With Trinity Sunday on May 18, 2008, the three assigned readings are Genesis 1:2-3:4a; Acts 2:14a, 22-36 and Matthew 28:16-20. Selected to preach about is Matthew 28:20 as Jesus says, “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Is not Jesus God? And since He is, then is He not everywhere in his omnipresence? Then what is He talking about that He will be with us always? Is it a different presence than His being everywhere? And if so, then how does a person know that he is part of that group which Jesus is addressing?
It is clear from the context that Jesus is speaking of a different presence He has with those who are of this special group. The question the sermon addresses is whether becoming a member of that group is conditional of unconditional. If it is conditional, then you must fulfill some obligation prior to becoming a member of that group.
There are only 2 religions in the world–Christianity and everything else! And everything else teaches a conditional salvation on the basis of your proper works, will, choices, meditation, belief or whatever. At first hearing, it appears that Christianity also demands a condition which is belief. But unlike man-made religions which assume that a fallen human being has a will that can make a proper spiritual choice, Christianity reveals that our reason is blind and our wills are bound only to do sin. True faith is an unconditional grace received by God’s grace and not by our efforts to believe by making a choice.
The question is not how we get into that group where Jesus always is, but rather where is it that Jesus says He always is. From the context Jesus is promising to be where disciples are made through baptism and teaching. In fact, the group of which Jesus is addressing is not just disciples but those who are members of the holy Christian Church here on earth. And what do you do to become a member of this Church? Answer: nothing!
For becoming a member is accomplished through an unconditional adoption into the family of God and that is a gift from God Himself. The Biblical definition of the location of the Church is where the Word of God is taught in its purity and the sacraments are administered according to God’s directions. Through baptism you are brought into the family of the holy Trinity and through teaching you are sustained by God Himself.
Unlike every other Law-oriented religion, Christianity gives all the credit to the work of the holy Trinity as the three Persons recreate within us a new Man, redeem us from the devil, the world and our flesh and sanctify us in the one true faith. In this way, Jesus will never leave us and is with us in a special, holy way as He was with Moses on Mt. Sinai at the burning bush.
Name:Tom Baker