Romans 5:1-5 TRINITY
Past – Present - Future
5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we
have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through
whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now
stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not
only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that
suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance,
character; and character, hope. 5 And
hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured
out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to
us.
On the threshold.... On the diving board..... Into the unknown.....
Baptism
is a welcome – and a launch – don't be like Mr Bean! Start off
full of enthusiasm and bravado and then, when you look into the
depths – Aargh! This promise to follow Jesus as part of His Church
is binding – and it is a blessing. But new experiences are
challenging. You have to change – CHANGE!!!!
The Christian faith is
about change. It is based on experience of historical events that
changed hearts and minds. The Trinity is something discovered through
experience, not taught by Law. Our future is something we have to
discover and forge. It always involves change. Change can be
challenging. And exciting. Change for Orla and her family – but
also for us as a church in Allesley – and for me and my family.
Today I am announcing
that, after 14 years as Rector – brilliant for me and (I hope) not
to bad for you, I will be retiring at the end of September. It is a
big change and I feel a bit like Mr Bean this morning! But I have
peace about it. And that's not blind faith or wishful thinking or
chirpy optimism – its based on experience; experience of God's
love. We can look into an uncertain future from a firm foundation.
God of the Past:
“we have been” v1 - something accomplished already. Justified.
The Love of God who saved his people from slavery. Carried them in
his arms. Protected, punished, restored, Fathered them. : “We have
been” - e.g. Pilgrimage: The Hospitality, the Churches, The
Footpaths, The signposts – all speak of those who prepared our way.
Our Church – Margaret, Eddy, Dorothy, Renee, Ken, Mike.... they
have made a pathway for us as they walked before us. The great cloud
of witnesses. Signposts to the love of God. You will have your own
fore-runners of faith, as do I. They speak of the Love of the Father
for all his children. And that is the form foundation on which we
stand. Our launching pad. God is not judgemental, he is not angry,
he's not even “disappointed” - He is at peace with us. When he
looks at you he says “Ahh!”
God of the Present:
“we stand” v2 - this is where we are now. Firmly established.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those disciples saw the power in
Jesus, the compassion, the victory over sin and death, the authority
of wind and waves, the love for the poor and helpless, the sins
forgiven, the eyes opened – and they recognized the presence of
God: “My Lord and My God” said Thomas (in the end). Father and
Son. Present: “we stand” - The company of pilgrims who you get to
know, share thoughts and feelings with but also food, knowledge,
clothing, equipment. We share our strengths and weaknesses. All
Saints is a great place to learn to serve. We love to say “yes”
to those who have an idea and some energy to try. I meet with so many
vicars whose complaint is “no one will do
anything – there are no leaders”. Here, we stand in Grace: God's
Riches At Christ's Expense. We know that what we have comes from
Jesus – and is given to us simply to serve others. We know we're
not perfect. We know we don't deserve it. We know we might mess it
up, but we'll give it a go. We are among friends, after all.
God of the Future:
“we ...hope” v3 – where we are called to.. The fellowship of
the Holy Spirit. The unfathomable promise of Jesus.”You will
receive power”, “He is with you and shall be in you”. Then they
experienced the gifts of the Spirit in power, sinners saved, eyes
opened, compassion and unity and they knew “This is God's Spirit”.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. One God. Three “persons”. And
Father, Son and Holy Spirit sent them out. “Go!”
“the
hope of the Glory of God” - this is what we are moving towards,
what we will see either through death, or if the Lord comes first,
and anyway in the new life that God will bring into being all around
us. We're not the finished article “Be patient! God isn't finished
with me yet.” Ru and I have really enjoyed living here, being part
of this church, learning so much from you, growing together. We have
so much hope for this Church. Not because you are all brilliant
(which you pretty much are!) but because we know that God's love is
being poured into your hearts through the Holy Spirit.
At the end of a
pilgrimage you have to stop. The only question is “where to next?”.
You never stop being a pilgrim. And that's where Ru and I are now.
With children and grandchildren around the world we want to make sure
we can travel to see them whilst we are still fit. We want to see
All Saints with fresh and vibrant loving leadership. So it is with
mixed emotions that I have decided to join Ru in retirement at the
end of September. There will be lots of time to plan and to celebrate
together. Lots of work to do before then.
Today we think about
the Trinity of Love – past, present and future.
All that we have been,
the place where we stand firm, and the hope to which He calls us all.
The Glory of God.