Sermon: "Taking Hold of Life" (1 Timothy 6: 6-20)

Taking Hold of Life
1 Timothy 6: 6-20
by Rev. Carson Overstreet
Van Wyck Presbyterian Church
September 29, 2019


Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.

But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at the right time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honour and eternal dominion. Amen.

As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.

Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid the profane chatter and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge; by professing it some have missed the mark as regards the faith.

Grace be with you (all). - 1 Timothy 6: 6-21

What really matters in life? Five simple words that pack a big question! And yet, the answer that you and I give is what truly drives the direction of our lives.

The Apostle Paul closed his first letter to young Timothy with this big question in mind. The early church of the second century was taking shape as small groups of Christians gathered in homes. Paul had planted the church in Ephesus and now young Timothy was a resident pastor there.

Paul was encouraging Timothy to engage the Ephesus church in what really matters in life. You see, some disciples were getting distracted by false teachings. Some disciples were getting distracted by unhealthy relationships with money. Paul did not want anyone under his pastoral care to be distracted to the point of wandering away from the faith.

Scripture tells us that in the mix of all the world’s distractions, God alone is our refuge (Psalm 91:1-2). As we abide in the shadow of the Almighty, God’s faithfulness promises to deliver us, give us new life, and raise us up on eagles’ wings, as Larry sang this morning.

God is always on the move to captivate us by his glory because the reverence of the Lord is the beginning of knowing how to truly live (Proverbs 1:7). The gift of faith gives our lives purpose and meaning like nothing else can. Faith teaches us godly wisdom and instructs us to live in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity (Proverbs 1:1-3).

Therefore, Paul makes the point that if the church’s ultimate concern is not focused upon the transforming love of God in Jesus Christ, then the integrity of the gospel is at stake.

Paul Tillich is a contemporary theologian. He says that "Faith is the state of being ultimately concerned. If faith claims ultimacy in one’s life, then it demands the total surrender of the one who accepts this claim. It also promises total fulfillment even if all other claims have to be subjected to it or rejected in its name" [1].

Take a step back. Can you name what you are ultimately concerned about in life? Is your ultimate concern something that really matters? Is your ultimate concern life giving? Are you taking hold of the life that really is life-saving?

It is important for all of us to ask ourselves these questions. Periodically we all need to take a step back and take up an inventory of life.

We all face the same temptations to place something other than faith in that circle of ultimate concern. You and I are prone to wander and leave the God we love.

I want for you to look around at your neighbors in the pews. Give each other a smile. And remember that we all need someone who will encourage us to fight the good fight. We all need someone to inspire us to guard this gift of faith that has been entrusted to us.

Look at your neighbor and say “I am here for you!” Know that someone needed to hear your words today!

I have had the privilege of walking beside this body of Christ the past four years. And each year I have invited the session to read a book with me. We get together an hour before session meetings to share dinner and our reading insights.

The purpose of our reading together is to grow in our understanding and commitment of being spiritual leaders to encourage this church as followers of Jesus Christ. I also hope our book discussions spark our collective imaginations in what it means to keep in step with God’s Spirit and to discern God’s will for this church.

This summer the session elders and I have been reading “Shift: Three Big Moves for the 21st Century Church,” by Rev. Mark Tidsworth. Mark highlights what really matters in the life of the faith community, saying:

“We need people who expect really good things from us. We need people around us who expect us to live like disciples of Jesus Christ. We need people who anticipate we will love God and love people. Invigorated faith communities actually expect disciples of Jesus Christ to grow, change, develop, and become more Christ-like.”

Paul says that what really matters for us as people of faith is taking hold of the life that really is life. Paul expected the best of God’s potential to be present within Timothy and the Ephesus church. That meant each of them was to live like disciples of Jesus Christ.

Keeping faith as one’s ultimate concern mattered to Paul. And it matters to me. We all have different passions regarding how to put faith into action. But nevertheless, faith is to be our ultimate concern

We all need to be encouraged in the life of faith. As I encourage you, so encourage one another to live like disciples of Jesus Christ. Make it a priority to spiritually grow in right relationships with God and one another. Be intentional to cultivate time in your devotion to God. Nurturing this gift of faith empowers us to love like Jesus does in self-giving ways.

Jesus’ love shows us how to endure life’s challenges with God’s strength because we cannot do it on our own.

Jesus’ love drives the direction of our lives to do good works that proclaim the good news.

Jesus’ love deepens our spiritual commitment to be generous to strangers and neighbors alike.

Jesus’ love moves our hearts to work for God’s unity in the community.

Jesus’ love empowers us to experience faith that is life-giving and life-saving.

There is no other teaching or amount of money that can buy that.

Jesus’ love shows us why the gift of faith was his ultimate concern. Christ’s faithfulness to God in his ministry and in his vulnerability on the cross fulfilled God’s purposes to change the world! The world is still being changed by Christ’s faithfulness today.

And we are called to be a part of that. Each of us has a unique way to make Jesus’ love known in our homes, neighborhoods, nation, and world.

Take hold of life that really is life. May we guard this gift of faith that has been entrusted to us.

