1 Corinthians 15:12-20, John 21:1-19

1 Corinthians 15:12-20

John 21:1-19

Easter Means You Are Forgiven

April 22, 2007

Part 3 of 2007 Easter series on Easter Means …

The Lord has risen!

Alleluia! He has risen indeed!

Have you noticed the sign in front of the Church?

Come In And Discover The Secret To New Life

it proclaims.

Come In And Discover The Secret To New Life

Come in.

Discover.

New life.

The Lord has risen!

Alleluia! He has risen indeed!

That’s the message of Easter.

New life.

The amazing message of Easter is a message that life can be filled with hope – you can be forgiven – you can have a life of joy — especially when it is least expected.

Easter means you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life – especially when it seems that forgiveness is impossible – life is hopeless – and a new life is only a dream.

Come In And Discover The Secret To New Life

But – sometimes it’s hard to believe that the message of Easter – the new life – the hope – the joy – the forgiveness – that Easter promises us – can be true.

There are times in our lives when it’s hard for us to believe the in the hope – the forgiveness – the joy – the new life Easter offers us.

There are times in our lives when it’s hard for us to believe that – because of the event of Easter — God is up to doing something that is new and marvelous in our lives.

There are times in our lives when it’s hard for us to believe that – because of the event of Easter — God is changing us — and our world — by the resurrection of Christ.

There are times in our lives when it’s hard for us to believe that – because of the event of Easter — our lives — our world — can be changed — they can be made new.

There are times in our lives when it’s hard for us to believe the message of Easter – the message of hope – the message of forgiveness – the message of joy — especially when these things are least expected.

There may be times in our lives when it’s hard for us to believe that Easter means you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life – especially when it seems that forgiveness is impossible – life is hopeless – and a new life is only a dream.

Life can hit you hard sometimes.

Circumstances beyond your control can seemingly take away any hope for a new life of joy – hope – and forgiveness.

Sometimes you might do things that hurt yourself – or someone else – or you and someone else — so badly that afterwards you might wonder if God can ever forgive you – or if you can ever forgive yourself – or if other people can ever forgive you.

But – here’s the truth –

In the midst of your pain – in the midst of your feeling that joy –hope – and forgiveness will never again be realities for you – in the midst of the feeling that you will never again experience anything new in your life –

 

Or – I think that it would be better to say:

In spite of your pain –

in spite of your feelings that joy –hope – and forgiveness will never again be realities for you –

in spite of the feeling that you will never again experience anything new in your life –

the truth is:

The Lord has risen!

Alleluia! He has risen indeed!

Ester means you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life – especially when it seems that forgiveness is impossible – life is hopeless – and a new life is only a dream.

Yea – the sign out front is right – even in your most painful, joyless, and guilty times — because of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – we can say to each other – we can say to the world – and I can say to you:

Come In And Discover The Secret To New Life

I’m glad that Easter is a Season – not just a day!

We need to take some time to look at the wonderful news that Christ has risen – and the implications of joy – forgiveness – and new life the resurrection can have for our lives.

We’re going to be spending the next few weeks continuing to look at the way the resurrection changed the lives of the first believers in Christ – and how it can change our lives, also.

The amazing — life changing — fact of Easter is that:

God can make your new.

God is up to doing something that is new and marvelous in your life.

The Apostle Paul knew what the resurrection meant – and the hope – joy – forgiveness – and new life he had because Christ had risen from the dead.

So did Peter.

Listen to God’s word – first in 1 Corinthians 15:11-20 – then in John 20:19-31.

READ SCRIPTURE

Come In And Discover The Secret To New Life

 

Come in.

Discover.

New life.

Ester means you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life – especially when it seems that forgiveness is impossible – life is hopeless – and a new life is only a dream.

Easter means you are forgiven.

I am sure that Peter felt like he needed to be forgiven – that he needed a new sense of hope – that he needed a new life.

I am also sure he probably felt that he could not be forgiven – that there would never again be any hope for his life – and that there would never again be any chance of a new life for him.

You see — he had followed Jesus for 3 years – listening to Jesus, watching Jesus, and learning from Jesus. He had given his life to following Jesus — and at times he had been extremely committed to following Jesus. He had even made a dramatic confession of Jesus being the Son of God.

But — all that was in the past.

Everything had changed.

Jesus had been arrested — and Peter was scared.

He did not feel that he could risk being identified with Jesus.

At the house of the High Priest, three different people tried to identify him as a follower of Jesus — and each time he vehemently denied it.

If you saw the movie “The Passion” you may have something of an idea of how it may have been for Peter at Caiphas’ house. Mel Gibson did a superb job – at least at this point of his movie – showing a scared Peter in a mob of people – being pushed and shoved – not knowing what to say or where to turn – and finally just yelling : “NO!” 3 times when asked if he were a follower of Christ.

But — as soon as he did this – he panicked.

How could he have done such a thing?

Where was his commitment when Jesus needed him the most?

The next day Jesus was crucified — and Peter must have felt that he was an utter failure.

He must have felt that everything he had lived for — everything that he had given his life for – was gone — and he may have felt that it was somehow his fault.

He might have felt that all his claims of love now seemed to be nothing – for new he had denied Jesus.

And then the story began to spread that Jesus had risen.

Peter had seen the empty tomb for himself – - and had even seen Jesus — but he still may have felt ashamed – alone — and confused.

He may have not been too sure of what to do — so maybe that’s why he returned to Galilee to the life of a fisherman.

Then — early one morning — Jesus appeared.

Peter must have panicked. .

He probably had no idea what to say or do.

He probably wanted to apologize — but may not have known how. He may have been mad — ashamed – and embarrassed for having denied Jesus – all at the same time – and he may have felt he just could not face Jesus now.

The tension probably rose within Peter as Jesus spoke.

“Do you love me?”

Jesus asked.

“Lord — you know I love you!”

Peter replied.

“Do you love me?”

Jesus again asked.

“Lord — you know I love you!”

Peter again replied.

“Do you love me?”

Jesus asked a third time.

“Lord — you know everything — you know that I love you!”

Peter replied.

Jesus then looked at him — and in that look I believe Peter knew that all had been forgiven.

I believe Peter realized that his three denials had been replaced by three affirmations of love.

I believe that Peter realized that Jesus loved him enough to forgive him and restore him to the work Jesus had for him to do.

Peter quickly became an outspoken leader in the early church.

Peter began to boldly proclaim that Jesus — whom he had once denied — was Savior and Lord.

For the rest of his life he boldly proclaimed that Jesus was Lord!

What changed Peter?

Peter’s life was completely changed by an experience with the risen Christ.

The risen Christ changed Peter’s life.

