Sermon 1-1-12 covenant service 2 kings 23:1-3
1 Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 2 He went up to the temple of the LORD with the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, the priests and the prophets—all the people from the least to the greatest. He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the LORD. 3 The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD—to follow the LORD and keep his commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.
What’s the scoop on Josiah
Grandpa and father were bad kings
Finds book of law.
Renews the covenant
[With heart and soul]
Covenant principles – vs what a friend we have in Jesus
Greater and lesser power
What each will do
Blessings and cursings
Methodists often start the year with - Wesley covenant service
Wesley says that the first service was held on Monday 11 August 1755, at the French church at Spitalfields in London, with 1800 people present.
He has been at this revival thing for 17 years…..
Wesley found the service rich and meaningful, as expressed in his Journal: "Many mourned before God, and many were comforted" (April 1756); "It was, as usual, a time of remarkable blessing" (October 1765); "It was an occasion for a variety of spiritual experiences ... I do not know that ever we had a greater blessing. Afterwards many desired to return thanks, either for a sense of pardon, for full salvation, or for a fresh manifestation of His graces, healing all their backslidings" (January 1, 1775).
In London these services were usually held on New Year's Day. Around the country the Covenant Service was conducted
whenever John Wesley visited the Methodist Societies.
To consider a covenant with God is to agree that we are
Not simply going to continue to do what we have been doing
Changing
Pursuing faithfulness
Showing posts with label 2 Kings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2 Kings. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Elijah 2 Kings 2:1-15 July 25, 2010
Sermon 7-25-10 Elijah qqqq
1 When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. 3 The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, "Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?" "Yes, I know," Elisha replied, "but do not speak of it." 4 Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here, Elisha; the LORD has sent me to Jericho." And he replied, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went to Jericho. 5 The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, "Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?" "Yes, I know," he replied, "but do not speak of it." 6 Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan." And he replied, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So the two of them walked on. 7 Fifty men of the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. 8 Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?" "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit," Elisha replied. 10 "You have asked a difficult thing," Elijah said, "yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise not." 11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!" And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them apart. 13 He picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 Then he took the cloak that had fallen from him and struck the water with it. "Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over. 15 The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, "The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha." And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.
Series-great people, great stories of the old testament
Elijah & Elisha
Elijah caught up to heaven in a whirlwind
The picture in the stained glass
The work of Elijah, the works of elisha
Omri king, ahab son. Jezebel priestess of baal. Cannanite god. Town of sidon. This defines elijah’s work
elijah
Fed by ravens
Fed by widow of zarefath
Raises widows son
Vs prophets of baal – 1 kings 18
Hides in cave
Wind, earthquake, fire still small voice
Departure in chariot of fire
Such a prolific figure that john the Baptist and jesus are compared to him
Elisha
Kills oxen, offers sacrifice
Follows the master
There was a large group of prophets who wandered around and talked about spiritual stuff, and there was one guy that is pursuing it
Slap the water of the Jordan
Does Jeff believe in miracles?
Three things to look at today
Why don’t you just stay where you are?
Elisha gets 3 chances to stay behind – to settle for the easy life, the comfortable life
The Call of Elisha 1 kings 19
19 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 20 Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. "Let me kiss my father and mother good-by," he said, "and then I will come with you."
"Go back," Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?"
21 So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant.
"Why not stay where you are?" stop following me.
what does Elisha answer: "I will never leave you!"
How do you answer that question
Are you happy wehre you are at?
Most men and women live lives of quiet desperation
We grow accustomed to doing and being
What if you wanted to become more
Read- flight of the buffalo
What would happen in a congregation if everyone was reading?
In a marriage, in a family, in a work place
Mentoring
Mentoring
Who are you mentoring – investing in?
Youth trip – mike Sickendick
Everyone can do this
What do you want from God?
The prayer for a double portion
What do you want your life to be about
Double portion and your inheritance
Elisha asked to "inherit a double-portion" of Elijah's spirit. This is indicative of the property inheritance customs of the time, where the oldest son received twice as much of the father's inheritance as the younger sons. For example, if a man had 3 sons, his property was divided into fourths. Each son received one-fourth, with the oldest receiving two-fourths (twice as much as the others). In this instance with Elijah, Elisha is not asking to become twice as powerful as Elijah, but that he may be seen as the "rightful heir" to the work of the Lord that Elijah had done.
Its more than that- he wanted a double portion of the spirit-
What are you asking god for
Its ok to ask god for the right things
Be careful what you ask for
2Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. James 4:2-3 KJV
2You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. NIV
Old testament. Joseph - I want more.
