 he says “...</span><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">so that they may be one, as we are one ...” a
hallmark of John’s understanding of the relationship we all have access to if
we choose to live in union with God, by faith.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We now move on to</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> some thoughts
on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">knowing</i>. These days, we
automatically think of knowing in terms of intellectual knowledge and this, in
my mind, is perfectly valid. To know what God is like makes a massive
difference in a person’s life. Missionaries report of the liberation that has
come to communities when people come to understand that there is only one God, especially
when they also understand that this one God is also not harsh and angry, but the
perfection of love.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">And
we know these things about God because Jesus revealed them to us. He also
revealed that when we enter a life of love, we share something of the life of
God himself – for this is eternal life – to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>know God and Jesus whom he sent. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">But
in the Old Testament, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">knowing</i> is also
a reference to sexual intimacy. The knowledge between husband and wife is the
most intimate there can be for the two become one flesh. So, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">knowing</i> is more than intellectual
knowledge, it is also a deep and intimate personal relationship. Without Jesus,
this relationship would be impossible. As Barclay explains, it was Jesus that
taught that ‘... God is not remote and unapproachable, but the Father whose
name and nature is love.’ To know God is to know what God is like and to be on
the most intimate terms of friendship with him, and none of these are possible
without Jesus Christ.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
thought I might reflect a little more on the notion of eternal life as, like
the Ascension, it is a much misunderstood concept that leads many to reject our
faith. I now enlist the help of Leon Morris, that great Australian evangelical
divine, to aid our thoughts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">As
I have mentioned before, one of the interesting things of this passage is the
way Jesus defines eternal life. Eternal life is to know the Father and Jesus
Christ. (It is also interesting how Jesus refers to himself as the ‘Christ’). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">There
are some people, who, when we are with them, we are lifted up; there are some
whose quality of life is such that, when we know them ‘... we are lifted into
an understanding of life that we would not have reached if left to ourselves.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">What
for me is the greatest joy is the fact that all this – eternal life – is not
just a future hope – because the Holy Spirit enables us to experience what will
be then, now. Knowledge of God is linked to knowledge of Jesus Christ and so we
know God as he truly is only through Jesus Christ. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Jesus
prayed for his disciples, those whom God had given him as special companions on
his earthly journey. Jesus revealed the name of God to them – the name that he
himself bore – the Christ. Jesus taught them in word and deed, not in a rigid
dictated sense, but in the essence of their being – in a life lived in its
totality. It is in relationship that words take on what they are meant to mean
– taken out of the relationship and they become hollow and easily distorted.
Jesus never wrote anything down, because he must have know the dangers that
this would have caused. Jesus lived in the world and has shown us how to do the
same. The secret is to be one with God and each other ‘... so that they may be
one, as we are one.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">And
we know these things about God because Jesus revealed them to us. He also
revealed that when we enter a life of love, we share something of the life of
God himself – for this is eternal life – to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>know God and Jesus whom he sent. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">hat
they may be one, as we are one.’</span></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-91654837779437203072017-05-20T19:17:00.000+01:002017-05-20T19:17:01.344+01:00Aldersgate Sunday<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">John 14:15-21</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Promise of the Holy Spirit</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<sup><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">15</span></sup><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ‘If
you love me, you will keep my commandments. <sup>16</sup>And I will
ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for
ever.<sup>17</sup>This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive,
because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with
you, and he will be in you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<sup><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">18</span></sup><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> ‘I
will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. <sup>19</sup>In a little
while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you
also will live. <sup>20</sup>On that day you will know that I am in my
Father, and you in me, and I in you. <sup>21</sup>They who have my
commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be
loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: double windowtext 2.25pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: double windowtext 2.25pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In substance Wesley's teachings contained nothing new. All
Wesley wished to do was reintroduce what, in his opinion, had been forgotten.
His objective was not to overthrow existing dogmas but to `galvanize them into
life'. Wesley took the body of existing Anglican teachings as found in the
bible, coupled with the liturgical framework, homilies and articles of the
Anglican Book of Common Prayer of 1662 and gave new emphasis to certain old
teachings which had, in his opinion, been ‘sadly neglected’.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The reformers focused on the process of justification – how we
are declared right with God by faith -`Wesley may be said to have focused on
the way of sanctification'. He believed that being `born again' was not simply
the moment of justification, a sudden experience but rather `the whole process
by which the believer becomes transformed from sin to holiness.'<sup> </sup>Henry
Rack explains that for Wesley the true goal of Christian life was
`sanctification, holiness, even to the point of perfection'. Although the
process of becoming `holy' might have been Wesley's major focus, it does not
mean that `sanctification' or `being made holy' took precedence over
justification. Wesley saw both processes as being possible only through faith
in Jesus Christ.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wesley arrived at a definition of perfection that was in
itself imperfect `a perfection that was blameless, but not faultless'. In 1759
he described Christian perfection as follows:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
The loving God with all your
heart, mind, soul and strength. This implies that no wrong temper, none
contrary to love, remains in the soul; and that all thoughts, words and actions
are governed by pure love.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hulley adds that `Perhaps the most characteristic Wesleyan
term is`perfect love'. He quotes Wesley as summing up Christian perfection as
follows:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
... the sum of Christian
perfection ... is all comprised in that one word, love. The first branch of it
is the love of God; and he that loves God loves his brother also ...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This perfect love, according to Wesley, is a gift from God
which `could be received at any moment and not simply before death'. Once this
gift had been received it could also be lost `if not sustained by constant
vigilance' and even the perfected `depended at every moment, at every stage in
salvation on grace and faith'.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The perfection Wesley was calling for required a continual
process of growing in grace `both before and after "perfection" had
been reached'. Hulley explains that Wesley taught that `Perfection is then seen
merely as a point on a continuum, not a final objective reached'. He explains:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
Wesley never regarded perfection
as a state, a position which a believer reaches or achieves. He saw it as a
point in the experience of Christian growth which only took place in those who
had faith, it was in that sense a gift of God not a human achievement. God is
the agent, he does the sanctifying in response to faith ...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Gospel reading on this, Aldersgate Sunday, explains how
this love, this faith, this process of being <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in Christ</i>, being made into the people we are declared to be by
faith, can become a present reality in the lives of Christians – it is
something that we experience as a meaningful reality in our lives, by the
Spirit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">My text this morning is written in
John 14:15-17</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">15</span></sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">‘If you love me,
you will keep my commandments. <sup>16</sup>And I will ask the
Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you
forever. <sup>17</sup>This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot
receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he
abides with you, and he will be in you.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">In our reading, Philip asks for a
theophany – a divine disclosure to man: “Lord, show us the father and we will
be satisfied …” – and Jesus repeats the answer that he gave to Thomas because
Philip’s request makes the same sort of presupposition as Thomas’ question: it
assumed that the Father was other than the Son. Philip could not conceive of
the unity of Father and Son which Jesus had spoken of so frequently. Jesus explains
by referring to the two dominant themes of the Gospel: his word and his works.
