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''Teach  Us  What  We  Yet  May  Be" 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  January  6, 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
Kelly  Mangel,  Acolyte 
+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  + 
ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.H 
Prelude  "Meditation" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Anno  unc  e  m  en.  ts 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
•Processional  Hymn  No*  9 
•Ascription 
•Exhortation 

•Confession  (In  Unison)  "Almighty  Father,  kings  eame  forth 
to  bow  the  knee  before  an  infant  king;  people  knew 
Him  to  be  something  other  than  a  baby;  we  know  Him 
as  Jesus  the  Saviour.   Yet  too  often  we  do  our  own 
will;  we  do  the  things  we  know  are  wrong;  we  submit 
to  the  lures  and  enticements  of  the  world.   But  we 
know  also  that  we  can  have  forgiveness.,,  and  this  we 
Seek  at  this  time,  throught  Jesus  Christ. .,, .Amen* 
•Kyrie 

^Assurance  of  Pardon 

•Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Requiem  Observance  and  Prayer 

Mrs .Jane  Andrewg ,  Harvey  Campbell,  Mrs .  Charlotte 
Christy,  Mrs.  Minnie  Kelly,  M/rr  Winifred  McGrody, 
Mrs.  Howard  Morrison,  Mrs.  Dorothy  Hicholas, 
Mrs.  Alvin  Shakely,  Jules  Smith,  Mrs.  Anna  Weitzel. 
Friends:   Dorothy  Davis,  Hazel  Grossman,  Frank  E. 
Melerf  Clifford  R.  Stepp,  Rhode  Barhighti 
Arvillia  J.  Hockenberry t  Mrs.  Margaret  Eck, 
Hymn  No.  &14  "For  All  the  Saints" 
Offering 

Offertory  "The  Silent  Prayer" 
•Ilaxology  Ho.  382 

Anthem:  "He  Touched  Ms"  -  Plan*  Solo 
Scripture:   Luke  15:4-7 

Sermon:   "When  It's  Over  It's  Time  To:  Find  the  Lost" 
"I'luaing  H.Yiiui  No.  519  "Savior,  Again  to  Thy  Dear  Name 
We  Raise11 
Benedicti 


Closing  Chimes 

Postlude 

+  +   +  +  +  4  ■•Congregation  Standing  +  +  +  +  +   + 

Flowers  are  needed  for  the  next   few  weeks,   won't  you 
take  a  minute  and  sign  up  now.      Chart  is  in  Narthex. 

Ushers   for  today  are  Art  Carney,    Dan  Bosko,    Marty 
Henry ,    and  John   Snow . 

Mr.   Art  Carney  will  greet  the  congregation  this  morning* 

Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs,    Sue  Gamble. 

Dan  Bosko,    Art  Carney,    and   Carl  Vinroe  will  be   visiting 
the  hospital   this  week. 

Attendance   last  Sunday  was  121  with  17  visitors. 
'■  Hospitalized:    Ken  Hoover,    Becky  Shearer    fyAi    />_  Tftb* 

Monday       -       Spang's  Volleyball  /rtf'^      /*,w/v*-/ 

Tuesday     -       Aerobics 
Thursday  -       Aerobics 

Chancel  Choir  at  7:00  P.M. 
Saturday  -   Basketball 

^REMIPIDER  -  today  begins  the  nominations  for  Elders  and 
Deacons*   Place  your  nomination  on  a  piece  of  paper 
and!  drop  it  in  the  offering  plate,  or  bring  to  the 
office. 

YEARBOOK  INFORMATION  -  please  notify  the  office  of  any 
change  of  address  or  phone  number  so  we  have  the 
correct  information  for  the  new  yearbook.   If  it  is 
an  unlisted  number,  it  will  not  be  published.  Please 
give  this  as  soon  as  possible. 

SPECIAL  REQUEST  -  next  Sunday  January  13th  the  choir 
will  again  be  singing  the  anthem  we  sang  on  Christmas 
Eve,  1,0nce  Upon  a  Christmas1.' 
"  Daily  Bread  and  Moody  Monthly  are  in  the  Narthex.   Pick 
them  up  at  your  convenience. 

SCOFIELD  BIBLE  COURSE  -  will  be  starting  this  Sunday 
evening  at  7:00  P.M. 

AUDIT  -  the  auditing  of  all  treasurers  books  of  the 
church  will  be  January  21st  at  7:00  P.M.   Please 
have  all  of  your  books  ready  and  you  plan  to  be 
here  also. 


"\ 


i 


t 


ConnunitT  Mole  Church   -  Sa*«aere,   Fa.  January  "i,   IP?? 


Prelude 

iTmounce"!entF/Greet'fll-=/rTaver  Seuu"^" 

-,«,     ,«VdV-  7#*-w  -  e*/<-r     *?*-£" 


Ascription; 

Call  to  Worship:  New  Tear's 

THE  OLD  HAS   PASSED  AWAY,    BEHOLD,   THE  NSW  HAS  COKE. 
ALL  THIS   IS   FROM   tlOB,    WHO  THS0BGH   COTTKT  RECONCILED  !JS 
TO  HIMSELF   AND  GAV5  BS   THF  KINISTRT   OF  RECONCILIATION. 
"Fym* 
Offering/Prayer 
•Doxologj 
Pastoral   Prayer 
Hymn 

Scripture:   Luke  ISt't-? 

Seraoa:      "Whea  Tt*e  Orer  It 'a  Tiae  la:    Find  The  Lost" 
St.   Paul's,   Hutlar  1/6/85 
•Hpni 

•Benediction 
•Post.lude 


(^/L  fAts'e      __    <? 


™wnen    1.11    o   uvoi-    *i     =       j    ' 
pture:   Luke  15**-7 
was   tvpcl  r3t   morn  litl  Gal   townjevrthin   suandatil  Bc« 
Bab.ipat  ^n  worsh  G;Shema  tin  recit,portin    Jew 

*■•?  tin  red   aoord    custn  read   thru   5yrs;now   time 
propas  bin    invit   epk  ros .ask  tscrol    Is 

bpe  scrol  read  chap  61  s l-2a- (read  Tk  4!lB-l9) 
rolup  sorol  Bi1     '-•-,     now  *:"'-   Spreaobjall  reop  anxiu 
1st  words   wer-TS  .      . 

nan  cors    Js;twn  Naz  &  sine   loci  boy  made  pud, mvi 
?■  rpacb    in  hontwn   &  words   red   defin  irinntry      b 

hpre  basic   outlin  4   Ja   ertbly  rainstry=read/exi 1  v.,lB 
(Illua   Howard    Thurman  wrote    raraphras=Read  this, 
nex  suceed  wks  we   R  po  21k  thea  diraetivs  as  "flee   in 
ninatr*   Js  &   also  as  thez   sub  J  fnfl   thru  out  Q   a   ««;* 

teas   ovr   E    misfit   nresenta   exchan-  ,tree  ^wn;orns 
r.i'.t    ,••     no?hr   yr;childrn  bak   ekuljcoleg  howl    «M   « 
I  lif   tak  on  usul  unrlarrus  ,un;joyf  ul  dimensins  ,tnen, 

Rj^VS*   -S2   t^   «"   hav   receiv  w/thoz   hav    no 

herd   ft  no  kno  Joy  wh  can  B  had  thru    Js  *P 
Las    tenths    Js   lif  teach  Fere  a   &  this  when   Scrip  tuk  pla 
15:l=rubs   much  distms/deapis   tax  colectrs 
con^idf   outcaa   Bcuz   work  4  despis  Romans  but  evri  tho 
|enrl  populao  avoid, Js  didnt  &  they  knu  fila  as   lwbo 

..reactilfpertin  Jewe   .  wenevr   paeib    Jew  ldra   «ot 

"doubt   on  miaatry   Jr  ,but  rathr  meet   hedon  ft  oMa 
bur  end   erthly  rr.instry   Js  apk  naner  wh  no  cud 
%™  direc   atak  them   !     re"d    Jrd.    vs-Ri     J 

--1  "y/maynot   B  tru  story,but  contain  elments  wh 
rB   o^niabl  praoticl  anyl  &  contain  raesar  within   ator 
vs  Sa-i;Stic,n0  say  Mt   lharsees/ch  ldrs=but   say=  .tetmar 
cud  includ   way]   within  and  His  yoio 
'tin  many  fac   or   need ;  includ   auoienc   sifflpl.ord 

vs  "anyl  cud   underst  simpl  ouest   evn  tho  direc   specil 

Herersnep  w/sheep  f ieldjperhaps   aatehif   sheltr  4FheeP 
ownite   I  palthru    0pnii|   count   ft    1  i  ,q«.«t    ^=- 

Which  one   of  vou  would   not   po  and    find    it.... 
a  aheap  was  valubl  Pownr    ,  avn  if  ehep  work  suml  .lac 
he  reelonaibl  4ea  sheer   B   cud  not    .lus   report   3bos.- 
AUp  dont   kno  wher   it   is, but  had?   mak  efort 

.T:::rw!^anl,ls,butsheP  at  least  tnyrecov, 

ft' irshal  K°i  !hee£        ^      SS^W    '    H»l»  vat    Ja 

pay  vs   5-READ 


sheep  no  brites   animi,chew      -  wandfir, crawl  thru?/ 

I     fenc    '    ovr   clif 

I     ordr  preveti  wandr  whil  return, ilac   shcl     ders/carry 

Sheps   trav]    grps        If   lwent   Ik  sheen, othrs  herd 

&  this   wat    Js    talk   bout   VS   S=RE.\B 

i      ithen  conpar  this   story  tin  G  want  4-  all   mank 

vs  7=Js  try  pt  out  svr  sheep  import 

Icribe   hid   tendency  Ik  certin  peon  or  class    of 
peop  as   worthl»^  ay   no  worthies   peop  "  '"    Bite 

all   men  equal        G    ]uvs   each  one  the   a 
But    in   hvn  b:    G   ther   roor   re.ioic    ovr    1    lost   aou]    cum? 
salvatin   than  ovr   99  ftlredy   aaf  within   fold 
duznt  mak  1  betr  othrs  ,  ,1us   los   sheep  need   2B  sot   out 
Sc  trot   b-jk   Pfold 
2nd   yr   .Ts   ninstry   Js   sed   as   record    Nt   15:3*. I  nu  not 
Bent  hut  unto  the   lost   sheep  of  the   house   of   I  rael 
ther, plain   languag  was  rrinin  He  declar   His 
Ee    sot    brinn-  los    sheep    in?    fold.but  wudnt    acpt   Him, 
or   1;  ro   part   Hit-    minstry   fulfil 

2   "ients    or   the  ■  ■.    hnv 

nothin  do  with 
This  always   bin  Bisin  Xpian   Ch,but    "oft   Pmany  othr 
thinrs   tnk  precedence   ovr  tbi 
Wen  it's   ovr,(Xmas  that   is),It'a   time  to  find  the   los 
But   that   task  duznt   wait  4end    'mas   reason, w/us   allyr 
Who   B  the   lost??=lonlyserch   souls  who   canot/havnot   fnd 
peac   So  hspces  this   lif 

l*s  who  hav    jump  of    bridgs/bldRS   pas   few 
or  wks;they   1"  rub  ^oblivion   Bcuz    i  : :' 

h    Id   no  mean/purr; they    'i  peor  we   -hud"  jrix  raaol 
'v    -lad   nus   2  that  ther  purpos   %.  mean  ?lif 

-•-i-ur   souls    8  nestles   until   find    ther  nest 
:;ee 
No  matr  who   individ    oayB;  regard  lea    BtatiE    in   lif   if 
no  find   G,soul    r<  ' 

selvs  ";h  can  priv   pens    purp   they  all    need 
without   G   continu   serch/ 
but   lik   los    r^heep   many   no    too,  lost 

ivr  herd    ■'■-    preach     ihee  p   IK   '■ 
wont, Bcuz   it  -her    ■•■■ 
(Ilus   See   1  -once   6    iumbody  whiapr    fcbfit   luvs   Fe) 

That  wat   tal    ,  -   to  out   Ik  4aheep;how  many   peop  I' 

spk  2-RM-  be-  'old?   How  many   neifhbrs 

we   hav  who  no'  .      without  ch   5  we   nevr   invit 

cub   join  ue    in  worship?    Quests    no   intend    puilt   trip 
anyl.shud    sno  us    tl  no  keep   as  worlds 

insted.we   2shar  w/all    thoz    in  need   of  s   Saviour 

low   time    "  '■    ehar   thai 

sk  thOB  not   swar   this   fit*  plac   When    '    etrn  salv 


MAN  SMtaWWO  TTTOIWAH  WMT  FERNAP  IN  FARLEL  MAWNTUWROTEIREAD; 
HEX  SHCEED  WKS  WIL  US  THEZ  DIEECTTVS  AS  REFLEC  JS  HINSTRT,!,  AS 
STJBS   FND  IN  G'S  WORD 

«n  xkas  ovr  s,  misfit  puis  bin  exchng.tree  dwh.orns  awat  noter 

IT       TES  BAK   SKBL:TH/COLEG  BOWL  GAMS  OVR   &    LIF  TAK   ON  USUI  HMOT 
TORTUS, UNGLAKRtTS  DIHENS.THEN  TIN   2BGIN  work   op  xmas 

THAT  TIN  2SHAH  ODD  NEWS  WI  HECBIV  W/THCB  NO  1MB  *  SO  KNO  JOT 

CANS   HAD  THUD   JS   XP 
IN   LAS   NNT11E  JS   LIF.BIN  PR   IS   PEREA  t.  THIS  WHER   SCRIP  TDK   PLAC 
VS  1=CUTCASTS  HEAR   HIM 
VS  2-JW  LDRS   SOT  CAS   DOUB  JS  MIHSTRT 
VS   J-NP  BEET  HEMN.CAUS   PPEMATTO  ESr  NINSTRT.JS   SPK   WISLI  III 

KANNH  WH/NO  DIREC   ATAK  TJEN 
VS   J=SPKS   PAFBL   -   {    HAT/NATNT  B  TRU.BBT  ILBMEN   RECOGNIZBL) 
VS  4=NO  SAT-KAT  PHAR.SCRIB,HELIG   LDR    -  SED  WAT  ODD   IKLDD   ALL 
SHEPS  WES  THEF.S:  COH  PEG  t,  PIAHS/OTHRS  CUDNT  TAK   AS   ATAK 

V3   1»B-ABTCWE  CHD  nNDRST.ALTHO   PROB   DIREC   PHARS 

HPL  SHOTS-SHOT  VALtmL  ?om,KS  SHE?  WORK   <tSDXONI  ELS 

SHEP  RESPONSBL  1.SHEOT  *   NO  JHE   NOTCH   WS1WTOS  LK  ".IT 
CHDB  KIL.FAL  DWN  KTN.SO  MB   BSCT  BCHZ   SHEOT   DUN   AJIIML 
VS   'raREJOIC.TT.OK  CONPI,ET,ALL   SAF 
VS  S^OTHR   S  OVRJOT   BCtJZ  SHEOT  ALL  SAT 
VS   7.EVR    SHEEP  INPORT   ?  SOD  HC  ONE  BITTR   OTOTS 
(ILHS   DAV  EGNER   OF  HAD  BIBL  CLAS   f.   DAILY   BRED  12/>0/*l> 

-TBTiioTjswTnST  hinstrt  fitefil  thsu  obntils.or  pubs  t. 

(TMMRS  NO  ACPi*  BT  SCR  ft   PIAJS 
THIS   HISIN   Xlii   CH.BDT  POTT  OTHR   THING   ™   MWJDWC 
WE     ITS  OVH.XMAS  THAT  IS.IT-S  TIM  2FIHD  th/lost 
BOT  TASK  NO  WAIT  klXZ  XNAS   SEASN.IT  W/TfS   ALL  TR 

^NLT^r^LS.SCICIDS  OF  X^AS   FAS.OTG   ««."««   ««™ 

ALL  W/OUT  TH/CI 
ST.    ABGUSTIN   SHD-ODH  SOHLS   R  RESTLIS  tTKTIL  THEY   FIND  THOT   REST 
THIS  TRO   ALL  KANK-ALriLcH.SEEK.BCT  LIK  SHEOTHOi 5HEVR   KNO   LOST 
U,  HEAR   SHT.OT   SERCH  USHEPT   NO   -  BCUZ  S«P  SEEK  THEM 
(ILHS  SCOTT  LAWRENCE  t,  HTNH) 
TBI"!  WAT  TAKS   *   SHOTS  SEEK   TH/SHEEP 

"S  rOT/PROFH?ISSA  r^5'™«   OVR   I  NOW  TIN  », 

X«AS   OVrVnOW  REAL  WORK   OF  B   NEWSRS   BODY   X?  BQIN   WS 
LET  HS  REOTLV   MS  TR   ?»QTN  OOT   WORK   BY   SEEK  2FINB  TH/LOST 


this   in  Sep: 

He  red   propl    Isa       was   public  declar  all  pr< 

ivr   6  now   tiffle   2Bgin  "I-   work   in  world 
Kta&s    Is    (■■-:  tJie   real   work  of  teinr   cenbers    of 

the  body  of    tp   l:rrin^  '-tog   of  us 
let  us    ea  tgin   that  work  by  ?prHnc  to 


(expl  jk  in  svn  in  n»7j 

TTP   SAT   AF   SAX  TWNrEVFTH   STANSTTI    8COZ  SAB  fr   PEC   ASE"   STN  WCS   G 
TH/SHWA   BIN  RECIT-HEAP   0  IS,TH/L  CUB  G   IE   ONE  L 
A   rCRTTN  CF  JEW  LAW  CF  MCS  BIN  RED  ACPRD  ?CUSTM  50  ENTIR  LAW 
WAS   RED  TURD  COWLETLT   ONC    IN   EVRT  7TRS  I   NOW    PIM  (fREAD  FROM 
'-*«  TH/PROPIS 
tt.      /AN   WHO  BIN  INVTT  ?SFK   THAT  PORN.AROS  &  ASK   ^SCROL  CF  ISA 
OPN  SCROl.BGAN  2RSAD  FH/CHAF  *\L:1.{MAD  LK  lt:lB-19 

ROt  DP  SCFOL.IAK   ST*  A  TEN,  8,   SAT  DWN  AS   ALL  RABS   DID  WEN  TEACI 
EVRONE  WAIT  ANXIDSLT  2IEAB  WAT  WOD  SAT  &   HIS  WORDS   WEJt,2DAT 
IS   THIS   SCRIP   FULFIL  IN  DR  EARS 

mm  was  jsjtwn  was  naz  s.  smc  locl  bot  fane  freced.ask  zsk  wen 

CAM  HOM 

WORDS  DEFIN  WAT  MINSTRT  2B 
■ERE  WAS  BASIC  ODTLIR  CF  JS  ESTHLT  MINSTRT. READ  VS  18 


■en  It's  Over  It's  Time  To:  Find  The  Lost 
Scripture:  Luke  15:4-7 

tas    9  typical  Saturday  morninp-  in  the  little  Galilean  town,   Everything 

was  at  a  standstill  because  it  was  the  Sabbath,   The  people  had  assembled  in 
the  Synagogue  to  worship  Cod.   The  Shema  had  been  recited  and  *fc  a  portion  of 
the  Jewish  Law  from  Hoses  had  been  read  according  to  custom  so  that  the  en- 
tire law  was  read  completely  through  once  every  three  years.   Now  it  was  time 
for  the  reading  frorr  one  of  the  prophets.   A  young  man  arHXH  who  had  been 
invited  to  read  and  speak  that  morning  arose  and  asked  for  the  Fcroll  of  the 
prophet  Isaiah.   Re  opened  the  scroll  and  began  to  read  from  chapter  61,  vera 
1,  (read  Luke  4:18-19).    "e  rolled  up  the  scroll  and  handed  it  to  the  syna- 
gogue attendant  and  sat  down.   Now  it  was  time  for  this  guest  to  preach. 
Everyone  in  attendance  anxiously  awaited  to  hear  what  he  would  say.   Pis 
first  words  were,  "This  day  is  this  Scripture  fulfilled  in  your  ears." 
The  younr  man  of  course  was  Jesus;  the  town  was  Nazareth  and  since  He  was  a 
local  boy  whose  fame  had  preceeded  Him,  He  was  invited  to  speak  when  He  came 
back  to  His  hometown.   Tve  words  He  read  defined  what  His  ministry  was  to  be. 
xxnaxxnaKg&xx£wxx4x£ftHrmaxxnia±irexissxx±fcX7rcwHsxirrz&xxT  !'ere  was  the  basic  out- 
line for  Jesus'  earthly  ministry:  to  preach  the  Gospel  to  the  poor;  to  heal 
the  brokenhearted;  to  preach  deliverance  to  the  captives},  the  recovering  of 
Sight  to  the  blind;  to  set  at  liberty  those  who  are  bruised;  and  to  preach  th 
acceptable  year  of  the  lord. 

A  man  named  Howard  Thurman  perhaps  writing  alcn?  these  lines  in  a  paralell 
manner  writes : 

When  the  song  of  the  anpels  is  silent 
/hen  the  star  in  the  sky  is  crone 
Shen  the  kinps  and  the  rrinces  are  home 

.en  the  shepherds  are  again  tending  their  sheep 
When  the  manger  is  darkened  and  still 
The  work  of  Christmas  berins  

To  find  the  lost 

To  heal  the  broken 

To  feed  the  hunprry 

To  rebuild  the  nations 

To  bring  peace  among  people 

To  befriend  the  lonely 

To  release  the  prisoner 

To  make  music  in  the  heart. 

In  the  next  succeeding  weeks  we  are  going  to  look  at  these  directives  as  they 
are  reflected  in  the  ministry  of  Jesus  and.  also  as  these  subjects  are  found 
throughout  God's  'lord. 

When  Christmas  is  over  and  all  of  the  misfittinr  presents  have  been  exchanged 
and  the  tree  is  down,  the  ornaments  rut  away  for  another  year;  the  children 
are  back  in  school;  the  college  howl  frames  have  been  played  and  life  takes 
on  its  usual  un joyous  and  unglamourous  dimensions,  then,  it  is  time  to  befrin 
the  work  of  Christmas.   It  is  time  to  re    out  and  share  that  Good  News  which 


_?_ 

we  have  received  with  those  who  have  not  heard  it  and  do  not  know  or  the 

joy  which  can  be  had  through  Jesus  Christ. 

Vw  Tn  the  last  months  of  Jesus  '  lire  He  was  teaching  in  Peres  and  this  is  where 

our  Scripture  for  this  morni':r  took  place.   In  the  1st  verse  of  this  15th 

chapter  we  read,  "Then  drew  near  unto  Him  all  the publicans  and  sinners  for  to 
hear  Him." 

The  publican"  were  the  fexiHii  much  mistrusted  and  despised  tax-collectors. 
They  were  considered  as  outcasts  because  of  their  working  for  the  also  de- 
spised ^omans  .   But  even  though  the  general  populace  avoided  them,  Jesus 
didn't  and  they  knew  Him  as  one  who  sought  to  love  them. 
The  reaction  of  a  portion  of  the  Jews  ir  described  In  the  ?nd  verse  where  we 

read,  "And  the  T-harisees  and  scribes  murmured,  savin™,  "This  man  receiveth 
sinners,  and  eateth  with  them." 

Whenever  possible  it  was  the  Jewish  leaders  who  sought  to  cast  doubt  on  the 

ministry  of  Jesus.   Put  rather  than  meet  them  headon  and  cause  a  r-remature 

end  to  His  earthly  ministry,  Jesus  wisely  sneaks  to  them  in  a  manner  which 

they  could  not  assume  as  a  direct  attack  upon  them.   We  read  in  the  3rd  verse 

"And  He  spake  this  parable  to  them,  saying," 

A  parable  may  or  may  not  be  a  true  story.   But  it  contained  elements  which 

were  recognizable  by  practically  anyone  and  wax  contained  a  message  within 

that  story. 

So  Jesus  began  by  saying,  "What  man  of  you,"   notice,  that  He  didn't  say, 

"If  any  of  you  "harisees,"  or,  "Church  leaders,"  or  something  along  that  line 

He  states,  "If  any'man  of  you,"  and  this  could  and  would  include  all  men  who 

were  within  the  sound  of  His  voice.   It  was  a  situation  which  many  of  them 

faced  or  had  faced.   Included  in  His  audience  were  simple  ordinary  shepherds, 

as  well  as  all  sorts  of  common  people.   !o  the  "hari^ees  and  the  scribes 

couldn't  take  these  remarks  as  a  direct  frontal  attack  upon  them. 

