Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost
Preaching
THE WESLEYAN PREACHING ANNUAL 2001--2002
WORSHIP HELPS
CALL TO WORSHIP
Narrator: Jesus sternly talks to the crowds who are following Him.
Jesus: Honestly, you are not looking for my truth or that you see God in my activities, but because you received free bread.
Person 1: What works are we to do that God desires?
Jesus: Become committed to the One Jehovah has sent you and you will fulfill His requirement.
Person 2: If you are the One, give us an example so that we may see and believe. If Moses gave manna to our ancestors, could you do more?
Jesus: The significance of that miracle of bread giving was not what Moses did, but what God did for your ancestors. Today God offers you Bread that lasts forever.
Narrator: Leaping at His offer they said,
Persons 1 & 2: Sir, give us this bread now.
Jesus: I am the Bread that lasts eternally. If you will eat from my loaf you will never again hunger. Will you believe me? (Based on John 6:24--35)
OFFERING THOUGHT
God, we are called to live out our Christian faith through what we say and do in our relationships. As we give today that is part of our active faith. Amen.
BENEDICTION
Take your church to the world!
SERMON BRIEFS
How's The Family?
Romans 14:1--13
Introduction
I know a family who has walked on eggshells for years in order to keep peace with a stepmother. She has been demanding and manipulative and was not beyond crying to others about some supposed mistreatment usually brought on because she did not receive what she wanted. Until recently, she was tolerated for the sake of the father. When her continued behavior contributed to the deteriorating health of the father, the stepmother was confronted. She cried, called names, dispensed guilt in an attempt to be in control again, but to no avail. She had gone too far. The confrontation should have been years before and now it was too late.
The church is also a family. We have different personalities, gifts, temperaments and backgrounds. If we are not careful we can become a dysfunctional family that people use as a negative example. That hurts the church and the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In an attempt to strengthen the church and keep it safe, Paul gives some principles for health in the church. Those principles can be found in Romans 14. Here are some instructions for a healthy church family.
I. Be tolerant of differences. (vv. 1--5)
Too often in the church family we are not tolerant of differences in lifestyle. We feel those who are different are suspect or they damage the church's image. Paul says we are to be tolerant of these differences. Several years ago, I was guilty of being intolerant of a brother in Christ. Don had a conviction about not buying on Sunday and I did not. Instead of just loving Don and being tolerant, I had to make a point. I said, "Why don't you and Lila come over tonight? I'll stop and get some donuts." He just replied that they wouldn't be eating any. My response was intolerant. He had a conviction and I had no business trying to impose my freedom on him. The good news is that Don ended up being a good friend of mine. Thank goodness for grace.
Unfortunately, individuals are not the only ones to be intolerant and try to impose their beliefs in lifestyle on others. Churches have been very good at it. It happened to my father and mother. During World War II my parents were new Christians. A new pastor came to their church and began to preach against wedding bands. My father had not had a wedding ring when they were married but encountered a lot of female attention in the factory because he did not have a ring on. Finally, he decided to get a ring so others would know he was married. It had nothing to do with him wanting to wear jewelry but everything to do with sending a positive statement of his commitment to my mother. The result was my father's Sunday school class was taken from him. He was removed from the church board. He was publicly humiliated in front of the congregation. Why? The church had made a spiritual issue out of a non--essential lifestyle issue.
Paul is saying that we need to realize that we are not to judge one another in these areas because we are accountable only to God. When we are intolerant in these lifestyle issues where the Bible does not clearly speak, we are damaging the kingdom because the Word says it is our love that should distinguish us.
If we want our family to be healthy, we need to be tolerant. Paul does stop there but goes on in verses 6--9 to give us another principle for healthy church families.
II. Live under the lordship of Jesus. (vv. 6--9)
Paul is saying that whatever we do for Jesus - whether it be keeping a special religious day, or abstaining from certain foods or eating them - we give thanks to Him who provided it. In fact, we live life for Him.
Verses 8--9 sum it up well. He is Lord of all. We belong to Him and He wants to be our Lord. If we live under His Lordship we are safe in all we do and the kingdom will prosper!
Healthy churches are produced when we are tolerant of each other and we live under the Lordship of Jesus. Paul gives us the principle in verses 10--13.
III. Refuse to criticize. (vv. 10--13)
Criticism is so hurtful. Unfortunately, it sometimes is more pronounced and vicious in the church than the world. Our Savior must be terribly grieved by our actions at times.
