A church Property chairman decided that it was time to repaint the wooden exterior of the church.

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "A church Property chairman decided that it was time to repaint the wooden exterior of the church."

Transcription

1 Not Too Proud to Whitewash Ezekiel 13: 8-16 A church Property chairman decided that it was time to repaint the wooden exterior of the church. He enlisted a crew of helpers first, then found some leftover cans of white paint in the church basement. There weren t many, but in order to save the church money, he decided to use what he had and just add a little water to each can to make the paint go further. All was going well on the day of the painting, but as the amount of paint in each can began to dwindle, he added a little more water to extend it. After several hours of hard work, the job was done. And when the congregation arrived for worship the next day, they were all pleased with how the church looked. But during the service, there was a heavy rainstorm, and when everyone left worship, well, the new paint job had been washed away. When the Property chairman asked the minister what he should do, the minister simply said: Don t you know what it says in the Bible? No, the Property chairman replied. Simple, the minister responded. Repaint and thin no more. And no, I didn t get that joke from Paul! But, as awful is it was, well, I think the prophet Ezekiel would have liked it. Ezekiel, you see, was a little different from most of the prophets. Oh, yes, he told it like it was - like God wanted him to tell it. But he used a lot of visual images, obvious illustrations, even becoming an illustration of God s message on several occasions. And in this passage from his thirteenth chapter, he is addressing the leaders of the people, the priests and prophets who are trying to tell everyone that everything is just fine and dandy. But instead of being fine and dandy, the leaders are building a shoddy wall and covering it with whitewash, passing that off as what God wants for and from His people. And like the watered down paint in that story, the whitewash will wash away. And the wall will come tumbling down.

2 We have our congregational meeting today. And while we are reviewing that Annual Report and focusing on what we did in 2016, this meeting is really more about what we are doing in and beyond. Where we have been is important. But where we are going that defines who and what we are as a church. I m not sure just who said it, but I heard a comedian say that his greatest fear about Heaven is that when he arrived at the pearly gates, he would be in line right behind Mother Theresa, and that he would hear St. Peter say to that blessed nun: You know, you could have done more. The thing is she probably would have agreed with St. Peter. For no matter how much she did and she did more than most of us could do in two lifetimes, there is always something more to be done. Well, whether we get in line behind Mother Theresa at the pearly gates or not, we all know that we could do more. Can do more. Must do more. Not so we can work our way into Heaven. That s not why Mother Theresa did what she did. She simply did what she did because she was answering God s call. We talk a lot about the Cathedral Soup Kitchen. And a lot of our members go there to help out. But do you know how it started? Actually, with Mother Theresa sort of for she had visited the United States some years ago and a group of Roman Catholic young men and women were so impressed by her work, that they began a ministry to feed the hungry of Camden. These young people simply decided that they could do something more than they were already doing. And did it. So we may not start a soup kitchen here in Woodbury Heights. But there is something each one of us can do. Not just what we are doing. But something we haven t done before. Some effort we can put where we haven t put it before. Like John Pitchford taking food from Bonefish Grill to the Cathedral Soup Kitchen once a week or John Pedicone taking our food contributions to the Food Pantry every month or so. There is something every one of us can do. There was a woman in my previous congregation Margaret Davis who was confined to her bed after a debilitating stroke. But you know what? She prayed joyously and fervently, for that church and its members. She prayed for the driver of every car she heard go past her home. And I know she prayed for me. Because every time I hit a road block or a speedbump, I could always look up and meet the challenge, because I knew Margaret Davis was praying for me. We all can do something. If we don t, we are just whitewashed walls!

3 Which leads to probably the most famous story about whitewash in American literature (maybe the only story). It s in Mark Twain s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Maybe you remember it. Tom s Aunt Polly asks him to whitewash the fence around their house. Apparently, Aunt Polly was too poor to paint, but not too proud to whitewash. Well Tom went out to that fence as if he were a condemned man heading for the gallows. If there was anything he wanted to do less than whitewashing a fence, he didn t know what it was. Sheer drudgery. Until he hit on an idea. Somehow, he convinced some of his friends that whitewashing a fence was simply the most fun any kid could ever have. It was the greatest experience of his life! And some of his friends came, took brushes, and that fence was whitewashed in no time. Which was great. The more people you have working, the less time it takes to get the job done. Only, Tom Sawyer missed out on something. While his friends were doing all the whitewashing, he was sitting back, watching them. Now he was probably right. Whitewashing a fence is not a desirable task, I am sure. it. But the point is Tom had the opportunity to work side by side with his friends. And he missed OK, let s be honest there are some tasks in our church life we do that will not open up the portals of Heaven and let us hear the songs of angels. Preparing the church budget is probably one of those tasks. Among others. But when we do it together, somehow it gets done. And maybe just one angel does sing. When I was in my first church, Dottie and I lived in a townhouse apartment. One winter weekend, we had a heavy snowstorm. And our landlord wasn t able to hire a snowplow to get us dug out. So a group of us all got together and started shoveling. But one neighbor stood on his balcony and kept saying: You shouldn t have to do that! The landlord should take care of that! Under our breath, we all agreed if he spent more time shoveling and less time flapping his gums, we d get the job done more quickly. Many hands, as they say, make light work. (And yes, eventually, that neighbor did come out and help). We may not all like the task in front of us; we may not agree with a decision a committee or organization has made; we may not like the fact that this, that, or the other is not the way I would do it. But we are all in the same boat, and if we all don t take an oar and row, we aren t going to get anywhere. OK, maybe Tom Sawyer didn t want to whitewash that fence. But if he had, joining with his friends, the job just might have been done more efficiently. And maybe it would have even been enjoyable.

