Now, before we get to our message for today, please note the following:
For our congregation, you will recognize the setting that today's message shows. Our church building is doing well and I know we all are looking forward to the time when we can all be together again.
And for those of you who are reading this, who are new to our church and this website - please know that this message is a brief one for the time we are in. Thank you for viewing it with us.
To hear our opening words, prayer and message, please click on the following video. 16 Words https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8zI4ML7F0Q After viewing our church message for today, we invite you to click on and enjoy this closing song [an old classic that you may remember]. Jesus Loves Me - John 3:16 - Church Hymn |
Also know that we will have different speakers each week - and next week, David Thompson will provide our message to be shared. So thank you for joining us today and for the weeks ahead. Let us know of any comments and or recommendations and know that you are in our prayers.
Your brother in faith,
Keith
And FYI: Click on the following Read More button to view our sermon notes with added insights as to what was shared today.
Originally this message was longer for a typical Worship Service but due to the COVID-19 outbreak,
I reduced it down to be a brief message. The following is that sermon.
Good morning and welcome to our first Sunday after Easter - April 19th, 2020.
As most of you know, last Sunday - Easter Sunday was Pastor Stanley's last sermon with all of us
and our pulpit is empty this morning for three reasons.
First - as a tribute of thanks to Pastor Stanley for his years of service to our church.
Second - as to tie back to last Sunday. In that sermon we remembered the time of Empty Tomb and the words you'll see below will reference back to that time.
And Third - as as a thank you to all of you. We are not here in Church because we don't want to be here, but to help ensure everyone's health as best w can while this virus is addressed across our country.
So yes, our church is empty now but we look forward to that day when we can be together again.
Our opening prayer.
Dear God our Heavenly Father, thy Son our Savior and thy Holy Spirit our Counselor. We thank you for this day, this opportunity to reflect and to grow in our faith. Please help us to grasp the thoughts that you want for us to embrace as we reflect on these words shared today. Amen
This will be a shorter message but there will be a little follow up required.
It ties to the last sermon I shared a few years back - that was based on 20 words.
Today, I ask you to please jot down 16 words.
The first three words to write down are: God is love.
Last week we celebrated Easter Sunday and in our embrace of it, we understand God's love for us.
John 3:16 sums it up - "For God so loved the world" . . . and you know the rest.
And if you want many other examples, start reading the Gospel of John and his 3 letters and you will see that God is love.
Yes this first group of words was brief - but I wanted those who saw or heard this - that they would think on what examples of God's love that they know of.
Next, please write down: Love is good.
If we all pause and think back at the various times when we have felt the love of another or we have showed our love to someone - we feel that goodness inside.
Another example is later that day when the tomb was empty - Mary saw Him, He walked with the two followers on the road to Emmaus, and when He saw the 10 in the locked room - all of them wondering that day - is Jesus really alive? The good news was starting to sink in - it was that feeling that love is good.
For this second group - I hope all would think of the good times that they have felt love.
Next up, please write down: Good is great
Imagine with me now - later that day when the other disciples tell Thomas they had seen the Lord, He has risen from the dead. Yes, Thomas was probably glad to hear that good news but . . . it was not until a week later - that first Sunday after Easter, when Thomas was with the other 10 disciples and Jesus appeared to them. For Thomas, that was the day that good is great.
For this third group - hope all would be like me - there are so many good things in life that unfold, we just need to slow down and appreciate them for what they are.
Then last of this group - write down: Great is God
Which brings us that that week later (after Jesus resurrection) and this one week later after Easter for us.
We all know the good news. We all believe Jesus has risen from the dead.
He has paid the price for our sins. He has reconciled us with God our heavenly Father.
Is there more on this? Yes . . . just look up at the stars some beautiful dark night or look at the amazing mountains, lakes, valleys or whatever across this world. Do we really appreciate all of creation, what Jesus did for us and the blessings that we have? If you are like me, you know . . . Great is God.
And for this fourth group - I hope everyone have some thoughts, memories or actions that they can think of that helps remind them on how great our God is.
But wait - I told you there were 16 words . . .
God is love, Love is good, Good is great, Great is God . . . is only 12 words.
The last 4 to write down are . . . Do I love God?
Our assignment. Please think about these 16 words as this week ahead unfolds.
And the big question - If you love God - what would you say to yourself are the examples of this?
Have you changed, are you trying to say your prayers, are you trying to grow in faith
and / or are you pursuing what you believe God wants of you?
If we love God, I believe our answer to these questions would be yes - but what say you?
Then for these last 4 words - the question is valid for us all.
God gives us the opportunity to experience life. If we accept and pursue our life, the good question to answer is this. If someone wanted to convict you of being a Christian.
Would there be enough evidence?.
I thank you for thinking about these words shared.
Please join in on our closing prayer - it is the Lord's Prayer that is slightly expanded for today.
Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
As your new church began to form two thousand years ago, we too are starting a new beginning.
We thank Pastor Stanley and Sheila for their ministry with us these past few years and we ask for your blessings to continue upon them as you lead them on the journey you have them pursuing.
We pray . . .
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Because we need your continued love and blessings for them and our Narrows Community Church as we move forward these weeks ahead.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
We ask for you to end this pandemic, to bring healing to those who are ill and we ask for your peace and comfort for those families who have lost loved ones in death.
In all things we trust in Your Will as the challenges unfold around us, as we continue to pursue you in these days of struggle and we thank you for lining up the pastor that will be coming to our church at the time you know best for us.
We thank you so much for all that we have and for what is yet to come.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen
Thank you and have a great week ahead
And to wrap up - here is a simple song we all know - click on the following if you have 3 more minutes:
(your can listen and enjoy the pictures shown or sing along if you wish because the words are some we may have sung years ago but we should always appreciate). . .
Jesus Loves Me - John 3:16 - Church Hymn
Thank you and have a great week ahead - David Thompson will lead us next Sunday.