John 14:15-21

John 14:15-21

An “Easter Church” Makes A Difference

April 30, 2008

Easter 6

Christ has risen! He has risen indeed!

As Christians, we confess that Christ has risen.

We believe that He has risen and lives in our hearts — but we also believe that we has truly and physically risen. We believe that the tomb of Christ is empty. We believe that the power of death has been broken – broken for Jesus and broken for us. We can’t begin to understand the divine power that rose Jesus from the dead. The more we try to understand it, the more astounded by it we become.

But — here is a truth that is even more astounding:

The same power that shattered the prison of death sets us free from all that binds us.

The very Spirit of God that rose Jesus from the dead can live in us to empowers us for the ministry God calls us to be doing in the world.

You see — resurrection power is for us, in us, and at work through us.

We can live as “Easter Christians” – we can be an “Easter Church”.

This means that we not only live in gratitude for our salvation and hope for the future, but we can also live lives that are filled with the power of God for His work in the world. We can be filled with His power and let His power touch every aspect of our lives.

We can be filled with His power – and let His power touch every aspect of our Church.

Christ has risen – and we can be “Easter Christians” – we can be an “Easter Church” – filled with the power of the risen Christ and doing the work of the risen Christ.

During this season of Easter we are looking at different aspects of what it means to be an “Easter Church” – filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and boldly doing the work of Christ in the world.

We began 4 weeks ago by looking at John 20:19-31 – the story of Jesus and Thomas – and saw that an “Easter Church” believes.

3 weeks ago we added another aspect of what it means to be an “Ester Church” as we looked at Luke 24:13-35 – the story of Jesus – Cleopas – and another follower on the road to Emmaus – and saw that an “Easter Church” is on fire.

2 weeks ago we added a third aspect of what it means to be an “Easter Church” as we looked at John 10:1-10 – and saw that an “Easter Church” follows the leader.

Last week we looked at a fourth aspect of what it means to be an “Easter Church” as we looked at John 14:1-14 – and saw that an “Easter Church” takes comfort in Christ.

Today we will add yet another aspect to what it means to be an “Easter Church” as we look at John 14:15-21 – and see that an “Easter Church” makes a difference.

Listen to God’s word in John 14:15-21.

Read scripture

I ran across a story this week about a seven-year-old granddaughter who said to her grandfather, “In this family we are kind of serious about God, aren’t we?”

He answered: “Yes, we sure are.”

And the little girl asked, “Why?”

The Grandfather wrapped the little girl in his arms, hugged her real close and said, “So that I can hug you and tickle you and try to tell you how much I love you and how glad I am that God gave you to us.”

The little girl grinned and said, “That’s cool.”

The resurrection of Christ empowers us to be an “Easter Church” – filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and boldly doing the work of Christ in the world.

One of the things that means is that we are to be making a difference in the world.

Now — I’m not sure that hugging and tickling everybody we meet would go over very well. They might actually come and put us in one of those jackets with the buckles and really long sleeves and lock us in a rubber room But — we are supposed to figure out how to show that love to everyone we meet. The love we have experienced through Christ is supposed to be shared. We’re supposed to make a difference in the world by sharing the love of Christ with the world.

An “Easter Church” makes a difference

An “Easter Church” makes a difference.

I think it’s interesting that – in our passage for today – Jesus begins by saying:

“If you love me.”

We forget sometimes that it’s not enough to just say, “I love Jesus.” Or “Jesus is Lord and Savior of my life.” The important part is living that love. The important part is the manifestation of the love of Jesus in all that we do and say.

“If you love me, you will obey what I command” Jesus says.

Or – Eugene Peterson translates it in The Message

“If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you.”

The resurrection of Christ empowers us to be an “Easter Church” – filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and boldly doing the work of Christ in the world.

One of the things that means is that we are to be making a difference in the world.

An “Easter Church” makes a difference

An “Easter Church” makes a difference.

What difference does it make – for us – and for those around us – that Christ has risen from the dead – and we are called to be an “Easter Church” – filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and boldly doing the work of Christ in the world?

What difference does it make?

What difference does it make in your life?

What difference does it make in the life of those you come in contact.

What difference does it make in your family?

An “Easter Church” makes a difference

An “Easter Church” makes a difference.

Jesus said: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

What Commandments was He talking about?

I think He was talking about the two most important commandments: “Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself.”

Later on in John 15:17 Jesus says:

“This I command you, to love one another.”

Pretty simple, pretty straight forward isn’t it.

Then why is it so easy to say, and so hard to do and live?

I believe it’s hard for us because it calls on us to make a difference.

It calls on us to make a difference to God.

It calls on us to make a difference to Jesus.

It calls on us to make a difference to ourselves.

It calls on us to make a difference to others.

It calls on us to make a difference.

An “Easter Church” makes a difference

An “Easter Church” makes a difference.

First — “Easter Church” makes a difference to God.

Many people may not agree with this. Some may have a sort of “gentle heavenly watchmaker” philosophy of God — believing that He’s the ultimate judge who will sort the good from the evil at the end times — but doesn’t get involved much in our daily lives. But that’s not the Biblical witness. Look at the experience of Cleopas and his companion on the road to Emmaus. Look at Saul, who was persecuting the church and became Paul, the chief Evangelist of the early church. God got involved in their lives in a big way – and still wants to get involved in our lives – in a big way.

A religious cynic once said:

“God made humanity on the last day of creation. When God realized what He’d done, He took off and went into hiding. The search to find God is what we call ‘religion.’”

That’s the wrong answer!

That’s not the Biblical witness either.

When God created humanity, God said it was “Very good.” God didn’t take off and go into hiding. On the contrary, from the very beginning God made Himself totally accessible. to people. More importantly, God wants a personal relationship with you – now.

God created you.

You are one of God’s creative masterpieces.

And an artist doesn’t just walk away from his or her masterpiece.

The resurrection of Christ empowers us to be an “Easter Church” – filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and boldly doing the work of Christ in the world.

One of the things that means is that we are to be making a difference in the world.

An “Easter Church” makes a difference

An “Easter Church” makes a difference.

An “Easter Church” makes a difference to God.

Secondly – an “Easter Church” makes a difference to Jesus.

While God says we will be God’s treasured possession, Jesus takes us into an even deeper relationship. In Matthew 20:50 Jesus said:

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

And at the very end, Jesus even took that relationship deeper – calling His disciples His friends.

Again, in our passage for today Jesus said:

“If you love me, you will obey what I command.”

So, you see, how we live out these commandments of loving God with all we are and loving our neighbors as our selves is the proof of our love for Christ. It’s not simply saying we love Him. It’s doing what He told he told us to do. That’s the measuring rod of our faithfulness.

The resurrection of Christ empowers us to be an “Easter Church” – filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and boldly doing the work of Christ in the world.

One of the things that means is that we are to be making a difference in the world.

An “Easter Church” makes a difference

An “Easter Church” makes a difference.