4 Aunt Polly, obviously, wasn t too proud to whitewash. But if we sit on the sidelines and watch the whitewashing done, well, how much really will get done? And who among us wants a church that is just whitewashed? Which leads to one more point. Hold on to your wallets, because I m going to talk about money. I once saw a cartoon that depicted a congregation during a worship service. The minister was up in his pulpit and in the message balloon above his head, the cartoonist had drawn a dollar sign. In the congregation, you could see people fainting, hiding under the pews, running for the exit, and, yes, holding on to their wallets. I suppose one of the members of that congregation was the man (and this is a true story) who told the minister who had just started in his first church: Son, you ll do just fine if you remember one thing: never preach about money. I wonder if he would have said that to Jesus. Jesus talked a lot about money. A lot. From the parable of the talents to the parable of the unforgiving servant to the Prodigal Son to the workers in the vineyard to you cannot serve both God and money, to well, page through the Gospels and you will find that Jesus spoke about money in some way more often than any other subject except for the Kingdom of God. Which, I suppose, means that that man giving advice to the new preacher didn t know the Bible very well. Didn t know Jesus very well. And all those people in the cartoon who were fainting or hiding under the pews or running for the exit had somehow missed something. And not just the offering plate. They missed the fact that how we give and why we give and who we give to is much more important than what we give. Because if we decide the how joyfully and gratefully, and the why because God has provided for our needs so much, that our cups are not only overflowing into the saucer, but as Dottie likes to say (and I do need to be reminded of this on occasion), it is overflowing into a swimming pool (and an Olympic sized one at that!), and the who who else but the one who said I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly, well the what will come along. If you look at the back of our bulletin and see our financial report, you will see where we are right now. I don t have to spell it out for any of us. And we will talk more about our finances at our congregational meeting in just a little while.

5 But I believe with all my heart (and I do need a refresher in my faith once in a while thank you, dear) that if we all trust God with our own finances first, we will be able to give so that God can use our finances to bless the mission and ministry we have as a church. We can trust that God will help with our church finances, and He will, but it starts in our wallets and pocketbooks. Two men were shipwrecked and marooned on a desert island. One was in a panic, convinced they were going to die. The other was completely calm, as he leaned up against a palm tree. How can you be so calm? the first man asked. Well, you see, I make $100,000 a week. So what? What good does that do on a desert island? You don t get it! I make $100,000 a week, and I tithe. My pastor will find me! You bet I would! In terms of our giving to the church, it is too easy to find ourselves on a desert island. And if we do, all we will able to afford is whitewash will bring us many challenges as we look to what will be. May it never be said of us that we decided that whitewash was fine and dandy.

6 Worship February 12, 2017 Call: Litany Assurance: Litany Children s Message: The Box Prayer: Lord use us. When we see the things before us that have been left unfinished, give us the will to finish therm. When we see fences that separate people, give us the courage to tear them down and build bridges. When we see brokenness in the people around us, give us the desire to restore them and make them whole. When fears threaten to dominate life in our nation, give us the boldness to stand up to them and defeat them. When hungers, both physical and emotional, overwhelm those we know, give us the readiness to fill those empty places. When life tumbles in, give us the gifts to rebuild. And when you call us, help us to hear, to listen, and to follow, May we be, as Jesus was, the ones who humble ourselves and walk the path of obedience, wherever it takes us. Needs, etc. LORD S PRAYER

On the Road with Jesus III: Setting Out

On the Road with Jesus III: Setting Out September 24, 2017 National Presbyterian Church On the Road with Jesus III: Setting Out Joshua 1:1-9, Romans 8:28-39, Jeremiah 29:11 David Renwick In our sermons this Fall we re thinking together about

More information

Sermon. And what I want us to think about is the bargaining which he does with God, the deal he tries to negotiate. Remember how he starts out in our

Sermon. And what I want us to think about is the bargaining which he does with God, the deal he tries to negotiate. Remember how he starts out in our Genesis 28 : 10-22 Matthew 14 : 13-21 Sermon So the topic this morning is money. When it comes to asking questions about how our faith shapes our priorities, how our trust in the gospel influences our

More information

birth on Sunday and waking up pregnant on Monday. I took preaching at the American Baptist

birth on Sunday and waking up pregnant on Monday. I took preaching at the American Baptist Sermon: Into Deep Waters (A Life That Really Matters) August 25, 2013 Once when Jesus was standing on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, the crowd was pushing in on Him to better hear the Word of God. He noticed

More information

Love Letter to Max Baptism of Maxwell Zachary Williams Psalm 23; John 10:22-30

Love Letter to Max Baptism of Maxwell Zachary Williams Psalm 23; John 10:22-30 Love Letter to Max Baptism of Maxwell Zachary Williams Psalm 23; John 10:22-30 Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;

More information

From Our Home to Theirs: Mary and Martha Luke 10:38-42 Rev. Pen Peery First Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC October 16, 2016

From Our Home to Theirs: Mary and Martha Luke 10:38-42 Rev. Pen Peery First Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC October 16, 2016 From Our Home to Theirs: Mary and Martha Luke 10:38-42 Rev. Pen Peery First Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC October 16, 2016 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman

More information

sermon: dealing with difficult people: children nobody wants

sermon: dealing with difficult people: children nobody wants M O T H E R S D A Y 2 0 1 1 sermon: dealing with difficult people: children nobody wants By Greg Nettle, Senior Pastor, RiverTree Christian Church Jan. 16, 2008 We re going to continue with our series

More information

April 20, 2014 Easter Sunday Peace Be With You! John 20:19-21

April 20, 2014 Easter Sunday Peace Be With You! John 20:19-21 April 20, 2014 Easter Sunday Peace Be With You! John 20:19-21 That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing

