The Circle of Blessings, June 7, 2015

The Circle of Blessings

Isaiah 55:6-13, Ephesians 1:1-8

June 7, 2015

Grace Presbyterian Church

Rev. Dr. Richard E. Miller

 

Count Your Blessings Achoo! Gesundheit!* God bless you! To your health! What a great way to start a sermon. With a sneeze! And a blessing! But it’s appropriate since this is a sermon about blessings. [not sneezes!] Since this congregation will soon be blessed by Pastor Josh, I thought it appropriate to share some thoughts about blessings.

Bless is a great word. To bless someone means to express a wish of good fortune upon that person. It brings happiness and smiles wherever it is used. And we use the word bless or blessing in many different ways. We say “Bless my soul” and “Bless your heart.” In 1932, Kate Smith made “God Bless America” popular. You older folks like me will remember that Red Skelton ended his radio programs by saying, “Good night, and God bless!” We talk about being blessed with good health or blessed with many friends. And we thank God for blessing us so abundantly. When something happens that we think is bad but it turns out to be good, we call it a blessing in disguise. In worship, we sing such hymns as “Blessed Assurance” and “Blest Be the Tie that Binds.” The gospel hymn, “Count Your Blessings,” encourages us to, “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.” [1897...Music: Ed Excell; Lyrics: J. Oatman, Jr.].

Last Sunday, I was asked to give the blessing on our potluck at the end of the service so that people didn’t have to wait for me to come down and offer grace over the food. And this morning I will use the benediction, “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

When I do this, I am asking that the Lord bless you in whatever ways you need. I am asking that he keep you, or protect you; that he be gracious unto you and give you shalom and oneness with him.

Circle of Blessings   This morning I suggest that blessings should flow in a circle - God blesses us, we bless one another, and by blessing one another, we bless God.

Being Blessed by God  The first part of the circle of blessings is God’s blessing us and his creation. God’s blessings occur very early in the Bible. In Genesis 1:27-28, we read, “God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it...” God’s blessing was his act of bestowing his divine favor and conferring his divine benefits upon all humans. “God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31) Because what God did was very good, it was a blessing to all creation and to all humankind. In the Hebrew’s mind, God’s blessing meant living a long life, having many children, and having wonderful crops and herds.

Blessing of Abraham  When God called Abraham to leave his country and his people to go to a strange land, he said to Abraham, “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” [Genesis 12:1-3] Abraham was blessed and he was a blessing to others. In that way God’s blessing returned to God. The divine Circle of Blessings was continuous throughout Abraham’s life. God blessed Noah and his sons as well as Abraham’s son, Isaac. And the blessing of God continued down through the years on Isaac’s descendants.

Blessings    As we know, Jesus was in the blessing business. He took little children into his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. 

 

In his Sermon on the Mount, he blessed the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Just before his ascension, he blessed his disciples.

What this means to me is this: God’s blessings of grace and mercy, of life and freedom, of family and friends, come to us every day of our lives.

God asks us to share those blessings with others by working for justice, by not abusing the environment, by telling others about Jesus, by forgiving and serving and loving.

By our living and our loving we become a blessing to others. In this way, our blessings return to God and the Circle of Blessings is complete.

Through Jesus and his crucifixion and resurrection, we receive God’s blessings of salvation, forgiveness, comfort, guidance, and strength.

We don’t have any problem with this part since we are made happier by such blessings.

Many of you have been kind in telling me that I have been a blessing to Grace over these past two years. If I have, to God be the glory. But what you many not realize is that you all have been a mighty blessing to me. You gave me the honor to preach 100 sermons and you gave me over two years of waking up in the morning and realizing that there was a congregation who still needed me. You made me feel valued and of great worth. So you see, you have blessed me countless times for which I am eternally grateful.

And each of you has been blessed in countless ways over the years. Some of you have been blessed with the birth of your baby or grandchild. And as you held your precious child in your arms, you felt God’s blessing surrounding you both.