Because in the end – what truly matters is the transforming love of God alone.

In the name of God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.

Sources Referenced:

[1] Paul Tillich, “Dynamics of Faith” (New York: HarperCollins, 1957, republished 2001), p. 1.
[2] Mark Tidsworth, “Shift” Three Big Moves for the 21st Century Church” (Chapin: Pinnacle Leadership Press, 2016), p. 172.

Sermon: She Is to Keep Silent

She Is to Keep Silent
1 Timothy 2: 8-15
by Rev. Carson Overstreet
Van Wyck Presbyterian Church
September 22, 2019

Paul’s first letter to young Timothy was to be read to the church in Ephesus. Timothy was the resident pastor there and he was learning the ropes of ministry. Any leader of the church will tell you that every day in ministry promises joys and challenges in walking with God’s people.

Paul encouraged his protégé, Timothy, to allow the faith and love of Jesus Christ to bring out the best in him, his leadership, and in the church he served. Today we hear Paul urging Timothy to uphold prayerful and reverent worship as the body of Christ gathered.

This is where we enter the text today in 1 Timothy 2: 8-15.

I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument; also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided, or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God.

Let a woman learn in silence with full submission. I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.

Yet she will be saved through childbearing, provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with modesty.


This Bible passage has long been a controversial one. Paul’s words bring a multitude of reactions, especially among women.

Some women have felt harassed by this text finding Paul’s words offensive and infuriating.

This text has made some women feel less than men, with no hope for equal partnership in the workplace, church or home.

Paul’s words have been used to deny female leadership still today in some church denominations.

The patriarchal punch of this text has hit women hard who cannot bear children, leaving them to question Pauls’ words on salvation through childbearing.

While I am grateful to serve in a denomination which affirms that women are equally gifted and equally called as leaders, this text is still hard.

What do you do with the biblical texts that you do not like? Do you just skip over them? Maybe you think about cutting out certain passages to make your own Bible like Thomas Jefferson did.

What are women, much less our daughters, supposed to do with this pastoral letter that suddenly does not seem all that pastoral?

I have learned that when the prickly parts of Scripture cause friction in our faith – and there are lots of prickly parts - then it is time to dig deeper into God’s Word. We have to go beyond the plain reading of Scripture to uncover more of God’s story. We have to go beyond the plain reading to uncover the rule of love in Jesus Christ.

The Bible was written in a very different time and culture. The authors of the Good Book wrote in a variety of genres: narrative, history, prophecy, poetry, wisdom literature, gospels, and letters. Regardless of the genre, the backstories of God’s people matter in how we understand what God’s Word was saying to its ancient readers and what God’s Word is saying to us today.

As a whole, Paul’s letters usually addressed issues that were going on in the churches he planted and served. There is a backstory to our troubling text today. The early church of the second century was forming and small groups gathered in homes.

Wherever the church gathered, Paul had a great concern for prayerful and reverent worship among both women and men. And yet there were issues that were hindering right worship of God alone. One of those issues was the teachings of Gnosticism.

Gnosticism comes form the Greek word, gnosis, meaning knowledge. This belief is rooted in the thought that the human predicament does not result from sin but ignorance. Knowledge is to be found in the spiritual realm with diligent discipline not the physical realm. Gnostics forbade marriage and the eating of certain foods.

Gnosticism questioned the humanity of Jesus Christ, putting the gospel of Jesus’ atonement for sin into jeopardy. It also was quite appealing to women – freeing them from the household codes of the patriarchy and from the social expectation of childbirth, which brought risks and even death to women for centuries. Therefore, Paul does not want these women teaching false doctrines; these specific women are to be quiet.

Also, in regards to childbirth, Paul may have been lifting up maternity as a worthy vocation among women who were influenced by Gnosticism. But certainly child birth does not define a woman’s worth for those who cannot bear children.

Paul was also distressed by another issue – the usurping God’s honor in worship. Frances Taylor Gench is a Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Union Presbyterian Seminary (Richmond, VA). She has studied this text at length and offers this insight:

It appears that some women in this congregation could afford expensive jewelry, extravagant clothing and hairdressers to arrange the elaborately braided hairdos that were the style of wealthy women of the day. What if these wealthy women were major benefactors of the congregation and expected a culturally recognized return of their investment? What if they assumed, for example that their [church] donations entitled them to leadership roles? Maybe it was for their benefit that Paul [addresses them and ] writes in Chapter 6 that to God alone honor is due (1 Timothy 6:16)?

The backstory allows us hear a new perspective - Paul was instructing young Timothy to uphold the integrity of the gospel and also to address a power struggle in the Ephesus Church.

While Paul seems to use the patriarchal system of the culture to bring order to this conflictive situation in God’s household, the rest of Paul’s New Testament writings do not affirm a biblical edict for women to keep silent.

When Paul addresses communication in marital relationships, he upholds mutual honor and respect, which was radically different than the household codes of the male dominant society (Ephesians 5:21; Colossians 3: 18-19).

Regarding leadership, Paul lifts up thirteen female leaders by name who labored by his side to spread the gospel in Acts (Acts 18:26), Philippians (Philippians 4:2-3), and Romans (Romans 16).

