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<font face="arial, helvetica" style="font-size: 10pt;">From: Judy <judy_boli@ecunet.org></font><br>
<font face="arial, helvetica" style="font-size: 10pt;">To: Propertalk <propertalk.topic@ecunet.org></font><br>
<font face="arial, helvetica" style="font-size: 10pt;">Sent: Sat, Sep 9, 2017 6:51 pm</font><br>
<font face="arial, helvetica" style="font-size: 10pt;">Subject: [propertalk.topic] Sermon for Proper 18A: “Criticism” or “Stop Sitting on that Bee!” or “Don’t Let Evil Defeat You, but Defeat Evil with Good.” (Romans 12: 9-21)</font><br>
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<div style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial, helvetica; margin: 16px 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px; font-size: 11pt;"><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman">Dear Friends,</font></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: arial, helvetica; margin: 16px 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px; font-size: 11pt;"><font color="#000000" face="Times New Roman"> </font></span></div>
<div style="margin: 16px 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" style="" size="4">This Sunday’s sermon is entitled “Criticism” or “Stop
Sitting on that Bee!” or “Don’t Let Evil Defeat You, but Defeat Evil with
Good.” (Romans 12: 9-21) and deals with the Old Testament lesson (Exodus 15).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Here it is: </font></span></div>
<div style="margin: 16px 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="4"> </font></span><span style="font-size: large;">Next week’s epistle has some wonderful advice about Christian living,
but I’m not preaching on it because we’ll probably be focusing on 9-11, so I’d
like us to think through some of its ideas today so we don’t miss them. The
lesson I’d like to focus on is Romans 14: 1-12.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 16px 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here’s some background.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">As you
know, Paul is writing to the church in Rome, and he is aware that they are
having problems.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">It’s a mixed church-
not by color- nobody much cared about color in that day.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">It was mixed with Jews and Gentiles, and they
simply were not getting along because they were coming from different
backgrounds.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">The Jews were coming from
an environment in which every little religious law had to be obeyed.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Even if they no longer believed this, the Law
was in their hearts.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">The Gentiles were
coming from paganism with its idols, immoral sexual practices- especially in
the pagan temples, and special days.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Many
of the Jews believed it was all right to eat meat killed as a sacrifice in
pagan temples, since they were offered to nonexistent gods.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Many of the Gentiles thought eating such meat
was a terrible sin.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">On top of that, the
Jews believed that they were better than the Gentiles, while the Gentiles often
thought they were smarter and more sophisticated than the Jews.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">In a church made up of people like that, can
you imagine the criticism, the hurt feelings, the gossip? The Romans 14: 1-12 Bible
lesson contains Paul’s advice about how they should interact with each
other.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Listen to it: (Romans 14: 1-12:
CEV).</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">It is entitled “Don’t Criticize
Others.”</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">This is what Paul wrote: 1
“Welcome all the LORD'S followers, even those whose faith is weak. Don't
criticize them for having beliefs that are different from yours.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">2 Some think it is all right to eat anything,
while those whose faith is weak will eat only vegetables.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">3 But you should not criticize others for
eating or for not eating. After all, God welcomes everyone.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">4 What right do you have to criticize
someone else's servants? Only their Lord can decide if they are doing right,
and the Lord will make sure that they do right.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">5 Some of the LORD'S followers think one day
is more important than another. Others think all days are the same. But each of
you should make up your own mind.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">6 Any
followers who count one day more important than another day do it to honor
their Lord. And any followers who eat meat give thanks to God, just like the
ones who don't eat meat.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">7 Whether we
live or die, it must be for God, rather than for ourselves.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">8 Whether we live or die, it must be for the
Lord. Alive or dead, we still belong to the Lord.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">9 This is because Christ died and rose to
life, so that he would be the Lord of the dead and of the living.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">10 Why do you criticize other followers of
the Lord? Why do you look down on them? The day is coming when God will judge
all of us.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">11 In the Scriptures God
says, ‘I swear by my very life that everyone will kneel down and praise my
name!’</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">12 And so, each of us must give
an account to God for what we do.”</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Today’s lesson says: ‘Love each other as brothers and sisters, and honor
others more than you do yourself” (Romans 12:10).</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">“Be friendly with everyone.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Don’t be proud and think you are smarter than
others (Romans 12: 14a, b).</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><br>
</div>
<div style="margin: 16px 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Don’t we criticize!</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">We look at
what someone wears or drives.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">We
criticize whom they go with or don’t go with.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">We talk about their children or choices or house- anything.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">And don’t we criticize stuff in church!</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">We need to listen to Paul (still in Romans 12-
