10/29/2023 Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

We focus our attention on how Christians apply their faith to life. We live as citizens of two kingdoms, so the Christian life values godly government, fulfilling the law in love to our neighbor, and in acts of humble service.

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE FULFILLS THE LAW BY LOVING EVERYONE AROUND US

What does God want from us? Is that secret knowledge only some people have? Does it require arcane scholarship to discover the answer? Does it require a journey in mind or body to find that information? In our readings today, the scribe juggles 613 commandments and wants Jesus to prioritize them. Cain claims not to know if he should be his brother’s keeper. But John writes to the church and says, "The information you need to know is not new, nor is it complicated."

When it comes to pleasing God, we are not left in the dark. Serving God doesn't require us to search for hidden knowledge. We aren't sent to climb a mountain to discover the sound of one hand clapping or seek some mystical experience.

God takes the most important part of our existence, giving our Father glory and making him happy, and he grounds it in something we don't have to search out but can simply reach out and touch. He says, "Look right next to you. That person, that relative, that congregational member, that stranger. There is where you go to find out what I want. What I want is for you to live a life that loves me above all things, by loving and serving your neighbor."

God bless your worship.

Pastor Adam Mueller will preach on 2 John 1–6; “Let’s Go For A Walk”

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