Now  Jesus  adds  the  rest  of  the  parable,   "What  man  of  you,  havinr  an  hundred 
sheep,  if  he  lose  one  op  them,  doth  r\c^    leave  the  ninety  and  nine  in  the 
wilderness,  and  ^-o  after  that  which  is  lost,  until  he  find  it?" 

Anyone  in  His  audience  could  understand  thi:  simple  question  even  thou.-h  it 
was  probab] y  directed  specifically  to  the   harisees  and,  the  scribes.   Here 
was  a  shepherd  with  his  sheep  out  in  the  fields.   Perhaps  he  has  made  a  make- 
shift enclosure  to  keep  his  sheep  in  over  night.   And  as  they  pass  into  the 
narrow  opening  and  he  counts  them,  he  discovers  that  one  of  them  is  missing. 
And  the  question  is,  "vhich  one  of  you  would  not  go  and  find  it?"   A  sheep 
was  valuable  to  its  owner.   "nd  even  if  the  shepherd  was  working  for  someone 
else  he  was  responsible  for  each  sheep.   He  couldn't  Just  report  to  his  boss, 
"one  of  the  sheep  is  -one  and  I  don't  know  where  it  is,"   He  had  to  make  an 
effort  to  go  and  find  it  and  recover  it  if  he  could.   Perhaps  it  would  be 
attacked  and  eaten  by  a   wild  animal.   Hut  the  shepherd  had  ^t^  to  at  least 


-5- 

try  to  reover  the  fleece  of  that  sheer  as  r-rocf  that  it  was  killed  by  wild 

animals . 

But  if  the  shepherd  look-  for  that  sheep  many  times  he  would  find  it  and  this 

Is  what  Jesus  was  stating  as  we  read  in  the  5th  verse,  "And  v/hen  he  hath 
found  it,  he  layeth  it  on  his  shoulders,  rejoicing." 

ep  aren't  the  brightest  of  animals.   When  they  start  srrazinp  and  eating 
prass  they  will  keep  their  heads  down  and  chew  ^'•":-r,  wandering  all  of  the  tiim 
If  they  happen  to  snot  some  green  grass  on  the  other  side  of  a  fence,  they 
will  find  an  openin"  and  go  on  the  other  side  even  if  it  means  falling  down 
a  hillside.   So  in  order  to  prevent  the  sheep  from  wandering  away  while  re- 
turning it,  the  shepherd  would  put  it  on  his  shoulders  and  carry  it  back  to 
the  rest  of  the  flock. 

Mai       herds  traveled  in  groups  making  it  possible  for  shepherds  to  be  able 
to  spell  each  other  and  '"here  the  work.   If  a  shepherd  discovered  one  of  his 
sheep  missing  and  went  after  it,  the  other  shepherds  would  herd  his  flock 
homeward  for  him  in  his  absence.   This  is  what  Jeus  is  saying  in  the  6th 

verse.   "And  when  he  cometh  home,  he  calleth  together  his  friends  and  neigh- 
bors, saying  unto  them,  'Rejoice  with  me;  for  I  have  found  my  sheer  which 
was  lost . ' " 

And  then  comparing  this  story  to  the  salvation  which  God  wants  for  all  man- 
kind, Jesus  says  in  the  7th  verse,  "I  say  unto  you,  that  likewise  joy  shall 

be  in  heaven  over  one  sin.ner  that  repenteth,  more  than  over  ninety  and  nine 

just  persons  which  need  no  repentence." 

Jesus  was  trying  to  point  out  that  every  sheep  was  ^Kxixsx  important .ax  The 

ees  and  the  scribes  had  b   tendency  to  look  upon  certain  people  or  c1 
es  of  people  as  being  worthless  and  Jesus  was  saying  bhat  there  are  no  worth- 
less individuals  in  Groat's  sight.   All  men  ^re  enual  and  God  loves  each  one 
the  same.   But  in  heaven  before  God,  there  is  more  rejoicing  over  one  lost 
soul  comintr  to  salvation  than  over  the  ninety  and  nine  who  are  already  safe 
within  the  fold.   This  doesn't  make  the  one  better  than  the  ethers ,  it  Is 
just  that  the  lost  rhe^p  need  to  be  sourht  out  and  brought  Pack  to  the  fold. 
Jesus  had  said  in  the  ?nd  year  of  His  ministry  as  recorded  in  Matthew  15:24, 
"I  am  not  sent  but  unto  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel."   .'here,  in 
plain  language  was  the  mission  T"e  declared  was  his.   r-e  sought  to  brine;  the 
lost  -beep  into  the  fold,  but  they  wouldn't  accept  Him  or  listen  to  His  mes- 
sage. kn&    so  -i  part  of  Pis  ministry  was  fulfilled  to  the  Gentiles,  or  those 
publicans  and  sinners  the  pharisees  and  scribes  would  have  nothing  to  -3o  with 
This  always  has  been  the  mission  of  the  Christian  church.   But  too  often  too 
many  other  things  have  taken  precedence  otfer  that  task.  " ihen  It's  Over, 
jjChristmas  that  is),  It's  Time  to  Tind  The  Lost."   Rut  that  task  doesn't  just 
wait  for  the  end  of  the  Christmas  season,  it  is  with  us  all  year,   Who  are 
the  lost?   T>ey  are  all  the  lonely,  searching  souls  who  cannot  and  have  not 
found  peace  and  happiness  in  this  life.   -hey  nre  the  ones  who  jumped  off 


buildings  or  bridges  the  past  few  days  or  weeks;  they  are  the  ones  who  are 
drugged  into  oblivion  because  life  seems  to  hold  no  meaning  or  purpose;  they 
are  people  we  should  be  tryinp-  to  reach  and  ffive  the  glad  news  to  that  there 
la  ilSsxaBi*  meaning  and  purpose  to  life.   St.  Migustine  said,  "Our  soule  are 
restless  until  they  find  their  rest  in  Thee."   No  matter  who  the  individual 
may  be;  regardless  of  hi"  station  in  life;  if  he  hasn't  found  God  his  soul 
is  restless  within  him.   ft.ll  men  seek  a  beinp  or  power  beyond  themselves 
which  can  rive  them  the  sense  and  purpose  they  need.   Without  Tod,  they  con- 
tinue to  search  and  seek.   But  like  Tost  and  wanderj  i   he*   m 
aren't  even  aware  they  are  lost.   Have  you  ever  heard  of  Jesus  preaching  that 
the  sheep  come  looking  for  the  shepherd?   No,  you  don't  and  you  won't  because 
it  is  the  shepherd  who  must  seek  the  sheep. 

(Illustration  of  "''omebody  whispered  that  Jesus  loves  He) 

cott  Lawrence  as  a  young  man  became  hopelessly  involved  with  drurs  and 
alcohol  and  actually  became  a  skidrow  bum.   One  night  as  he  lay  on  the 
sidewalk  in  a  drunken  stupor,  a  Christian  worker  from  that  area  came  by. 
He  tried  to  speak  to  "cott  but  received  no  response.   Seeing  that  he  was 

bing  nowhere  he  bent  ever  "cott  Lawrence  and  whispered  directly  into 
his  ear,  "Jesus  who  died  on  the  cross  loves  you  and  wants  to  save  you." 

fitb  that  reed  planted  in  him,  the  Holy  Spirit  began  to  work  and  the  next 
day  when  he  came  out  of  his  drunken  condition,  those  words  were  rinine:ing 
in  his  ears.   Eventually  he  did  accept  Christ,  turn  his  life  around  and 
became  a  preacher  and  a  composer.   One  of  his  hymns  states: 

One  day  in  sin  I  was  told  of  a  love,  Coning  from  One  who  is  reigning  abov 

Sladly  T  listened,  'twas  music  to  me,  To  know,  though  a  sinner,  that  I 

cou]d  be  free  . 

Somebody  whispered  that  Jesus  loves  me,  Jesus  who  died  upon  Calvary's  tre 

Paid  He  would  save  me,  from  sin  set  me  free, 

Somebody  whispered  that  Jesus  loves  me." 

t 'a  wahat  it  takes,  the  shepherds  going  out  and  looking  for  the  sheep. 

How  many  people  did  you  speak  to  in  1QFA  about  God  to  bring  them  into  His 
fold?   How  many  neighbors  do  we  have  "-'ho  are  not  Christians,  or  are  without 
a  church  and  we  have  never  invited  them  to  come  and  ,ioin  us  in  worship?   These 
questions  isk   are  not  intended  to  put  a  guilt  trip  on  anyone,  but  they  should 
show  us  that  our  ta3k  as  Christians  is  not  to  keep  it  as  the  world's  best 
secret.   But  instead,  to  share  it  with  all  of  those  who  are  in  need  of  a 
Saviour.   The  reiierious  observance  of  Christmas  is  over,  and  now  it  is  time 
to  begin  the  task  of  sharing  that  by  seeking  out  those  who  are  not  aware  that 
this  took  rJace  for  them  and  their  eternal  salvation.   This  in  essence  is  wha 
Jesus  was  doing  and  saying.   He  read  from  the  prophecy  of  Isaiah  and  was  pub- 
licly declaring  that  all  of  the  preliminaries  were  over  and  now  it  was  time 
to  begin  His  work  in  the  world.   Christmas  is  over  and  now  the  real  work  of 
bein-  members  of  the  body  of  Christ  begins  for  each  of  us.   Let  us  each  re- 
solve to  berin  that  work  by  seeking  "To  "ind  The  Tost." 


St.    Paul's   United   Church  of  Christ 

Butler ,   Pennsylvania 

Rev.    Ralph   Link,    Pastor  January   13,    1985 

Mr.    Dale    Rice,    Minister   of  Music 

Mr,      Roland  Thompson t    Saxophonist 

John  Penrod,    Acolyte 

Kelly  Mangel ,    Acolyte 

+  +   +    +   +   +   +   +    +   +   +    +    +    +   +   +    +    +   +    +    +   +    +   +   +   +   + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 

Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 

Announcements:  Elder  Richard  Mangel 

Congregational  Greeting 

Joys 

•Processional  Hymn  No*  1£  "0  Day  of  Rest  and  Gladness" 

•Ascription 

•Exhortation 

•Confession  (In  Unison)  "  Almighty  God,  we  know  of  your 

love  by  your  £ift  of  love  JeSUS.   We  know  your  love 

also  by  your  tolerance  of  our  misdeeds  and  sinful 

natures.   Too  often  we  have  turned  from  you,  and  have 

sought  the  things  of  this  world.  Our  lives  have 

been  centered  around  ourselves,  and  our  own  little 

worlds.   Purify  our  hearts  and  our  minds,  and  let  us 

have  your  cleansing  and  forgiveness.  These  things 

we  ask  in  the  Savior's  name......  Amen.1,1 

-Kyne 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 

•Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name  forever, 

•Gloria  Patri 

Hymn  No.  5B1  "It  Is  No  Secret" 

Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 

People  —  And  with  Thy  Spirit 

Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray, 

Prayer 

Offering 

Offertory 

•Doxolcgy 

Anthem:   "Once  Upon  a  Christmas" 

Scripture:   Luke  9:1-6 

Sermon:   +1"When  It's  Over,  Iths  Tiroa;  To  Heal" 

Closing  Hymn  No-  5€  h,God  Will  Take  Care  of  You,h 

Benediction 

Closing  Chimes 

Postlud^ 

+  +  +  ■*  'Congregation  Standing     +  +  +  +  +  + 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  alter  have  been  placed  by 

Mrs.  Fern  Minehart  in  memory  of  loved  ones. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Karen  Link,  Nancy  Dellen,  Ginny 

Mangel,  and  Marie  Henry. 
Mrs.  Marty  Henry  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 

door  this  morning. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Sue  Davis, 
Mary  Lou  Davis,  Sandy  Sheppeck,  and  Deiores  Herrit  will  be 

visiting  the  hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  114  with  8  visitors. 
Hospitalized:   Becky  Shearer,  Mrs.  Tresa  Nicholas*  and 
William  Winters. 

Monday  -  Spang*. s  Volleyball 
Tuesday  -  Aerobics 
Wednesday  -  Golden  Circle 
Thursday  —  Mary  Martha  Circle 

—  Aerobics 
Friday  -  Butler  Food  Buying  Club 
Saturday  -  Basketball 

CHANCEL  CHOIR  -  is  looking  for  some  more  voices,  see 
you  Thursday  at  7:00  P.M.  for  practice. 

REMINDER  -  place  your  nominations  for  Elders  and  Deacons 

on  the  slip  of  paper  in  the  back  of  the  pews  and  place 

in  the  offering  plate. 
CONGREGATIONAL  DINNER  -  January  27th  at  5:30  P.M.  in 

Rehoboth  Hall.   Meat,  dessert  and  beverage  will  be 

provided-   Bring  a  tureen  for  your  family  and  come 

enjoy  an  evening  with  the  "Fools  for  Christ". 
ACTIVITIES  COMMITTEE  -  meeting  Monday  night  at  7:00  P.M. 

and  the  Church*  Bring  ideas  for  1935, 
YEARBOOK  INFORMATION  -  any  corrections  of  addresses  or 

phone  numbers  may  be  turned  in  today  for  the  1985 

yearbook. 
Mrs.  Mildred  Wiles  would  like  to  thank  the  congregation 

and  friends  for  the  cards,  prayers,  and  flowers  during 

her  hospitalization. 


Comity  Bible  Ciurck   -  Saraaore.    Fa.    -  January  12.   199? 


Proluae 

Aanauaeeaents/Qreetiaits/PrBTer  Requests 


Aaeriptios 

Call  to  Wsrahip:  

THE  MERCT   OF  THE  LOUD  IK   TROF   EVERLASTING   TO  BVBfUSTING 
UPON  THE"  THAT  FEAR  HTM,  ^^ 

ANP  TO   THOSE  THAT  FEPEHBER  ITS   CMWAOTWENTS  TO  DO  THE*. 
BLESSEF    ARE   THEY  THAT  KEE»  IIS   TESTIMONIES,    AND  THAT 
SEEK   HIK  WT1  THE  WHOLE  HEART. 
•Nyaa 

Offeriaa/Fraver 
•DoxolorT 
Pastoral  Frayer 


Scripture:     Luke  9;1-^   -  St, 
Serao*-.   "Wnaa  It'a  Crer  it'i 

•nym 

•Beaedictioit 

•Festlude 


Paul's,  Butler  1/1  V^S 
Mae  To:  Heal" 


Wkea  It'a  Orer  It's  Tiae  To;  Heal 

Scripture:  Lake  9:1-6 

FEVH-Tb  BGAN  ERTHLT  MINSTRT  ft  READ-LK   !i:l8-19   -  !■■   °lll-a 

(Tlus  Howard  Thunnaa  *  Wea  xaas  Is  Orrl 

law         Ik  wea.Tta  Orr.Tin  ?Fiad  thA.ost-tkis  wk.Tia  2»eal 

t       )  Scrip  C   *fali  Biastry  Js 
VS  LMisoia  aiselpa 

HTAL=;«*t  verd-HTr.TEHE  tkei!  ana   iatrekarbly 

CtRE  DISMBIS-gat  werd.TFER.APT 
oaly  2placeo   LK   tke?   wari  usd   l-keal   tak  plac   «■«  aeaas 

TB   fi=2TFPASES  JS   KTNSTST  ft   HEAL  STAN   ABTJV   OTHR 
exaaia.RXAT    IVRT  WIER 
ao  s«t  EVRT  ONE  -  TV  praaehr  ft  eik-lak  faitk 
Js  ao  heal  eTraae-aeithr  eiseips  -  Duz  G  waafc  aaak  eik/ale? 
(EXPL  Bria  ft  »«m  sin.ft  mat  plaa  0  *>»amk) 
Ja   aea.IT  IS  NOT  «.  F'S  WIL  THAT  ANT   THE7.  SHOD   RERISIrfkeap 

tkat  *kT   Dr'B.BaalciasUpea  ft  bbIbIs 
(IIbb  aaa  ft   Bttle  -  Tl/HtJLE  BLIW  FIRST) 
G  kas  plaa  tkat.  works  en  if  aaa   ansa* 
(lias  cup  ft  kev  It   BeaB  beautiful) 
our  IIts  skaoa  by  toile/sufriaes/prabs  11 1 
Bat  kaw  In  a  aoeBp  Braces  r!»  be   tkls  buty? 
Gr  vords.FSCHE  -  Or  ap  or  aoul 
SOMA   -  pkys  soar 
aed  scieae   fi«B  if  FSiCHE  wel.boay  e»aH  wel 
TRUS-ir  rt  relatskip  w/G   eujay  pays   wel  beia* 
ao  .,»  if  aik  m*mt  relatskip.b.t  rt  relatsaip  kelp  keep  wel 

tkia  vat   aiseips   «i<   "*  I»eF  **•*  he»1  », 

Ulua  littl  bay  ft  eye  spratia  -  ft  today  bear  as  payaeat) 

C       IT  all, 
ul  vat  iiz  He  eipec  la  rotarn??? 
(Tlus  aaa  rialt.frirl  ft  battrd  tattr.  dell) 

IF  I   DIDN'T  LOT   HER.NOSODT  WTO 

aelapeata.tattri  aouls 
ft  js  take  ea  oae  ft  asks  bntifnl   ia  O's  site 

Mi:  rskarlhat  Sv  v/.thra  ft  kHa,  ?SaT  va»  eaa  «k  vkol/.el 
WEN  WE  RAV  CELBEATD  TH/BIRTH  THAT  SAV.WEN  XFAS  IS   OVR.ITS  TIKE 
TO  REAL 


*:ure  ; 


luke   9:1-6 


wer  unalb   ?aufr  ttou   las  wks   Besag.let  ne  raca] 

aeries:  n  erthlv  ml  ?.  proclaim   ruin: 

l:l-?=Lk  *:18-] 
•      ,.  ,  >nce   nam  1   nf   F  test    Ho  preaefars  ,phapa 

wi-c   of   fchis-REAB  , 

from   idea  wen  Imas   ovr,tirae   2B  bout   work  of  I- series 
Pday  Ik   at»Xen   its    ovr  ita    time!    2Eeal 
Scrip  2day,C   2fold    minatry   Ja«of   5   parts 
vs   1-1*  was   phys   &  prob  Bcuz;   this  wrot   nor  circles 
but.   IV:     -   Mt   also  writ   - 

aB  vs   la  say,plua  f  .»  ""d 
term»Cur  iiaeas.fi  word=Heal  use   intrchangly    by  Us 
Id  if  word-  Utrrelat-1  >""•' 

word-HYGIE  :,fr  ■         ■  -  .  m 

Word-Cur  diseaa  En?   "W*-*****^  „ 

,      ,        n»i  fchez  word-only  ?plac   I*  wher 
the?.  4heal   talc  plac   ord  nediq]   »"»* 

e   hav  ref  mirae  heal  by   Js   &  aisciw 
j^e„   t]  ■  'urthr   imtruc   dres   etc, but  we 

in?  this  time 
vs   6»notiC   wat   hapn  by  discips  •,.,„„. 

ph   of   Js   ninstry  stag  out  =  IealinE 
■v   authrty  discir"  'ty-VB   SB=Read 

powr   heal  peop 
I'ndratan  th  r'crip   bus   anlys    mDr    fuly 
Soar  t£oz   ?day  olaln  all  |    bav   authrty  heal 

ther  thos   claim  hov  ^Faith  H«al«s 

stil    othrs   claim  no  Blievr  shud   evrB  sik  hav  dlseas 
fl-Vamn  Iman  TV   evr  f-un  hav    herd    preach    this,! 

-horn  ride, 3   no  heal-Was  lai   faitt 
■   Cf»at   man  perf  envirn;n»n    Jin 
bv  disobed   brot   contannatin  G's   perfectin 

5/ain.dieobed    M-r   Bet    f^/G  both   sp  8    phys-th aeth 
long  w/detb  car  ,  '   time   Pas  om«   erod 

lif span  lessn.diseae, ill  '  ~ed  /,«_„„ 

»ent   anyl-Blievrs    lnolWl,eontrac   ilnea/diseas 
Js,G  in  ■     ,  e   abl  heal   peop   il/disea: 

th  nanr  let   man  realy   C  wat  G  wnnt  tgpecil   «eatin 
flid   heal  evrl  evrwher   went'1   Of   both   ansej 
owr  heal   evrl  nrrwher  went? 

'ITS  read  poscri^  this   '  erir  Bay2Tvey  war  heal  evrl 

evrwher  went?      80!   we   only  read««   healine  evrwher 

So  we   C  only  selectiv  heal   tak  plac        thoz  heals  wer 

wrot  bv  G  2sho  His   powr  so  neop  cud   cur        Bliev   inHim 

nevr  ment  G   cudnt  heal   evrl-nerly  lettj 

slf  by  pelectiv  healings 


icm  as  anlyts-jus  wat  G   try  tel  ctp  we  tatiw"5/ 

\interp   the?    v 
jperhap  underst   mua   -evrl    quests: 

nhilTrn   Rik/diseas' 
Oosp  ft  wher  rei  oat   F;heep,Js  sed 

,t      \6:14-HEAD 

■   as  G  desir  *man  ?E  eel^o  duE   mar;all  us   want 
2     wel,nevr   fevn  hav   cold   '■   -^eek  uae   watevr  nean-    ?do 
!     we   evn  wi  aimla   we]        we   C  ?this 

»ule       lrg  pils,fi  mule  blew  1st) 
ho   nana   methods   do   alway  suceed^b'jt   n  '?■  do 
'  re-ardles  wat   phys  probr   hav   in  lif,G  has    lplan  4 
I  evrl   wh  work  evrtime   S   1  il:  ohlldrn  story   fr    Qjgland-- 
|(Ili:s  storv  cup  S  how  Boao  Dutiful) 

I  :    cbildrn  ?3  butiful   &   it   not   buty   as 
by   worl»it  huty  cup  *th   fr   our   liva  by  sufr  *»i 
ftoils/proba    lif,evn   r>.y   sufrs  wh  piay  cuk  our  way 
!But   how  dua  C-   acorcn  lish  proces  of  giv   us  th  buty?? 
it   realv   only    sumthin  wh   medeal   scierc   now  '-iiscovr, 
but  wh  known  M-many  yre   -ire   adv   Ja   Kt   in"1  worl 

ord.PTYCOaeKATIC=has   ?do  spirtul  makup 

-■  2  Gr  word.  ■   r   spirit, or  l;r   bouI 

;]    body   &  alway  bin  kno  dlvisin  tween  bi 
Bo^y   i,  oul.spirit-apark  givspttitu]    exintenc 

medicir.  find  out  wen  sou]  /spirit  wel,body   itself  wel 
•en  persns   soul   rt  relatehip  w/G   oersn  canB  phy  wel 
no   mean  all    ilnes   Bcuz   not   rt   relatehip   w/G,But    many 
peop  not  rt  n  J  Bcuz   it, body/soul   R  sik 

Tb   -  wat    Js   '   discips  wer  cur  6  brot 

2  rt  relatahip  w?9  S   -  ersn  made  wel 
(Tlus   litl  boy   Midwest.eye   or   Ponton  F    Teddy  Hear; 
1       \  litl  boy' pav  raos   precius   th  had   thin   lif  =  m  luv 
G  aur.  sare  Ln   persn    ■ 

He    rav   all   ?sho   His  cosnplet    luv  4    souIf    01 
&  now   lfinal   quest-Wat   duz   G    expec    in  return"? 

T,an  virit   famly   8   -irl  battr.tattr  do!        Iw) 
■    luv  uc    thru    ." 
Js  takn  ea  1   of  us   t  in   site  of  G    in-   -innr  ia   raoa 
-d,tatered, dilapidated, beat   up  persn  in  world 
Thru    Ja   we   made  butiful  o'e    site 
duz    S    ask   of   us? 
Only   that  we   shar  that  luv  w/othrs   !    bring  them  <?the 

it  who   can   rrak   them  whol   as   well 
>n  we  hav  celbrat   birth  that    'aviourjwer.   <mas   ia 
over, its   tiae   to  H 


hen   It's  Over  It's  Time:  To  Heal" 

Scripture :  luke  °:l-6 

For  those  of  you  who  were  unable  to  suffer  throup-h  last  weeks  message,  let 

me  briefly  recap  where  we  are  coming  from  in  this  "eries. 