Peter experienced what it meant to be forgiven and changed by the love of God.

Peter experienced the meaning of Easter.

Peter experienced he could be forgiven – he could have hope – and he could have new life – especially when it seemed that forgiveness was impossible – life was hopeless – and a new life was only a dream.

Peter experienced the amazing, life changing fact that:

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Easter means you are forgiven

Easter means you are forgiven

If Peter were standing outside this Church today he would be inviting people to come in and discover the secret to new life.

Come in.

Discover.

New Life.

 

That’s the message of Easter.

New life.

The amazing message of Easter is a message that your life can be filled with hope and joy — especially when it is least expected.

Easter means you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life – especially when it seems that forgiveness is impossible – life is hopeless – and a new life is only a dream.

That’s what Easter means.

But – you know — sometimes it’s hard to believe that the message of Easter – the new life – the hope – the joy – the forgiveness – that Easter promises you – can be true.

There are times when it’s hard to believe in the hope – the forgiveness – the joy – the new life Easter offers us.

There are times when it’s hard to believe that – because of the event of Easter — God is up to doing something that is new and marvelous in your lives.

There are when it’s hard to believe that – because of the event of Easter — God is changing you by the resurrection of Christ.

There are times when it’s hard to believe that – because of the event of Easter — your life can be changed and made new.

There are times when it’s hard to believe the amazing message of Easter – which is – in part: you are forgiven.

Easter means you are forgiven.

Easter means you are forgiven.

Easter means that there is nothing you can do to be proclaimed “unforgivable” by God.

I am sure Peter felt “unforgivable” – that there was no way Jesus would forgive him — but the risen Christ said to him:

“I forgive you.”

That’s what the risen Christ says to us, also.

“I forgive you.”

Not “I condemn you” –

“I don’t want to have anything to do with you” –

“you’ve turned away from Me too many times for Me to have anything to do with you”

But – “I forgive you.”

Easter means you are forgiven.

Easter means you are forgiven.

Do you find it hard to believe in the forgiveness you have because of the resurrection of Christ?

Do you find it hard to believe that God is up to doing something that is new and marvelous in your life?

Do you find it hard to believe that God is forgiving you – that God is changing you – because of the resurrection of Christ?

Do you find it hard to believe that — because of the resurrection of Christ your life can be changed — they can be made new?

Do you find it hard to believe the message of Easter – that there can be forgiveness — hope — and joy in your life — especially when you least expect it?

Do you find it hard to believe that – because of the resurrection of Christ — you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life?

If so, what makes it hard for you?

Is it because of fears – doubts – regrets – or feelings of guilt or failure?

Are these the things that hold you back from believing?

If so, you’re not alone.

You may feel that no one else has ever had the doubts you have – no one else has ever done the things you’ve done – or no one else has ever failed the way you have.

If you feel that way – I want to listen to what I’m about to say –

We all have things that keep us from believing the good news – and living it out every day of our lives.

We all have our doubts – our regrets – and our feelings of guilt and failure.

But – we all also have the risen Christ – who wants to forgive us – who wants to give us new life.

In spite of all your doubts, all your fears, all your feelings of guilt – the resurrected Christ stands ready to forgive you – and give you new life.

Easter means you are forgiven.

Easter means you are forgiven.

What makes it hard for you to believe that you are forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life?

Is it guilt over things you have done that you just feel that no one – especially God – can forgive you for?

Is it regret over things you’ve done or things you haven’t done?

Is it a habit you have that you know is wrong and destructive but you just can’t seem to shake?

Friends – the glorious truth is that in spite of all your doubts, all your fears, all your feelings of guilt – the resurrected Christ stands ready to forgive you – and give you new life.

 

Friends – Easter means you are forgiven.

Easter means you are forgiven.

That’s what Easter meant for Peter.

That’s what Easter can mean for you.

In spite of all your doubts, all your fears, all your feelings of guilt – the resurrected Christ stands ready to forgive you.

Peter felt so guilty after denying Christ that he wanted to run – and he did run all the way back to Galilee and tried to hide in his former life of being a fisherman. But the love of God and the forgiveness of the risen Christ finally caught up with him.
Maybe you feel that running from Jesus is your only option.

Maybe you feel so guilty – and are so sure God would never forgive you – that you are running from God.

That’s not an uncommon feeling.

We all have times we feel like running from God instead of accepting His forgiveness and love – accepting the fact that the glorious truth is that in spite of all our doubts, all our fears, all our feelings of guilt – the resurrected Christ stands ready to forgive us – and give you new life.

All you have to do to experience this amazing love of God and the forgiveness the risen Christ offer us is stop running – and start accepting the amazing, life changing, forgiving love of God.

That’s what Peter did.

That’s what you can do, too.

I remember a cartoon from a few years ago. The cartoon was “Dennis the Menace”. Dennis was kneeling by his bed — his hands folded – looking towards heaven. He had on his pajamas, his cowboy hat, his cowboy boots, and his pistol is strapped to his side.

The caption reads: “I’m here to turn myself in.”

No more running.

No more hiding.

I’m here to turn myself in.

That’s what you can do also.

You can say to God:

Ok God –

No more running.

No more hiding.

I’m here to turn myself in.

And – the marvelous news of Easter is that God will forgive you.

The glorious truth of Easter is that — in spite of all your doubts, all your fears, all your feelings of guilt – the resurrected Christ stands ready to forgive you – and give you new life.

I read a story about the life changing, forgiving, love of Christ that gives new life and forgiveness to people who would never expect to experience new life and never expect to experience forgiveness.

It’s a story of a prostitute named Maggie.

The director of the Rescue Mission who wrote the story related that the first time she saw Maggie she was selling herself on the street like hundreds of other runaway teenagers. A small-town, rural, and suburban kids, lost in the big city, doing what she had to do to survive.

One night Maggie hung around the Rescue Mission for almost an hour. She seemed to need to talk, so the director sat beside her on the curb and listened. Maggie related how she missed her brothers and sisters. Nobody knew where she was, and that was the way she was going to keep it. “I miss them – but I can take care of myself just fine,” she said. The director told Maggie about Christ – and how Christ loved her – forgive her – and could give her a new life. Maggie just laughed and said: “Jesus doesn’t want to have anything to do with the likes of me!” and walked away.

The next time the director says she saw Maggie was on a cold Saturday night. She caught a glimpse of her as she started to cross the street in front of the Mission. She called out to Maggie, but she was too far away to hear. Then the director heard a screech of brakes and screams. She ran to see what had happened. Maggie’s body was lying in the middle of the street. She didn’t move. She was barely breathing. The director says she squeezed her hand. “Don’t talk,” she said, “I’ll stay with you.” She then mouthed a prayer and held her until the paramedics arrived.

