Centenary Methodist
21 Nov 04 Joy and Commitment to God
Spoke at a church in Peoria…began by saying, “I’m sorry, I’m more of a storyteller than a preacher.” The lady minister said, “Don’t worry…Christ had the problem, too.” If I’m not what you expected, then at least I’m in good company.
It’s easy to think that God is limited to where we are at the moment… When I was little it confused me to think that God could be in all three of our little town’s churches at once… Asked Grandma… “Not in church.. in jail.”
Much talk in the last election about our country’s mission to the world… Much confusion of God’s mission and our nation’s mission… Then I hear someone like Steve Lillpop at our church last Sunday and I know what our real mission is to the world. I see the work of Mrs. Caldwell on others on Jacksonville’s north end and I see what our real mission is to the world. I see groups meet for intercessory prayer and I know what our mission is… Tony Campolo three blocks from here all weekend…
Talk a bit about how I’ve seen Christ’s mission taken all over the world on a very personal basis. Began in 1979… students and adults…
Pslam 139… The scripture we always read… . O LORD, you have probed me, you know me: HYPERLINK "http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/psalms/" \l "foot2" 2 you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar. Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all. Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me. Such knowledge is beyond me, far too lofty for me to reach. Where can I hide from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee? If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in the depths, you are there too. HYPERLINK "http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/psalms/" \l "foot3" 3 If I fly with the wings of dawn and alight beyond the sea, Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand hold me fast.
John Stenbeck: A JOURNEY IS LIKE MARRIAGE. THE CERTAIN WAY TO BE WRONG IS TO THINK YOU CONTROL IT.
Air Italia… Milan to Rome…
Ladies lined up for church in Moscow… “You must know our Jesus.” Friend of mine… yardwork. I had to go to Russia to find what a struggle worship can be.
Richard…Lucerne, Switzerland.. Craig And a little child shall lead them.
Assisi… two olive-skinned ladies Sometimes doing Christ’s work is a simple matter of hospitality.
Older Ladies..Investment club… pen pal with prostitute “And Christ went to eat with the sinners and tax collectors.” 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" 12 But when He heard this, He said, "Those who are well don't need a doctor, but the sick do. 13 Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Bar in Kilarney…. I know a local church who spent over a year arguing about the shape of their new sanctuary. All they needed was a bar. “Go into the world and preach the gospel to all nations…”
(Catacombs of Rome…)
And even close to home……..Brian…clowning…
In short, if you begin your day in search of ways to serve the living Lord, you’ll find him everywhere…in a Jacksonville nursing home, on a dusty Moscow street, in a bar in Ireland, and the heart of a hooker in Sydney.
. O LORD, you have probed me, you know me: HYPERLINK "http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/psalms/" \l "foot2" 2 you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar. Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all. Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me. Such knowledge is beyond me, far too lofty for me to reach. Where can I hide from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee? If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in the depths, you are there too. HYPERLINK "http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/psalms/" \l "foot3" 3 If I fly with the wings of dawn and alight beyond the sea, Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand hold me fast.
“Where in the world shall we find God’s work?” It shouldn’t be that hard to find him in Jacksonville this morning…Let’s go looking.
Amen?
Centenary Methodist 20 November 2004
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