I would be remiss if I did not say that in Romans Chapter 16 Paul thanks 10 female leaders by name who were called to serve as deacons, interpret his letters and preach too.

In fact, the whole of Scripture names many women in leadership as prophets (Moses’ sister Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), Deborah (Judges 4:4), Isaiah’s wife (Isaiah 8:3), and Noadiah (Nehemiah 6:14)).

The prophet Joel looked to the day when God promised to pour out God’s Spirit upon all flesh so that our sons and daughters would prophesy; that day was fulfilled when the church was born at Pentecost (Joel 2:28; Acts 2: 14-21). Lest I forget that the first Easter sermon ever proclaimed was by women in the gospels.

Our relationship to Paul’s words in First Timothy matter. It matters because of the ways the Reformed tradition guides us to interpret Scripture.

Singling out two consecutive verses of Scripture to subdue and silence women for all times and in all places does not render a faithful reading of God’s Word.

Scripture is authoritative in our lives because it is the Word of God; that authority is not dependent upon what any human or any church says.

Interpreting God’s Word is not a matter of personal opinion but rather seeks the guidance of Holy Spirit as biblical texts are held in conversation with one another. We do this best when we gather in beloved community.

The truth of God’s Word points to God’s work of reconciliation in Jesus Christ; this is what is called the Rule of Love. The whole of Scripture points to the Rule of Love - God’s faithfulness to redeem and empower all of God’s children by the grace, love, and freedom of Jesus Christ. God’s Word is alive and will continue to speak in our changing world and in every human culture.

We respond to God’s faithfulness by worshipping the Lord in spirit and in truth, by honoring God alone, and asking the Holy Spirit hard questions about God’s Word.

Sisters and brothers, if we are created to live in relationship with God and one another, then we are called to live in relationship with God’s Word too.

May we do nothing less in this journey of faith.

In the name of God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.

Sources for Sermon Study:

New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary Volume X: Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; 1 & 2 Thessalonians; 1 & 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon; Hebrews; James; 1 & 2 Peter; 1, 2, & 3 John; Jude; Revelation (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2015), pp. 378, 392-395.

Charles Cousar, An Introduction to the New Testament (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006), pp. 95-99.

Frances Taylor Gench, Encountering God in Tyrannical Texts: Reflections on Paul, Women, and the Authority of Scripture (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2015).

The Book of Confessions, Part I of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (Louisville: The Office of the General Assembly, 2016), Second Helvetic Confession, 5.010; Westminster Confession of Faith, 6.004, 6.009; Confession of 1967, 9.29

Sermon: Bring Out the Best

Bring Out the Best
1 Timothy 1: 12-17
by Rev. Carson Overstreet
Van Wyck Presbyterian Church
September 15, 2019

I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence.

But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost.

But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1: 12-17

The Apostle Paul wrote two letters to young Timothy. Timothy was Paul’s assistant; a resident pastor for the church in Ephesus. These two letters would be read to the congregation which Timothy was serving – to encourage them in their faith and commitment to God.

Even so, Timothy looked up to Paul, his mentor. The two had a genuine relationship that was built on faith and sharing their respective stories of life. Paul was real about his life. He did not sugar coat the truth or give empty platitudes. Ask any youth and they will tell you - they know REAL when they see it!

Paul loved Timothy like a son. Paul saw a spark in Timothy; he saw God’s potential in this young man. Paul cared deeply about this young man’s spiritual health and future as a leader in the community and in the kingdom of God. And he wanted to bring out the best in Timothy.

Paul said the best of Jesus Christ brought out the best in him.

Jesus Christ had completely turned his life upside down in all the right ways. Paul confessed to Timothy that as a Pharisee of the Law he had acted ignorantly in unbelief.

Paul was honest; he had missed the mark of God’s will by being a man of violence and persecuting Christians. Paul’s distorted zeal for God and disdain for Christians had torn apart the connections that God desires us to have.

Therefore, as the best of Jesus Christ flowed through Paul, the mercy of the Lord reshaped Paul’s heart to be a true example for future believers. The faith and love of Jesus Christ turned Paul by 180 degrees and called him to be a mentor of faith to those God would place in his path and to all those who would read his pastoral letters.

We all need a mentor of faith to bring out God’s best in us, don’t we?

One of my favorite television shows is America’s Got Talent. I love to see the creative and crazy acts that children and adults can do. But I am more drawn to the back stories of the contestants who have overcome great obstacles to shine.

This past week I was struck by the Detroit Youth Choir. The 40 youth competing are inner city kids from Metropolitan Detroit. Some have experienced bad home situations and violence. But the choir gives these youth something positive to be a part of.

Mr. Anthony White has been the Youth Choir Director for 21 years. He knows what the children of Detroit are going through. He helps them to feel safe and heal through music and dance.

Before one of their performances on America’s stage, Mr. White said to his youth, “Be proud of what you represent.”

After the Detroit Youth Choir made it to the semi-finals, the producers taped a few youth sharing their thanks to the difference Mr. White has made in their life. One young man was moved to tears. He said, “Thank you, Mr. White, for bringing out the best in me.”