Neither of these are done on his own: his words are not spoken on his own
authority but with the authenticity of the Father. This is sufficient
theophany. His works are also not his own doing, but those of the Father who
dwells in the Son. What Philip needs to do is recognise this. Jesus says in
verses 10-11: ‘… I am in the Father and the Father is in me …’ and the ultimate
proof of this is in Jesus’ works – in what he did.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">For Jesus to ‘… go to the Father …’
does not mean a departure; it means staying with him … abiding with him
forever. Marsh adds: “The metaphor of ‘departure’ must not be pressed to the
point of letting any disciple suppose that there is knowledge of the Father to
be had beyond Jesus himself. In the Son the Father has been pleased to manifest
himself.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">Jesus had made this point many times:
“If you had known me you will have known my Father”; He that has seen me has
seen the Father”; “I am in the Father, and the Father in me” and “The Father
that dwells in me, he does the works …”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">J C Ryle writes: “Sayings like these
are full of deep mystery. We have no eyes to see their meaning fully, no line
to fathom it, no language to express it, no mind to take it in.” Bishop John V
Taylor spoke of Jesus reflecting in a human life the being of God. Norman
Pottinger captured the essence of this truth in his book entitled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Human Face of God</i> where he wrote:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">“… the Word is made flesh in one of our own
kind, our Brother, without over-riding or denying the humanity which is ours,
but rather crowning and completing all that is implicit in humanity from the
beginning. The divine intention is ‘enmanned’ among us.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I am also taken with the understanding
of Thomas Merton who said that he underwent two conversions – the first to the
transcendent, awesome God, with whom communion may be enjoyed through worship
and contemplation, the second to the imminent, approachable God, who is present
in his world and its people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">Here Jesus reminds us of another
two-fold experience: the risen and ascended Jesus of history whose
transcendence enables him to be imminent – here with us -in the power of the
Holy Spirit as he dwells within us in the world today. Jesus himself said that
where two or more are gathered, he is there in the midst and Mother Teresa
reminds us of our Lord’s teaching in Matthew 25 that we meet Jesus in the needs
of the most vulnerable people in the world … and this is especially evident
when people respond in faith and continue to do the works of our Lord in the
present.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">Jesus
offered a test based on two things: what he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">said</i>
and what he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">did</i>. When we read or hear
the words attributed to Jesus, they have the ring of truth and – as Barclay
rightly observes – when we hear them we cannot help saying: “If only the world
would live on these principles, how different it would be!” And of course
Jesus’ deeds does cause one to pause and think; “Who is this?” Barclay
comments:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">“Still the way to Christian belief is not to argue about Jesus but to
listen to him and to look at him. If we do that, the sheer personal impact will
compel us to believe.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">Think
also of the limits of the ministry of Jesus. He never left Palestine. The world
was in a mess: in the Roman Empire morality was hardly in existence even
compared to today, things were outrageous. And into this world went the
disciples of Jesus – and this world was transformed. In the days of his flesh
Jesus was limited to Palestine; when he went back to the Father, he was
liberated from these limitations and the Spirit could work mightily everywhere.
The disciples of Jesus achieved greater things than he.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">It is all
too easy for us to forget that we are together with Jesus. His Ascension is a
wonderful truth, because it reminds us that Jesus left the constraints of this
earthly existence and so can be with us all – everywhere freed from the limits
of time and space. But more, He is with us now, when we are alone, and
especially when we are together in worship and fellowship with others. What
binds us to our Lord is not an act of intellectual assent; it is a bond of
love. It is because we love Jesus that we willingly accept what he calls us to
do, and this requires obedience to our Lord’s teachings. To those who respond
in obedience to our Lord’s calling, he offers us another counsellor. Jesus had
been the disciple’s counsellor while he was with them, and when he left this
earthly realm he gave them the Holy Spirit who would remain with them forever.
Marsh writes: “So his departure will not leave them unsupported and unguided as
they might have feared. The coming of the Spirit of truth to stay with them
will mark them off from the world; for just as the world cannot see Jesus for
the Son he really is, so it cannot discern the presence of the Spirit of truth,
for the world cannot <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">see</i> him nor <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know</i> him. But the disciples will know
him, for he will be dwelling in them.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">For the
disciples, the Holy Spirit was not a replacement for Jesus, it is Jesus, but
just in another form. The disciples will see him for – as Marsh explains “…
they together will enter upon a life with quite new conditions.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">All this
is based on love and obedience. Love is not a sentimental emotion; its
expression is always moral and is revealed in obedience. You cannot claim to
love someone, if you bring them hardship and heartbreak. Children and young
people cannot claim that they love their parents and at the same time cause
them grief and anxiety. There are children who claim to love their parents, yet
cause them a great deal of anxiety and grief; there are husbands who claim to
love their wives and yet they are inconsiderate, irritable, thoughtless and
unkind. Real love is not easy – it is shown through obedience to his laws of
love.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">But we
are not left to struggle alone – Jesus gives us another helper – the Greek word
used here for the Holy Spirit is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">parakletos</i>
which is very difficult to translate. The Authorised Version renders it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Comforter</i>, Barclay, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Helper, </i>NRSV<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, Advocate</i>.
Probably the best way to translate it is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘…
someone who is called in …’</i> but this alone is not enough; what also matters
is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why</i> the person is called in. In
Ancient Greece, people were ‘called in’ to give evidence in a court of law in
someone’s favour; an expert called in to give advice in some difficult
situation; to give encouragement to a group of soldiers who had lost heart. The
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">parakletos </i>was called in to help in
times of trouble or need. This is what the Holy Spirit does for us: “He takes
away our inadequacies and enables us to cope with life.” Barclay suggests that
Jesus is, in effect, saying is: “I am setting you a hard task, and I am sending
you out on a very difficult engagement. But I am going to send you someone, the
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">parakletos</i>, who will guide you as to
what to do and enable you to do it.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">There is
also another sense: from the prefix <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">para</i>
we get the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">parallel</i>, and so
there is the very real image of someone coming alongside us to help us, to
equip us and to enable us. But this is only part of it; Jesus says, that the
Holy Spirit will also be within us, becoming part of who we are.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">The world cannot recognise the Holy
Spirit because we can see only what we are equipped to see. An astronomer can
look into the night sky and see much more than the average person; a botanist
can look into a hedgerow and see far more than the average person; someone who
knows art will see far more in a painting than others. What we see or
experience depends on what we bring to the sight or experience. A person who
has dismissed God as impossible will never hear His voice deep within their
lives when he speaks, and will never receive the Holy Spirit unless we wait,
look and prayerfully seek for him to come to us in the depth of our being. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">Christian
people ought to be remarkably different; there ought to be something special
about us, something that marks them out from the rest of the world. And when
this happens, it becomes obvious: it was obvious in the lives of Martin Luther,
John Wesley, Oscar Romero, Mother Teresa, but also John Smith of Loughborough
or Gareth Jones from Cardiff or Ian MacKenzie from Glasgow – ordinary
Christians who make a different for good where they are.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">People
outside of Christ cannot fathom this. Paul explains this in 1 Corinthians 2:14:</span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"> “Those who are unspiritual do not receive
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">This
is why it is fruitless to try to convince someone through argument; they have
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experience grace, they know it; when they experience selflessness, they to know
it. If we are going to</span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"> fulfil our calling and thereby come to know what
life is really all about, we need to be prayerful people. As J C Ryle states:
“He that does much for Christ, and leave his mark in the world, will always
prove to be one who prays much.” Those who pray will also be those who are
steeped both in the Scriptures (especially the Gospels) so that we can be
reminded of what Jesus taught and did and thereby received direction as to what
we need to teach and do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in His name</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">The Holy Spirit is there for all to
receive: but it is not automatic – we need to be obedient, we need to be
faithful in prayer, we need to search for the truth in our own situations, and
we need to ask and then we will be filled and equipped and enabled to live as
we ought. Barclay concludes: “The Holy Spirit gate-crashes no person’s heart:
He waits to be received. So when we think of the wonderful things which the
Holy Spirit can do, surely we will set apart some time amidst the bustle and
rush of life to wait in silence for his coming.”</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">Jesus put it this way: </span><sup><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">15</span></sup><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">‘If you love me, you will
keep my commandments. <sup>16</sup>And I will ask the Father, and he
will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. <sup>17</sup>This
is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees
him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be
in you.</span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Amen</b></span></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-62238589654020991242017-05-13T18:54:00.000+01:002017-05-13T18:54:06.293+01:00Jesus, the way to the Father<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
John 14.1-10 (NRSV)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus the Way to the Father</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="cc"><sup>1</sup></span>‘Do not let your hearts be
troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. <sup>2</sup>In my Father’s house
there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I
go to prepare a place for you? <sup>3</sup>And if I go and prepare a place for
you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there
you may be also. <sup>4</sup>And you know the way to the place where I am
going.’ <sup>5</sup>Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are
going. How can we know the way?’ <sup>6</sup>Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way,
and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. <sup>7</sup>If
you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have
seen him.’ </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="vv">8</span> Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show
us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ <sup>9</sup>Jesus said to him, ‘Have
I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever
has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? <sup>10</sup>Do
you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that
I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his
works. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I am indebted to Barclay and McPolin for inspiration as I prepared this
reflection.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The opening verses of this reading reveal so much about our
Lord as he relates to us. Notice how he does not say “Don’t worry ...” but “Do
not let your <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">hearts</b> be troubled.”
