Partners In Service

- Authorities helpful in our lives: parents, teachers, leaders

- you better not always do what they tell you, try responsible listening instead

- try responsible listening instead

- Priesthood of Believers: We are all teachers.

- phylacteries and fringes = tefilin and bangs

- practice what we preach

- Self-satisfied church

- full of themselves: building, history, tradition

- where do you sit in church / fellowship?

- seeking attention - dress up for church

- seeking special treatment - do you remember what my church has done for you and your family?

- Turnaround events

- Reformation turnaround event for the self-satisfied church

- All Hallows’ Eve reminds us of our belonging to the communion of saints

- Election helps us turn our country around, be it through hope or maverick

- Jesus turned authorities of faith into partners in service

- How can you be a partner in service?

- First: Study, learn, find yourself teachers that sit on Moses’ seat

- Second: Humble yourself, because God humbled himself

- What does humble mean? Don’t take yourself too serious and spread God’s love even against your feelings

- How does taking my church-self not too serious work? - Sit somewhere else, now!

- How does spreading the love work? - "Preach the gospel at all times -- If necessary, use words." (Francis of Assisi)

- Be compassionate

- love your neighbor as yourself

- Last week’s exercise

- There is a catch: "All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted."

- Don’t be a smart ass

- true or fake?

- presidential candidates use Joe the Plumber, Joe Six Pack and Average Joe to appear average

- older ladies, moms and grandmas are great at seeming submissive

- Listening to the right teacher makes you a wonderful partner in service

- a loving neighbor

- a helpful grandma

- a good teacher or adviser

- you have one instructor, the Messiah