"Believing: Why do bad thihgs happen to good People" Apr. 6, 2014

                                 SERMON ON 'BELIEVING"        April 6, 2014

Beth (age 12) and Ryan (age 9) are children of Lyn & Nigel, two friends of mine from my last parish.  Actually, Nigel was their step farther.  Beth & Ryan’s biological & legal father was Ari, a deeply disturbed man who turned out to be a monster. On evening, Avi attempted a double murder suicide of his children and himself. Tragically, the children had died by the time the police arrived; but somehow, they were able to save Avi.   Lyn and Nigel were two more victims of Avi’s evil, who remain brokenhearted until this day, 18 years after the murder of their children.

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do the good die young?  Why are innocent people slaughtered?  Why does cancer and other diseases destroy members of our families? Why do some people break our hearts, and don’t seem to care?

Well, this morning we are going to look at some of this—but I can tell you right now—None of what I am going to say this morning will make any sense to you unless you have an active relationship with Christ. To unbelievers, this will be utter nonsense.  But to seekers and believers, we can find some understanding from God’s word.

One reason the innocent are wounded and killed on our earth is because we all have something call free will.  You and I and all others throughout his make our own decisions to do good, or to do sin.  And what is sin?  Well, here is the definition we are using this morning.  Please repeat after me: SIN IS OUR DISOBEDIENCE OF GOD”S WILL.  Sin is our disobedience of God’s will,  The Bible tells us that God’s original plan for humanity was for us to live in peace and harmony, under His protection, as we obeyed his laws.  But humankind rejection God’s plan by disobeying his commandments, which would have assured peace and harmony. Too often, you and I and the world mostly choose to do what we want.  As we confessed just a moment ago, we do not love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds & bodies; and we do not love our neighbors as ourselves.   And it’s within this context of sinful disobedience that the evil one intervenes to inspire people to hurt, abuse, and to murder the innocent. Bad things happen to good people because sinful people choose to do evil.

 

But not only sinners hurt the innocent, but mother nature does likewise. God’s word tells that the physical world is NOT the way God panned it.  Contrary to what idealists may think, the physical world is capable of evil too.  God’s word tells us that the sin of humanity infected the natural world, making it dangerous. Therefore, innocent people are killed by landslides, such as the recent one in Washington State, killed by earth quakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and the like.  God’s word says that these natural disasters are the result of the sinful decay and corruption of our natural world.

 

So, what is God’s reaction to this?  Is he aloof, uncaring, or maybe even impotent?  He is a liar, because throughout the Bible declares over and over agins His compassion for us. God’s compassion for the suffering is best revealed by Jesus.  God chose to become mortal to demonstrate to the world that God cries when we cry; he suffers when we suffer.  Indeed, according to t the Bible , the compassion of God is far greater than what most of us ever experience.   Whenever Jesus encountered the sick or broken hearted people, the Bible tells us that His compassion was so deep—so strong—that He felt physical pain, right in his gut. This is what is happening in today’s Gospel reading.   Jesus looks into the future, where he sees the total destruction an annihilation of the City of Jerusalem, which occur at the hands of the Roma Empire some 35 years after the first Easter Sunday.  He is moved to tears, and he weeps not just about the pain He encountered in the present, but also about the pain and suffering and innocent bloodshed that evil would perpetuate in the future.

So, Jesus decided to take action—action which would turn the tide against the destruction of humanity and the natural world.  Jesus understood that because he was the Son of God, because He never sinned by choosing to disobey God or God’s commandment---that he was in the position to do something that no one else could do. He knew that he could offer his sinless life on the cross; He knew that by the shedding of his innocent blood, that He could break the power of sin and evil.  He knew that His father would not let him down.....that His father would then raise Him from the dead, so that he could offer amnesty to all who confessed their sins. And not only that, but that He would gather an army of forgiven sinners who, by their own free win, would stand up to the evil and to sin that hurts and kills the innocent.  And this army would have one weapon—the know that everyone who choose to believe in Jesus, would receive his amazing love, and be equipped to share that love with those victimized by evil.  And further, this army would do what he did: offer our lives to oppose evil, even at risking our own security, or comfort or in some cases, our lives.  And we do this in the knowledge that as more and more people choose God’s plan through Christ, that one day, the God’s peace and harmony will be fulfilled.

So, now we go back to our story.  The murderous Avi was convicted by the courts, and sentence to live without parole. However, shortly after he entered prion, he died under mysterious circumstances. Child abusers and murders never live long in prison. Avi received his justice, which all evil doers will receive in God’s own way, at his discretion.

Lyn and Nigel—they could have gone down the tubes; but they did not?  Why?  Because they were overwhelmingly supported not only by their parish church, but also by their friends and neighbors and especially by the Jewish community, who cried with them.  They clung to their faith in Christ, knowing that they felt like hell; but also continuing to believe that Jesus Christ would guide them through this valley of the shadow of death.  AS I sat with them for many days, I saw how touched they were by the kindness of God as expressed through other people:

For example, they were comforted by the medical examiner, which must have the worst job on earth.  This doctor had the best bedside manner that I had ever seen.

The Police Department provided around the clock protection at their home from the press and other spectators, who otherwise would have disrupted their grieving.

