Can I Start Again?
John 8:1-11
Delivered by Andy Langford on March 7, 2010
At dawn Jesus appeared again in the courtyard of the Jerusalem temple, where all the people gathered around him, and Jesus sat down to teach the people. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. These religious leaders made the woman stand before the group and said to Jesus,
"Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" The religious leaders were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing Jesus.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When the religious leaders kept on questioning him, Jesus straightened up and said to them, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." Again Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground.
At this, those people who heard began go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked the woman caught in adultery, "Woman, where are all the people? Has no one condemned you?"
"No one, sir," she said.
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
John 8:1-11 (adapted)
Why did crowds of people constantly gather near Jesus? The simplest answer was Jesus' power over failures and sickness. A woman caught in adultery was forgiven and began her life anew. The crippled walked; the blind saw; and the deaf could hear. Jesus forgave people, healed people, and everyone wanted to feel his touch. As Luke described Jesus' ministry, "As the sun was setting, everyone who had any people who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought the sick people to Jesus; and Jesus laid his hands on each of the sick and healed them (Luke 4:40)." Today, people still come to feel Jesus' healing power over our failures, our brokenness, and our illnesses of body, mind, and spirit.
Blessings of Forgiveness and Wholeness
There are two particular blessings that Jesus offers people who enter into a relationship with him: forgiveness and wholeness. Salvation is not just a journey that helps us feel close to God. Salvation also means to be "forgiven" and "made whole." When we speak about Christian salvation, we mean that Jesus intends that everyone have a healthy body, sound mind, joyful spirit, and reconciled with God and in harmony with other people. Such an abundant life is a gift from Jesus.
Each one of us has broken places in our lives. Some of us live within destructive relationships in our families or at work. Some of us are victims of abuse or abuse others. Some of us are addicted to a variety of crutches: drugs, alcohol, pornography, gambling, or compulsive behaviors. Some of us are in love with our money. Some of us are bound by desires for power and prestige. Some of us are hiding dark secrets. Some of us are blind and deaf to the needs of other people. Some of us are fatally ill. In our spiritual journey, Jesus offers us forgiveness and wholeness.
Forgiveness
Let us start with forgiveness. The word "forgiveness" means that someone "gives something for" another person. We find the clearest sign of Jesus' power to forgive in his relationship with his friend Peter. Jesus' closest friend for three years was the fisherman called Peter.
Yet, on the night of Jesus' arrest and trial, Peter was asked if he knew Jesus. As Jesus was being interrogated and beaten in the house next to him, Peter was given the opportunity to stand up and speak out on behalf of Jesus. Three times Peter denied even knowing Jesus. In Jesus' darkest hour, his best friend deserted him. But then, as Jesus hung on the cross, Jesus said about the people who killed him and about his friends who deserted him, "Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34)."
After the crucifixion and death of Jesus, Peter knew that he had failed Jesus and in shame went into hiding. But then on the day of Jesus' resurrection, Jesus offered Peter "peace" and told Peter that Peter also had the power to forgive other people (John 20). If Jesus could forgive Peter, Jesus can also forgive us.
The forgiveness Jesus offers is more than "kiss and make up." When Jesus acts, he takes away the captivating power of our wrong ways and cancels the debts our failures created. At its heart, forgiveness means being brought back into a right relationship with God. As Jesus forgave Peter, so God can also forgive people like us. As Jesus forgave the adulterous woman while other people wanted to stone her, so Jesus can reconcile us to God.
Wholeness
Forgiveness is wonderful. But it is also just the start. Jesus is also able to give us wholeness in every aspect of our lives. Christians, as well as everyone everywhere, struggle with physical illnesses, mental crises, dark nights of the soul, and breakdowns in every kind of relationship. Just think about people in your own family. How many members of your family have physical problems, mental difficulties, spiritual crises, and broken relationships? The number is overwhelming and encompasses all persons everywhere. I have decided, based on knowing the families in this congregation and every congregation I have served, that there are no normal families.
When we add up all the brokenness in our lives, where do we turn? Increasingly, we look to modern professionals to heal all that ails us. Professional healers and the latest technology can cure acute infections, repair damaged hearts, or replace a kidney. Trained counselors can often help put individual lives and relationships back in order. Often, professional healers do work and Christians must take advantage of every medical and psychological resource available.
