Sermon illustrations for Easter 4 (2019)
Illustration
Acts 9:36-43
Sometimes biblical miracles can be a hang-up for some. But of course they might not be so hard if we remember our belief in the Resurrection as we do in this season of the church year. Nonetheless, according to a 2016 Barna poll it seems that only 1/3 of Americans are sure of these miracles, and the same number of us is skeptical. What do we make of this healing miracle account? Certainly the outcome that this good Christian woman Dorcas could be healed by a man (Peter) is surprising. And that’s the point of the Bible’s miracles! They come as surprises. And surprise itself is miraculous. We have a God full of surprises.
Surprise is good for your brain. For when we are surprised and the brain is forced to make new neural connections, which not only impedes aging and stagnation in the brain, but also feels good insofar as the building of new neural connections is facilitated by the secretion and enjoyment of good-feeling brain chemicals (Kelley Bulkeley, ed., Soul, Psyche, Brain, pp.138ff.; Sherwin B. Nuland, The Art of Aging, esp. pp.233ff.). Being surprised is a pleasure. That is why British-American Jewish scholar Ashley Montago is right when he says, “The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but they seize us.” And this is exactly the way God works, it seems. As John Wesley once put it: “God moves His instruments, not when they please, but just as He sees in needful.” And he often operates in new and fresh ways, John Calvin says, for “the operation of the Spirit is not always alike.” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVIII/2, p.408)
No, our miracle-working God keeps us on our toes, and in so doing truly keeps us healthy and happy. Heads us for divine surprises this week in your life.
Mark E.
* * *
Acts 9:36-43
Is there a dedicated disciple in your midst? Is there someone who acts on behalf of others, nurtures and cares for others? Are there those who practice acts of charity, seemingly as easily as they draw a breath? I remember my home church which had a Dorcas Guild, a group of women who focused on care and charity, on gifts of service for and with others. I needed, in those days, to be reminded why the group was named as it was. I search out this text and it became clear to me – it was their actions that named the group. So, is there a group in your faith community with a name you don’t understand? Maybe research will reveal their intended purpose. The wonder of the scripture is that it pertains to our current days, as much as it did in its original context. There are saints in our midst and while we may not be able to resurrect them, we can keep their passion and goals alive. That, too, would be a gift.
Bonnie B.
* * *
Acts 9:36-43
You don’t see too many members raised from the dead in our church today
We may not see some who have died in our church again, but the main message of our church is that they are not dead, but are alive forever with our Lord who will one day receive us also if we remain faithful to him.
I have had cancer patients in my church who we prayed for and they recovered. It could be the skill of the doctor. God can use. If a very sick friend is in the hospital and suddenly recovers, they must still face death one day. They may even wish it had been sooner depending on the suffering they might have to endure again.
Some even commit suicide to end what they were suffering on earth, but they may have given up the chance of eternal life because they doubted that the Lord could have solved the problem that drove them to end life. If we lose our faith, we lose our reward.
We weep for our departed but one day, if we keep our faith, we may see them again.
I had my Bible study members pray for me to recover from my asthma, and it left me. That was 50 years ago, but at 91 I have had a number of other ills which I survived, but I really look forward to whatever it takes to bring me home to my Lord for eternity with or without sicknesses.
A church can help us prepare for the inevitable, and even look forward to it! Just keep the faith.
Bob O.
* * *
Revelation 7:9-17
The passage here in Revelation 7 speaks of a worship service in heaven in which a great multitude from every nation will be together and praising God. It is a wonderful scene to try to envision. I think, though, for many American Christians, it is a bit hard to do. While some have had the opportunity to visit other countries and worship with Christians there, most haven’t. I have been to the International Conference of Missions and had the chance to gather with believers from around the world. That, though, seems to be a shadow of the glorious celebration to come.
I searched a bit to get a glimpse of what worship looks like in other places. Mere words won’t do it justice, so I am going to include the web address. World Vision, after Easter last year, shared some pictures of worship from around the world. Here’s the address. https://www.worldvision.org/christian-faith-news-stories/photos-worship-praise-around-world If you go there, notice the pictures. People around the world worship in vastly different ways. Some raise hands. Others are dancing, singing, clapping, lighting candles and playing instruments. The pictures are as different as the cultures they represent. One thing is common, though. An amazing sense of joy and excitement radiates from each one.
Heaven will be full of all kinds of different people, but we will have one thing in common. We’ll all share an incredible love for Jesus and from him.
Bill T.