She visited Maggie every day in the intensive care ward at the hospital. She was unconscious for almost a week. When she did come to, it was a long time before she was able to talk. It was after she was released from intensive care and moved to one of the rehab floors that she and the director had their first real conversation since that night before the accident. Maggie thanked her for staying with her. The director then began to explain to Maggie about the love of Christ – and how Christ forgave her for all her sins.

This time, Maggie believed.

She prayed for God to forgive her – and began living a new life.

After she was released from the Hospital, Maggie began working for the Rescue Mission. She began telling her old friends and whoever else would listen that God loved them – Christ forgave them – and they could have a new life. It was as if she would stand in front of the Mission and invite all who came by to come in and discover the secret to new life.

Come in.

Discover.

New Life.

Friends – that’s the message of Easter.

New life.

The amazing message of Easter is a message that you can be forgiven for whatever you need to be forgiven for — your life can be filled with hope and joy — especially when it is least expected.

Easter means you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life – especially when it seems that forgiveness is impossible – life is hopeless – and a new life is only a dream.

That’s what Easter means.

Because of Easter you don’t have to run from God.

Because of Easter you don’t have to feel that God can never forgive you – because God does forgive you.

Because of Easter you can stop running and “turn yourself in to God”.

In spite of all your doubts, all your fears, all your feelings of guilt – Easter means that the resurrected Christ stands ready to forgive you – and give you new life.

Yea – Easter means you are forgiven.

Easter means you are forgiven.

Amen.

1 Corinthians 15:12-20, John 20:19-31

1 Corinthians 15:11-21

John 20:19-31

Easter Means You Can Believe

April 15, 2007

Part 2 of Hopewell 2007 Easter Season series on “Easter Means …”

The Lord has risen!

He has risen indeed!

A week has passed since our joyous celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

A week has passed since we celebrated the resurrection with our Christian brothers and sisters at our joint Sunrise Service, celebrated the young people joining the Church, celebrated the Sacrament of Communion, and rejoiced in the fact that over 100 people worshiped with us in the beauty of this Sanctuary in all it’s Easter beauty.

Today things look more “like normal”, don’t they?

There are still some reminders of Easter – but things do look more like normal. There are not quite as many people here today as there were last week. We sill have some of the lilies out – but have had to pick some of the dead blooms off of them so they would look good today.

A week has passed since our joyous celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Let me ask you –

What kind of week has it been for you?

Has it been a week filled with glorious hope — filled with the glorious power of God and the new life we have because of the resurrection of Christ?

Has it been a week filled with the excitement that God is up to doing something that is new and marvelous in your life?

Has it been a week filled with the excitement that God is changing you — and the world — by the resurrection of Christ?

Has it been a week filled with the excitement that because of the resurrection of Christ your life – the world — can be changed — they can be made new?

Has it been a week filled with the excitement of the message of Easter – that there can be hope and joy in your life — especially when you least expect it?

Has it been a week filled with the knowledge that – because of the resurrection of Christ — you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life?

Has it been a joyous Easter – filled week?

Or —

Has it been a week that has been pretty much “business as usual” — some joy but mainly the mundane — work and whatever else usually occupies your time?

Did you leave the joy and excitement and promise of Easter here at the Church last Sunday?

Has the promise of the new life – the new joy – the forgiveness – the hope you can have because of the resurrection of Christ changed your life – and given you a joyous message to proclaim to the world —

Or —

Has the reality of the world and the reality of your life seemed to sap the energy and enthusiasm and “good news” and hope for a new life right out of you?

Or —

is it that your life — the patterns you have let yourself get into — are just so hard to change that you’ve given up even hoping that Christ can make a difference in your life — even before you try to attempt to let Him make a difference?

Indeed — as we come together today – this Sunday after Easter – you may find yourself wondering —

“So what if Christ has risen?”

“What does it mean to me?”

“What difference does it make in my life?”

“Where’s the new life Christ offers?”

I don’s see that anything has changed.”

“What new life – new hope is there?”

Indeed — it may be hard to believe in the new life and hope Christ gives us.

It may be hard to believe that – because of the event of Easter — God is up to doing something that is new and marvelous in our lives.

It may be hard to believe that – because of the event of Easter — God is changing us — and our world — by the resurrection of Christ.

It may be hard to believe that – because of the event of Easter — our lives — our world — can be changed — they can be made new.

It may be hard to believe the message of Easter – the message of hope and joy — especially when it is least expected.

It may be hard to believe that Easter means you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life – especially when it seems that forgiveness is impossible – life is hopeless – and a new life is only a dream.

That’s why I’m glad that Easter is a Season – not just a day! We need to take some time to look at the wonderful news that Christ has risen – and the implications of joy – forgiveness – and new life the resurrection can have for our lives.

We’re going to be spending the next few weeks looking at the way the resurrection changed the lives of the first believers in Christ – and how it can change our lives, also.

The amazing — life changing — fact of Easter is that:

God can make your new.

God is up to doing something that is new and marvelous in your life.

God is changing you — by the resurrection of Christ.

By the resurrection of Christ your life can be changed.

The amazing message of Easter is a message of hope and joy — especially when it is least expected.

Easter means you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life – especially when it seems that forgiveness is impossible – life is hopeless – and a new life is only a dream.

The Apostle Paul knew the life changing power of the resurrection of Christ.

So did Thomas.

Do you know the life changing power of the risen Christ?

As unbelievable as it may sound, you can believe the amazing message of Easter – and your life can be changed.

Listen to God’s word – first in 1 Corinthians 15:11-20 – then in John 20:19-31.

Read Scripture

The Lord has risen!

He has risen indeed!

Cristus was a resident of the great Greek city of Corinth in the first century BC.

Like some others in Corinth, Cristus had devoted his life to the teachings of a certain Jesus of Nazareth, whom the Apostle Paul and others had come to Corinth and had proclaimed as the Messiah – the Son of God – the Savior of the world.

Paul had preached persuasively in Corinth and in so many other cities that in Jesus God had come into the world – taught His ways – had been crucified – and then had risen from the dead. Paul had made the point that – because God had come into the world through Jesus and been crucified for our sins – we have salvation – and because Jesus rose again from the dead – we have new life.

Cristus and many others rejoiced in the message of salvation and new life Paul preached in the name of Jesus – they lived in new ways because God had forgiven them of their sins – and looked forward to Jesus’ promised return.

But – not everyone in Corinth believed Paul’s message.

Some scoffed at the idea of God coming into the world in human form – dieing for our sins – rising again – and promising to return.

“Sounds like more ancient Greek myths” some said.

“Surely you don’t believe such a tale” others scoffed.