More information

Calvary United Methodist Church July 3, DO YOU NEED A NEW BEGINNING? THE STORY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Rev. R. Jeffrey Fisher

Calvary United Methodist Church July 3, DO YOU NEED A NEW BEGINNING? THE STORY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Rev. R. Jeffrey Fisher Calvary United Methodist Church July 3, 2016 DO YOU NEED A NEW BEGINNING? THE STORY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Rev. R. Jeffrey Fisher Children s Sermon: Ezekiel 36:25-26 I m so glad. I thought earlier there might

More information

The Good News: How God Transforms Us And Our World By Father Anthony Co

The Good News: How God Transforms Us And Our World By Father Anthony Co The Good News: How God Transforms Us And Our World By Father Anthony Co One thing that I really enjoy as a priest, as a christian, is to sit down with people and have conversations about Jesus. And if

More information

Tithing Challenge 2018 John 6:5-13

Tithing Challenge 2018 John 6:5-13 Tithing Challenge 2018 Page 1 of 8 INTRODUCTION We ve spent the past 3½ months exploring how we can Be the Church. Today we talk about money. Now I know, lots of people just don t like it when the preacher

More information

I begin today with a quote from the book of James. What good is it, my brothers and

I begin today with a quote from the book of James. What good is it, my brothers and Christian Virtues Part I: The Virtue of Faith A Sermon by Rich Holmes on Hebrews 11: 1-3; 8-16 Delivered on August 7, 2016 at Northminster Presbyterian Church in North Canton, Ohio I begin today with a

More information

Paul and King Agrippa Lesson Aim: To know we can pray for others to know who Jesus is.

Paul and King Agrippa Lesson Aim: To know we can pray for others to know who Jesus is. Teacher s Guide: Adaptation for Children with Disabilities Prophets & Promises Part 1: Acts through Revelation Unit 4, Lesson 19 Paul and King Agrippa Lesson Aim: To know we can pray for others to know

More information

So what do we, as people of faith, do in the face of lives that are constantly at risk of being affected by suffering?

So what do we, as people of faith, do in the face of lives that are constantly at risk of being affected by suffering? WHO ABIDES IN THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY? September 29, 2013, The Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Psalm 91 Douglas T. King, The Brick Presbyterian Church in the City of New York I pray in a multitude

More information

Jesus of Locked Doors John 20:19-31 April 12, 2015

Jesus of Locked Doors John 20:19-31 April 12, 2015 Jesus of Locked Doors John 20:19-31 April 12, 2015 Those of you who have grown up in the church, you know the story. Doubting Thomas: the disciple who didn t believe that Jesus had risen from the dead,

More information

ONE THING IS NECESSARY (Luke 10:38-42) Sunday, January 27, 2019 Series: The Gospel of Luke, Message #49 - Summit EFC - Pastor Doug Corlew

ONE THING IS NECESSARY (Luke 10:38-42) Sunday, January 27, 2019 Series: The Gospel of Luke, Message #49 - Summit EFC - Pastor Doug Corlew ONE THING IS NECESSARY (Luke 10:38-42) Sunday, January 27, 2019 Series: The Gospel of Luke, Message #49 - Summit EFC - Pastor Doug Corlew Luke 10:38-42 - 38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered

More information

1 Peter 4:10-11 Are you stingy?

1 Peter 4:10-11 Are you stingy? 1 Peter 4:10-11 Are you stingy? Whenever I think about stewardship in the church, I always have to laugh recalling an example of a pastor I once knew while in Seminary. He was trying to get his congregation

More information

THEME: God s Word in our heart keeps us from sinning.

THEME: God s Word in our heart keeps us from sinning. Devotion NT215 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Jesus is Tempted THEME: God s Word in our heart keeps us from sinning. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 4:1-11 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for

More information

Rejoice! Philippians 4:4-8

Rejoice! Philippians 4:4-8 1 Natalie Bell April 23, 2017 Holy Humor Sunday Rejoice! Philippians 4:4-8 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not

More information

Blessed, Broken, Shared

Blessed, Broken, Shared August 3, 2014 Matthew 14:13-21 Pastor Rosanna McFadden Creekside COB Blessed, Broken, Shared Good morning! Slide 1 I bet many of you are familiar with the story from Matthew that Judy just read for us

More information

THE FIVE THOUSAND IN JOHN

THE FIVE THOUSAND IN JOHN First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida Dr. Frank Allen, Pastor 7/30/06 John 6:1-15 (NRSV) After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. [2] A

More information

Rebuilding Your Altar

Rebuilding Your Altar Rebuilding Your Altar 1 Kings 18:30 And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down. The Importance

More information

AUDIENCE OF ONE. Praying With Fire Matthew 6:5-6 // Craig Smith August 5, 2018

AUDIENCE OF ONE. Praying With Fire Matthew 6:5-6 // Craig Smith August 5, 2018 AUDIENCE OF ONE Praying With Fire Matthew 6:5-6 // Craig Smith August 5, 2018 Craig // Welcome to all of our campuses including those of you who are joining us on church online. So glad you are here for

More information

- I do not want to have a church that is built around the dollar bill..." " " " " " " I want it built around Jesus Christ!

