The Journey of Faith (My Last Sermon at Pleasant Grove Methodist Church)

Introduction
Do you remember the first sermon I preached here at Pleasant Grove?  Probably not.  That’s OK.  You probably won’t remember this last sermon either. 

But I do hope you will remember me.  I know I will always remember and thank God for you.  You have been a blessing to me and my family.  Most important of all, I want you to remember how good, how faithful, how wonderful is God.

I have preached over 700 times since I came to PG 15 years ago.  But this last sermon I only get to preach once.  So, I have prayed a long time about what I should say.  And through prayer, God told me this last sermon doesn’t need to:  summarize my ministry, justify why I am leaving, or secure my legacy.  Instead, I simply want to:  be a witness to God’s faithfulness, trust God with what I cannot carry forward, and release you.

Hebrews 11:8-16
⁸ It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. ⁹ And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. ¹⁰ Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.

¹¹ It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed^[a] that God would keep his promise. ¹² And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them.

¹³ All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. ¹⁴ Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. ¹⁵ If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. ¹⁶ But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Abraham & Sarah
Abraham trusted God enough to leave his homeland and go to a “Promised Land”.  Abraham didn’t even know where he was going, but trusted God to show him how to get there. 

Obviously, I feel a kinship to Abraham.  I spent my childhood moving from town to town.  Then I became a pastor who moves from church to church ever so many years at the Lord's direction.  So, I I can relate to Abraham in the sense of literally following the Lord by leaving a place you love to go where the Lord is sending you.

Sarah also had great faith.  She left her hometown too, going with Abraham.  I am so thankful for my wife, Kelly.  She lived in the same home for her entire childhood.  Then she married me and has been moving every since, because the Lord has moved me and she has been so faithful to go with me everywhere I've gone.  And that takes a lot of faith and dedication.

Sarah also trusted God to give her a son, even though she was old and barren.  And He did.  Sarah gave birth to a son, Isaac; and through him came countless descendants.  Sarah and Abraham had many biological descendants: the 12 tribes of Israel.  

But their descendants also included are many non-biological descendants.  Anyone who chose to follow the God of Abraham became a one of Abraham’s children.  In John 8, Jesus explained being a descendant of Abraham is not about bloodline;  it’s about faithfulness.

Hebrews 13a
Hebrews 11:13a says:  “All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it.”

These people who trusted God with everything died without receiving what God promised.  Yet they still believed.

Now think about that.  That takes some deep faith.  Can you trust God even if you die before receiving and answer to your prayers?  True Christian teaching holds that we are saved by God’s grace when we have faith.  God promises that all who repent of their sin and trust in the atonement on the cross shall be forgiven their sins and welcomed into the eternal Kingdom of Heaven.  Do you believe God’s promise to you through Jesus Christ?

God Has Been Faithful to Us
God has been faithful to me. 15 years ago, I was sitting in a hunting blind in the woods on a spring day, hunting turkey in Forsyth, GA.  My District Superintendent called.  That’s the only reason I answered the phone while hunting!  He said, "I know you've enjoyed serving your church in Smarr for 5 years, but it's time to move.  The Bishop plans to appoint you to Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Dalton."  

I didn't know much about Dalton, except the made a lot of carpet.  And it was on the complete opposite side of the North Georgia Conference.  But I promised to go where they sent me.  So, we packed up everything and moved to Dalton.

For 15 years, God’s been faithful to me as I’ve shepherded this flock. He has taken care of my family.  My children each knew your love in ways that shaped them for the rest of their lives.  Kelly and I have been shaped by you too.  I've learned so much , grown as a pastor and a Christian from having been with you.  Thank you for loving me and my family.  And thank you for growing in Christ along with me.

God has used me to bless many here in Whitfield County—not because of my talent or anything good in me.  God has blessed you through me simply because I said yes.  If anything good has come from my ministry here, it is because of God’s goodness and blessing.  Any mistakes or harm that's been done is on me.

Trusting God Means Letting Go
Trusting God means letting go.  You may have your own ideas about how things should go. But you can’t be a control freak about your life and put your trust in God.  It requires letting go.  You may not understand His ways, but you trust His way is always best. 