And others said “It’s crazy to believe such things!”

“What do you mean the world – and my life – can be changed?

That’s just silly!”

Cristus and other Christians began to wonder about all that Paul had taught them.

Were they believing in something that was not true?

Was their faith futile?

For example — Paul had told them that Christ had risen from the dead – and that those who believed in Christ would rise from the dead also.

But Cristus knew many believers who had died – but there was no evidence that they had risen.

Indeed – was their faith futile?

Was it just a myth?

Was it silly to believe that God was doing something new and wonderful in the world – and that lives were being changed – that there was hope – new life – new opportunities for life – because of the resurrection of Christ?

They sent word to Paul with these questions – and awaited his response.

Finally they got their response from Paul.

Paul agreed that if what he had told the Christians in Corinth and in so many other places were not true, they had a futile faith and he was a liar.

And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.

More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.

But – Paul assures them that this is not the case.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep

Paul knew the truth.

Paul knew that – if Jesus had not risen from the dead – then the faith he had and the message that he was preaching was false.

But Paul also knew that the truth was that Christ had risen – and the faith he had and preached was reality.

Paul knew what Easter really meant.

Paul knew that God was up to doing something that was new and marvelous in the event of Easter.

Paul knew that God was changing people — and the world — by the resurrection of Christ.

Paul knew that — by the resurrection of Christ – peoples lives – in fact the world — was being changed – being made new.

Paul knew that the message of Easter was a message of hope and joy — especially when it is least expected.

Paul knew that:

The Lord has risen!

He has risen indeed!

Paul had experienced this new life and hope for himself.

He also knew some people who had experienced this new life and hope in their own life.

People like the Apostle Thomas.

People who thought that their lives were ruined and there was not anything else to hope for.

People who had given their lives to following Jesus – but had their hopes and dreams crushed on a Friday afternoon as Jesus died on the cross.

People who found it very hard to believe that their lives could be changed and that there could be anything in life to hope for.

People who found it very hard to believe in the power of the risen Christ.

People who found it very hard to believe the amazing — life changing — fact of Easter was that:

God could make their lives new.

God was up to doing something that was new and marvelous in their lives.

You know – I can understand what Thomas was feeling on that week after Easter.

People scoff at “Doubting Thomas” – but you know what – I can understand what Thomas felt. I can understand his doubts.

Can’t you?

The disciples may have been full of excitement when they told Thomas that they had seen the Lord — but – for him – nothing had changed.

He couldn’t see any difference in his life.

He was still scared.

He was still afraid the Jews would arrest him because he followed Jesus.

He still felt the shame for abandoning Jesus when Jesus needed him.

He just couldn’t understand what the others disciples were talking about.

“Things look just the same to me” he may have said.

“I don’t see any difference.”

“What new life are y’all talking about?”

What new life indeed.

But — what happened to Thomas?

He finally had his life changed, didn’t he?

He finally had his opportunity to see and experience the risen Christ — and believed.

He finally found a way to let the resurrected Lord change His life.

He finally found a way to believe that – because of the resurrection of Christ – God was up to doing something that was new and marvelous in the world and in his life.

He finally found a way to believe that God was changing him — and the world — by the resurrection of Christ.

He finally found a way to believe that – by the resurrection of Christ – his life was being changed – being made new.

He finally found a way to believe in the message of Easter – that message of hope and joy — especially when it is least expected.

And not only did he find a way to believe in what God was doing in his life because of the resurrection of Christ – he began to let the risen Christ change give them new life and new hope.

He began believing in — and experiencing — the new life that was offered to him because of the resurrection of Christ.

For Thomas, Easter finally meant that he could believe.

That’s what Easter can mean for you, too.

Easter means you can believe.

Easter means you can believe.

Easter means that you can believe the amazing fact that God is making your life new.

Easter means that you can believe that God is up to doing something that is new and marvelous in your life.

Easter means that you can believe that God is changing you by the resurrection of Christ.

Easter means that you can believe that — by the resurrection of Christ – your life can be changed — it can be made new.

Easter means that you can believe that you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life – especially when it seems that forgiveness is impossible – life is hopeless – and a new life is only a dream.

Do you find that hard to do?

Do you find yourself like Thomas?

Do you find it hard to believe in the glorious hope and the new life you have because of the resurrection of Christ?

Do you find it hard to believe that God is up to doing something that is new and marvelous in your life?

Do you find it hard to believe that God is changing you — and the world — by the resurrection of Christ?

Do you find it hard to believe that — because of the resurrection of Christ your life – the world — can be changed — they can be made new?

Do you find it hard to believe the message of Easter – that there can be hope and joy in your life — especially when you least expect it?

Do you find it hard to believe that – because of the resurrection of Christ — you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life?

If so, what makes it hard for you?

Is it because of fears – doubts – regrets – or feelings of guilt or failure?

Are these the things that hold you back from believing?

If so, you’re not alone.

You may feel that no one else has ever had the doubts you have – no one else has ever done the things you’ve done – or no one else has ever failed the way you have.

If you feel that way – I want to listen to what I’m about to say –

We all have things that keep us from believing the good news – and living it out every day of our lives.

We all have our doubts – our regrets – and our feelings of guilt and failure.

What makes it hard for you to believe that you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life?

Is it guilt?

Is it regret over things you’ve done or things you haven’t done?

Is it a habit you just can’t seem to shake?

Or

Is it worry over your job – or your family – or your marriage – or our health?

Friends – Easter means you can believe!

Easter means that you can believe the amazing fact that God is making your life new.

Easter means that you can believe that God is up to doing something that is new and marvelous in your life.

Easter means that you can believe that God is changing you by the resurrection of Christ.

Easter means that you can believe that — by the resurrection of Christ – your life can be changed — it can be made new.

Easter means that you can believe that you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life – especially when it seems that forgiveness is impossible – life is hopeless – and a new life is only a dream.

Easter means you can believe.

Easter means you can believe.

There are indeed times when nothing in the world or in our lives seem changed — but everything seems stuck in the same old rut — no matter how bad that rut may be.

There are times we may wonder if things will ever change for us — or if the new life God promises us through the resurrection of Christ will ever come.

It indeed is hard for us sometimes to believe in the promises of Easter.

But — what happened to Thomas?

He finally had his life changed.

He finally had his opportunity to see and experience the risen Christ — and believed.

He finally found a way to let the resurrected Lord change his life.

He finally put his fears – his doubts – his regrets – his feelings of failure – aside – and began to let Christ change the things in his life that he could not change on his own – and began experience the new life the resurrection of Christ made possible for him.

He finally found a way to believe.

Easter means you can believe.

Easter means you can believe.