An “Easter Church” makes a difference to God.

Secondly – an “Easter Church” makes a difference to Jesus.

Thirdly – and “Easter Church” makes a difference to us.

There was a nature show on television about a black bear that gave birth to two cubs. One cub died right away. Three weeks later the mother died and the remaining cub was left to fend for itself. An orphaned cub in that condition is like a walking buffet for predators. And of course the camera immediately showed a hungry-looking mountain lion. One day the orphan cub encountered a giant male black bear. The little cub cowered at the bear’s sheer mass. The larger bear peered around and seemed to realize that the mother bear wasn’t anywhere to be found. He gave the little cub a friendly nudge. The camera then showed the little bear happily trailing along after the larger one. The adoption papers were signed, sealed and registered at the county seat in that nudge. Papa bear proceeded to show the cub how to grub for insects and how to catch fish and how to scratch his back against a tree. One day the two bears became separated. The cub began to cry and looked frantically for his new father, but couldn’t find him anywhere. The cub approached a stream where he’d learned to fish and something caught his attention. He looked up to see a mountain lion ready to pounce. That same mountain lion had stalked the cub for the entire show. There was no way that mountain lion would’ve gone for that cub with Papa bear around, but now….

The camera zoomed in on the cub. He automatically mimicked the posture of his adopted father when threatened. He stood on his hind legs and bared his teeth. Then, in the exactly the same way his new father would have done, this cub let loose a mighty growl that should have reverberated throughout the forest. But, only a tiny bear cub squeak came out. The mountain lion lowered his head and ran off in the opposite direction. The camera panned back to the proud little cub still standing tall on his hind legs. And then all the viewers saw what that little cub could not: a few yards behind him, at full, ferocious height, his sharp, white teeth bared in a snarl, stood Daddy bear. He may not have made a sound, but he was there. Even though the cub couldn’t see his father, his father stood guard, protecting his young. The little cub had power available greater than anything he could produce on his own. There was a greater power watching over him.

Jesus said in verse 21 of our passage:

“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”

Being an “Easter Church” makes a difference

Being an “Easter Church” makes a difference.

Being an “Easter Church” makes a difference to God.

Being an “Easter Church” makes a difference to Jesus.

Being an “Easter Church” makes a difference to us.

We may not see or hear the presence of God all the time. But the power and presence of God is always available for us. No matter how frightened or alone we feel, no matter how much we feel abandoned or how weak or powerless we believe we are, that doesn’t mean the Spirit isn’t here. That doesn’t mean we are not loved. We may feel separated from God, but God doesn’t go anywhere. God is always with us, even when all we can see ahead of us is that hungry mountain lion. God protects and provides for us. We are God’s treasured possession. We are God’s children, brothers and sisters of Christ Jesus. We’re friends of Jesus. Jesus promised He will never leave us orphaned. He promised to be with us always through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

But again, there’s that obedience clause, that faithfulness factor.

“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me”

What good is claiming to be a Christian if you are not going to live like one? What good is claiming to love Jesus if you are not going to show His love to others – or actively do what He calls You to do?

It doesn’t matter what we say – what matters is what we do.

What matters is whether or not we are being the Christians God wants us to be – loving God with all we have – and obeying Jesus’ command to follow Him and show His love to others.

What matters is whether we are obeying Jesus’ commands – living in His ways. These are the things that make a difference – to God – to Jesus – and to us.

The resurrection of Christ empowers us to be an “Easter Church” – filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and boldly doing the work of Christ in the world.

One of the things that means is that we are to be making a difference in the world.

An “Easter Church” makes a difference

An “Easter Church” makes a difference.

An “Easter Church” makes a difference to God.

Secondly – an “Easter Church” makes a difference to Jesus.

Thirdly – an “Easter Church” makes a difference to us.

Fourthly – an “Eater Church” makes a difference to others.

We were never meant to be alone. In the beginning of Genesis, God noticed that Adam wasn’t doing well. God said:

“It isn’t good that the man should be alone. I will make him a helper as his partner.”

God created us to be in relationship with each other. We don’t do well as loners.

A set of twin girls were born 12 weeks premature, each about two pounds. They were placed in separate bassinets. One started to do just fine – but the other one began slowly to fade. Her heart beat was rapid — she was visibly anxious — and nothing the nurses could do seemed to be able to stop what seemed like her inevitable death.  Then one of the nurses remembered something she’d read about treatment of preemies elsewhere in the world. As a sort of last resort the nurses put the weaker twin into the bassinet with her sister. The results were immediate and dramatic. The smaller twin snuggled up to her sister, and her heart rate immediately slowed to normal. Her color came back. The baby visibly relaxed, almost with a sigh of relief. She accepted nourishment. The crisis was over. She would survive. That tiny baby did not know who she was, or where she was. But somehow she knew where she belonged. And she knew when she was where she belonged.

Our souls are like that.

Deeper than words, back behind all conscious thought, our souls know what they need.

Sometimes all a person needs is to know that they are not alone – that someone – maybe you – are there to walk with them through whatever it is they are facing. Walking as a companion, not a judge, not a guide, not as someone with all the answers. But simply as a loving and caring companion. As their friend and – and a friend of Jesus who lets them know they are not alone.

I think that’s what Jesus meant when he said:

“If you love me, you will obey what I command.”

Loving Jesus.

Obeying His command.

Making a difference.

Making a difference to God.

Making a difference to Jesus.

Making a difference to each other.

Making a difference to others.

The resurrection of Christ empowers us to be an “Easter Church” – filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and boldly doing the work of Christ in the world.

One of the things that means is that we are to be making a difference in the world.

An “Easter Church” makes a difference

An “Easter Church” makes a difference.

It makes a difference to God.

It makes a difference to Jesus.

It makes a difference to us.

It makes a difference to others.

This means that we do things that make a difference to God – loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

This means that we worship God – that attend and participate in worship – that we come and participate in Bible Study – that we come and participate in fellowship times – that we come and participate in the times we reach out to others with the love of God.

Really – what it boils down to – is that you commit yourself to making a difference.

What it boils down to is that you commit yourself to being an “Easter Christian” who makes a difference.

What it boils down to is that you commit yourself to:

Making a difference to God.

Making a difference to Jesus.

Making a difference to us.

Making a difference to others.

This means that you do things that make a difference to God – loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

This means that you worship God – that you attend and participate in worship – that you come and participate in Bible Study – that you come and participate in fellowship times – that you come and participate in the times we reach out to others with the love of God.

If each of us will commit ourselves to making a difference to God – Jesus – us – and others – we will become the “Easter Christians” – and the “Easter Church” God wills for us to be.

Yes – friends – the resurrection of Christ empowers us to be an “Easter Church” – filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and boldly doing the work of Christ in the world.

One of the things that means is that we are to be making a difference in the world.

An “Easter Church” makes a difference.

It makes a difference to God.