 

 

 

Blessing God  What is our response to God for all our blessings? The psalmist put it this way: “Bless the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” [Psalm 103:1-5]

Peter wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...” [1 Peter 1:3]

Paul  Paul wrote to Ephesus, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” [1:3] Blessed be God who has blessed us so wonderfully!  Blessed be others who have blessed us with their love and kindnesses.  We’re all in this Circle of Blessings.  And  the beautiful exchange of blessings continues on a daily basis throughout our lives.

Blessing Others  And of course we ask that God would bestow his divine favors upon a person by saying, “The blessing of the Lord be upon you.” [Psalm 129:8] When we say to another, “The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.” we are blessing each other. As the recipients of such divine blessings, we are to pass those same blessings on to those around us. John Calvin wrote, All the blessings we enjoy are Divine deposits, committed to our trust on this condition, that they should be dispensed for the benefit of our neighbors.”

The following story illustrates what Calvin meant.   At age 16 Andor Foldes was already a skilled pianist, but he was experiencing a troubled year. In the midst of the young Hungarian’s personal struggles, one of the most renowned pianists of the day came to Budapest. Emil von Sauer was famous not only for his abilities; he was also the last surviving pupil of the great Franz Liszt. Von Sauer requested that Foldes play for him. Foldes obliged with some of the most difficult works of Bach, Beethoven, and Schumann. When he finished, von Sauer walked over to him and kissed him on the forehead. “My son,” he said, “when I was your age I became a student of Liszt. He kissed me on the forehead after my first lesson, saying, ‘Take good care of this kiss—it comes from Beethoven, who gave it to me after hearing me play. ‘ I have waited for years to pass on this sacred heritage, but now I feel you deserve it.” The blessing passed from Beethoven to Liszt to von Sauer to Foldes. And God was blessed each time.

Laying on of Hands  When Josh is ordained in July, teaching elders will gather around him and lay their hands upon him. The act of laying on of hands is the act of blessing that person. You who are a deacon or elder experienced this same laying on of hands blessing when you were ordained.

God’s Blessings are to return to God God’s blessings are an investment in us. He expects a decent return on his efforts. In our scripture from Isaiah, God says that the word which goes out of his mouth will not return to him empty, but will accomplish what he desires, and achieve the purpose for which he sent it. God expects to be blessed by the way we use our time, talents and money. He expects us to be a blessing for others which in turn becomes a blessing to him. Jesus said, “As you do it to one of these my brethren, you do it also unto me”  So as we bless those around us by one anothering them we end up blessing Jesus.

The Blessers of our Lives  Who has been a blesser to us? A parent? A friend? Take time each day to look around and appreciate anew the many people who bless our life every day. Write them a note telling them that they are a blessing to you.

ILord’s Supper  In a few minutes, we will gather about the Lord’s table to partake of Holy Communion. Mark tells us that Jesus took bread and blessed it before giving it to his disciples. Here his blessing was an act of giving thanks to God and an act of setting the bread aside from a secular to a sacred use. And Paul said, “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ?”

As you eat the bread and drink the cup, allow the Spirit of God to transform your life so that others will blessed by your behavior, blessed by your words, and blessed by your very presence in their lives. In this way, God will be blessed and the Circle of Blessings will be complete.

 Isaiah 55:6-13 NRSV

 

Seek the Lord while he may be found,

   call upon him while he is near;

let the wicked forsake their way,

   and the unrighteous their thoughts;

let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,

   and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

   nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

   so are my ways higher than your ways

   and my thoughts than your thoughts.

 

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

   and do not return there until they have watered the earth,

making it bring forth and sprout,

   giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

   it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,

   and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

 

For you shall go out in joy,

   and be led back in peace;

the mountains and the hills before you

   shall burst into song,

   and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;

   instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;

and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial,

   for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
 Ephesians 1:1-8a NRSV

 

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us.

One Anothering One Another, May 31, 2015

One Anothering One Another

1 John 4:7-12

May 31, 2015

Grace Presbyterian Church

Rev. Dr. Richard E. Miller

 

One Anothering   Have you one-anothered anyone recently? I’ll bet you have. In fact, I’ll bet you were one-anothered several times this morning. What is “One Anothering?”