It’s hard for me to let go when it comes to you.  I love you.  

For 15 years, I’ve focused so much of my heart on you.  And I have a shepherd’s heart.  I always want to protect you.  I always want to lead you in the right direction.  But now God has called me to go shepherd another flock. And I trust God above all else.  And that means I have to let go.  I have to entrust you to another shepherd God will send.

So I will not cling to you.  I will not try to meddle in your affairs after I leave.  I will not compete or hinder your next pastor in any way.  Because I trust God is sending you just the right shepherd He has chosen to lead you as God wants you to be lead.  So, I will be very careful not to do anything that interferes with you accepting and following the new shepherd God brings to lead you.

I’ve spent the last few months preparing to depart.  I’ve tried to get things ready.  I’ve turned over duties to different leaders I trust so Pleasant Grove can continue to serve God.

I’ve helped setup a transition team to lead you until God sends a new pastor here.  Amy Harris, David Crawford, Sherry Dickson, and Kelsey Ikerd have agreed to take turns preaching on Sunday mornings.  They already have the next 8 weeks scheduled.

Rev. Don Dexheimer—a retired Methodist minister—will cover pastoral needs that require an ordained minister (holy communion, baptisms, funerals, etc.).  He will also facilitate Wednesday night discussions (resumes Jan 14^th).

Sherry Dickson will teach Thursday morning Bible study (resumes on Jan. 15^th).

And I have never tried to micromanage you because I know God has given each one of you a special gift to help uplift this congregation and carry out the mission to make disciples of Christ.  So, I trust God will help each one of you to step up and support this church in your own way.

I can’t tie up every loose end.  But I’ve done what I can.  Now I want to bless you and commend you to God.  I trust Him to take care of you, just as I trust Him to take care of me and Kelly and our family.

Home is Not A Place on Earth
One of the main ideas in Hebrews 11 that really resonates with me and is so important for us is:
Home is not a place on earth. 

Hebrews 11:14-16a says Abraham’s descendants were, “…looking forward to a country they can call their own. ¹⁵ If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. ¹⁶ But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland.”

Whether you've around a lot or lived in the same home your whole life, I want to leave you with this important truth from Scripture.  Our true Home is yet to come.  God has promised eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven for all who trust Christ as their Lord and Savior.  And that will be our true Home, our Promised Land.

I hope I will see you again in this life.  But even if I don't, I hope we will be together for eternity in our Heavenly Home.  We will gather around the throne of God.  And we will never have to leave each other again, because we will live together with God and each other in perfect harmony.  And there will be no more sickness or sorrow or suffering or death.

Closing Ceremony 
As I close today, I want to have a special ceremony to symbolically release and bless each other as I pass the light of Christ on to you to carry it forward.

I would like to invite some members of the transition team up to the altar.
[David Crawford, Amy Harris, Kelsey Ikerd, Don Dexheimer, and Sherry Dickson]

Pastor:  “The light that has guided us does not belong to any one pastor or season. It is the light of Christ.”

[Light transition team's candles from the Christ candle]

Pastor:  “This light is now carried not by one voice, but by many.  And it belongs not only to those who preach, but to all who serve.”

Pastor Asks the Transition Team:  “Will you serve faithfully in this season, listening for God’s voice and caring for this congregation with humility and courage?”

Transition Team Representatives:  “With God’s help, we will.”

Pastor Asks the Congregation:  “Will you continue in the worship and mission of this church, trusting God to lead you into what comes next?”

Congregation:  “With God’s help, we will.”

Pastor Asks All:  “Will you pray for one another, speak the truth in love, and remain open to the work of the Holy Spirit?”

All:  “With God’s help, we will.”

 

The Communion of Saints | A Sermon on Heb 12:1-2 & Rev 7:9-12

Introduction
Last week, I reminded you to put on the whole armor of God because there is a spiritual war happening beyond the veil of the physical world that we can see.  So much is happening beyond what we can see.  But today I also want to remind you that part of what we cannot see is a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on.