It makes a difference to Jesus.

It makes a difference to us.

It makes a difference to others.

An “Easter Church” makes a difference. Amen.

John 14:1-14

John 14:1-14

An “Easter Church” Has Comfort

Easter 5 April 20, 2008

Christ has risen! He has risen indeed!

As Christians, we confess that Christ has risen.

We believe that He has risen and lives in our hearts — but we also believe that He has truly and physically risen. We believe that the tomb of Christ is empty. We believe that the power of death has been broken – broken for Jesus and broken for us. We can’t begin to understand the divine power that rose Jesus from the dead. The more we try to understand it, the more astounded by it we become.

But — here is a truth that is even more astounding:

The same power that shattered the prison of death sets us free from all that binds us.

The very Spirit of God that rose Jesus from the dead can live in us to empowers us for the ministry God calls us to be doing in the world.

You see — resurrection power is for us, in us, and at work through us.

We can live as “Easter Christians” – we can be an “Easter Church”.

This means that we not only live in gratitude for our salvation and hope for the future, but we can also live lives that are filled with the power of God for His work in the world. We can be filled with His power and let His power touch every aspect of our lives.

We can be filled with His power – and let His power touch every aspect of our Church.

Christ has risen – and we can be “Easter Christians” – we can be an “Easter Church” – filled with the power of the risen Christ and doing the work of the risen Christ.

During this season of Easter we are looking at different aspects of what it means to be an “Easter Church” – filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and boldly doing the work of Christ in the world.

We began 3 weeks ago by looking at John 20:19-31 – the story of Jesus and Thomas – and saw that an “Easter Church” believes.

2 weeks ago we added another aspect of what it means to be an “Ester Church” as we looked at Luke 24:13-35 – the story of Jesus – Cleopas – and another follower on the road to Emmaus – and saw that an “Easter Church” is on fire.

Last week we added a third aspect of what it means to be an “Easter Church” as we looked at John 10:1-10 – and saw that an “Easter Church” follows the leader.

Today we are going to look at a fourth aspect of what it means to be an “Easter Church” as we look at John 14:1-14 – and see that an “Easter Church” takes comfort in Christ.

Listen to God’s word in John 14:1-14:

Ok – I’m going to get you involved in my sermon today.

Raise your hand if you have ever had one of those days when everything goes wrong – one of those days where it doesn’t seem to make any difference how hard you try — everything backfires on you – one of those days where the harder you try, the worse it gets.

Ever had one of those days?

Well, if it makes you feel any better, I’ve had those days too – lots of them! I’m convinced that all of us have had days like that.
I heard a story that I believe illustrates this point very well.

It seems that a lady was waiting for her flight at an airport – and stopped in the concourse to buy a Kit Kat candy bar to eat while she was waiting for her plane. After purchasing her candy bar, she spied one more empty seat in the waiting area. Rushing to get it, she quickly leaned her hang-up bag against the seat, placed her purse and several other small items on the table between her and a man seated next to the seat she was about to occupy, and then turned to straighten her hang up bag.
With everything finally in order, she was ready to enjoy her candy bar – but to her surprise — as she started to reach for it, she saw the man in the next seat unwrapping her Kit Kat bar, and she watched in utter amazement as he broke off a section and ate it.

She thought, “Well, my goodness, I’ve never seen such gall.” She glared at him, and he looked at her, but no words were exchanged.

She was so furious at what he had done that she decided that if he was going to be that brazen about it, she could be brazen, too. She reached over — broke off a piece of the candy bar – and ate it. He responded by breaking off another piece and eating it. It quickly became almost a duel between the two of them to see who would get the most of the candy bar. Well, the candy bar was consumed, and she sat there just boiling that someone would be so rude and so presumptuous as to eat half of her candy bar.

Well, after a few minutes of silence, the man got up and left — then came back with another Kit Kat candy bar. He unwrapped it, broke off a piece, and started eating. The lady thought, “Well, since he ate half of mine, I’m going to eat half of his.” So she reached over and broke off another piece – and ate it. Once again the same scenario was repeated until the whole candy bar was gone.

The lady sat there thinking, “This is the most ridiculous thing that has happened to me in all my life” – and continued to glare at the man. He also looked at her, but neither of them said a word.
Finally came the announcement that her plane was ready for boarding. She opened her purse to get her boarding pass – and — to her utter embarrassment — there was her Kit Kat candy bar! She had eaten half of two of his candy bars – and her candy bar was still in her purse!

She was too embarrassed to say anything to the man – and rushed off to catch her flight – hoping that nothing else would go wrong that day!

Yea – we’ve all had “bad days”.

There are times – days – weeks – even months — when things really start to go wrong. Your whole world seems to be crumbling around you and you wonder what is going on. Some of those days are filled with silly incidents like the one I just told about – and then some are much more serious.

It was a series of really, really, bad days that the followers of Jesus were having that lead up to the conversation our scripture passage relates for us today. They have been on a roller-coaster of emotions. Their week had begun gloriously with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, & people waving palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna to the King!” Even the chief priests who had been plotting against Jesus cried out in despair, “What can we do? The whole world has gone out after Him!” But — Jesus had not come to establish an earthly kingdom – and the mood of the crowd — disappointed and thwarted in their dreams of a Jewish kingdom with Jesus as their miracle-working king — began to change. Soon the priests were once again seeking someone to betray Jesus into their hands.

As the 14th chapter of John opens, Jesus and His disciples are in the upper room where they have eaten the Passover meal together. Jesus knows exactly what the next few hours would bring. He knows that Judas would betray Him. He knows about the illegal trials waiting for Him that night, and how troubled the disciples would be. He knew of the cross and the borrowed tomb.

And He tried to prepare the disciples for the series of “bad days” that would follow.

So He begins to comfort them.

And the comfort He gives them – the statement He makes –

“Do not let your hearts be troubled”

Is the comfort He gives to all of us – in the midst of our “bad days” – our hard times – our worst days – our hardest times.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled”

In the midst of our hardest times – our “bad days” – our worst days – Jesus gives comfort.

One of the qualities of an “Easter Church” – a Church filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – a Church that is “on fire’ for Christ – believes in Christ – and that follows Christ – a Church that is boldly doing the work of Christ in the world – is that it takes comfort in Christ.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort in Christ.

In the “bad days” – the hardest days – the worst days of our lives – we can be “Easter Christians” – taking comfort in Christ.

We can be an “Easter Church” – taking comfort in Christ.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort in Christ.

Is there anyone who needs comfort here this morning?

I know that there are.

We lose loved ones. People lose jobs. Some have physical problems. Others are lonely and depressed. We experience all kinds of troubles – all kinds of “bad days” – but Jesus says that we can take comfort in Him – and that we can trust Him.

Part of the solution to a troubled heart – part of what helps us take comfort in the hard times – the worst times – of our lives — is trust in Christ.

Jesus tells His disciples to trust in 3 things.