All we need do is look to the Bible since it is teeming with all kinds of “one-anotherings” such as greet one another, be kind to one another, forgive one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, and love one another. Whenever we do any of these things for others, we are “one anothering one another.” To the extent that we do these things well and faithfully, Grace Presbyterian will be filled with the energy and power of the Holy Spirit. To the extent that we fail in one-anothering one another, this precious outpost of the kingdom of God will lose its connection to God. For the next few minutes, I’d like to look at the one-anotherings of greeting, being kind, forgiving, encouraging, praying and loving.

Greet One Another   Last Sunday, one of our members said to me that when she first visited Grace, she was welcomed so warmly that she felt at home immediately. Every Sunday morning and every event during the week, we welcome one another with handshakes, hugs and kisses from friends who are delighted beyond belief to see us. They call us by name and ask about our week, or our recent operation, our vacation, or our new baby or grandchild. To be welcomed warmly, sincerely and lovingly is something we all want. Both Peter and Paul encourage us to greet one another with a kiss of love. [Romans 16:16, 1 Peter 5:14] And many are the times when I am greeted with a kiss on the cheek.

The theme song from “Cheers” reflects this need.

“Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got. Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot. Wouldn't you like to get away? Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, And they're always glad you came.”

 

At Grace, we know each other’s name and we surely are glad that each other came. It makes each of us feel included and wanted and needed. So keep it up.

Be Kind and compassionate to one another [Ephesians 4:32] Next, Paul tells us that we are to be kind, compassionate and tender-hearted to one another. It has been said that “Kindness is a language that deaf people can hear and that blind people can see.” It’s touching another human being with your heart. Sometimes kindness is putting your own agenda on hold and patiently listening to the story of one who is hurting. It is written by Luke that when the prodigal son returned home, his father could have bawled him out for wasting all that money and living so lavishly. But that wasn’t the kind or compassionate thing to do. Instead, the father ran and put his arms around his son and kissed him. [Luke 15:20]

When Jesus saw a great crowd filled with sick, he could have ignored them and gone on his way. instead he had compassion for them and cured them. (Matthew 14:14]

Jesus saw two blind men sitting by the roadside. Moved with compassion, he touched their eyes and immediately they regained their sight. [Matthew 2029-34]

 

Forgive One Another [Ephesians 4:32, James 5:16]  Forgiving one another is essential in the world of “one anothering.” Many years ago, I was serving a church in Iowa that had two elderly sisters as members. When I came as pastor, they were in their 23rd year of a feud. They refused to talk to each other. They’d walk down on different sides of Main Street. And when they came to worship, each came in a different door and sat on opposite sides in the sanctuary. One warm August Sunday, I preached on the liberating joy of forgiveness. And the Spirit of God said, “Enough of this!” and went to work. After worship was over, one sister left and began walking down the sidewalk. She hadn’t gone more than fifty feet when the other sister ran after her calling her name.

And there, in the bright spirit-filled day, I watched them fall into each other’s arms, laughing and crying at the same time. That very week, the one moved back in with her sister and they lived in joyous harmony for five more years until one sister died.

Whether it’s at work, or at home with the family, or here at Grace, there will be times when we mess up and hurt someone’s feelings. If we are too proud to ask forgiveness, we and they end up miserable. Or there will be times when somebody hurts us. If we are too resentful to forgive, we and they end up miserable. But when we’re immersed in the world of “One Anothering” we will find the humility and strength to seek or give forgiveness. Remember, forgiving is not saying what that person did or said was right. It simply means that you will no longer hold it against that person. And you will do yourself the favor or releasing yourself from your prison of hatred, resentment, bitterness, and anger. When Nelson Mandela was released from prison, he wrote”As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”

Of course, some people are like old Ben.

Old Ben was dying. For years he had been at odds with Jake, formerly one of his best friends. Wanting to straighten things out, he sent word for Jake to come and see him. When Jake arrived, Ben told him that he was afraid to go into eternity with such a bad feeling between them. Then, very reluctantly and with great effort, Ben apologized for things he had said and done that had hurt Jake. He also assured Jake that he forgave him for his offenses. Everything seemed fine until Jake turned to go. As he walked out of the room, Ben called out after him, “But, remember, if I get better, this doesn’t count!” [“Our Daily Bread,” June 18, 1994]

Encourage one another and Build One Another Up [Hebrews 3:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:11] To encourage one another and build one another up makes all the difference in the world.