Imagine standing in a great stadium filled with a roaring crowd.
Now, I know we have a lot of football fans here at Pleasant Grove — you’ve been to those stadiums packed with thousands of people. But picture something far greater — ten, twenty, a hundred times larger. And this crowd isn’t cheering for a football team. They’re cheering for you — for us — brothers and sisters in Christ who are striving to do the will of our Father.

Abraham from Genesis is there. Moses from Exodus. Mary, the mother of Jesus. The twelve apostles — they’re all there, cheering for us. Isn’t that incredible? We’ve spent our lives looking up to them, admiring their faith and courage — yet now they are the ones cheering us on!

Martin Luther of the Reformation, Martin Luther King Jr. of the Civil Rights movement, John and Charles Wesley, Billy Graham — they’re all in that heavenly grandstand, lifting their voices for us. And among them are the saints of Pleasant Grove — people whose names you may never have heard, who worshiped in this church 150 years ago, dreaming of the ministry you’re living out today. They are in the glory of heaven, cheering for you now.

And then there are the saints we do remember — Sarah Brooker, T.W.W. Soby, Bonnie Sloan, Eddie Marlow, Sue McKenna, and so many others. I couldn’t possibly name them all; we’d be here forever. But they’re all part of that great cloud of witnesses, watching, hoping, and cheering for you.

Among them are former pastors of this church — Jack Gillespie, Dean Milford, Jack Summers — and even those early circuit riders who came on horseback, preaching in this very place, pouring their hearts into this congregation, loving you just as I have loved you. Now, they’re in heaven, still cheering for you. They haven’t forgotten.

This is the Communion of Saints.  It is the living, eternal fellowship of all believers in Christ–both those living in this life and those living in the afterlife.  Whenever we worship, they worship with us.  They care about us.   The Bible says they are cheering for us.

Hebrews 12:1
¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 

Revelation repeats the vision of the Communion of Saints in even greater detail: 

Revelation 7:9-12
⁹ After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. ¹⁰ And they were shouting with a great roar,

“Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne
    and from the Lamb!”

¹¹ And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. ¹² They sang,

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
    and thanksgiving and honor
and power and strength belong to our God
    forever and ever! Amen.”

The Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God is so much bigger than we can see or even imagine.  It is a multitude from every nation, worshiping the Lamb — a vision of ultimate unity and joy. 

For fifteen years, we have been on this journey together.  We have loved each other, challenged each other, encouraged one another, helped each other, and learned together.  We have worshiped side by side, and through it all, we’ve seen God’s hand at work among us.

No matter where I am—whether on earth or one day in heaven—I will always be cheering for you. Always.  I will continue serving as the pastor of Pleasant Grove Methodist in Dalton until December 31st. But even after that, though I may no longer be their pastor, I will always be their friend, their brother in Christ, and their biggest supporter.

And thanks to the gift of technology, I will still be able to keep up with them and even worship with them online from time to time.

Most importantly, I will always be their brother in Christ; and in Him, that bond is eternal.
In the meantime, we still have a race to run.  We still have a kingdom to build.

 

Hebrews 12:1-2
¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.^[a] Because of the joy^[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Strip Off...
Hebrews says, “Strip off every weight that slows you down.”

When I first came to my church in Dalton, we had a program called Run for God.  For many people, it was the first time they had ever tried to run, and I was so proud of how everyone gave it their all. I went back and looked through some of the old Facebook posts from that time, and it was so encouraging to see the comments like:  “I’m out here trying to run for God… it’s a good thing I’m running for God, because otherwise I’d have quit already!”

You could hear the struggle, but also the determination and joy behind it. Running is hard work—and so is walking in faith. Some people couldn’t run, but they got out there and walked. They were walking for God. And you know what? If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. Whatever it takes—just keep moving forward for God.

But the writer of Hebrews says, “Strip off every weight that slows you down.”  Imagine trying to run a race with a 50-pound bag on your back, your arms full of boxes, maybe a few grocery bags too. How far do you think you’d get? Probably not very. It would be exhausting—maybe even impossible.

That’s what happens when we try to run the spiritual race while carrying things that weigh us down. The passage says especially sin, because of course, there are things in our lives we know we need to let go of—things we ought not to do, things we know aren’t right. We’ve got to lay them down, like the old hymn says, so we can run freely and effectively.