Jesus  beran  His  public  ministry  in  Nazareth  by  proclai  minp  that  He  was  the 

fulfillment  of  Isaih  61:1  and  ?,  (read  Luke  4:18-19).   A  man  named  Howard 

Thurman  perhaps  writing  cr   this  has  penned  the  lines,  (read  this).   From 

the  idea  that  when  Christmas  is  over  it  is  time  to  be  about  the  work  of  the 

Lord  we  are  taking  this  current  series.   Last  week  we  talked  of  ''Finding 

the  Lost,"  Today  we  are  looking  at,  "Wren  It's  Over  It's  Time:  To  Heal." 

In  this  ^cripture  we  can  see  two  parts  of  the  threefold  ministry  of  Jesus 

Christ  emphasized.   We  read  in  the  first  verse  of  this  9th  chapter  of  Luke 

wCggaftd  ,  "Then  He  called  r:i^  twelve  disciples  together,  and.  rave  them  power 
end.  authority  over  all  devils,  and  to  cure  diseases." 

The  writer  of  this  gospel  was  Luke  the  physician.   It  is  perhaps  not  siprnifi&i 

cant  perhaps  that  he  wrote  more  about  miracles  than  any  of  the  other  writers. 

tthew  and  Mark  hoth  include  parallel  passages  about  the  sending  out  of 

the  twelve  disciples.  The  mission  given  to  them  by  Jesus  was  as  this  verse 

tells  us,  to  have  "power  and  authority  over  all  devils  and  to  cure  diseases," 

Then  Urn  the  second  verse  we  read,  "And  He  sent  them  to  preach  the  kingdom  of 
Cod,  and  to  heal  the  sick." 

The  term  "cure  diseases"  and  the  word  "heal"  are  usedeinterchanpeably  by 

Luke.   They  are  two  different  words  in  "reek,  but  they  are  interrelated. 

The  word  for  heal  is  "IASKO"  is  a  derivative  of  the  word  "I"       from  which 

we  get  our  English  word  Hygiene.   And  the  word  used  for  "cure  diseases"  is 

the  Greek  word  "THERAPEUO"  from  which  we  ret  our  English  word  therapy. 

But  the  interesting  thing  about  the  use  which  luke  makes  of  these  two  words, 

and  the  use  by  Matthew  and  luke  as  well,  is  that  only  in  two  places  in  Luke 

are  these  words  used  for  the  healing  which  takes  place  through  ordinary 

medical  means.   All  the  other  tk^sibekks  times,  the  words  have  reference  to 

miraculous  healings  by  Jesus  and  His  disciple-. 

Jesus  rives  further  instructions  to  TTi^-  disci-riles  concerning  their  dress  and 

what  they  should  take  with  them  and  these  are  matters  which  we  are  not  roing 

to  go  into  at  this  time. 

Lee  the  closing  of  this  portion  of   rripture  as  found  in  the  6th  verse. 
We  read,  "And  they  departed,  and  went  through  the  towns,  preaching  the  Gospel 

and  healing  everywhere." 
In  this  ocripture  we  see  tkMx*«af»M  two  of  the  emphases  of  Jesus'  ministry, 
but  one  stands  clearly  above  the  others  and  that  is  the  ministry  of  healing. 
We  read  of  Jesus  giving  power  and  authority  to  His  disciples  to  heal  people 
of  their  illnesses  and  diseases.   *nd  the  result  of  that  authority  is  that 
they  were,  "Healing  everywhere."   They  actually  had  the  power  to  heal  people 


-2- 

To  read  this  and  to  understand  it  completely  requires  that  we  analyse  this 
passage  more  fully.   There  are  those  today  who  claim  that  all  cf  us  should  be 
able  to  have  that  power  and  authority  over  Bickness  and  disease;  then  there 
are  some  who  claim  to  have  that  power  and  claim  to  be  "faith  heelers "5  while 
still  others  claim  no  one  should  even  be  pick  or  ill.   ?vere  is  one  man  who 
preaches  on  TV  etrery  Sunday  night  and  I  have  heard  him  claim  over  the  radio 
that  it  is  God's  will  that  no  one  should  ever  be  sick  with  anything,  and  if 
you  are  rick  it  is  because  you  don't  have  enough  faith  to  be  healed.   I  would 
arree  that  it  has  alw     een  Sod's  will  that  man  should  be  completely  whole. 
But  I  disagree  about  not  heinr  healed  because  of  lack  pf  faith.   The  fLpsotle 
Paul  is  b  >-ood  example  of  this.   Tf  anyone  possessed  more  faith  than  Paul,  he 
needs  to  be  pointed  out.   Yet,  God  permitted  'aul  to  p:o  through  his  life  with 
it  he  called,  '"■  thorn  in  his  flesh,"  meaning  that  he  had  a  physical  ailmeni 
which  was  not  divinely  healed.   co  how  do  we  understand  the  matter  of  "Heal- 
ing?" 

As  always  we  oust  go  back  to   the  beginnning  and  at  that  beprinninp-  God  created 
everything  in  a  perfect  environment.   But  man  brought  sin  into  that  environ- 
ment by  his  disobedience  and  in  so  doing  contaminated  Sod's  perfection, 
that  sin  and  disobedience  came  separation  from  God  both  spiritually  and  physi 
oally  and  thlfe  death.   But  along  with  death  came  also  sickness  and  disease. 
is  time  passed  and  the  universe  became  more  contaminated  it  eroded  the  perfect 
environment  into  which  man  was  placed  and  the  lifespan  lessened  and  disease 
and  illness  became  widespread,   It  meant  that  anyone,  can  contract  illness  or 
disease  and  no  man  is  immune  to  it. 

Jesus,  God  in  the  flesh  came  into  our  world  and  lived  among  us.   He      ble 
to  heal  peonle  of  their  illnesses  and  diseases,   gyt  In  this  manner,  He  was 
able  to  let  man  see  what  "od  really  wanted  for  His  special  creation.   But  did 
He  heal  everyone  everywhere  He  went?   nhe  answer  of  course  is  "Wo."   \nd  did 
Jesus  disciples  with  the  power  He  gave  t       ]  everyone  everywhere  thev 
went?   And  the  answer  is  ar-ain  "No."   T)o  you  read  a  postscript  to  this  pas- 

;e  of  Scripture  that  says,  "And  they  iusxtifii  were  healing  EXKx^wkisxK  everyone 
everywhere'1"   No,  we  only  read,  "And  healing  everywhere, "  in  that  5th  verse. 
So  we  see  from  this  that  only  selective  healing  took  place  and  those  healings 
were  wrought  by  God  so  He  could  show  His  power  ^o  people  would  come  and  believ 
in  Sim.   It  never  meant  that  °od  couldn't  heal  everyone.   It  merely  shows  that 
He  chose  to  mlorify  Himself  by  selective  healings. 

Now  as  we  analyse  this,  just  what  is  Sod  trying  bo  tell  us?   h'ow  can  we  in- 
terpret and  understand  these  verses?   Perhaps  in  order  to  understand  all  of 
this  we  must  ask  several  questions.   r^e  first  question  would  be,  "hat  does 
God  want?   Does  He  vanl  His  children  r-ick  and  diseased!   Of  course  not! 
In  the  Gospel  of  Matthew  whene  we  read  the  account,  of  the  lost  3]       Lch 


-4- 

The  word  cones  from  two  "reek  words.   Tv,e  one  is  "PATCHES  which  means  jour 
spirit,  or  your  soul.   The  other  word  is  from  "SOMA"  which  means  your  physi- 
cal body.   It  has  always  been  known  that  there  is  a  division  between  your 
spirit,  or  your  soul,  that  special  spark  which  rives  you  a  spritual  existence 
and  your  body  which  is  merely  physical .   Medicine  is  finding  out  more  and 
more  that  when  the  "PSYCHE",  or  the  soul,  spirit  is  well,  the  body  itself 
can  be  well.   This  is  proved  over  find  over  arain  that  when  a  person's  soul 
is  in  a  right  relationship  with  Cod,  that  person  can  en,1oy  physical  well- 
being.   It  doesn't  mean  that  all  illness  is  g  wrong  relationship  with  God. 
But  a  lot  of  people  are  not  in  that  right  relationship  with  God  and  because 
of  it  body  and  soul  are  sick.   This  is  many  times  what  Jesus  and  the  disciple 
were  curinr.   They  brought  the  person  into  a  right  relationship  with  God  and 
that  "erson  was  made  well. 

(Illustration  of  little  boy  from  Midwest  and  eye  operation  in  Boston) 

ny  years  ago  before  medical  science  was  what  it  is  today,  a  little  boy 
xxikxsxitKxx  who  was  blind  was  diagnosed  as  being  curable,"  but  the  operation 
needed  could  only  be  performed  at  Massachusetts  General  Hospital  in  Boston. 
Tve  operation  was  expensive  and  the  family  had  no  money.   But  the  people  of 
the  town  pitched  in  and  raised  the  money  to  send  him  and  his  mother  there. 
The  day  the  little  boy  left  be  tucked  his  old  teddy  bear  under  his  arm  to 
go.   One  ear  of  the  bear  was  badly  chewed,  he  was  ripped  at  the  seam  and 
stuffing  was  coming  out,  and  one  eye  was  missing.   His  mother  asked,  "«;hy 
take  old  Tedd^'  to  Boston?   When  we  get  there  we 'can  buy  a  new  one."   But'  th 
little  boy  insisted  on  takin  that  bear.   ",11  the  while'  he  was  in  the  hospit 
even  during  the  operation  that  Teddy  Bear  wasxwith  the  littlef'^ucked  under 
his  arm.   The  operation  was  a  success  and  the  be      overjoyed  to  see  his 
mother  and  everything  around  him  ^or  the  first  time,   finally,  the  time 
came  for  him  to  be  released  from  the  hospital.   The  noted  eye  surgeon  came 
into  the  room  to  examine  his  eyes  one  last  time,  and  to  say'  goodbye. 
'/hen  the  doctor  was  finished  with  hir-  examination,  the  boy'  said,  "Doctor 
I  want  to  pay  you  for  helping  me,"  and  he  handed  the  beat"  up  old  Teddy 
Bear  to  the  doctor.   Tve  doctor  fie-htinr  back  the  tears  accepted  it. 
Tv,e  doctor  took  that  bear  and  placed  it  in  a  -lass  case  in  the  hallway  of 
that  hospital.   There  it  sat,  one  ear  chewed,  the  stuffing  coming  out  of  it 
with  one  eye  missing  and  the  doctor  had  one  of  his  professional  calling  xx 
cards  placed  with  it.   Below  his  name  he  wrote,  "This  is  the  himhest  fee  I 
ever  received  frc  my  professional  services." 

That  little  boy  rave  the  most  precious  thinr  he  had  in  this  life  in  love. 

God  has  done  the  same  for  mankind  in  the  person  of  ,lesus  Christ .   Be  rave  His 

all  to  Bo-;  B"is  complete  love  for  healing  the  soul-  of  khk  men.   And  this 

then  brings  us  to  one  final  nuestion.   "      Loes  God  expect  in  return9" 

"  :oes  He  expect  war  anything  from  us  for  what  He  has  done?" 

(Illustration  of  man  visiting  family  and  little  girl  with  battered,  tattered 

doll,  loved  because  no  one  else  would) 

*  man  who  acted  as  a  godfather  to  a  poor  family  of  five  children,  stopped 
one  day  to  visit  them  and  do  what  he  could  for  them,   xmcxsksni:  One  of  the 
little  girls  told  him  about  a  small  collection  of  babydolls  she  had.   Fie 
asked  heirwhich  one  was  her  favorite.   rhe  told  him  -he  would  get  it  for 
him  if  he  promised  not  to  laugh.   TTe  said,  "I  promise."   She  went  into 
the  next  room  and  brought  back  a  doll  that  was" the  most  dilapidated 
tattered ,  worn  out  doll  he  had  ever  seen.   All  of  her  hair  was  off  'the 
nose  was  broken,  and  one  of  the  arms  was  cracked.   He  didn't  lau^h'but' 


-3- 

we  used  '  ir   1     eek,  T       Ld,  "It  Is  not  your  father's  will 

that  any  otff  tl  ese  should  perish."   It  isn't  a  part  of  God's  original  plan  for 

man  to  die  or  to  be  slkk.  xs-xshEByjrihBiixwMirfexjoa-n  &nd  Just  as  Qod    desires  for 

man  to  be  well,  so  does  every  man.   All  of  us  want  to  be  well  and  never  have 

anything  wrong,  not  even  a  cold  and  so  we  peek  to  use  whatever  means  are  at 

our  disposal  to  do  this.   We  even  do  this  for  our  livestock. 

(Illustration  of  man  and  mule) 

'" — ^er  had  a  rule  who  wis  very  valuable  to  him  because  he  was  a  rood 
! .   One  day  the  mule  became  sick  and  the  farmer  called  the 
Vet.   The  Vet  examined  the  mule  and  pave  the  firmer  some  very  large  pills. 

said,  "Give  the  animal  one  of  these  pills  three  bioes  a  day  and  he'll 
be  OK."   "How  do  T  get  tfcBxsxxxKxp  the  mule  to  swallow  those  bir  pills'?" 
the  farmer  asked.   "Easy,"  -aid  the  Vet.  "Find  a  piece  of  pipe  big  enoi 
to  get  the  pills  through.  Put  one  end  of  the  ripe  into  the  rule's  mouth, 
put  a  pill  in  the  pipe,  and  then  blow  through  the  pipe.   Before  the  mule 
knows  what  is  happening  he  will  Bwallow  the  pill."  The  farmer  agreed  to 
try  it.   But  several  hours  later  the  farmer  was  in  the  vet's  office  looking 
very  pick  himself.   "Yon  look  awful,  what  happened"?"  the  Vet  asked. 
The  farmer  replied,  "The  mule  blew  first." 

's  methods  don't  always  succeed,  but  God's  do.   Regardless  of  what  physi- 
cal problems  we  may  have  in  life,  God  has  one  plan  for  everyone  which  works 
everytime.   It's  something  like  children's  story  which  comes  from  Ingland, 

(Illustration  of  story  of  cup  and  how  it  became  beautiful) 

I'm  -ure  all  of  us  have  read  many  children1^  Btories,  both  as  children, 
or  have  read  them  to  children.   WP  probabl-  never  question  why  it  is  that 
animals  and  inanimate  objects  talk.    e  just  accept  it  and  go  alon<r  with 
the  story,   "^he-re  is  a  story  about  a  couple  in  ^u^sex,  Cngland  who  were 
looking  at  china  to  buy  a  setting.   The  wife  looked  at  a  cup  and  said,  "Oh 
look  at;  this  cup  how  beautiful  it  is."   But  the  cup      red,  "But  you 
msn't  always  beautiful."  Instead  of  questioning  a  talking  cup,  the 
couple  began  to  talk  to  it  and  asked,  "Why  what  a  o  you  mean?" 
The  teacup  explains:  "Once  I  was  nothing  but  a  soggy  wet,  ugly  lump  of  clay 
Someone  picked  me  and  put  me  on  a  wheel  and  began  to  spin  r^e  round  and 
round.   I  cried  "stop,"  but  they  said,  'Not  yet'  and  then  finally  they  did 
stop.   I  was  put  into  a  hot  furnace  and  T  thought  I  couldn't  rtand  it  any 
longer  and  cried  'Stop.  '   But  they  said,  'Not  yet'  and  finally  they  pulled 
r.e    out.   Then  someone  started  to  put  paint  on  me  and  I  thought  I  would 
faint  from  the  fumes  and  cried,  '  top#'   rut  they  said'not  yet'  and  when 
they  stopped  painting  me  they  stuck  me  inanother  oven.   It  rot  so  hot  I 
thought  I  couldn't  stand  it  and  cried  out  'Stop.'   But  they  said,  'Not  yet! 
But  finally  they  pulled  me  out  and  let  me  cool  off.   Then  they  placed  me  on 
a  shelf  and  I  was  able  to  see  myself  in  a  mirror.   I  remembered  myself  as 
beinr  a  wet,  soggy,  ugly,  lump  of  clay,  but  now  I  was  beautiful.  "And  then 
i  knew  that  the  pain  T  went  through  made  me  beautiful." 

God  wants  all  of  T,is  children  to  be  beautiful  and  it  isn't  beauty  as  measured 

by  the  world.   It  is  the  beauty  which  comes  forth  from  our  lives  by  suffering 

the  toils  and  the  problems  of  life,  and  even  the  jfaysiwal  sufferings  that  may 

come  our  way.  £xx 

But   how  does    God   accomplish  this    process    of    riving  us    this   beauty?      It's1 

really  only   something   that   medical    science    is   discovering  but   which  has   been 

known  by  many  people   for   centuries   since   the   advent    of    Jesus    Christ   into   the 

world.      Tftere    is   an   English  word   used    in   medicine   which   is    "PfYCOSOMATIC." 

It   has    to  do   with   the   physical   and   spiritual  makeup   of   an   individual. 


-S- 

would  have  liked  to.   Only  because  he  had  promised  not  to  laugh,  kept  birr 
fror  it. 

He  said  to  her,  ".'by  do  you  love  thin  one  the  most?   I  urel"  you  have  an- 
other doll  which  is  better  than  this."  "Why  do  you  love  her  the  besl 
The  little  girl  answered,  "Because  she  need?  it  most.   If  I  didn't  love 
her,  nobody  would." 

God  has  loved  us  through  Jesus  Christ.   Jesus  has  taken  each  one  of  us .and  in 

the  sight  of  God  any  sinner  is  the  most  dllapadated,  beat  up  and  tattered 

person  in  the  world.   Through  Jesus  Christ  we  are  made  beautiful  in  God's 

ht.   And  what  does  God  ask  of  us?   Only  that  we  share  that  love  with  othen 

and  bring  them  to  the  paviour  who  can  make  them  whole  as  well.   "'hen  we  have 

celebrated  the  birth  of  thai   Saviour,  When  Christmas  is  Ofeer,  it's  Time  to 

Heal. 


St,    Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 

Butler,   Pennsylvania 

Ralph   Link,    Pastor  January   20, 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 

Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 

Danny  Mangel,  Acolyte 

John  Penrod,  Acolyte 


+  +  +■  + 


+  +  +  + 


ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude   "Rustle  of  Spring" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
"Processional  Hymn  No.  67  "Blessed  Assurance,  Jesus 

is  Mine" 
•Ascription 
•Exhortation 

♦Confession  (In  Unison)  "Lord  God,  Our  Father,  in  your 
light  do  we  have  light,  and  in  your  love,  do  we 
find  love.   Show  us  the  path  anew,  and  lead  our 
wayward  feet  thereon.   Give  to  us  purer  hearts, 
and  cleaner  lives,  and  let  us  live  as  your  Son 
taught  us  to  live.   For  we  pray  in  His  name.   Amen. 
•Kyrie 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 

•Praise:  Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name  forever. 
•Gloria  Patri 

Hymn  No.  4E8  "Take  My  Life,  and  Let  It  Be  Consecrated" 
'.  LI  to  Prayer:  Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray, 

Prayer 

Offering 

Offertory  "We  Hear  Thy  Voice" 

Ooxology  No .  382 

Presentation  of  Acolyte 

Installation  of  Elders  and  Deacons 

Anthem:  "Share  His  Love" 

Scripture:  John  21:  15-17 

Sermon:  "When  It's  Over,  It's  Time:  To  Feed" 

Closing  Hymn  Ho.  456  "My  Jesus,  I  Love  Thee" 
•Benediction 

Closing  Chimes 

Postludf- 

*  *  +  *   i+     'Congregation  Standing      +  +  +  «.  +  + 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed 

by  Ruth  Davies  in  memory  of  Loved  Ones. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Rob  Vinroe,  Bob  Dellen,  Randy 

Dellen,  and  Kevin  Snyder. 
Mrs.  Sandy  Sheppeck  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 

door  this  morning. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Gloria  Walker. 
Robert  Dellen  and  Harry  Fry  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  107  with  9   Visitors. 
^^■Hospitalized:  Mrs.  Tresa  Nicholas 

MONDAY   -   Spang 's  Volleyball 

Fidelity  Bible  Class  at  7:30 

Tuesday  -  Aerobics  at  6-7 

Thursday  -  Aerobics  6-8 

Choir  rehearsal  at  7:00  P.M.   We  are  now 
starting  practice  on  an  Easter  Cantata 
entitled  "Then  Came  The  Morning" 

Saturday  -  Basketball  10-12 

REMINDER  -  make  your  nominations  for  Elders  and  Deacons 
Drop  them  in  the  offering  plate. 

Dally  Bread  booklets  and  Moody  monthly  magazines  are 
available  for  you.   Pick  them  up  in  the  Narthex, 
J>  Audit  for  all   Treasurers  books  of  the  Church  is  Monday 
night  January  21st.   Please  plan  to  be  there  with 
your  books  at  the  scheduled  time.   Thank  you. 
^CONGREGATIONAL  DINNER  -  January  27th  at  5:30  P.m.  in 
Rehoboth  Hall.   Please  plan  to  come  and  enjoy  an 
evening  with  "The  Fools  for  Christ1.'  Meat,  dessert, 
and  beverage  will  be  provided.   You  bring  a  tureen 
and  your  place  settings.   See  yall  there! 

Elder  and  Deacons  to  be  Installed  today  are; 

Elder  -  Don  Kennedy       Deacon  -  Don  Kingsley 
Mid  Diefenderfer  Bob  Dellen 

^The  adults  of  the  church  married  or  single  are  making 
plans  for  a  "Sweetheart  Dinner".  If  you  would  be 
interested  In  attending,  please  contaot  the  office. 
Plans  are  for  February  15,  1935.  More  information 
about   the  menu,  time,  etc.  are  to  com  later. 


Kapaaiore  -  Community  Bible  Church     February  2,   1992 

Prelude 

Announcements/Oree tings/prayer  Requests 


Ascription 

Tall  to  Worship: 

Thus  saith  the  hiirh  and  lofty  One  that  Inhabiteth  eternity, 
whose  name  Is  Holy;  "I  dwell  in  the  hiith  and  holy  place, 
with  him  also  that  Is  of  a  contrite  and  humble  spirit, 
to  reyiye  the  heart  of  the  contrite  ones.   Ionian  "57:15 
For  I  onow  the  thnuehta  that  I  think  toward  you,  saith  the 
lord,  thoughts  of  oeaee,  and  not  of  e»il,  to  *iye  you  an 
expected  end. 

Then  shall  ye  call  upon  Me,  and  I  will  hearken  unto  you. 
And  ye  shall  seek  Me,  and  find  Me,  when  ye  shall  search 
for  Me  with  all  your  heart.  Jeremiah  29:11-13 

*Hymn 

Offerinr/Prayer 
'Soxolopry 

Pastoral  Prayer 

Hymn 

Scripture:   John  21:15-1? 

Sermon:   '"When  It's  Oyer  It's  Time:  To  Feed" 
'   in 

•nenedlctlon 
*  Pesticide 


Ca^-^^ 


Diseins  SEEN  RISN  L,s  TOL  GO  BAL.CEPT  MTN  AS  READ  *KT  28 :1* 
JN  tel  it  thusly  «  JN  21 :l-2 
rtua  bin  thsr  eert  numbr   days, WATT, ft  TIM  HANG  HVY, PETS-IMPETUS, 
SEC=VS   ?A 
VS  3ft 

VS   <*=MAN   STAN  BEACH  ft  CAL  TO  THE)*  VS   5 
VS   '-INSTRTJC   ft   RESBTTS 
¥S       '1i   REOOGNTE  JS   *   PETR   SWAM   2SH0P. 