Alex Haley, author of the book “Roots,” had a photo in his office of a turtle sitting on top of a wooden fence post. Why? Because if you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he didn’t get there all by himself. He had to have a great deal of help getting up there.

In like manner, if we look back through the years, we realize that many people lifted us up to where we are today - parents, teachers, friends, pastor.

When we face health, family or financial crises, we are there for one another. We help put one another back on the fence post.

One person illustrated the impact encouragement has by saying:

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. - Wm Arthur Ward

So don’t miss any opportunity to encourage one another. And encourage Josh when he arrives. This is his first pastorate and he’ll need you each day to encourage him in his ministry.

Pray for One Another [James 5:16] Praying for one another is a vital part of our life with one another. We write prayer requests for loved ones and friends to be included in my morning prayer as well as to be included in the daily prayers of others. We ask one another to pray for people to get well from sickness. We ask one another to pray for those who need employment. We ask one another to pray for the safety of our military personnel. We ask one another to pray for ourselves. The power of prayer is strengthened by praying for one another.

A story is told about a small town that had always been “dry.” However, when a local businessman opened a tavern, Christians from a local church were up in arms. They conducted an all-night prayer vigil asking God to intervene. A few days later, lightning struck the tavern and it burned to the ground. The owner of the bar sued the church, claiming that the prayers of the congregation were responsible for his loss. The lawyer for the church  argued in court that the prayers of the church members were not responsible for the fire. The presiding judge, after his initial review of the case, stated that "no matter how this case comes out, one thing is clear. The tavern owner believes in prayer and the Christians do not."

 

 

Love One Another [John 13:34] The greatest One Anothering is loving one another [Romans 13:8]. Paul said that we should “Do everything in love.” I Corinthians 16:14. 

In our morning scripture, John said, “let us love one another, for love comes from God. If we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”

What does it mean to love one another? One person put it this way.

Love is remaining silent——when your words would hurt.

Love is being patient——when your neighbor’s curt.

Love is being deaf——when a scandal flows.

Love is being thoughtful——for other’s woes.

Love is being prompt——when stern duty calls.

Love is being courageous——when misfortune falls. [Anon]

We need one another [1 Corinthians 12:12-31] As we love one another, are kind to one another, forgive one another, encourage one another and build one another up, and pray for one another, the truth becomes clear - folks, we need one another. Paul describes us as the Body of Christ [1 Corinthians 12:27]. The body, he goes on to say, is made up of many parts, such as a foot, a hand, an ear, and an eye. He then points out, “The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” [1 Corinthians 12]

Our need for one another is illustrated by the giant redwood trees of California. They are the largest living things on earth and the tallest trees in the world. Some of them are 300 feet high, as high as the Statue of Liberty, and over 2,500 years old. Amazingly enough, their roots system is only five to six feet deep. However, that root system extends out 250 feet in all directions. As a result, the roots of the trees in a redwood forest are intertwined with one another giving them an enormous stability when high winds come through.

 

 

 

In like manner, when by ourselves, our roots systems may not provide us sufficient stability to weather the storms of our lives, but when the roots of our hearts and souls are intertwined in love with others in the congregation, we gain enormous strength. The more that we one-another one another, the more we’ll be able to hold up in times of need and stress.

Final Thoughts  Remember, we cannot separate sacred and secular - Sunday morning from week days. We can’t engage in “one anothering” on Sunday and discontinue it during the week. Why? Because the church is not a social club, dining hall, sports arena or status symbol. The church is our life. In essence, we don’t go to church, we are the church seven days a week.  Amen.

 

 

1 John 4:7-12 NRSV

 

 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.