But notice—it doesn’t just say sin. It says, “Every weight.” There are things that aren’t sinful, but they still slow us down. They still keep us from running the race effectively. It’s like dragging an anchor while you’re trying to run a marathon.

So what are those things?
Maybe it’s worry—carrying anxiety that God never meant for you to bear.
Maybe it’s fear—hesitating to follow God’s call because you’re afraid.
Maybe it’s busyness—being pulled in so many directions that you can’t focus on what really matters. Not everything you do is bad; it just may not be what God wants you to do.
Maybe it’s comparison—constantly looking at what someone else has, how they look, or how they serve, instead of running your own race.

Like Amy said earlier, it’s easy to want someone else’s “nose”—or their talents, their gifts, their circumstances. But God made you to run your race, not theirs.

So let’s strip away anything that slows us down—sin, fear, distraction, comparison—and fix our eyes on Jesus. He’s the one who set the course before us, and He’s waiting at the finish line with open arms.

Eyes on Jesus
Verse 2 says:  "Keep your eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith."
Jesus is the reason “Love Lives at Pleasant Grove”. 
Jesus is the reason so many saints have come from our pews.
Jesus is the reason Pleasant Grove has endured through so many trials over the years ans continued to be a vital part of our community.
Jesus is the reason this church will continue to be a beacon of love and hope for years to come.

I will be leaving at the end of this year to go serve where Jesus is leading me.
But the mission of God continues here at Pleasant Grove.
The same Spirit who brought us together will continue to lead you.
And my sincerest hope for you is that you will continue to follow Him with your whole heart. 

Closing Ceremony
[Invite everyone to take the hand of the person next to them until we are all holding someone’s hand…]

Pastor:  We stand as one body — saints together, past, present, and future.
As I prepare to go where God is sending me,
and as you prepare to receive what God will do here next,
let’s bless one another.

Congregation:  Lord, we thank You for every saint who has run the race before us.
Thank You for the love we have shared, the prayers we have lifted,
and the lives You’ve changed here.

Pastor:  Bless this congregation as they continue their ministry.
Strengthen them in faith, guide them in hope, and unite them in love.

Congregation:
And bless Pastor Chris as he prepares to go serve another part of Your body in January,
that together we may keep running the race You’ve set before us —
so we all gather together at Your throne in eternity.  

All:  Amen.

 

Following the Stars | A Sermon from Matthew 1:18-2:2

Introduction
I almost lost my phone this morning.  It was still dark when I left the house.  But I needed to hook up my trailers so I could bring a manger I built for the Christmas display to the church for the Advent season.  I set my phone on the edge of my truck and used the flashlight pointing down on my trailer hitch so I could see to hook everything up.  Then I got in the car and drove away without retrieving my phone!  I was at least two miles down the road before I realized my phone was missing!  So, I turned around and headed back toward home, praying I would find my phone.  Luckily, the flashlight was still turned on and I was able to clearly see my phone lying in the road with the flashlight facing the night sky like a beacon.

God gave that illustration this morning as an example for the Advent season.  Advent and Christmas are full of signs and symbols that point us to Christ like a beacon in the night.  The question is, are we ready to see the symbols and hear God’s voice leading us to Christ in the season?  I hope this message will prepare us to be more in tune to God’s Holy Spirit this Christmas season.

Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-2
¹⁸ This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

²⁰ As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. ²¹ And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

²² All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

²³ “Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
    She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,
    which means ‘God is with us.’”

²⁴ When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. ²⁵ But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus. 
¹ Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, ² “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

From a Star to a Manger
Following God’s guidance can feel like connecting the dots in a constellation of stars.  I've never been that good at identifying constellation--you know one is supposed to look like a crab and another like a bear.  The only one I really know is the Big Dipper; and that's good because it helps you find the North Star so you always know which way is north.  

For Joseph, the angel’s dream message was as clear as a bright star shining in the night sky.  It told him what God wanted him to do.  But for us, the signs are often harder to see. It takes prayer to help us listen to God’s voice, reading the Bible to understand His plan, and worship to bring the pieces together.  God’s guidance becomes clearer when we spend time with Him and trust that He is leading us closer to His purpose.