Jesus knew the difference. There are some things that get to us deep down at
the core of who we are. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The disciples were terrified. Things had not been going well
for them, as Jesus had come under greater threat, and he had just finished
explaining to them that, in the future, it was going to get worse. There are
times in all our lives when we experience similar things, when we are unsure as
to what the future holds for us and it seems as though our present difficult
situation is only going to get worse. The disciples were especially downcast
because they were warned that they were in fact going to fail their Lord – and
this disturbed them deeply. We too, especially in times of failure, sink very
low. At times like these, we can hear the voice of Jesus telling his disciples
(and us): “Do not let your hearts be troubled ...” He goes on to explain how to
make this theory become real for us: “Believe in God, believe also in me.” William
Barclay comments: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
There comes a time when we have
to believe where we cannot prove and accept where we cannot understand. ... If
in the darkest hour, we believe that somehow there is a purpose in life and
that that purpose is love, even the unbearable becomes bearable and even in the
darkness there is a glimmer of light.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus is proof that God’s love is so great that he is not
willing to hold anything back from us when we turn to him; we know this because
he gave us his only Son.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The essence of human existence is knowing if there is any
purpose in life at all. If we are merely here as a matter of chance, and all
that we have is this life, then we need to find meaning in what we do and
experience in the here and now. And if a life is cut short or there is any
tragedy, it is devastating. This would all be true if there is no God. But we
know that there <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> a God – one true
God – and we also know what God is like because he has been revealed to us in
Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Jesus, we know that God is love; so, the purpose
of human existence becomes clear – it is to love and to be loved – or as Jesus
put it: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Love God and love your neighbour
as you love yourself</i>.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We do not need to philosophise about the existence of God.
We do not need to explore the great mystery of trying to find out what God is
like – God has been revealed to us in the greatest embodiment of love – Jesus.
This is very clear in our reading, where Philip asks Jesus: <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">‘Lord, show us the
Father, and we will be satisfied.’ (verse 9) Isn’t this the truth of the matter?
If there is a God and if God loves us and our ultimate destiny is to be with
him, then we too can say: “Show us God and we will be satisfied.” John in his
first letter writes: “</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">So we have known and believe the love
that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and
God abides in them.” </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">(1 John 4:16) Paul put it this way: “</span><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all
creation.”</span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> (Colossians 1:15). The author to the letter to the Hebrews
explained: “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup>3</sup>He is the
reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being</b>, and he
sustains</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">all things by his powerful word.”</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> (Hebrews 1:3)</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Jesus responded to Philip: “I am in the father and the Father is in me.”
To Thomas, Jesus replied: ‘<sup>7</sup>If you know me, you will know my
Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">William Barclay comments:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">... in Jesus we see the picture of God ...
in the face of that amazing love, it becomes ... at least possible to accept
even what we cannot understand, and in the storms of life to retain a faith
that is serene.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The disciples thought that Jesus dying and leaving them was the greatest
tragedy, but Jesus explained that he was going, so that he could be with them
in an even more special way; he was going to prepare a place for them, and he
would return to be with them forever.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Jesus explained that where God is there are many dwelling-places and
that he was going to prepare them for his disciples. This is a wonderful truth.
Once again we are reminded by the author of all the dangers involved in being
fundamentalist and only reading the Bible literally, for to do so would imply
that Heaven is a place and that it is just somewhere for us to go to in the
future, after death. Barclay explains that the Greek word used here is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">monai</i>, and while it does refer to an
abode, Jesus gives it its true meaning and that is in Heaven there is space for
everyone. An earthly house is finite and there is only room for a certain
number of people; but in Heaven there is space for everyone for – as Barclay writes
– “... heaven is as wide as the heart of God and there is room for all.” The
Father’s love and life present in Jesus are so immense that no one need be
excluded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We can take comfort, because we have irrefutable evidence that Jesus
tells the truth. He said to his disciples in verse 2: “If it were not so, would
I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” But not only is it true
that God loves us, will never leave us and that our destiny is to be with him
forever, Jesus also tells us the truth that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this</i>
life can sometimes be difficult, can include persecution, hatred and even
death. This is true for all people, and this is why some see life as so tragic.
The difference is that without God, this can lead to despair, but with God’s
presence with us now, even these things can be used for good. Barclay writes:
“Jesus was not a leader who tried to bribe men with promises of an easy way; he
tried to challenge them to greatness.”</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And we have been shown the way. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Time and again Jesus had explained everything to his disciples, but they
so often didn’t understand. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Moses reminded the Israelites that they must walk in the ways of God.
Jesus takes us by the hand and walks with us when we allow his Spirit to guide
our lives. The Psalmist in Psalm 86 prays: “Teach me your way so that I can
know your truth.” We know that real truth is more than mere intellectual
assent, it must be demonstrated by example; Jesus is the only one who could
ever complete this revelation by the example of his life. And all of it has the
purpose of finding the ultimate goal, what it means to live and not merely
exist. Barclay writes: “Our search is not for knowledge for its own sake but
what will make life worth living.” He adds: “What we take for ourselves gives
us a living, what we give to others gives us life. Life comes alive when we
love one another.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And then a verse that is so often misunderstood – “No one comes to the
Father except through me.” It is not up to any human to decide who is and who
is not saved and this is a verse where some make this claim. This is God’s
decision. What we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do</i> know is that it
is only in Jesus that we see what God is like and he alone can lead people into
God’s presence without fear and without shame.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Like Philip, we can find this all difficult to grasp – and so Jesus
helps us along the way. Jesus did not only leave his words – he left the
example of his life – his works. Actions speak louder than words – as recorded
in verse 13: “<sup>11</sup>Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is
in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves.” We
know what God is like and what his relationship is with us – because Jesus did
not only tell us – he showed us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Our lives matter to God. Jesus’ earthly ministry was God living our
life. He chose an ordinary life, and an ordinary way of earning a living. He
knows of the struggles, temptations and difficulties as well as the joys.