-fHBS   BROT  SHIP  .'LAND  ft  JS  COOK   BREAKFAST 
AFTR   EAT  JS   ASK   -  VS   15 
W/ODT  HESIT  PETH  ANSR=VS   15  ft  JS   RESPON  VS  150 
VS   1S*N0TTC-N0  SAY  NOP  THAN  THEZ  LIK  1ST  ASK 

NO  PHUT  WAT  JS  MENT  WEN  ASK   IN   DIP  WAT, BUT  SEVRL  SPECLATTNS 
FIRST:    PETR   1MV  FISH  ft   JS  CAL  FR/THAT  WORK   -PETR  1ST  LUV 

JS   ASK.LUV  HE  MOB   THAN  THEE?    -  MENT  FISH/EOATS/NETS/BUSNES??? 
OR  MITE  MENT  PTHR  KEN  SHARD  LIF  WITH 
I   BLIEV  JS  MENT   DID  PETR   LHV  JS   MOR  THAN   WORDDT  THINGS   LIK  THIS 
THEN  JS    ASK   3RD  TIM  &  THIS  PARLEL   3DENIAL  BT  PETR 
THIS  GIV  PETR  CHANC    AFTRM   LUV  k  JS   JTIMS-CHANC   MAK   AMENDS 
(ILIJS   ROSE   BOWL   1929) 

THIS  WAT  JS    DID  W/PETK    -NO  SCOLD, SHO  WAT  PAS   'tGOTTN/'tGIVN 
THIS  JS   DtiZ  W/US-AALL  BLUNDR.STTIP  MISTAKE  ,SIHS.I   **GIV  W/KT  BLUB 

PETR   TOUFEEE   -  LAMBS,    THEN   SHEEP  TWIC 

DIF  NOT  2SIGNIF,B'T  MUS   MENT  TNG   5:  GROWN   .FEED  ALL, 
KINSTH   2EVRONE  WHO  SERCH  4ANSRS   2LIF 
(ILDS    FOLSOM  PRISN  ft  INMATE  SAT  THER  NO  REHAB  <kPRSINRS) 
WAT  FEED  S0NS1S  OF?? 
FIRST   ■   THER   WAS  Q'S  WORD   -  JS   SED/QUOT  PROPHS-THUS   SATS   LOBD 

PETS  OTHSS  KNU  THIS  ft  SCRIP   ALL  IMPOST 
BIBL  HAS  IMPAC   ON  WOHL  EVN   AMONG  UNBLIEVRS 
(ILUV  BIBL  QUOTES  IN  EVHDAY  LIF) 
WIT  THIS   HAFN?   BCUZ  BIBL  LIV   BUK,G'S  BDK  ft   BCUZ  BLIEVRS  HAV   USD 

ft.'   JO  WE  USE  IT?      DO  WE  FEED  ON  IT?   PART  OUR  LIVS?   R  WE  SEEK 

FEED  HIS  SHEEP? 
SECOND  -  GOSPL  JS  XP 

(TNG  KAN  ORDAIND  ASKD-WAT  GOSPI  JS   XP?  ANSR-STOPT  JS  XP) 

WAT  wun  u  ANSR? 
JS  SEO-TF  any  man  wll  cun  aftr  He  LET  HIM  PENT  HIMSELF  ft  TAK  UP 
HIS  CTROS   ft   FOLD  ME.   WHOSPEVR  WIL   SAV  HIS  LIF  SHAL  LOS   IT, BUT  WHO 
SOEVR   SHAL  LOS   BIS  LIF  •►HT  SAK   ft  TH/GOSPLS.TK/SAM   SHAL   AV  IT. 
*WAT  SHAL  IT  PROF  A  MAN  IF  HE  GAIN   TH/fflOL  WORL  ft   LOS   HOS  OWN   SOC 
(EXPL  CONDEM  HAN   ft  CART  CROS-LIF  WtTD  SOON   B  OVB.ETC   ft  MEAN   2US) 
(ILWS  TNG   PREACHR   IN  COLEG  TOWN) 
THIS  TASK   PETH   ft   OTHRS  PREACH   XP  CRUCIFIED 

2F0LD  TAKS   ANT  CONG   SHAR  WORD  OF  0,ft  MESAG  JS  XP  AS   ONLT  HOPE 

kk   LOST  WOHL 
WIN   XHAS  IS   OVS.IT'S  TIM  2FEED 

FEED  SELVS»FR/G'S  WORD  ft  FEED  CTHRS  OUR   DAJLT  LIVS 

IT'S  TIME  2FEED  HIS  SHEEP 


rip:    John  31:15-17 

I  dlscirs   had   seen  risn  I  &  tol   n-f  2  Sal        Pcert   ntn 
I  rob   wait   ther  certin   numbr   dsy,fno    1   cert   "how   lonf) 
but    mus   bin   lenfth  time    "    sine    time    hune1  hvy   hands, 
Petr  jimpestuous    1   sed  =  I   po   a    fishinfr-vs    5 

'ill  nip;ht=notbin,but  hand  kep  busy;strunr  nets, 

hi^st  sail,iowr   u  !^inds    off  wat  wait  4 
morn=:r,an   beach   cal    ?them=tel   fi:'h  othr   sid=nets   full 

Petr   swam  2shor   '    discovr   Ja   male  hreakfas 
aftr   eat    Js    say=vs    15 
vs   16=2nd   tirae,notlc=no  say   "«0H  THAN   ' 

bher   no   pruf  wat   J^   ment=but  posibl; 
lst=Petr  pro  tir  wait   Js,he   man  actin,patiene   shortr 

anyl   ?r  Ecu?,  pat   short , went  bah  wat    knu   best*?  iahing 
Js  eal   from  fish,'    fish  probl   Petr  's   1st   luv 

but   luv   2B  w/othr  discips  whom   shar  trys'trlbs  as 

liv  ft  minster   ^p-ethr  with    Js 
Js  1st  nuest   Kiay?=Fetr,do  0    luv   Me   mor  tbez=boats ,net 
&  fish  busnes?   I    •        ■ '•    men   shar   Id  r' 

I    Bliev   Js   ment=Petr,do  II   luv   Me   mor   than   1st  luv=fis 
with  adventur   '•';  fite  agin   sea,elenett1  Petr,do  U 

^ior   thez   othr  men   shar  lif  with 
•u  depth  emotin  Petr   put    evrthiJi  Sid    "    T   pliev 
"ec    Petr  think  bout   luv  4thinr  cud   do 
which  brot    him   rdis   w/spirtu]    thing, mor   dif    ?do 

then   Js   ask    I  etr   2nd,5rd   time   simply=luvest   thou    He? 
Js   ask  3timee   &  probl   ^cuz   same   letr 
who   sed  as   stud  Bsid    Js=L,thc  all  men  B.  ofend    Rcuz 
,Pbee,yet,   will    T  nevr   P   o'ended 

He   sed    wil?  dy  u.    js   &   Ja   prom  Petr  deny  3   tines-did 
posibl    Js   bring    i  etr  remem  ^fcld  den;    '-  let   giv   3f  old 

•■-tin   his   luv  h    Ja»chanc   ?mak  amends 
(Ilue    ^o?e    Bowl    ?°="oy   Pierels   run   wrong   way,cOi 
wat   Js  did  w/letrjno   scold   mak  feel   lik  heel 

merlv  ask  sereh  nuest   ^times   21et    Petr   kno  wat  dun 

part   ovr,4rotten 
This   wat    Js  duz  4ea  us=4all  sturid  blundra .mistake , 
^ins   we  oomit/wil  corit  He  8ay«it   past   5   I  ve   f-givn 

□   thru   o-iv   of   My  blud 
I,ow   Petr  quest   bout   luv  4   Lord, wat   mesap   Ja   imrart?? 
Feed    l-y   lambs    lst=then   ?wice=Feed    My   >-heep 

no  real    iif   tween  ?,jus    Jf   concern  lamb  8    rrown  sb.ep 
Tru  mesar  '+   Petr»2feed   then-How  evrfchin  acnmrl   acord 
"i'r    -Ian, Its  time  to   feed 

thru  minstry,evrthin  now  ohang       knu 

Js  as   Kesiah/  knu   no  go  remain  with    !: 

okn   -o  2   Pathr  "    if  p  I  bogethr   sun 

soon  rone   fron   midst    "■   Petr   B  rivn   instruc   concern 
wat  he   ~"  c . 


seek 


..at   exact   die    'etr   imo'i    only  daei    rmns    Knu       cuaao-y 

lst=  fisherman 5 knu   fish  busnes   '■    cud    alw-v  fill   baker 
'  if  neoesary 

-f,r   ?thoz    seroh  4ansers   °iiiean   of    lif 

-.,-.  had    intaljg   did,khu   Ja   no 
i  mj    -inrtry   Ja   taut   ?B  bout 
at  feed   consis   of?=Tber  Pthinr   involv 
I       :   etr  herd    Js   refr   ?.    - 

-  etr  knu   fr   train  by 

Hast?  "  1    souls   men  only  fr   G  'a     ford 

T  etr  bad    2B   man   of  buk  9<  cud   only   B  b;  upon 

kno   it, no    ;  ,but   hav   curr   fr   hart 

Task  Pet]  ,        l,othra    perf   '"',T'l-    had    far   reach   efec^ 
(Ilus    Bible    nuote^   evrflay   lif) 

.-.■hy   hav   thez   luot    infiltrat    lang  worl'.  Ible 

liv   bukiC1-    '.ore    &   faithfl      rains   miot    v   evn  unblievr 
hear   whtr   awar   or  not 

it    BcU2    retr/othrs   used    it. 
It   surathin  vitl  our  livs'    How  do  we   use    It?      Do  we 
faed    upon    it.fr    it? 
ooicand    Ja    no    o:  ]  .  ftr,S 

2  do  that   with   G  's      ord  " 
2nd  thing  letr  ?use  *feed      '      ah«ep=Go   j 
(Ilus   ynr  nan   ordnatir.       quest»    ~f    "o:t  I 

this   que^t? 
retr  bin  w/Js,herd    say=anyl  deny  self  tak   oroa/folo 

■  svr  :■  iv  1J  !      b  loevr  ion   lif  i It 

wil   sav   it=wat   prof   man   if   4Din  who]    worl,oa   -oul- 
Js   no   mean   mus   do  undestrbl  task.hvy   -oro  by  cros 
anvl  can  do  that, but  tak  cros  :    plan  onlJ 

Time's   Ja,man  eary  cros   ment   execu/oonden;man    5U<3    r" 
w.z   matr  time   wudB   ":    lif   "^n   ovr 
,i       M-.-^rii1-   thin?  th  wor]  "    liv  it 

aind     etr  -iv   Instruc   by   J8,knu   par  heap  rent 

hem 
r,osrl  worl,suir ,dy   ?half   sinrl   isn  so 

man  hav  4pivnes   rin   "■  liv   etern  w/G«feed    !:etr   'do 
(Ilus   ynr   preachr   Eoleg   twn  church  ■  '"      reach) 

othTB=.2preaob   Sp   ''■  Him  cru<  ; 
2fold  r'r  '"■       saar  m»e« 

the   only  hope  ')    a   load   worl 
rpaaK  gj  ■      .  •         ■     ;  ?lern   rr  Ria   fron 

then    ''shar   tb.8  0      '   I    in   our 

daily   li'  , . 

.  u'    lik     etr  hav  words   our   Lord, that   wen  all  prelima 
a  ovr, Its  Time  To  Fei  I      ;         eep. 


len  T-"'s  Over  It's  Time:  To  Peed" 
Scripture:  John  21:15-1? 

The  disciples  had  ^=>en  the  risen  Christ  and  He  had  told  them  to  ^o  to  Halilee 
to  a  certain  mountain  as  we  read  in  Fatthew  ?8:16.   They  probably  waited  ther 
for  a  certain  number  of  day?.   No  one    is  certain  how  long  they  had  been  there 
But  they  must  have  waited  for  a  length  of  time  and  since  time  hunr  heavy  on 
their  hands,  Peter  as  usual,  the  impetuous  one  said,  "]  go  a  fishing,"  as  re- 
corded in  the  3rd  verse.   They  fished  all  night  and  caurht  nothing.   But  at 
least  they  were  doing  something  with  their  hands,  keeping-  busy.   They  strung 
the  nets;  they  hoisted  a  d  lowered  the  sails;  they  were  busy  doin^  something 
which  took  their  minds  off  the  waiting  they  were  doine-  for  another  appearance 
of  Jesus  . 

But  when  morning  came  a  man  stqndinr  on  the  beach  called  out  to  them  and  askei 
if  they  had  any  fish.   They  replied  in  the  negative  and  were  instructed  by 
the  stranger  to  cast  the  net  on  the  other  side  of  the  boat.   They  did  this 
and  discovered  -the  nets  were  so  full  they  couldn't  drap-  them  into  the  boat, 
John  recognized  the  man  as  Jesus  and  Feter  cwam  to  shore  while  the  others 
brought  themselves  and  the  boat  to  land.   Upon  landing  they  discovered  that  1 
was  Jesus  and  He  was  cooking  breakfast  . 

After   they  had  eaten  Jesus  turned  to  Peter  and  asked  him,  ""imon,  son  of 
Jonas,  lovest  thou  He  more  than  these?" 

Without  hesitation  "eter  answers,  "Yea,  lord;  Thou  knowest  that  I  love  Thee." 
And  Jesus  replies,  "Feed  My  lambs." 

T-r-n  a  second  time  Jesus  asks,  "c"imcn,  son  of  Jonas,  lovest  thou  Me?"   But 
notice,  He  doesn't  %x&&¥  add,  "More  than  these."   It  is  just,  "Lovest  thou 
He."   Anything  which  might  be  said  of  the  difference  between  the  first  nuest- 
ion  and  the  other  two  is  merely  speculation.   There  is  no  proof  of  what  Jesus 
meant  when  He  asked  the  questions  in  a  different  manner.   But  there  are  sever 
al  points  we  mip:ht  consider  to  draw  our  own  conclusions. 

First,  consider  that  ~Jeter  had  probably  grown  tired  of  waiting  for  Jesus  to 
appear  to  them  again.   Peter  was  always,  the  man  of  action;  the  one  who  want- 
ed things  done  now;  the  one  whose  patience  was  probably  the  shortest  of  any 
of  the  di  3C  i p]  °c  .   lad  prowir.r  more  impatient  as  the  days  passed,  Feter  turne' 
to  the  only  other  thing  he  knew  best,  gishing.   Fishing  was  the  work  Jesus 
had  called  him  from,  and  L1  was  fishing  which  was  probably  Peter's  first  love, 
But  Peter  must  have  also  loved  beinr  with  hi^  fellow-disciples  with  whom  he 
had  shared  the  trials  and  tribulations  of  everyday  life  as  they  lived  it  to- 
gether with  Jesus.   So  Jesus'  first  question  may  well  have  been,  "Peter,  do 
you  love  Me  more  than  these,"  meaning  the  boats  and  nets,  and  the  fishing 
business.   Or,  meaning  the  other  men  with  whom  he  shared  his  life.   I  believe 

that  Jesus  meant,  "Peter,  do  you  love  Me  more  than  vour  first  love  of  fishing; 
with  its  adventure  and  fight  against  the  sea  and  the  elements?   And  Feter 
do  you  love  Me  more  than  the~e  other  men  with  whom  we  have  shared  our  lives? 


-?- 

Jesus  knew  the  depth  of  emotion  which  I  eter  put  into  everything  he  did  and  I 
believe  that  Jesus'  first  ^ue~tion  was  directing  Peter  to  think  about  his  lov 
for  the  thinr.s  he  could  do  which  brourht  him  at  odds  with  the  spiritual  thing 
which  were  more  difficult  to  do. 

Then  Jesus  asked  Feter  a  second  and  a  third  time  if  he  loved  Him.   The  seond 
and  third  nuestions  Offittitted  the  term,  "More  than  these*"   It  was  simply, 
"Lovest  thou  Me?"   Ind  aeain  there  is  speculation  as  to  why  Jesus  asked  Peter 
three  Questions  concerning  his  love.   The  probable  answer  is  that  this  is  the 

same  t  eter  who  stood  bedside  ^sus  and  said,  "Herd,  though  all  men  shall  be 
offended  because  of  Thee,  yet  will  I  never  be  offended." 

Re  said  that  he  was  willing-  to  die  for  Jesus  and  Jesus  promised  that  ?e  er 

would  deny  Him  three  times  that  night.   Which  he  did.   Ho  it  is  possible  that 

Jesus  is  bringing  to  Peter's  recall  that  threefold  denial  by  letting  him  rive 

a  threefold  affirmation  of  his  love  for  Jesus.   In  other  words,  somewhat  like 

a  chance  to  make  amends  , 

(Illustration  of  Rose  Bowl  in  1929) 

ifhen  California  and  '"eorp-ia  Tech  played  ir   the  Rose  Bowl  in  1929  a  very 
strange  thinr  took  place.   A  boy  named  Roy  Riegels  on  the  California  team 
recovered  a  fumble  and  began  to  run  with  the  ball  .   The  rnly  problem  was 
that  he  was  running  towards  his  own  goal.  The  '"eor^ia  Tech  players  pick- 
ing up  on  this  bepran  to  run  iKtsxwfKr  interference  for  him  because  he  was 
going  to  score  a  touchdown  for  them.   His  own  players  yelled  at  him  to 
turn  around  and  only  a  tackle  by  one  of  his  own  teammates  stopped,  him  from 
scoring  a  touchdown  for  Georgia  Tech.   The  boy  was  heartbroken  when  he 
eealized  what  he  had  done.   "t  half time  the  team  filed  into  the  locker 
room  and  Roy  Riegels  sat  by  himself  with  his  head  in  his  hands  afraid  cf 
what  the  coach  was  going  to  say. 

If  you  were  that  coach,  what  would  you  have  said  to  that  boy?   How  rould 
you  have  handled  the  situation? 

Years  later,  Roy  Riegels  told  a  nationwide  audience  what  happened  in  that 
locker  room  at  halftime.   His  coach  never  mentioned  his  dumb  mistake.   He 

layers  the  strategy  he  wanted  them  to  use  in  the  second  half. 
And  when  it  was  time  to  mo  out  on  the  field,  the  players  all  filed  out, 
leaving  Roy  Riegels  seated  on  the  bench  with  his  head  in  his  bands,  and 
the  coach,   Phat  coach  walked  over  to  Roy,  rut  his  hand  on  his  shoulders, 
and  raid,  "Soy,  let's  po  out  there  and  play  this  second  half  like  vou 've 
never  played  the  game  before."   And  he  did.   He  played  the  second  half 
brilliantly,  enabling  hi^  team  to  win. 

This  i9  what  Jesus  did  with  Peter,   He  didn*'1  scold  him  and  make  him  feel 
like  a  heel  in  front  of  the  others.   He  merely  asked  him  a  searching  question 
three  times  in  order  to  let  ^eter  know  that  what  he  had  done  in  the  past  was 
over  and  forgotten.   This  is  what  Jesus  dees  for  each  one  of  us.   For  all  the 

^id  mistakes  and  blunders  we  make;  for  all  the  sins  we  commit  and  will 
commit;  T'e  3X''<,    It's    in  the  paat  and  I've  forgiven  you  throurh  the  nrivinr  of 
My  very  life  'e    blood . 

But  now  that  inter  had  been  ouestioned  about  his  love  for  the  Lord   what  was 
the  message  that  Jesus  imparted  to  him?   Jesus  told  him  to  first,  "Teed  My 
lambs,"  and  then  He  told  him  twice  to,  "Feed  My  sheep."   The  difference  be- 
tween the  words  is  not  too  significant  ±»  other  than  to  sav  fcb»+-  w„ 

'   ■      foSuS  W8S 


-3- 

concerned  with  both  the   lambs    and  ^he   grown  .       Pile   true   message   for 

Peter  was   to  feed  them.      Jesus  was   actually  telling    Peter,    "Now  that   every- 
thing has  been  accomplished   according  to  Hod's  plan,    It's   time   To  Feed." 

en   It's   Over   It's   Time:    To   Peed." 
Peter  had   been  with   Jesus   throughout   ;ji"      iTi  itfjy.       !v< — rthing  was   now  cy.r 
and   he  knew  that    Jesus   was   the   Messiah,   the    Christ.      But  he    also   knew  that 
in  all  probability   Jesus  not  going   to  remain  with   and    among  them.     He  had 

spoken  of   going  tr      i        -:ther   and    if   they  were   putting  two  and    tow  together 
they  could   easily  surmise  Jesus   would   soon  be   gone   frc  Ldst. 

at    this   point    in   time    Peter   is  bein-  given   instructions   by   Jesus   concern- 
ing what   he    is    to   do.  ist    exactly  vha4-    did      eter    know?      There    were    0 
two  definite    things    'eter   knew   end    cr"'-:     lo.      He   was   first   of   all    a   fisherman 
He  knew  the  fishing  business   and    it   was    something   he  could  always   fall  back 
on  if   necessary.      Ind    he   knew  how  to  minister  to  those   who  were   searching   for 
the  answers   to  the   meaning  of   life.        o    just   what  was    Jesus   telling  him  to 
do'.       If      eter   had    any   intelligence,    and    he   most   certainly  did,    he    knew  that 
Jesus  was   not  referring    to   fishing  when   fle  told   him  to   "Peed    ffis    sheep." 

is   instructions   were    to   eonti-ue    the   ministry  which    Jesus   had    taught   him 
to   be    about  , 

•\nd   what   did    the    feedinr-   consist    o"'      There   were   two   things   which  were    in- 
volved.     The   first   was   Hod's     'end.      SjRxfixK    Peter   had    heard    Jesus   refer 
again  and   amain  to  what   God    said    in  d,      Jesus   would   quote   one   of  the 

prophets    and    soy,    "Thus    says    the    Lord."        'eter   knew    from  his    training  by  the 

;er   that   the   message   tc    feed    the    souls    of   men  came   only    rron  God's     lord. 

er   had    to   be    a   man   of   the   Book   and    he   could    only   be   this   by  reading   it; 

by  meditating   upon    it;    by   knowing   it    not   so   much   by  heart,   hut   having   it   come 

from  the    heart.        The  which   T'eter    and    Paul   and    the    ot:  ties  <i±&x 

performed    in   the   world    h^s   had    far   re^chin^   effects    in   our   society   toda:  . 

Even  amonr  the  unbelievers   the   Bible   is   quoted    frequently  even  thought   they 

be   aware   they   ^tre   quoting   ^ro^  the   Book. 

(Illustration   of   T,ible    quotes    in   everyday   life) 

Prom  the    maraziae,    "Israel   Ky  Glory,"   this   quote  red: 

"If   somebody   mentions   he   wants   to   ret    at    the'root    of   the   matter,'    he    is 

quoting    from   the   book   of    Job.      Living    'off    the    fat   of   the    land  '.., .comes 

■"rem    Genesis.      If   a   national    hero   is    said    to  hove    'feet   of   clay',   the 

description   come    from   the   book   or    Daniel. 

Then  the   magazine    lists    the    following   commonly  heard   expressions,    alonp- 

with   the   Bible   reference    on  which   they're   based:    "a  rood    old    are"    (Gen. 

25:8);    "die  before   his   time"    (Ecel.    7:17);    "fives   up  the  '    (Jer. 

15:9);    "set  his    house    in   order"    (2   Kings  2011;    "a   man  after   my   own  heart" 


.v'hy   have   all    of   these   quotations    from  God's    ford    infiltrated    the    lanmuame    of 


-4- 

the   world?      It's   because    the    Bible    is    a   living  book.      It's   God's   book  and 

faithful   Christians  have   nuoted    it   grid    shared    it   so  that  even  the   unbeliever 

hears   it   whether  he   Is  aware   of   it   or   not.      It   is  this   way  because 

Lt  1       F       I  'heep   of    Jesus    Christ.      How  do   we   use    the    nible    in 

our   lives?      Do  we    feed    from   it    and   upon   it?      Ir    it    something   which   is   a  vital 

part   of   our   lives?      LYe   commgnd    of    Jesus   to   not   only   leter,   but   all    those   who 

were   to  come    after  him  was,    "^eed    By   "heep."      toe   we    seeking   to  do   that   with 

God 's   Word? 

The  record  thing  which  reter  was  to  use  for  the  feedini  of  the  Lord's  sheer 

was  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ.   •  young  man  waxxaskfi  during  hip-  ordination 

examination  was  asked  the  auestior,  "What  is  the  Sospel  of  Jesus  Christ?" 

He  answered,  "It  is  the  story  of  Jesus  Christ."  ifhat  would  you  answer  if  you 

were  asked,  "Wvat  is  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ?" 

1  eter  had  been  with  Jesus  throughout  His  ministry.   He  had       Him  say, 

"If  a      )  will  come  after  Me  let  him  deny  himself  and  take  up  his  cros 

follow  Me."   '  hosoever  will  save  his  life  shall  lose  it,  but  whosoever  shall 
lose  his  life  for      ~ke  and         el's,  the  same  shall  save  it.   Tor 
what  shall  if  profit  a  man  if  he  gain  the  whole  world  and  lose  his  own  poul? 