* * *
Revelation 7:9-17
The heavenly throne room features in several important places in scripture. In Psalm 82 the gods (who are not gods but the kings of the world who claimed to be descended from gods) are taken to task in the heavenly throne room for failing to champion justice. In Isaiah 6 the prophet is commissioned with a fiery coal on his lips in that throne room. Zechariah looks into that courtroom and sees a ruler weighed in the balance. Perhaps the prophet Daniel’s depiction of the Ancient of Days seated in that throne with one like a Son of Man standing beside was the most influential vision of the throne room in the time of Jesus.
We’re getting another look at the Daniel throne room here in Revelation! And this time we’re in the picture. In addition to Elders and strange creatures right out of Ezekiel, ordinary people who have suffered martyrdom are visible, beyond count, from every language, nation, tribe, and tongue. Now you may ask how you can be in this picture if you aren’t covered with the blood of a martyr. But all of us who answer the call to a difficult ministry, whatever it might be, is suffering a martyrdom of a sort. We’re in the Biblical Selfie!
Frank R.
* * *
Revelation 7:9-17
When Adolf Hitler became the Chancellor of Germany, the National Socialist German Workers' Party, better known to us as the Nazi Party, had complete control of the government. This allowed Hitler to declare himself a dictator with unstoppable power. Hitler allowed Christianity to continue, but it had to follow the dictates of the Nazi Party and therefore became a propaganda machine for Hitler. Five thousand Christians met at Ulm on April 22, 1934, to stand firmly united in their opposition to Hitler and his message. They organized themselves into the Confessing Church, using the Reformation confessions as their foundation.
Ron L.
* * *
John 10:22-30
This is a lesson that is all about confidence. The faithful are promised that no one will snatch them away from Jesus. It entails, as Martin Luther once put it, “... that we are not now, nor ever will be forsaken, no matter how many temptations and sorrows we have here in earth.” (Complete Sermons, Vol.6, p.74). Love and confidence belong together. Ann Landers once made that point, as she wrote:
Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.
Certainly God settles for less than perfection when it comes to you and me. But John Calvin wants us to remember that this salvation/friendship is not dependent on us, but is totally the work of God in Christ:
So much the more unreasonable and absurd is it, that the authority of the Gospel should depend on the belief of men; but believers ought rather to consider, that they are more strongly bound to God. Because while others remain in a state of blindness, they are drawn to Christ by the illumination of the Spirit. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVII/2, p.415)
In short, our salvation is certain because it is in the hand of God; for our faith is weak, Calvin says, and we are too prone to waver (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVII/2, p.415). This is why we can be so confident in faith and life, for we are wrapped up in the love of God that will never let us go.
Mark E.
* * *
John 10:22-30
Proof is something we human being put a lot of emphasis on. Give me the facts. Tell me the truth and then prove it to me. At least that is how it used to be. Now with so much information coming at us every day, we seem to focus less on the truth of statements and look for the information that proves our point or our position. Yet, those gathered around Jesus want proof – “If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."
Jesus doesn’t fall into the trap of proving who he is. Rather he talks about his actions and his words. Haven’t you seen me teaching and healing and preaching? Haven’t you seen the acts of God carried out in your midst? What proof do you need other than that? Actions speak much louder than words – even words of truth. If we say we are loving and act in hateful and spiteful ways, who will believe we are loving? If we say we are compassion and yet respond to others with indifference for their circumstances, who will believe we are compassionate? Perhaps the best way for people to encounter the love, compassion, grace and forgiveness of God is through us. If we act in those ways, who could doubt the truth of our faithfulness?
Bonnie B.
* * *
John 10:22-30
Even some of us in church are anxiously waiting for the Lord to suddenly reveal Himself.
It may not be a miracle, but it can be in the Bible plainly revealed. Our pastor may convince us. Miracles are rare, but even those might not convince us. We may be like those Jewish people who had trouble believing even if we witnessed a miracle.
I have seen some miracles, but they were in Catholic or Pentecostal churches. Many might have doubt if it were not in a Lutheran church.
We like to tell God how to work. But he works in many ways. If I go half way around the world to serve him as a missionary, I don’t need to tell my friends that I am a Christian. The way we live should convince others without having to tell them.
I was at a healing service in a tent in California and saw one man get out of his wheel chair and walk. When I talked with one of the staff, he said that there was usually someone like that who “primed the pump,” so to speak, so that others might come forward to be healed.
Yes, he told me, some really were healed now and then, so I should believe! If you pay to get it, you have to hope you will see something. One of the things I learned in church was something from God’s word which is the main source of our faith.