Barclay writes: “... common work is tinged with glory for it has been touched
by the hand of God. The life of Jesus shows us, not the serenity, but the
struggle of God ... God goes through the struggle that we must undergo.” But
more too. As McPolin writes: “The person who looks closely at the works of
Jesus with the eyes of faith will see that they are the works of someone who
lives in intimate communion with God.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The way to believe in God and also believe in Jesus is not to argue
about Jesus, but to listen to what he says to us; but we must also see what
Jesus did. Just as the blind man was restored not only to sight, but also to
insight – to see with the eyes of faith – we must also listen intently, and
hear with the ears of faith. Barclay claims that, if we do this, ‘... the sheer
personal impact will compel us to believe.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">And then to end with some challenging verses – 12-14. What did Jesus
mean by works greater than what he did? He gives us a clue by adding at the end
of verse 12, the words ‘... because I am going to the Father.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Jesus was going to leave behind the limitations time and space imposed
on him by the incarnation, now he can work more freely and universally as his
Spirit moves in the lives of people in history. Most importantly, this means
that, in every generation he has a mass of agents working on his behalf –
scattered throughout the world. God is active in the world when we are active
on his behalf, enabled and equipped and inspired by his Spirit. As McPolin
explains: “In this way the faith and love of Christian disciples make visible
the invisible presence of the glorified Lord.” Our experience of this life
includes with it the experience of a foretaste of what is to come. Jesus is
real to us now, not just when we die and our souls go to heaven.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We close with the challenge to pray in Jesus’ name. This is not an offer
to use the name of Jesus as some kind of magical invocation like some
evangelists have done and continue to do. Our prayers are not shopping lists or
demands that suit us or others; they ought to come from being immersed in a
deep communion with Jesus and the Father. This prayer needs to be the result of
a living communion from within the depths of our being united with God’s being
as the Spirit moves in our lives. McPolin speaks of our participation in the
prayers of Jesus himself and explains ‘... the more one’s life is penetrated by
the teaching and example of Jesus, under the inspiration of the Spirit, the
more unselfish, free and assured does our prayer become.’ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Life has meaning – life has purpose. Jesus has gone before us to prepare
a place for us – and we experience that place now – because Jesus comes to us
and makes his presence real to us as we study his Word together and hear his
teaching, and as we reflect on his works. Doing this transports us into the
realm of where God is. This is our future hope and also our present reality. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Jesus put it this way: “If you know me, you will know my Father also.
From now on you do know him and have seen him.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Amen.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-69060343580258786992017-05-04T20:48:00.000+01:002017-05-04T20:48:16.445+01:00Our shepherd<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Psalm 23</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Divine Shepherd</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A Psalm of David.<br />
<sup>1</sup> The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.<br />
<sup>2</sup> He makes me lie down in green pastures;<br />
he leads me beside still waters;<br />
<sup>3</sup> he restores my soul.<br />
He leads me in right paths<br />
for his name’s sake. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Even
though I walk through the darkest valley,<br />
I fear no evil;<br />
for you are with me;<br />
your rod and your staff—<br />
they comfort me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> You
prepare a table before me<br />
in the presence of my enemies;<br />
you anoint my head with oil;<br />
my cup overflows.<br />
<sup>6</sup> Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me<br />
all the days of my life,<br />
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord<br />
my whole life long.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">John 10.11-18 (NRSV)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I am
the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. <sup>12</sup>The
hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf
coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and
scatters them. <sup>13</sup>The hired hand runs away because a hired hand
does not care for the sheep. <sup>14</sup>I am the good shepherd. I know
my own and my own know me, <sup>15</sup>just as the Father knows me and I
know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.<sup>16</sup>I have other
sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">listen to my voice</b>. So there will be
one flock, one shepherd. <sup>17</sup>For this reason the Father loves me,
because I lay down my life in order to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">take
it up again</b>. <sup>18</sup>No one takes it from me, but I lay it down
of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up
again. I have received this command from my Father.”</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: double windowtext 2.25pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: double windowtext 2.25pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My text this morning is written in Psalm 23.6</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Surely goodness and
mercy shall follow me<br />
all the days of my life,<br />
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord<br />
my whole life long.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My generation and those that came before me
memorised this beautiful Psalm along with the Lord’s Prayer. Arnold Rhodes
captures our experience, but sadly not that of present generations in this
country, much to their loss:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tiny tot memorises it before they can
read, and the old man dies with it upon his lips. It is a personal confession
of faith in the God who cares.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The most prized gifts normally come in small
packages! What I want to share with you is the smallest of words in the Psalm,
but one that brings the most amazing blessing. It is the word ‘my’ … “The Lord
is <i>my</i> shepherd …” It is not even a whole word in Hebrew, it is only a
suffix.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As a philosophy teacher, I spend all my time
asking the Big Questions. This week, in lessons we will be thinking about the
meaning of life! In the process, we also often look at the Universe, its
existence and its being and we are often drawn back to the thought that it
simply could not have happened by chance. Even the most ardent of sceptics, eventually
acknowledge the possibility of a deity that kicked things off (Deism). We
Theists hold to the idea of a personal God, because contingent things – those
things that exist that do not have to exist, i.e. everything – must have been a
result of a decision having been made, and making decisions is a personal
attribute. Christians refer to this creator God (in the Psalmist’s words) as a
shepherd in the way that he relates to His creation. Most of the time, this
image is used when speaking of the covenant relationship God has with His
people and the image was also meant to be a type for the way kings ought to
relate to the people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here the Psalmist introduced a notion that is
as radical as it is beautiful: this great creator God is <i>my</i> shepherd.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God cares for me; he cares for those that I
love. I can bring my everyday needs before him, I do not need to feel that I
have no right to do so, because God has given me the right through His Son
Jesus, to bring all our needs before him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Psalmist continues: “I shall not lack any
thing that the Shepherd knows that I need.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Oriental shepherds find green pastures for
their sheep. This is difficult but he perseveres. He leads them besides waters
of rest and through this rest and life-giving water he restores the sheep’s
life (the human soul).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Arnold Rhodes comments:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“As God’s people we have our green
pastures and still waters: the daily bread, family prayers and Bible Study,
worship in the sanctuary, service in the market place, in fact, all the
blessings of God. God’s blessings, material and spiritual – bring renewed
vitality for the tasks ahead. He leads each of us in paths of righteousness.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">G A F Knight reminds us of what used to be an
oft-told story coming from the last century. Two ministers went on holiday
walking through the Welsh hills. High on the moors they met a shepherd lad and
stopped to speak with him. They discovered that this boy had never been to
school and knew nothing of the Christian faith. They explained things to him as
best they could and then shared the 23<sup>rd</sup> Psalm with him. To help him
discover this personal faith, they got him to repeat the words “The Lord is <i>my</i>
shepherd”. The following year they returned to the hills. They called in at a
cottage to purchase a drink of milk. The lady of the house noticed them looking
at a picture on the mantelpiece. “Yes,” she said, “that was my son. He died
last winter in a snow storm while tending his sheep. But there was a curious
thing about him, his right hand was clutching the fourth finger of his left
hand.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The ministers explained: “We met your boy last
year. In fact, since he was a shepherd boy, we taught him to repeat the first
line of the 23<sup>rd</sup> Psalm to himself, to pause at the fourth word, and
think ‘This Psalm was meant for me.’”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This Psalm was meant for me too … and you …
The Lord is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my </i>Shepherd. Close your
eyes briefly and say it to yourself: “The Lord is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my </i>Shepherd.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">St John clearly identifies Jesus as the
Messiah by using this beautiful pastoral image of a shepherd caring for his
sheep. His love and care for his sheep goes so far that he is willing to lay
down his life for them. It is in this way that Jesus is different to any hired
hand, who are often those who think only of their own interests and the pay he
will receive. When a hired hand sees danger – a wolf – he thinks only of his
own safety and he flees for his life. On the other hand, the relationship
between Jesus and his followers is comparable to the relationship between Jesus
and God the Father, as Jesus explains in verse 15: “…<sup>15</sup>just as the
Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">McPolin reminds us that Jesus refers to
himself as the ‘good’ shepherd because he ‘knows’ his sheep – his disciples
know him and he knows them. ‘… This knowledge is not a mere intellectual
understanding of a relationship; for the Hebrews to “know” a person meant to
experience them through knowledge and love.’ It is a sharing in each other’s
life in a deep and personal way and in the process we are deeply united with
the love that is God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>McPolin continues:
‘As the Son knows and receives life from his Father, so those who know the Son
know the Father and share in the gift of their life.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">All those who experience this life are united
together in this love. This is what unites us as Jesus refers to in verse 16.
