Liturgy and Social-Economy Rick Wright Church of the Nations 12 th Sunday of Pentecost (C) August 11, 2013

Rachel Held Evans Why millennials leaving the Christian church – Millennial = young person born around So we need to change our worship style?!? Young people not looking for style Looking for a whole way of life What does worship have to do with the whole Christian way of life?

Luke 12 – part 1 Someone from the crowd says to Jesus, Teacher, make my brother divide his property with me. But Jesus says to him, Sir, who made me a judge over you? And Jesus says to them, Be careful, watch out for all kinds of greed, because a person’s life is not about money and things. Difficult to understand and practice! What does Jesus mean? How do we practice this?

Luke 12 – part 1 Jesus does not force one person to share with another 1.Watch out for every kind of greed 1.Greek pleonexia = always want more 2.Life is not about how much we have Story of the rich farmer What is wrong with saving??? “This is what happens to those who pile up riches for themselves and are not rich toward God.”

Luke 12 – part 2 Do not worry – do not be fearful – about your life. What you eat / about your body / what to wear. Life is more than food and the body more than clothing. God takes care of the birds and the flowers. God knows you need these things. Seek the kingdom of God – and these things will be yours as well. Do not worry. Trust God. Seek the kingdom of God.

Luke 12 – part 3 Do not be afraid. It is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions. Give to the poor. Save up treasure in heaven that can never be stolen or destroyed. Where your treasure is – that is where your heart will be also. So do not save? Sell and give away what we have?!? Then why do we work and save?!?

Pulling it all together What is clear – Do not worry – True life > money and things – Trust God – God knows what we need – Seek first the kingdom of God – Save up treasure in heaven

Pulling it all together How do we do this? – Work and study and save – Manage your household (economy) Greek oikonomia = household management – Manage your finances – Try to save and have extra – Why? So we can help others in need Being rich toward God Saving up treasure in heaven

Isaiah 1 and worship God is sick of their worship! – Sacrifices, feasts/holidays, even prayers “When the Christian church practices true worship – our worship lifts our spirits and gives us energy so we go and find new ways to show justice and compassion” Worship heals and changes us So we can seek first the kingdom of God Liturgy (worship) -> economy