The county prosecutor worked tirelessly to bring the murder to justice.

The night after the murder, 75 of our parishioners spontaneously gathered for a prayer vigil to offer prayer for the suffering and mutual support for us all, for we suffered, too.  The children were part of our family.

Beth’s Youth Group ladder and Ryan’s Sunday School teacher worked tirelessly to comfort their young friends, who were shocked and traumatized.

                     

The churches “Sonshine Committee” brought meals to the family, night after night, week after week, and month after month.

There was a newspaper reporter, who snuck into the funeral—but she was so uplifted by the service, that she wrote a compassionate article, thereby downplaying the sensationalism o the day.

The support continued to roll in like a flood, and it upheld this couple during the worst times of their lives.

18 years later, Lyn and Nigel are in a new state with new friends and a new church. They partially filled the void in their lives by becoming foster parents.  Lyn is now working for the Police depart as a victim’s advocate. They have found assurance that Jesus has always been with them; and that they look forward to being reunited with their children, in the next life.  They openly acknowledge that all this happened because of their faith in Jesus Christ.

 Lyn & Nigel’s story is evidence for the truth that the amazing love of Christ, in us,  is stronger that suffering, tragedy, and death. He who died for us now walks with us, working to heal, restore, console, renew on a supernatural level, and through His followers, like you and me. Amen.

 

---The Rev. John Donnelly

JESUS IS HEAD OF THE CHURCH ,Part 2 "Living together in Christian Community"

JESUS IS HEAD OF THE CHURCH, Part 2

"Living in Christian Community"  By warden Renee Knapp

What does it mean to be the body of Christ and the head of that body?

The Bible clearly gives the symbolism of Christ as head of one body and the church as the body of Christ. “And He is the head of the body, the church….” (Col. 1:18)     “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27 NLT)  As the body, we, the church- the body of people whom Jesus saved and purchased with His blood, are to represent Christ in this world.  We are to be His hands and feet- reaching out to all, the churched and the un-churched. As Paul says, each of us here at Christ Church is a necessary part of the body.  There is no such thing as a small service to God. Likewise, every ministry at Christ Church matters- size does not equate to importance. We all need each other to function in harmony. We are Jesus’ body.  He does not want a sick body out of harmony.   But, if one part of the body is hurt or tired the entire body is affected.  When that happens, we must take Jesus’ lead, as head of the body, and work toward healing and reconciliation.

The concept of the church being the body of Christ is not difficult to understand.  But what about headship and being the head of that body?  Any organization or institution must have a head. The church is no different.  In the past 15 plus years, CCQF has had 3 or more part time priests, a couple of bishops and presiding bishops, and a couple archbishops.  All of the people in those positions change.  They are voted in or hired.  And when people change, opinions, ideologies, passions, and agendas change.   The nature of the universe is to change.  The nature of humans is change.  But a body cannot have a head that changes. And when we say head, what does that mean?  It  means governing, ruling authority.  When Jesus rose from the dead and God seated Him at God’s right hand, God gave Jesus supreme authority. “And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 1:22-13.)  That is what Jesus is at CCQF. Jesus is the ruling authority.

To get an understanding of what headship is, lets take a look at some of the functions of the head: 

1.      The head receives information from every member of the body.

2.      The head uses that information to make decisions that are in the best interest of the whole body, not just one member of it.

3.      The head initiates action for the members.

4.      The head gives ongoing direction and supervision.

Looking at the Biblical relationship with God being the head of Jesus (1Cor11:3) we find the perfect pattern for being under headship.  In John 5:19-20, Jesus said: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. ²⁰ For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.”  In Jesus’ entire ministry, he did not initiate anything.  He only did what the Father initiated.

As Jesus was under headship of the Father, we at Christ Church are under the headship of Jesus.  But what does that mean.  It should mean that Jesus receives input from the church, makes the decisions for the church, Jesus should be initiates the actions of the church, and Jesus should be giving ongoing guidance.

Sermon on “Living in Christian Community: Jesus is Head of the Church.”

                                             By Renee Knapp, Warden

So how are we doing at Christ Church?  The way to communicate with Jesus is through prayer and his Word.  I can tell you that Father John and many others spend many hours in prayer giving Jesus input from and about the church.  Prayer is used at vestry meetings to communicate individual needs and the needs of the church.  The decisions made affecting the church are made after thoughtful, sincere prayer.  It is our  desire that we are acting only on things Jesus initiates and not ourselves.  If we act on things He initiates, we are guaranteed a positive outcome.  “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philipians 1:6)  But God is not committed to finish or bless anything He didn’t start.  The other way to communicate with Jesus is through His Word.  As such, there is Bible study at every vestry meeting.   We absolutely must make sure we are following his teachings. 

            How can we live out Jesus as head of our church?

The first thing we do is preach and teach God’s Word.

The second thing is how we represent Jesus on earth.

In John 14:10 Jesus says, “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I say to you don’t come from me, but the Father lives in me and does his own work.” And in John 20:21 “Then Jesus said again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, I now send you.”  We should be able to say to anyone,” The words you hear us speak, Jesus gave them to us.  The works you see us do, that is Jesus living in us doing His work.  If you’ve seen us, you’ve seen Jesus. And we cannot do anything by ourselves.  It all comes from Christ.”