- I do not want to have a church that is built around the dollar bill...       I want it built around Jesus Christ! August 24th, 2014 The Good Steward Stewarding Our Money! Terry Baldwin! ( Title Slide )! Don t like talking about tithing or offerings, because...! - The great abuse that has been associated with it. -

More information

Haydenville Congregational Church The Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian Luke 16:19-31 September 29, 2013

Haydenville Congregational Church The Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian Luke 16:19-31 September 29, 2013 Haydenville Congregational Church The Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian Luke 16:19-31 September 29, 2013 May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord our

More information

Minding the Gap Rev. Don Gall Mark 6:31-44 July 26, 2015

Minding the Gap Rev. Don Gall Mark 6:31-44 July 26, 2015 Minding the Gap Rev. Don Gall Mark 6:31-44 July 26, 2015 A woman passed by a church one day and saw a line of cars parked out front. Thinking they might be giving out food inside, she opened the door and

More information

Stewardship Sunday. Contemporary Worship at Calvary Lutheran Church. November 8, Mark 12:38-44

Stewardship Sunday. Contemporary Worship at Calvary Lutheran Church. November 8, Mark 12:38-44 Stewardship Sunday Contemporary Worship at Calvary Lutheran Church November 8, 2015 Mark 12:38-44 38 As Jesus taught, he said, Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted

More information

couple makes for a stronger marriage. And I also would tell them their bank account makes a statement about what they worship. DARING TO BE GENEROUS

couple makes for a stronger marriage. And I also would tell them their bank account makes a statement about what they worship. DARING TO BE GENEROUS DARING TO BE GENEROUS Who doesn t want to be generous? No one want to be known as: greedy, selfish, stingy, or a Scrooge Everyone here desires to be known as generous so why is the word daring in front

More information

Message Not a Fan 04/30/2017

Message Not a Fan 04/30/2017 1 Message Not a Fan 04/30/2017 Is Jesus enough! Good Morning Church! God is Good! and All The Time! So I didn t want to Miss the opportunity to bring you the Last sermon/message of the Not a Fan preaching

More information

Several years ago, a ministerial friend of mine told me I. needed to watch a film called Babette s Feast. It s a French film.

Several years ago, a ministerial friend of mine told me I. needed to watch a film called Babette s Feast. It s a French film. 5 th Sunday in Lent, Year B, 3/22/2015, Greeneville, Tennessee 1 Several years ago, a ministerial friend of mine told me I needed to watch a film called Babette s Feast. It s a French film. You have to

More information

PP#1: Walking Daily with the Holy Spirit If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. -Galatians 5:25

PP#1: Walking Daily with the Holy Spirit If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. -Galatians 5:25 Sunday, July 16, 2017 Forest Hills United Methodist Church Message: Walking Daily with the Holy Spirit Rev. Dr. David Werner Message Series: The Holy Spirit in Daily Life Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26 Text:

More information

Christ s Sufficiency For My Insufficiency

Christ s Sufficiency For My Insufficiency Christ s Sufficiency For My Insufficiency Mark 6:30-44 Do you ever feel overwhelmed with all that needs to be done in serving the Lord? We live as needy people serving Christ in a needy world. I often

More information

Lord Jesus! We Welcome You, A CHILDREN S GUIDE TO SEEK GOD FOR THE CITY 2018

Lord Jesus! We Welcome You, A CHILDREN S GUIDE TO SEEK GOD FOR THE CITY 2018 A CHILDREN S GUIDE TO SEEK GOD FOR THE CITY 2018 We are going to pray for other people in our towns and neighborhoods and schools for 40 days in a row. Many Christians all over the world are praying for

More information

1. Are You the King of the Jews? John 18:28-34

1. Are You the King of the Jews? John 18:28-34 Pilate s Questions 1. Are You the King of the Jews? John 18:28-34 Today is the first Sunday in Lent the season of sacrifice. The sacrifice of our Lord Jesus. Our own sacrifices as we serve Him. But it

More information

WORKSHOP: THE WELL -FOCUSED LEADER: LEADER S GUIDE

WORKSHOP: THE WELL -FOCUSED LEADER: LEADER S GUIDE WORKSHOP: THE WELL -FOCUSED LEADER: Leadership Lessons from the Woman at the Well by Kami Minor LEADER S GUIDE RELEVANCE: Many try to be a leader on their own power, but we can learn from the Woman at

More information

The Wilderness Test. Leader BIBLE STUDY. people.

The Wilderness Test. Leader BIBLE STUDY. people. Unit 4 Session 3 Use Week of: The Wilderness Test BIBLE PASSAGE: Exodus 15:22 17:7 MAIN POINT: God gave His people food and water. KEY PASSAGE: Hebrews 3:5-6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What is God s plan? God

More information

Paul Visits Ephesus Part 1 Lesson Aim: To know we can help the church.

Paul Visits Ephesus Part 1 Lesson Aim: To know we can help the church. Teacher s Guide: Adaptation for Children with Disabilities Prophets & Promises Part 1: Acts through Revelation Unit 4, Lesson 17 Paul Visits Ephesus Part 1 Lesson Aim: To know we can help the church. THE

More information

The Path Principle, Part 2: Looking Ahead

The Path Principle, Part 2: Looking Ahead The Path Principle, Part 2: Looking Ahead Review of The Principle of the Path Last week, Craig discussed Part 1 in our 4-part sermon series called The Path Principle. (By the way, to give credit where

More information

HOW CHRIST MEETS NEEDS

HOW CHRIST MEETS NEEDS Pastor Steven J. Cole Flagstaff Christian Fellowship 123 S. Beaver Street Flagstaff, Arizona 86001 www.fcfonline.org HOW CHRIST MEETS NEEDS John 6:1-15 By Steven J. Cole October 20, 2013 Steven J. Cole,

More information

BIBLE RADIO PRODUCTIONS INC.