Actions speak louder than words.
Bob O.
Sometimes biblical miracles can be a hang-up for some. But of course they might not be so hard if we remember our belief in the Resurrection as we do in this season of the church year. Nonetheless, according to a 2016 Barna poll it seems that only 1/3 of Americans are sure of these miracles, and the same number of us is skeptical. What do we make of this healing miracle account? Certainly the outcome that this good Christian woman Dorcas could be healed by a man (Peter) is surprising. And that’s the point of the Bible’s miracles! They come as surprises. And surprise itself is miraculous. We have a God full of surprises.
Surprise is good for your brain. For when we are surprised and the brain is forced to make new neural connections, which not only impedes aging and stagnation in the brain, but also feels good insofar as the building of new neural connections is facilitated by the secretion and enjoyment of good-feeling brain chemicals (Kelley Bulkeley, ed., Soul, Psyche, Brain, pp.138ff.; Sherwin B. Nuland, The Art of Aging, esp. pp.233ff.). Being surprised is a pleasure. That is why British-American Jewish scholar Ashley Montago is right when he says, “The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but they seize us.” And this is exactly the way God works, it seems. As John Wesley once put it: “God moves His instruments, not when they please, but just as He sees in needful.” And he often operates in new and fresh ways, John Calvin says, for “the operation of the Spirit is not always alike.” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVIII/2, p.408)
No, our miracle-working God keeps us on our toes, and in so doing truly keeps us healthy and happy. Heads us for divine surprises this week in your life.
Mark E.
* * *
Acts 9:36-43
Is there a dedicated disciple in your midst? Is there someone who acts on behalf of others, nurtures and cares for others? Are there those who practice acts of charity, seemingly as easily as they draw a breath? I remember my home church which had a Dorcas Guild, a group of women who focused on care and charity, on gifts of service for and with others. I needed, in those days, to be reminded why the group was named as it was. I search out this text and it became clear to me – it was their actions that named the group. So, is there a group in your faith community with a name you don’t understand? Maybe research will reveal their intended purpose. The wonder of the scripture is that it pertains to our current days, as much as it did in its original context. There are saints in our midst and while we may not be able to resurrect them, we can keep their passion and goals alive. That, too, would be a gift.
Bonnie B.
* * *
Acts 9:36-43
You don’t see too many members raised from the dead in our church today
We may not see some who have died in our church again, but the main message of our church is that they are not dead, but are alive forever with our Lord who will one day receive us also if we remain faithful to him.
I have had cancer patients in my church who we prayed for and they recovered. It could be the skill of the doctor. God can use. If a very sick friend is in the hospital and suddenly recovers, they must still face death one day. They may even wish it had been sooner depending on the suffering they might have to endure again.
Some even commit suicide to end what they were suffering on earth, but they may have given up the chance of eternal life because they doubted that the Lord could have solved the problem that drove them to end life. If we lose our faith, we lose our reward.
We weep for our departed but one day, if we keep our faith, we may see them again.
I had my Bible study members pray for me to recover from my asthma, and it left me. That was 50 years ago, but at 91 I have had a number of other ills which I survived, but I really look forward to whatever it takes to bring me home to my Lord for eternity with or without sicknesses.
A church can help us prepare for the inevitable, and even look forward to it! Just keep the faith.
Bob O.
* * *
Revelation 7:9-17
The passage here in Revelation 7 speaks of a worship service in heaven in which a great multitude from every nation will be together and praising God. It is a wonderful scene to try to envision. I think, though, for many American Christians, it is a bit hard to do. While some have had the opportunity to visit other countries and worship with Christians there, most haven’t. I have been to the International Conference of Missions and had the chance to gather with believers from around the world. That, though, seems to be a shadow of the glorious celebration to come.
I searched a bit to get a glimpse of what worship looks like in other places. Mere words won’t do it justice, so I am going to include the web address. World Vision, after Easter last year, shared some pictures of worship from around the world. Here’s the address. https://www.worldvision.org/christian-faith-news-stories/photos-worship-praise-around-world If you go there, notice the pictures. People around the world worship in vastly different ways. Some raise hands. Others are dancing, singing, clapping, lighting candles and playing instruments. The pictures are as different as the cultures they represent. One thing is common, though. An amazing sense of joy and excitement radiates from each one.
Heaven will be full of all kinds of different people, but we will have one thing in common. We’ll all share an incredible love for Jesus and from him.
Bill T.