First of all – He says to trust in His presence.

Secondly, He says to trust in His promises.

Thirdly, He says to trust in His person.

Trusting in Jesus’ presence – His promises – and His person are things that can give us comfort in the hard – difficult – and worst times of our lives.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort in Christ.

In the “bad days” – the hardest days – the worst days of our lives – we can be “Easter Christians” – taking comfort in Christ.

We can be an “Easter Church” – taking comfort in Christ.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort in Christ.

First – we have to trust in His presence.

Listen again to His words in vs. 1:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me.”

What is Jesus saying there?

Is He saying, “You trusted in God, now it’s time to trust also in Me?”

Or is He saying, “I know you trust in God and you also trust in Me – but remember, when you can no longer see Me, don’t stop trusting in Me.”
You see, we have always found it easier to trust in things that we can see and touch. We have a little bit of Thomas in us, don’t we? Remember, Thomas said,

“Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my fingers where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe it.”

So Jesus shows him and he believes.

Jesus then said to Thomas: “Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
This building, the pews on which you are sitting, this pulpit, all are temporary. All are subject to decay.
We look in the mirror and see our aging bodies – and realize that they are temporary, too.

All the things you can see and touch are only here for a little while and then are gone.

But the things you can’t see last forever.

This is a hard lesson for us to learn, isn’t it?

Yet it is an important lesson, because when we face troubles and difficulties in life, when we have “bad days” – horrible days — our worst days — we need to remember as Christians that Jesus has promised:

“I am with you always. I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Trust in My presence.”

In the “bad days” – the hardest days – the worst days of our lives – we can be “Easter Christians” – taking comfort in Christ.

We can be an “Easter Church” – taking comfort in Christ.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort in Christ.

The first step is to trust in His presence.

The second step is to trust in His promises.

John 14:2 is one of the most beautiful verses in the Bible.

Jesus says:

“In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come back and take you to be with Me, that where I am you may be also.”

God has given many promises both in the Old and New Testaments. He promised the children of Israel a land where there would be milk and honey. It took a while for the promise to be fulfilled, but finally it was fulfilled. He promised a Messiah – and that took a long time. But it, too, was fulfilled. Jesus the Savior was born. Now Jesus is promising that He is coming back for us. Someday we’ll be with Him forever and ever. Sometimes we grow impatient, but we can trust in the promises of God. This promise will be fulfilled, too.

You know — the Bible uses a lot of different words to describe heaven. In one place it is called “a country” indicating the vastness of heaven. In another it is called “a city” indicating the number of inhabitants. It is called “a kingdom” indicating that there is a governmental structure to it all. It is called “paradise” indicating its beauty & desirability. But here it is called, “My Father’s house,” – and that is another way of saying, “It is home.”

Home is a place where you can be yourself.

Home is where you can put on comfortable clothes and kick off your shoes. I love it – after a long day – I get home and can take off the “dress clothes” I’ve had on all day and can put on my oldest – most comfortable – pair of khakis and my oldest – most comfortable shirt – and put on my slippers instead of shoes – if In even put slippers on. Sometimes I just go around the house in sock feet – or when the weather is warm bare footed. That’s what “home” means for me.

Home is where you can say what you are thinking – and can share with your family things you don’t share with others.

Home is where you’re always accepted and loved.

You’re not just a guest.

You are a resident.

You live there.

That is home.
Jesus is saying:

“I’m going to take you to My Father’s house, and it will be your home, too.

You’ll be a part of the family. You’ll be home where you belong.”

He says, “In My Father’s house are many rooms.” The KJ version says, “many mansions.” We like that word. But “mansion” is not the best translation of the Greek word Jesus used. Probably the best is “dwelling place” or “rooms.”

You see, the word that Jesus used comes from the eastern custom that when a son grows up and gets married, he brings his bride back home again. And the father adds another room onto the house for them. Then when another son grows up and gets married, they add another room. The house just keeps getting bigger & bigger, as the family stays together.
“In My Father’s house,”

Jesus said

“there are many rooms. I am going to prepare them for you. I’m coming back to take you so that you may be where I am.”

We’re almost there, people. Don’t become discouraged. Don’t become fainthearted.

We’re almost there.

“Trust My promises,” Jesus says.

In the “bad days” – the hardest days – the worst days of our lives – we can be “Easter Christians” – taking comfort in Christ.

We can be an “Easter Church” – taking comfort in Christ.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort in Christ.

The first step is to trust in His presence.

The second step is to trust in His promises.

The third step is to trust His person.

In verse 4 of our passage from John 14 we read:

“`You know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to Him, `Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus answered, `I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
What a wonderful promise!

He is saying,:

“I’m not just going to show you the way, or tell you the way, or write out the instructions on how to get there. I’m going to come and take you by the hand to My Father’s house. Then you’ll be home.”

In the “bad days” – the hardest days – the worst days of our lives – we can be “Easter Christians” – taking comfort in Christ.

We can be an “Easter Church” – taking comfort in Christ.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort in Christ.

The first step is to trust in His presence.

The second step is to trust in His promises.

The third step is to trust His person.

Trust in His presence —

Trust in His promises –

Trust His person –

Take comfort.

Do you have burdens this morning that you think you cannot bear?

Are you troubled?

Are you worried or anxious?

Do you feel empty inside?

Do you feel lonely?

Do you feel lost?

Confused?

Well – in the “bad days” – the hardest days – the worst days of our lives – we can be “Easter Christians” – taking comfort in Christ.

We can trust His presence – His promises – and His person – and we can be an “Easter Church” – taking comfort in Christ.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort in Christ.

I read of a solider who had just returned from Viet Nam. His parents were socialites, very well-to-do. It was near Christmas, and they were getting ready to go out to the first of the round of parties of the Christmas season. Just then the phone rang, and it was their son on the phone.

“Mom,” he said, “I’m back in the States.”

She said, “That’s wonderful! Where are you? Will you be home for Christmas? Can you get here in time for the parties? Everybody will just love to see you.”

He answered, “Yes, I can be home for Christmas, but I need to ask you something first. ”

“What is it?” she asked.

“Well, I have a friend with me from Viet Nam. Can he come?”
“Oh, of course, ” she answered. “Bring him along. He’ll enjoy the parties, too.”

“Wait a moment, mom,” he said,

“I need to explain something about him. He was terribly wounded and lost both legs & one arm. His face is disfigured, too.”
There was silence on the phone for awhile.

Then the mother said, “That’s all right. Bring him home for a few days.”

“No, mom, you don’t understand. He has nowhere to live. He has no one else. I want to bring him home – and to let our home be his home.”
The mother was quiet again.

Then she said, “Son, that just wouldn’t do. What you’re asking would be very unfair to us. Why, it would disrupt all our lives. I’m sure there are government agencies that would be more than glad to take charge of him. Look, just you hurry home for Christmas now, and then maybe you can visit him once in a while.”