The Wise Men are a big part of the Christmas story. They are known for following a star to find Jesus. But how did they know the star was pointing to the Christ King? And what kind of King would they find? Maybe they are called “Wise” because they understood how to follow signs—signs that are not always as obvious as Joseph’s dream.

The Wise Men saw a star rise and knew it meant the birth of a great King.  But the star didn’t lead to a palace—it led to a manger.  Who would expect a King to be born in a feeding trough for animals?  It was not what anyone imagined. What about you?  What are you expecting when you look for help or direction from God?  Are you open to seeing His signs, even if they lead somewhere unexpected?

From a Manger to a Cross
Following God’s plan doesn’t mean life will suddenly become easy or free of challenges.  In fact, following Jesus can sometimes lead us to face new difficulties we didn’t expect—just as the path from the manger ultimately led to the cross.  Jesus came into the world as a humble baby, but His journey was marked by rejection, suffering, and sacrifice. Yet, it was all part of God’s perfect plan to bring salvation to the world.  When we choose to follow God’s plan for our lives, it may bring its own share of struggles, even pain. But we can trust that His plan is always for our good in the long run, even when it’s hard to see in the moment.  The cross was not the end of the story, and neither are the challenges we face.  When we trust and follow Christ, we walk in the assurance that, ultimately, His plan leads us to a far better future.  And sometimes the suffering we must endure, is a refining fire that purifies us and makes us all God wants us to be.

From a Cross to and Empty Tomb
The cross was not the end of Jesus’ story.  The Word tells us that three days after He was crucified, He rose from the grave, leaving the tomb empty.  This is the cornerstone of our faith, the bold claim that changes everything.  While it can be hard to believe, we have the testimony of witnesses—those who saw the risen Christ and whose lives were transformed by the truth.  We may also personally know people who testify that faith in Jesus had changes their life.

Even so, it takes faith to accept.  The resurrection is a mystery and a miracle, but it is also the foundation of our hope.  And the empty tomb is a bright shining star that symbolized the hope we have in Christ.

For those who believe, Jesus promises eternal life. This hope sustains us as we follow His way, even when the path is hard or leads to suffering. The cross reminds us of the cost of discipleship, but the empty tomb assures us of the victory.  Just as Jesus rose to new life, so too will we, if we trust in Him.
This is the hope that gives us strength to endure, courage to persevere, and joy in knowing that the story God is writing for us doesn’t end in death—it ends in life.

Advent Challenge
As we enter this Advent season, I want to invite you to make a commitment—a commitment to spend intentional time seeking God.  Just as the Wise Men followed the star to Jesus, we need to follow the signs God gives us to draw closer to Him. It can be hard to see those signs in the busyness and distractions of life, but prayer helps us tune our hearts to His voice.

That’s why I’m challenging every one of you to stop by the church at least once a week during Advent—between now and Christmas—and spend some time in prayer in our newly renovated Prayer Room.  It’s open to you any day and at any time. (Call the church and we can give you a code that gives you access to the church through the kitchen door.)
Whether it’s early in the morning, during your lunch break, or late at night, I encourage you to come.  Use this time to pray, reflect, and listen for God’s direction in your life—even if just for a few minutes.

Following God’s plan isn’t always easy.  Sometimes, the path feels unclear, and we need to connect the dots. But when we spend time with Him—when we pray, study His Word, and worship—we begin to see His purpose more clearly.  So, come to the Prayer Room.  Bring your questions, your hopes, and even your struggles.  Let this Advent season be a time when you seek Him intentionally,
knowing that God is leading you toward His good and perfect plan.

