unBROKEN

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, July 24, 2011 Sermon "unBroken Part II - Broken to unBroken" by Pastor Rodger S. Loar


Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, July 17, 2011 Sermon "unBroken Part I - Unbroken to Broken" by Pastor Rodger S. Loar


Scripture Reference: Romans 5:19


Much of the world believes that people are basically good.  But are we?  God's word teaches us that we are made in God's image, but that we are sinful and rebelious... Broken.  It also teaches us that God has redeemed those who have believed in Jesus Christ, making us whole again... Unbroken.

What are we then?  Broken or unbroken? 

When we come to realize that humanity is both broken and at the same time can be unbroken, then it changes how we treat each other.  If we recognize that the people we meet are children of God, made in his image, then it makes us treat them a little more special.  If we also realize that they are broken sinners that need God, it also makes us a little more understanding and hopefully grace-giving.  Finally, if we add in the idea that we are all redeemable through Christ, then it allows us to share hope with them where they are.

This isn't always easy, when you deal with someone who is a jerk, when you wonder about someone who has hurt a child, or who has murdered, when you deal with someone who time and again has hurt you.

But, when we balance the brokenness and unbrokenness of humanity, and we ultimately see that we too are the same, then we can be more welcoming, more grace-filled, more unconditionally loving and we can bring hope to a world that so desperately needs it.



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P.S.  I write this with a caveat:  I struggle with this too.  This very day, one day after giving the second sermon in this series, I encountered someone who was a rude jerk to me.  Though patient at first, I ended up blowing up and yelling at her.  I share this only to let you know that the struggle goes on and that even the rudest people you meet still need hope.  Let's keep working on this together.

Pastor Rodger

The Big Story and Your Part in It

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, July 10, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Don Allen

Sharing Your Story - Medic!

Click Here to Listen to the Sunday, July 3, 2011 Sermon by Pastor Rodger S. Loar


Click Here to Download the Four Neighbors Activity


Scripture Reference:  Matthew 9:35-38

I’ve never been a farmer or a herdsman.  I’ve worked in a small garden, and I used to spend summers with my Uncle and Aunt on their farm with chickens and cows.  But, let’s face it, I don’t know a lot about the day-to-day goings on of your average sheep.  You probably don’t either.

Yet, when Jesus, in Matthew 9:35-38, says he had compassion on the crowds, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd, I have no problem visualizing what he is talking about.  I can see a herd of sheep being scattered by the winds and rain, by wolves nipping at their heels, by vultures taking their lambs.  They run to and fro seeking anything that will take away the bad things.

Now, look around.  Look at your friends, your coworkers, your neighbors, and your relatives.  Do you see it?  Do you see the way the fill their schedules with anything that might distract them from the realities of this life?  Funerals and Hospitals and other such things are to be avoided at any cost.  Turn off the news and stay away from controversy.  They turn their eyes away from the homeless man on the corner and keep your kids from hanging around ‘those kids’ that might affect them.  They stay away from anything painful or difficult and keep themselves immersed in a world of entertainment and busy-ness.  Why?  Because, if they stop for even a second, they might actually see the dangers and realities of the world out their.  They might have to question their mortality.  They might just have to question the condition of their lives and the choices that they’ve made.  This is often why they stay away from church.  They often claim that Christians are judgmental, when it is really that they are afraid of their own conviction and the urging of God.

Harrassed & Helpless,  they stay on this path of silent pain and hectic numbness which keeps them from God.

That’s why we are all called to bring the good news of Christ to the world.  It’s not just the job of one or two pastors, but the job of every Christian to share with those around them.

Remember the old 70s television show, M.A.S.H.?  That’s what we must be like.  We are called to be medics who go out into the battleground of the world and bring the wounded back for healing.  Church is a hospital for the sick and hurt.  It is a place to get revitalized and then sent out to rescue others.

Take this challenge.  Go and share your story with your friends, relatives, neighbors, and coworkers.  Don’t be a jerk, don’t be obnoxious, and don’t be fake.  Be yourself and listen to them and then share your hope with them.  Pray for them.  It matters, and it is what we are called to.

Pay attention and you’ll see that the people you care about are out there on the battlefield, they are wounded and crying out for help.  Have the courage to brave the fire and you could save someone. 

Pastor Rodger