“Darling, I’m sorry, but we’ve got to rush or we’ll be late for the party. Call us again as soon as you know when you’ll be home. Goodbye.”

When the parents returned home from the party that night, there was an urgent message from the California police asking them to call. They called – and the officer said, “I’m very sorry to have to call you, but we just found a young soldier dead in a motel room. His face is disfigured, and he has lost both legs and one arm. From the documents on him it would appear that he is your son.”

The “friend”, you see, was himself.

He was trying to see if his parents – after the worst time in his life – would welcome him home – and discovered they would not – and took his life in despair.

In the “bad days” – the hardest days – the worst days of our lives – we can be “Easter Christians” – taking comfort in Christ.

We can be an “Easter Church” – taking comfort in Christ.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort in Christ.

The first step is to trust in His presence.

The second step is to trust in His promises.

The third step is to trust His person.

Trust in His presence —

Trust in His promises –

Trust His person –

Take comfort.

Whatever your burdens are this morning, the solution to a troubled heart is still the same — to trust Jesus, to trust in His, to trust in His promises, and to trust in His person.

We can trust Jesus.

We can trust in His presence with us – always.

We can trust in His promises – always.

We can trust in His person – always.

We can take comfort – always.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

An “Easter Church” takes comfort.

Amen.

John 10:1-10

John 10:1-10

An “Easter Church” Follows The Leader

Easter 4 April 13, 2008

Christ has risen! He has risen indeed!

As Christians, we confess that Christ has risen.

We believe that He has risen and lives in our hearts — but we also believe that He has truly and physically risen. We believe that the tomb of Christ is empty. We believe that the power of death has been broken – broken for Jesus and broken for us. We can’t begin to understand the divine power that rose Jesus from the dead. The more we try to understand it, the more astounded by it we become.

But — here is a truth that is even more astounding:

The same power that shattered the prison of death sets us free from all that binds us.

The very Spirit of God that rose Jesus from the dead can live in us to empowers us for the ministry God calls us to be doing in the world.

You see — resurrection power is for us, in us, and at work through us.

We can live as “Easter Christians” – we can be an “Easter Church”.

This means that we not only live in gratitude for our salvation and hope for the future, but we can also live lives that are filled with the power of God for His work in the world. We can be filled with His power and let His power touch every aspect of our lives.

We can be filled with His power – and let His power touch every aspect of our Church.

Christ has risen – and we can be “Easter Christians” – we can be an “Easter Church” – filled with the power of the risen Christ and doing the work of the risen Christ.

During this season of Easter we are looking at different aspects of what it means to be an “Easter Church” – filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and boldly doing the work of Christ in the world.

We began 2 weeks ago by looking at John 20:19-31 – the story of Jesus and Thomas – and saw that an “Easter Church” believes.

Last week we added another aspect of what it means to be an “Ester Church” as we looked at Luke 24:13-35 – the story of Jesus – Cleopas – and another follower on the road to Emmaus – and saw that an “Easter Church” is on fire.

Today we’re going to look at John 10:1-10 – and see that an “Easter Church” follows the leader.

Read Scripture

A popular idea – or popular trend — these days is having a “personal trainer” – or a “life coach” — someone who helps people get their lives in order and be more productive – or happier – or whatever they are trying to be.

I recently read an article where the TV Talk Show host Oprah Winfrey said that her personal trainer gives her the help she needs to make the best of life she can.

She says that her trainer helps her with meal plans – helps her take off the weight she needs to lose – and suggests exercises that can strengthen her heart.

On the surface, having a personal trainer – or a life coach – sounds like a pretty good thing to have.

We all know that what we eat is important –

“You are what you eat”

they say.

Some of us – and I add myself to this list — also know that losing weight might be a good thing for us to do.

We also know that exercise – especially exercise that strengthens our heart – is a good thing – something that many of us don’t get enough of.

So – maybe a “personal trainer” – or a “life coach” – would not be that bad of a thing to have.

The problem is that they are expensive, and we may not know whether they know more about what they are talking about than we do!

So – life coaches – or personal trainers – for our physical lives might be good – if you can afford it and can find one that you can trust. If not, you may need to just buckle down and do it yourself instead of following someone else’s plan or have someone you are accountable to.

But – what about a personal trainer – a life coach – for our spiritual lives?

O – you can find them also.

Spiritual Directors – Counselors – whatever you want to call them – are readily available – and some have great advice – but again most of the time you have to pay — and you have to be sure you can trust them.

But – you know what?

We are called to be God’s people – and – as God’s people – don’t we already have a life coach – a personal trainer – a spiritual director – a counselor?

Sure we do!

It’s Jesus!

Do you want help with your “spiritual diet”?

Our “personal trainer” Jesus encourages us to not only feed our bodies – but to also feed our souls.

He encourages us to “feed on the word of God.”

He says in John 8:31:

“If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples”

Our “personal trainer” Jesus tells us to fill our minds with things that are not healthy for us — but to fill our minds with what is good.

Paul writes in Philippians 4:8:

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
We not only have to nourish and exercise our bodies, we also have to nourish our spirits.

Our “personal trainer” Jesus knows that – and has better things for us.
Our “personal trainer” Jesus can also help us cast off the things that weigh us down — our fears, our anger, our guilt. In 1 John 4:18 we read that

perfect love casts out fear

and we know that His love for us is perfect and that we are so loved that we need not fear nor be anxious about anything,

Just as we can develop the strength of our physical hearts by exercise such as walking, so walking in the ways of the Lord can strengthen our souls – and every aspect of our lives.
Oprah says we each have to ask ourselves:

“What kind of a life do we want? And how close are we to living it?”
To reach the life we want, we need the truth about ourselves – and we also need the one who is the truth, our “personal trainer” Jesus our Lord.

The fitness centers’ ads urge, “Sign up today! It’s the best thing you can do for yourself.”

Having Jesus as your “personal trainer” is definitely the best decision you can ever make!

In our passage for today, Jesus says that we can follow Him – follow His advice – follow His directions – in other words, let Him be our “personal trainer” for how we live our lives, and that He will lead us to life that is abundant and that is the life God intends for us.

One of the marks of an “Easter Church” – a Church that is filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and that is boldly doing the work of Christ in the world – is that it follows the true leader – our risen Lord Jesus Christ!

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

Our passage for today ends with Christ saying:

“I came that they might have life, and might have it more abundantly.”
That’s what following Christ – or if you want to call it having Christ as our “personal trainer” for life — can do for us. It gives us life that is full – that is victorious — that is abundant!

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

But – you know – it’s not too hard – unfortunately – to find Christians – and even Churches — who don’t seem to be different from non Christians and groups of non Christians. There are some people who may be Christians — but may not see that Christ has made a difference in their lives. There are some Christians who are not following Christ – and don’t have Christ as their “personal trainer” Some have never discovered the “abundant life” that Christ promises.