Therefore, the most important truth in church leadership is Jesus is the head of the church! Christ has always been and always will be the only head of the church.

I will leave you with this, from one of my favorite preachers:

“The Church of God, in a very special manner, calls Jesus "our Lord," for there is not, and there cannot be any head of the Church except the Lord Jesus Christ. It is awful blasphemy for any man on earth to call himself Christ's vicar and the head of the church, and it is a usurpation of the crown rights of King Jesus for any king or queen to be called the head of the church, for the true Church of Jesus Christ can have no head but Jesus Christ himself. I am thankful that there is no head to the church of which I am a member save Jesus Christ himself, nor dare I be a member of any church which would content to any headship but his.”  Charles Spurgeon

JESUS IS HEAD OF THE CHURCH, Part 1 "Unity in Christ"

JESUS IS HEAD OF THE CHURCH: Part 1

Unity in Christ

By the Rev. John Donnelly, DD,    Jan.  26, 2014

 

   Prior to the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday, God gave the disciples a vision—a vision of what God was going to do.  A vision of Jesus, the Man-God, becoming transformed into Jesus, the Heavenly God. The vision was confusing to them, and they did not really understand   its    full significance until Jesus rose from the dead, and later appeared to them.  But prior to that, it provided them guidance and encouragement as they followed Jesus to live out that vision as they fulfilled their God given destiny.

Most visions do not involve supernatural light, and God’s voice shouting from heaven.  But our God is a god of vision, who still leads us people to fulfill their destiny.  Would you please take out your blue bulletin insert, which is a copy of my report.  Looking at page 1, let us together read the definition of vision:

“A VISION is  a clear mental image of a preferable future imparted by God to his chosen servants [Sr. Pastor, elders] and is based upon an accurate understanding of God, self and circumstances.”

Now unlike the Vision that God imparted to the disciples in today’s Gospel, where that Vision happened suddenly and quickly with supernatural light, most of the time God imparts His visions to people  less dramatically, over a longer period of time.

As some of you know, two years ago today, this parish initially embraced God’s vision at the Annual Meeting of 2011.  On that occasion, the current parish membership voted to call a full time pastor to serve as Rector of CCQF. This action had spiritual significance: for  in taking this first step,  this church boldly affirmed that even though you did not know what would happened in the future, that you agreed to trust Jesus to lead you into that future.  

So, since this church had been faithful in following Jesus to step one, Jesus led you in moving to the second step, which was calling your new full time rector.

·         Three months after the 2010 Annual Mtg, when I came for my first interview here, I must admit that I did not have a clear vision for my own future.  After 20 blessed years in an active suburban church, I imagined that I might semi retire to a small, quiet, low key church.

·         Then I met your Vestry and Search Committee.  As they asked me questions and as we talked, I believe that God began to impart to us all a clear mental picture of a preferable future, based on an accurate understanding of God, self, and circumstances. Your lay leadership was honest about the conflict, poor stewardship, and other significant problems facing congregation.

·         But, together, we all began to discern that God wanted this church to be a place of light and love.   So, as we prayed and followed up with more phone calls and meetings in the Spring of 2011,  the Vestry and I began to discern the wideness of God’s vision for the future of Christ Church Quaker Farms—a new hope and  future, as the Bible says, with plans to prosper us, not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11).  Moving forward to June, 2012, the Vestry unanimously adopted a statement of Vision for CCQF.  Please turn to the cover of the bulletin, where you will see words that we just recited in the opening sentences.

Christ Church Quaker Farms:   SHINING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST'S LOVE
through our Church & into the World as a Kid & Family Friendly Church with
***Joyful Worship ***New Friendships

***Spiritual Growth ***Cheerful Giving & Service

      Now, how do you know if a vision statement is really from God, and not just human idea?  Well, the Bible says to test it.  Take it for a test drive.  And that is exactly what we have been doing.  And in the process, God has blessed us with growth--- spiritual growth (also known as discipleship), growth in worship, in new friendships (also known as fellowship), growth Kid & family ministries, and growth in cheerful giving and service.   These have all been the ways that we have shined the light of Christ’s love in and though this church, and into the world around us. As a result, God has blessed us with growth in membership, too.  Many of you here saw the light of Christ’s love shining through this church, and have now joined us to share the light of Christ.

·         Prior to my accepting the call to become your Rector, the average Sunday attendance was 30 to 40 people, as I have been told. Currently, our average Sunday attendance, excluding the summer, is around 110-120.

·         During this time the Youth Group grew from12 to 24 or more.  Our Sunday School has grown from 40 active registrations  in 2011, to 75 in the fall of 2012, and now up to nearly 100 now.  And, as you can see, most of them show up because they are loved here.   Now, I think that Jesus deserves a clap offering for that, don’t you?

Now, this growth has not occurred just because we have the desire in our hearts.  No, church growth that is lasting comes from transformation, just as Jesus was

transformed on the mountain, a church must be transformed to grow.  I want to conclude now by looking at the structural aspects of this. Would you please take out the white  bulletin insert, and open it up to the diagraham.  Now some of you have seen this before and you fully understand it.  But I dare say that most of us really are not clear on how Jesus, the head of our Church, is growing our church. 

