A few words on the Word

May 25, 2008
Second Sunday in Pentecost

Isaiah 55:10-13, Mark 2:13-17, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

“My word... shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” - Isaiah 55:11


My sermon outline:

• Mr. Johnson, a businessman from Wisconsin, went on a business trip to Louisiana. He immediately sent an e-mail back home to his wife, Jennifer (JenJohnson at email dot com). Unfortunately, he forgot his wife's exact E-mail address and the e-mail ended up going to a Mrs. Joan Johnson (JJohnson at email dot com) of New Jersey, the wife of a preacher who had just passed away.
The preacher's wife took one look at the e-mail and promptly fainted. When she was finally revived by her daughter, she nervously pointed to the message, which read: 'Arrived safely, but it sure is hot down here.'

• Melissa and I text message / email a few times a day, usually. To keep in touch.

• Jesus probably would’ve text messaged. God communicates in difft ways. Me & psalm 103

• Just want to say a few words about God’s word.

• As you’ll see in newsletter, pastor’s story of reading the paper, convicted to read word. Sitting there nodding my head. Yes that’s me. Class notes in mail yesterday.

• Ironic, sad, both that we live in Age of Communication & God’s word is valued so little.
So again I renew my commitment to reading scripture for me for purpose of letting it soak into me (read it 50 times before studying it!) so that I might have closer communion with God.

• Isaiah: God promises that God’s word will be successful, it will do what it’s sposed to do. what’s it sposed to do? inform & nurture people, bring forth life & strength… increase & improve life.

• we remember that the beginning of the book of John Jesus is called the word, the word became flesh and dwelt among us…
Mark 2 the simple story of Levi, simply responding to Jesus’ call “follow me”
and Jesus the living word of God sharing his purpose of what? to bring healing and salvation to people… increase & improve life, bring forth life & strength.

• then in 2 cor that word lives in us, not by our own merit or accord, but by the spirit of God. it is a living word which gives life.

• An unknown writer said, “This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.

• Tomorrow is Memorial Day. May this song allow us national pride mixed with the humility of sharing God’s earth with others.

• Hymn 437 This Is My Song


- Pastor Kerry
This Sunday: 56 in worship.