Jesus said:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16</span></sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring
them also, and they will <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">listen to my
voice</b>. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One of the hardest things for the world to
unlearn is exclusiveness. Once people get the idea that they are right, they
find it difficult to accept that they might not be, or that others might also
be right but in a different way. This is what some of the Jews in Jesus’ day
did not get; that they were not the only special people in the eyes of God. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But we need to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">listen</i> to the voice of Christ. This implies reading, praying,
discussing with others, trying to discern what Jesus is saying to us where we
are. It is sadly becoming increasingly prevalent that some Christians are
opting for a simplistic literalism in their reading of Scripture, suggesting
that this is all that is required. The Church has always known that this is
never what was intended by the authors of the books, and those that put
together the collection or Canon that we refer to as today’s Bible. Philo of Alexandria
dealing with the Old Testament at the time of Jesus saw the many contradictions
(for there are many) as a sign to look for some deeper meaning than the mere
literal. And since then the early Church and then throughout the ages has
always taught to look beyond the literal, to seek the mind of God as they
listen together to hear what Jesus is saying to us now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There is a lovely story of a missionary to the
indigenous Americans, people who were once referred to as Indians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barclay records how the missionary, Egerton
Young, told them of the love of God. The aging chief responded:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“When you spoke of the Great Spirit
just now, did I hear you say, ‘Our Father’?” “Yes” said Young. “That is very
new and sweet to me,” said the chief. “We never thought of the great Spirit as
Father. We heard him in the thunder; we saw him in the lightening, the tempest
and the blizzard, and we were afraid. So when you tell us that the Great Spirit
is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our Father</i> that is very beautiful
to us.” … “Missionary, did you say that the Great Spirit is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your</i> Father?” “Yes” responded Young. The
chief continued; “And did you say that he is the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Indian’s Father</i>?” “I did” replied Young. “Then you and I are
brothers,” said the old chief.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We are indeed one, because God loves all of us
– we can really be one in Christ Jesus our Lord – as Paul states so explicitly
and beautifully in Galatians 3.28. And this is a dream that we can all help our
Lord to make a reality. We can so share the love of Jesus with others, most
importantly by the holy loving loves we live, more than the words we speak,
that others might be drawn to Him. I love the advice St Francis to his brothers
as they went out into the world: “Preach the Gospel everywhere, and when
necessary use words.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Both the Psalmist and John emphasise that the
life of the Christian is not always easy. The Psalmist speaks of walking
through the darkest valley. Jesus spoke of laying down his life. Difficult
times. But not times that have no meaning and never times when we are left
alone. For Jesus is always with us, his rod and staff guiding and protecting
and comforting. Our cups can overflow even in the darkest places for goodness
and mercy follows us all the days of our lives as we dwell in the presence of
God’s love and care. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus knew what God wanted of him but he also
knew that the Father would never abandon him. Jesus needed to pay a price, but
it was worth it. Jesus willingly gave his life for us because with it he has
given us the gift of God’s love. Jesus could have refused, turned back and
saved his own life, but he did not lose his life, he gave it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And all this is for me, and for you, and for
all those who accept it; it can become a present reality now. And this is how
we find peace, contentment even fulfilment, no matter what are circumstances
are from joy and even in the valley of the shadow of death. For we can testify
as reality that – as the Psalmist was able to say …</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #010000;">Surely<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>goodness and mercy<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>shall follow me<br />
all the days of my life,<br />
and I shall dwell in the house of the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="sc"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><br />
my whole life long.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Amen.</span></b></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-33107725796291171582017-04-29T12:08:00.002+01:002017-04-29T19:30:51.583+01:00Road to Emmaus<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Luke 24:13-35 NRSV</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Walk to Emmaus</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">13</span></sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called
Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, <sup>14</sup>and talking
with each other about all these things that had happened. <sup>15</sup>While
they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, <sup>16</sup>but
their eyes were kept from recognizing him. <sup>17</sup>And he said to
them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They
stood still, looking sad. <sup>18</sup>Then one of them, whose name was
Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not
know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ <sup>19</sup>He
asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who
was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, <sup>20</sup>and
how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and
crucified him. <sup>21</sup>But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem
Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things
took place. <sup>22</sup>Moreover, some women of our group astounded us.
They were at the tomb early this morning, <sup>23</sup>and when they did
not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a
vision of angels who said that he was alive.<sup>24</sup>Some of those who were
with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did
not see him.’ <sup>25</sup>Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are,
and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! <sup>26</sup>Was
it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then
enter into his glory?’<sup>27</sup>Then <u>beginning with Moses and all the
prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures</u>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">28</span></sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked
ahead as if he were going on. <sup>29</sup>But they urged him strongly,
saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly
over.’ So he went in to stay with them. <sup>30</sup>When he was at the
table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.<u><sup>31</sup>Then
their eyes were opened</u>, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their
sight. <sup>32</sup>They said to each other, ‘<u>Were not our hearts
burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was
opening the scriptures to us?</u>’ <sup>33</sup>That same hour they got up
and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions
gathered together. <sup>34</sup>They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen
indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!’ <sup>35</sup>Then they told what
had happened on the road, and <u>how he had been made known to them in the
breaking of the bread</u>.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This passage tells of the ability of Jesus to make sense of
things when hopes and dreams have been shattered. Cleopas and his companion
(many think it was his wife) were deeply disappointed: they thought that Jesus
was the Messiah and that he was going to rescue Israel. Jesus walked with them.
“When we walk with the Lord in the light of his Word” as we sing in this lovely
him, so too can he make sense of things in our lives. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">All too often people struggle to cope with the challenges of
life and this can be because they are trying to achieve everything in their own
strength. The joy of our faith is this, the same Jesus that we read of in the
Gospels is available to be with us by his Spirit, to meet with us and give us
the strength we need to face and overcome our challenges</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">While on the journey, Jesus expounded the Scriptures to them. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This</i> has been central to my calling as a
preacher because I do believe that the truth is to be found in a careful,
prayerful study of God’s revelation to the world in the Bible. This is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the</i> most important way in which Jesus
still speaks to us. The truths he expressed 2000 years ago which lifted the
spirits of the people then, can speak to us today. But we need to be cautious;
as too often some people tend to treat it literally when that is clearly not
what the original authors intended. Careful, prayerful, study – even struggle –
reaps rich dividends as God speaks to us through His Word today.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Notice also the courtesy of our Lord. He never presumed anything
and waited to be invited to stay with them. Barclay writes: “God gave to men
the most perilous gift in the world, the gift of free will; we can use it to
invite Christ to enter our lives or allow him to pass on.” Jesus never forces
himself on us, he offers himself to us, but waits for us to invite him to
journey with us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus was made known also in the breaking of the bread. It is
easy to think automatically that this is a reference to the Eucharist – and it
probably is – but not only this special sacrament. The meal that Jesus was
sharing with Cleopas and his wife was an ordinary meal in an ordinary home.