Abraham's Covenant | A Sermon on Genesis 12:1-3

Introduction
As I write this, we just "fell back" one hour on our clocks for daylight savings time.  Have you ever wondered why there are twelve numbers on a clock face?  Why not ten?  The reason goes back over 4,000 years to the Sumerian Empire.  The Sumerians counted to twelve on their fingers.  Yes, they had 10 fingers just like us, but they counted the knuckles on their fingers instead of the fingers themselves.  If you look at your hand, you will see the fingers (excluding the thumb) has three knuckles (or creases) on each finger.  If you use your thumb to point to and count each crease, you will count to twelve on each hand.  So, the based their number system on twelve instead of ten like us.  And

by their reckoning, there were twelve hours of daylight (one hand) and twelve ours of night (the other hand).  And that is why today, we still have the tradition of twelve hours of day and night adding up to 24 hours.  It is also the reason there are 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour (60 is divisible by 12).  And it is also the reason we have 12 months in a year.

The Sumerian empire was the cradle of civilization nestled between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.  It is near where the Biblical Garden of Eden is described to have been

located.  We have a lot for which to thank the Sumerians.  They invented the wheel, cities, writing, and the rule of law to govern civilization.  

The reason I mention all this is because a man three major world religions revere was from the ancient city of Ur in the Sumerian empire.  We call him Father Abraham, though he was called Abram before God changed his name to Abraham.

Genesis 12:1-3
¹ The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. ² I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. ³ I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

God’s Rescue Plan
We are studying the five great covenants in the Bible that reveal God’s plan to rescue humanity from the brokenness of sin. Last week, we learned when Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, they "fell" from grace.  They became spiritually broken (along with all humanity and all creation).  We used the analogy of a of a mountain climber who fell 100 feet in a climbing accident.  He is severely injured, but still alive.  His rescue and recovery will be long and arduous, recurring a life flight rescue, ICU treatment and a long stay in a hospital with multiple emergency surgeries.  Then, even if he survives all that, there will be a long healing process with lots of physical therapy before the injured climber can return to a normal life.  

Similarly, God's rescue plan for humanity is a long and difficult process that has taken thousands of years and many different steps, which we can corelate to the different covenants in the Bible.

Today, we look at God’s covenant with Abraham.  In a covenant, there are promises and there are responsibilities.  God’s promises to Abraham:  I will make you into a great nation.  I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.  These are promises that are appealing to Abraham and that tells us some about Abraham's character: he wanted to be a blessing to others.  

Most people are self centered.  We would find God's promises to bless Abraham and make him a great nation appealing.  But not everyone would be as enticed by the promises to use us to be a blessing to others.  But Abraham did want to be a blessing to others and God made a covenant with him.

God’s ask for Abraham was: “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.”  Now, the reason I started by telling you how great Sumeria was is because I wanted you to understand something about what God was asking Abraham to give up.  Leaving his relatives and his father's family would be difficult.  But Abraham would also be walking away from the greatest, most advanced civilization on earth at the time.  Abraham would be giving it all up for the unknown.  God didn't even tell Abraham where he was going.  He just said for a land He would show him.  

Let’s think about why God would ask Abraham to leave his home in the wealthy Sumerian empire and go to the unknown land of Canaan to receive His blessings. These reasons matter for our own journeys of faith, too.

1. It Requires Faith in God
Leaving behind the comforts, security, and success of Ur meant Abraham had to rely completely on God. This journey wasn’t easy; it was an act of trust and obedience. Abraham showed he was willing to put his faith in God above any human security.

Like Abraham, sometimes God asks us to leave behind our “comfort zones” and trust Him fully. Maybe that means stepping into a new role, forgiving someone, or starting a project we’re unsure of. Faith means trusting that God is with us, even when we don’t have all the answers. 

2. It Forms a New Identity
God wasn’t just calling Abraham to a new place; He was calling him to a new life and purpose as the father of a chosen people. Leaving Ur meant letting go of its influences and forming a new identity based on worshiping the one true God.

When we follow God, we’re called to live differently, letting go of influences that pull us away from Him. Our faith should shape our actions, relationships, and even our purpose. Who we are in Christ becomes our true identity, guiding us in every part of our lives.  This may be extremely important for us all to remember this week during the presidential election.  Let’s remember that our true identity isn’t found in a political party, a leader, or even our nation.  Our identity as Christian is in Christ alone. No matter the outcome, we belong to Him, and our hope rests securely in His unchanging love and purpose for us.