THE FAMILY SIZED CHURCH IS A CHURCH WHICH HAS UP TO 50 MEMBERS. Notice, in this style family sized church, there are one or two chief lay leaders, and their families and immediate circle of friends. Everybody knows each other, and maybe related to each other. 

• The part time pastor runs the services, but he or she is not around enough during the week to raise up ministries and programs.
•  But most of the work and the ministry of the church is initiated, and often done, by the chief leaders and their families and close friends.  Now, can anybody identify who the 2 chief lay leaders were when our church was this size?   

1.      Michael Bawlick—Michael Bawlick received a call from the Lord to “build up my church—physically, by serving as Property Committee Chair for years and years, but also spiritually, as He has proclaimed the Gospel. So, Michael, in appreciation for your leadership in building this church, I would like to present you with the golden hammer award.

2.      Marilyn Stebar—She received a call from Jesus to “love my church, so that my people would love one another.  So Marilyn, in appreciation for all the love you have shared, I would like to present to you the ruby heart award.

 

•   Now this system works well for churches with 50 or fewer Sunday worshipers.  .  However, after 50, things begin to fall apart.  Studies have shown that churches of this size lose their ability to befriend and include new people, because the structure is too small.  Visitors and newcomers may leave, because they don’t feel part of the family.  The church may be friendly on Sunday morning, but visitors and newcomers and newcomers are primarily looking not for friendliness, but for new friendships. 

Now, let’s look and see what happens when a church and a full time pastor, empowered by a Vision from God, work together to grow the church—Here we see the Pastoral Sized Church:

1.      You see that the pastor has a more central role, because he is around more during the week to help inspire, coordinate, and support more ministries and programs.

2.        Around the pastor we have lay leaders, working together, to oversee and initiate a larger # of programs and ministries, where new comers and visitors can become involved.

·         Over the past two and a half years, we have seen the renewal and expansion of existing programs and ministries; and the number of new programs and ministries have grown and grown.

Now, we all know that human change can be hard, because it causes growing pains, as new leadership is raised up and new ministry structures are developed. However, transformation, inspired, envisioned, and empowered by God leads us, as God leads us from  glory to glory (Psalm 85:8-9, Isaiah 60:1-22, Daniel 7:26-27).

You all are a glorious people, important to God and important to me. However, today, I want to congratulate you all for stepping out in faith—helping us to discern God’s vision for a preferable future, that together, we would shine the radiant light of Christ’s love upon one another, and into our community. AMEN.

THE JUDGE JESUS SHOW--A One Act Liturgical Drama Nov. 3, 2014

THE JUDGE JESUS SHOW

--A One Act play by the Rev. John Donnelly-

Presented AT Christ Church Quaker Farms, November 3, 2014

Scene begins with the judge sitting in the Bishop’s chair, before the altar.  Plea-bargain Patti is in the lectern.  Mrs.  Good  is in prison clothes, sitting on a chair just in front of the altar rail, stage left.  Judge Jesus is seated in chair at the altar crossing, behind the altar rail.  Fr. John is standing on standing in the witness box.. J  Narrator begins reading from the pulpit.   

Narrator:  We welcome you today to another exciting episode of "The Judge Jesus Show", the reality show that makes you pay for your sins,  right in the courtroom of heaven.  Today, we are hearing a criminal case against one Mrs. Good. Mrs. Good suddenly died   just a short time ago.  When she  was met by St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, she  was arrested for gross violations of the HRS Code (the Heavenly Revenue Service Code),  for not being a cheerful and generous giver.  

Choir & People: BOO

Narrator: This trial is to determine if the defendant is guilty.  For the defense, Mrs. Good’s lawyer is Plea-bargain Patti, an angelic, sweet, and prodigious defense attorney. She just recently earned her wings. (

Choir & People: YEA!!!!!!

Narrator:   She’s brilliant, but has not had much experience.  The prosecutor  today is Sam Saytan, perhaps the best legal mind in the universe.  His spell binding rhetoric, his contempt for his opponents, and his down  right dirty tricks, have made him the most forceful of accusers.  Let’s hear it for Attorney Sam Saytan.

Choir& People:  Boo. 

Narrator: As our scene opens up today, Attorney Plea-bargain Patti  is cross-examining a character witness.

Plea-bargain Patti: So, Fr. John, is it your testimony that Mrs. Good  is a woman of good character? 

Fr. John: She has been a pillar of the church for years.  She also always volunteered to help out whenever needed.  In her  time, before she became old and cranky, she was one of the major leaders of Christ Church Quaker Farms.

Plea-bargain Patti: Would you say that she is an honest woman?

Fr. John: Most certainly.  She is honored and respected by our entire parish.

Plea-bargain Patti: Thank you, your honor.  No more questions.

Judge: Mr. Saytan, do you have questions?

Satan:  Yes, your honor.  Fr. John,  are you saying that Ms. Goodwoman  is honest, or does she just appear to be honest?

Fr. John:  I believe her to be one of the most honest people I have ever met.