Whenever anyone says they want to tell you something in love, my advice is to put on the protective gear. In the pastorate I have experienced my share of criticism. I can tell you it hurts and usually has nothing to with anything but personal preference. It is often couched in religious terms but its spirit is filled with acid and hate. Its intent is not to help but to "dress down" or get what they want. May God help us as we try to function victoriously in this world.
Criticism is destructive and has no place in the family. We need to find ways to encourage, lift up, affirm and support the family.
Conclusion
For the sake of Jesus Christ the church family needs to be healthy. Paul says it can happen if we will commit to be tolerant, live under the Lordship of Jesus and refuse to criticize.
Will you?
Brian B. Delbridge
Forgiveness For The Future
Matthew 18:21--35
Two elderly unmarried sisters lived together throughout all their adult lives. A sharp disagreement arose over an insignificant issue between them shortly after the one moved in with her sister. They refused to speak to one another even though they continued living in their shared home. Uninterrupted by the spat they continued using the same house and the same rooms, used the same appliances, ate at the same table and slept in the same bedroom - all without a word. They painted a white line down the middle of each room, on the table, over the doorways, and even divided the fireplace! Neither would trespass on the other's territory. Nor would either willingly take the first long stride toward forgiveness or forgetting their foolish disagreement. These hard--hearted sisters coexisted in this predicament for years in deafening silence! (Leslie B. Flynn, Great Church Fights).
Christ relates a similar story 2,000 years before. A servant owed his master millions of dollars and didn't have the funds to pay him back. Jesus says that the servant begged on his knees that the master have mercy on him and forgive his huge debt. Unlike the sisters in Flynn's story, the master forgave the debt. Later in the Biblical parable that same servant catches a peer and treats him with no forgiveness and no mercy. The bottom line of the parable Jesus relates is today's topic - forgiveness.
I. Forgiveness includes regret for sin but hope for the future.
The forgiven servant was not sorry for his debt in his heart. There was no sincere regret, only relief from getting out from under the load of the debt and punishment. Often people look at God's offer of salvation as an insurance policy for getting out of the debt of sin and punishment of hell. They don't regret that they have sinned - offended God. They just don't want to be sent to Hell. That is their salvation philosophy.
That philosophy translates into justifying one's actions as acceptable. Lying is acceptable, if one can only graduate. Stealing is acceptable, if no one misses it. Sexual immorality is acceptable - after all, everybody else is doing it. Abortion is acceptable: "It is my body." Hatred is acceptable: "They hurt me - badly." The list of sins is so long. Yet, God sent His Son to forgive those who genuinely repent, who are sincerely sorry for their sin. Jesus is more than an insurance policy for eternity - He is life now as well as forever.
II. Forgiveness includes security for the future.
After the servant walked out of the master's presence, his future seemed secure. But he blew his security by his own unforgiving behavior. Matthew 18:34 is a frightening commentary on one's action and its effect upon future security: "In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed" (NIV). We can have a secure future if we keep close to Jesus. Richard Lee used Peppermint Patty's questioning of good old Charlie Brown to define security.
Charlie Brown said, "Security? Security is sleeping in the back seat of the car. When you're a little kid, and you've been somewhere with your mom and dad, and it's night, and you're riding home in the car, you can sleep in the back seat. You don't have to worry about anything. Your mom and dad are in the front seat, and do all the worrying. They take care of everything."
Lee comments, "Charlie Brown knew he was secure because of who his parents were. His comfort and peace were tied to the character and performance of that couple in the front seat ... and so it is with us. Our security is tied to who the Person of God is. If He is not trustworthy, all is lost; the backseat becomes a place of fear and dread, not a haven and a refuge."1
Security for your future rests in God. What better place is there?
III. Forgiveness includes opportunity for the future.
The servant had an opportunity given him by the master to grab the future and to make something better of his life. He dropped the ball when he could have scored a touchdown. He was given a second chance.
The late Erma Bombeck wrote, "If I had my life to live over again, I would have waxed less and listened more. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy and complaining about the shadows over my feet, I'd have cherished every minute of it and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was my only chance in life to assist God in a miracle ... I would have cried and laughed less while watching television ... and more while watching life ... There would have been more I love you's ... more I'm sorry's ... more I'm listening ... but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute of it ... and never give that minute back until there was nothing left of it."2
Let God forgive you and reach out every moment for the opportunity God gives for you to live now and in the future.
Derl G. Keefer
____________
1. Richard Lee, Windows of Hope (Sisters, Oregon: Multnomah, 1992), pp. 91--92.
2. Charles Swindoll, Day by Day (Nashville: Word Publishing, 2000), p. 192.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Narrator: Jesus sternly talks to the crowds who are following Him.