BIBLE RADIO PRODUCTIONS INC. BIBLE RADIO PRODUCTIONS INC. www.bibleradio.org.au BIBLE ADVENTURES SCRIPT: A1981 ~ Jesus Walks on Water. Welcome to Bible Adventures. Help for today. Hope for tomorrow. Jesus is Lord of all. Today s Bible

More information

Genesis 1:26-31 October 14, 2018

Genesis 1:26-31 October 14, 2018 Genesis 1:26-31 October 14, 2018 Luke 9:57-10:12 Rev. David Pierce The Stewardship of Mission I went on my first overseas mission trip in 2008. Along with my wife, Moira, and 18 other individuals from

More information

God s Unfolding Story

God s Unfolding Story Bible Story: Daniel and the Lions (Daniel 6) Bible Phrase: God rescued Daniel from the power of the lions (Daniel 6:27). Bible Truth: God is our rescue and strength. Old Testament Unit 12: Prophets and

More information

Stepping Stones SEVEN STEPS WITH JESUS. Activity Booklet

Stepping Stones SEVEN STEPS WITH JESUS. Activity Booklet Stepping Stones for LENT: SEVEN STEPS WITH JESUS Activity Booklet Imagine crossing a wide river. You want to find the right way across. You want to step on the stones that will bring you safely to the

More information

What to do at a roadblock Acts 4:23-31

What to do at a roadblock Acts 4:23-31 1 What to do at a roadblock Acts 4:23-31 Intro How do you respond to setbacks in life? What do you do when you ve made plans, you re working towards something and then you hit a road block. It becomes

More information

Called By Name John 20:1-18 Easter (2011)

Called By Name John 20:1-18 Easter (2011) Called By Name John 20:1-18 Easter (2011) Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran

More information

Test of Generosity. Brenda Billingy

Test of Generosity. Brenda Billingy Test of Generosity Brenda Billingy Father in heaven, we want to thank You today for Your loving kindness, and we ask Your presence now as we look in Your Word. Teach us to be faithful. Teach us, God, how

More information

EZEKIEL THE DIARIES OF THE PROPHETS

EZEKIEL THE DIARIES OF THE PROPHETS THE DIARIES OF THE PROPHETS EZEKIEL For a long time I have been intrigued by the Old Testament prophets. Their determination to make known the messages God revealed to them. The unjust way in which they

More information

Oh, the Knee Bone Connected To

Oh, the Knee Bone Connected To Oh, the Knee Bone Connected To Ezekiel 37: 1-14 There once was an energetic young minister who took his preaching very seriously. There was a member of his church who did very little and seemed to care

More information

PENTECOST 26 (33) 18 November Connection

PENTECOST 26 (33) 18 November Connection PENTECOST 26 (33) 18 November 2018 Connection Introduction Disconnection (Hebrews 10.11-25) Grant Bullen When a relationship breaks down (marriage is the obvious example, but it also applies to a family

More information

Psalm 139:1-6 1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and

Psalm 139:1-6 1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and God Is Here Always Near Page 1 of 8 God Is Here: Always Near Psalm 139 Today is the first Sunday in the season of Advent. The word advent simply mean arrival; this is the season that leads up to the arrival

More information

I m going out on a limb this morning. I bet you re looking. for a good reason to give. You would love to have a motivation

I m going out on a limb this morning. I bet you re looking. for a good reason to give. You would love to have a motivation I m going out on a limb this morning. I bet you re looking for a good reason to give. You would love to have a motivation you couldn t argue with, a truth so compelling it would transform your heart. Generous

More information

Giving to Meet Needs 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Giving to Meet Needs 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 Giving to Meet Needs 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 Numerous Scriptures challenge us as followers of Christ to give financial/material help to others in need. This is especially true when we encounter other believers

More information

Receiving Your Inheritance First Steps of Obedience

Receiving Your Inheritance First Steps of Obedience Receiving Your Inheritance First Steps of Obedience 1. Did you know that you have an inheritance in Christ if you are a born again believer? Would you like to be able to appropriate your inheritance from

More information

Well, the rain came fast, not a downpour but rain non the less. My older brother Dick was doing something in the house, probably watching baseball,

Well, the rain came fast, not a downpour but rain non the less. My older brother Dick was doing something in the house, probably watching baseball, Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you for our very Salvation through your dear Son, bring us now we pray to humbleness of heart and a willingness to seek a close relationship with you than we ever

More information

The King's Commission Matthew 28

The King's Commission Matthew 28 Blake Jennings Grace Bible Church - Southwood The King's Commission Matthew 28 William Barclay said, There are two great days in a person's life - the day we are born and the day we discover why. Discover

More information

THE IDEAL CHURCH Nehemiah 1:1-7; 2:1-8 1 Corinthians 12:12-18; Preached by Dr. Cahill Babcock Presbyterian Church Sunday, January 31, 2016

THE IDEAL CHURCH Nehemiah 1:1-7; 2:1-8 1 Corinthians 12:12-18; Preached by Dr. Cahill Babcock Presbyterian Church Sunday, January 31, 2016 THE IDEAL CHURCH Nehemiah 1:1-7; 2:1-8 1 Corinthians 12:12-18; 27-31 Preached by Dr. Cahill Babcock Presbyterian Church Sunday, January 31, 2016 If you asked someone who is church shopping, What does your

More information

Dr. Mark Owen Fenstermacher THESE EYES: Stretching Things March 4, John 6:1-15. First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 936 Bloomington, IN 47402

Dr. Mark Owen Fenstermacher THESE EYES: Stretching Things March 4, John 6:1-15. First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 936 Bloomington, IN 47402 Dr. Mark Owen Fenstermacher THESE EYES: Stretching Things March 4, 2012 John 6:1-15 First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 936 Bloomington, IN 47402 Everyone has a favorite story. When I am around my brother,

More information

Small Group Curriculum Summer Celebration 2014

Small Group Curriculum Summer Celebration 2014 Small Group Curriculum Summer Celebration 2014 1 Dear Small Group Leader, Thank you for giving of your time and gifts to teach children this week. I know that your effort will bear much fruit in their

More information

HOW MUCH CAN GOD TRUST YOU? Luke 16:1-13 September 18, 2016 Jesus is not making a whole lot of sense in our gospel today, at least at first glance.