Everyone needs a Mr. White in their life.

Last Sunday I was talking with Hans Schmidt and his family after worship. He told me the story of someone who made a huge difference in his life; someone that helped him find connection in life years ago…and deep connection in this particular church.

That someone was beloved Al Williams (Janesta William’s late husband). Al would say to Hans, “Come on to church, Hans. You’re going to be my guest today.” Al took Hans under his wing. When Al helped to lead the adult Sunday School class or talk during the Men’s Group Hans hung on Al’s every word. Their mentoring relationship brought out the best in Hans and really shaped his faith and love for Jesus Christ and this community of faith. I give glory to God to faith mentors like Al Williams.

We all need an Al Williams in our lives!

There is a teacher that I admire whose career in the classroom is truly a ministry. God has given her a mission to bring out the best in her students. I have learned through her that when we bring out the best in others, we join God in changing the world.

I want for you to prayerfully think about your life. Consider the times that God has met you where you were along life’s journey. It may have been a moment that you are not proud of. It may have been a moment that you were simply surprised by God’s grace.

Nevertheless, what did it feel like for Jesus Christ to bring out the best in you? How have you lived differently? In what ways has the faith and love of Jesus Christ opened your eyes to see yourself as more than what you were before?

It takes just one person to make that kind of a difference in your life. Paul was that person for Timothy. Mr. White was the person for the youth choir. Al was that person for Hans.

The Creator of heaven and earth already sees the best in you and me because the Maker of heaven and earth made us out of a love that will never let us go.

God is at work to bring out the best in us so that we may join God in bringing out the best in humanity through the ministry of reconciliation. We all need to be reconciled because of the human condition of sin in which we live.

Human sin is missing the mark of God’s will. The condition of human sin tears apart the fabric of godly and human connection in what we have done and also left undone.

But that is not the end of our story. The good news is that Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners. The best of Jesus Christ is his faith and love. And the faith and love of Jesus Christ restores us to live more fully into the marks of Jesus’ love for all humanity on the cross.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, be proud of what you represent!

Let the best of Jesus Christ flow through you as God’s Spirit raises you up to fulfill God’s purposes in your life. And then let God’s best flow through you so that you may help bring out the best in someone else.

May you and I be that one person who makes a difference in the life of a child, a youth, a young adult, a stranger.

Wherever you go – look for God’s potential in all the people you meet. Bring out God’s best in them and change the world.

In the name of God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.

Sermon: Times Like These (Luke 14: 25-33)

Times Like These
Luke 14: 25-33
by Rev. Carson Overstreet
Van Wyck Presbyterian Church
September 8, 2019

Now large crowds were traveling with Jesus; and he turned and said to them,

‘Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.”

Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace.

So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions. Luke 14: 25-33

Earlier this year I attended a conference and a question was asked among our tables: If you could sing one song – your favorite song – what would it be?

The presenter gave us no context, just a fun question to get to know those around the table.

I picked a song from Foo Fighters – one of my favorite rock bands; “Times Like These.” Front man David Grohl wrote this single when the group was on the verge of disbanding. I love the song because the lines of the chorus bear some spiritual wisdom from my perspective:

It’s times like these you learn to live again.
It’s times like these you give and give again.
It’s times like these you learn to love again.
It’s times like these time and time again.

This is the song for my own carpool karaoke when I am wrestling with tough times.

We are made more fully aware of the grit and grace of life during times of crisis and tragedy. We no longer take things in life for granted. Instead when crisis strikes we learn what really matters in life and we, we learn to really live again. We are more willing to give. We learn to love again when we see the good in humanity rallying together in unity. It’s times like these time and time again.

We have seen times like these this week with Hurricane Dorian. For twenty-four hours the 185 mile per hour winds, the torrential rain, and the storm surge leveled the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco. The destruction that the category 5 hurricane has caused is harrowing with the death toll rising daily .

And yet, as Dorian approached Florida, one man from Jacksonville turned feelings of heartache and helplessness into action. He purchased more than 100 generators and food to send to our Bahaman sisters and brothers; one generator costs $450. A fellow patron posted a picture onto facebook of this one man’s kindness saying, “All I could do was shake his hand and thank him! There still are good people in the world!”

Today Jermaine Bell is celebrating his 7th birthday; Jermaine lives in Allendale, South Carolina, two hours west of Charleston. He has been saving all of his birthday money to go to Disneyland. But when Dorian began heading to South Carolina Jermaine’s priorities changed. He took his Disney World birthday money and traded it in for hot dogs, chips, and water to serve to coastal South Carolina evacuees.

Jermaine said, “The people that are traveling to go to places, I wanted them to have some food to eat, so they can enjoy the ride to the place that they’re going to stay at. I wanted to be generous and live to give.” Jermaine stood along Highway 125 in Allendale with two handcrafted signs on each end of the highway to make sure he got evacuees’ attention. He served nearly 100 evacuees.

Jermaine’s grandmother served along his side. And what she witnessed was amazing. She said, “Jermaine even prayed for a family while they were here in reference to their house being okay when they got back, so that was really tear dropping.” Jermaine was blessed to be a blessing to evacuees in these tough times.