Even though there may be times when the new life God offers us through the resurrection of Christ may be hard for you believe in — the event of Easter shows you that you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life – especially when it seems that forgiveness is impossible – life is hopeless – and a new life is only a dream .

You can believe the amazing fact that God is making your life new.

You can believe that God is up to doing something that is new and marvelous in your life.

You can believe that God is changing you by the resurrection of Christ.

You can believe that — by the resurrection of Christ – your life can be changed — it can be made new.

Easter means you can believe.

Easter means you can believe.

The thing is that the message of Easter — the message that you can indeed believe in and experience the new life the resurrected Christ offers us — does not gloss over reality. It does not overlook our world and its struggles — or your individual life and individual struggle.

Instead — the message of the risen Christ at Easter is:

“Yes — your life may not be what you want it to be –

Your life may not be at this point what God wants for you —

Nevertheless

Nevertheless

The Lord has risen!

The situations and circumstances of your life — regardless of how bad or painful or hard they may be — can be changed.

Your faith can be strengthened.

There can indeed be a new beginning — for you — for me — for all of us — because of the risen Christ.

There indeed can be new life.

We can believe — and experience — new life because of the resurrection of Christ.”

Easter means you can believe.

Easter means you can believe.

You can have new life as you experience the risen Christ.

You can have new life as you allow the risen Christ to change you.

You can have new life as we come to believe that God gives us new life through the risen Christ.

Yes — your life — and all of its situations and circumstances can be changed

You can believe — and let Christ give you new life.

That’s what Easter means.

Paul believed it.

He expressed it when he wrote that

if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.

More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.

But –

Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep

Thomas believed it.

He expressed it when he proclaimed to the risen Christ:

My Lord and my God!

You can believe it.

You can believe the amazing fact that God is making your life new.

You can believe that God is up to doing something that is new and marvelous in your life.

You can believe that God is changing you by the resurrection of Christ.

You can believe that — by the resurrection of Christ – your life can be changed — it can be made new.

Easter means you can believe.

Easter means you can believe.

If you came here this morning wondering if new life is indeed possible – if your life and your situation can truly be changed — I invite you to leave today celebrating a truth.

I invite you to re-experience the risen Christ — and let your life be changed.

No — the risen Christ does not promise to make your life easy or painless — but He does promise to be with you when your life is hard and painful.

He promises to help you defeat habits that may undefeatable.

He promises to give you strength to live your life — and to make your life new.

He promises to make it possible for you to believe in — and experience — new life — a different life — now and forever.

You can believe it.

Easter means you can believe.

Amen.

1 Corinthians 15:12-20, John 20:1-18

1 Corinthians 15: 12-20

John 20:1-18

Easter Means …

April 8, 2007

Easter (Communion, Youth joining Church)

Part 1 of Hopewell 2007 Easter Season series on The Meaning of Easter

The Lord has risen!

He has risen indeed!

Today is the most joyously celebrative day in the Christian year.

You can tell it in the beauty of the sanctuary.

You can tell it in the beauty of the music.

You can tell it in the joy we have as we celebrate 8 young people joining the Church.

You can tell it in the beauty of the service we celebrate the Sacrament of Communion.

You could tell it in the joyous fellowship we shared with fellow Christians as we gathered with fellow Christians this morning to celebrate the resurrection at our community Easter Sunrise Service this morning.

All these elements work together to make this day the high point of the Christian year for us.

But what really makes it the high point of the Christian year is the fact that this is our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus – and the new life He gives us — new hope for new life in heaven as well as new hope for new life here and now.

What really makes this day special is the fact that

The Lord has risen!

He has risen indeed!

Our lessons for this Easter day witness to the amazing fact that God is making our lives – and our world — new.

God is up to doing something that is new and marvelous.

God is changing us — and our world — by the resurrection of Christ.

By the resurrection of Christ our lives — our world — can be changed — they can be made new.

The message of Easter is a message of hope and joy — especially when it is least expected.

Easter means you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life – especially when it seems that forgiveness is impossible – life is hopeless – and a new life is only a dream.

We’re going to be looking at these aspects of Easter for the next few weeks – looking at Paul’s proclamation of the hope and reality of Easter in 1 Corinthians 15:1-20 – and at some of the post resurrection appearances of Jesus – as we see how the resurrection gave forgiveness – hope – and new life to the original disciples – and can give forgiveness – hope – and new life to us, also.

Listen to God’s word as we gather on this joyous Easter day from 1 Corinthians 15:1-20 and John 20:1-18:

Read Scripture

The Lord has risen!

He has risen indeed!

Cristus was a resident of the great Greek city of Corinth in the first century BC.

Like some others in Corinth, Cristus had devoted his life to the teachings of a certain Jesus of Nazareth, whom the Apostle Paul and others had come to Corinth and had proclaimed as the Messiah – the Son of God – the Savior of the world.

Paul had preached persuasively in Corinth and in so many other cities that in Jesus God had come into the world – taught His ways – had been crucified – and then had risen from the dead. Paul had made the point that – because God had come into the world through Jesus and been crucified for our sins – we have salvation – and because Jesus rose again from the dead – we have new life.

Cristus and many others rejoiced in the message of salvation and new life Paul preached in the name of Jesus – they lived in new ways because God had forgiven them of their sins – and looked forward to Jesus’ promised return.

But – not everyone in Corinth believed Paul’s message.

Some scoffed at the idea of God coming into the world in human form – dieing for our sins – rising again – and promising to return.

“Sounds like more ancient Greek myths” some said.

“Surely you don’t believe such a tale” others scoffed.

And others said “It’s crazy to believe such things!”

Cristus and other Christians began to wonder about all that Paul had taught them.

Were they believing in something that was not true?

Was their faith futile?

For example — Paul had told them that Christ had risen from the dead – and that those who believed in Christ would rise from the dead also.

But Cristus knew many believers who had died – but there was no evidence that they had risen.

Indeed – was their faith futile?

Was it just a myth?

They sent word to Paul with these questions – and awaited his response.

Finally they got their response from Paul.

Paul agreed that if what he had told the Christians in Corinth and in so many other places were not true, they had a futile faith and he was a liar.

And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.

More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.

But – Paul assures them that this is not the case.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep

Paul knew the truth.

Paul knew that – if Jesus had not risen from the dead – then the faith he had and the message that he was preaching was false.

But Paul also knew that the truth was that Christ had risen – and the faith he had and preached was reality.

Paul knew what Easter really meant.

Paul knew that God was up to doing something that is new and marvelous in the event of Easter.

Paul knew that God was changing people — and our world — by the resurrection of Christ.

Paul knew that — by the resurrection of Christ – peoples lives – in fact the world — was being changed – being made new.