Jesus is made known to us as we share ordinary fellowship as well as special
occasions (sacraments) with others. Here too is the truth, that Jesus meets us,
comforts us and strengthens us in the fellowships and friendships we share with
others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When they received the great joy, they were anxious to share it
with others; they were eager to return the seven miles back to Jerusalem where
they found others who had similar experiences. It is our joy that we share
fellowship with others who have so much in common with us and we are always
richly blessed. Barclay adds: “... true fellowship begins only when people
share a common memory and can say to each other: ‘Do you remember?’”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">J C Ryle points out the importance of spiritual conversation
because it provides encouragement and that our Lord draws near to us in these
times. Ryle writes: “Conference on spiritual matters is a most important means
of Grace ... It brings special blessing on all who make practice of it.” When
we do this our hearts, like those on the Road, will also be strangely warmed
within us as we find encouragement. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When they arrived at Emmaus, Jesus made as if he was going on.
This is a special verse as it tells us so much about human free will. Scripture
is full of references to this important feature in the human’s relationship
with God: Jacob at Pniel, the Canaanite mother, the blind man at Jericho, the
nobleman at Capernaum, the parable of the unjust judge and the friend at
midnight – all these remind us of the need for persistence and to ask God for
his blessing in our lives. Ryle comments: “All show that our Lord loves to be
entreated and like importunity. When we pray ‘Let us ask much and ask often and
lose nothing for want of asking.’”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus appeared to Cleopas and his partner ‘suddenly’. At the
time they assumed that he was just another traveller. Later he disappeared –
just as suddenly. This shows that Jesus was different – he was no longer bound
by the rules of time and space. In retrospect Cleopas and his companion
realised that they had been liberated when they came to understand the
significance of the fact that Jesus has been resurrected. The dawning for them
came in the experience of the breaking of bread – something so familiar – but
now given special significance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It took time. Like the modern day sceptic, before this
experience on the Road to Emmaus, they probably just thought that this sort of
thing just never happened – could not happen. They were probably especially
sceptical, because all their other dreams had also been shattered and – to
begin with – Jesus had turned out to be a disappointment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus dealt with their disillusionment by expounding the
Scriptures to them – not a selection of proof texts – but the essence of the
message of all Scripture.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The joy of it all for me is this: that today we can (and do)
have the same experience. As we spend time studying Scripture and as we break
bread together, as we share fellowship with one another, Jesus comes into our
midst and is present with us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus was not merely alive again – like Jairus’ daughter, the
woman’s son at Nain or Lazarus – for they would still die again one day. Jesus
had passed through death and had come out the other end a new, deathless
creation ‘... still physical but somehow transformed ...’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When we realise that this same Jesus is with us in the Holy
Spirit, and as he is present with us as we explore Scripture together with him,
we too feel our hearts strangely warmed as we understand its truth. Study needs
to bring together head and heart ‘... understanding and excited application.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We also recognise Jesus in the breaking of bread. Cleopas and
Mary (his wife) had not been present at the Last Supper and so what he did with
them at this last meal, he probably had done with them countless other times.
This was soon to become a defining feature of the early Christians. We too meet
Jesus in Word and Sacrament. Take the Sacrament away and it becomes ‘... an
intellectual and emotional exercise, detached from real life.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus journeys with us – and faith is our journey. We can face
and overcome the challenges of the journey, because we do not travel alone. As Tom
Wright concludes:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Hearing Jesus’ voice in Scripture, knowing him in the breaking
of bread, is the way. Welcome to God’s new world.”</span></div>
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<![endif]-->David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-17786957531812801272017-04-22T20:11:00.002+01:002017-04-22T20:11:43.807+01:00Jesus appears to his disciples<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">John 20:19-end (NRSV)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus Appears to the
Disciples</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">19</span></sup><sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When it
was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house
where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and
stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">20</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After
he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples
rejoiced when they saw the Lord. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">21</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus
said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send
you.’</span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">22</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive
the Holy Spirit. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">23</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you forgive the sins of
any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus and Thomas</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">24</span></sup><sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But
Thomas (who was called the Twin</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><sup><span style="color: #0000bb; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">*</span></sup></a><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">), one
of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">25</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So the
other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless
I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the
nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">26</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> A week later his
disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors
were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">27</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then he
said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and
put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">28</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thomas
answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">29</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus
said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who
have not seen and yet have come to believe.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Purpose of This
Book</span></b></div>
<div style="border-bottom: double windowtext 2.25pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: double windowtext 2.25pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">30</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Now
Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not
written in this book. </span><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">31</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But these are written so
that you may come to believe</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><sup><span style="color: #0000bb; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">*</span></sup></a><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> that
Jesus is the Messiah,</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><sup><span style="color: #0000bb; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">*</span></sup></a><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> the
Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: double windowtext 2.25pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To begin with, and with the aid of Barclay and Ryle I reflect on
verses 19-23; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jesus appears to his
disciples</b>:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To the modern reader, these opening verses present some
difficulty. John takes care to include the detail that the doors were closed
and securely locked and Jesus was still able to enter. Ryle comments:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Like all the events which
followed our Lord’s resurrection, there is much in the facts before us which is
mysterious, and requires reverent handling.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To try to explain them – according to Ryle – and this leads to ‘…
unprofitable speculation. … We shall find it safer and wiser to confine our
attention to points which are plain and instructive …’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The disciples returned to the upper room where they had shared the
Last Supper with Jesus. Now, however, they were terrified because they knew
that the Jewish authorities were on the warpath to eliminate even the memory of
Jesus. Would it be the rest of them next? Barclay writes:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“So, they were meeting in terror,
listening fearfully for every step on the stair and for every knock at the
door, lest the emissaries of the Sanhedrin should come to arrest them too.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Into their midst Jesus suddenly appeared and greeted them with the
words: “Peace be with you …”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">These would have been loaded with meaning for the disciples
gathered here. Ryle comments: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“He spoke, we may be sure, with
special reference to the events of the last few days, and with special
reference to their future ministry. ‘Peace’ and not blame, - ‘peace’ and not
fault-finding, - ‘peace’ and not rebuke, - was the first word which this little
company heard from their Master’s lips, after He left the tomb.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is entirely in keeping with our Lord’s ministry. ‘Peace on
earth’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was the song sung at Jesus’
birth, and peace and rest for the human soul was the essence of what Jesus had
taught over the past three years of the disciples’ experience. Ryle suggests
that it is ‘peace’ that Jesus intended to be the key-note to the Christian
ministry and Jesus wanted this to be central to the Christian message of the
Gospel. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Apostle Paul reminds us that what Jesus came to earth to give
is peace between humankind and God as he wrote in the opening verses of chapter
5 of his letter to the Romans:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span></sup></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">through whom
we have obtained access</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">to this grace
in which we stand; and we</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">boast in our
hope of sharing the glory of God.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3</span></sup></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And not only
that, but we</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">also boast in
our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span></sup></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and endurance
produces character, and character produces hope,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><sup><span style="color: #777777; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span></sup></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and hope does
not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the
Holy Spirit that has been given to us.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is indeed the essence of the Gospel. We, like the disciples
who met in the Upper Room on this occasion, so often get things terribly wrong
and we find ourselves fearful and full of guilt as a result. Just as Jesus
entered into their presence in a miraculous way on this occasion, so he
miraculously comes to meet us where we are and gives us the same message. “It’s
okay, I forgive you, peace be with you…”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is interesting to note how Jesus provided this gathering with
excellent evidence that it was in fact he who had risen from the dead: he
showed them his hands and his side. He invited them to see with their own eyes
that he had a real, material body and that he was no ghost or spirit. Ryle
comments:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #010000; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“… great … was the principle which He
established for the use of His Church in every age until He returns. That
principle is; that our Master requires us to believe nothing that is contrary
to our senses. Things <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">above</i> our
reason we must expect to find in a religion that comes from God, but not things
contrary to reason.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And then Jesus commissioned
them: “As the father sent me, so I send you …” And he equipped them for the
task as he breathes on them and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit …”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Church is now the
presence of Jesus in the world – as Paul explains in Ephesians 1:23 and 1
Corinthians 12:12) - we are ‘… the Body of Christ …’ It is our task to take the
message of peace to all people. The Church is the mouth of God to speak and
reveal God’s message to the peoples of the world. But we need to remain united
with Christ for without this we have no power, no support, no strength. We need
to nurture our relationship with God through the study of the Word and the
faithful offering of the Sacraments. It is this relationship that matters and
here it requires obedience and perfect love. Barclay writes: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“The
Church must never be out to propagate <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">her</i>
message; she must be out to propagate the message of Christ. She must never be
out to follow man-made policies; she must be out to follow the will of Christ.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To fulfil our commission we
must always rely on the witness and testimony of the Holy Spirit which is that
which makes us – transforms us – into the image of Christ, both as individuals
and as a gathering of the Church. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">John reminds us that at
creation what gave humankind the image of God was God breathing into them
(Genesis 2:7) Ezekiel (37:9) saw the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>same thing in the valley of the dead, dry bones until God breathes life
into them. The coming of the Holy Spirit is like the wakening of life from the
dead and when it fills the Church she is recreated and equipped for her task.