Isn’t it amazing that in times like these a little child shall lead us? The kingdom of God is still breaking in during times like these.

Jesus tells us that the gift of faith is not just for times like these, but all of the time. The gift of God’s grace cost Jesus everything. Therefore, the gift of God’s grace in the cross requires something of us. If we desire to truly be a follower of Jesus Christ, then the life of faith is to surrender all and live in response to God’s faithfulness revealed in our Lord and Savior.

When Jesus talks about this, it sounds like a tall order, doesn’t it? His words are sobering.

Jesus says if we are to follow him then our relationship with God is to be primary above all others. When the unthinkable happens we Christians immediately put God first. Our knees hit the floor and the prayers keep flowing, even if all we can say is, “Lord help us.”

However, when life is smooth sailing then the human heart is much more self-reliant and less God-reliant. It is in times like these when life is calm that our spiritual walk with God is so very important. When you and I follow the Spirit’s guidance to build our spiritual foundation on the rock of God’s Word, and as we commit ourselves to maintaining that strong foundation of faith, then we are able to endure the storms of life with a sure and certain hope in God’s ability (Luke 6: 46-49).

Jesus says if we are to follow him then we are to carry our cross. That ole’ rugged cross is a symbol of bearing God’s reconciling love for others. Just as Jesus poured out his sacrificial love for all humanity on the cross, Jesus’ example prepares us to be sent out into the world to continue the Lord’s ministry of reconciliation. Jesus is the only one who could carry the cross for the sins of the world.

And yet we are called to carry our cross to join God in making the world more just, more hope-filled, more faithful, more peaceful, and more loving. In times like these when the world is becoming more cynical and more broken, the world needs to see more than good people are still the world. The world needs to see the body of Christ is living out the love of Jesus Christ with relevancy and authenticity. The cross blesses us with enough foolishness to believe that faith can make a difference in the world.

Jesus says if we are to follow him then we are to give up all our possessions. It is easier to give away our treasures in times of crisis when others are in need. When we are in tune with the Holy Spirit, this is one way that God turns our helplessness into hopefulness. The Spirit empowers us to do as Jermaine did – live to give.

And yet when life is smooth sailing, it is easy to be tempted to define our self-worth by what we have or don’t have. Therefore, Jesus is really saying for you and me to renounce the comfort and security that our possessions bring. In times like these - you and I know that life seems to be defined by one truth: life is always changing.

Our possessions come and go. The storms of life rise and fall. The circle of life goes on with every birth and every death. But God alone is our comfort. God alone is our security. God alone is our constant anchor of the soul. It is in God alone that we are to place our trust.

God is faithful. God’s word will not return empty until it accomplishes the Lord’s purposes (Isaiah 55:11). The Lord, who began a good work among us, will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). This is good news!

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is not for the faint of heart.

Do you have what it takes to follow Jesus Christ?
Have you ever counted the cost of following Jesus Christ?
Have you ever considered how much support you might need to sustain this gift of faith?

The way we answer these questions matters in times like these.

In the name of God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.

Sermon: You Will Be Blessed

You Will be Blessed
Luke 14: 1, 7-14
by Rev. Carson Overstreet
Van Wyck Presbyterian Church
September 1, 2019

On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely.

When [Jesus] noticed how the guests chose the places of honour, he told them a parable. ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honour, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, “Give this person your place”, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place.

But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, “Friend, move up higher”; then you will be honoured in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid.

But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.

And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’ - Luke 14: 1, 7-14

How many of you have actually said the words, “Bless your heart”? We all know when you are from the South and that phrase is dropped, it is not a complement!

I have a ministry colleague who always tells me when we are parting ways, “Carson, be blessed!” His words always make me smile. I imagine being embraced by God’s grace the rest of the day. It’s like receiving a holy hug.

Jesus did not toss out that word “blessing” or “be blessed” lightly. It was Friday night and Jesus was eating a Sabbath meal at the house of a leader of the Pharisees. Wherever Jesus went he always read the room; not in a judgmental way. Rather, Jesus looked for opportunities to open humanity’s eyes to the ways of God’s kingdom. And God’s kingdom is always turning the ways of the world upside down.

The Pharisees were tempted to see God’s favor blessing them with influence and status in the first century. In Jesus’ time the Pharisees held a seat of authority and power in the synagogues and in society. In the ancient world a high status and prosperity were associated with being blessed.

Our culture still thinks along these lines today. And yet God’s economy is very different from the world’s. According to Jesus and the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament, blessedness looks very different from the ways of the world. Blessedness is not about being prideful or about receiving honor. According to Jesus blessedness is connected with humility, one of the most godly virtues of faith.

Jesus Christ shows us what godly humility looks like: Though he was in the form of God, Jesus did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but he emptied himself (Philippians 2: 6-7). Jesus emptied himself to serve others instead of being served (Matthew 20:28). Jesus emptied himself in obedience to God on the cross (Philippians 2:8).

As followers of Jesus Christ we inherit God’s blessings promised through our ancestor Abraham in Jesus Christ. As people of faith and as the body of Christ we are to live for the praise of God’s glory – not human praise.