HOW MUCH CAN GOD TRUST YOU? Luke 16:1-13 September 18, 2016 Jesus is not making a whole lot of sense in our gospel today, at least at first glance. HOW MUCH CAN GOD TRUST YOU? Luke 16:1-13 September 18, 2016 Jesus is not making a whole lot of sense in our gospel today, at least at first glance. He tells the Parable of the Dishonest Manager, and people

More information

Solemnity of All Saints

Solemnity of All Saints Solemnity of All Saints November 1, 2017 Today is a Holyday of Obligation. We celebrate those who have gone before us in faith, whether those canonized as saints by the Church or our own deceased relatives

More information

Connect group questions Luke 1:39-56 Certain that God s eternal promises were being fulfilled

Connect group questions Luke 1:39-56 Certain that God s eternal promises were being fulfilled Connect group questions Luke 1:39-56 Certain that God s eternal promises were being fulfilled 1. The image of Mary can vary quite a lot from the original! What motivates those who have added on to the

More information

If You Can t Walk On It, Then Wade In the Water. I did not grow up around water; I grew up around soybean and corn fields. My

If You Can t Walk On It, Then Wade In the Water. I did not grow up around water; I grew up around soybean and corn fields. My Sermon: 8.10.08 If You Can t Walk On It, Then Wade In the Water Rev. J. Lynn James Matthew 14:22-33 I did not grow up around water; I grew up around soybean and corn fields. My first experience with water

More information

Remember the Difference Jesus Makes

Remember the Difference Jesus Makes June 5, 2016 Jude -25 Pastor Larry Adams Remember the Difference Jesus Makes Hi Everyone. My name is Larry Adams and I want to take a moment to thank you for reading this message. At Golden Hills we are

More information

I Am Who the Good Shepherd John 10:1-18

I Am Who the Good Shepherd John 10:1-18 March 10, 2013 Pastor Mark Toone Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church I Am Who the Good Shepherd John 10:1-18 [Pastor Mark walks out with lamb in his arms.] The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes

More information

Leaders: this is just for you! Read ahead of time to engage with the Bible story on an adult level and prepare your heart to teach on Sunday.

Leaders: this is just for you! Read ahead of time to engage with the Bible story on an adult level and prepare your heart to teach on Sunday. Leader DEVOTIONAL Leaders: this is just for you! Read ahead of time to engage with the Bible story on an adult level and prepare your heart to teach on Sunday. Leader BIBLE STUDY Jesus had just fed more

More information

Celtic Evening Prayer and Communion

Celtic Evening Prayer and Communion Celtic Evening Prayer and Communion Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 15 August 19, 2018, at Half-Past Five o clock in the Evening Welcome. We are aware that many who attend this service come from

More information

Growing Together in Grace. Purpose: To explore the gifts and challenges of working together toward a shared vision

Growing Together in Grace. Purpose: To explore the gifts and challenges of working together toward a shared vision June 22, 2014 Ephesians 4:1-7 Pastor Rosanna McFadden Creekside COB Growing Together in Grace Purpose: To explore the gifts and challenges of working together toward a shared vision Good morning! Last

More information

*All identifying information has been changed to protect client s privacy.

*All identifying information has been changed to protect client s privacy. Chapters of My Life By: Lena Soto Advice to my Readers: If this ever happens to you hopefully you won t feel guilty. All the pain you have inside, the people that are there will make sure to help you and

More information

Stewardship and Tithing Homily Revised 2007

Stewardship and Tithing Homily Revised 2007 Stewardship and Tithing Homily Revised 2007 I am speaking personally to you this year about stewardship and tithing. It is important that you understand my story and conversion as your Pastor to this way

More information

God, but also gives us help for today and hope for tomorrow.

God, but also gives us help for today and hope for tomorrow. Luke 24:1-12 The Story Don t Forget The Rest of The Story i 1 Rev. Brian North Easter: April 1 st, 2018 It s been said that you shouldn t begin a public address of any kind with a joke. But I came across

More information

Romans 15: August 14, Pastor Trent Casto. (239)

Romans 15: August 14, Pastor Trent Casto. (239) COVENANT PULPIT Your Wallets on the altar Romans 15:22-29 August 14, 2011 Pastor Trent Casto Covenant Church of Naples PCA 6926 Trail Boulevard, Naples, FL 34108 (239) 597-3464 www.covenantnaples.com It

More information

RENEW: Strength. Large Group Talk 3

RENEW: Strength. Large Group Talk 3 RENEW: Strength Large Group Talk 3 Objective: We live in a world that values strength and power above anything else. But Christfollowers are called to be different. God works through the humble and willing,

More information

We Live in God and God Lives in Us John 20: 1-18; 1 John 4: 7-17a

We Live in God and God Lives in Us John 20: 1-18; 1 John 4: 7-17a We Live in God and God Lives in Us John 20: 1-18; 1 John 4: 7-17a I originally did not have the Easter story down as our Scripture for this Sunday. I had the 1 John text that is still listed in everyone

More information

Precious in God s Sight: Answering the Call to Cherish and Protect Every Child. Isaiah 43: 1-7

Precious in God s Sight: Answering the Call to Cherish and Protect Every Child. Isaiah 43: 1-7 Precious in God s Sight: Answering the Call to Cherish and Protect Every Child Isaiah 43: 1-7 As I was sitting down to write this sermon, I was curious to see how many years Midway Christian Church has

More information

Living In The Overflow

Living In The Overflow Living In The Overflow Col 2:6 7 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein

More information

Seventh Sunday after Epiphany February 19, 2017 Haven Lutheran Church Readings: Psalm 130:3-6; Luke 7: Do You See This Woman?