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

So – if someone were living this abundant life Christ promises –

if someone were letting Christ be their “personal trainer” and were living in Christ’s ways –

what do they do?

How can you tell?

And –

If a Church is following the leader – following the risen Christ – what does it do?

How could you tell?

Does it mean that they believe in Christ?

Does it mean that Christ has saved them from their sins?

Yes – but it means more than these 2 things.

Being saved is great. It’s vital. But it’s not the end—-it’s the beginning.

There’s so much more that can fulfill us, complete us, satisfy us, and make us joyful as followers of Christ.

So, if Christ promised an abundant life, why do so many of us go through life as Christians and not appear to be living much different than non-Christians?

I believe it’s because we haven’t let Christ lead us – we don’t have Christ as our “personal trainer” – and we are not living the abundant life Christ promises.

You see — an “Easter Church” is a Church that is filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – that is filled with the abundant life Christ offers us — and that is boldly doing the work of Christ in the world. It’s a Church that follows the true leader – our risen Lord Jesus Christ – and it’s members discover this abundant life Jesus promises and shares that abundant life with the world.

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” is where we can live the abundant life Christ promises.

I see 5 keys to understanding what this abundant life is all about.

First — an abundant life is a yielded life.

What does that mean?

We can find the answer in Romans 6:10-14.
The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

There’s a lot of complicated stuff in those five verses – but — what we need to see is that as Christians, we have a choice about how we live. If we look carefully at the passage, we see that we have a choice to make – whether to yield to God or to the world. If we yield to God, we will enjoy an abundant life. If we yield to sin, we will have to endure a defeated life.

But what does yielding our lives mean?

It means we must give our whole selves to God, all of our heart, mind, soul, body and will.

This may sound more difficult than we can achieve.

And, in fact, it is. We cannot live a life like this alone.

We need Christ and His people in our lives in order to live this way.

We need Christ because of His strength and His ability to live through us. Christ is our great example and model for a yielded life. He yielded to the Father’s plan. He subjected Himself to God’s will — and was even obedient to the point of crucifixion on the cross. He allowed Himself to be separated from the Father in order to provide an eternal relationship with the Father for all of us.

He led a completely yielded life.
We also need God’s people for fellowship and accountability. For a healthy Christian existence, we cannot neglect the gathering of ourselves together for worship, for fellowship, for friendship and to hold each other accountable to be obedient to God’s will and word. This is yielded living among our brethren.

An “Easter Church” is a Church that is filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – that is filled with the abundant life Christ offers us — and that is boldly doing the work of Christ in the world. It’s a Church that follows the true leader – our risen Lord Jesus Christ – and it’s members discover this abundant life Jesus promises and shares that abundant life with the world.

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” is where we can live the abundant life Christ promises.

A yielded life is the first key to this.
The second key is that the abundant life is a life of service – letting Christ be our model and example.

There are many ways to serve in an abundant life.

In Romans 12:1-2 Paul writes:
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
We must “present” ourselves to God — which involves choosing to surrender

to God and to His perfect will — even though we may not always understand or see where it’s heading.

We agree to serve – and to follow.

Continuing on, we read “present your bodies”

We must allow God to control all of us.

The abundant life is one that is given completely to God at the expense of our own desires.
An “Easter Church” is a Church that is filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – that is filled with the abundant life Christ offers us — and that is boldly doing the work of Christ in the world. It’s a Church that follows the true leader – our risen Lord Jesus Christ – and it’s members discover this abundant life Jesus promises and shares that abundant life with the world.

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” is where we can live the abundant life Christ promises.

Living a yielded life is the first key to this.
The second key is a life of service – letting Christ be your model and example.

Here’s a third key —

An abundant life is one “transformed” to godliness and conformed to God’s will. We are truly happy when our personal desires are put away and we desire what God wants for us.

Paul urges us in Romans 12:2

do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind

Don’t let the world and it’s “wisdom” lead you – but let Christ lead you — then you will discover the abundant life Christ offers.

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” is where we can live the abundant life Christ promises.

Living a yielded life is the first key to this.
The second key is a life of service – letting Christ be your model and example.

The third key is – live a life that is “transformed” – lead by Christ.

Living a Spirit-filled life is the fourth key to an abundant life.

We can have the Holy Spirit living in us, but does the Holy Spirit guide us so that we can have an abundant life? In Ephesians 5:18b-21 Paul writes:

…be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ, (Ephesians 5:18b-21).

These verses give us a list of some things we do that keep us close to God and close to each other. These are the result of someone who is filled and guided by the Holy Spirit – and has discovered the abundant and joyful life God wants us all to live.

An “Easter Church” is a Church that is filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – that is filled with the abundant life Christ offers us — and that is boldly doing the work of Christ in the world. It’s a Church that follows the true leader – our risen Lord Jesus Christ – and it’s members discover this abundant life Jesus promises and shares that abundant life with the world.

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” is where we can live the abundant life Christ promises.

Living a yielded life is the first key to this.
The second key is a life of service – letting Christ be your model and example.

The third key is – live a life that is “transformed” – lead by Christ.

The fourth key to an abundant life is living the Spirit filled life.

The fifth key is knowing that an abundant life is a mature life.
We need to continue to grow in our lives as Christians.

Sometimes we call this our Christian walk. We begin as infants in Christ and

grow through different stages, much like we grow up as humans. We’re, in fact, created by God to continue to grow in knowledge of Him and to desire to know Him more eventually being filled with to beyond capacity with what God has for us.

An “Easter Church” is a Church that is filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – that is filled with the abundant life Christ offers us — and that is boldly doing the work of Christ in the world. It’s a Church that follows the true leader – our risen Lord Jesus Christ – and it’s members discover this abundant life Jesus promises and shares that abundant life with the world.

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” is where we can live the abundant life Christ promises.

Living a yielded life is the first key to this.
The second key is a life of service – letting Christ be your model and example.

The third key is – live a life that is “transformed” – lead by Christ.

The fourth key to an abundant life is living the Spirit filled life.

The fifth key is knowing that an abundant life is a mature life.
If we let Christ be our leader we will live the abundant life Christ promises.

If we live our lives with Christ as our leader – our “personal trainer” — we will have an abundant life.

But, what does an abundant life look like? What does in mean everyday?
In practice, it means a Christian who fosters their union and communion with God through spiritual disciplines and the exercising of their spiritual gifts in order to glorify God and edify the church. This is a mature Christian, regardless of their age, who has the will to put away the things of this world and take on the ministry and gospel of Christ.
If we want to live a life that has everything we need in it, a life of joy and peace, we need to live according to the five keys:

Living a yielded life
Living a life of service – letting Christ be your model and example.

Living a life that is “transformed” – lead by Christ.

Living the Spirit filled life.

Maturing in our Christian life
This week – think about one good idea — one action you will take to begin to live according to these five keys. It doesn’t have to be something that will address them all. But, just come up with one thing that you will do beginning right now so that you can either begin living an abundant life or you can build on the abundancy you’re already experiencing.