According to Jesus blessing did not bring about earthly recognition or prosperity. It brought something greater – God’s honor.

Luke's Gospel says God shows greatest honor to the poor and the poor in spirit and gives them the blessedness of the kingdom of God.

God shows greatest honor to the hungry and the spiritually hungry and gives them the blessedness of being filled with God’s abundance and God’s grace.
God shows greatest honor to those who weep over injustice and gives them the blessedness of trusting that God’s power will right the wrong that seems oft so strong (Luke 6: 20-21).

Therefore, Jesus tells us that when we have the opportunity to extend God’s radical hospitality we will be blessed when we clothe ourselves in Christ to be attentive to justice and showing the love of God (Luke 11:42).

When she answered the phone, the caller was asking for Barbara’s help. The caller said she had met a young woman who was pregnant and homeless and needed a place to stay. Barbara immediately talked with her husband. They both had big hearts for youth and young adults. And they felt God’s hand in this invitation to help.

Barbara and her husband gave Michelle their spare bedroom. They helped her find a doctor. At mealtimes they listened to Michelle’s stories about her life. She had gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd and drugs. Michelle wanted help to make a better life for her baby and herself.

After the baby was born and when Michelle was ready, Barbara and her husband helped Michelle secure a small apartment. They were instrumental in helping Michelle find employment. And they all agreed that Barbara and her husband would be foster parents of this child until Michelle is able to provide for her little family.

It has not been easy; there have been great joys and unforeseen challenges.

But Barbara and her husband are humbly clothing themselves in Christ to be a blessing to Michelle and her child.

I had the privilege of knowing Alice about six months before she entered the church triumphant. Her daughter Jill is a good friend of mine. And she told me this about her mom:

“My mom was an amazing woman. She was one of those people who could make friends with anyone and maintain friendships over decades. She never met a stranger and would go out of her way to be friendly and hospitable to everyone.

She was the one at our church who would invite the first-time visitors to have lunch with us after worship, not having a clue what we were having or if there would be enough. It was always good, and there always was enough. And most of the time, those spur-of-the-moment invitations blossomed into beautiful friendships and secured wonderful new members for our oftentimes struggling little church.”

Alice humbly clothed herself in Christ to be a blessing to others.

We are blessed by God to be a blessing to all God’s children. Henri Nouwen names so many ways that you and I might be a blessing to others in our daily lives. He frames these blessings in the form of questions that we should be asking ourselves daily:

Did I offer peace today?
Did I bring a smile to someone's face?
Did I say words of healing?
Did I let go of my anger and resentment?
Did I forgive?
Did I love?
Friends, a faith well lived in the light of God’s blessings is not satisfied until God’s blessings are given away and shared.

The blessings that you and I receive are not meant for us to solely keep for ourselves. When we put our faith into humble action to bring about God’s peace, to extend the joy of hospitality, to offer healing, to forgive, and to love like Jesus loves – God honors our faithfulness. And you will be blessed.

You will be blessed because you are striving to live by the weight of grace. And the weight of grace empowers you and I to walk the walk and not just talk the talk.

My friend CeCe Armstrong is a Presbyterian pastor in Charleston, SC. I will never forget when she quoted Paul’s words from Colossians, “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved [and blessed], clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

And then CeCe added the following words of challenge said with care:

“Now once you clothe yourself in Christ, someone needs to see you wearing him.”

May it be so for you and for me.

In the name of God, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.

Sermon: Do Not be Afraid

Do Not Be Afraid
Jeremiah 1: 4-10
by Rev. Carson Overstreet
Van Wyck Presbyterian Church
August 25, 2019

Now the word of the Lord came to me saying,
‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’
Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.’ But the Lord said to me,
‘Do not say, “I am only a boy”;
for you shall go to all to whom I send you,
and you shall speak whatever I command you.
Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you to deliver you,says the Lord.’

Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me,
‘Now I have put my words in your mouth.
See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms,
to pluck up and to pull down,
to destroy and to overthrow,
to build and to plant.’ - Jeremiah 1: 4-10

Before Jeremiah was born, God had a purpose for his life. God chose him to be a prophet, God’s mouthpiece, to God’s people of Israel and to the nations. Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet. When he grew up into his calling, his heart broke for his people as they were traumatized by the Babylonian exile.

Jeremiah was the one who spoke God’s word of hope when Israel had none: “Thus says the Lord - Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile – and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its wellbeing you will find your wellbeing… For surely, I know the plans I have for you; plans for your welfare and not for harm, I have plans to give you a future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:7, 11).

But when Jeremiah first heard God’s plans for his future, he wasn’t feeling it. Jeremiah backpedaled saying, Hey God, I am too young. You want me to speak to the people and to the nations, but I have never even taken a public speaking class! You got the wrong guy!

Have you been there? Maybe you have sensed God guiding your steps with the Lord’s purposes on one particular day. It may be that God needs you to be Jesus’ hands and feet to someone in need. But our first response is a lot like Jeremiah’s – we are afraid. We quickly feel inadequate and unprepared to do something on God’s behalf.