Saytan:    Did she ever cheat the church in her finances? Was she negligent in paying her debts?

Fr. John:  Well, to the best of my knowledge, no.

Saytan:  Fr. John, if hard evidence could be produced to demonstrate that she cheated the church and knowingly did not pay her debts, would you still call her honest?

Fr. John: Well, yes,  if such evidence could be could be produced to demonstrate that she cheated the church and did not pay debts, then, No, I could not say that she was honest.

Saytan:    (Evil laugh) . Good is going to hang herself with her own words. No further questions, your honor.

Judge: The witness may step down. (Fr. John goes and sits in the front pew)

Plea-bargain:  Your honor, as our last witness, my client would like to make a statement to the court.

Judge: Mrs. Good, you may take the stand. (Mrs. Good stands up and walks over to the  lectern, where she stays until the end of the skit).

Plea-bargain: Well, Mrs. Good, what do you have to say for yourself?

Good: I want to thank the court for this opportunity to set things straight.  You see, my parents never gave me a sufficient allowance.  I always worked for jobs where I was under paid and over worked.   I slowly worked my way up the ladder in my profession.  Then, I finally made something of myself.  In thanksgiving, each Sunday k I would put all my  loose change  in the offering plate.  In addition, once or twice a year,  I even  donated  a dollar or two..  We all should do our part. (PAUSE, WITH FLIRTY SMILE,  BATTING EYES)

At church, I also took on the jobs nobody else wanted, like telling Fr. John that his sermons were too long, when no one else would.   I don’t understand how a nice girl  like me could end up in court.   (Big frown, rub eyes with hands.  Quiet sobs)

(LOUDLY) Plea-bargain  Patti:.  I am sure that everyone can see that you are a model Christian.  That will be all, your honor.

Judge: Okay, Mr. Saytan. Your witness.

Saytan:  Mrs. Good, I have hear a list of prayer requests that you submitted to heaven over the course of your lifetime.  These are things that you prayed to God for, and that he gave you.  Is it true that you applied for a new job in 2010, that you received one?  And that that resulted in a 50% salary increase, plus appropriate benefits?

Good: Why, yes, and I told God that I was grateful.

Saytan:   After God gave you your new job, with the salary increase. Did you increase your annual financial giving to God through the church? go up?

Good:  Well of course, I was grateful to God.

Saytan:    Your honor, I would like to submit to exhibit A.  In the year that Mrs. Good received a $40,000 raise, she contributed an additional $15 to the church.   (PAUSE)  Mrs. Good, (sarcasm)  your lavish display of gratitude is a model to us all.   Now tell the truth, Mrs. Good.  God’s word commands His people to give cheerfully and generously to the Lord. YOU, Mrs. Good take everything God gives you, and you give practically nothing back to Him. 

Good:   Well, I, ugh, tried…….  (Saytan interrupts).

Saytan:   Is it true that over your life time, you prayed for and received these gifts from God: a  home;  children; good health; financial security; comfort when you were in trouble; joy in your heart; protection from evil; lots and lots of daily bread; forgiveness of sin; protection for your loved ones;  a good church; a new boat; fantastic vacations; a fat IRA and pension; Isn’t it true that God gave you all these things?  Was God generous in his attitude to you?

Good: Well. Yes.  God has been very generous .   But, actually, I  owe God a debt of gratitude.

Saytan:  Okay, Ms. Goodwoman.  Tell the  truth. ( Anger tone)  You can’t hide from God.  Do you honestly believe that you showed your debt of gratitude to God by the measly pocket change that you  put in the offering plate?  Did you really put your heart into what you gave?

Good: (Pause) No. I guess I was too selfish.

Saytan:   Now that you are dead,  Ms. Goodwoman,  answer this question: As you look back, would you have been any less happy if you had been more generous to God?

Good:  No.  if I had been more generous to God, I would not have been so afraid of not having enough.  The Bible says, “Where your money is, your heart will be also.”  ” If I had shown God more love by giving more, I would have been happier.

Saytan:   If you had shown God that you are grateful, by being generous in your financial giving, as God had been generous to you, would that have changed the quality of your life style?

Good: (Silent pause, looking down.  Then look up to speak).  It would have.  My life would have been happier. My life would have been happier if I had given more…because it really is more blessed to give, than to receive. God.  If I had it to do all over again, I wish I had been more generous to God.

 Satan:   Let me be clear, Mrs. Good. Are you now ready to confess that in regard to the Heavenly Revenue Service Code (LOUDLY)  that you (SHORT PAUSE)  cheated ( SHORT PAUSE) God?

Goodwoman: I guess I did.

Saytan:  You cheated the Lord God, King of the Universe, who gave you life and happiness and the forgiveness of sin?

Good: Yes, I did.  I am sorry.

Saytan:   Your honor, the defendant has just confessed to the crime. She never tried to repay his debts, and cheated God.  She is guilty, guilty, guilty.

Judge:  (Strokes his beard)  In light of the evidence produced by the prosecution, and the confession of the defendant, I pronounce that you, Mrs. Good ,  are  (LOUDLY) GUILTY AS CHARGED.!!!!!!!!!