Now  Jesus  did  not  mean  that  a  person  had  to  assume  some  undesirable  task,  or 

sorrow.  ixig   person  in  the  world  can  do  that.  But  taking  up  the 

cross  in  the  way  in  which  Jesus  said  it  is  for  the  Christian  on"1".   In  I 
times  of  Jesus  when  s  man  was  seen  carrying  a  cross  it  meant  he  was  a  condemr 

an  op  his  way  to  execution,   '"''hat  man  was  as  rood  as  dead  and  it  was  Just 
a  matter  of  time  until  that  happened.   But  that  -!  with  the  world, 

it  would  soon  be  behir^  him  and  life  would  be  over.   \.at  Jesus  was  imparting 
tc  His  disciples  was  that  the-'  were  to  put  the  things  of  the  world  behind 
them,  to  die  to  the         of  all  the  pleasures  and  riches  of  the  world. 
One  who  takes  up  faiC:  cross  to  follow  Jesus  seeks  to  live  for  him  and  the 
thinrs  of  :"od.   ?nd  since  Peter  had  been  riven  these  instructions  by  Jesus, 
he  knew  that  a  part  of  the  feeding  of  Jesus'  sheep  meant  sharing  that  Gospel 
with  them.   Che  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  is  that  fJe  came  into  the  world  and 
suffered  and  died  on  behalf  of  sinful  man  so  that  man  can  hove  forgiveness 

i in  and  live  eternally  with  God.   This  was  the  feed  Peter  was  to  rive  to 
the  Lord's  sheep. 

(Illustration  of  young  preacher  in  collere  town  church) 

A  younp;  preacher  became  the  pastor  of  a  cultured  church  in  a  college  town. 

"ied  because  he  thought  he  would  have  problems  relatinr  to  this  educated 
congregation  he  went  to  his  father  who  was  also  a  minister  for  advice.   Be 
asked,  "Father,  if  I  say   something  about  history,  there  is  a  Professor 
in  the  congregation  who  teaches  it  and  could  trio  me  up;  if  I  prsxste  cite 
eomethinr  about  aftmost  any  subject,  there  is  someone  in  that  p-roup  who 
knows  kii  more  about  it  than  I  ever  will.   "/hat  shall  I  do?" 
His  Dad  answered,  "ron,  preach  the  Cospel!   They  probably  know  very  little 
about  it." 


-5- 

TMs  was  the  task  of  Peter  and  the  others;  to  rreach  Christ  and  Him  cruci- 
fied. The  twofold  task  of  any  congregation  la  to  share  the  Word  of  God  and 
to  share  the  mess  are  of  Jesus  Christ  the  only  hope  for  a  lost  world.   And  the 
task  of  all  members  of  the  body  of  Christ  is  to  knew  of  Pirn,  to  learn  of  Bio, 
from  God's  book  about  Him,  and  then  to  share  that  with  others  in  our  daily 
lives. 

Just  like  Peter,  we  have  the  words  of  our  lord,  that  when  all  of  the  prelimi- 
naries are  over,  "It's  Time  To  Feed,"  Pis  sheep. 


St,  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor        January  27f 
Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,,  Saxophonist 
Kelly  Mangel,  ftcolyte 
John  Penrod,  Acolyte 
+  ++  +  +  +  +++  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP   11:00  A.M. 
Prelude  "Beneath  the  Cross  of  Jesus" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
♦Processional  Hymn  No.  603 


"Guide  Me, 
Jehovah" 


0  Thou  Great 


•Ascription 
♦Exhortation 

♦Confession  (In  Unison)  "O  Lord,  our  God,  who  didst 
bring  the  gentile  Kings  to  seek  and  adore  the 
Christ  child,  we  pray  thee  to  lead  us  as  members 
of  your  Church  to  the  dark  places  of  our  city  and 
community ,  bearing  the  torch  of  Christ ' s  light, 
so  that  others  may  know  of  the  Light,  and 
rejoice  in  it  even  as  we  do.   Take  our  sins  and 
transgressions  from  us,  and  lead  us  in  the  way 
of  truth.   These  things  we  ask  in  His  name. 

Amen, 
*Kyrie 

♦Assurance  of  Pardon 
""Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever. 
♦Gloria  Patri 
Hymn  No*  162  "Holy  Ghost,  With  Light  Divine" 
Call  to  Prayer:  Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  "Hymn  for  Brotherhood" 
Doxclogy  No.  382 

Anthen:   "Joyfully  We  Praise  Your  Name" 
Scripture:   2  Corinthians  4:7-18 

Sermon:   "When  It's  Over  It's  Time:  To  Rebuild" 
Closing  Hymn  No.  57d  "Revive  Us  Again" 


> 


■"Benediction 
Closing  Chimes 

Postlude  "Processional  for  the  New  Year" 
+  +  +  +  +      *Congregation  Standing      +  +  +  *  - 

The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  beer,  nlaee-d 

by  Mrs.  Margaret  McClymonds  in  memory  of  loved  ones. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Richard  Mangel,  Ed  Walker,  Don 

Kingsley(  and  Dick  Dally. 
Mr,  £  Mrs*  Harry  Fry  will  greet  the  congregation  at 

the  door  this  winter  morning. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Sue  Gamble* 
Dick  Mangel  and  Paul  Riemer  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  40  with  4  visitors. 
Hospitalized:  Paul  Rlfcfcer   "-.-.  qq 

MONDAY  -  Spang 's  Volleyball 

TUESDAY  -  Aerobics 

THURSDAY  -  Aerobics 

Chancel  Choir  7:00  We  are  now  starting 
practice  on  an  Easter  Cantata,  entitled 
"Then  Came  the  Morning"  by  the  Gaithers. 

SATURDAY  -  Basketball  10-12 


> 


S 


EMINDER  -  today  is  the  final  Sunday  for  making  nomin- 
ations for  Elders  and  Deacons.   Place  yours  in  the 
offering  plate . 

CONGREGATIONAL  DINNER  -  Sunday  January  27th  at  5:30  P.M. 
in  Rehoboth  Hall.   Please  plan  to  come  and  enjoy  an 
evening  with  "The  Fools  for  Christ"*   Meat,  dessert, 
and  beverage  will  be  provided.   You  bring  a  tureen 
and  place  settings.   See  Yall  there!  P^Sau'      ****** 

SWEETHEART  DINNER  -  February  15,  1985  at  the  Holiday 
Inn.   The  adults  of  the  church  married  or  single 
are  invited*   If  you  are  interested  in  attending, 
please  contact  the  office  now.   We  need  to  have  a 
definite  committment  of  those  attending  by  February 
1st*  A  Sign-up  sheet  is  in  the  office.   Take  some 
time  and  sign  up  now.  The  choice  is  Braised  Steak 
or  Stuffed  Pork  Chop.   Price  and  other  details  are 
available  in  the  office. 

SOUP  &  SALAD  DAY  -  February  12th.   Tickets  ar-p 

on  sale  from  Euie  Kennedy  or  the  Circle  Chairmen. 

Betty  Tressler  needs  eye  catching  items  for  the 
Bazaar  table.   Valentine  &  Easter  item    ; 11  sell. 


Community  Bible  Church  -  S»n«nore,  PH.   February  9,  1992 

prelude 

AnnouneementB/creetinits/Prayer  RenuestB 


's    Over     I-"'       'line  :     ro    neuuxo-u 


Ascription 

Call  to  Worship: 

0  WORSHIP  THE  LORE  IN   THE  BEAUTY  OF  HOLINESS:    FEAR  BEFORE  HIM 
ALL  THE  EARTH. 

SAI   AMONG  THE  HEATHEN  THAT  THE  LOHD  REICiNETH:    THE  WORLD  ALSO 
SHALL  BE  ESTABLISHED  THAT  IT  SHALL  NOT  BE  MOVED:    HE   SHALL 
JUDGE  THE  PEOPLE  HITHXlIBRTEBiaMMI  RIGHTEOUSLY, 
LET  THE  HEAVENS   REJOICE,    AND  LET  THE  EARTH  BE  GLAD:    LET  THE 
SEA  ROAR,    AND  THE  FULNESS   THEREOF. 

LET  The  field  be  Joyful,  and  ALL  THAT  IS  THEREIN:  THEN  SHALL 
ALL  THE  TREES   OF  THE  WOOD  REJOICE  BEFORE  THE  LORD:    FOR   HE 
COMETH,    FOR   HE  COMETH  TO  JUDGE  THE  EARTH:    HE  SHALL  JUDGE  THE 
WORLD  WITH   RIGHTEOUSNESS,    AND  THE  PEOPLE  WITH  BIS  TRUTH. 
•Hymn 
Offerinff/Preyer 
•Doxology 
Pastoral  Prayer 
Hyim 

Script  re:  2  Corinthians  "t:?-l8 

:      J»n:   "When  It's  Over  It's  Time:   To  Bebtiild"  -  Butler  1/27/85 
*Wyffn 

•Benediction 
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"  v:en  It's  Over  It's  Time 
Scripture:  2  Corinthians  '(-:?-lP 


To  Rebuild" 


't  the  close  of  Jesus'  earthly  ministry  aa  recorder!  in  the  Gospel  of  Matthew, 

hold  His  disciples,  "Gc  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing 
them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  qf-the  Holy  Spirit: 
teachin~  tber  to  observe  all  thin  a  'h  ^io^v^t    T  have  commanded  you." 

In  the  Chrj  +ian  church  we  claim  this  as  the  "Great  Commission. "   It  is  callec 
this  because  it  is  the  mission  of  its  members .   These  are  the  marching  orders 
as  [riven  to  His  disciples  and  ricked  up  by  each  of  their  in  turn. 
The  Apostle  Paul  had  carried  out  this  mission  of  evangelism.   He  had  visited 
the  Church  in  Corinth  twice  and  wanted  to  make  s  third  visit  there,  but  in- 
stead he  wrote  to  them  first.   The  book  of  2nd  Corinthians  is  a  stern  letter 
in  which  he  seeks  to  combat  some  of  the  attacks  ap-airst  himself,  very  similar 
to  hip  pjrpose  in  writin-  the  Galatian  letter. 

Our  Scripture  for  this  ~ernir;<-  is  about  several  things  but  there  is  one 
issue  I  believe  we  need  to  see  in  it.   Paul  is  srecif ically  speaking  of  the 
livinp  of  the  Christian  life  and  pointinr  to  the  life  beyond  in  eternity. 

±-atxi   He  befins  by  statins:  "But  we  have  bhis  treasure  in  earthen  vessels, 
that  the  excellency  of  the  power  may  he  of  k  ,  and  not  of  us." 

I  ir  xk±  using  an  example  to  which  they  can  all  relate.   The  people  of 

those  .: used  ordinary  earthen  pots  to  store  anything  of  value.   The  pot 

itself  may  have  been  of  no  value,  but  what  was  inside,  the  contents  may  have 
been  all  of  the  treasure  someone  had  in  thi?  world.   I  o  Paul  is  using  this 
analogy  to  point  out  that  God  takes  common  ore  inary  people,  (common  rots,  if 
you  will),  and  in  tl  '.e  platfes  His  treasure.   And  what  is  that  trea- 

sure'.  Eaul  had  expressed  it  in  the  Sth  verse.   look  back  to  that  verse  and 
see  what  it  says:  "For  God  who  commanded  the  light  to  shine  out  of  darkness, 
hath  shined  in  our  hearts,  to  give  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  "lor—  of 
God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  3hrist."   Tt  is  the  Sospel  of  Jesus  of  Christ  which 
constitutes  the  treasure  in  earthen  vessels.   ln   have  the  knowledge  of  Jesus 
Christ  and  His  purpose  for  the  world;  His  life  and  minstry;  Hi   death  and  re- 
surrection and  even  though  we  may  be  ordinary  common  people,  we  have  treasure 
in  these  earther.  vessels  the  world  does  no'   ■■■■-..   We  are  wealthy  beyond 
rameasure  when  we  have  that. 

Then  Paul  lists  the  things  of  this  world  which  beret  every  person  in  verses  - 
8  and.  9,  (read  these).   But  with  each  afrliction,  notice,  there  is  no  defeat 
and  why?   Because  we  have  the  I  or--'  Jesus  Christ  in  our  lives  as  he  states  in 

verses  10  and  11,  (read  these),  ^o   then  Paul  makes  the  statemenl   "So  then 
death  worketh  in  us,  but  life  in  you." 

the  Jews,  many  of  whom  Paul  was  writin-  to,  any  form  of  pain,  or  suffering, 

or  weakness  was  described  as  a  sort  Of  death.   "CK^J^^si^  Arfy^sn-  pthatv^A 


-?- 
laul  was  saying  that  the  suffering  he  and  bhe  other  • | ostles  were  g( 

through  was  a  sort  cS   deatt  ror  then,  but  by  their  suffering  and  affliction, 

it  waa  bringing  life,  "The  life"  to  bhem.  'n1    that  life  was  the  gift  of 

salvation  through  tlesus  Christ. 

Paul  is  .?      bhe  the  "race  of  "od  ,  the  unmerited  mercy  and  roodness  of 

od  was  p;iven  to  more  and  mors  people  through   au]  'a  preaching  of  t     3pel. 

This  is  what  he  means  by  stating  in  verse  15,  "^or  si]  bhings  ire  for  your 
sakes,  that  the  abundant  rrace  mi"      rough  the  thanksgiving  of  many 
redound  to  the  glory  of  f'od." 

Every  affliction,  every  kind  cf  problem  and  suffering  brings  others  to  Christ 
and  ends  in  praise  and  thanksgiving  to  3od ■ 

Then  Paul  suns  this  up  by  stating,  "^or  which  cause  we  faint  not;  but  though 
the  outward  ran  perish,  yet  the  inward  roan  is  renewed  day  by  day." 

God  c-ives  sufficient  kxhs-rx  strength  and  heir-  to  endure  through  all  of  the 

lictions  of  life.  \.n6    laul  spells  out  the  hope  which  belongs  to  the 

Christian  in  the  face  of  all  of  this  as  we  read.,  "Per  our  light  affliction, 
which  is  but  for  a  moment,  worketb  for  u^  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal 
weight  of  plory;  while  '-re  look  not  at  the  thin-s  which  are  seen,  but;  at  the 
thincs  which  are  not  seen:  for  the  fc]  Lr  ;s  which  are  seen  are  temroral:  but 
the  things  which  are  not  seen  are  eternal." 

Paul  is  saying  that  anything  which  we  may  fro  through  in  this  life  is  merely 
a  prelude  to  that  which  we  will  have  Ineternity  wit]  •Zm&x   the  Ior<i  Jesus 
Christ.   Our  sights  are  to  be  fixed  upon  the  things  which  are  not  seen. 
Paul  explains  that  the  things  seen  are  t<      ] .   Meaning  of  course  that  thess 
things  will  pass  away.   Instead,  our  eyes  should  be  on  the  things  which  cannol 
be  seen,  and  these  are  eternal  end  will  live  throurhout  eternity.   To  Paul, 
anything  suffered  in  this  life  whether  it  be  illness,  loss  of  health  or  wealtl 
any  affliction,  is  only  temporary.   In  his  letter  to  the  Romans   aul  said  in 

the  Rth  chapter,  "1?or  I  reckon  that  the  sufferings  o"   this  present  time  are 

not  worthy  to  be  compared  to  the  glory  which  shall  be  revealed  in  us." 

±£   Which  is  more  imro^tant',   The  things  r.*   i-his  life,  or  the  things  of  etern- 
ity"  Is  it  better  to  have  everythin-T  we  can  possibly  possess  In  this  life? 
-nd  have  rothinr  in  eternity  because  we  don't  know  the  Lord?   Or  is  it  better 
to  have  the  common  ordinary  afflictions  of  this  life,  knowing  that  beyond  all 
of  this  ±k  there  awaits  things  we  have  never  dreamed  of  because  we  are  His? 

:1  is  speaking  here  not  only  to  people  who  believe  these  things,  but  to 
people  who  have  become  bogged  down  in  their  lives  because  of  setbacks  and 
afflictions.   But  he  is  proposin-  that  they  pick  up  where  they  kxxex±Kft  are 
and  "Rebuild."  He  is  suggesting  that  they  revive  and  come  alive. 
(Illusrtation  of  Charlie  B^own  and.  wanting  to  be  "outrageously  happy  ") 

In  a  "Peanuts"  cartton  Charlie  Brown  is  talking  to  Linus.   Fe  asks  him 

??  I2U   eYer  think  about  the  fu^ure  linus?"   Linus  answers.  "Oh  sure   ' 
all  the  time  "   Then  Charlie  asks,  "Well,  what  do  you  want  to'be  when 
you  prow  up?"   \nd  Tinus  answers,  "Outrageously  happy." 


_3_ 

I  think  this  is  what  Tod  want?  for  us.   But  it  isn't  possible  to  have  it  and 

live  for  the  world,   tfe  must  come  alive  to  TTim,  and  for  Him. 

(Illustration  of  Dr.  E.  V.  Hill  and  -ro;jr  of  incorrigible  youths) 

IA\  Edward  fJobson  a  Christian  tells  of  being  at  the  World  Christian  Mission. 
ary  Center  in  California.   A  part  of  the  program  of  this  group  is  to  take 
supposedly  incorrigible  youth,  place  them  in  a  program  which  teaches  them 
basic  skills  and  prepares  the™  to  get  a  job  and  enter  society.   Dr.  B.V. 
Hill  was  going  to  speak  to  a  ('roup  of  them  and.  he  asked  Er .  Dobson  if  he 
wanted  to  ~c  fcith  him.   (^plain  Dr.  Hil]  bein^  black  and  a  uninue  preacher 
They  went  into  a  buiUdinr-  and  up  to  the  second  floor  into  a  room  of  HfcBufc 
30  young  people.   T>,ere  were  3  "ispanics,  ane  white,  and  26  blacks.  These 
jjoun-  people  had  been  through  city,  state,  and  federal  programs  and  were 
considered  hopeless.   They  were  drug  addicts,  prostitutes,  gang  leaders  and 
ex  cons.   Pr.  Hill  began  to  explain  the  program  and  said,  "If  you  can't 
take  it,  you  aint  gonna  make  it!"   ",nd  he  had  the  ^0  young  people  repeat 
that  statement  over  and  over. 

Then  he  said,  ":'..'e  are  going  to  put  a  lot  of  presurre  on  you  for  the  next 
several  weeks.   tfe 're  going  to  teach  you  how  to  talk,  how  to  walk,  how  to 
dress,  how  to  act,  how  to  fill  out  a  .iob  application  and  if  you  can't  take 
it,  you  ain't  gonna  make  it!   Every  morning  I  want  each  of  you  to  take 
stand  in  front  of  the  mirror  at  the  end  of  the  hall  and  rate  yourself  on  a 
scale  of  0  to  100.   100  beinr  perfect  and  0  being  less  than  perfect. 

-aid,  "Allow  me  to  illustrate."   He  looked  at  one  of  the  girls  and  said, 
"Honey,  you  are  about  a  fifteen.   I'm  sorry,  that's  unfair  -you're  really 
about  a  twelve.   T,  en  he  went  around  the  room  rating  each  of  the  young  peo- 
ple on  a  scale  of  0  to  100.   Most  of  the  guys  he  rated  about  ixx^xx^ 
or  5.   And  he  repeated,  "If  you  can't  take  it,  you  air":  gonna  make  it." 
And  he  added,  "And  if  you  don't  make  it,  there  ain't  nobody  whoc  cares." 
The  girl  he  had  previously  rated  a  twelve  he  then  asked,  "Honey,  if  you 
don't  make  it  in  this  program  and  you  ro  back  to  the  streets,  name  one 
person  who  carer."   The  locked  up  at  hi-       aid,  "Reverend,  if  I  don't 
make  it,  there  ain't  nobody  who  cares."  He  asked  everyone  the  same  questioi 
and  they  all  said  the  same  thing.   Dr.  Dobs  or  'as  a  room  full  of 

fellow  human  beinrs  for  -,vhor  Jesus  gave  His  life  and  none  of  then  could  nam< 
one  person  in  the  world  who  cared  whether  they  lived  or  died .xx&xfeK  And  he 
said  as  he  walked,  out  of  that  buildir         °  streets  of  fatts  that  he 
prayed,  "OH  §od  ,  help  me  to  care!" 

Beyond  us  is  a  world  made  up  of  about  5  billion  people  who  need  to  hear  the 
message  of  Jesus  Christ.   'e  must  come  rut  of  our  little  groups,  our  individ- 
ual congregations  and  >e.   The  first  place  to  start  is  with  our- 
selves  indivudally.   'e  must  berin  to  Oevive  ourselves;  we  must  come  alive 
so  we  can  rebuild.   ":nor  3od  who  commanded  the  light  to  shine  out  of  darkness 

hath  shined  in  our  hearts,  to  rive  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  Cod  in  the 

face  of  ,esus  Christ."   2  Cor.  4:'", 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler  ,  Pennsylvania 
Pev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor         February  3,  1935 
Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
Kelly  Mangel,  Acolyte 
+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A,M. 
Prelude  "Communion  Ode11 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Anno  uncemen  1 5 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
•Processional  Hymn  No*  398  "Rise  Up,  0  Ken  of  God™ 
■•Ascription 
•Exhortation 

•Confession  (In  Unison)  "Q  God*  you  gave  us  a  Light  for 
our  lives;,  but  too  often  we  still  are  groping  in  the 
dark.   Our  lives  should  be  a  reflection  of  that 
Light,  but  instead  we  are  casting  shadows  of  doubt. 
Keep  us  from  those  things  which  tend  to  shake 
our  faith.   Help  us  to  shine  forth  wherever  we  are 
to  a  world  that  badly  needs  The  Light*  Take  from 
us  all  of  our  sin,  cleanse  us,  and  make  us 

whole,  through  Christ  our  Lord Amen" 

•Kyrie 

♦Assurance  of  Pardon 

•Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever. 
•Gloria  Patrl 
Hymn  No.  685  "In  Christ  There  Is  No  East  or  West" 
Call  to  Prayer:  Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Fray* 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory   "Is;  There  Anything  Here?" 
Doxology  No*  382 
Anthem:   "My  Tribute11 
Scripture:  Romans  8:1-6 

Sermon:   "When  It's  Over  ItTs  Time:  To  Bring  Peace" 
Closing  Hymn  No.  662  MA  Song  of  Peace" 
•Benediction 
Closing  Chines 

Postlude  "Behold,  the  Master  Cometh1' 
+  +  -   |+       *Congregation  Standing      +  ++  +  +■ 


> 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed 

by  Mrs.  Fern  Minehart  in  nemory  of  loved  ones. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Art  Carney,  Dan  Bosko,  Marty 

Henry  and  John  Snow* 
Mr*  4  Mrs.  Alvin  Tait  will  greet  the  congregation 

at  the  door  this  morning. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Sue  Davis. 
Lloyd  Link  and  Marty  Henry  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  92  with  11  visitors* 
Hospitalized:  Mrs.  Grace  Riddle  and  Jane  Massart. 

MONDAY  -   Spang's  Volleyball 

TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 

WEDNESDAY  -  Church  Council  at  7:00  P.M. 

THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-8 

SATURDAY  -  Basketball  10-12 

"^Chancel  Choir  is  looking  for  more  people  for  the  choir. 
If  interested  come  on  Thursday  at  7:00  P.M.   We  are 
now  practicing  our  Easter  Cantata  by  the  Gaithers* 

"tie   need  flowers  for  the  altar  for  February  10th.   Please 
sign  the  chart  or  call  Ginny. 

SOUP  &  SALAD  DAY  -  Tuesday  February  12,   Tickets  are 

now  on  sale  from  the  Circle  Chairmen  or  Evie  Kennedy. 
Your  help  is  needed  February  11th  to  prepare  vegetables. 
Many  cakes  and  salads  are  needed,  so  please  say  '-ih'.rr 
when  asked* 

SWEETHEART  DINKER  -  February  15th  at  the  Holiday  Inn 
at  6:30  P.M*  The  adults  of  the  Church,  married  or 
single  are  invited.   If  you  are  interested  in  coming 
for  an  evening  of  fun  and  fellowship,  contact  the 
office  now.   We  need  to  know  TODAY  if  you  are  going. 
A  sign-up  sheet  is  in  the  office*   Your  choice  is 
Braised  Steak  or  Stuffed  Pork  Chop.      Price  and  other 
details  are  available  in  the  office. 