Jesus: Honestly, you are not looking for my truth or that you see God in my activities, but because you received free bread.
Person 1: What works are we to do that God desires?
Jesus: Become committed to the One Jehovah has sent you and you will fulfill His requirement.
Person 2: If you are the One, give us an example so that we may see and believe. If Moses gave manna to our ancestors, could you do more?
Jesus: The significance of that miracle of bread giving was not what Moses did, but what God did for your ancestors. Today God offers you Bread that lasts forever.
Narrator: Leaping at His offer they said,
Persons 1 & 2: Sir, give us this bread now.
Jesus: I am the Bread that lasts eternally. If you will eat from my loaf you will never again hunger. Will you believe me? (Based on John 6:24--35)
OFFERING THOUGHT
God, we are called to live out our Christian faith through what we say and do in our relationships. As we give today that is part of our active faith. Amen.
BENEDICTION
Take your church to the world!
SERMON BRIEFS
How's The Family?
Romans 14:1--13
Introduction
I know a family who has walked on eggshells for years in order to keep peace with a stepmother. She has been demanding and manipulative and was not beyond crying to others about some supposed mistreatment usually brought on because she did not receive what she wanted. Until recently, she was tolerated for the sake of the father. When her continued behavior contributed to the deteriorating health of the father, the stepmother was confronted. She cried, called names, dispensed guilt in an attempt to be in control again, but to no avail. She had gone too far. The confrontation should have been years before and now it was too late.
The church is also a family. We have different personalities, gifts, temperaments and backgrounds. If we are not careful we can become a dysfunctional family that people use as a negative example. That hurts the church and the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In an attempt to strengthen the church and keep it safe, Paul gives some principles for health in the church. Those principles can be found in Romans 14. Here are some instructions for a healthy church family.
I. Be tolerant of differences. (vv. 1--5)
Too often in the church family we are not tolerant of differences in lifestyle. We feel those who are different are suspect or they damage the church's image. Paul says we are to be tolerant of these differences. Several years ago, I was guilty of being intolerant of a brother in Christ. Don had a conviction about not buying on Sunday and I did not. Instead of just loving Don and being tolerant, I had to make a point. I said, "Why don't you and Lila come over tonight? I'll stop and get some donuts." He just replied that they wouldn't be eating any. My response was intolerant. He had a conviction and I had no business trying to impose my freedom on him. The good news is that Don ended up being a good friend of mine. Thank goodness for grace.
Unfortunately, individuals are not the only ones to be intolerant and try to impose their beliefs in lifestyle on others. Churches have been very good at it. It happened to my father and mother. During World War II my parents were new Christians. A new pastor came to their church and began to preach against wedding bands. My father had not had a wedding ring when they were married but encountered a lot of female attention in the factory because he did not have a ring on. Finally, he decided to get a ring so others would know he was married. It had nothing to do with him wanting to wear jewelry but everything to do with sending a positive statement of his commitment to my mother. The result was my father's Sunday school class was taken from him. He was removed from the church board. He was publicly humiliated in front of the congregation. Why? The church had made a spiritual issue out of a non--essential lifestyle issue.
Paul is saying that we need to realize that we are not to judge one another in these areas because we are accountable only to God. When we are intolerant in these lifestyle issues where the Bible does not clearly speak, we are damaging the kingdom because the Word says it is our love that should distinguish us.
If we want our family to be healthy, we need to be tolerant. Paul does stop there but goes on in verses 6--9 to give us another principle for healthy church families.
II. Live under the lordship of Jesus. (vv. 6--9)
Paul is saying that whatever we do for Jesus - whether it be keeping a special religious day, or abstaining from certain foods or eating them - we give thanks to Him who provided it. In fact, we live life for Him.
Verses 8--9 sum it up well. He is Lord of all. We belong to Him and He wants to be our Lord. If we live under His Lordship we are safe in all we do and the kingdom will prosper!
Healthy churches are produced when we are tolerant of each other and we live under the Lordship of Jesus. Paul gives us the principle in verses 10--13.
III. Refuse to criticize. (vv. 10--13)
Criticism is so hurtful. Unfortunately, it sometimes is more pronounced and vicious in the church than the world. Our Savior must be terribly grieved by our actions at times.