Paul knew that the message of Easter was a message of hope and joy — especially when it is least expected.

Paul knew that:

The Lord has risen!

He has risen indeed!

Paul had experienced this new life and hope for himself.

He also knew some people who had experienced this new life and hope in their own life.

People like Mary Magdalene.

People like the Apostle Peter and John.

People like the Apostle Thomas.

People who thought that their lives were ruined and there was not anything else to hope for.

People who had given their lives to following Jesus – but had their hopes and dreams crushed on a Friday afternoon as Jesus died on the cross.

Mary knew this feeling of despair and hopelessness as she went to the tomb of Jesus early on that morning of the first day of the week.

Jesus — whom she had followed and in whom she had placed all her hopes and dreams — was dead — and it must have seemed that all her hopes and dreams of a better way of living — a new life — had died with Him. All her hopes and dreams must have seemed to have been buried with Jesus. She must have felt alone — and like there was no way that she could get new hope for her life.

But then — she encountered the risen Christ.

There was new hope.

There was new joy.

There was hope for new – a different way to live.

Just when she least expected it — God gave her new life — and new hope.

There was hope for a different life — life that was much more meaningful and joyous than she had ever dared imagine before.

As Mary ran back to the disciples with the news that she had seen the Lord she may have been confused — maybe incredulous — maybe even scared — but she also must have felt hope.

Hope that Christ was with her.

Hope that things could truly be different.

Hope that her life could truly be changed.

Can you imagine what hope and excitement must have been in her voice as she announced to the disciples:

“I HAVE SEEN THE LORD!”

There was real hope.

There was real joy.

There was a real sense that her life could be different – because she had seen the Lord!

It would no longer matter to her what others said.

They could scoff and laugh at her and her faith if they wanted.

She knew now what was true.

She knew what she had experienced.

She knew that she had seen the Lord.

She knew that – as Paul put it years later:

Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep

Easter is full of meaning for us.

Easter means that God is up to doing something in our lives and in the world that is new and marvelous.

Easter means that God is changing us — and our world — by the resurrection of Christ.

Easter means that by the resurrection of Christ our lives — our world — can be changed — they can be made new.

Easter means that hope and joy — especially when it is least expected.

Easter means you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life – especially when it seems that forgiveness is impossible – life is hopeless – and a new life is only a dream.

Mary learned what Easter means.

Paul learned what Easter means.

So did Peter and Thomas.

We’re going to look at Peter’s and Thomas’ stories in more detail in the next few weeks – but today I want to ask you a question.

What does Easter mean for you?

Does Easter have real meaning for you?

Do you think that Easter means that new life if possible for you?

Do you believe that Easter means that God is up to doing something in your life that is new and marvelous?

Do you believe that Easter means that God is changing you by the resurrection of Christ?

Do you believe that Easter means that – by the resurrection of Christ — your life — can be changed – that it can be made new?

Do you believe that Easter means that hope and joy — especially when it is least expected?

Do you believe that Easter means you can be forgiven – you can have hope – and you can have new life – especially when it seems that forgiveness is impossible – life is hopeless – and a new life is only a dream?

If so, celebrate it!

If not, believe it!

Paul was right – if the event of Easter has not happened –

our preaching is useless and so is your faith

If there is not real life changing power of the risen Christ that is at work – that can give us new life – forgiveness – and hope – especially when we least expect it – then we might as well close the doors to the Church – make this a museum with a beautiful cemetery – and I might as well look for another job – because my preaching and your faith would be useless.

But – here’s the good news – Paul was also right when he wrote:

Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep

The Lord has risen!

He has risen indeed!

Easter means that our lives can be made new by our God who makes all things new — even when — or maybe it‘s better to say especially when — we least expect it.

Have you ever been sailing?

If so — even though you may not realize it — you may have encountered one way to illustrate the hope of Easter — the new life and new hope God gives us — even when we least expect it.

Paul Willis, pastor of The Cathedral Of His Glory in Greensboro, NC tells a story of sailing with his grandfather off the coast of North Carolina when he was a young boy. One day as they were sailing the wind stopped — the sea became a dead calm — and their sailboat began floating aimlessly in the water. Try as they might, they couldn’t get the ship to head in the direction of home — and it was getting dark. Young Paul panicked — and did not know what to do. He knew they couldn’t swim to shore — they were much too far out.

What were they going to do?

His grandfather knew that all they could do was wait — and — being an experienced sailor and fisherman — he knew the wind would begin blowing again.

Darkness fell — and still no wind.

Young Paul knew they were doomed.

Grandfather knew that the wind would come back in time.

Finally — late into the night — grandfather woke Paul and told him to trim the sails. Paul did not understand why — the wind was still not blowing — but off in the distance he heard a faint sound. The sound became stronger and stronger until finally he could feel the wind. With the sails trimmed, the boat made its way home.

Willis likens the unexpected — to him — wind to the new life God offers us.

Just when you think things are at their worst — there is the wind — the Spirit — of God — giving you new life — new hope — for your life.

It happened that way for Mary and the disciples.

It happens that way for us.

Indeed, that is what Easter means.

That is the meaning of Easter.

Feel it.

See it.

Believe it.

Experience it.

Live it. Amen

Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 21:1-11

Philippians 2:5-11

Matthew 21:1-11

Live Out Your Mission

April 1, 2007

Palm Sunday

Part 6 of Hopewell 2007 Purpose Driven Life series

Is there a purpose to life?

Does life have purpose and meaning?

If so – what is it?

What is the purpose of life?

Why are we here?

More specifically – what is the purpose of my life?

Why am I here?

Is there something that can give meaning to my life?

Am I here for a purpose?

Did God have a purpose in putting me here?

Questions of purpose and meaning have haunted people since the beginning of time.

As Christians, we can say

“Yes –life has a purpose –

Yes –life has meaning.”

We can say:

“Yes – my life has a purpose –

Yes – my life has meaning.”

“Yes – God has put me here for a purpose .”

Lent – the 6 weeks before Holy Week and Easter — has historically been a time Christians have devoted themselves to reflection upon Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross – and our response to Christ and His claim upon our lives. We have been using the Season of Lent to look at what God’s purpose for us might be –

what God might have us to have as a purpose in our lives –

and how we can live in God’s purpose for our lives.

We have been using Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life to help us discover God’s purpose and meaning for our lives – studying the book itself on Wednesday nights and looking at some of the themes of the book on Sundays. We’ve done this in hopes that we could discover God’s meaning and God’s purpose for our lives.

So – what is the purpose for our lives?

Five weeks ago we looked at how we can not find true purpose for our lives in

money

possessions

power

fame

or anything else people might use to find purpose or meaning for their lives when they focus on themselves.