In the biblical text and in the school of life, God does not take “No” for an answer. Do you know why? God pursues us! Because it is not about our ability. It is always about God’s ability and what God will do through us.

God reassured Jeremiah, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you to deliver you” (Jeremiah 1:8). And God’s words reassure us as we consider God’s purposes in our lives. God’s Word encourages us to grow into our future with hope as an ambassador of Jesus Christ.

Do not be afraid of your God-given purpose in life because you matter. God promised to deliver Jeremiah because the Lord delighted in him (Psalm 18:19). And the Lord delights in you. We cannot find meaning in life or find our God-given purposes without knowing that we are loved.

Being loved is our greatest human need because we are created by a loving God to live in relationship with God and one another. If we are not nurtured in a web of loving relationships then we will struggle in searching for our identity.

So, I have a word for you. In the case you have not heard these words lately, you matter because God loves you. God loves you and there is nothing you can do about it! We know love because God first loved us ( 1 John 4:19).

Do not be afraid of your God-given purpose in life because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. God has blessed each of us with unique talents, passions, and gifts to discover and hone throughout our lifetimes. Since being in ministry my tagline has been, “The life of faith is an adventure so jump in.”

We have to take a risk to jump in and explore who God has made us to be and to discover what we are made of. Just as a parent gives a child opportunities to discover their strengths and growing edges in sports, so God gives each of us opportunities to do the same. Self-discovery is not made on the sidelines. We have to put ourselves out there.

Do not be afraid but look towards your mentors. God was Jeremiah’s sacred center and spiritual mentor. God promised to be with Jeremiah every step of the way. The promise holds true for you and me as well. God’s Word in Jesus Christ is our sacred center and God’s Spirit is our mentor. We cannot live into God’s plans for a future with hope if we are not digging into God’s Word and seeking the Spirit’s guidance. It is impossible.

Gods’ Word and Spirit is our compass to give us direction. But you know what? We need the help of others to know how to use that spiritual compass. We need spiritual mentors to walk beside us to help us discern the ways God is shaping our lives for the Lord’s purposes.

Spiritual mentors are everywhere. And some are just waiting to have the opportunity to take someone under their wings. That grandmother; that Sunday school teacher. That co-worker. Many here have found spiritual mentors and prayer warriors one of our small groups for men, women, and youth.

Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. God promised to be with Jeremiah as he left what was familiar to try on different experiences that would empower him to do God’s work in the world. One of the best ways you and I can do that is to serve others. It is so important for our children, youth, and adults to put our faith into action and serve our community. We have some movers and shakers here in this congregation. Many among us have passions to serve Jesus in the community.

But as your pastor, I keep praying for God to lead our church to know what is that one thing we are known for? Where do the gifts of Van Wyck Presbyterian intersect the needs of this community to bring about God’s glory and God’s kingdom? How might we unify our service to God and neighbor? We cannot know if we do not step out of our comfort zones and serve in different capacities.

Do not be afraid of God’s purposes in your life or in the life of this church but be patient. You and I might not have a life-defining moment to know God’s purposes like Jeremiah did. For many of us it takes time. God uses our experiences, failures, and successes for God’s purposes in the world to show God’s steadfast faithfulness and eternal love for all of creation and humanity. Nothing reveals God’s love and redemptive purposes more than Jesus Christ.

As you and I strive to keep in step with God’s Spirit and discover the hope of God’s plans be patient. Come to the Table this morning to taste and see the goodness of God in your life. Let the bread of life and the cup of salvation nourish you for the journey ahead.

Our highest calling is to glorify God and enjoy our relationship with God forever [1]. We glorify God by loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves; that will always be our life’s purpose. The particular ways that you and I do that takes intentional prayer, a risk to put our faith into action, and the loving support of the family of faith.

The Lord will fulfill his purposes for us (Psalm 138:8). May we be the body of Christ and join the Lord in making a difference in the world.

In the name of God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.

Sources Referenced:

[1] The Book of Confessions, The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Part I (Louisville: The Office of the General Assembly), The Larger Catechism of the Westminster Confession of Faith, 7.111.

Sermon: Empowered by Their Acts: Keeping Up Courage

Empowered by Their Acts: Keeping Up Courage
Acts 27: 1, 13- 26
by Rev. Carson Overstreet
Van Wyck Presbyterian Church
August 4, 2019

After three missionary journeys, the Apostle Paul experienced his second arrest and imprisonment. He remained a prisoner in Roman custody for two years (Acts 24:27). He had defended himself on trial before the governor and also before King Herod Agrippa II (Acts 24, 26).

Paul maintained his innocence; he had done no wrong to the Jews whom accused him of being a pest, an agitator, a ringleader, and profaning the Jewish temple (Acts 24: 5-6; 25: 10-12).

And now he boarded a ship with 275 fellow prisoners, soldiers, and sailors (Acts 27:36). They set sail for Italy where Paul would make his appeal before the Caesar.

This is where we enter the story of Acts 27: 1, 13-26.

When it was decided that we were to sail for Italy, they transferred Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort, named Julius.

