Dunbar United Church of Christ - April 11, 2010

I. What is a “Christian?” Someone who goes to church, or was baptized, or who says “I’m a Christian?” President Bush and vice-president Cheney belong to the Methodist Church. But the United Methodist Church OPPOSES capital punishment and handgun ownership -- it is FOR abortion rights and gays in the military. It’s against the Iraq war. So -- what makes us Christian?

Jesus said: “Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing?” Well, what if I don’t want to do what Jesus did? Can I still say I’m Christian?

II. Samuel Wurzelbacher, or “Joe the plumber,” says he’s Christian. He was speaking at a “Tea Party Express” stop in Phoenix and someone asked him what we should do about illegal immigration. He said, “Put a fence in, start shooting.”

I read about these people and wonder -- what Bible are they reading? I don’t recall any place in the Gospels where Jesus wants us to kill people. He talks about serving others, sacrificing for others, feeding others, healing others, lending to others without repayment, paying for the health care of others -- but he doesn’t tell us to hurt others. What Bible are people reading?

III. In Michigan, an anti-government militia is called “Hutaree,” which members say means “Christian warrior.” Nine were arrested because they planned to murder a police officer and then explode homemade bombs at his funeral to kill other police officers there.

The group’s website says the government is the enemy and “all Christians” must prepare for war.

Is this what Jesus wants? He wants us to get guns and kill police? Maybe fly a plane into a government building? Shoot the president? Is this really the mission Jesus sends us on d?

IV. Many believe it is. Many who call themselves “Christian” think Jesus wants us to shoot immigrants, torture enemies and start wars. But according to this Bible I just read from, Jesus wants us to work for peace and do good to people who harm us. He wants us to feed, clothe and give medical care to the poor whether they are U.S. citizens or not.

Not enough people actually read the Gospels, or think about them. If we did, we would know that Jesus never wants us to be violent, or mean, or selfish with the gifts -- like our country -- which God gave us.

When we believe in Jesus, the Gospel of John tells us, we have “life in his name.” Not death, not revenge, not cruelty -- but rich, and overflowing, and abundant life.