November 13, 2011 Introduction This past week I was browsing through some of the great merchandise at one of my favorite stores (The Dollar Store). I was looking at a book titled The Meaning of the Gospel.
An older man who was browsing as well said, “Nobody knows the meaning of the Gospel.” In a brief conversation I learned he was born in southern India and came to the U.S. many years ago. He made several confused statements about the tiny-print King James Bible he was looking at; about how uneducated Americans are from school children to university professors; and how the Vikings were the first to speak English.
I tried to express a few truths about the Bible and faith in Christ but he continued to share his wisdom and knowledge on several other topics.
There is a great need in our diverse, multi-ethnic, inter-religious culture for people to hear and understand “the meaning of the Gospel.” And that is one of the main purposes of being a Biblical, Evangelical, Christian church here in Salt Lake City. God’s vision for our church includes “devoting ourselves” to the Gospel message along with the other activities described in the book of Acts chapter 2.
This is the second of three sermons in the WHAT IF series. As we encourage our members and friends to turn in a Giving Card for 2012, we ask, “What if God’s vision for our church was realized?” What would that look like? And what resources are we willing to use to help make it happen?
I. The Priority of God’s Word The writer of the Book of Acts was Luke, a Greco-Syrian physician who lived in the Greek city of Antioch in Ancient Syria. A “Gentile,” he probably came to faith in Christ through Paul’s ministry. In his introduction to the Gospel of Luke he tells how he “carefully investigated everything from the beginning, and decided to write an orderly account so that others may know the certainty of the things they have been taught” (Luke 1:1-4). Here in Acts 2 as he observed the very beginning of the church he lists several activities and commitments that the followers of Jesus demonstrated.
First and foremost, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” We, of course, know it as the New Testament, a collection of the apostles’ teaching. Matthew taught that Jesus is “Immanuel,” God with us (Matthew 1:23). Mark taught that God wasn’t all that interested in people who are self-righteous, but in “sinners,” people who knew their need for Christ (Mark 2:17). Luke taught followers of Jesus to be merciful, just as our Father in heaven is merciful (Luke 6:36). John teaches so that others may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, and that by believing we may have life in his name (John 20:29). Paul went on to teach people to declare with your mouth “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead – you will be saved (Romans 10:9). James taught how trials of many kinds produce perseverance and maturity in faith (James 1:2-4). And Peter taught the people to cast all their anxiety on the Lord because he cares for us (I Peter 5:7).
Can anyone know the meaning of the Gospel? Of course they can. We have the apostles’ teaching in its fullest form. It remains of critical importance that the church center its life and ministry on the Bible. Over the course of generations and centuries of church history and in the life of individual denominations and congregations, there have been times when the church pursued other ideas, traditions, or newly invented ways of being the church. But somehow, God has continued to call the church back to its roots: the basic gospel of Jesus Christ through the authoritative, Spirit-filled teachings of the apostles. Our Presbyterian heritage recently affirmed again that “Scripture teaches us of Christ’s will for the Church, which is to be obeyed. In the worship and service of God… matters are to be ordered according to the Word by reason and sound judgment, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit” (that’s in the new Book of Order, F-1.0203).
Here at First Presbyterian Church, these pastors, our elders and teachers start with priority of God’s Word to lead the congregation.
II. Awed by Fellowship and Prayer Luke gets the list up and running. “They devoted themselves to fellowship… and prayer. Everyone was filled with awe.”
What is it like to worship on Sundays here at 1st Pres? I’m so use to being up here leading and I’m around this building many hours each day and week. What’s it like to come into the sanctuary, to sing and pray, to listen and contemplate, to be with one another here? Do you generally feel a deep sense of communion with the Lord and with others? Or is it somehow detached from integrating every-day, real life spending an hour at church? It says, “They devoted themselves to fellowship to koinonia.”
The essential meaning of this word for “fellowship” embraces the experience of community and communion, participation and sharing in worship and friendship. Joined with Jesus Christ by faith, we are meant to be joined with each other. The New Testament describes these bonds as vital and genuine; a depth of love and friendship experienced among the members of the local church.
Friday was 11.11.11, a happenstance of numbers on the calendar. Some people got totally crazy about it. More importantly, Friday was Veterans Day. And throughout military experience, servicemen have referred to their unit, their platoon as a “band of brothers.” Oh that the church would experience and understand one another in a similar way – a band of brothers and sisters in Christ.
How is 1st Pres doing with our devotion to fellowship? What if God’s vision for our church was realized? How would people like Luke describe us? Are there times when we are “filled with awe?” If we expect great things from God and attempt great things for God, things happen.
III. Glad and Sincere Hearts Luke continues in verse 45: “They gave to anyone who had need; they continued to meet together in the temple courts; they broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” I love that phrase: “glad and sincere hearts.”
No matter where individuals are in their spiritual journey, I love to see people here at 1st Pres with this sense of having “glad and sincere hearts.” I see it in your eyes when we sing a song or hymn that reaches your heart with the love of God in Christ. I see it when a baptized baby is introduced to you up and down the aisles (be here next Sunday!). I see it when you meet friends old and new during our “fellowship” time after church. I see it at a dinner or party or get together in someone’s home. And I see it when you work together for Pamela’s Closet, the Food Co-Op, or as Mentors for our foster-care youth (if fact, there’s a meeting today after church to talk about and find additional mentors). “Glad and sincere hearts… enjoying the favor of all the people.”
Whether you are on the giving or receiving side of a need being met; when coming to Sunday worship or sharing a meal in your home – these things contribute to a church alive with the Spirit of Christ.
Conclusion The purpose of these sermons is to continue to view God’s vision for his church; and to encourage everyone to be part of its realization. This is also the time of year when our elders on Session and our ministry leaders are looking toward plans for the next calendar year.
In the last week or two, members and friends have received two letters in the mail, one from me and one from another member of the church. A Giving Card for 2012 was included. And everyone is being asked to fill out a card and return it. This year we are trying something a little different. As you turn in your card you may sign it if you wish or you can make an anonymous estimate of giving for next year. As we think about staff compensation, program expenses for worship, Sunday school, children and youth, music, mission and the use of this amazing building, our leaders need to know roughly what we can expect to have in financial resources for next year.
We acknowledge the difficult financial time that many are experiencing (in Greece and Italy, in Washington and around the country). More importantly, we know that many in our congregation are facing a financial struggle. But it is God’s desire and it is our hope that everyone will give according to what we have.
God’s economy is different from ours. The Lord will provide all the resources we need to be the church and do the ministry that he wants. Every gift – every gift – in faith and love for Christ makes a difference.
WHAT IF… we begin to see that everything we have is God’s?
And WHAT IF… God’s vision for our church was realized?
Let us pray together. |