Our Scriptures for today are: Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8:12-17; and John 3:1-17
In today’s sermon, Pastor Wayne addressed a common misconception held by some ministers who claim they do not preach doctrinal sermons, deeming them boring and irrelevant. This preacher insists he only preaches Christ crucified, focusing on practical issues rather than theology. However, Pastor Wayne points out several flaws in this approach.
Firstly, everyone, to some extent, is a theologian. Theology is simply what we think about God, and everyone has some belief or concept of God. Secondly, good theology and good practice are inseparable; practical issues stem from solid theological foundations. Lastly, while the preacher claims to focus solely on Christ crucified, this narrow focus overlooks the broader teachings of Christ essential for a full Christian life.
Pastor Wayne then transitions to Trinity Sunday, a day celebrated since the 10th century to reflect on the triune nature of God. The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—does not fully explain God but offers a way to understand His revelations.
1. **God the Father**: Pastor Wayne emphasizes the loving nature of God, contrasting it with deistic and nihilistic views. God is not a distant creator or a deity who died with Jesus but a loving Father, actively involved in our lives, comparable to a patient and compassionate daddy. This understanding of God as a loving and involved parent is central to Christian faith.
2. **God the Son, Jesus Christ**: Jesus’ incarnation is a demonstration of God’s love and solidarity with humanity. The story of a prince who becomes a peasant to win a maiden’s love illustrates how God, through Jesus, lived among us to show His love and make Himself known. Jesus’ life and sacrifice reveal the compassionate and redemptive nature of God.
3. **God the Holy Spirit**: The Holy Spirit represents God’s presence within us, offering guidance, comfort, and strength. However, Pastor Wayne warns against misattributing personal impulses to the Holy Spirit, reminding us of historical and contemporary errors justified in this way. The Holy Spirit’s role is to bring us into an intimate relationship with God, helping us understand His truth.
In conclusion, Pastor Wayne reaffirms the Trinity: God the Father is for us, God the Son is with us, and God the Holy Spirit is within us. This relationship allows us to know God intimately and personally, even if we cannot fully comprehend His mysteries. Through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, we experience the love and presence of the incomprehensible God in our lives. Amen.