Seventh Sunday after Epiphany February 19, 2017 Haven Lutheran Church Readings: Psalm 130:3-6; Luke 7: Do You See This Woman? Seventh Sunday after Epiphany February 19, 2017 Haven Lutheran Church Readings: Psalm 130:3-6; Luke 7:36-50 Do You See This Woman? The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Lord, help us hear your Word

More information

Feed My Sheep John 21:1-19

Feed My Sheep John 21:1-19 Feed My Sheep John 21:1-19 I m sure that those of you who hunt and fish can sympathize with the disciples. No matter how much you know, no matter how great your patience, there s always the big one that

More information

Tested and Tempted Part #1. Focus of Series: Today we will begin a 3 part series called Tested & Tempted.

Tested and Tempted Part #1. Focus of Series: Today we will begin a 3 part series called Tested & Tempted. Tested and Tempted Part #1 Focus of Series: Today we will begin a 3 part series called Tested & Tempted. In this series we will be looking at the biblical account of Jesus temptation in the wilderness

More information

File Name: A6R Animals are Smart Argument/Opinion Grade 6 Range of Writing

File Name: A6R Animals are Smart Argument/Opinion Grade 6 Range of Writing File Name: A6R Animals are Smart Argument/Opinion Grade 6 Range of Writing Animals are Smart Some people think that we are superior to animals but I think that animals are as smart as we are. Pets react

More information

election year, about politics. During the season of Advent, however, I would guess that another kind of

election year, about politics. During the season of Advent, however, I would guess that another kind of SERMON TITLE: Prepare the Way SERMON TEXT: Matthew 3:1-12 PREACHER: Rev. Kim James OCCASION: December 4, 2016, at First UMC INTRODUCTION If you did a study where you categorized and quantified people s

More information

LOKO village. brick place, the roofings place, the paint store... makes one appreciate Home Depot. Several trips to the

LOKO village. brick place, the roofings place, the paint store... makes one appreciate Home Depot. Several trips to the 2 0 1 2 P A R T I I LOKO village VILLAGERS FINALLY AGREE ON A LETTER AND GET ONE MORE YEAR! After a few meetings with Nile Ply they agree to donating wood and ceiling tiles to the rebuilding of the village.

More information

Diocese of Marquette Increased Offertory Program

Diocese of Marquette Increased Offertory Program Diocese of Marquette Increased Offertory Program Terri Gadzinski, Development Director Diocese of Marquette 1004 Harbor Hills Drive, Marquette, MI 49855 Phone: 906/227-9108 or 1/800/562-9745 ext. #108

More information

Paul Visits Ephesus Part 2 Lesson Aim: To know God wants us to tell others about Jesus.

Paul Visits Ephesus Part 2 Lesson Aim: To know God wants us to tell others about Jesus. Teacher s Guide: Adaptation for Children with Disabilities Prophets & Promises Part 1: Acts through Revelation Unit 4, Lesson 18 Paul Visits Ephesus Part 2 Lesson Aim: To know God wants us to tell others

More information

A Gift from Heaven. Author(s): Publisher(s): Published on Books on Islam and Muslims Al-Islam.org (https://www.al-islam.org) Home > A Gift from Heaven

A Gift from Heaven. Author(s): Publisher(s): Published on Books on Islam and Muslims Al-Islam.org (https://www.al-islam.org) Home > A Gift from Heaven Published on Books on Islam and Muslims Al-Islam.org (https://www.al-islam.org) Home > A Gift from Heaven A Gift from Heaven A Gift from Heaven, Based on the life of Imam Sajjad Author(s): Soroor Kotobi

More information

God-Breathed Genesis 2:7; 2 Timothy 3:14-17 October 8, 2017

God-Breathed Genesis 2:7; 2 Timothy 3:14-17 October 8, 2017 God-Breathed Genesis 2:7; 2 Timothy 3:14-17 October 8, 2017 Prayer: Stir in us now, Holy Spirit, a willingness to hear, the desire to know the truth and the courage to follow in joyful obedience, that

More information

Sermon Series Shattered Dreams The Pathway to Joy. Mark 16: 1-8 (9-20) February 21, 2016

Sermon Series Shattered Dreams The Pathway to Joy. Mark 16: 1-8 (9-20) February 21, 2016 Sermon Series Shattered Dreams The Pathway to Joy Sermon: And then Traci Hubbard Mark 16: 1-8 (9-20) February 21, 2016 Marina was extremely afraid of the dark. When the lights went out, everything and

More information

LOOKING BACK THEN MOVING FORWARD (02/19/17) Scripture Lessons: Joshua 3:1-4 Isaiah 40:27-31 Luke 9:57-62

LOOKING BACK THEN MOVING FORWARD (02/19/17) Scripture Lessons: Joshua 3:1-4 Isaiah 40:27-31 Luke 9:57-62 Scripture Lessons: Joshua 3:1-4 Isaiah 40:27-31 Luke 9:57-62 LOOKING BACK THEN MOVING FORWARD (02/19/17) Follow it [the ark of the covenant], so that you may know the way you should go, for you have not

More information

What Will Be The Legacy of Your Life? Revelation 14:13 I N T R O D U C T I O N

What Will Be The Legacy of Your Life? Revelation 14:13 I N T R O D U C T I O N Message for THE LORD S DAY EVENING, January 8, 2012 Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolina by Reggie A. Braziel, Minister What Will Be The Legacy of Your Life? Revelation 14:13 Please

More information

Meeting With Christ. THE PARABLE OF THE HIDDEN TREASURE (part one) Two views, two lessons. Eternal life in the kingdom.

