Sermons by Rev. Joel Lynn

             Our scripture reading for today from James 1:27 talks about the meaning of religion. But before we discuss how James utilizes this term, I think we should first look at how the term is utilized in our culture today. So, what do you think about when you hear the term religion? Unfortunately, from my perspective, it seems that that term often has quite the negative connotation nowadays, among both Christians and non-Christians. Among non-Christians, there is a large segment of people who do not identify with any world religion who nevertheless do not identify as atheists. This group often calls themselves “spiritual but not religious”. So there is a sense in which people are far more willing to call themselves spiritual than religious. But even within Christianity, you’ll often hear people denigrate religion. One person really capitalized on this sentiment. Jefferson Bethke garnered 35 million views from a YouTube video published i...

            In Luke 9:57-62 we see Jesus breaking every rule of the church growth movement. Jesus has three potential people who are ready to follow him, and yet after a brief conversation with each it seems like Jesus has quickly lost all 3 potential disciples. I can imagine that many church leaders would have some harsh words for Jesus in this situation if Jesus were their pastor. They’d say something like, “Jesus, we need to be streamlining points of entry into our church. We need to be making it as easy for people to come as possible. When they express any interest in coming, we need to stress all the benefits of doing so: making friends, finding purpose, good music, captivating sermons, and so forth. What are you doing immediately focusing on things they’d have to sacrifice if they were to become a Christian? That’s not going to win as many converts. Jesus, at least wait a year before you start bringing that stuff up. And even then, make the level...