Satan:  (Evil laugh).  Oh boy, was that easy.  The dame  just hung herself with her own words. But I was able to squeeze it out of her.  Three cheers for me.  Let’s hear it for me.

Choir & People: (Booooooo)

Judge:  Mrs. Good,  you have been found guilty of the crime. Had you been more generous in your life, and …you would have had so many more blessings than you ever imagined possible.    However,  Justice demands that you now be known as a sinner. The normal punishment is death.

Saytan:  Yes, yes, yes, she’s mine, baby.  All mine.

Judge:  But, I choose to show mercy.  I died for your sins. So, I will put it to the jury.  To you, the people in our studio audience,   Mrs. Good confessed her sins.  Should she be forgiven and be set free?   All those in favor, please say “Aye?”

Choir & people: AYE.

Judge: The ayes have it. 

 Saytan: (Crying) No, no, no. I object, your honor.

Judge: Over ruled.  Case dismissed. (Judge hits gavel on altar  rail) As the Chief Justice of Heaven, I have ruled in favor of mercy.  There is power in my blood. My blood has set you free.

Mrs. Good:  Isn’t he fantastic?  He’s set me free?  Let’s all stand up and hear it for Jesus.

Choir& People:  YEA.  With applause.

[Characters come to the center stage , bow]

Narrator: Now, our skit has ended. Let us hear for all of our actors---

Choir & People: YEA.  With applause.

Narrator:  So friends, remember the Words of Jesus, who said, “Give and it will be given to you: extravagant gifts, over flowing, straight from the Hand  of God.”   This is His promise to us, the saints of God.    AMEN. AMEN.

ACTORS RETURN TO THEIR SEATS IN CONGREGATION.

WEEK 7 God's Word creates Community

                WEEK  # 7    “40 Days in the Word”

GOD’S WORD CREATES COMMUNITY                 By the Rev. John Donnelly

Today we complete the Sunday teachings on “40 Days in the Word.”  During the past month and a half, we have been growing to LEARN, LOVE, and  LIVE GOD’S WORD  like never before.

 We have seen how:

·         God’s Word can be the foundation for our lives;

·          how God’s Word can be a lantern to our feet;

·         and how we are called to be DOERS OF THE WORD.

In today’s first reading from the book of Acts (2:38-39, 41-47), we hear how Peter went out into the streets of Jerusalem to preach the Word of God. So many people were moved by the Word of God’s Love, that thousands of people sought to be baptized.  They came to form a community of people, which became the first Christian churches.  There were so many of them, that the Apostles broke them down into small fellowships, which met at peoples’ homes for prayers, worship, & fellowship.  In short, the first Christian church was composed of many different small groups.

·         ***There these people learned the Word.

·        *** There these people made new friendships in Christ.

·        *** There these people prayed for one another and cared for each other, according to their needs.

Now if you have been around Christ Church Quaker farms for any length of time—you will know that I am a big proponent of Christian small groups.   As a young man, my life was wonderfully changed by participating in Small groups, because there I learned that: Jesus loves me; that other people valued me: and there, I learned to give and receive love.  I grew from being a timid, lonely, agnostic to becoming confident, gregarious, & faithful.   Small Groups were such a wonderful experience that I arranged to become trained so that I could lead small groups.  This all happened before seminary, where for 5 summers I led 15 small groups, which thereby established my vision for the local Christian church.  THE REAL CHURCH IS MEANT TO BE A COMMUNITY WHERE PEOPLE GROW TO KNOW AND TO SHARE GOD’S LOVE WITH EQACH OTHER.

Well, that was 32 years ago. Recently I and several other small group leaders, from this program, were contacted by some of the participant alumni, who had graduated from these small group ministries.  They had attended these programs when they were teenagers and young adults.  But now, as adults in their 50’s, they called us to attend a reunion with them last weekend.

I COULD NOT BELIEVE WHAT I HEARD AND SAW.  All 20 -25 alumni participants spoke on how their lives had been changed in these small groups, so long ago.

·         One woman spoke on how her small group had helped her to overcome sexual abuse.

·         A man spoke of how He had learned that God truly loved him.

·         Another man said that his small group experience had empowered him to become a leader and later a small business owner, with responsibility for many employees.

·         Another woman spoke of how she had never had a loving community in which she could be honest about her feelings, and how her experience empowered her to love herself, and to love her husband & family.

·         And the stories went on and on, like that, for 2 hours.  I honestly had no idea what the people were going to say—and I was overcome with JOY that these small groups had had a life changing impact upon these 50-something people.

During the past 6 weeks at Christ Church Quaker Farms, 140 people 9ages 3 to 103) have been engaged in small groups and classes, learning God’s Word…and growing to understand that God’s Word is actively calling us all to share His love with one another.

We see this in the Bible, too.  Looking at John 1:1, we see that the WORD had a job to do.  What was that job? Looking at verse 3 (from John 1), we see that it was to make the world.  But then looking to verse 12 (John 1), we see that the crowning achievement was to create a community ..a community of believers. YOU are part of a Christian community being built up upon God’s Word.  Newcomers and visitors are being drawn to this community, which is built on the firm foundation of the Word of the Lord. And today, I want to celebrate how God’s Word has built up His people in our small groups during the past 40 days.