EASTER  EGGS  -  it  is  time  to  place  your  order  for  our 

Homemade  Easter  eggs.   See  any  member  of  the  Activities 
Committee  or  if  you  are  willing  to  try  to  sell  some 
you  can  pick  up  an  order  form  from  Dick  Mangel.   The 
price  remained  at  $4.25  each. 


\. 


• 


otmunity  Bible  Church   -  flaeamore,  7>a.    -  February  If.  1992 


Prelude 

Anncuneeiniints/r.reetinire/FTayer  Requests 


Ascription 

Call  to  Worship: 

HE  THAT  WELLETH   IN   THE  SECRET   PLACE  OF  THE  HOST  HIGH 
S'lATl  ABIDE  UNDER  THE  SHADOW   OF  THE  ALMIGHTY. 
I  WILL  SAT  OF  THE  LORD,    HE  IS   MT  FEFUGE   AND  MY  FORTRESS: 
HT  QOD:    IN   HIM  WILL  I   TRUST 
•Hyum 

Offerinir/Prayer 
•DoxoIobt 
Fae torsi  Prayer 
Hymn 

Seeirture:  Romans  8:1-6 

Sermon:  "When  It*s  Over  It's  Time:  To  Brine:  Peace"  -  Hutler, 

?/3/fi5 
'Hymn 

•Henedietion 
•poetlude 


fr  fro 


Scrip :  -    - 

i  (Il«s   2  woiaen, trail  '    peace) 

,   elusiv    thin    jbin  sot  by   mack    sine     —  in  time 

■  ■'    kno  wat   ia«Fredu»  war/civ]    strig  !    this 
aace 
h     k   rneaa-undistlirb   stat    mind  ;abse tic    confl,ealn,nuii 

"1   actu]     ;eek? 
U  &  I   cano  do  much  war   tween  natina.but   can  hav   contj 
oonflics    our   11'  ""■'   Impart   Tilievr  Kom< 

ao  undent  tru  peac   eithr   8    this   prob    r-cuz   liv 
deal  with  1  if   hum  terma 

thus    rite  hatl  tween  thinr  flesh  ipirit 

30  hav   conp    tween   liv    flesh    or   spirit    V   ray=vs   6 

lif  spfc   is   nu   lif  tak   plac  wen  pergn  plac  trus    ■ 
■      abundnt  lif        '  '  lif  nf^nl  thru 

tat  peac   1    apk  oJ 

'•-  ld-fir -;t=I  eace    of    !od 
wat    is    this?, it   sunthin  worl   no   u  cuz   cal  <l 

sumthin  no  canB  sho   or  pruv  w/tangbl,8cientif  rruf 
that   sumthin-yAITH  that  C    intrven  I     rtev  afaira    o<~ 
w0rl    ~~iv  us   His   Peac 
Phil  4:6=Head 

=  no  worry  afaira   of    Hf 
vs  6B=P>lievr   1st   cum   2  God,  w/prayr  proba , concern  ,worr; 
-hud    involv  suplicatin-ask,beseech, beg, request 
ro    ius  pray«aBk,beseech,beg,reques   fervent   £  coupl 
w/pravr,su'p    is   thankr-iriv    in   raidst   thoz   prayrs/renues  S 
this"  mean  we   R   ?s;iv  thank  2  rod    »  anser 
our  atitud   2B  1  of  thankfl  cur   IVi   G  4 help     -  wendo- 
v      P-thia  wat   Kiv  us   ieace    of  G   St  it  faith    Js    Ep  as 

iour  „  a  ,,      1 

(llur   welthy   men  Chicago   1923  meet   S   end  results) 
had    farr,prestip,mony,powT-, Intel  8   educatin  but    al] 
lak  1   impor  -All   them  refus   ?"5liev 

c    of    !3   wud   made    peslbl   liv   li 

mor  abuntly  in  spit   adversty,probs   of   lif 
CIlus  woman, brain  damag  8mos   child    c:    faith; 
How  cud   mothr.anyl   fac   this   kind    tragay  without  era*? 

only  posib  thru  Peac   of  G  whioS   paa    all   underst 

no'  posib  any  othr  way  

Thin   extrem   exano  2B   rur   8=  all  us   pray  Bay  nevr  hav 

fEt"3W5£^,i£,«Li»  *°°"  2h** strenrth  ? 

(to   on  thru   Peace   of      Od. 
second  ly=leac  we   talk   here   it    Peac    fifcl      « 
wen  P  wot   Blievr  Ephesus  direc  an  remark  -probs    !    1 
was   Gentiln/Jews   8:  so  read=^ph  2:11-KBU 
then  add=vs   15-8    wat  duz  blud  do  4  ea  BlieWi 


Romans  8 : 1 -£ 

(Tins  woan  on  train  fc  window  opn/shnt) 
Peae   elusiv  thin* 
Webe.tr  defit):    FHEEDH  FRA<AR   OR  CTVL  STHIF 

NOTF1H   MEAN:    AN  UNDISTRBD  STAT  Of  MIN:A8SENC   OF  METNL  CONFL: 
-t  CALM,    QUIET 

TH1..    4»T  P  TRY   IMPART  XPIANS  CM  IN  ROME  t,  MAK  CP  TWEEN   LIV  LIF 
IN  FLESH  OR  LIV   IT  IN  SPIRIT 
Vs   6mt  CBNCLUD 

WAT  P  SPK   OF??      TWOFOLD 
FIRST:   PEAC  OF  SOD 
PHIL  4:6 
NO  JUS  PRAYtASK.BESSECH, BEG, REQUEST 
AND  SHUDB  THANKSGIV  IN  MIDST  THOS  PRAYRS 
PHIL  4:7 
(Has  moa  wtlthy/powrfl  nen  192?  meet  Chieag  Edtrwatr  Hotel) 

(Has  woan/braiTi  daaap  child  writ   Dr.   Jn  KaeArthar) 
SECONDLY:    PEACE  WITH  SOB 
EPH  2:    11-12 

2:13  wat   WO  FACTINS  HAD  IN  COHON 

2:14«WAT  BLUD  OF  XP  DUZ  <»  EA  BLIEVS 

(ILUS  FHENDS  TRT  GET  DED  FRIEND  BURT  CATH  CEKTRY) 

WEN   DISCOTO   HAV=PEACF  OF  OOD, 

*  HAV.PEACE  WITH  GOD,    OUR  TASK  ONLY    BGUN 
NOW   IT  TTME>=2BRING   PEACE 
JS  FROPH  OF  SELF.ft-   I, IF  I   B   LIFTD  UP  FR/THE  ERTH.WTL   DRAW   ALL 
MEN   ItNTO  ME 

FIRST:    HITS   BRING   SELVS   2CROS   SAFTR  BRING   SELVS  MUS   BRING   ALL  HAN 
AT  CROS   ALL  MEN  V  MADE  EQUAL 
T  AT  CROSEA   SINNR  RECEIVE  NU  LIF  JS   HAS   20FFR.I-  EA  FINDS 
.  i!AC  JS  IMPART  2EVSY  WEART  HAHT 

JN  SOWFINr  WROT.TN  TH/CRCS  OF  XP  I   GLORT   -  LAS  VS  SINGS* 
BANE  6  BLESIN,    PAIN  &   PLEASUS,    BY  TH/CROS  R  SANCTIFTD: 

PEAC  IS  THER  THAT  KNOWS  NO  MEASUR,  JOYS  THAT  THRU  ALL  TIME 

ABID 
LET  US  RES   IN  THAT  PEAC, BUT  LET   US   ALSO   BRING  PEACE  2EVHY 
VAERT  THIRSTING   SOUL  WE  MEET  AS   2GETHR  WE  TRAVL  THIS  LITES   ROAD 


add-ys   I4-H  ?/ 

jJs  was  both   Peao   "■-   Jeacmaker 

rot   bent   reconcil  tween   all   mank,        tween  all 
peop 
'  &  this  wat   P  ment  wen  say=Break  dwn  partitin  tween  us 
fIlua  ded   soldier ,f re nds  cemtary ,fenc   v.ov') 

Wat  G  did    thru   Jo,  He  reraoir   Cenc    seprat   -11   p-snk 
fro*  I  itself 

■  v  Peac  with   Ria   thru    Js 
.','en  we  discovr  hav   Ieac   of  <l,r    "'enc   With   ",our  task 
only   Bnun 
;.ow   time   2  ErinF  Peso    !   car,   only  do  by    ihar  wat  hay 
with   e ' 

Js   rrnrh   of  !  elf-8    I, If   I  B  lifted   up   from  the   erth, 
wil   draw   all   men  ur; 
lst=mus  bring  selvs  Pthat  cro=;       aXtr  we  hav  cum.mus 
bring   all   mank  2  cro--    as   wel 
it  at   cros   all  men  R   made   equal 
ea  1  a   sinr   cues   St  receivs   nu   lif    Js  has   ?ofr 
ea    1    find    ther   I  e^ic   which    Js    impart    "evry  weary 
fcart   lif  and   soul 

Jn  Bowring   in   hymn=In  Th  Cros    of    :p    T   Glory, las  vs 
Eane  and  blei  ,    pain  and  pleasure, 

by   the    cross    are    sanctified; 
"  eace    is   there   that  knows   no  measure , 
Joy    ~'         through   all  time   abide. 

Let   US    rest  2  ,but    let   us    also   Erinr-   Peac 

2  ea    5   evry  weary ,thirr?tin£r   soul  we  meet   as   2gethr 
vl  thif  lif'"  road 


"when  It's  Over  It's  Time;  r"o  Bring  Peace" 
Scripture:  Romans  B:l-6 

(Illustration  of  twon  women  on  train  and  nuarrel;  conductor  's ,  man's  "peace") 

Two  women  were  riding  in  a  day  coach  on  a  brain.   Thej  '  hsxesx 

IrsxxKssiEXEtkBx  facing  each  other  on  the  only  two  seats  they  could  find. 

They  bee-an  arguing  about  the  window  and  finally  when  the  conductor  came 

through  the  coach  one  of  them  summoned  him.   She  said,  "If  this  window 

i3  open,  I  shall  catch  a  cold  and  die." 

"If  the  window  Is  shut,"  declared  the  other,  "I  shall  suffocate." 

The  two  glared  at  each  other,  neither  one  giving  in.   The  conductor  didn't 

know  what  to  say,  or  hew  to  handle  it  and  finally  a  man  seated  across  the 

aisle  said,  "First  open  the  window,  that  will  kill  one.   Then  shut  the 

window  and  that  will  kill  the  other,  and  then  we'll  have  peace." 

ace  is  an  elusive  thing.   Tt  has  been  sourht  by  mankind  since  the  beginning 

of  time.   But  in  order  to  understand  what  peace  really  is,  perhaps  we  need 

to  know  what  it  is.   febster  defines  resce  as:  "freedom  from  war  cr   civil 
strife . " 

This  is  the  peace  most  people  think  of  when  we  hear  the  word.   Put  there  is 

another  meaning  and  that  is:  xxxeektcx  "An  undisturbed  state  of  mind-  absence 

of  mental  conflict;  calm,  quiet."  ' 

And  isn't  this  '  s  type  of  peace  evevyorc-    ]  ■.    actually  seeking?   You  and  I  for 
the  mort  part  cannot  do  much  concerning  wars,  or  conflicts  which  ra^e  or  take 
place  between  two  nations.   But  we  can  control,  or  have  a  measure  of  control 
of  conflicts  in  our  own  lives.   This  is  sxxxxx  what  Paul  was  trying  to  impart 
tc  the  believers  in  the  church  at  i?ome .   Rut  they  didn't  understand  what  true 
peace  was  either.   And  this  is  the  problem  because  we  live  in  human  bodies 
and  must  deal  with  life  in  human  ways  and  human  terms.   Since  this  is  the  case 
we  arc  fighting  a  battle  between  things  of  the  flesh  and  things  of  the  spirit, 
This  is  exactly  what  Paul  is  saying  in  this  cripture.   Thus  having  made  the 

arison  between  living  life  in  the  flesh  or  livinp  it  in  the  spirit  Paul 
concludes  in  the  6th  verse  by  saying,  "For  to  be  carnally  minded  is  death- 
but  to  be  spiritually  minded  is  life  and  peace." 

Now  just  what  was  Paul  trying  to  xxxaxtx  say'.   The  life  he  is  speaking  of  is 

the  new  life  which  takes  place  when  a  person  places  their  trust  in  Jesus 
Christ.   It  is  tks  life  more  abundantly  here  on  earth  because  of  Pis  presence 
in  our  lives.   But  it  is  also  life  eternal  beyond  this  life  which  is  ours 
through  His  sacrifice  on  the  cross. 

But  jurt   what  is  the  peace  Paul  is  speaking  of  here?   This  peace  is  twofold. 
First,  it  is  the  "] eace  of  God."   vhat  is  the  "Peace  cf  Sod?"   It  is  something 
the  world  cannot  understand  because  it  calls  for  something  that  cannot  be 
shown  or  proved  with  scientific,  tangible  proof.   \nd  that  something  is  "Faith 
"Faith"  that  God  has^intervened  and  stepped  into  the  affairs  of  this  world  to 
Cive  us  Pis  Peace.   Paul  writing  about  this  at  another  time  and  to  another 
place  tells  us  in  his  letter  to  the  church  at  Philippi,  in  the  4th  chapter 
verse  6  says,  "Be  careful  for  nothing  but  in  evervthinc  k. 
Plication  with  thanksgiving  let  your  renu^^i^r^^ ^X^ 


-2- 
i aul  says,  "ue  careful  for  nothing,"  and  by  this  he  means  the  members  of  the 
church  were  not  to  be  worried  about  the  affairs  of  life.   His  reason  for  say- 
ing this  is  pointed  out  by  his  following  words.   "But  in  everything  by  prayer 
and  supplication  with  thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God, 

The  believer  is  to  first  of  ell  come  to  God  in  prayer  with  every  problem, 

every  concern,  every  worry.   In  fact,  that  prayer  should  involve  supplication 

and  the  word  "supplication"  means  to  "ask,  beseech,  renuest,  to  beg."   The 

believer  is  told  not  to  just  pray,  but  to  "ask,  beg,  request  or  bessech" 

fervently  the  things  asked  for.   But  coupled  with  the  prayer  and  the  earnest 

asking,  should  be  "Thanksgiving"  in  the  midst  of  those  prayers  and  requests. 

This  means  that  we  are  to  crive  thanks  to  God  even  before  He  answers.   Cur  at- 

itude  is  to  be  one  of  thankful  coming  before  God  for  help.  \nd  when  we  do 

this  Paul  adds  in  the  7th  verse:  "And  the  peace  of  Cod,  which  passesth  all 
understanding,  shall  keep  your  hearts  and  minds  through  Christ  Jesus." 

This  is  what  pives  us "the  peace  of  Cod."   It  is  faith  in  Jesus  Christ  as  Lord 

and  Paviour. 

(Illustration  of  most  wealthy  and  powerful  men  in  world  in  1°^    meeting  in 
Chicago's  Efgewater  Beach  Hotel) 

In  1923  eirht  of  the  world's  most  powerful  men  met  at  the  Edgewater  Beach 
Hotel  in  Chicago.   Between  them,  they  controlled  more  wealth  at  that  time 
than  the  United  Plates  Treasury.   They  were  considered  succersful  by  all 
of  the  world'-  standards.  ^ery   schoolboy  at  that  time  knew  of  them. 
One  was  president  of  the  world's  larpest  steel  company;  another  was  presi- 
dent of  the  largest  utility  company;  a   great  wheal  speculator;  the  presi- 
dent of  the  New  vork_  -tock  Exchange;  a  member  of  the  cabinet  of  the  presi- 
dent of  the  United  itates;  the  -president  of  the  Bank  of  International 
ettlements;  the  man  who  was  known  as  the  biggest traderon  Wall  treet; 
and  a  man  who  headed  the  world  's  most  powerful  monopoly.   Put  as  they'sat 
at  that  meeting  all  of  them  were  at  the  crossroads  of  their  lives, 
today  their  stories  are  complete  and  we  can  look  q4-  those  lives  and  see 
what  hapoened  to  them. 

Charles  Schwab,  president  of  the  steel  company,  lived "the  last  years  of 
his  life  on  borrowed  money  and  died  penniless,   Arthur  Cutten,  ''-neatest  of 
the  wheat  specuators,  died  aborad  insolvent.   Richard  Whitney,  (resident  ci 
the  New  i"or  Stock  Exchange,  served  a  +'erm  in  Sing-^ing  Benitentiary. 
Albert  Paul,  the  cabinet  member,  was  pardoned  from  prison  r^o  he  could  die 
at  home.   Jesse  Iivermore,  the  "bear"  of  tfall  "treet;  Leon  ^razer,  oresi- 
dentof  the  Bank  of  International  Settlements,  and  Ivar  Breuger,  head  of 
the  world's  largest tonopoly,  all  committed  suicide. 
They  all  had  money,  fame,  power,  prestige,  intelligence  and  education. 
Hut  they  all  lacked  the  one  ingredient  which  rivea  life  purpose  and  mean- 
ing.  All  of  them  refused  to  believe.   '.no  because       rouldn't  believe, 
they  lacked  the  "Peace  of  God"  which  would  have  made  it  possible  to  live 
life  inxxptg  more  abundantly,  in  spite  of  the  adversities  and  problems' 
of  life. 

(Illustration  of  woman,  brain  damared  8  month  baby  writing  to  Br.  MacArtfaur) 

!  ow  could  a  mother,  or  anyone  for  ths      er  face  this  kind  of  bragedy  with- 
out crocking  up?   Only  through  the  "^eace  of  3    which  passes  all  understand- 
ing." It  isn't  possible  any  other  way.   This  is  an  extreme  example  to  be  sure 
and  all  of  us  would  pray  I'm  sure  that  we  may  never  have  to  face  any  problem 


-3- 

such  as  this.   But  in  any  circumstance  of  Life  it  is  only  possible  to  have 

strength  "^o  ~o  on  through  "The  peace  of  Hod." 

Eut  secondly,  the  "Peace"  we  are  talking  of  here,  is  "Peace  with  Sod." 

When  Paul  wrote  his  letter  to  the  r°orle  in  Ephesus  he  stomiKtEBtxtrkKir.  was 

directinr  hip  remarks  at  ct-p  point  to  a  problem  which  they  were  having  betweez 

the  believers  who  had  formerly  been  Jews  and  between  the  "entiles  who  had 

cor'e  into  the  church,   Co  we  read  in  the  ^nd  chapter  of  this  letter  beginning 

at  verse  11,  "  he^efore  remember,  that  ye  be       lime  pant  "entiles  in  the 
flesh,  who  are  called  Unc ire unci -ion  by  that  which  is  called  the  Circumci- 
sion in  the  flesh  made  t     i  lsj  that  at  that  time  ye  were  without  Christ, 
beinr  aliens  from  the  commonwealth  of  Israel,  and  strangers  from  the  coven- 
ants of  promise,  havinr  no  hope,  and  without  rod  in  the  world." 

And  then  points  out  what  these  two  factions  had  in  common,  and  we  rend  in  the 

15th  verse:  "Put  now  in  Christ  Jesus  ye  who  were  sometimes  farroff  are  made 
nigh  by  the  blood  of  Christ." 

.'■.nd  what  d<         1  ood  of  Christ  do  for  each  and  every  believer?   Pau]  s   : 
"For  He  is  our  peace,  who  hath  made  both  one,  and  hath  broken  down  the  middle 
wall  of  partition  between  us.   Jesus  was  both  "Peace"  and  the  "Peacemaker." 
lie  brought  about  reconciliation  between  all  mankind,  between  all  people. 
This  i:         1  meant  by  "Breaking  down  the  middle  -prortitisn  wall  of  parti- 
tion between  us." 

(Illustration  of  friends  trying  to  get  iead  friend  buried  in  Catholic  cemetar; 
refusal  by  rriest,  buried  outside  wall,  and  the]     ]  moved) 

>ing  the  war,  in  Prance,  b  m2r  died      La  two  friends  wanted  to  see 
that  he  had  a  decent  burial.   In  a  nerby  village  t  etary,  xe 

tksxxxgMt  It  '   ■     Oman  Catholic  cemetary  and  their  firend  -■         -  fc_ 

They  found  the  priest  of  the  church  and  asked  :  lertnission  to  bury 
their  friend  there,  but  the  priest  refused  because  the  man  was  not  -■ 

tholic.   But  when  ho  saw  their  disapooii  them  thev  could 

bury  their  firend  outside  the  fence.   !  o  they  did  this.   The  next  day  they 
came  to  the  cemetary  to  lay  flowers  on  the  '-rave,  bj'      couldn't  fj 
it.   They  walked  all  around  the  fence,  but  the  '-rev  wi    one.  ''  o  they 
went  to  the  priest  and  asked  him  about  it.   He  told  f      t  he  had  gone 
to  bed  that  ni  '  *  md  couldn't  sleep  because  of  his  refusal  to  permit 
them  to  bury  their  friend  in  the  cemetary.   !o  he  said  wksin  he  rrot  up 
en  it  was  li.  ht  and  moved  the  fence  himself  to  include  the  dead  soldier 
bo  had  t^iven  his  life  for  ^rance. 
This  is  what  Cod  did  through  Jesus  .   .e  removed  the  fence  separating  all 
mankind  from  himself.   'Te  permits  us  to  have  peace  with  Him  through  Jesus . 
But  when  we  discover  that  we  have  the  "  eace  of  Cod,"  and  fcka  "Peace  with 
God,"  our  task  has  only  bes-un.   Row"it  *s  Time  To  Bring  Peace"  and  we 

1  do  thi.       aring  what  we  have  with  others.   Jesus  prophesied  of  Him- 
self, "And  I,  if  I  be  lifted  up  fro->  the  earth,  will  draw  all  men  unto  He." 
First,  we  must  bring  ourselves  to  that  cross  and  after  we  have  come,  we  must 
brir         '"ind  to  the  cross  as  well.   It  is  at  the  cross  that  all  men  are 
made  enual.    ach  one,  a  sinner  comes  and  receives  the  new  life  Jesus  has  to 
offer  and  each  one  finds  there  the  peace  which  Jesus  imparts  to  every  weary 
life  and  sou].   John  Bowring  wrote  a  iiyme  familiar  hymn,  "In  The  Cross  Of 
Christ  I  glory."   The  last  verse  af  (  ^sSk^x^^^^±^^>mi n 


-li- 
ne   and  blessing,  pain  and  pleasure,  by  the  cross  ire  sanctified; 
Teace  is  there  that  knows  no  rneasuro,  Joys  that  through  all  time  abide." 
Let  us  nest  in  that  peace,  but  let  us  also  "Bring  Teace"  to  eich  and  every 
weary  thirting  soul  we  meet  as  together  we  travel  tvi^  life's  road. 


3t,  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 

Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Ralph  Link,  Pastor         February  10, 
Mr*  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
David  Andrews,  Acolyte 


+  +  + 


+  +  +  +  + 


+  +  +  +  + 


ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude  "On  Wings  of  Morn" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
•Processional  Hymn  No.  322  "When  Morning  Gilds  the  Skies'* 
•Ascription 
•Exhortation 

♦Confession  (in  Unison)  "Our  Father,  now  that  we  have 
seen  and  known  the  manifestation  of  your  Son  and 
our  Lord,  we  pray  that  it  may  become  evident  in  our 
lives.   Refute  the  prejudice  that  makes  us  hate 
others;  upset  the  selfishness  that  blinds  us  to  the 
debt  we  owe  our  fellow  man;  disturb  the 
complacency  that  keeps  us  from  your  service;  and 
cleanse  us  from  all  that  would  offend  you.  We 
pray  all  this  in  the  name  of  our  Lord  and 

Saviour  Jesus  Chriat. ..Amen. 