Always keep in mind the illustration The Purpose Driven Life about Rick Warren’s getting lost in the mountains and going into a store to ask directions. When he explained where he was trying to go, the people in the store replied “O – you can’t get there from here – you have to go back to the bottom of the mountain – go around the mountain – then get on the road that will take you there.”

The point is that we will never find meaning and purpose for our lives by looking for it within ourselves – what we want – what we might think is good or meaningful. Only when we look to God for meaning and purpose for life – only when we look to God for His meaning and His purpose for our lives – can we discover the true meaning and true purpose for our lives.

In The Purpose Driven Life Warren outlines 5 purposes for life that God has created us for:

1. Pleasing God

2. Loving others who believe in God

3. Becoming like Christ

4. Serving others with the gifts God has given us

5. Being on a mission for God

4 weeks ago we looked at the first of these — pleasing God – - and saw how we were created to live lives that are pleasing to God – and living lives that are pleasing to God has to be a purpose for our lives.

3 weeks ago we looked at how we can love – and have fellowship with – those who believe in God – particularly in the church – and specifically in this Church. Loving those who love God – specifically loving members of this Church and using the abilities God gives us for His work in and through this Church — has to be a purpose for our lives.

2 weeks ago we looked at the third purpose Warren suggests – becoming like Christ – and saw how we can be rooted in Christ and become like Christ.

Last week we looked at the fourth purpose Warren suggests – serving God and others.

Today – on this Palm Sunday – as we begin Holy Week – I want us to look at the last purpose Warren suggests – being on a mission for God.

If we are going to be the people God has called us to be – we are going to have to be people on a mission for God – people sharing in God’s mission to establish God’ s will for salvation, peace, love, justice and righteousness in the world.

If you are going to be the person God created you to be, you are going to have to be on a mission for God – sharing in God’s mission to establish God’ s will for salvation, peace, love, justice and righteousness in the world.

Listen to God’s word as we look Paul’s call to us to have the Mind of Christ – Philippians 2:5-11 – and Matthew’s version of the Palm Sunday story – Matthew 21:1-11. As we hear these passages, I believe we will hear a call to Live Out Your Mission.

Live Out Your Mission.

Read Scripture

1. Pleasing God

2. Loving others who believe in God

3. Becoming like Christ

4. Serving others with the gifts God has given us

These are the 4 of the 5 purposes Rick Warren says God ha created us for.

The 5th is:

Being on a mission for God

Live Out Your Mission

Live Out Your Mission

You see – God is on a mission in the world.

God’s mission is for the whole world to come to know His saving love – His will for peace in the world – His will for love in the world – His will for justice and righteousness in the world.

That is God’s mission.

And friends — we have a part to play in that mission.

You have a part to play in that mission.

You were created to be a part of God’s mission in the world.

Your purpose in the world is to be a part of God’s mission in the world.

You are to be a person on a mission.

You are to be mission – minded.

You are to keep your mission of being a part of God’s plan for the whole world to come to know His saving love – His will for peace in the world – His will for love in the world – His will for justice and righteousness in the world – in your mind at all times.

You are a person on a mission – on God’s mission.

You were created for it – you have special gifts for it – you have a special role in it.

You are on a mission – God’s mission.

You were created for it – you have special gifts for it – you have a special role in it.

If you are going to be the person God created you to be, you are going to have to be on a mission for God – sharing in God’s mission to establish God’ s will for salvation, peace, love, justice and righteousness in the world. You were created for it – you have special gifts for it – you have a special role in it. To truly be the person God has called you to be, you are going to have to use the particular gifts and abilities that God has blessed you with to do His work – His mission – in the world.

Live Out Your Mission

Live Out Your Mission

One of the illustrations Warren gives in The Purpose Driven Life is an imaginary scene in heaven where God is asking what we did with the abilities He gave us. Warren calls this our “final exam” – the moment we stand before God and have to answer for how we used the gifts and abilities God gave us. Warren encourages us to use them for God’s work and will – to be about God’s mission – in the world.

I wholeheartedly agree with that. When you stand before the throne and Jesus examines your life, you will not be graded on your religious jargon. You will not be graded on church membership. You will not be graded on the number of Christian CD’s in your car, or the number of Christian books on your shelf, or the number of spiritual life conferences you’ve attended. You will be graded according to how well you used the gifts God gave you to be about His mission of love, healing, and salvation in the world.

Live Out Your Mission

Live Out Your Mission

Jesus was a man on a mission.

He expects us to be on His mission also.

As He entered Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday – He was on a mission. A mission to establish a way for God’s will for salvation – peace – love – justice – and righteousness to become reality.

He was a man on a mission.

Sometimes I wish I could have been there that first Palm Sunday. I like to imagine that the sky must have been blue – the sun bright that spring morning. Jerusalem must have been abuzz with excitement.

People were flocking to Jerusalem — pilgrims coming to observe the Feast of the Passover in the Holy City — even in the great Temple itself. And one who was coming to Jerusalem was causing quite a stir.

Jesus of Nazareth was coming into the city.

People were following Him — waving their palm branches — even shouting that He was the Messiah coming to save the people.

“Hosanna!”

they shouted —

“save us!”

“Hosanna to the Son of David!

Blesses is He who comes

In the name of the Lord!”

Indeed — quite a stir was being caused by His entrance into the City. And He was definitely a man on a mission – but maybe not on the mission the people were expecting. They might have thought His mission was to come and take over the government and become King. What a marvelous thing that would be! A Jew – a “Son of David” – ruling again – and not the despised Romans.

That was the mission the crowds may have wanted Jesus to have.

But His mission was different.

Look again at Jesus.

Did Jesus look like a King?

He was riding a donkey.

Kings don’t ride donkeys — do they?

He looked more like a servant.

More like a humble servant than a mighty King.

More like someone who was destined to be humble and to serve — not powerful and be served.

He seems to understand life as a chance to give of Himself.

He seemed to have a different mission in mind.

A much different one.

And when the cries of “Hosanna” later change to “Crucify!” later in the week — well — He just didn’t look much like a King — did He?

What might Jesus have been thinking as He rode into Jerusalem that day?

We can’t be sure – but I’d like to think that He was focused on His mission – His mission to make God’s will for salvation a reality – even if it meant dieing on the cross. He was going to live out His mission – even to the point of death.

Live Out Your Mission

Live Out Your Mission

The Apostle Paul writes about what might have been on Jesus’ mind as He entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

In Philippians 2:8 Paul writes about the attitude of Christ:

he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross

Jesus focused on what He could do to fulfill His mission in the world. That’s what Paul calls “the attitude of Christ” – focusing on what He could do to show God’s will for love and salvation to the world – and what He could do top make it a reality.

