God Is Good! Spread the Word
Zephyr United Methodist Church
Early First United Methodist Church
April 24, 2005
Rev. Eddie Smart
Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation-- 3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
4Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God's sight, and 5like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For it stands in scripture:
"See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."
7To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe,
"The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner," 8and "A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10Once you were not a people,
but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
I was visiting the St. Luke Community United Methodist Church in Dallas some time ago. They used something we have used here on occasion. The Rev. Zan Holmes was preaching. Dr. Holmes taught at Perkins School of Theology and was featured in the videos that are a part of the Disciple Bible Study.
There was the typical feedback you find in an African-American church. I want you to use it this morning. Zan Holmes would reach a point in his sermon and he would say, "GOD IS GOOD." The congregation would then respond, "All the time." Let's give it a try. "God is good!" ...
As you know, Diana and I were in Kansas at the Worship Connections Workshop sponsored by Cokesbury. We experienced different styles of worship and learned from people who are well respected across our nation. We received all kinds of good information. It was inspiring. It reminded me of why we are here today.
Today’s text reminds us of why we are here today.
Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk,
so that by it you may grow into salvation--
3if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
For me, this experience was “pure, spiritual milk.” Spiritual milk that reminded me of why I am here. GOD IS GOOD!
I am reminded of the trip Diana and I took to Nashville to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Walk to Emmaus. It too was inspiring. It too was pure spiritual milk. It was on the Saturday morning of that gathering, during our worship service, that Scoofer Jordan spoke to us about his spiritual journey. In the middle of his inspiring message he said, "If you don't think your light is bright enough, then maybe you need to take it where it's a little darker." GOD IS GOOD
That same morning as we were receiving Holy Communion, the room was filled with song. Everyone was singing with great joy. Behind me there was a fellow singing with great gusto. That poor guy couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. Some time later this same "young man" was sitting in front of me. I had no trouble recognizing his voice as he sang. It was obvious that this young man was mentally challenged. It was also obvious how much he loved the Lord. You know...his singing was beautiful! He was worshiping his awesome God. GOD IS GOOD
Yes, that time of worship was spiritual milk. It was spiritual milk that helped me to grow into salvation.
I like the way the New Revised Standard Version puts it, “Grow into salvation.” The Revised Standard Version says, "Grow up to salvation." The New International Version reads, "Grow in salvation." I like the image of "grow into salvation."
As a child my mother would always buy my blue jeans way too big. They would be too large, so they would last longer. I could grow into them. When I got a new pair of blue jeans I would have to fold the cuffs way up. I would be running around with 4 inch deep cuffs.
Like those new jeans, our salvation comes to us and is bigger than we are. It is with time and spiritual nurturing that we grow into that salvation. Our entire spiritual journey is one of growing into our salvation.
There are those gathered here this morning who have tasted that the Lord is good. You long for the pure, spiritual milk, that you might grow into your salvation. GOD IS GOOD
Last week, Roy Pickard shared his recent experience in prison ministry. He was sitting at a table with 3 “free world” men and 6 “men in white.” They were arranged around the table in the order of 1 team member followed by 2 men in white. This can also be seen as one team member with one inmate on each side of him.
At the end of the weekend, one of the men at Roy’s table told the team member next to him that there is a man in that prison that he cannot get along with. They fight every time they come close to one another. He discovered that that man was on this weekend. Then he discovered that the man was at the same table with him. Then he discovered that man was sitting on the other side of the team member. Right there next to each other.
Before the weekend was over, those two “bad guys” reconciled and came to a loving relationship. GOD IS GOOD
We have been praying for months for Stewart Koch, who has been battling cancer. Brett and I visited about his dad on last Thursday. He didn’t know when he might be going to see his dad. The very next morning, Brett just knew he needed to get to Garland to see his dad. He dropped everything and headed for Garland. Mr. Koch was in great pain and on very strong pain medication, but he was still able to recognize and communicate with Brett. Bruce had not talked with this father for years. He was on his way to Garland. Bruce was able to spend time with his dad. Brett and Bruce were able to say good-bye before their dad died on Sunday morning. GOD IS GOOD
We have been praying for healing and wholeness for Dennis Thacker for months now. It all started with back problems. He has been working with the people at M. D. Anderson in his battle against cancer. It has been a long, hard struggle. Last Sunday, Carrie stood in worship to share that her dad would not have to take anymore chemo. The doctors could find no evidence of cancer. GOD IS GOOD!
In the Early church, finances have improved. The finance committee was told this week that bills are current, and we are only $800 shy of being on goal with apportionments. Attendance is increasing. GOD IS GOOD
The COOL Kids have completed two series of lessons, learning about their God and themselves. COOL Kids has reached children that might otherwise not hear the stories of their creator and Jesus. GOD IS GOOD
We have purchased a bus to transport youth, children and adults. We have begun a new adult Sunday School class. We have revived Sunday School in Zephyr. GOD IS GOOD
Early youth continue to grow in numbers, spiritually and in possibilities. Next weekend they will use a garage sale and baked potato luncheon to earn money for participating in a work camp this summer. They are helping to raise money for cancer research. A youth praise band has been formed and some are learning to play the guitar for worship. GOD IS GOOD
Have you indeed tasted that the Lord is good? I have indeed tasted that the Lord is good!
Have you indeed tasted that the Lord is good? Then "proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
If not, long even harder of the pure, spiritual milk.