Sermon: May 30, 2010 > Counterfeit Gods | American Idols > Bibliolatry

Listen to the sermon below from May 30, 2010 from the series: Counterfeit Gods | American Idols.

[audio:jacobswell_dberry_053010.mp3]

Bibliolatry: Pharisees look miserable … because they are.

Bibliolatry?
It is a tragic fact that the scribes and Pharisees, though knowing the words of the Book, knew not its Author. “You know neither me nor my Father,” pronounced Jesus. Perhaps it is bibliolatry to know the Book but not its Publisher. To know dead precepts, but not the living God. So, how did Jesus answer the bibliolatrous folk of his day?

“Have you not read what God said to you?…Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written…What is written in the Law? How do you read it? …In your own Law it is written…Have you not read in the book of Moses?…It is written in the Prophets…Then what is the meaning of that which is written?…The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him…Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms…Begone, Satan! For it is written…It stands written…On the other hand, it is written…Is it not written?”

Jesus answered wrong users of the Book with the Book. Is bibliolatry possible then? Sadly, just as possible as in Bible days. But, Jesus’ response should be our own: to answer the one who worships the Book but not the Author with the words of the Book… and the actions it requires of Author Lovers.

In case you missed this announcement last week…
What if…
… we expanded the garden ministry to include a “prayer and meditation path”? Consider the outreach of welcoming the stranger into our garden to both listen to God and talk with Him. Imagine permanent markers to encourage a variety of prayers. Imagine the hope and healing that will come from this.

A group of Jakesters is gathering to take on this exciting project. Let Liesl Krieger or Dave Park know you are interested.

Prayer Gathering: Wednesday night @ 7:00 @ the church

The Art Circle
meets @ the church every 2nd Thursday @ 7:00

Here Comes the Bridal Shower!
All ladies of the church are invited to the church for a shower for Erin Lindsey, 4:00 p.m., on June 6. (Bed, Bath and Beyond; Hobby Lobby gift cards)

And then…
Baby, Baby, Sweet Baby Shower!
Baby Hodel will introduce himself to us in July. All ladies of the church introduce yourselves to him and his mama (Abigail) on June 13, 2:00 p.m. (Target & Pottery Barn for Kids)

Dinner with the Diggers?
Well Diggers Softball Wed. Night @ 6:00
@ Champion Fields by Normal West
Come have a hot dog and dig the Diggers!

June 6 – D-Day @ The Jake
Communion… and then the creative invasion gets underway. Don’t miss it! The artwork, music and fellowship will point us to the Beauty of The Master Creator. If you’d like to bring some “finger foods,” please let Lori McCormick know.

Was Jesus a “success”?

Seems blasphemous to even ask the question. But, we live, work, and play in a culture that would portray a poor servant who doesn’t even stand up for himself as a terrible failure. As the oft-quoted “One Solitary Life” tells us, “He did none of those things one usually associates with greatness. He had no credentials but himself.”

Fact is, Jesus’ view of success is about richness towards God and our neighbors. Ask yourself how our culture defines success. Ask yourself how you define success.

Hmmm… we’d better think about this… and, while thinking, ask Jesus to “successfully” fashion our values towards His… and away from those which are fleeting and flawed.

What if…
… we expanded the garden ministry to include a “prayer and meditation path”? Consider the outreach of welcoming the stranger into our garden to both listen to God and talk with Him. Imagine permanent markers to encourage a variety of prayers. Imagine the hope and healing that will come from this.

We’ve floated the idea around for a couple of years. If you would be interested in (first) dreaming and (then) doing to bring this about, stick around for five minutes after church and talk to Pastor Dave about this. We need a small team of dreamers and doers.

Prayer Gathering: Wednesday night @ 7:00 @ the church

The Art Circle
meets @ the church every 2nd Thursday @ 7:00

Here Comes the Bridal Shower!
All ladies of the church are invited to the church for a shower for Erin Lindsey, 4:00 p.m., on June 6. (Bed, Bath and Beyond; Hobby Lobby gift cards)

And then…
Baby, Baby, Sweet Baby Shower!
Baby Hodel will introduce himself to us in July. All ladies of the church introduce yourselves to him and his mama (Abigail) on June 13, 2:00 p.m. (Target & Pottery Barn for Kids)

Dinner with the Diggers?
Well Diggers Softball Wed. Night @ 6:00
@ Champion Fields by Normal West
Come have a hot dog and dig the Diggers!

June 6
D-Day @ The Jake
Love to cook? Then, you may be a “culinary artist.” Please share your gift with the rest of us @ our special service celebrating creativity. Finger foods only! Let Lori McCormick know that you will be exercising your gifts on June 6!