But scientific professionals cannot do everything. Whenever we get sick, we want a magic pill to make us well. When we face crises, we want a counseling session to make everyone feel good. When we get serious, however, we know that there is no magic pill. Psychologists cannot fix every dysfunctional life or relationship. People still get sick and die. Many acute and chronic illnesses -- high blood pressure, heart diseases, arthritis, AIDS, and cancer -- and psychological disorders -- depression, abusive lifestyles, anxiety, and stress -- still destroy lives.
Christians believe that there is more to healthy lives than good blood-cell counts and stable EKGs. There is more to healing than pills and scalpels. There is more to whole relationships than a one-hour discussion with a therapist. We followers of Jesus know that there is another power to heal. Jesus can comfort, strengthen, and restore brokenness.
Illustrations of Jesus' healing power are all around us. For example, a great number of scientific studies have indicated that people of faith possess more healthy lives than people without faith. Christians agree. We believe that Jesus works to restore our minds, souls, bodies, and relationships.
Questions About Forgiveness and Wholeness
Even if Jesus can forgive and make whole, however, we still have many questions. Does God care when we hurt and are broken? We believe that Jesus does care. Jesus cared for the woman caught in adultery. Jesus wept when Lazarus died. When we are hurting, we need to pray like a child asking a parent for help kiss away pain. We speak knowing that God is listening.
Does forgiveness and wholeness depend on our having lots of faith? No. A lack of healing does not indicate a lack of faith. Jesus' help for us does not depend upon what we do but upon what God wants to do with us. The good news is that God, especially God in Jesus, wants us to be well and whole. To pray for wholeness, for either ourselves or for others, is simply one part of what it means for us to trust God and follow Jesus. And then we wait for God to act in God’s own time.
What is our role in forgiveness and wholeness? We have to be responsible people ourselves. God does not make up for our wrong actions. We have our own part to play -- forgiving other people, eating right, exercising, being involved with other people, getting medical care, and going for counseling. God will not unilaterally undo the injury we do to our own bodies and minds and relationships. Sometimes we must honestly acknowledge that we cause our own problems. Often we are sick because we have put ourselves in the wrong place and do the wrong thing. Jesus told the woman caught in adultery to go and sin no more. The good news is that when we do our part, Jesus then works with us and adds to our own efforts.
Will we be spared suffering? You know that many good people suffer. This week we have good members of this church mourning the death of a loved one and preparing for their own deaths. Many of us really hurt mentally and physically. There is no divine promise of immediate cure or instant relief from pain. But God is beside us in our pain, sickness, injury, and estrangement from one another. Jesus hurt on the cross and believed that God was absent. Nevertheless, God was there. Especially when we are hurting, Jesus is beside us. And we hold onto the promise of a world in which God will "wipe away every tear . . . death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more (Revelation 20:4)."
How to be Forgiven and Made Whole
This sermon is far too short to answer every good question. The primary idea I want you to remember is the Good News is that Jesus desires that each person receive the reconciling, forgiving, loving, and restoring power of God. Jesus yearns to forgive our sins and transform our brokenness into wholeness.
So how do we ask Jesus for forgiveness and healing? When you are broken, when your family is broken, when your workplace is a pain, when you grieve, and wherever it is that you hurt, I promise you that Jesus is there for you.
Following are a few common steps toward the way of forgiveness and wholeness:
- Relax in the presence of God. Be quiet and trust in God (Psalm 46:10). Because Jesus is always with us, in a few moments we will stop talking and encourage you to take a few, short, deep breaths, and listen for the voice of God.
- Name your pain. Tell Jesus specifically and accurately what you need (Matthew 20:32). Admit your failures. Tell Jesus what you have done wrong. Speak about your brokenness. Do not add ifs, ands, and buts, but speak clearly where you need God's presence. Speak clearly. God already knows the hurt, but we need to speak it aloud.
- Relinquish control. Trust that God is listening (Romans 14:8). Do not tell Jesus exactly how he must act, but give Jesus permission to put aside your doubts and fears. Yield to Jesus. Give your pain over to the One who asked to take the yoke from you. Listen and feel his touch.
- Participate in the forgiveness and wholeness. Pray hard and do your part. If you have broken a law, do not do break the law again. Stop doing what hurts you and do what helps you. If you have lied, tell the truth. If you have broken something, fix it. If you are damaging your body, stop it. If you need to see a doctor, make an appointment. If you have offended someone, apologize. Forgiveness and wholeness require more than just words; they also require action.
