Dressed and Ready (3): For a Party 2014-1214

JP Bohanan -

Message,
Isaiah 61.1-4, 8-11; John 1.6-8, 19-28
Opening
theme:
      Choir gown
Street
center worship service: Homeless woman in choir gown
Dressed
& ready … for a party – the kingdom of God
Children:
      Old driver’s licenses/photo IDs
Identity
      John the Baptizer: “I am NOT he”
Message
body:
Path
of negation
      Need a do-over – because it wasn’t right
the first time
            Intention versus execution
      Discomfort – the injustice at the heart of
the world
Ashes
Necessary
path, and continues
      John: “I am NOT he”
      Me to new pastor: “There’s only one
Savior, and it ain’t you”
      But we like to be the Savior, we have a
“Messianic complex”
            Team sport
            Plant management
            Success
            Easily becomes a “persecution
complex”

Ashes
to garland and the garment of salvation
      It is those who properly wear the ashes
who are ready for salvation
      Oppressed – good news preached to them
      Brokenhearted – bind up
      Captives – set free
      Prisoners – release
      Mourners – comforted
Isaiah
61:7 Because their shame was double, and dishonor was proclaimed as their
lot, therefore they shall possess a double portion
      Last week, Isa 40, “received from the
Lord’s hand double for their sin”
The
church as colony of heaven
      Practicing the truth that will outlast the
lie
      Practicing justice in a world that is
deeply broken and divided
      Practicing praise in a world that is bent
on hate speech, mudslinging, character assassination, rumor, and gossip
      Practicing witness in a world in which
witnesses need some protection
A
homeless woman can stand and give her witness, give her praise
      And NOT be totally disconnected from
reality
      Because Jesus came, and because Jesus is
coming

Church:
Are you ready for a party?