You Can't Hide Happy, May 24, 2015

You Can’t Hide Happy

Pentecost

Acts 1:1-9, 2:1-4

May 24, 2015

Grace Presbyterian Church

Rev. Dr. Richard E. Miller

 

A Swiss Party  Fourteen years ago, I was on a Mennonite Heritage Tour in Switzerland. One warm evening, a group of us were walking down the street in the small Swiss village of Lützelflüh where some of my ancestors once lived. As we passed by the entrance to the town pub we could hear boisterous singing, peals of laughter, a bit of yodeling, and lively music. We paused in front and since the door was open, we could look directly into the bar area. The patrons saw us and immediately ran out to greet us. The joyous mood of the Swiss, fueled perhaps by bottled spirits, was catching and soon we were dancing with perfect strangers out on the street. I even tried yodeling! Anyone who walked by could see and hear happy. 

You Can’t Hide Happy   Some weeks ago, Bob Denison told me Josh had accepted the invitation from the PNC to be their candidate as pastor here at Grace. Bob then asked, “Should I say anything yet at session?” My reply was simple. I said, “Bob, you will be beaming from ear to ear. They will know you have found a pastor for Grace just by looking at you.” In other words, he couldn’t hide happy.

And of course last Sunday, when you elected Josh to be your pastor, happiness was bouncing off the walls and ceiling of the sanctuary. As you welcomed Josh back into the sanctuary after the vote with a standing ovation, I didn’t see a single person that wasn’t smiling. You couldn’t help yourself. After all, you can’t hide happy.

 

Pentecost About 2,000 years ago, another event took place where you couldn’t hide happy. It is called Pentecost. A brief background of this event will be helpful. For forty days after the resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and followers at least eleven times. His last interaction took place in Jerusalem with ten of his disciples. After commissioning them to preach repentance and forgiveness in his name, he said that they should remain in Jerusalem because in a few days they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

The disciples had heard about the Holy Spirit coming from reading the prophet Joel where God said, “In the last days it will be that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” [Joel 2:28ff]

Now Jesus was saying that the time of the coming on the Spirit as told in Joel was very near. Jesus then walked with his disciples a short ways to Bethany where he blessed them and then ascended into heaven.

Waiting  And so for ten days the ten disciples waited. Waiting with them were 110 of Jesus’ followers. Finally, on the tenth day, a great wind filled the house in which they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared and rested on each of them. And they began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them ability.

It is no wonder that some of the observers made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine!” But Peter stood up and refuted such an accusation by saying, “These are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only 9 o’clock in the morning.” The Spirit simply had come and filled their hearts and they couldn’t hide their happy!

Wind, Fire and Tongues  As you can see, the manner in which the Spirit came to the followers of Jesus was quite dramatic to say the least. The Book of Acts mentions the following startling events:

A sound like the blowing of a violent wind filled the house in which they were staying. It entered the house easily since there were no window panes to heed its progress. The wind likely sounded much like the sound of a tornado.

 

 

The fact that the Spirit came as a great wind is significant because the Hebrew word for wind is “ruach” which also is translated breath and Spirit. Ruach was the word used for breath in Genesis where it says, “The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” [Genesis 2:7] When talking with Nicodemus, Jesus said, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” [John 3:8] Throughout the Bible, the wind of God brings life-giving breath and spirit to all of creation. In like manner, at Pentecost, when the Spirit came as a mighty wind, the Spirit also filled the hearts and minds of the followers, giving them a new life in the Spirit, clothing them with power from on high.

Fire and Tongues  In addition to the mighty wind that came into the room, the followers also saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that came to rest on each of them. Whereas wind cannot be seen but quickly felt, the flames of fire are always visible. Fire moves and consumes and always produces change, good or bad.

Like wind, breath and Spirit, God’s association with fire is common throughout the scriptures.

For instance, God called Moses from a burning bush. [Exodus 3:2-4]

God led the Israelites through the wilderness with a moving cloud by day and fire by night. [Exodus 13:21]

God descended to Mount Sinai in fire. [Exodus 19:18]

At Pentecost, it was the fire of the Holy Spirit that entered the hearts of the followers to such an extent that they were permanently changed inwardly.

