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MINISTER’S MESSAGE SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015 KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH “A CHILD OF GOD” Based on 1 John 3:1-7 Duchess or even a Princess. But When Kate Middleton married look again. Look closely. Step back Prince William almost four years a moment and give this careful ago, she was given a new title: The thought. Because you have been Duchess of Cambridge. It was a given the title: “A Child of God.” title that came with it, much Like the parent at the back of the responsibility, as well as many school gymnasium with the video rights and privileges. It was camera, or I-Phone on record, God speculated by the paparazzi, that is pointing and whispering to one of the everyone in reasons Kate the back NO ONE WHO LIVES IN and William row, “That parted for a HIM KEEPS ON SINNING. one there on while, a few the left is NO ONE WHO CONTINUES years prior to mine!” TO SIN HAS EITHER SEEN their marriage, was in fact, so Being a HIM OR KNOWN HIM. that Kate might “Child of 1 JOHN 3:6 more seriously God” was an consider what important the title of being a Duchess really distinction for the writer of 1 John. It meant, and what the role of being set the Christians firmly in the married to the second in line to the social fabric of the day, but it was British throne might really mean. I also a rather bold reminder of the think we would all agree that it was privileges and responsibilities that worth the wait: a gracious and came with that title. The pressures thoughtful woman who has fit the of the world in the time of 1 John title of “Duchess” most were very different from today, and appropriately. also very different from the time of Jesus. Time had passed, and the We too have been given a title. At writer of 1 John was one of just a first glance it might not appear to few left, who had witnessed the be as impressive as being called a events of Easter morning. For most, it was stories now, passed down from a family member or other Christian leaders who would gather the believers together at the kitchen table and begin to reminisce about “That day, long, long ago.” There was growing uncertainty as these final few elders of the community became old and fragile. What would happen to this budding church after they were gone? Would the church survive? Would the stories stay alive or just become storybook tales? Who would lead this baby church into a difficult world? (As an aside, are there not many of the same questions in the Christian community today, as churches close and society shifts away from regular church life?) But it was not just the worry of church leadership that troubled the writer of 1 John. The longer the Christian church remained alive, and most certainly as it started to grow, the more agitated nonbelievers became; the more stifled the political arena for freedom of expression. The Romans did not want the Christian church to succeed as it might create further Knox Presbyterian Church unrest in the towns and villages. The Jewish leaders did not want the Christian church to succeed because they might have to rethink their theological foundations. The believers might be “Children of God”, but they were going to have to watch their backs. And there was trouble brewing from within the company of believers as well. Studying the scriptures was to be encouraged. Of course! But over analyzing, dissecting phrases into infinite possibilities about what Jesus might have meant and then arguing over who had the right possibility and who didn't, did not help the Christian cause in any way. To all of these outside pressures pushing against the success of the early church, to a church looking fervently for Christ to return at any moment, the writer of 1 John declared loudly: See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are. (v1) So what does it mean to be a “Child of God?” Well, I do not think that the writer of 1 John intended that we approach our Christian faith with small minds or superficial intent, but rather as mature witnesses with an openness for learning and listening. As a child is invited and encouraged to learn new things, new ideas and new skills, I believe that as “Children of God” we should always be willing to listen to the Master, striving to learn more, or learn more deeply, about what the Christian life looks like, and is lived like. We should approach the world with a sense of innocence, rather than cynicism. Notice I did not say naiveté, but innocence. “ Be careful,” said the writer of 1 John, ‘Do not let anyone lead you astray’. (v7a) Hold fast to the image of Jesus: “The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he [Christ] is righteous.” (v7b). “Do not approach the world blindly,” the writer of 1 John might have said, “But at the same time, do not become so dulled, or scandalized or afraid of the world that you miss the opportunity for God to show you light and love and laughter.” Finally, we should be willing to fall off our bikes, scrape our knees and get up and try again. The writer of 1 John knew that the world was a difficult and constantly changing place of temptations, successes in faith, and miserable personal failures. He knew the tipping point between what he termed a ‘sinful life’ and a ‘righteous one’ could change in the blink of an eye, but he knew that Christ knew that as well. So, our writer might have said, “Try. Try again. And keep trying.” Dear friends, our gracious God has given us the same title as He gave those early believers. You are a “Child of God.” We too have been given all the rights and privileges that come with that title: a heavenly home, grace, a constant companion and friend. But this title comes also with responsibilities and duties, just like for the early Christians. Take your responsibilities seriously. Be open to learning new things about your Bible or about your Saviour. None of us know everything there is to know about Christ. Give the world a chance to show you something delightful about God: at play, in prayer or in patience. And keep trying. Don’t give up on your faith, or your Christ. Get back on that bike and ride! As a “Child of God,” go, explore, create. Succeed, fail, and try again. And at the end of the day, when you are tired and weary, come home, safe to the arms of Jesus. Amen.