Genesis 30
22 Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb. 23 She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, "God has taken away my disgrace." 24 She named him Joseph, [h] and said, "May the LORD add to me another son."
Barren for years. Jacob works 7 years for Rachel. Then 7 more.
What are you asking God for?
Young people, make this the business of your life…..the pursuit of God
Conclusion
Are you satisfied with being who and what you are?
Who are you mentoring, who are you investing in
What are you asking God for?
1 When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. 3 The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, "Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?" "Yes, I know," Elisha replied, "but do not speak of it." 4 Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here, Elisha; the LORD has sent me to Jericho." And he replied, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went to Jericho. 5 The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, "Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?" "Yes, I know," he replied, "but do not speak of it." 6 Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan." And he replied, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So the two of them walked on. 7 Fifty men of the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. 8 Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?" "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit," Elisha replied. 10 "You have asked a difficult thing," Elijah said, "yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise not." 11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!" And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them apart. 13 He picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 Then he took the cloak that had fallen from him and struck the water with it. "Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over. 15 The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, "The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha." And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.
Series-great people, great stories of the old testament
Elijah & Elisha
Elijah caught up to heaven in a whirlwind
The picture in the stained glass
The work of Elijah, the works of elisha
Omri king, ahab son. Jezebel priestess of baal. Cannanite god. Town of sidon. This defines elijah’s work
elijah
Fed by ravens
Fed by widow of zarefath
Raises widows son
Vs prophets of baal – 1 kings 18
Hides in cave
Wind, earthquake, fire still small voice
Departure in chariot of fire
Such a prolific figure that john the Baptist and jesus are compared to him
Elisha
Kills oxen, offers sacrifice
Follows the master
There was a large group of prophets who wandered around and talked about spiritual stuff, and there was one guy that is pursuing it
Slap the water of the Jordan
Does Jeff believe in miracles?
Three things to look at today
Why don’t you just stay where you are?
Elisha gets 3 chances to stay behind – to settle for the easy life, the comfortable life
The Call of Elisha 1 kings 19
19 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 20 Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. "Let me kiss my father and mother good-by," he said, "and then I will come with you."
"Go back," Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?"
21 So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant.
"Why not stay where you are?" stop following me.
what does Elisha answer: "I will never leave you!"
How do you answer that question
Are you happy wehre you are at?
Most men and women live lives of quiet desperation
We grow accustomed to doing and being
What if you wanted to become more
Read- flight of the buffalo
What would happen in a congregation if everyone was reading?
In a marriage, in a family, in a work place
Mentoring
Mentoring
Who are you mentoring – investing in?
Youth trip – mike Sickendick
Everyone can do this
What do you want from God?
The prayer for a double portion
What do you want your life to be about
Double portion and your inheritance
Elisha asked to "inherit a double-portion" of Elijah's spirit. This is indicative of the property inheritance customs of the time, where the oldest son received twice as much of the father's inheritance as the younger sons. For example, if a man had 3 sons, his property was divided into fourths. Each son received one-fourth, with the oldest receiving two-fourths (twice as much as the others). In this instance with Elijah, Elisha is not asking to become twice as powerful as Elijah, but that he may be seen as the "rightful heir" to the work of the Lord that Elijah had done.
Its more than that- he wanted a double portion of the spirit-
What are you asking god for
Its ok to ask god for the right things
Be careful what you ask for
2Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. James 4:2-3 KJV
2You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. NIV
Old testament. Joseph - I want more.
Genesis 30
22 Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb. 23 She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, "God has taken away my disgrace." 24 She named him Joseph, [h] and said, "May the LORD add to me another son."
Barren for years. Jacob works 7 years for Rachel. Then 7 more.
What are you asking God for?
Young people, make this the business of your life…..the pursuit of God
Conclusion
Are you satisfied with being who and what you are?
Who are you mentoring, who are you investing in
What are you asking God for?
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Why I Am A United Methodist Part 3 2Kings10:15
Why I Am A United Methodsit, Part 3 2Kings10:15
Elijah the prophet, Jehu the king
Week one...John Wesley's heart was warmed. We still believe that God can touch, warm and change the heart by the power of the Holy Spirit
Week two...beliefs...
2Kings15:10
Elijah the prophet, jehu the king
If your heart is with me, give me your hand
catholic spirit - essentials, not periperals
we will focus on the essentials
we will not be divided by peripherals...
Preach politics, carve of 1/3 of folks
Jesus was a Democrat...if Republican He would have rode into Jerusalem on and elephant.\
Methodist slogan: open doors, open hearts, open minds
Who will you vote for, what are your feelings on abortion, what is your opinion of stem cell research...I am not concerned with such things.