Whenever anyone says they want to tell you something in love, my advice is to put on the protective gear. In the pastorate I have experienced my share of criticism. I can tell you it hurts and usually has nothing to with anything but personal preference. It is often couched in religious terms but its spirit is filled with acid and hate. Its intent is not to help but to "dress down" or get what they want. May God help us as we try to function victoriously in this world.
Criticism is destructive and has no place in the family. We need to find ways to encourage, lift up, affirm and support the family.
Conclusion
For the sake of Jesus Christ the church family needs to be healthy. Paul says it can happen if we will commit to be tolerant, live under the Lordship of Jesus and refuse to criticize.
Will you?
Brian B. Delbridge
Forgiveness For The Future
Matthew 18:21--35
Two elderly unmarried sisters lived together throughout all their adult lives. A sharp disagreement arose over an insignificant issue between them shortly after the one moved in with her sister. They refused to speak to one another even though they continued living in their shared home. Uninterrupted by the spat they continued using the same house and the same rooms, used the same appliances, ate at the same table and slept in the same bedroom - all without a word. They painted a white line down the middle of each room, on the table, over the doorways, and even divided the fireplace! Neither would trespass on the other's territory. Nor would either willingly take the first long stride toward forgiveness or forgetting their foolish disagreement. These hard--hearted sisters coexisted in this predicament for years in deafening silence! (Leslie B. Flynn, Great Church Fights).
Christ relates a similar story 2,000 years before. A servant owed his master millions of dollars and didn't have the funds to pay him back. Jesus says that the servant begged on his knees that the master have mercy on him and forgive his huge debt. Unlike the sisters in Flynn's story, the master forgave the debt. Later in the Biblical parable that same servant catches a peer and treats him with no forgiveness and no mercy. The bottom line of the parable Jesus relates is today's topic - forgiveness.
I. Forgiveness includes regret for sin but hope for the future.
The forgiven servant was not sorry for his debt in his heart. There was no sincere regret, only relief from getting out from under the load of the debt and punishment. Often people look at God's offer of salvation as an insurance policy for getting out of the debt of sin and punishment of hell. They don't regret that they have sinned - offended God. They just don't want to be sent to Hell. That is their salvation philosophy.
That philosophy translates into justifying one's actions as acceptable. Lying is acceptable, if one can only graduate. Stealing is acceptable, if no one misses it. Sexual immorality is acceptable - after all, everybody else is doing it. Abortion is acceptable: "It is my body." Hatred is acceptable: "They hurt me - badly." The list of sins is so long. Yet, God sent His Son to forgive those who genuinely repent, who are sincerely sorry for their sin. Jesus is more than an insurance policy for eternity - He is life now as well as forever.
II. Forgiveness includes security for the future.
After the servant walked out of the master's presence, his future seemed secure. But he blew his security by his own unforgiving behavior. Matthew 18:34 is a frightening commentary on one's action and its effect upon future security: "In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed" (NIV). We can have a secure future if we keep close to Jesus. Richard Lee used Peppermint Patty's questioning of good old Charlie Brown to define security.
Charlie Brown said, "Security? Security is sleeping in the back seat of the car. When you're a little kid, and you've been somewhere with your mom and dad, and it's night, and you're riding home in the car, you can sleep in the back seat. You don't have to worry about anything. Your mom and dad are in the front seat, and do all the worrying. They take care of everything."
Lee comments, "Charlie Brown knew he was secure because of who his parents were. His comfort and peace were tied to the character and performance of that couple in the front seat ... and so it is with us. Our security is tied to who the Person of God is. If He is not trustworthy, all is lost; the backseat becomes a place of fear and dread, not a haven and a refuge."1
Security for your future rests in God. What better place is there?
III. Forgiveness includes opportunity for the future.
The servant had an opportunity given him by the master to grab the future and to make something better of his life. He dropped the ball when he could have scored a touchdown. He was given a second chance.
The late Erma Bombeck wrote, "If I had my life to live over again, I would have waxed less and listened more. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy and complaining about the shadows over my feet, I'd have cherished every minute of it and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was my only chance in life to assist God in a miracle ... I would have cried and laughed less while watching television ... and more while watching life ... There would have been more I love you's ... more I'm sorry's ... more I'm listening ... but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute of it ... and never give that minute back until there was nothing left of it."2
Let God forgive you and reach out every moment for the opportunity God gives for you to live now and in the future.
Derl G. Keefer
____________
1. Richard Lee, Windows of Hope (Sisters, Oregon: Multnomah, 1992), pp. 91--92.
2. Charles Swindoll, Day by Day (Nashville: Word Publishing, 2000), p. 192.
