May 26
Andrew J. NicewanderArt and Culture, Culture, Poetic Prose Christianity, Jack Shephard, Jesus, John Locke, Lost, Redemption
In the end, it was all about lost sheep.
It was about Ben, the Island-bred murderous liar, for whom manipulation was second nature and coercion simply a means to the end of the moment.
It was about Sawyer, the smooth-talking con-man, rough around every edge, singularly bent on murderous revenge.
It was about Kate, the attractive girl-next-door killer, on the run from the authorities and her broken past.
It was about the Kims, husband and wife in name only, owners of a broken marriage and slaves to a dictatorial father/boss.
It was about John, the bitterly angry paraplegic orphan with sever daddy issues.
It was about Jack, the work absorbed, brilliant surgeon, who could fix everything except his own broken, screwed-up life.
It was about Sayid, the torturer.
It was about Charlie, the druggie.
It was about Claire, the young-mother-turned-crazie.
It was about Hurley, the large, superstitious lottery-winning schizophrenic.
It was about Desmond, the yellow-bellied time-traveller.
It was about a diverse group of fallen, flawed and ultimately lonely people.
They tried to fix things, they tried to do things their own way. Every step was a stumble, every stumble a full-on face plant.
In the end, it is all about a Lamb.
A Lamb who was born a miraculous birth.
A Lamb who lived a completely human life.
A Lamb who is without spot or blemish.
A Lamb who sympathizes as a Kind and Dread Sovereign.
A Lamb who bled, died and rose again.
This Lamb redeemed David, the cowardly murderous adulterer.
This Lamb redeemed Jacob, the spineless mommas-boy cheat.
This Lamb redeemed Moses, the timidly fearful seeker of man’s honor.
This Lamb redeemed Peter, the loud-mouthed, impetuous, impatient fisherman.
This Lamb redeemed Saul, the hate-filled, Pharisaical butcher.
This Lamb redeemed the dying, bloody, pathetic thief on the Cross.
This Lamb redeemed me.
The Stories of men are powerful. They’re riveting. They’re didactic. They’re inspiring.
Yet, all such stories of hope and grace and redemption pale in comparison to the glorious Light, our Lion and Lamb, in whom is no darkness.
Apr 08
Andrew J. NicewanderReading Death, Dying, Gospel, Hope, iMonk, Jesus, Michael Spencer
The ultimate apologetic is to a dying man….
The are a lot of different kinds of Good News, but there is little good news in “My argument scored more points than you argument.” But the news that “Christ is risen!” really is Good News for one kind of person: The person who is dying.
If Christianity is not a dying word to dying men, it is not the message of the Bible that gives hope now.
What is your apologetic? Make it the full and complete announcement of the Life Giving news about Jesus.
- Michael Spencer (the Internet Monk)
Jan 26
Andrew J. NicewanderSermon Poems Church, Jesus, Pastors, Preaching, The Word
Sermon Poetry, 24 January 2010
Sermon Title – “Christian Unity and the Pastoral Ministry – #3”
Sermon Text – Ephesians 4:12-16
Preacher – Pastor Larry Vincent
The Church of Jesus Christ is held and kept by Grace and Love
She’s made alive through Jesus’ death and washed by Jesus’ blood
She’s called to live her life in Christ and die as Jesus died
The Word of God Creation works and gives the Church her life
The Word proclaimed, the Word as known, enlivens her to grow
She studies what her King has said, Berean Christans all
Submitting to her Holy King, her one and holy Head
She worships Christ, her Risen Lord, believing what He said
As pastors preach and tell the Word, to preaching Christ they’re held
They dare not go beyond the scope provided by the Word
Proclaimers are provided by our Lord for Christian’s good
Yet they are held, submitting to, our Savior and our Lord
I often wonder why I want to preach the Word of God
Such danger is within the role, a journey rough to trod
Yet I’m compelled to stay the course until His will is known
Lord give me strength to know Your Truth to someday preach Your Son
Jan 21
Andrew J. NicewanderQuote of the Week Christianity, Haiti, Jesus, Mercy, Pat Robertson
I changed my sermon late Thursday night. I lived in New Orleans for Katrina and heard the comments from Christians about God Judging the city and all and it pissed me off. When I heard Pat’s comments last week and then heard a local pastor repeat them at an association meeting I took a break from the book of James to preach on Luke 13. What did Jesus say when we are confronted by a tragedy. He said repent or you will likewise perish. It baffles me that Christian leaders so miss God’s grace and stand in judgment when they should be on their knees thanking God that they were spared and have the chance to repent [emphasis added].
- Aaron Arledge, from The Boar’s Head Tavern
Jan 18
Andrew J. NicewanderSermon Poems God's Grace, Jesus, Love, Preaching, The Word, Truth
Sermon Poetry, 17 January 2010
Sermon Text – John 10:40-42
Preacher – Pastor Tom Lyon
By Grace God uses preaching of
His Word proclaimed and heard
The Power of the Word of God
Is Grace of God our Lord
The preaching of the Word of God
Is power strong and sweet
‘Tis greater than amazing works
The place where Jesus meets
The Spirit of our Holy Lord
Gives preaching power great
Without His work, the Lost won’t live
He loves the ones who hate
Amazing words and stunning dress
Are empty without Truth
Just useless words and wasted breath
Is preaching lacking Truth
True preaching sanctioned by the Lord
Tells Truth of Jesus Christ
Christ crucified must be our theme
The Lamb of greatest price
The Word proclaimed will till the ground
Of hardened sinners hearts
The Words of God are mighty seeds
That flourish, Grace imparts
The Word believed will action take
The Spirit quickens souls
It’s by His Grace that men believe
Increasing Heaven’s rolls
Jan 10
Andrew J. NicewanderSermon Poems Christianity, Humility, Jesus, Poetry, Preaching
Sermon Poetry, 10 January 2010
Sermon Title – “Christian Unity and the Pastoral Ministry, #2”
Sermon Text – Ephesians 4:7-16
Preacher – Pastor Larry Vincent
Lord give me great humility
As now I learn Your Word to speak
Preparing for the Ministry
A slave of Jesus Christ
The task is great and humbling
Proclaiming Truth while worshipping
Equipping Saints Your praise to sing
Lord Jesus, grant me strength
The preacher’s called to teach the Word
Equipping saints to use the Sword
We stand by grace of God our Lord
His glory is our goal
To Christ our lives and words submit
With growth in grace, engaging sin
In battle fierce, our prayer to win
Lord Jesus, keep my soul!
I’m called to hold the Word of God
And trust its truths, in word and deed
Its words to trust, its truths to heed
Submitting to the King
Lord God I sin and disobey
Forgive my sins, I weekly pray
And keep me through the coming Day
When I will then be home
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