I have an opinion, but I am not in the business of causing you to agree with me
There is only one thing we must agree on, Jesus Christ and him crucified
Is your heart as mine? Then give me your hand...
We can learn from people who are different from us
We are enriched when we love them and try to understand them
People are always more important than ideas.
who are you willing to give your hand to?
Wesley opened the church to the poor
This message was unwelcome in the church
He preached in the fields to coal miners as they can out after work
Who will you welcome into this church?
Is everyone welcome?
MLK
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
The good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all men human and , therefore brothers.
We must never see each other as white. black, Asian, we must look and see a child of God
You don't have to believe
Non-Christians are welcome
Will you welcome those who do not sing
I don't understand why people don't sing, something is wrong...
People that can only come 1 per month...welcome?
Pew renters vs time-share owners
Church competes for available time
Conservative vs liberal
Those with piercings
Fred Phelps? Jim Jones?
Boundaries...members can do something that staff cannot do.
Some behavior, staff must leave
Some behavior in congregation, under escort...stalker
Back to who is welcome...
You are welcome but we have no room for your children
What if we tried to reach the 20 somethings are they welcome? Would you put up with their music so that we might win them? Let our church grow old and die...we do not want to change.
What is we brought 100 new people into the church and their presence caused a disruption to your friendships...you you had to share your time, you had to split your Sunday School class...would they be welcome?
Who will sit at the banquent table?
Scriptures...
Luke 7 Jesus feet are washed by a prostitute
Luke 8 Gerasene demoniac-from across the sea...
Luke 10 Good Samaritan [a Samaritan and good]
John 4 Woman at the well
Acts 10 Peter's vision of clean and unclean
Jesus hung with tax collectors and sinners
He drove religious people crazy
The church, especially the large church is a paradign of Christian community.
Community is not longer about agreement
Biblical hospitality included
Welcome with a kiss
washing their feet
food and drink
A few weeks ago, I asked you to meet people that you did not know.
Today I ask you welcome them
Buy them a cup of coffee
Take them to lunch
See the good in them and give them a hand up
Dear Lord,
May everyone feel welcome at this church. May everyone feel that they are loved. May then sense the feeling of family. Lord, let no one ever worry about race, wealth or age. May everyone who walks in this door find Jesus. and may they find Jesus in how we treat them. Amen
Elijah the prophet, Jehu the king
Week one...John Wesley's heart was warmed. We still believe that God can touch, warm and change the heart by the power of the Holy Spirit
Week two...beliefs...
- the simple gospel, nothing is added
- respect and love for the scriptures
- grace based...focus not on a persons sin, but on God's ability to help them
- love is central, love is key, love is the mark of a Methodist
2Kings15:10
Elijah the prophet, jehu the king
If your heart is with me, give me your hand
catholic spirit - essentials, not periperals
we will focus on the essentials
we will not be divided by peripherals...
Preach politics, carve of 1/3 of folks
Jesus was a Democrat...if Republican He would have rode into Jerusalem on and elephant.\
Methodist slogan: open doors, open hearts, open minds
Who will you vote for, what are your feelings on abortion, what is your opinion of stem cell research...I am not concerned with such things.
I have an opinion, but I am not in the business of causing you to agree with me
There is only one thing we must agree on, Jesus Christ and him crucified
Is your heart as mine? Then give me your hand...
We can learn from people who are different from us
We are enriched when we love them and try to understand them
People are always more important than ideas.
who are you willing to give your hand to?
Wesley opened the church to the poor
This message was unwelcome in the church
He preached in the fields to coal miners as they can out after work
Who will you welcome into this church?
Is everyone welcome?
MLK
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
The good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all men human and , therefore brothers.
We must never see each other as white. black, Asian, we must look and see a child of God
You don't have to believe
Non-Christians are welcome
Will you welcome those who do not sing
I don't understand why people don't sing, something is wrong...
People that can only come 1 per month...welcome?
Pew renters vs time-share owners
Church competes for available time
Conservative vs liberal
Those with piercings
Fred Phelps? Jim Jones?
Boundaries...members can do something that staff cannot do.
Some behavior, staff must leave
Some behavior in congregation, under escort...stalker
Back to who is welcome...
You are welcome but we have no room for your children
What if we tried to reach the 20 somethings are they welcome? Would you put up with their music so that we might win them? Let our church grow old and die...we do not want to change.
What is we brought 100 new people into the church and their presence caused a disruption to your friendships...you you had to share your time, you had to split your Sunday School class...would they be welcome?
Who will sit at the banquent table?
Scriptures...