Without it, the Church simply does her own work and dies.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We have the lovely message
of peace and with it comes the essential message of forgiveness. Only God can
forgive sins, but we are given the power and authority to act as God’s agents
and thus able to say to those who are truly penitent: “Your sins are forgiven!”
Barclay concludes: “This sentence lays down the duty of the Church to convey
forgiveness to the penitent in heart and to warn the impenitent that they are
forfeiting the mercy of God.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For Thomas, the Cross was what
he expected. When Jesus had mentioned that they were going to Bethany after the
raising of Lazarus, remember what Thomas had said: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Let us also go, that we may die with him” </i>(John 11:16). He was not
lacking in courage; he probably just considered himself to be a realist (and a
pessimist). There was no doubt that he loved Jesus because he was willing to go
with him to Jerusalem and die, even when the other disciples expressed their
reluctance. What happened was just as he expected and he was broken-hearted, to
such an extent that he felt the need to be alone with his grief. So, when Jesus
appeared in the Upper Room, Thomas was not there. When he was given the news,
he refused to believe it because it seemed to be too good to be true and he
needed more, because he probably could not cope with having false hopes dashed
yet again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A week passed and Jesus
appeared again – this time – Thomas was there. Jesus knew just what Thomas
needed and repeated the words that Thomas had used himself, inviting him to do
as he wanted: </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your
hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’(verse 27)Thomas was
thrilled and exclaimed: ‘My Lord, and my God.’(Verse 28)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Barclay suggests that we can learn the following from
the experience of Thomas:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(i)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He made
the mistake of withdrawing from the Christian fellowship and as a result missed
meeting with Jesus. There are certain things that we can only experience when
we are an integral part of the Christian fellowship. The modern notion of not
needing to go to church to be a Christian is a folly. We can only know God’s
blessing when we are part of his body here on earth. Barclay comments: “… we
should seek the fellowship of Christ’s people for it is there that we are
likeliest of all to meet him face to face.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(ii)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thomas was
a man of virtue: He refused to claim to understand when he did not and this
sort of honesty is good. Lord Tennyson wrote: “There lives more faith in honest
doubt, believe me, than in half the creeds.” And when he was sure, he went the
whole way exclaiming “My Lord and my God.” Thomas doubted in order to be sure.
Barclay comments: “… When a man fights his way through his doubts to the
conviction that Jesus is Lord, he has attained to a certainty that the man who
unthinkingly accepts can never reach.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I believe the Lord inspired
John to include this because Thomas reflects the experiences of so many. Thomas
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thought</i> he needed physical evidence,
but it is plain from John’s account that he did not accept the offer to touch
the wounds of Jesus. As Marsh explains: “He had learnt in the mere ‘seeing’ of
the glorified Lord that sense and sight were not the sufficient things he
supposed. In a strangely paradoxical way he had found through seeing that
seeing was not believing.” So often people today think that if Jesus were to
become physically present to them, it would be easier for them to believe. This
is not so, because the only way that belief is possible is through the work of
the Holy Spirit. There were no real advantages for the disciples in seeing
Jesus because (as Marsh adds) “… physical seeing can be as seriously questioned
as any other experience of sense …” This is why Jesus concludes with the words:
“</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come
to believe.” (verse 29b)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Verses 30 and 31 are
crucial in our understanding of the Gospel, because they give us insight into
the paradigm of the Gospel writers – their philosophy – as it were. It seems
very clear that John (and the others) did not set out to provide a detailed
account of the life and ministry of Jesus. They are selective, choosing what
for them are some of the things that will give us a deep and significant
insight into who Jesus was, what he was like and the sort of things Jesus said
and did. The Gospels are not meant to be biographies of Jesus, but documents
designed to encourage people to faith – or Barclay puts it – ‘… Their aim was, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not to give information, but to give life</b>
…’ Their bias is clear and honest. Barclay continues:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It was to paint such a
picture of Jesus that the reader would be bound to see that the person who
could speak and teach and act and heal like this could be none other than the
Son of God; and that in that belief he might find the secret of real life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This means that, if we
approach the Gospels, expecting to find biography or history, we ‘… approach
them in the wrong spirit …’ Rather we must come to them seeking God. This does
not mean that they are worthless as historical or biographical works, because
they are filled with important information and increasingly, people are finding
them to be works of massive literary importance as well. All this remains true
– but they are also much, much more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There were many other signs
which Jesus did, but John had made a selection to help the reader and informs
his readers of the basis of his choice. Marsh suggests that it is highly
probable that John knew of the existence of the Synoptic Gospels or at least a
source used by the synoptic writers – probably a source of his own as well. He
wanted to help people – all people – even those who find belief difficult (the
Thomas’ of this world) – to be able to come to faith in Jesus. He wants this to
happen because it has been his experience (and the experience of others) that
to believe means to have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">life in Jesus
name</i>. John has spoken of praying in Jesus’ name. This means much more than
just ending a prayer “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In Jesus’ name we
pray</i>…” it means ‘… offering prayer in Jesus Christ, as if the believer were
his Lord, and his prayer the prayer of his Lord.’ So, to have life in Jesus’
name is to share his life, to become identified with him to the extent that
Jesus’ eternal life becomes the life of the believer as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life becomes sharing the life of God – as
Marsh puts it – ‘… in his eternal felicity and bliss …’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The events as recorded in
John’s Gospel all happened. I do not believe that the Gospel writers simply
made them up. But they are not meant to be taken exclusively literally. John
Suggit writes:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“The
signs – words and narratives – used in the scriptures are what constitute
poetry, in the widest sense of the term, not of course in the sense that they
are untrue, but because they enable believers to receive the word not simply as
an opportunity to participate in it, to become creative (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">poiesis</i> – creation) in giving it meaning for themselves and for
others <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">so as to be changed and
transformed by it</b>.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942799900327181149.post-4679692645150385272017-04-12T20:29:00.002+01:002017-04-12T20:29:10.263+01:00Easter Day<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #880000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Matthew 28:1-10 (NRSV)</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #880000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Resurrection of Jesus</span></b></div>
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<sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was
dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And suddenly there was a great </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">earthquake</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">;
for an </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">angel</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">rolled
back the stone</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">sat on it</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.</span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">His
appearance was like </span><span style="color: #0070c0; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">lightning</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, and his </span><span style="color: #0070c0; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">clothing
white as snow</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For fear of him the guards shook and became like
dead men.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But
the angel said to the women, ‘</span><span style="color: #00b050; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Do
not be afraid</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">; I know that you are
looking for Jesus who was crucified.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He
is not here; for </span><span style="color: #00b050; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">he has been raised</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, as he said. </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Come,
see the place where he<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>lay</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then
</span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">go quickly</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">tell</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and indeed he is </span><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">going ahead of you to Galilee</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">; </span><span style="color: #00b050; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">there