Paul calls on us to have this mission on our minds, also.

He calls on us to have what He calls “the attitude of Christ”.

Listen to what Paul writes in Philippians 2:5-8:

5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

Live Out Your Mission

Live Out Your Mission

If you are going to be the person God created you to be, you are going to have to be on a mission for God – sharing in God’s mission to establish God’ s will for salvation, peace, love, justice and righteousness in the world. You were created for it – you have special gifts for it – you have a special role in it. To truly be the person God has called you to be, you are going to have to use the particular gifts and abilities that God has blessed you with to do His work – His mission – in the world.

Live Out Your Mission

Live Out Your Mission

If you are going to be the person God created you to be, you are going to have to be on a mission for God – sharing in God’s mission to establish God’ s will for salvation, peace, love, justice and righteousness in the world.

What does it take to live out this mission that God created you for?

I’m going to suggest that it takes 4 things.

We’ve already seen the first thing it takes – it takes what Paul calls “the attitude of Christ” – the attitude of giving of ourselves for others – the attitude of doing what you can to show God’s will and love to others.

That “attitude of Christ” is an attitude of giving of yourself for others – and going out of your way to use the gifts and abilities God has given you for His glory and for the benefit of others.

A great college basketball coach was asked why his team was so good. He responded:

“We have a motto on our team, and the motto is this: ‘Good people do for themselves; great people do for others.’ “

Good people do for themselves; great people do for others.

The “attitude of Christ” is an attitude of giving of yourself for others – and going out of your way to use the gifts and abilities God has given you for His glory and for the benefit of others.

Rick Warren stresses in his book The Purpose Driven Life that our attitudes control our actions. To be about the work of Christ, the mission of God in the world, we have to have “the attitude of Christ”.

Live Out Your Mission

Live Out Your Mission

The first thing this takes having the attitude of Christ.

Secondly – I believe this means having the heart of a servant.

The heart of a servant.

A heart that cares about others.

A heart that hurts when others are hurting.

A heart that loves God and loves your neighbor as much as you love yourself.

A heart that motivates you to reach out in love to those Jesus loved – those others may not love.

The heart of a servant.

But you know – something has to happen to your hearts for you to have the heart of a servant. In fact, Jesus said “Out of the hearts of men come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, lies, slander.” The only thing that will do something about this human heart, is a transplant. If there were a way you could receive a new heart, a heart that would naturally love God and love your neighbor as much as you love yourself, then you would perhaps have a chance to have the heart of a servant.

But how can you have a transplant?

Did you know that the Bible actually says that you can have a transplant, that God will be involved in giving it to you?

In the Book of Ezekiel there’s an interesting verse. It says this:

“I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I’ll put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”

There you are. You can have a transplant. God can remove your stony, selfish heart and give us a heart of a servant — a heart that beats when people are in trouble, a heart that cares when a man falls in the ditch.

Live Out Your Mission

Live Out Your Mission

It takes having the attitude of Christ.

It takes having the heart of a servant.

The third thing it takes is having ears to hear the cries of those around you who are in need. We live in a world where there is so much need. Some have physical needs – others have spiritual needs. But they are needs nevertheless. Learn to listen – and you will hear them. If you hear them, and have the attitude of Christ, and have the heart of a servant, you will realize that your mission is to bring God’s love to them.

Millard Fuller was on his way to becoming a self-made millionaire before he was 30 years old. But devotion to work was threatening his health and his marriage. He needed a vacation. So, Fuller visited a church community near Americus, Georgia, called Koinonia Farm. Clarence Jordan, the leader of Koinonia Farms, convinced Fuller that the poor people living in nearby dilapidated shacks could improve themselves with a little support. “These people don’t need charity,” he told Fuller. “They need a way to help themselves.”

Fuller agreed. He began what today is a worldwide organization whose goal is the elimination of inadequate housing as a witness to the gospel. He called it Habitat for Humanity and says that it runs on what he calls, “the theology of the hammer.” The group raises money and recruits volunteers to renovate and build homes, which are sold at cost. Mortgages are interest free. Buyers invest work time in their own and neighbors’ homes – “sweat equity” is what they call it.

Fuller had the attitude of Christ – the heart of a servant – and ears to hear the cries of those in need – and did something to further the mission of God in the world. He was living out his mission in the world.

Live Out Your Mission

Live Out Your Mission

It takes having the attitude of Christ – the heart of a servant – ears to hear the cries of those around you in need.

Fourthly – it takes having hands that you are willing to use to do God’s will in the world.

Not hands that you are content to just sit on and do nothing when there is so much to be done to further God’s mission in the world.

Not hands that you are willing to use to just applaud the work that others are doing while you actually sit and do nothing.

It takes your having hands that are willing to get involved – and do what needs to be done – for God’s glory and the benefit of others.

Live Out Your Mission

Live Out Your Mission

It will take

Having the mind of Christ

Having the heart of a servant

Having ears to hear the cries of those around you who are in need

Having hands willing to do God’s work in the world

The mind – the heart – the ears – the hands – that are committed to being about God’s mission in the world.

Live Out Your Mission

Live Out Your Mission

Let your mind – your heart – your ears – your hands be committed to being about God’s mission in the world.

If you are going to be the person God created you to be, you are going to have to be on a mission for God – sharing in God’s mission to establish God’ s will for salvation, peace, love, justice and righteousness in the world. You were created for it – you have special gifts for it – you have a special role in it. To truly be the person God has called you to be, you are going to have to use the particular gifts and abilities that God has blessed you with to do His work – His mission – in the world.

Use your mind – your heart – your ears – your hands – everything you have – to fulfill that mission.

One of the more pointed – and one of my favorite – contemporary Christian songs is by the band Casting Crowns and is entitled: If We Are His Body. The chorus gives a strong message:

But if we are the body
why aren’t His arms reaching
why aren’t His hands healing
why aren’t His words teaching

And if we are the body
why aren’t His feet going
why is His love not showing them there is a way
there is a way

Let your mind – your heart – your ears – your hands – everything you have – become like Christ – and use them to fulfill the mission that God has given you.

Live Out Your Mission

Live Out Your Mission

There are indeed 5 steps to discovering your purpose in life. It involves:

1. Pleasing God

2. Loving others who believe in God

3. Becoming like Christ

4. Serving others with the gifts God has given us

5. Being on a mission for God

As you strive to please God –

love others who believe in God –

become like Christ –

serve others with the gifts God has given you –

and be a part of God’s mission by using all God has given you to establish God’ s will for salvation, peace, love, justice and righteousness in the world –

you will discover your true purpose in life.

Amen.