Luke 7 Jesus feet are washed by a prostitute
Luke 8 Gerasene demoniac-from across the sea...
Luke 10 Good Samaritan [a Samaritan and good]
John 4 Woman at the well
Acts 10 Peter's vision of clean and unclean
Jesus hung with tax collectors and sinners
He drove religious people crazy
The church, especially the large church is a paradign of Christian community.
Community is not longer about agreement
Biblical hospitality included
Welcome with a kiss
washing their feet
food and drink
A few weeks ago, I asked you to meet people that you did not know.
Today I ask you welcome them
Buy them a cup of coffee
Take them to lunch
See the good in them and give them a hand up
Dear Lord,
May everyone feel welcome at this church. May everyone feel that they are loved. May then sense the feeling of family. Lord, let no one ever worry about race, wealth or age. May everyone who walks in this door find Jesus. and may they find Jesus in how we treat them. Amen
Why I Am A United Methodist Jan. 27, 2008
Why I Am A United Methodist Part 3 2Kings10:15
Elijah the prophet, Jehu the king
Week one...John Wesley's heart was warmed. We still believe that God can touch, warm and change the heart by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Week 2...beliefs...
2Kings15:10
Elijah the prophet, jehu the king
If you heart is with me, give me your hand
catholic spirit-essentials, not peripherals
we will focus on the essentials
we will not be divided by the peripherals...
Preach politics, carve off 1/3 of folks
Jesus was a democrat...if republican He would have rode into Jerusalem on an elephant
Methodist slogan: Open doors, open hearts, open minds
Who will you vote for, what are your feelings on abortion, what is your opinion of stem cell research...I am not concerned with such thing.
I have an opinion, but I am not int he business of c
Elijah the prophet, Jehu the king
Week one...John Wesley's heart was warmed. We still believe that God can touch, warm and change the heart by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Week 2...beliefs...
- the simple gospel, nothing is added
- respect and love for the scriptures
- grace based...focus not on a persons sin, but on Gods ability to help them
- Love is central, love is key, love is the mark of a Methodist
2Kings15:10
Elijah the prophet, jehu the king
If you heart is with me, give me your hand
catholic spirit-essentials, not peripherals
we will focus on the essentials
we will not be divided by the peripherals...
Preach politics, carve off 1/3 of folks
Jesus was a democrat...if republican He would have rode into Jerusalem on an elephant
Methodist slogan: Open doors, open hearts, open minds
Who will you vote for, what are your feelings on abortion, what is your opinion of stem cell research...I am not concerned with such thing.
I have an opinion, but I am not int he business of c
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Why I am a United Methodist Part 3 2 Kings 15:10 Jan. 27, 2008
Why I am a United Methodist Part 3
Jan. 27, 2008
Elijah the prophet, Jehu the king
Week one....John Wesley's heart was warmed. we still believe that God can touch, warm and change the heart by the power of the Holy spirit
Week two.... beliefs..
1. the simple gospel, nothing is added
2. respect and love for the scriptures
3. grace based...focus not on a person's sin, but on God's ability to help them
4. love is central, love is key, love is the mark of a Methodist
Today, I am a United Methodist because Everyone is welcome
2 Kings 15:10
Elijah the prophet, Jehu the king
If you heart is with me, give me your hand
catholic spirit - essentials, not periferals
we will focus on the essentials
we will not be divided by peripherals....
Preach politics, carve of 1/3 of folks
Jesus was a democrat... if a Republican He would have rode into Jerusalem on an elephant
Methodist slogan: open doors, open hearts, open minds
Who will you vote for, what are your feelings on abortion, what is your opinion of stem cell research....I am not concerned with such things.
I have an opinion, but I am not in the business of causing you to agree with me
There is only one thing we must agree on, Jesus Christ and him crucified
Is your heart as mine? Then give me your hand....
We can learn from people who are different from us
We are enriched when we love them and try to understand them
People are always more important than ideas
Who are you willing to give your hand to?
Wesley opened the church to the poor
This message was unwelcome in the church
He preached in the fields to coal miners as they came out after work
Who will you welcome into this church?
Is everyone welcome?
MLK dream
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
The good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all men human and therefore, brothers.
We must never see each other as white, black, Asian, we must look and see a child of God
You don't have to believe
Non-Christians are welcome
Will you welcome those who do not sing
I don't understand why people don't sing, something is wrong....
People that can only come 1 time per month...welcome?
Pew renters vs. time-share owners
Church competes for available time.
Conservative vs. liberal
Those with piercings
Fred Phelps? Jim Jones?
Boundaries.... members can do something that staff cannot do.
Some behavior, staff must leave.