3. It Set Abraham Apart for a Divine Mission
Moving to Canaan separated Abraham from a society filled with idols and complex politics. In this simpler place, Abraham and his descendants could focus on their relationship with God, staying faithful to His covenant without the distractions of a worldy empire.

God calls us to be “set apart” too, living in a way that honors Him even when it’s different from the world around us. Staying true to God’s mission for us means choosing His ways over what culture might tell us to value. This means focusing more on love, humility, dependence on God, and service than status or success.

4. It Kept Abraham Humble
Canaan wasn’t powerful or prosperous like Ur. God brought Abraham to Canaan to keep him humble and grounded. God wanted Abraham to rely on Him, not on wealth or status, as He blessed and built Abraham’s family.

God sometimes places us in humbling situations so we can learn to rely on Him. It can be easy to think we’re strong on our own, but true blessing and growth come from depending on God’s strength, not our own. Humility reminds us to stay close to God, especially when He blesses us.

5. Israel as the Center of the World
The Promised Land, Canaan, what would eventually become Israel, sits at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe--where three continents come together. This location made it central to major empires for thousands of years. Moving Abraham here set the stage for God’s salvation plan for the whole world, as Abraham’s descendants would grow into a nation that shines God’s light to all.

Just as God placed Israel at a crossroads, He places each of us in unique places to influence those around us. Whether it’s at work, school, home, or church, God has a purpose for where we are right now, using us to reflect His love and truth to others.

Saints Among Us
I am who I am today because of so many people of faith who influenced me.  I originally thought I might share a touching story about someone who , because of their faith in God and gracious love, helped shape me.  But then I thought, who would a name.  There have been so many!  Would I tell of my mom or me grandma?  Or what about my karate instructor or a pastor or Sunday school teacher.  There were even people who didn't know me well, but who said an encouraging word that made all the difference.  And then, there have been so many anonymous people who have helped that I'm not even aware of.  If I tried to name them all, it would take too long and I would certainly leave someone out.  But the point is, I have been shaped by many saints in my life.  And you have too.  And we are called to be saints to others as well.  Like Abraham, God has blessed us to be a blessing to others.  But we have to have the faith to follow Jesus and god where God sends us.  Sometimes, we even have to have the faith to walk away from something we've known and trusted in order to trust God more and enter the Promised Land He has for us.

All Saints Celebration
As we close today, we have the privilege to remember and honor the saints who have gone before us.  In our tradition, “saints” refers to all persons who were saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  In other words, all Christians. 

Hebrews 12:1 says, “we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith…”  They are cheering us on as we run our race of faith.  And we recognize and honor them today.

Instructions:
First, we will read the names of two saints who passed away over the last year who were members of our church.  We will say their name and ring a bell as people stand in their memory.

Then, we will allow you to name any person who has passed that you would like to remember and honor as a saint.  We will ring the bell as you stand in their memory.

Finally, we will remember that all who repent of their sins and follow Jesus as Lord are saints.
But first, let us pray:

“Lord, we gather in gratitude today, remembering the saints who have walked before us and the faithful among us today. May their lives of faith inspire and strengthen us as we carry on the work You have given to each of us.”

Members:

Helen Gross
Feb 13, 1932  -  Feb 10, 2024

Lorene Smith
Mar 8, 1942 - Sept 24, 2024

Others:
At this time, we invite you to stand and name a person who has passed that you would like to remember and honor as a saint.  We will ring the bell as you stand in their memory.

All:
Today, I would also like to honor each of you, the living saints who carry the faith and hope of the gospel into our world. You are the church, God’s people, called and loved, bearing witness to His love and grace.  Therefore, please stand, all of you (if you are able).

“May the light of Christ guide you and may the faith of all saints inspire you. Live as the beloved community, serving, loving, and carrying the hope of Christ into a world that needs His light. Amen.”  

Impartial Love - A Sermon for Graduates (and Everyone) from James 2:1-13

Introduction
Today, we gather to celebrate a significant milestone in the lives of our graduates—the completion of their high school or college journey. As we send them off to their next chapters, it’s crucial to reflect on the kind of journey they—and indeed, all of us—are called to embark upon as followers of Christ.