When a moderate south wind began to blow, they thought they could achieve their purpose; so they weighed anchor and began to sail past Crete, close to the shore. But soon a violent wind, called the northeaster, rushed down from Crete. Since the ship was caught and could not be turned with its head to the wind, we gave way to it and were driven. By running under the lee of a small island called Cauda we were scarcely able to get the ship’s boat under control. After hoisting it up they took measures to undergird the ship; then, fearing that they would run on the Syrtis, they lowered the sea-anchor and so were driven. We were being pounded by the storm so violently that on the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard, and on the third day with their own hands they threw the ship’s tackle overboard. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.

Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul then stood up among them and said, ‘Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and thereby avoided this damage and loss. I urge you now to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For last night there stood by me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before the emperor; and indeed, God has granted safety to all those who are sailing with you.” So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we will have to run aground on some island.’

Paul was no stranger to seafaring. He had sailed throughout the Mediterranean as an ambassador for Jesus Christ. I have a feeling Paul had seen it all. The journey to Italy encountered many weather-related delays. On the first leg of this journey to Italy, an alternate route was being assessed. When Paul gave his seasoned advice the centurion (the captain of the ship) respectfully disagreed with Paul (Acts 27: 9-11).

Those who were at the ship’s helm needed to determine a plan B to ensure the ship’s safety. And yet the options significantly decreased when a violent wind rushed down (Acts 27:14). As they struggled to get the boat under control, the situation went from bad to a worst-case scenario.

After three days of being pounded by the violent storm all hope was lost (Acts 27: 18-20).

In that moment when everyone on board was beyond the limits of human exhaustion, Paul received a word from the Lord; God had two purposes for Paul on that ship: (1) to take the gospel to Rome thereby fulfilling Jesus’ command at the beginning of Acts (1:8), and (2) to speak a word on God’s behalf to those men.

Therefore, Paul told the men on the ship two different times, “Keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only to the ship…Keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told” (Acts 27: 22, 25).

My commentary says Paul’s words seemed completely unrealistic in their present situation; Paul’s words were prompted by a [divine] vision that offered a different future [to everyone on that ship] from the one anticipated [1].

Paul knew a lot about courage needed to get through tough times. During the course of his ministry he had many sleepless nights - hungry, thirsty and naked. He had been flogged, stoned, encountered great dangers and many near-death scenarios (2 Corinthians 23-28). And through it all God’s faithfulness sustained him through the gift of faith. Gods’ faithfulness gave him the courage to persevere against the odds.

In fact, when it seemed like Paul’s ministry was dead in the water after his second arrest, the risen Lord stood near him and said, “Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome (Acts 23: 11). The risen Christ was telling Paul your life matters and I have graced you with gifts and a purpose in this life! Don’t give up.

Just as the risen Christ encouraged Paul to keep courage, Paul was encouraging the sailors on that ship– not from the reserves of their fading human strength but from the strength of God’s faithfulness. The Lord called Paul to put his faith into action so that others may be assured of things hoped with Paul’s conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

And Paul’s courage was contagious. While the sailors saw Paul’s words become reality, the text does not say that any of them became men of faith. But surely Paul’s actions made an impression on each one. Surely Paul had planted seeds of faith; some may take root, and some may not. But more than anything, Paul blessed the 275 men on that ship by giving them a word of hope when they were desperate to hear one.

Each of us here today has endured unpredictable storms in life. That bully who always seems to have the upper hand. The pit of depression which seems too deep for the light of hope to touch. The unexpected change in employment that threatens the livelihood of our future. The relationship that seems beyond repair. That health concern that is not improving.

When we find ourselves in the storm, we all need someone who will encourage us to keep up our courage in God’s faithfulness. When we are at our most vulnerable self, we all want to know that we are safe and that we are loved no matter what.
We all need someone who will come alongside us and say, “Keep up your courage and do not abandon that confidence of yours, it brings a great reward. (Hebrews 10:35).

The writer of Hebrews says, “We who have taken refuge [in God] might be strongly encouraged to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:18b-19a).

When you are going through that storm – whatever your storm might be – remember that God’s faithfulness is the anchor of your soul. Let your spiritual anchor steady you as God’s hope brings calm in the chaos.

And yet we cannot be faithful followers of Jesus Christ and stop there. Just like Paul, you and I are called to put our faith into action and share the good news with others.

On any given day, the Lord will place you and I in another’s path – maybe even in the midst of another’s storm - for God’s purposes of giving a word of hope to someone who needs it. For someone else you just might be the conduit of faith to allow that person to seize the hope set before them.

Open your spiritual eyes with Jesus’ compassion to those around you.

Sit beside that student who is trying to hide the tears of being excluded and show that you care and that you see their pain.
Behold that mother’s frustration with her screaming child with words of empathy, “It’s hard being a baby and it’s hard being a mom too.”

Check in with that friend whose life just turned upside down and let him or her know you are praying for their well-being and their next right step.

Let God’s Spirit lead you to inspire courage in another.

May we be empowered by the Apostle Paul’s acts of keeping up courage in the storms of life.

In the name of God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer Amen.

Sources Referenced:

[1] New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary Volume IX Acts (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2015), p. 276.