Some behavior in congregation, under escort.... stalker
Back to who is welcome.....
You are welcome but we have no room for your children
What if we tried to reach thee 20 somethings are they welcome? Would you put up w/ their music so that we might win them? Let our church grow old and die.... we do not want to change
What if we brought 100 new people into the church and their presence caused a disruption to you friendships.... you had to share your time, you had to split yous SS class....would they be welcome?
Who will sit at the banquet table
Scriptures.....
Lk 7 Jesus's feet are washed by a prostitute
Lk 8 gerasene demoniac-from across the sea....
Lk 10 Good Samaritan [a Samaritan and good}
Jn 4 Woman at the well
Acts 10 Peter's vision of clean and unclean
Jesus hung with tax collectors and sinners
He drove religious people crazy
The church exp the large church is a paradigm of Christian community
Community is no longer about agreement
Biblical hospitality included
Welcome with a kiss
Washing their feet
Food and drink
A few weeks ago, I asked you to meet people that you did not know
Today I was you to welcome them
Buy them a cup of coffee
Take them to lunch
See the good in them and give them a hand up
Dear Lord,
May everyone feel welcome at this church. May everyone feel that they are loved. May they sense the feeling of family. Lord, let no one ever worry about race, wealth or age. May everyone who walks in this door find Jesus. And may they find Jesus in how we treat them.
Amen
Jan. 27, 2008
Elijah the prophet, Jehu the king
Week one....John Wesley's heart was warmed. we still believe that God can touch, warm and change the heart by the power of the Holy spirit
Week two.... beliefs..
1. the simple gospel, nothing is added
2. respect and love for the scriptures
3. grace based...focus not on a person's sin, but on God's ability to help them
4. love is central, love is key, love is the mark of a Methodist
Today, I am a United Methodist because Everyone is welcome
2 Kings 15:10
Elijah the prophet, Jehu the king
If you heart is with me, give me your hand
catholic spirit - essentials, not periferals
we will focus on the essentials
we will not be divided by peripherals....
Preach politics, carve of 1/3 of folks
Jesus was a democrat... if a Republican He would have rode into Jerusalem on an elephant
Methodist slogan: open doors, open hearts, open minds
Who will you vote for, what are your feelings on abortion, what is your opinion of stem cell research....I am not concerned with such things.
I have an opinion, but I am not in the business of causing you to agree with me
There is only one thing we must agree on, Jesus Christ and him crucified
Is your heart as mine? Then give me your hand....
We can learn from people who are different from us
We are enriched when we love them and try to understand them
People are always more important than ideas
Who are you willing to give your hand to?
Wesley opened the church to the poor
This message was unwelcome in the church
He preached in the fields to coal miners as they came out after work
Who will you welcome into this church?
Is everyone welcome?
MLK dream
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
The good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all men human and therefore, brothers.
We must never see each other as white, black, Asian, we must look and see a child of God
You don't have to believe
Non-Christians are welcome
Will you welcome those who do not sing
I don't understand why people don't sing, something is wrong....
People that can only come 1 time per month...welcome?
Pew renters vs. time-share owners
Church competes for available time.
Conservative vs. liberal
Those with piercings
Fred Phelps? Jim Jones?
Boundaries.... members can do something that staff cannot do.
Some behavior, staff must leave.
Some behavior in congregation, under escort.... stalker
Back to who is welcome.....
You are welcome but we have no room for your children
What if we tried to reach thee 20 somethings are they welcome? Would you put up w/ their music so that we might win them? Let our church grow old and die.... we do not want to change
What if we brought 100 new people into the church and their presence caused a disruption to you friendships.... you had to share your time, you had to split yous SS class....would they be welcome?
Who will sit at the banquet table
Scriptures.....
Lk 7 Jesus's feet are washed by a prostitute
Lk 8 gerasene demoniac-from across the sea....
Lk 10 Good Samaritan [a Samaritan and good}
Jn 4 Woman at the well
Acts 10 Peter's vision of clean and unclean
Jesus hung with tax collectors and sinners
He drove religious people crazy
The church exp the large church is a paradigm of Christian community
Community is no longer about agreement
Biblical hospitality included
Welcome with a kiss
Washing their feet
Food and drink
A few weeks ago, I asked you to meet people that you did not know
Today I was you to welcome them
Buy them a cup of coffee
Take them to lunch
See the good in them and give them a hand up
Dear Lord,
May everyone feel welcome at this church. May everyone feel that they are loved. May they sense the feeling of family. Lord, let no one ever worry about race, wealth or age. May everyone who walks in this door find Jesus. And may they find Jesus in how we treat them.
Amen
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