* * *
Revelation 7:9-17
The heavenly throne room features in several important places in scripture. In Psalm 82 the gods (who are not gods but the kings of the world who claimed to be descended from gods) are taken to task in the heavenly throne room for failing to champion justice. In Isaiah 6 the prophet is commissioned with a fiery coal on his lips in that throne room. Zechariah looks into that courtroom and sees a ruler weighed in the balance. Perhaps the prophet Daniel’s depiction of the Ancient of Days seated in that throne with one like a Son of Man standing beside was the most influential vision of the throne room in the time of Jesus.
We’re getting another look at the Daniel throne room here in Revelation! And this time we’re in the picture. In addition to Elders and strange creatures right out of Ezekiel, ordinary people who have suffered martyrdom are visible, beyond count, from every language, nation, tribe, and tongue. Now you may ask how you can be in this picture if you aren’t covered with the blood of a martyr. But all of us who answer the call to a difficult ministry, whatever it might be, is suffering a martyrdom of a sort. We’re in the Biblical Selfie!
Frank R.
* * *
Revelation 7:9-17
When Adolf Hitler became the Chancellor of Germany, the National Socialist German Workers' Party, better known to us as the Nazi Party, had complete control of the government. This allowed Hitler to declare himself a dictator with unstoppable power. Hitler allowed Christianity to continue, but it had to follow the dictates of the Nazi Party and therefore became a propaganda machine for Hitler. Five thousand Christians met at Ulm on April 22, 1934, to stand firmly united in their opposition to Hitler and his message. They organized themselves into the Confessing Church, using the Reformation confessions as their foundation.
Ron L.
* * *
John 10:22-30
This is a lesson that is all about confidence. The faithful are promised that no one will snatch them away from Jesus. It entails, as Martin Luther once put it, “... that we are not now, nor ever will be forsaken, no matter how many temptations and sorrows we have here in earth.” (Complete Sermons, Vol.6, p.74). Love and confidence belong together. Ann Landers once made that point, as she wrote:
Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.
Certainly God settles for less than perfection when it comes to you and me. But John Calvin wants us to remember that this salvation/friendship is not dependent on us, but is totally the work of God in Christ:
So much the more unreasonable and absurd is it, that the authority of the Gospel should depend on the belief of men; but believers ought rather to consider, that they are more strongly bound to God. Because while others remain in a state of blindness, they are drawn to Christ by the illumination of the Spirit. (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVII/2, p.415)
In short, our salvation is certain because it is in the hand of God; for our faith is weak, Calvin says, and we are too prone to waver (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol.XVII/2, p.415). This is why we can be so confident in faith and life, for we are wrapped up in the love of God that will never let us go.
Mark E.
* * *
John 10:22-30
Proof is something we human being put a lot of emphasis on. Give me the facts. Tell me the truth and then prove it to me. At least that is how it used to be. Now with so much information coming at us every day, we seem to focus less on the truth of statements and look for the information that proves our point or our position. Yet, those gathered around Jesus want proof – “If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."
Jesus doesn’t fall into the trap of proving who he is. Rather he talks about his actions and his words. Haven’t you seen me teaching and healing and preaching? Haven’t you seen the acts of God carried out in your midst? What proof do you need other than that? Actions speak much louder than words – even words of truth. If we say we are loving and act in hateful and spiteful ways, who will believe we are loving? If we say we are compassion and yet respond to others with indifference for their circumstances, who will believe we are compassionate? Perhaps the best way for people to encounter the love, compassion, grace and forgiveness of God is through us. If we act in those ways, who could doubt the truth of our faithfulness?
Bonnie B.
* * *
John 10:22-30
Even some of us in church are anxiously waiting for the Lord to suddenly reveal Himself.
It may not be a miracle, but it can be in the Bible plainly revealed. Our pastor may convince us. Miracles are rare, but even those might not convince us. We may be like those Jewish people who had trouble believing even if we witnessed a miracle.
I have seen some miracles, but they were in Catholic or Pentecostal churches. Many might have doubt if it were not in a Lutheran church.
We like to tell God how to work. But he works in many ways. If I go half way around the world to serve him as a missionary, I don’t need to tell my friends that I am a Christian. The way we live should convince others without having to tell them.
I was at a healing service in a tent in California and saw one man get out of his wheel chair and walk. When I talked with one of the staff, he said that there was usually someone like that who “primed the pump,” so to speak, so that others might come forward to be healed.
Yes, he told me, some really were healed now and then, so I should believe! If you pay to get it, you have to hope you will see something. One of the things I learned in church was something from God’s word which is the main source of our faith.
Actions speak louder than words.
Bob O.
