The Word of God

This evening, I had the opportunity to lead a brief worship service at the School of Congregational Development. The theme for the service was “Word of God.” Here is the text from the brief message. Scripture – John 1:1-5. I would love to hear your thoughts and comments.

The Word of God

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. There have been many theologians and thinkers that have considered the meaning of the Word in these opening verses of John. In the first century, the Greek logos appeared in many different settings – philosophy, Judaism, gnosticism, stoicism and in John’s account of the good news of Jesus Christ. Tonight, I want us to consider not the meaning of the Word, but where we find the word – in the beginning.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. There have been many theologians and thinkers that have considered the meaning of the Word in these opening verses of John. In the first century, the Greek logos appeared in many different settings – philosophy, Judaism, gnosticism, stoicism and in John’s account of the good news of Jesus Christ. Tonight, I want us to consider not the meaning of the Word, but where we find the word – in the beginning.

Where did you begin your day?

What is beginning today? Today began for me like most days. I spent with time with God, drove to the gym for thirty minutes of exercise, back home for breakfast and driving here to Resurrection. This is a routine for me that begins each day. What do you find at the beginning of your day? Perhaps you have a routine that gives some structure to the morning. Perhaps you wake up wondering what the day will hold.

What about today? Some of you may have started your day at the airport, in the car or at a hotel. You may have began your day with anticipation, excitement, sleepiness or boredom. We have a chance each day for a new beginning.

Beginning this week? SCD

What is beginning this week? Today is the beginning of the School of Congregational Development. This may be your first time at the school or you may be beginning again for another time. This is my first time at the school and I am excited about what is to come, curious about what I will continue to learn and expectant about the ways in which God will continue to shape me.

Beginning in Life or Ministry?

What is beginning in your life or ministry? You may be preparing for the launch of a new worship service, dreaming of a new congregation or seeking a new beginning in the conference, denomination or in your own life. You may be starting the year after the death of someone that you love. Maybe your are at the beginning of a new relationship or beginning to think what you will do when you retire.

No matter what your age, location, or ministry role there is a new beginning in your life. I find myself at several new beginnings. I have been married for just over a year. The beginning of what will be a long life of learning, loving and growing together. I have also been under full time appointment for just over a year. This is the beginning of what I hope will be a long career in ministry within the United Methodist Church.

Invitation – What are you beginning?

I would like to invite you to take one minute to write down one thing that you are beginning. Whether that is getting up and starting each new day, new family member, planting a new church, new relationships, beginning a conference strategy for new churches or considering how the denomination might be a part of doing a new thing – there is something that you are beginning. Take a pen from the seat back in front of you and take one minute to write down a new beginning in your life.

One minute of music underscore

Good News – God’s word is in the beginning

Now I want you to think about that thing that you just wrote down. Consider all the possibilities that you hope and dream for that new beginning and listen to this good news.

God’s word is in the beginning.

God’s word is in your beginning.

Wherever you find yourself, God’s word is speaking to you, to your particular situation, to those around you, to the community, to the denomination and to the world. God’s Word is active and alive. God is speaking. Will you listen?