In the Book of James, chapter 2, verses 1 to 13, we find a powerful message about how our faith should be lived out daily. James challenges us to look at our hearts, at our actions, and at the way we treat others.  

We learned last week in James 1:19-27 that Christians must listen to God’s word and then DO IT.  
If we only listen but don’t live it out, we’re only fooling ourselves.  Today, James shares one of the simple ways people will either live out or fail to live out genuine faith.  Let's read these verses, understanding their relevance, not just for our graduates, but for all of us as part of God’s family.

James 2:1-13
¹ My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. ² Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. ³ If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” ⁴ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

⁵ Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? ⁶ But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? ⁷ Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?

⁸ If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. ⁹ But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. ¹⁰ For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. ¹¹ For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

¹² Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, ¹³ because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Slide – Why is Favoritism So Bad?
Most people can see favoritism is unfair.  Suppose Hank and Jackson are both hired to do the same exact job and both have no experience.  It would be unfair if Jackson got paid twice as much just because the boss was friends with Jackson’s dad.

But favoritism is not just a social faux pas in business; it is fundamentally at odds with the way the Kingdom of God works.  In the family of God, all stand as equals—we are all sinners saved by God’s grace.  If you favor one person over another in the Church because of how much money someone has or how they dress or their connections, you are living by the world’s standards and not God’s standards.  And remember what James said last week, we can’t just hear God’s Word; we must live God’s Word.  So it is absolutely necessary that we put away the old worldly thoughts and attitudes that say:  this person is more valuable, or more desirable because they are esteemed by the worldly standards or wealth, possessions, status, and influence.

 

Who Do You Look Up To?
I want to challenge our graduates (and all of us) to think about who you value and why.  Who do you want to be like as grow and mature?  Who will you model your life after?

Some might be tempted to measure their life after someone who, by outward appearances, seems to be very wealthy and successful.  But I would challenge you to look beyond external measures of success.  People can easily  fool you with outward appearances.

One man has $80,000 in the bank and a paid-off $1,000 work truck.   People may assume that guy is broke because of what he drives and how he looks.  Another man has a no money in the bank and an $80,000 financed truck he can barely afford.  He is deep in debt and barely making it, but people assume that man is doing great.  It's important not to let material possessions fool you into judging someone. 

James reminds us, God chooses the poor in the world to be rich in faith.  In my 50 years on this earth, here’s what I have observed:  In general, those who are poor are required to have more faith than those who rich.  Let me explain.  The poor often have nowhere else to turn, but to God.  They have very little money to buy their way out of their troubles. 
All they have is God and prayer.  Suppose their car breaks down.  It may be a huge crisis for them.  They cannot afford a big bill with the mechanic to repair their car nor can they just buy another one to replace it.

The rich, on the other hand, often feel like they don’t really need God.  After all, they have their own resources if they run into trouble.  They might not say that out loud or even consciously think it.  But subconsciously, they are aware they have the resources to handle their problems.  If their car breaks down, it is an inconvenience.  However, they can afford to have the car fixed or may just decide to buy a new car.  So they aren't required to trust God since they can trust their own resources.

The world often teaches us to value people for their apparent wealth, influence, and outward appearances—attributes that can be easily misrepresented.  God says value people’s faith and commitment to God and their character.  In fact, you must or else you are not doing God’s Word; you are only pretending to be a Christian.

James 2:8
The royal law of love, first put forth by God in the Old Testament and later affirmed by Jesus in the New Testament is "Love your neighbor as yourself."  And Jesus showed us how to practice this kind of love when He died for us on the cross.  Jesus didn’t love us because we are loveable (for we were sinners who rebelled against God).  Jesus loved us sacrificially because that’s what real love does.

So, we are called to love others this same way.  That means treating all people fairly, avoiding discrimination, showing kindness to all, and working for justice.  I want to encourage our graduates to apply this law everywhere you go—whether at college, in the workplace, or in you community.  And this is how every Christian should live—not just our graduates.

James 2:12-13
In conclusion, let me read again verses 12-13, this time from the New Living Translation.

¹² So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. ¹³ There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.