An “Easter Church” is a Church that is filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – that is filled with the abundant life Christ offers us — and that is boldly doing the work of Christ in the world. It’s a Church that follows the true leader – our risen Lord Jesus Christ – and it’s members discover this abundant life Jesus promises and shares that abundant life with the world.

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” is where we can live the abundant life Christ promises.

Oprah tells us to ask ourselves:

“What kind of a life do we want? And how close are we to living it?”

I think it’s better to ask ourselves:

“What kind of life does God want us to live – and how close are we to living it?”

And –

“What kind of Church does God want us to be – and how close are to being it?”

Following Christ – making Christ our life coach – our “personal trainer” – will help us be the Christians – and the Church – God calls us to be.

An “Easter Church” is a Church that is filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – that is filled with the abundant life Christ offers us — and that is boldly doing the work of Christ in the world. It’s a Church that follows the true leader – our risen Lord Jesus Christ – and it’s members discover this abundant life Jesus promises and shares that abundant life with the world.

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

An “Easter Church” follows the leader!

Hey — I know that I could use a personal trainer – or a life coach – for my physical life – but I know that – more importantly – I need my “personal trainer” – Jesus — to help me become what He knows I can become.

How about you? Amen.

Luke 24:13-35

Luke 24: 13-35

An “Easter Church” Is On Fire!

Easter 3 April 6, 2008

Christ has risen! He has risen indeed!

As Christians, we confess that Christ has risen. We believe that He has risen and lives in our hearts — but we also believe that He has truly and physically risen.

We believe that the tomb of Christ is empty.

We believe that the power of death has been broken – broken for Jesus and broken for us.

We can’t begin to understand the divine power that rose Jesus from the dead. The more we try to understand it, the more astounded by it we become.

But — here is a truth that is even more astounding:

The same power that shattered the prison of death sets us free from all that binds us.

The very Spirit of God that rose Jesus from the dead can live in us to empowers us for the ministry God calls us to be doing in the world.

You see — resurrection power is for us, in us, and at work through us.

We can live as “Easter Christians” – and be an “Easter Church”.

This means that we not only live in gratitude for our salvation and hope for the future, but we can also live lives that are filled with the power of God for His work in the world. We can be filled with His power and let His power touch every aspect of our lives.

We can be filled with His power – and let His power touch every aspect of our Church.

Christ has risen – and we can be “Easter Christians” – we can be an “Easter Church” – filled with the power of the risen Christ and doing the work of the risen Christ.

During this season of Easter we are going to be looking at different aspects of what it means to be an “Easter Church” – filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and boldly doing the work of Christ in the world.

We began last week by looking at John 20:19-31 – the story of Jesus and Thomas – and see that an “Easter Church” believes.

Today we’re going to add another aspect of what it means to be an “Ester Church” as we look at Luke 24:13-35 – the story of Jesus – Cleopas – and another follower on the road to Emmaus – and will see that an “Easter Church” is on fire.

Read Scripture

Sunday, May 19, 1991.

The Day of Pentecost that year — but — instead of being in the pulpits of the Wentworth and Smyrna Presbyterian Churches outside of Reidsville, NC – preaching and leading worship on that day — Sally and I and our families were at a Holiday Inn in Decatur, GA for my graduation with my Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary.

I was excited – the night before I could not sleep — a rarity for me — so I was up and reading from Acts 2 as Saturday night turned to Sunday morning. A few minutes after 12 on that Pentecost day there was a voice alarm in the motel:

“There is a report of a fire in the building.

Please exit the building.”

“There is a report of a fire in the building.

Please exit the building.”

“There is a report of a fire in the building.

Please exit the building.”

On and on it droned as people got up and obeyed the voice – exiting the building.

We made sure all our families were safe as we gathered outside – but a few minutes later we learned that it was a false alarm – and returned to our rooms.

I finally drifted off to sleep that night – but I kept imagining that I heard that voice alarm –

There is a report of a fire in the building

There is a report of a fire in the building

There is a report

of a fire

in the building

a report

of a fire

a fire

in the building.

Friends – one of the marks of an “Easter Church” – a Church that is filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and that boldly does the work of Christ in the world – is that it is “on fire”!

“On fire” for Christ!

“On fire” for God!

“On fire” for doing God’s work and sharing the joy of the risen Christ with each other and the world.

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

“On fire” for Christ!

“On fire” for God!

“On fire” for doing God’s work and sharing the joy of the risen Christ with each other and the world.

We are gathered here on this Third Sunday of Easter – this season when we celebrate the power of the resurrection of Christ – the “fire” that the risen Christ can “spark” within our hearts and within our lives – the “fire” that we can have as a Church that is following our risen Lord.

Indeed – there can be a report of a fire in then building.

There can be a report of a fire in the Church.

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

“On fire” for Christ!

“On fire” for God!

“On fire” for doing God’s work and sharing the joy of the risen Christ with each other and the world.

But — was the Holiday Inn Sally and I and our families were staying in really on fire?

No – it was a false alarm.

What about the report of a fire here at Hopewell – the report that we are an “Easter Church” – a Church that is “on fire” for Christ — “on fire” for God — “on fire” for doing God’s work and sharing the joy of the risen Christ with each other and the world?

Is it a true report?

Or – a false alarm?

You know – too many times we are too much like Cleopas and his companion before they recognized the risen Christ – and too little like them after they recognized Him.

On that Easter evening as they walked to Emmaus Cleopas and his companion had every reason to be excited – filled with excitement and enthusiasm – they had every reason to be “on fire” for Christ – “on fire” for God – “on fire” for doing God’s work and sharing the joy of the risen Christ with each other and the world .

They had heard the glorious news that Christ had risen.

They had heard that the women had seen a vision of angels who had declared the glorious news of the resurrection.

They should have been filled with excitement.

They should have been “on fire”!

But – they were not.

Instead — they were distraught.

The news of the resurrection did not make them joyous.

The news of the resurrection did not set them “on fire” with excitement and enthusiasm for what God was doing – and what they could be doing for God.

No — instead of making them joyous – the news of the resurrection made them even more confused.

Instead of being “on fire” with the news of the risen Christ, they are not able to see what the resurrection meant for them.

They did not realize that the resurrection could change their lives.

They do not realize that the despair of their lives could be changed into glorious hope because of the resurrection of Christ.

They did not see that they could rejoice in the news of the resurrection – and be “on fire” for God.

They did not see that they could be “Easter Christians” —

“On fire” for Christ!

“On fire” for God!

“On fire” for doing God’s work and sharing the joy of the risen Christ with each other and the world.

You know – we are like that too many times.

Like Cleopas and his friend — too many times we choose the old ways of living — the old patterns of our lives — as if we were oblivious — or blind — to the resurrection. We choose to live in ways the world and our sinful habits dictate to us — ways that have nothing to do with proclaiming the resurrected Christ to the world. We even choose to live as if we did before we even knew Christ. Our actions are not as different as they could be.

