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A nation’s greatness is not dependent on its history; background or accomplishments. It is not based on the natural wealth, resources, economic prosperity, population, military strength, the capacity of its industry or agriculture, education system, health services, the system of governance or its leaders.
Don’t be surprised if the title of my sermon makes you feel uncomfortable. Truth be told I felt very uncomfortable myself because we do not know God as a hater. The dictionary defines hate as intense dislike. Can God really dislike something so intensely? The Bible says he can and in Proverbs 6:16-19 we have a list of six things that he hates and seven things he detests.
A common sponge activity among new bye preachers when they want to preach about faith is to ask the congregation “How many of you have got faith?” The question actually doesn’t make sense because there’s no such thing as “people who have faith” and “people who don’t have faith.” The truth is that everyone puts their faith in something. A much more sensible way of asking this question would be to ask them “On whom or what or where do you have placed your faith today?”
2009 is over. 2010 is here. As we stand here at the beginning of a New Year it is a good time to reflect on the year that is ending and look forward to the year that is soon to begin. It is also a good time for God’s people to take inventory of their walk with the Lord. We should take a very close look at where we are in our relationship with Him. We need to examine ourselves and see where we have been, where we are, and where the Lord wants us to be. This passage gives us the opportunity and the challenge to do just that.
The Christmas season is known for two things. It marks the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as well as the end of a year. This year (2009) has been of great significance to our nation, politically, socially, and economically.
It was politically significant as our dear President Barrack Obama was sworn in as the first black American President. Socially speaking we saw the Bart Police shooting of Oscar Grant which resulted in protests and several hours of violence in Oakland, California. Economically speaking this year marked the worst period of the great recession that saw nearly 800,000 jobs lost.
All of these events received the worldwide media coverage that they deserved. They were noteworthy happenings in the history of our nation.
In these passages, St. Paul is encouraging the believers of Philippi to apply their faith in Christ to their social life. It is clear that God’s intention is that believers should have an active influence for good in society (See Matthew 5:16). If we avoid society by locking ourselves into a round of safe Christian activities and meetings, we cannot influence our world for God.
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