verse 4):</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">“What right do you have to
criticize someone else’s servants?</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Only
the Lord can decide if they are doing right.......Why do you criticize other
followers of the Lord?</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Why do you look
down on them?”</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Criticism is not holding
people accountable.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Criticism is not
teaching, especially the standards of the Gospel, the family, etc.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Criticism is not honest, forthright
discussion.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Criticism is gossiping,
putting others down, talking about others rather than to others.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">This teaching may be one of the hardest
implications of Jesus command to love one another as much as he loves us.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><br>
</div>
<div style="margin: 16px 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="4"> A</font></span><span style="font-size: large;">ctually, it’s one of the hardest, but it’s not THE hardest.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">It’s hard to stop criticizing others,
especially if we are sure we are right and they are wrong; but it’s harder if
WE are the ones being criticized.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">That’s
when our emotions can get out of hand and our desire for revenge can get the
best of us.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">If nothing else, that’s when
Jesus’ command to forgive is so very difficult. For guidance, check our Romans
12: 17- 21.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">In next week’s gospel, Jesus tells a story of two
servants.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">The first had been forgiven of
an impossibly huge amount of money.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Actually, it was more than the tax money collected from all of King
Herod’s territories- in other words- he had a huge debt- way more that all of
us together owe on all of our credit cards.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">The forgiven servant walked right out after being so blessed with
forgiveness for himself and threw his friend in prison for owing him
give-or-take $20.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">When the king heard
about it, the unforgiving servant was thrown into prison until he could pay the
entire amount.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">In other words, if we
want to be forgiven, we must forgive.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">God has forgiven us so much, we dare not refuse to forgive the little
that we have to face.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">But even this is
for our own good.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Did you hear the story
of the hard-headed little boy who was sitting on the park bench crying.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">When his mother asked about his problem, he
replied that he was sitting on a bee.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">“Well, for heaven’s sake!” said his mother.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">“Why are you sitting there?</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Why don’t you just get up?”</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">“Because,” said the boy, “I figure that I’m
hurting him more than he’s hurting me!” </span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Something
is wrong here!</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Forgive.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">How many families have been torn apart when
one person criticized another and then no one would speak?</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">How many friendships and marriages have been destroyed
by such behavior?</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus’ way is the best
way.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Get up off the bee.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Forgive.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">If your hand is closed into a fist, how can you receive God’s blessings
of forgiveness (or anything else) for yourself?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 16px 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="4"> </font></span><span style="font-size: large;">One more thought: examine the criticism.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">No matter who says it or why you think they
said it, think through the criticism.</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">Your worst enemy may have some valuable advice for you that your best
friend won’t tell you.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 16px 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, the thought for the week probably next week: “Be patient with
the faults of others; they have to be patient with yours” (Our Daily
Bread).</span><span style="font-size: large; margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Think about it.</span><br>
</div>
<div style="margin: 16px 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="4"> </font></span></div>
<div style="margin: 16px 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><font size="4"><font color="#000000">For anyone who is
interested, this sermon and updated African-American wisdom statements are
posted on our parish’s web site under “Sermons & Stuff”. The address is: </font><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.stpaulsepisag.org/"><u><font color="#0000ff"></font></u></a><u><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://www.stpaulsepisag.org" target="_blank">http://www.stpaulsepisag.org</a></font></u><font color="#000000"> .</font></font></span></div>
<div style="margin: 16px 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="4"> </font></span></div>
<div style="margin: 16px 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="4">Blessed preaching,</font></span></div>
<div style="margin: 16px 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="4">Judy Boli</font></span></div>
<div style="margin: 16px 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" size="4">St. Paul's Episcopal Church</font></span></div>
<div style="margin: 16px 0px; line-height: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><font color="#000000" style="" size="4">Saginaw, Michigan</font></span></div>
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