 This past week I undertook an informal survey of some folks from the 70 adults who attended small groups. Here is what they said that they appreciated about their groups:

·         " .......the sense of unity and fellowship. I also appreciated how others

helped me to understand God's Word." --Taffy Ritcher

·         ".......the sharing and felling comfortable enough to share myself." --Michele Macisco

·         ".......seeing newcomers to our group feel accepted & welcomed; and seeing everybody praying out

loud, together." --Marilyn Stebar

·         "On Sundays we can talk. But by coming to this group, I could interact on a more personal level. It

means a lot to me." ---John Peterson

·         ".....the fellowship. We got together & grew as we sat around the table and talked to each other,

getting to know each other" --Mike Evancho

·         "....getting to know people more, now that I know more people." ---Jordy Evancho

·         "...being reminded by God's Word not to be anxious. but to cast my cares upon Christ.

I turn to that every day. ---Jim Luviconi

·         "... This group was amazed by the presence if the Holy Spirit throughout our 6 weeks and how all things

came together, what a blessing. New friendships, bonding and trusting each other, as well as our honesty

with each other. "My heart was opened to The Lord”, “using scripture as a prayer.  We don't want to split

up". Again an amazing journey.—Molly Turchuk

So, we celebrate the reality that God’s Word is up building this community, which we call Christ Church Quaker Farms.    He is building it one friendship at a time..one prayer at a time…one insight at a time.  So, let us continue together on our  journey of faith so that we can continue to “Shine the Light of Christ’s Love through our church and into the world.”  AMEN.

Week 6: 40 DAYS IN THE WORD "Understanding the Meaning of the Text" by Rick Warren

 Sermon Notes: UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF A TEXT

By Rick Warren

John 15:1-7  Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no FRUIT, while every branch that does bear FRUIT he prunes so that it will be even more FRUITFUL. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear FRUIT by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear FRUIT unless you remain in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much FRUIT; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much FRUIT, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has LOVED me, so have I LOVED you. Now remain in my LOVE. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my LOVE, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his LOVE. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: LOVE each other as I You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear FRUIT- FRUIT that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: LOVE each other.”   

SOME MAJOR QUESTIONS TO UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF A TEXT

1.       OBSERVATION—           The first thing you do is to ask  what does it say?  What does the Bible say?  It’s just what is it obviously saying in this passage? 

2.      INTERPRETATION –Next,  you ask the question, what does it mean?  The Bible means what it means.  We’re going to talk about that more today. 

3.       CORRELATION-- That is where you ask, what does it say in other verses in the Bible that explain this verse?  Because the best Bible commentary is the Bible itself.  When you don’t understand a particular passage, you look at what other verses say to help you understand it.  That’s called correlation.

4.      APPLICATION-- That is, what am I going to do about it?  It isn’t a Bible study until you actually do something about it.  It’s not enough to just put thoughts in your mind; it must change your life. 

                             WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

 A.       BEARING FRUIT IS  PRODUCED BY ____________   ___     __________.

   B.      BEARING FRUIT WILL GIVE ME COMPLETE _____.

C.    REMAINING IN CHRIST PRODUCES ANSWERED _______

D.     I BEAR FRUIT BY ASKING IN _________.

MY PERSONAL APPLICATION

   This week I will pray for:  _______________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF A TEXT  

by  Rick Warren  (ABRIDGED)

Today’s sermon was written by Rick Warren, to use as a part of our “40 Days in the Word” series.   Today we are going to look at one of Rick Warren’s bible study method, which is rather foundational.  Rick Warrens says  that regardless of any type of bible study that we do--- you always come back to four main categories of questions, which are: Observation, Interpretation, Correlation, and Application. 

So, as a case study, today we are going to look at our New Testament reading from the Gospel of John.   Would you please take out your sermon notes, which we are now going to follow.  

1.    OBSERVATION—         The first thing you do is to ask  what does it say?  What does the Bible say?  It’s just what is it obviously saying in this passage? 

Now you can see from this passage, John 15, that the word “love” is used nine times and the word “fruit” is used nine times in seventeen verses.  Most of us would figure out, I think I know what love is.  But what is fruit?  If I’m called to be fruitful, if God expects me to bear fruit in my life, I’d better know what it means.  What is fruit? 

Well, it is clear that Jesus is using  the vine as an image/ as a metaphor.  So, to help us to better understand what He is saying, we can  make a correlation.   So, look at # 3 in the types of questions listed above: CORRELATION-- That is where you ask, what does it say in other verses in the Bible that explain this verse?  Because the best Bible commentary is the Bible itself.  That’s called correlation.

 Looking at today’s  First reading, we see that  fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, kindness, self control – those nine qualities.    So, these are all great things.  Most everybody would want them, right?  So,  how does that fruit get manifested or produced in my life?

Well, we now move to interpretation..  Point # 2 in your sermons notes: INTERPRETATION –you ask the question, what does it mean?   Most of the time, it is best to assume that the  Bible means what it means.   

2.      