*Kyrie 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 

•Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever. 
•Gloria  Patri 
Hymn  No.  466  "What  a  Friend  We  Have  In  Jesus" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray* 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  "The  Lord  is  My  Shepherd" 
Doxology  No.  382 

Anthers   "God  So  Loved  The  World" 
Scripture:   2  Timothy  4:  9-21 
Sermon:   "When  It's  Over  It's  Time: 
Closing  Hymn  Mo.  220  "I've  Found 
a  Friend"1 
•Benediction 
) 


To  Befriend" 
Friend,  0  Such 


Closing  Chimes 

Postlude  "Tranquil  Moment" 

++++++       •Congregation  Standing  +  ++  +  +  + 

The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed 

by  Mr.  &  Mrs*  William  Thompson  to  the  Glory  of  God. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Jean  Pflugh*  Dutch  Bowser,  Jane 

Snyder t  and  Barb  Andrews. 
Mr.  *  Mrs*  George  Pflugh  will  greet  the  congregation 

at  the  door  this  morning. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Sue  Gamble. 
Bill  Thompson  and  Kevin  Snyder  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  79  with  9  visitors. 
MONDAY  -  Preparation  of  Soup  Day 
TUESDAY  -  Soup  &  Salad  Day 
WEDNESDAY  -  Spang 's  Volleyball 
THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-8 

Basketball  8-10 
HAPPY  VALENTINE'S  DAY 
Choir  Practice  7:00  P.M. 
FRIDAY  -  Butler  Food  Buying  Club 

SWEETHEART  DINNER  at  the  Holiday  Inn  6:30  P*M* 
SATURDAY  -  Basketball  10-12 

>QL-P  £  SALAD  DAY  -  Tuesday  February  12th.  Tickets  will  be 
available  at  the  door  on  Tuesday.   Bring  bazaar  items 
candy  or  baked  goods  on  Monday.  Baked  goads  could  be 
brought  in  on  Tuesday w    in  time  for  noon  time  sales* 
Help  is  needed.   Everyone  is  welcome.   We  also  are  in 
need  of  28  oz.  peanut  butter  jars  or  something  similar. 
They  are  used  for  carry  out  orders. 
BUTLER  AREA  LAYMEN'S  DINNER  -  Youth  Night  is  hosted  at 
Bethany  D.  C.  C,  215  *.  North  St.   February  21st  at 
6:30  P.M.  See  Walter  Harmon  for  tickets,  $d.0G. 
We  are  looking  for  a  leader  for  Vacation  Bible  School. 
If  interested,  there  is  a  preview  workshop  being  held 
at  the  Holiday  Inn  on  February  Zlst.   Please  contact 
"*Nv    the  office  if  interested. 

.^•The  family  of  Grace  Riddle  would  like  to  thank  everyone 
for  their  cards  and  prayers  in  the  loss  of  their 
mother.   We  also  wish  to  thank  those  who  contributed 

>or  worked  for  the  dinner. 
ASH  WEDNESDAY  SERVICE  -  Februay  20th  In  Rehoboth  Hall 
at  7l3D  P.M.  Communion  will  be  observed.   The  Rev. 
David  Kodges  From  Jewish  Evangelism  Inc «  will  demon- 
strate how  the  Trinity  and  Christ's  death  and  resurr- 
ection are  seen  in  the  Passover. 


Community  Bible  Church  -  Sagamore,  Pa.  -  2/25/92 

Prelude 

Announcenettts/Greetiiipa /prayer  Reoueats 


Ascription 
•Call  to  Warship 

THE  LORD  REIGNETH:    LET  THE  EARTH  REJOICE:    LET  THE 
MULTITUDE  OF  BOt  ISLES  9E  OLAD  THEREOF. 
CLOUDS   AND  DARKNESS  ARE  ROUND  ABOUT  BTH:    RIGHTEOUSNESS 
AND  JUDGEMENT  ARE  THE  HABITATION   OF  HIS  THRONE. 

PSALH  97:1-2 
•Hjran 

Bffering/Prayer 
■Do«ology 
Pastoral  Prayer 
Hymn 

Serijture:   2  Timothy  it:9-22 
Sermon:  Wflen  It's  Orer  It's  Time:  To  Befriend" 

St.  Paul's  Butler 
2AO/85 
•Hymn 

"Benediction 
•Poatluae 


/  ■  '  •<  friend*' 

:  ■        ■ : 9-?? 

■ 
■     ■  ■  '    rrsn    that    wud 

sou] 
Dav  had   chosn  men  roun   hira,yet    fain  Pdepth  d.esi 

lB    wel   bin  alcr.,    -  iz    ale  in  th- 

0  l    col  -  Let   under  1  ■    ou] 

■  'm  -   ex]  re  ;  no  ]  in,?    undf  e  -!    wat  ii 

pt. 

'  in   qs   sat   pri  in   ^"1    lr   I  owe 
I      trial  Hi         :    ;;hort 

about  ,  atr 

rati  ]    trj 

■  " 

P  ref lee  .  ■ .  ,  ■    '  ainc 

t    Lthf  Lan,but 

1  '!-■.■    '  '  irorl  &  dn 

bob  offr   liree    him 

But  watevr  was, De ma 3  desrtin  mus  hav  cut   li>  tmii 
P  add=V=    10R=the7    inei  ■■  ,  reach  Pthr  city 

Ss  I -ad  Mnes  he   experd 

vs   11--  , 

luv 
I  ■      ■  cud   h=iv   ? 

rr>l    nl^v    ? 
•  profc   nura   thru   al]    proba/ils 

Ironic-  Jr  ,  by  1  & 

Pone  and  hr 
Va  llb=surpris   fiouz  '■    1  -?,*•  desrt       '    here   P 

acknowledp  Mark  now   matur   ■'      profitM    in  min-1 

■■■■•>    anyi  whe  -        ] 

cut  in?  busne  so  hate 

out   ?refc    I 
>n  man   touch  wher   liv,wat   ne?>r       dear   ^har- 

'■ockt'b'ics   thez   reop  but        Bay   altho    fall  ly 
acur ,  i-. 

vr    16«]    sho   no  a  -       rer    1st    stud    ""- 

euthortys  ,evrl   desert, no  r*iv   3uport,bi 
vs   17=0  w/him 

I  ud    '-''+  acuars  , present    }oapl  Pthem  £    his   pre 
ants  n  bin 

this  olines  wh/made   posit    n-ipcl  <r  delivr  lio 

He  ment  lie   had   tenprarly  withstud    Kero 
He  brot   2   lion       eaca]    without   harm    >-■ 
Fn  knu  1    cf,thir      :•-■    burn   rone,blan    Cpla 

ins   pitch  clothes   &  Bet   rire   ''    lites 
of  streets   &  roads 


^od 


aaab   sav  escar   lion  mown   &   ment   aeirc 
it     h  r0  r3tr  wat  did   Pkysidy         spiritruly 

T.hev   cud    not    touch    im 

;         y    lil:    uvr]    e]  I  ,but   ■■-  thus 

feared    lion  of  death  5   giv   aumatin  va    1  r' 
vs   1B-Evn  the  all    men  seen  desrt   P  sti]    stud    firm   in 
faith  that   C    hadnt  dun   ^o,nor  wud    He 

vn  w/stroni         ith,3    sti]   yern  *frends=Tiin       Mark 
■:i  'icre-itur  comfa   mad';   lif    litl   easier 
Cloak-circlar  cat©, hole   in  centr  cur;   2fcnees/gxound 
made   of   etiff   -cats   hair   6  rri"r   damp,  >lp 

Pnrcbmenta-Buk-papyrus  roll  .scroll  osib  1 's 

own  writ: 

nrob    Jewish 

1    want   read         ftudy 

Ironic   I    no   lose    sens   study, read    I 
,.'ith  all  free   time  we  hav  how  -^pend    lelsur   tire^ 

How  much  spent   clo?   eomuoion   »/G   thru   His     rord? 
va    nl=      shar   1    rirl   reoues=CiMi   B4    winter   ■■        -sek 

eespit   fr/lonlines  merly  ask  Tim  cum  ouik  b 
In  this   instanc  we   see   need   ?  Befriend    suml 

In  midst   lif,evn   stronges   Xpian  needs    2B  Befriended 
ft  if   tru   of   Xpians.how  much   dor   than   thoz  no  ipian. 
(Ilus  B  Graham    i  lettra   fron  teens) 
,;at   i  e   hav  Bourn  so  relf-centr ,worl  revolv 

round        .capita]  the   individ 

T   -mjsl   hapy   no  matr   is   at   expens   of   evrl   el?e 
(_  imn  letr-unha;  ,1   mua    B  ban.--]    deserv    -i  j 

society   say  ?day=:!apine-    Bumthin  owed    2   ME       as  resul 
4  net  ■"/  nec-lec   ^eek   Ik  out  4thoz  who  need   Ik   out  4- 

I  kno.hav  welfsr.rel  ief   programs        all   that.but  how^ 

much   luv   is  dole  out   alon-  w/relief  mony.bag  frocry. 
shi]        concern  fivn   along  w/materiai 

he1 
Peopl  no  want   jus  oeny ,grocrys ,they  want  sunttbin  ofus 

That  sumthin-encouragment.a  B«ll,a  liatng  ear  2thalr 

probs   &  hurts 

yng  boy) 
«tr  we    lern    i  kno   Chat   ?1    3    Cpian   is   to   Befriend   all 
thoz  we   meet,arnt   ther  reopl   'day  that   P  lonly,dia- 
tres.or  q-sakn   that   we    o^n   ninstr   2'. 

\rnt   ther  rerri    we  if  who  need    a   comfort   word 

a   pat   on  bak.or   an   atentiv   ear" 
(iaiU    i^   sd         u    .      u   Kb    U.3   Over   Ttn    'ire:   o 

Js^ed-inasnraoh   as   ye  hav  dun   it   un<  I    of 

thez  my  brethtn.ye  hav  dun  it  untc 


When  It'a  orer  It's  Tine:  To  Befriend   -  2  Tim  k\t-2Z 

1.  .rodnce  -  Time  To  Befriend 

BEAD  Psalm  llffii*  -  EXPLAin  -  K  SAW,  SOT  KIL,DAV  HIDE  CM 
NO  ONE  UNDRSTUD  WAT  HIS   LIT  ALL  BOTtT  THIS  TIM 

APOS   P  SAN   STT0.PRTSN   2ND  TIM  IN  POME:AWAIT  TFIAI 
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(ILUS   BILLT  GRAHAM  t,  LETTRS  TEENS) 

(ILHS  LINCOLN  |.TNG  BOT 

r/r«r 

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WEN  ALL  SED/DUN.WEN   ITS  OVR   ITS   TIM  2BFRIEND 

JS   SED.INASKDCH   AS  TE  HAV   DUN   IT  UN?   THAEAST  OF  THEZ  HT   BRTHRN, 
TE  HAV   DUN   IT  ITN?  HE. 


■■    ,  ;..   ;i;.,„  Itts  min,e:  To  Befriend" 
icripture:  2  Timothy  4:9-22 

The  Psalmist       wxittxKxfxsic  in  a  prayer  written  v/hen  he  was  in  the  cave 

'"-  hiding,  relates  in  the  4th  verse  of  the  14-2nd  Psalm:  "I  looked  on  my  right 
hand,  and  beheld,  but  there  was  so  man  that  would  know  me;  no  man  cared  Cor 

my  sou] . " 

David  had  his  chosen  men  around  him,  yet  he  hod  fallen  to  the  depths  of  de- 

ir .   he  may  aa  well  have  been  completely  alone,  because  be  was  alone  in 

the  hkeh  rroblems  he  had  xn^xikK  to  face  and  in  the  fact  that  i  ing  Saul  was 

seeking  to  kil]  him.   No  one  completely  und«       that  and  so  David  felt 

that  there  wan  no  one  who  cared  for  his  soul.   *!e  was  thus  ex         bhat 

no  one  was  able  to  get  bo  the  ^"th1-  of  his  being  to  understand  what  his  life 

was  all  about  at  that  poinl  . 

The  Apostle  Paul  was  in  exactly  the  same  situation  as  he  sat  in  his  prison 

cell  in  ''nme .  re  for  his  °econd  imprisonment  awaiting  his  trial, 

Paul  knew  that  his  life      oing  to  end  very  shortly.   "Te  was  about  55  years 

of  age  and  the  Emperor  Efero  hated  Christians.  So  it  w<  i  .' 

LI  he  ■-  1         -  1  , 

1  u]  be  i         by  inviting  hi.:  d?in  frierd  rimothy  to  pay  him  a  visit.      i  ; 

thy  fiilirence  to  co'e  shortly  unto  me."   In  other  words,  to 

hasten  his  departure  from  Ephesus  to  come  to  see  ' aulj   '■„  Paul  reflects  upon 

his  situation  he  relates  bo  Timothy  the  events  which  have  taken  place  since 

they  were  last  together. 

■  him,  "  me,  havir  world 

and  is  departed  unto    essalonica . " 

Evidently,  Bemas  had  been  s  faithful  Christian  hut  the  love  for  the  things  of 

thi     ]   drew  the  faith  and 

it          •    city  -'  salonica  had  to  offer  with  its  c'         laterial 

things  that  had  lured  Demas  away.   But  whatever  it  was,  Demas '  desertion  nr 

Faul  mi      e  cut  like  a    knife.   \nd  reflecting  upon  this  Paul  adds,  "Ores© 
cen^  to  Salatia,  Pitus  unto  Dalmatia." 

These  men  did  not  desert  Paul,  but  went  on  rr°?chi'      ^op-;  to  those  cities 
T>,eir  names  are  added  here  to  lend  supporl  to  the  lonliness        au]  is 
rig . 
-  "n  aul  adc  i ,  :'   ly   i   ■  is  witt  me."         I  •  he  isn't  alone,  but  even 
with  the  companionship  o*"  Luke  Paul  is  feeling  the  isolation  from  those  he 
dearly  loved.      -  a  prisoner  was  heinn-  confined  awaiting  trial  in  :-Jome,  he 
was  permitted  to  have  two  of  hii  persona]  slaves  with  '  im.   Evidently,  Luke 
was  content  to  have  hin      gclared  as  Paul's  slave  in  order  to  minister  to 

his      Leal  needs  while  in  prison.   Luke  h ch  like  Paul's  personal 

:ian  throughout  his  ministry.   It  was  probably  Luke  who  nursed  him  back 
to  health  after  his  beatings,         ,  and  other  abuses  which  were  heaped 
uP°r   i-1  ■    ";"  "^'^  ironic  that  here  in  prison  was  the  Jew  who  hated  Chris 


_?_ 

at  one  time  and  a  Gentile  whom  all  Jews  hated  ,  an      they  "ere  together 

bringin  ;  comfort  and  hope  fee  one  anotr- ■  . 

Paul's  advice  to  Timothy  ia  surprising  because  he  next  instructs,  "Take,  Park. 
and  bring  him  with  thee:  for  ho  is  x  profitable  to  me   for  the  ministry." 

Isn't  it  strange  that  the  same  Jo^n  Hark  who  had  deserted  Paul  on  one  of  his 

missionary  journeys,  should  now  become  one  that  Paul  said  was  "Profitable  to 

him  in  his  ministry?"   We  can  see  fehat  ' qui  raw  that  Park  had  matured  and  was 

a  valuable  preacher  now.   "he  discipline  Pau]  meted  out  to  Kark  had  the  deair 

ed  effect  and  Mark  was  now  of  value  for  the  Lord, 

lul  tells  Timothy  in  the  14th  verse ,  "Alexander  the  coppersmith  did  me  much 
evil:  the  lord  reward  v:im  according  to  his  •■■or>^  :    Of  whom  do  thou  beware 
also;  for  he  hath  greatly  withstood  our  words." 

It  is  not  certain  who  this  Alexander  was.  The  word  "coppersmith"  was  used  in 

Greek  for  anyone  who  was  a  metal  worker.   It  is  probable  that  this  Alexander 

was  a  metal  worker  xkBXTca.&KxrcgfcHX  in  Ephesus  who  made  metal  idol?  and  Paul 

had  cut  into  his  business,  and  thus  he  was  out  to  ret  Paul.   .hen  a  man  is 

touched  where  he  lives,  that  is ,  what  is  near  and  dear  to  his  heart,  this 

affects  his  future  reactions.   Paul  was  hitting  at  the  pocketbooks  of  those 

who  trafficed  in  the  ido]  trade  and  it  hurt  their  livlihood.   Paul  has  been 

falsely  accused  by  this  man  and  Paul  simply  states  that  Sod  will  take  care 

of  that  man  in  His  own  way. 

But  even  though  Pau]  is  languishing  in  prison  he  is  not  angry  or  vindictive. 

»ee  this  as  we  read  in  the  16th  verse.   Re  writes, "At  my  first  answer  no 
man  stood  with  me,  but  all  men  forsook  me:  I  pray  God  that  it  may  not  be 
laid  to  their  char re." 

Pe  says  that  when  he  first  was  brourht  ±e  before  the  authorities  for  a  first 

hearinp-  on  the  charges  against  him,  no  one  stood  with  him  and  rave  their 

support  to  him,  they  all  deserted  him.   'Put  Paul  says  that  he  is  praying  that 

God  will  forgive  them  for  this  and  not  hold  it  against  them.   And  then  Paul 

states  .just  where  he  presently  stands.  He  says:  "Notwithstanding  the  Lord 
stood  with  me,  and  strengthened  me;  that  by  me  the  preaching  mimht  be  fully 
known,  and  that  all  the  Gentiles  might  hear:  and  T  was  delivered  out  of  the 
mouth  of  the  lion." 

God  was  with  him  even  though  all  other  humans  had  deserted  him  is  what  he  is 

saying.   And  as  he  atood  before  uis  accusers  he  presented  the  Gospel  to  them 

and  his  £xhxx  preachinr  was  r;iven  to  the  Gentiles  and  in  this  Cod  rtrenpthenei 

him.   This  move  Paul  a  fcE&XT&w-sx  boldness  which  made  it  possible  for  him  to 

declare  that  he  had  been  "delivered  out  of  the  lion's  mouth."   He  meant  that 

temporarily  he  had  withstood  the  Smperor  rero.   Pe  had  been  brought  to  the 

lion  and  had  escaped  without  harm  at  this  point.   Paul  knew  what  Nero  was 

capable  of.   Thi^-  wag  the  Smperor  who  had  set  fire  to  Rome  and  then  blamed  it 

on  the  Christians  and  so  the  Romans  hated  and  persecuted  them  fiercely. 

Por  Pero's  own  satisfaction  and  enjoyment  he  would  dress  Christians  in  cloth- 
ing cov^rrr-    with  pitch,  fear,  and  then  tie  them  to  ro>s  and  set  them  afire 


-5- 

at   night    to   light   the   streets    and    road?    of    Rome.      But    Paul   was    also   sayii 

that   he   had    escaped   the    lion'"    mouth   meaning  death.      Through   Christ   Paul   knew 

that   no  matter  what   they  did    to  him  physically,    spiritually  they  couldn' 

touch   him.      He   would    die    like   anyone   else,   hut   he   would   go   to   be   with  the 

lord    and    thus    he   had    escaped   the    feared   lion   of   death.      '.nd   this    exactly  what 

hip    summation   is   as    found    in   the    lfth  verse:    "And    the    Lord    shall  deliver   me 
from  every   evil   work,    and   will   preserve    re   unto   "ir-   heavenly   kingdom:    to 
whom  he    "lory   forever   and    ever,    ^men." 

E^en  thourh    all   men  had    seemed   to  dp^erh    Paul,    he    still   stood    firm   in  the 

faith  that   Hod   hadn't   done   so,    nor   would    Re ■ 

But   even  though   Paul  had   this    rtronr   and    sustaining   faith    he    3till  yearned   fo] 

the   friends   he   had   such   as    Timothy   and    Jo]  k,       And    he   also  yearned    for 

the   familiar    creature    comforts   which    made    life    just    a    little    easier    and    more 

bearable.       •.■'„   read   this    in  the    l*th  verse:    "Theccloak   that    T  left    at   Troas 
with   Carpus,    when  thou   comest,   bring  with  thee, "km* 

The    cloak    Paul   is    fefelkinr   about   we    are   told   was   a    circular  cape   made    of 
stiff   goats   hair.      It  had    a  hole   cut   in   the   center   for   the   head   and    care 
down  to   the    knees    or   even  touched    the    ground.      The   prison  in  Pome   was   proba    - 
ly  damp    and    cold   and.   Paul   simply   wanted    a    coat   to   help   keep  him   w   rm. 
he    also   requests,    "And   the   books,   hut   especially   the   parchments." 
The   books   he   was   asking   ror   were    a    papyrus   roll,    or   scroll.      Possibly   they 

were  Paul's   own  writin The   parchoants     were  made    fro™'  skins   of  sheep  or 

foats    an  >bably    I  Scriptures      hick  -anted    to  read   and 

study.      Isn't   it   rather    ironic,    that    Paul  who  would    soon   puffer  death   for  his 
faith  didn't    lapse    into   a   sriritu^l  decline,    but    still    sought   to  read   and 
study   aboui    the   things   of    3od7      How  unlike   most    people.       ith   all  cf  the  free- 
do  r    and    the    time   we   have,    how   io  we    spend    our   leisure   time"      How   much   of    it 

■  :^ent   in   close   communion  with   Sod   through   rir     tordU 
Paul   shared    one   final  request   of    Pimothy   and  we   read    of  this   in   the   21st  verss 
,     '    o    thy  diligence    to   come   before    winter."        aul   seeking   some   respite 
from  his    lonliness   merely   askr:    Timothy   to   come   as    quickly   as  sible   and    to 

brinr  his    favorite    articles. 

In  this    instance    can  he    clearly   seen  the    need    to    "Befriend"   someone.      In   the 
midst    of   life   even   the   strongest   Christian    reeds   to   be   befriended.      And    if 
this    is    true    of   Christians   who   need    to  be   befriended ,   how  much   more    is    it 
true   of   the  -he  who   are  not   Christians. 

(Illustration   Billy  Graham  ^r-1    letters   from   teens) 

""Illy  Graham  writes,   Our  world   desperately  craves   love   arc    peace.      I  re- 
cently received    a  letter  from  a   teen-ager  who   said,    "I  would    ro   anything 
in  the   world    to   know   that    I   am   loved    by    someone."      Her   cry  could    he   echoed 
by  countless  thousands.        nother    been-ager  wrote    me,    "I  am   like   a  car-ed 
animal    Inside.      Tore   t1-  fthin      I   want    to   know  xeio   true   peace.'' 


-4- 

(Eilly    Irnham   continued:) 

are   the  best-housed,   bast-clothed,   bei     -        oated,    and  best-fed    genera- 
tion in  the   history  of  the  world.      Seemingly  we  have   everything,   but    our 
divorce   courts   are   packed,    our  tanquilizer  manufacturers   are   working  over- 
time,   and    our  alchol&sm  rate    7o--r.~,  ,...-■.--■  " 

?ong'        e   have   tecr™=    so   self -centered    that  the  world  revolves   aroura 
ME,    capital    ME  the    individual.      I   must   be    harry   even   if    it    is    at    bhe   expense 
of   everybody  else,      I  recently  received    s    note    r^or   ■    younf    lady   who    is   un- 
happy  in  her  marriage.      Tn   it   she   said,    "T  n^ed   to  be   I  and    I'm  not   after 
X   number   of   years    of   marriage.      I  deserve   to  be  happy."        !  wrtoe 
what  society  is  saying  today.      "Happiness    is   something                 i   owed    to   ME." 
As  a  result,   we    ror^et   and    neglect   seeking  to  lc                 for    those   who   need 
looked    out   for.      I  know,   that  we  have   welfare,    and   relief    -  nd   all 
that.      "But   how   much   love    is   doled    out  with   along  with   the   relief   money,    or 
the  bag  of   '-roceries"       low   much   friendship  and    concern   is   riven  alon-    with 
the   material   help"7      People   don't    5u               ::    money               raoceries.      They  want 

of   us,    of   ourselves,  ing   i     encouragement ,    a    -rile, 

as  a  lirter :  r   to    their   problems   and  hurts. 