Speaking in Other Languages Having been filled with the wind of the Spirit and touched with the fire of the Spirit, each of the 120 men and women began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them. Since Jerusalem was filled with people from many nations who spoke many different languages, it amazed them to hear the wonders of God declared in their own language. The good news of Christ became understandable to all peoples. As a result of the wind, fire and tongues, the Church was born and has continued to be energized by the wind and fire of the Holy Spirit even to this day.

Why Happy at Pentecost  So why were the followers of Jesus happy at Pentecost? Because Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit had come true. He had told them that the Holy Spirit would come to them and now it had happened. And being filled with the Spirit caused them to rejoice. They could not hide their happy.

However, what does Pentecost mean to us today?

Church was created by God not humans. Sometimes we act as if we think that Simon Peter called a meeting of the New Church Development Committee of the Presbytery and said, "Now we are here today to talk about whether or not we ought to start a Church." They discuss that for a while, wondering where they’re going to get the money to buy the land and erect a building and who is going to be the first pastor. But finally James makes a motion that they start a Church. John seconds the motion, and they vote ten to two to go to the First Israelite Bank of Jerusalem to get a loan and to write a Church Information Form so that they can hire a New Church Development pastor.

However, it didn’t happen that way did it? The wind that swept through the house came from heaven, not earth. It is therefore God’s Church, not ours.

Purpose of the Church is to communicate the forgiveness, hope and love of God to the world. The gift of tongues at Pentecost symbolizes the intention of God that his Church include everyone no matter where they live or what language they speak. The church is to reach out to people where they live and find a way to tell them about Jesus in a way that they can understand. And believe me, the citizens of Jefferson County speak many different languages. I’m not just talking about ethnic languages of other nations. I’m talking about the difference of our culture and age. The difference in vocabulary between my generation and young adults is astounding. For instance, last December I was sitting around the supper table listening to my 19, 22, 25 and 30 year old grandchildren discussing their favorite music, movies and performers. After listening for about five minutes, I realized that I hadn’t the foggiest idea of what they were saying or who they were talking about. It was just as though they were speaking a foreign language as far as I was concerned.

 

Communicating to All  How to convey the gospel to youth and young adults who are immersed in a different culture in a language they not only understand but to which they respond is one of the great communication challenges facing the church today. Last Sunday you called a 35 year old pastor who can speak many languages - that of teens and young adults as well as the speech of us senior citizens. You indeed are right in being filled with happy.

Filled with Happy  But you cannot leave it all to Josh. I repeat - you cannot leave it all to Josh. But you can work with Josh as the body of Christ at Grace Presbyterian where every member is needed and every member is treasured. Last year, I challenged each of you to invite someone to attend worship or a special event here at Grace. Some of you did just that. Now you have an even better reason. Invite them to come and meet Josh and his family. Invite them to hear Josh preach. As you do this, you should be filled with such happiness that anyone who meets you will wonder what your secret is. Unfortunately, sometimes we live up to our Presbyterian reputation of being the frozen chosen who have been weaned on pickles. 

Erma Bombeck tells the story about a little boy at church with his mother. He was a good little boy, quiet and well behaved. He didn’t cause any problems. But every once in a while he would stand up in the pew, turn around, look at the people behind him and smile at them. His smile was infectious, and soon everybody behind him was starting to smile back at him, too. It was all going fine until the mother realized what the little boy was doing. When she did, she grabbed him by his ear and twisted it a bit, told him to sit down and remember that he was in church. Then he started sniffling and crying, and she turned to him and said, "That’s better."

 

Some of the non-churched of our society have the impression that if they came to church it would be all gloom and doom, hell fire and damnation, and that they would be condemned as being the worst of sinners. But the church is not a sanctuary for saints - it is a haven for sinners. The fact is - Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly! And Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, Rejoice!”

How happy are you that Christ is your Lord and Savior? And how much do you allow that happiness to spill over to others? If you allow the Holy Spirit to fill your life with happy, then your inward happy will cascade over everyone you meet. Remember, you can’t hide happy when you’re baptized with the Spirit.
Acts 2:1-9, 2:1-4 NRSV

In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over the course of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. ‘This’, he said, ‘is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’

 

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.