Bethlehem Lutheran Church

He had no access to the web.  No internet.  No radio or tv.  No cell phone.  Actually, no phone of any kind.  But don’t be fooled into thinking that he was old fashioned or out of touch.  Just the opposite.  Most likely described as cutting edge, innovative.  He was a visionary who lived with a global perspective.  You may have heard of him, although his life story rarely catches the attention of our airwaves these days. 

I’m talking about Paul, the Apostle.  We heard about his story of conversion a few weeks ago:  Saul, feared by Christians, becomes Paul, missionary to the world.  Since then we’ve followed the story of the early church—heard about how the Holy Spirit is alive in the world, revealing God’s unexpected and expansive love, and exploring what this means for our life together.

Today’s story is approximately the year 49 AD.  Paul’s been traveling--on his second missionary trip and has made his way to Athens.   A contemporary version might put Paul in the middle of our own National Mall—surrounded by buildings that are home to national museums, monuments, memorials, libraries, and our government.  He’s waiting for his buddies to show up, Silas and Timothy.  While he waits he takes in the city sights and is deeply distressed by what he sees.  Idols----everywhere! It’s obvious to Paul what’s going on:  the idols reflect a hunger to be connected to the Divine.  But the idols function more like distractions and keep the people from experiencing the power of God.

So Paul begins conversations about this—first in the synagogue, then in the marketplace, finally on a hill, called the Areopagus which functioned as the town center, the public courtroom.  Here the Stoic and Epicurean philosophers gathered to debate issues and solve world problems.  Think local coffee shop but on a bigger scale. 

Paul gets to the point—that there is good news for all people—God is closer than they think!  The unknown god for whom they search can be known!  God has been revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!  Makes sense to those who know the story, whose lives have been touched by God’s grace.  But for the deep thinkers in Athens at the time, it sounds like babble. The concept is foreign.  Paul’s ideas?  Radical!  News like this would change the world.

Paul begins the conversation again—this time starting right where the audience is:  “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way…”  Instead of telling people they’ve got it all wrong, he honors who they are by acknowledging what is important to them.  They are on a search--to know and experience God.  That’s not to be discounted.  Paul values what they are about and then dares to redirect their search for God.  In his approach Paul reveals a global perspective:  he sees God already in their midst, that God is at work in the world through all people.  There is no place where God is not; there is no person for whom God does not extend his love.  Paul expands the definition of what it means to be God’s chosen ones.

I wonder—do we live with this global perspective of the Gospel?

 Today we recognize those from this community who are graduating from high school.  It’s an anxious time—as are all moments of transition.  But it’s also an exciting time as a new chapter in their life begins.  I’ve invited Abby Pansch/Dominic Running/Sidney Tolo to speak to what it means to live with a global perspective of the Gospel.  I’ve asked them to reflect on a time when they encountered God—NOT just in this place but also wherever life has led them so far….

There is no place where God is not; there is no person for whom God does not extend his love.  Make no mistake: this is a radical belief –one that can be difficult for even the most faithful to get their head around.  It changes how you live, it changes the choices you make and the way you relate.  It opens you up to the disruptive power of the Holy Spirit. It invites you to live with a global perspective that makes a positive difference for the world. 

As followers of Jesus Christ we’re not expected to bring God to people.  God is already here…and there…!  God is already at work in the world.  God’s hope is that we would partner with him in creating heaven on earth.  God’s invitation to you, each day and every moment is to live with eyes open to the Holy Spirit’s ongoing activity.  Then, blessed by the power of the Holy Spirit, help others see Christ already in their midst. 

The opportunities are endless.  A day doesn’t go by without a chance to share the good news of God’s love—through our words and our actions.  I want to call your attention to one opportunity in particular though.

Next week Lyndale Avenue is closed to all motor vehicles from Franklin Avenue to 42nd street.  If you tuned out of the sermon since hearing the graduates speak—this would be a good time to tune back in….  Lyndale Avenue will be closed from 10 am -2 pm next Sunday but worship services in this sanctuary will carry on!

Now, I don’t know for sure, but I’m guessing our particular active congregation was not considered when making the decision to shut down the main thoroughfare on a Sunday.  Regardless, it will be the reality next Sunday, from 10-2—Lyndale Avenue closed to cars! We don’t need to like the reality, but as the church we better pay attention and participate!   It is for the sake of the Gospel! 

If you want to know how, in specific ways you can be part of something next week, make a note on the STAR card and someone will be in touch.  But also know your presence in the sanctuary and in the neighborhood before and after worship will be a valuable contribution to the day.  Connecting with people out on Lyndale Avenue next week will speak volumes to our neighbors who never come through these doors.

Remember what happened at Athens?  The Apostle Paul was deeply distressed by idol worship and the not so religious practices in Athens. But that didn’t keep him from being present for the people and connecting with the crowds.  He stayed.  He listened.  He named the Author of the goodness in their life.  He shared the good news of the God they longed to know.  He held on to God’s promise that the Holy Spirit was already at work in their midst.  Paul met the people where they were at and did what he could to name God’s ongoing activity in their midst.

We’ve been invited to do the same.  Young…not so young … extravert….intravert…recent graduate or life long student…You are blessed with the power of the Holy Spirit.  You are called to reach out to others with God’s love.  So….carry on! 

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