Meeting With Christ. THE PARABLE OF THE HIDDEN TREASURE (part one) Two views, two lessons. Eternal life in the kingdom. Meeting With Christ Practical and Exegetical Studies on the Words of Jesus Christ Yves I-Bing Cheng, M.D., M.A. Based on sermons of Pasteur Eric Chang www.meetingwithchrist.com THE PARABLE OF THE HIDDEN

More information

The spiritual writer and former vicar of the Holy Island of. Lindisfarne, David Adam encourages us to practise the Presence. In

The spiritual writer and former vicar of the Holy Island of. Lindisfarne, David Adam encourages us to practise the Presence. In Sermon Sunday 7 May 2017 Lessons Acts 2: 42 47 1 Peter 2: 19 23 St John 10: 1-10 Prayer of Illumination Let us pray. Guide us our thoughts, O God. Lead us to a place of peace, a moment of sacred rest,

More information

A dinner Dec. 11 will raise funds to build Hawaii s first memorial to law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty

A dinner Dec. 11 will raise funds to build Hawaii s first memorial to law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty 1 of 4 5/16/2011 7:56 AM MIDWEEK > Coverstory A dinner Dec. 11 will raise funds to build Hawaii s first memorial to law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty Wednesday - December

More information

Forgiveness: The Divine Answer Lent 1 B (off-lectionary) Texts: Psalm 32:1-5 Preached: 2/22/15 Jeremiah 31:31-34

Forgiveness: The Divine Answer Lent 1 B (off-lectionary) Texts: Psalm 32:1-5 Preached: 2/22/15 Jeremiah 31:31-34 Forgiveness: The Divine Answer Lent 1 B (off-lectionary) Texts: Psalm 32:1-5 Preached: 2/22/15 Jeremiah 31:31-34 There are websites where people can anonymously post apologies, something like. I m sorry

More information

FREE RESOURCES FOR EVERYONE

FREE RESOURCES FOR EVERYONE CHANGE DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE Welcome to the Daily Devotional Guide for the CHANGE series at Nappanee Missionary Church! We hope this tool will help you dig deeper into God s Word and discover the changes

More information

Luke 12: "A Fool and His Money" about 10 years. He said that the one significant change that he saw each time that he went was

Luke 12: A Fool and His Money about 10 years. He said that the one significant change that he saw each time that he went was Luke 12:13-21 "A Fool and His Money" When Danny and I travelled through the Holy Land with a group from our Presbytery in 2009, we were led by a minister who had been to Israel and Jordan four times within

More information

SERMONS FROM THE HEIGHTS

SERMONS FROM THE HEIGHTS SERMONS FROM THE HEIGHTS by Randy L. Hyde, D. Min., APC Senior Pastor Pulaski Heights Baptist Church Little Rock, AR 72205 www.phbclr.com rhyde@phbclr.com November 7, 2010 SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED Haggai 1:15b-2:9;

More information

The Bread of Life John 6:22-40 Topical just back from Indonesia Sermon given on March 17, 2019 Sunday Morning Service Pastor Rick Lancaster

The Bread of Life John 6:22-40 Topical just back from Indonesia Sermon given on March 17, 2019 Sunday Morning Service Pastor Rick Lancaster The Bread of Life John 6:22-40 Topical just back from Indonesia Sermon given on March 17, 2019 Sunday Morning Service Pastor Rick Lancaster The Bread of Life John 6:22-40 Opening Comments Turn to John

More information

Have You Voiced the Choice?

Have You Voiced the Choice? Have You Voiced the Choice? KEY VERSE Genesis 6:22 STICKY STATEMENT Use your voice to give others a choice. LESSON OBJECTIVE Children will learn through Noah s example that caring for someone means sharing

More information

Attention Pastors! Are you a Shepherd or a Cowboy? By Chaplain Rod Davis

Attention Pastors! Are you a Shepherd or a Cowboy? By Chaplain Rod Davis Attention Pastors! Are you a Shepherd or a Cowboy? By Chaplain Rod Davis Take care of my sheep. Jesus Dear Pastor, I want to ask you a serious question. Indeed, I believe the Holy Spirit wants me to ask

More information

Satisfying the Hungers of the Heart

Satisfying the Hungers of the Heart Satisfying the Hungers of the Heart When All You ve Ever Wanted Isn t Enough: That s the title of a book Rabbi Harold Kushner wrote several years ago. You may know what the Rabbi was getting at. We work

More information

Main idea: We rely on God to provide everything we need to live.

Main idea: We rely on God to provide everything we need to live. Lord s Prayer Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread Main idea: We rely on God to provide everything we need to live. Message: Open in prayer We are now halfway through learning the Lord s Prayer! So far we

More information

The long grind of the season after Pentecost is coming to an end. The. exuberance and excitement experienced on the Day of Pentecost has

The long grind of the season after Pentecost is coming to an end. The. exuberance and excitement experienced on the Day of Pentecost has Sermon Draft Text: 1 Kings 17:8 16 Sermon: With God There s Always Enough The long grind of the season after Pentecost is coming to an end. The exuberance and excitement experienced on the Day of Pentecost

More information