In verse 4 it says this, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.” “Remain” means to stay, to continue, to abide, to connect, to last.  A branch that’s disconnected from the vine is not going to bear any fruit.  It’s got to stay connected or it won’t bear any fruit.  That’s all he’s saying.  Be connected to me and I’ll be connected to you. 

So let’s look at point   # A , please fill in the blank,

·       BEARING FRUIT IS PRODUCED BY REMAINING IN CHRIST.  (PAUSE)

What does that mean?  Fruit is an inside job.  You can’t just tack it on to your life and pretend like you’re bearing fruit.  That would be like taking a barren tree, with no leaves on it and tying apples to it and saying, I’ve got an apple tree.  No.  A lot of Christians try to do that.  They try to tie on good works to their life and say, see I’m bearing fruit.  The type of fruit that the Bible is talking about has  got to come from within.  He says the Holy Spirit flowing in you is going to bear fruit.  Fruit is produced by remaining in Christ. 

Next, verse 11 we get the third characteristic.  “I have told you this [Jesus says] so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”  Jesus tells us his motive for talking about bearing fruit.  It’s joy.  So, look at point B in your sermon notes, and write this down:

·       BEARING FRUIT WILL GIVE ME COMPLETE JOY. 

He says that.  “… so that your joy may be complete.”

BEARING FRUIT produced by REMAINING IN CHRIST, will give me great, COMPLETE JOY. Please repeat that after me:  BEARING FRUIT ----produced by REMAINING IN CHRIST---- will give me ----COMPLETE JOY.

Now I’m interested.  I want to live a joyful life of complete, complete, joy.

But there is more to it than that. Verse 7 in chapter 5 says this “If you remain in me and my words remain in you,  you may ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you!”  Now he’s talking about prayer.  So I fill in the blank for #C.

·       REMAINING IN CHRIST PRODUCES ANSWERED PRAYERS. 

That’s no stretch of that verse; that’s just what that verse says.  ‘If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you can ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you.’  So remaining in Christ, being connected to Christ, produces answered prayer.

Have you ever thought about the fact that prayer can do anything that God can do?  Prayer can do anything that God can do!  So why are you asking these little tiny prayers?  Why not ask him for big prayers?  Prayer can do anything that God can do.  Don’t expect a thousand dollar answer to a ten-cent prayer. 

You say, wait a minute !  I’ve asked for a lot of things I didn’t get.  Whatever you wish.  Let me just say this to you.  If God doesn’t give you what you ask for it will always be something better.  God will never give you something worse than you asked for.  “I didn’t get what I asked for!” God knew ahead something better in mind.  Maybe you don’t think it’s better.  But God knew it was better, and God is God and you’re not.  God will never give you something worse than you asked for.  He will only give you something better than you asked for.  And when you pray don’t ask God for what you think is good for you.  Say, God I want you to give me what you think is good for me, because you know what I need more than I do.

So, if we put this all together, we see that Jesus wants us to be devoted to the apostles’ teachings (which is God’s Word) and to prayer, so that connected to Jesus, we can bear the fruit of a good, joyful lives. So, the basic lesson is, please repeat after me, “I BEAR FRUIT--- BY ASKING IN PRAYER.”  So, fill in blank # D : I BEAR FRUIT BY ASKING IN PRAYER

However, here is the problem:   We treat prayer like a spare tire.  The spare tire is there when we have a flat.  When you have a flat and your life goes flat and you’re in trouble you pull out prayer.  In fact we say, all we can do now is pray!  Then people say, has it come to that?  Like it really must be bad if that’s all we can do is pray!  Prayer is the last resort.

 So, here is the application: Prayer  should be your first choice.  God does not want prayer to be your spare tire.  He wants it to be your steering wheel for your life.  It is where you get all the fruit in your life.  Much prayer, much fruit.  Little prayer, little fruit.  No prayer, no fruit.  If you are not praying you have no fruit in your life.  You’re just hanging apples on a barren tree.  It all comes through prayer.  That’s what Jesus is saying. 

The more I pray, the more fruit I’m going to have.  The more fruit I’m going to have the more prayer I’m going to give and the more fruit I’m going to have after that.    So, you have heard sermons about the value of prayer before.   The Message is the same.  But the problem comes with our application of the message.

Jesus said,  “Every one who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is a wise man.  But everybody who hears these words of mine and doesn’t do anything about it, they’re foolish.”  So, today,  the last thing I want you to do  is write out an application, a one sentence of what you are  going to pray about this week so that you  might bear fruit. 

Where do you need to bear fruit?  Maybe you need to bear fruit in your finances.  Maybe you need to bear a little fruit in your marriage.  Maybe you need to bear a little fruit in your heath, in your friendship, in your job, in your education.  I don’t know.

We are going to take a minute here, and let’s follow Rick Warren’s instructions . He invites you and me to write down one thing that you will pray about this week.    Please look at your sermon note, and write it down right there.   Each day this week, take a couple minutes to pray, and see if you do not bear fruit.  

After two minutes, read aloud this prayer;

Let us pray.  Lord God, your Word teaches us to pray, that we might receive good things from you.  This week, may we pray as you command, that we would receive what you promise, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN.

Our service now continues in your Red Prayer Book with the Apostle’s Creed, page 96.