Maybe we choose to do God’s will — until something else comes along to attract our attention.

Maybe we choose to be faithful and committed to God and the church — until we find something else we deem more interesting.

We may even take part in the work of our risen Lord and the work of the church – - until we find something else that we prefer.

We may try to live as God’s committed, excited people in the world – as people “on fire” for God and Christ — until the ways of the world interest us again.

But — what happens when the resurrected Christ made Himself known to Cleopas and his companion?

Their eyes were opened —

They understood —

They understood that they did not have to live in despair —

They understood that they could live in glorious hope —

They understood that their lives could be changed —

They understood that the resurrection could make a difference in their lives.

They understood that they could be “Easter Christians” – on fire for God – on fire for Christ — “on fire” for doing God’s work and sharing the joy of the risen Christ with each other and the world!

As the risen Christ departed from them, they looked at each other and said:

“Were not our hearts burning within us

while he talked with us on the road and

opened the Scriptures to us?”

They became excited!

They became “Easter Christians” – on fire for God – “on fire” for Christ — “on fire” for doing God’s work and sharing the joy of the risen Christ with each other and the world – and – with the other followers of the risen Christ – they gave their lives to doing the work of the risen Christ in the world.

This was no “false alarm” – this was a fire that became a conflagration that consumed each of their hearts and lives and through them consumed the hearts and lives of thousands of others.

They became “Easter Christians”.

They became an “Easter Church”

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

“On fire” for Christ!

“On fire” for God!

“On fire” for doing God’s work and sharing the joy of the risen Christ with each other and the world.

So – what about us?

What about you?

What about me?

Yes – there is a report of a fire here at Hopewell.

Some have reported seeing smoke as some of us have become excited.

Some have sounded the alarm:

There is a report of a fire in the Church

There is a report of a fire in the Church

But – is it a false alarm?

Or – is it a conflagration – the fire of excitement and enthusiasm that can touch us – consume us – and through us touch and consume our community and the world?

Friends – one of the marks of an “Easter Church” – a Church that is filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and that boldly does the work of Christ in the world – is that it is “on fire”!

“On fire” for Christ!

“On fire” for God!

“On fire” for doing God’s work and sharing the joy of the risen Christ with each other and the world.

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

“On fire” for Christ!

“On fire” for God!

“On fire” for doing God’s work and sharing the joy of the risen Christ with each other and the world.

There is a report of a fire in the Church

There is a report of a fire in the Church

But – is it a false alarm?

Like Cleopas and his friend after recognizing Christ —

We can let the risen Christ touch our lives —

You can let the risen Christ touch your life – and you can be an “Easter Christian” – filled with the joy of the risen Christ and sharing that joy with everyone you know and in everything you say and do.

You can let the risen Christ make a difference in how you live.

You don’t have to live without a commitment to God.

You don’t have to live in the old ways – you can live in new and exciting ways.

You can be “on fire” for the risen Christ – and doing His work with joy and enthusiasm.

We can all be “on fire” for Christ!

This Church can be “on fire” for Christ!

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

“On fire” for Christ!

“On fire” for God!

There is a report of a fire in the Church.

Don’t let it be a false alarm!

Let it be the truth!

Let it truly be the consuming fire of the Holy Spirit and the risen Christ at work in each of us – moving us to greater commitment – and moving us to greater excitement for what God is calling us to do.

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

“On fire” for Christ!

“On fire” for God!

There is a report of a fire in the Church.

Can you see the spark?

Can you see the flame?

There is a spark of excitement here at Hopewell – but we have to let it grow and burn even more brightly until it becomes that conflagration that can consume us – consume the Church – and through us consume our community and the world.

Have you ever been camping – and had to build a fire at a campsite?

You might start with a small flame – or just a spark – but if you give it the right things — and keep it away from the wrong things — it can grow into a roaring fire.

One thing a spark needs is fuel – maybe some small twigs at first – then some bigger pieces of wood as it grows into a fire.

What is the fuel we need if we are going to let the spark of excitement here at Hopewell?

One thing we need is commitment to the things that can help us grow as Christians.

Things like a commitment from each of us to our devotional lives – our daily prayers – our daily reading of God’s word and growing in our lives as Christians.

Daily, personal study of God’s word is vital if we are going to be “Easter Christians” – “on fire” for God – “on fire” for Christ.

But – this means more than just reading a passage of scripture and then putting away the Bible – not giving what we read a second thought. It means really taking a hard look at scripture – and trying to understand what God is saying to you through what you’re reading.

In your bulletin you’ll find a tool Danny Murphy shared with the Session when he met with us in February. It’s called a Biblical Application Study Sheet – or what I call a Biblical Spectacles sheet.

I’ve used this tool since Danny shared it with us – and have been blessed by it.

Take yours out of your bulletin and look at it.

(Go over sheet)

This is one tool that can help us fan the flame within each of us – become “Easter Christians” – and an “Easter Church” – on fire for Christ – “on fire” for God.

Then – you can add a commitment to the worship – the study – the fellowship –and the service times we have here at Hopewell. As you become more and more committed to your personal faith and your involvement in the things of the Church you will see the flame – the fire of excitement and commitment to the things of Christ – grow into a consuming fire – a conflagration that can consume us and though us consume this community – and the world.

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

“On fire” for Christ!

“On fire” for God!

There is a spark of excitement here at Hopewell!

Can you see it?

Fuel is one of the things that a spark needs if it is going to grow. Sharing of ideas – acceptance of ideas – and Christian love and fellowship are some of the other “right things” that can help fan the flame of commitment here at Hopewell.

But – as I said – there are some things you want to keep a spark away from – because they can snuff it out quickly.

Water and dirt – anything to take away the oxygen – are some of the things that can put out a fire when you are camping. These are things you want to keep away from the flame.

There are some things we need to keep away from the spark of excitement here at Hopewell, also.

Things like not participating.

Things like not caring.

Things like not being willing to consider new ideas and new ways of doing things.

Things like not being willing to get involved in your own prayer life – or the worship – the study – the fellowship –and the service times we have here at Hopewell.

These are the things that can put out that flame – that fire – quickly.

These are the things that can turn the report of a fire in the Church into a false alarm.

Friends – one of the marks of an “Easter Church” – a Church that is filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and that boldly does the work of Christ in the world – is that it is “on fire”!

“On fire” for Christ!

“On fire” for God!

“On fire” for doing God’s work and sharing the joy of the risen Christ with each other and the world.

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

“On fire” for Christ!

“On fire” for God!

“On fire” for doing God’s work and sharing the joy of the risen Christ with each other and the world.

There is a report of a fire in the Church

There is a report of a fire in the Church

Let’s do all we can to “fan the flame” – so we can each be “Easter Christians” – and we can be an “Easter Church”.

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

An “Easter Church” is on fire!

Amen.