It has been awhile since I have been in the pulpit. I really never knew how long it would be before I would preach again. My life has changed so much in the past year that preaching has been something of a distant memory. I no way had I quit doing what God wanted me to do. I just thought that a new chapter had begun and the old chapter had concluded. After joining Community Fellowship Baptist Church I have begun to truly heal. Not just heal but I now feel free to express my thoughts and convictions in a way that is unhindered by judgmental attitudes. I have found:
People of all types struggle with sin.
People are not hopeless.
People of all shapes, sizes, colors, ethic backgrounds and social classes can worship together.
People can wear shorts and a t-shirt to church and still minister.
People can have different convictions and the same savior.
People do not have to be held back by a legalistic mindset.
People should be able to share their thoughts without worry of judgment or ridicule.
People make up the church and can work together.
People can agree to disagree.
People when focused on God can move mountains.
I am one of those people. I have learned so much in the last year. God has revealed himself to me in a way I would have never imagined. I didn't like how I got to this point but I love that I am here.
Finally, back to my sermon. God really revealed to me about his love in Isaiah 53. I am not even going to explain the text because I hope this causes you to read for yourself. I thought about pain that we all go through. That pain many times leaves scars. Scars in themselves are not the main issue really. It is that many times we allow scars to define us. We claim we are the way we are because of a past issue, pain or problem. In doing so we have become defined by the scar we carry. Of course scars will be in our lives but we must learn to overcome them. That very answer is in Isaiah. His name is Jesus. Jesus knows your pain and problems. Jesus has experienced those very pains. His life on earth was full of pains that would eventually leave scars. It was by those scars we were healed.
Hopefully you will be able to listen to my sermon soon on CFBC's website. I will post the link below if you choose to listen. Don't listen for me for I am a man of unclean lips as Isaiah said. But I am willing to say here I am Lord send me.
http://www.cfbc.tv/media.php?pageID=6
1 comment:
You preached that sermon on the exact anniversary of us moving last year (May 15th). Very appropriate! We've come a long way in a year even if we still have a little ways to go. Love you.
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