- Finally, anticipate healing. God invites us to receive the gift, but we must accept the gift for it to work (Hebrews 11:1). Jesus can forgive you and made you whole. Trust God’s power to do this. And when wholeness happens, say "Thank you Jesus."
Walking Forward
God wants you to be whole. Jesus' vision for you is that you will be forgiven, physical healing will be strengthened, mental and emotional balance achieved, spiritual health enhanced, and relationships restored. These are gifts from Jesus who searches for you and invites you to walk with him.
This morning, I invite you to respond to this sermon in one of several ways. For the next few moments, I invite you to take at least the first two steps towards forgiveness and wholeness. Either in your seat, or up here around the communion table, take a few deep breaths and tell yourself where you need forgiveness and wholeness. You do not have to speak aloud, God can hear you. You cannot cure the hurt until you first identify the pain.
If you wish, you may even begin to take the next few steps, relinquish control, participate in the healing, and anticipate results. You may do so here this morning, or at home this afternoon, or as the week goes on. Forgiveness and wholeness do not happen in an instant. None of this may happen quickly, but the hardest step of a journey is the first step. Take the first steps today.
Finally, if you would like someone to pray with you for forgiveness and wholeness, we have some wonderful people in this congregation who can help you. We have some great staff, some Stephen Ministers, our Parish Nurse, and others who would love to work with you for forgiveness and wholeness. If you would like, and only if you would like, you may around the table this morning share with them your need. They will keep absolutely confidential what you say; they will never tell me or anyone else what you say. And then they will say a short prayer with you and anoint you with oil.
In conclusion, the woman caught in adultery did not want to come to Jesus. But she was brought, and through the power of Jesus’ Word set free. Her life would never again be the same. This morning, in this place, Jesus is here. Would you like him to set you free through forgiveness and wholeness? Today is a good day to begin life anew.
Can I Start Again?
Jesus' healing ministry
Blessings of forgiveness and wholeness
Broken places in our lives
Forgiveness
Jesus forgiving Peter
Jesus forgiving all of us
Wholeness
Persons are broken
Role of medicine and counseling
Limits to modern medicine
Jesus' healing power
Does God care? Yes
Does healing depend on our faith? No
What is our role? Assist God's work
Will we be spared suffering? No
How to be forgiven and made whole?
1. Relax
2. Name your pain
3. Relinquish control
4. Participate
5. Anticipate healing
Walking forward to forgiveness and wholeness |
Can I Trust God?
Exodus 3:1-15 (excerpts)
Delivered by Andy Langford on February 28, 2010
On the Sinai Peninsula, Moses was keeping the flock of his father in law Jethro, the priest of Midian. Moses led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to the mountain of God. At the mountain, the angel of the LORD appeared to Moses in a flame of fire out of a bush. Moses looked, and the bush was blazing, yet the bush was not consumed.
Then Moses said, "I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up."
When the LORD saw that Moses had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!"
And Moses said, "Here I am."
Then God said, "Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." God said further, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob."
And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
|
|
Read more...
|
What Happens When I Die?
Luke 24:13-35
Delivered by Andy Langford on February 14, 2010
Now on the first day of Easter, two of Jesus' followers were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. The two followers were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As the two followers talked . . . with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but the two followers were kept from recognizing him.
Jesus asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"
The two followers stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked Jesus, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
"What things?" the stranger asked.
The two followers replied, "About Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed Jesus over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that Jesus was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. The women went to the tomb early this morning but did not find Jesus' body. The women came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said Jesus was alive. . . . ."
Jesus said to the two, "How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
Why Am I Not Where I Want To Be? |
 |
 |
 |
|
Why Am I Not Where I Want To Be?
Luke 19:1-10
Delivered by Andy Langford on January 31, 2010
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.
Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was, but because Zacchaeus was short he could not see over the crowd. So Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus . . ..
When Jesus reached the spot, Jesus looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So Zacchaeus came down at once and welcomed Jesus gladly.
All the people saw Jesus speaking with Zacchaeus and began to mutter, "Jesus has gone to be the guest of a sinner."
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to Jesus, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."
Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because Zacchaeus, too, is a child of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." Luke 19:1-10 (adapted)
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