you will see him</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.” This is my message
for you.’<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So
they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his
disciples.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Suddenly
</span><span style="color: #00b050; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus met them</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took
hold of his feet, and worshipped him.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><sup><span style="color: #777777; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10</span></sup><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then
Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; </span><span style="color: #00b050; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">go
and tell my brothers to go to Galilee</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">;
there they will see me.’</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I am indebted to Barclay,
De Dietrich, Argyle, Meyer, Ryle and Fenton for their thoughts on this passage
...</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There is something
‘fitting’ about the way that it is Mary Magdalene and the other Mary who are
the first to receive the news of the Resurrection and to encounter the risen
Jesus. They had been there at the Cross and they had been there when Jesus he was
laid in the tomb. They were constant and faithful and so were richly blessed
with the truth that death had been overcome, it is not the end; their Lord was
risen! This is such a fine example for all followers of Jesus today; God always
rewards the faithful follower who has the gift of persistence, even in the
seemingly darkest moments of our lives.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Don’t you love the
humanness that the Gospel writers capture? Matthew has no record of the women
taking any preparations with them to embalm the body of Jesus, because he
includes the detail that the tomb was guarded by Roman soldiers that were under
strict instruction to make sure that nothing happened to the body. There would
be no way that the women would be allowed in. They probably therefore, still
decided to go there and just ‘be’ where Jesus had been laid, just like people today
like to go to the burial place of their loved ones – just to be there. It is
not impossible that they might have gone with some hope; as Jesus had spoken of
the Resurrection (12.40 and 27.63). Imagine how they must have been terrified
by the earthquake and the bright light, not least by the appearance of the
angel. Unsurprisingly, the guards froze in fear and became like dead men!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But then they are
lovingly dealt with, with the words: ‘Don’t be afraid ... I know that you seek
Jesus.’ The commentator, De Dietrich captures a wonderful thought in the words:
“God turns his face of mercy on those who seek him.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus has revealed to
the world what God is like ... God is love and his Spirit fills us with this
love that gives our lives meaning and purpose even in the most difficult of
times. We do not always understand. While understanding is important and it is vital
that we are seekers after truth, something that we are constantly reminded of as
we study the sacred Scriptures, but we also know that we will never understand
fully the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mythos</i> of Christ. We were
reminded of this at Christmas when reflecting on the significance of the magi –
the wise people who were present at his birth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What matters more is that we are seekers,
those who in their imperfect yet sincere way, are followers of Jesus – just
like the women, who even followed him to the tomb, thinking he was dead.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus himself confirms
the message of the angel – ‘‘Do not be afraid; </span><span style="color: #00b050; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">go
and tell my brothers to go to Galilee</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">;
there they will see me.’ We know that Matthew went to great trouble to show how
Jesus was the fulfilment of prophecy and Matthew records in 26.32, that Jesus
predicted that he would appear to the disciples in Galilee.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here too, the different
Gospel writers have different versions of what happened. Some people think this
is a problem, but historians explain how it is these very differences give
credibility to their testimony, because, if they were in complete agreement,
one would suspect collusion on the part of some later editor. We also know that
all of them are authentic witnesses, as, in a court case, in determining the
reliability of any witnesses, while one would here too, expect differences, even
contradictions, there must be the same golden thread authenticating the same
event. In the Gospel narratives of the Resurrection there is the golden thread:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The empty tomb</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Announcement of the Resurrection to the women
first</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>The meeting of the disciples with Jesus.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Barclay suggests that
three imperatives come to us:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Firstly</span></i><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,
they were urged to </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">believe</span></i><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.
What they had experienced was so staggering that it could have seemed </span><span style="color: #0070c0; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">too good to be true</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.
The angel reminds them of the promise of Jesus and confronts them with the
empty tomb. Still today there are many who cannot accept the promises of Jesus
because they are ‘too good to be true’. But it is also interesting that when
people actually take the trouble to examine all the evidence, few leave the
study unconvinced that something special happened to Jesus, and it is best
explained by the Resurrection.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Secondly</span></i><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,
they are urged to </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">share</span></i><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.
When they had discovered the fact of the risen Christ, their first duty was to </span><span style="color: #0070c0; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">proclaim it</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
and </span><span style="color: #0070c0; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">share</span><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> the news with others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barclay writes: “Go tell! Is the first
command which comes to the man who has himself discovered the wonder of Jesus
Christ.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thirdly</span></i><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,
they are urged to </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">rejoice</span></i><span style="color: #010000; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> –
the word used when Jesus met them as the Greek word translated here as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">greetings</i> can also be translated as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rejoice.</i> Barclay concludes: “The man who
as met the risen Lord must live forever in the joy of the presence of Him from
whom nothing can part them anymore.”</span></div>
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I now turn to J C Ryle to aid our reflections ... I am often
surprised when I read the work of this 19<sup>th</sup> Century Calvinist –
expecting to disagree – but resolved to continue because I will always read
those who are dedicated to our Lord but with whom I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">think</i> I disagree. He always gives me something to think about and
is a real source of blessing.</div>
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The Resurrection is at the very foundation of our faith and
so it is unsurprising that all four of the evangelists deal with it in detail.
There is every reason for the resurrection of Jesus to be central to our faith
as it is </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
‘... the seal and headstone of
the great work of redemption, which Jesus came to do; it is the crowning proof
that He has paid the debt which he undertook to pay on our behalf ... Had He
never come forth from the grave, how could we ever have been sure that our
ransom had been fully paid?’</div>
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But thanks be to God, we are left in no doubt and so ought
to be thankful. It is interesting that, while there is space for some
discussion about other aspects of our Lord’s earthly ministry, there seems to
be no debate here. Ryle writes: “The wisdom of God, who knows the unbelief of
human nature, has provided a great cloud of witnesses on the subject.” </div>
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The early disciples – yet – were slow to believe, the
enemies of Christ were keen to disprove it but it was firmly established. All
these things go together to provide us with convincing proof. Ryle continues:
‘... it would be impossible to prove anything in the world, if we refuse to
believe that Jesus rose again.’</div>
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<br /></div>
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Ryle is on to something important here. The historical
evidence for Jesus (and the Resurrection) is so good that to deny it would
bring into question all historical evidence. A case in point: there is much
difference of opinion about just about everything to do with the assassination
of JF Kennedy, when there were millions of witnesses and the best detective
agencies in the world all involved. Yet no one denies that it happened and the
golden thread also runs through all accounts.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We can rejoice this Eastertide – Jesus <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">did</i> rise from the dead, and he does bless all those who seek him,
in the ways we find we are able to do so, and he meets us where we are and he
blesses us with his peace and his love.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Amen.</div>
David Owen http://www.blogger.com/profile/13890137301569820104noreply@blogger.com1