(Illustration  of   Lincoln   and   young   voy) 

bory   appeared    in  the  Gospel  s   -•bout   •  •■■  who  came 

to   see     reaideai   Lincoln.       '    large    number   o;'  in  line   to 

see   him   one   day   in   lRGa- .  Lcate-loi  "  i  15. 

resident,    noticing    bhat   he   was   very   rale   and    faint,     Ij  -  >ded    bhe 

Ltaries  t   in  line,        insoln    3aid    to  the  boy,    "Come   here 

,    and    tel]    me  what   -on   want."      Advancing   slowly   a-"1    timidly,    the  young 

man   said    in   a.   >;e^'-   voice,    "Mr,      ^~;:ient,    ]  er    :  ]    -1    regiment, 

but    I  bee  Lck  and    have    :e°n   in   the   hospita]    r'-  weeks.      rv,is    is 

the   first  time    I've   t  le    bo    ;e1    out,    and  :     -   you   could   do 

"or   me,"      1  incoln    looked    at  :  ndly   and    asked   him   '.-'here   he 

lived,      "1    have    no   home   he  •ed."      "  nere    ir'    -our   father'."       '        died    in 

the   army."      "   here    is   -our   mother'  '       "    y   -other   is    also  dead.      I   have   no 
brothers,    sisters,    or   friends."      Beginning  to   sob,  been-ager  concluded, 

ibody  cares   for  me!"     Lincoln's   eyes    rilled   vi  •    .  sncil 

wrote   s    note   to   one   of   his    officials   ■■''"■a   would    act   upon   his   request 
Immediately,    and   the   note    said,    "Care    for    '.'  1      poor   boy."       fi-at   boy   never 
forgot   that   act   of   compassion. 

After  we    learn  and   know   that   to  be    a    Christian   is    to    "Befriend    all   of   those 
we   meet,    aren't   there   rea~]p    today   that   are    lonely,    distressed,    or   forsaken 
that   we    can   minister    to'.        iTen't   there     ^eople    we    are   ware    of   who   need    a   com- 
forting word,    a   pat    on   the   back,    or   ar  bive    earl        then   ail    is    ---aid   and 
done,    "When    It's     '.11    Over    It's    Time:    TO    ]  j."      Jesus    said,    "Inasmuch   as 
ye   have    lone    it   unto    bhe    least    of   these    My  brethren,    ye   have   done    it   unto   Me',1 


St.   Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 

Butler,    Pennsylvania 

Rev*    Ralph   Link,   Pastor  February  17,    1985 

Mr,    Dale  Rice,   Minister  of  Music 

Mr*  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 

Sally  Vensel,  Acolyte 

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.  M. 
Prelude  "The  Cross  of  Christ1" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 

Announcements:   Elder  Robert  Dellen 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
•Processional  Hymn  No.  422  "Dear  Lord  and  Father  of  Mankind" 
•Ascription 
•Exhortation 
•Confession  {In  Unison)  "Eternal  Father,  thou  hast 

commanded  us  to  let  our  light  shine  out  in  the  world; 
but  we  have  failed  to  bear  witness  to  Christ  before 
men,  and  to  seek  those  who  are  lost*   We  have  placed  ; 
our  lights  under  the  bushels  of  the  concerns  of  this 
world,  and  we  have  looked  at  ourselves  instead  of  to 
the  needs  around  us »   For  all  of  our  disobedience, 
carelessness ,  and  lovelessness ,  we  implore  thy  for- 
giveness.  Cleanse  us  from .our  sin  and  strengthen  us  to 
live  as  He  has  shown  us  by  His  example.   We  pray  it 
in  Jesus '  name .,.«♦....  Amen . 
•Kyrie 

♦Assurance  of  Pardon 
* Praise:   Pastor  —  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever* 
•Gloria  Patri 
Hymn  Mo.  425  "Cleanse  Me™ 

Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  ''Triumphantly  Risen" 
Doxology  No.  382 

Anthem:   "The  Spirit  of  Jesus  Is  in  This  Place"  /«?"/' 
Scripture:   John  8;  1-11 

Sermon:   "When  It's  Over  It's  Time:  To  Release" 
Closing  Hymn  No.  404  "0  Love  That  Will  Not  Let  Me  Go,f 
•Benediction 


Closing  Chimes 

Fostlude  "Praise,  0  Christ,  To  Thee! 

+  +  +  +  +■      *Congregation  Standing      +  +  +  +  + 

The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  :. 

by  Mrs*  Catherine  Pflugh  in  memory  of  Roy. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Rob  Vinroe,  Bob  Dellen,  Randy 

Dellen,  and  Kevin  Snyder. 
Mr.  &   Mrs.  Clyde  Wachsmuth  will  greet  the  congregation 

at  the  door  this  morning. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs*  Nancy  Dellen. 
Bob  Dellen  and  Dan  Bosko  will  be  visiting  the  hospital 

this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  126  with  17  visitors. 
MONDAY  -  Spang 's  Volleyball 

Meeting  of  the  Activities,  Hospitality  and 
Follow-up  Committees  at  7:00  P.M.  in  Undercroft. 
TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 

WEDNESDAY  -  Ash  Wednesday  Service  in  Rehoboth  Hall  7:30 
Choir  Practice  after  the  service 
No  Golden  Circle  Meeting 
THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-8 

Basketball  8-10 

Mary  Martha  Circle  meeting  at  the  home  of 
Shirley  Thompson  at  10:30  A.M. 

Butler  Area  Laymen's  Dinner  at  6:30  at  Bethany 
U.C..C.   see  Walter  Harmon  for  tickets. 
SATURDAY  -  Basketball  10-12 

EASTER  EGGS  -  we  are  taking  orders  for  our  homemade 

Easter  Eggs.  They  are  1#  and  sell  for  $4.25  each.  See 
any  member  of  the  Activities  Comm.  or  Dick  Mangel. 

PRAYER  MEETINGS  -  starting  February  28th  we  are  going  to 
begin  having  Prayer  meetings  once  a  week.   They  will 
be  held  on  Thursday  evenings  at  8:00  P.M.   If  you 
would  be  able,  please  plan  to  join  in  the  prayers  for 
your  church,  special  needs  in  your  life,  etc. 

SPECIAL  INVITATION  -  Our  Ash  Wednesday  Service  will  be 
held  in  Rehoboth  Hall.  The  Rev.  David  Hodges  will 
be  with  us.   Communion  will  be  observed  with  the 
meaning  of  the  Passover. 

March  31st  we  will  be  receiveing  new  members .   If  you 
know  of  anyone  who  would  like  to  join  our  fellowship 
please  contact  the  office  or  Pastor. 

Hospitalized:  Hugh  Pyle 


Community  Bible  Church  -  Sagamore,  Pa.   Nareh  1,  1992 

Prelude 

Announeenerts/lreetinirs/Frayer  Requests 


Ascription 

Call  to  Worship: 

0  SING   CNTC  TffE  LOSE  A  MEW  SONG:    SINS   UC!TO  THE  LORD 
AM.  THE   EARTH.  ' 

SING   ONTO  THE  LOPD,    *LESS  HIS  NAME:    SHOW  FORTH  HIS 
SALTATION  FROM  BAY  TC  DAT. 

DECLARE  HIS  OLORY  AMONG  ALL  NATIONS,    HIS  WONDERS 
AMONG  ALL  PEOPLE. 

FOP   THE  LORD  IS  GREAT,    AND  GREATLY  TO  BE  PRAISED. 
*H,nrr  «6  Skoirlund 

C  f  f  eri  ng/Pray  e r 
•Doxolojry 
Pastoral  Prayer 
Hyem 

Scripture:  John  18:1-11 
Sermon:   "when  It's  Over  It's  Time:  To  Release" 

St.   Paul    -s  Butler, 
2A7/85 
•Hymn 

•Benediction 
Fostluoe 

/£*•£>  T*4T 


suspens   mus   hav   Ecum  unbearbl   ?■--  read   vs        7a»REAI) 
,  They  war  anxius   stik  neck  noose  prep  &  almo^   hear- 

CUM  OK, WAT   AN51H:U   ALrfAY   HAV   KOLUTTli   WAT   fllUDB   DUN 
W/FILTEY,U-,FORAI   PEHSH  HE   BROT  H 
vs   7b=  tet  did  He     ay'     filty 

>      )   -   -  ■        .  lj    gllty  &  FhudB  punish, ''execut  her 
EUi,burdn  upon  acusrs;up  Pthem  punish  her,execut  her 
Conditin  was=sin  free   thro   etone=manv  them  rilty 
adultry  themselve  &  Js   knu.K-  they  knu  it  too 
To  aftr   sed   thin  read=V:3  fi=READ=Je   ignor  &  made  posib 
mak  minds   up- 
much  bin  sed  wat  wfcit   on    T?nd  =  uo  impost /no  bear  episi 
He  gav  res  pec   Idrs   chanc   sav  face,lv  era cfuly= READ 
vs    9=merly   tel  oldes   lv   1st   but  no  say  only   Js /woman 

say-STAUD   IK  THF  MIDST  &  peop  stil  ther   Jr   teach  ? 
1st   time    Jr   apk  woman-READ  vs   10 
va   lla=woman  anser 

vs   llb=Js   pratt   *givneB,no  say  so  but   imrly  by  words 
tak   ?witnes   br   chare   S    mak   charp   stik, but   nun  Ptay 
rnd  mak  chare   stik, 
so  wat  hapn  wen  insufle  eviflenc?  ease   thro   out   cort   & 
this  wat   Js   did 

Js   confron  2choic   here=lst   eh  oc   had  do  wat  avg  persn 
wants   2do   Z-.  wil  quit  oftn  do 

(Ilus   welthy  husb  dy .tombston  etc,lef   35,desir  Chang) 
inciden  sho  4givnes   practic  by  many=.4riv  ,no  *get 
Hav  evr  herd  or   sed  this?   Js   had  choic   2do  &   cud  re- 
mind her  wvr-1  ther  wud  reraem=cud  hav  sed, but  didnt 
He  pav  4givnes  we   all  want, but   many  time   no  practic 
put    self   shoes   this  woman jpictur   Urrelf   Kilty   3:  kno 
nk  peop  suroun  U  &  kno   they  kno  Ur  gilty 
&  thenpictur  her  feel   as   stan  Bit-   man   considr   Judp 
Che   may  herd    Js.mayE   knu   His    luv  'compasin   &  mayE   herd 
He   Kesiah,pront  1   of   rTod 
But   abuv  evrth  els  she   knu   her  gilt   8  burn  hart/lif 
as   she    face   Him 
Fimilar  situatin  face   man  'tmany  yrs   hip   life: 
(Ilus  man  kil  coleij  boy   &  B  ^p-ivn  boys   mothr   latr  yrs 
Sumday  we   may  oportunty  talk  M  /woman  red  bout   ?day* 
8c  if   abl   ask  how  felt   wen  Ik  In?   thoz   eyes    Js,I 
Eliev  she  wud   say»I  saw  deep   in  His  eyes   the  permis- 
sion 2B  the  kind   of  persn   I  mite  hav  bin.had    I  nevr 
livd   the   lif   I  livd  up  Stoat   time 
Ea  us  hav  bin  givn  same   chanc   thru   Js;He   made  posibl 
21k  Him  S   C  selvs  4wat  we   canB  Ince  hav  bin  4-iiivn 
thru   Kim.    Ince   we    kno   all  bout    B  Xpiail   ther    is    2kno , 
then  it  is   Time:    To   P.ealese  ,2-4fiv   in  return  jJ'rele -is 
thoa   feels   our  un^riv  naturs;?ahar  w/othrs   that   whict 
bin  Eiv  2us   so  freely,    „e  need  ^RivAget  &  lik  G   casl 
sms=self/othr   depth  sea   &   hear   t/s   say=Vs    11B 


BILLT  GRAHAM  WRITES, 
•OUR  WORLD  DESPERATELY  KEM»  CRATES  LOVE  AND  PEACE.   T  RECENTLY  RECEIVED  A  LETTER 
FROM  A  TEENAGER  WHO  SAID,  *I  WOULD  DC  ANYTHING  IN  THE  WORLD  TO  KNOW  THAT  I  AM 
LOVED  BY  SOMEONE.'   HER  CRY  COULD  BE  ECHOED  BY  COUNTLESS  THOUSANDS. 
ANOTHER  TEENAGER  WROTE  ME,  '  I  AM  LIKE  A  CAGED  ANIMAL  INSIDE.  MORE  THAN  ANYTHING 
I  WANT  TO  KNOW  TRUE  PEACE „* 

WE  ARE  THE  BEST  CLOTHED,  BEST  EDUCATED,  AND  BEST  FED  GENERATION  IN  THE  HISTORY 
OF  THE  WORLD.   SEEMINGLY  WE  HAVE  EVERYTHING,  BUT  OUR  DIVCHWB  DnBaBCmgUBBQ 
JtHEXHHHISIlXIXJttKX**  COURTS  ARE  PACKED,  OUR  TRANQUILIZER  MANUTACTERERS  ARE 
WORKING  OVERTIME,  AND  OUR  ALCOHOLISM  RATE  SOARS.  WHAT  IS  WRONG?" 


I  DECEIVED  A  NOTE  FROM  A  YOUNG  LADY  WHO  WAS  UNHAPPY  IN  HER  MARRIAGE. 
IN  IT  SHE  WROTE,  "I  NEED  TO  BE  HAPPY  AND  I'M  NOT  AFTER  X  NUMBER  OF  YEARS 
OF  MARRIAGE.   T  DESERVE  TO  BE  HAPPY." 


"WDS*D    It's    uver    ■L'O'g    Lime:    ro    ~>eiease 
I     icrip:    John   8:1-11 

lllat   wud    □   say  raos   butifl   word    P.itle'' 
perhap=luv,salvatin,,1ustif  icatin  or   others 
but   I  Bliev   notbr  word  stan  out  as    Ft  mor  butifl  thar 
any   othr  &  perhap  wbil   think   folo   inciden  bringr   mind 
(x     s   oheila   O'Gahapan   &  Kicah   7:19, sin  cast   out=sea) 
Dl   j  kno   now  wat   prob   raos   butifl  word   F-ible?='+f  ivnes 

All  othr  word   lik=luv,salvatiD  etc   brinr  )iope,comf 
but   no  othr  word    -Jcrip  br  peac    lik  ^riivnes  £■   w/out 
M-pivnes    ther   wudE   no   salv;w/out   4frivnes    cud"   no   luv ; 
w/out   4^ivnes   cudB   no    joy   '4-1  if   &   so  G    in   infinite 
wisdm  S>  mercy  provid   4-pivnes   thru   Ja    Ip 
Ccene   PA  us   faoil   1 :  Js  cum  in."5  temp   §c  many  peop  cum 
?hear  pr/teach 
Cat  dwn  &.  was  teach  wen   sudnly   lesn  interup  &  read=== 
vp3r*ordr  set   seen  need   20  sum  specif   this  event 
fact#Js    Bit   ft  teach, I!e  regard  as   ^abi=how   Rabi'f   tau 
Fact-peop  swarm  hear  teach   indie   lik   Kkwpl   writr 
:  ay.Be   taut    -as    1   w/authorty   ft   not    as   scribes 
in   time    Js   wen  dif   prob/quest   arcs  bout  law,Pabi  was 
giv  prob/quest    2rendr   a   polutin 
Tnus=Scribs/Tiars   treat    Js  as   authorty,as   a  Rabbi 
adultry  was   serius  crime, 1   of   5moo    rerius  ft  they 
ask   Js   rendr  decisin  this   case 
time   histry, adultry  comon  ft  Bcuz  this,lsw  no   longr 
enforc  at-in   it 

In  OT  law  sed   woman  adultry  irus  drink  holy  watr  with 
dust  of  flor   of   Tab  mix  w/it-guiTty»body    swel}lao-00 
but  this   test  cal=watrs   of   Jelousy  no  loner  enforc 
ft  husbans   equl  p-ilty  so  dare  no  br  charp   agin  wiva 
eyiy  days    Jews   thot   adultry  so  ofensiv  punish=deth  & 
E      p  scene    ret   PA    Js 

poor  womncast  midst   peop  ft  she  face    Js  &    Jew  aay== 
vf   5-6a=Jn  add  edtorl  coiren  &  thi=    purp  thez   peop 

it   conspircy  hav  mak  fals   mov   &  entrap  self 
fr  stanpt   law  woman  deserv  deth  penalty, but  so  was 
man   ^  wher  was   he' 
he   eithr   escap(bin  alow  2), or  was   plan  fr   Pp-in 
quit   posib   3c/r'har  neatlj    nrang  ^benefit   get   Ja    trai 
1  way   or  othr 
If   Js   asre   she  pllty  crime   3;  deserv  ?dy=a^in  Homn  au1 
then    Jew   ldrs    cud   confr   iilat   ft  tel   this    man   condem 
suml  agin  wat   Tilat    <  Tome   permit 
If    jH    i   ,]    Bhud   dy  wud  los  respec   mas?   peop  had  cum 
2kno  T:irr  ae   luv/coneern  bout   ■-<■  ion  ;■  can 
rf      ,.       .  i       ,.         .:'    L  ■      id    teach  peep  brk  law  of 

Hoses   &  wudB  condon  sin.^o  wat  did   Js  do???? 
vs   6b=Jr   B3V  them  time   'stew  m  anser   "■■  they  wondr 
wat  desisn  wudE 
Theoreticl   Js   on  horn  -    of    lileBOia   '     no  mafctr  wat 


John  8:1-11 

WAT  WUD  U  SAT  MOS  BUTIFUI,  WORD  IN  BIBL?   -  ExsLUV.SALV 
BUT  THER  NCTHR  WORD  ft  PERHAP  INCIBEN  BRING  2MIND 
(IUIS   IRISH  dlFL  ft  CAST  SIMS   IN2SEA) 
MOS   BL'TIFUL  WORD.'tfllVNES 

.       tH  TEMPI  VS   3 
HOW  FABK   TAUT  -  HE  TAUT  AS   ONE  W/AUTT  ft   NOT  AS   SCRTBfl 
SCBIBS  ft   FHARS   SOT  RABS  2ANSR   DIF  QUES 
AHILTBY  VEHT  COWN  ft   EAKP  OID  RITCL   IF  tfOKN  SUSFEC  OF  ADULTBT 

VSbS  -gn  l-it-HASTK-RAB 
VS   5* 

re  s=jn's  ed  coywiT 

VS   7» 

VS  8-SAK  KESPONS  PQUES 
VS  9-ELDEST  -  protocol  e»n   in  thla 
VS    lOnJS   SPKS  2WOMN  k   FTHST  TIM 
VS  11=HER   ANSR 

JS   ANSR   IS-itGlVRES 
?witneas  or  thrown  out  of  cort  ft  Js  did  this  here 
JS   FACE  W/aCHOIC   ft  EA  HAD   ?D0  W/J+GITOES 

1ST  TYP  MJIVKES   WH/CODPITINAL 
{IMS  WOMN.HISB   DT  ft   LV   2NCTHR  WOW), ft   T0KBSTOWE) 
UNWIL  2   -  taET  WAT  HAPN 
•tGIV  ft  <tGET  NEEDED 

THIS  ADCLTRUS  WCMN  MAYS  KNU  OF  JS  OH  HERD  HE  HESIAH 

SHE  Jtfl¥   HER  CULT  ft   BHHN   HASTAlF  PERHAPS   FOR  YRS 
(ILDS   MAN  KIL  COLES  STDDNT  ft   tfOIVN   BOY'S   MOTHH   ft    RESULTS  THIS) 
EX.CHANC   ASK  WOMN   BCCT  THIS   INCIDENT  ft  SHE  SAY 
I       M   DEEP  IN  HIS   ETES   TH/PERMISIN  ?B  THAlND  OF  PEHSN   I   MITE 
JV  BIN  HAD  I  NEVH  LIVD  THAlF  I  LIVD  OT2  THAT  TIM 
JS  MADE  POSIB   HAV  SAME  CHANC    AS   THAT  WOMN   "»EA   ITS 
WE  CAN  C   WAT  ONCE  WER  ft  WE  BIN   1«3IVN  THRU   HIM 
ONC   KNO  ALL  BOUT  B  XPIAN   IT  IS    TIM  TO  RELEAS, 
TO  FCRGIV   IN   RETUTRN 
-2RELEAS   THOZ  FEELINCS  OF  OUR  UNFORGIVING  NATURS 
2SHAR  W/OTHRS   THAT  WH/VE  HAV  BIN  GIVN   SO  FREEIY 
WE  NCED  2-*GIV  ft   <taET  JUS    T,IK  G   ft  CAST   KINS   OF  REIVE  ft  CTHRS 
IN?  TH/DEPTHS  OF   TH/SEA 

ft  NEED  2HEAR  TH/WORDS  OF  JS  ft  ALSO  B  WIL  2SAT  POTHHS: 
NEITHH  DO  I  CCNDEM  THEE:  GO  A  SIN  NO  MOH 


"When  It's  Over  It's  Time:  To       ie" 
'cripture:  John  8:1-11 

(float  would  you  say  was  bhe  most  beautiful  word  in  all  of  the  Bible?   I erhaps 

you  ray  answer  that  word  ia  "love."   Or  you  may  say  "salvation."   ",nd  I  would 

have  to  agree  with  you  those  are  two  very  beautiful  words.   But  I  believe 

there  ia  another  word  which  stands  out  as  being  more  beautiful  than  any  other 

while  you  are  thinking  of  that  word  thii  little  incident  will  bring 

it  to  yx  mind . 

(Illustration  of    Irish  girl    and    God   casting    all    -ins    into   the    sea) 

eils    i   'Gahagan  wins  worked    in   a    factory   in    Ireland'.      Her  healtfc   gegan  to 

sriorate   and   she   wan    advised    to   go   to   the    seaside    for    a    short   period    of 
time.       "he   did   so,   but   as   she   sat  day   after  day   lookin      ou1    at   the  vast 
ocean  she   became    more    -wire   of   her   spiritual   life   than  her   physical    illness 
One  day  as   she    sal    by  the  sea   with  her  Bible  on  her  knee,    she"  was   reading 
from  the    prophecy   of    I  icah    and    care   to   the    7th   chapter  verse    1°*   and   read 

thou  wilt   cast   all   their   sins    into   the   depths    of   the    sea."      She    looked 
at   the   waves   breaking   on  the   shore   and    looked    out    at    the   endless    stretch   of 
water   and    said,    "My   "ins    are    all   cast    into  the  of   the    sea."      \   lev; 

months    later   Sheila   died    and    on  her   desk  were   found    the    following   lines 
written  by  her: 

I   will   cast  ixLtextksi   in   the   depths    of    the    fathomless    sea 

Ml   thy  sins  :cn^,    whatever   they  be; 

Though    they  mount   up   tc   heaven,    though   the;  a   to   hell, 

y  shall  sink   in   the  depths,    and    above   them   shall    swell 

All   the   wave-    of    My   mercy,    so   mighty   and    nr=e: 

I  will   cast   all   thy   sins    in   the    ie]  ths    or    bhe    ■ 

MaitExysnaxtkB«xkt   Do  you   know  now  whi  !    1  bly  the   mo  itiful  word    in 

all    of   the   Bible?      It's    the   word    "Forgiveness".       ill    of   the    other   words   such 
as    "love,    salvation,    justification"   and    so   on,    brinr   hope    and    comfort,      rut 
there    is   no   other   word    in   all    of    Scripture   which   cnn  brin        ucl     peace    and    com- 
fon.   as  ord    '  Lveness."  out    forgiveness   there  would    be   no  salva- 

tion;  without  forgiveness   there   could    be   re   love;    and   without    forgivenei 
there    is    no    uioy  for    life.       ",nd    so   God    in   "is    infinite   wisdom   and    mercy  has 
provided   forgiveness    throug  us   Christ. 

The    scene    is    a  very    familiar    one.      Jesus   has    come    into   the   temple    and    r 
people  o   ]  Lm   to   heir   Rim  teach.      He   sat   down   and    was   teaching   them  when 

sudd,  nly      !.     lessons   were    interrujted   and   we   read    in   the    Pad    verse    of    b 

Fcripture:"And   the  scribes    and    Pharisees   brought   unto  ■-mar    taken   in 

adultery;    and    when   they  had    set  her   in  the   midst,   they  say  unto 
'faster,    tl  Ls   worn  i  ltery,    in   the  v  ;  /" 

In   oder  to   set   the    scene   we    need    to   see    some    of   the   specifics    of    this   event. 
The   fact   that    Jesus  was  an   indic;ation  He 

was   It  pon  as  a  Rabbi.      Tvis   is   how   Rabbi's   taught.      \nd   the   fact  that 

s_    the   people   swarmed    tc  hear   His   teachin I      an   ididication  that    like    one   of 

the   Gospel  writer-    says,    "T'e    taught   *  hem   as    me    wi  hority   and    not    as 

scribes."  o  it  was  that  in  the  time  of  Jesus  whenever  a  difficult  problem 
or  question  of  the  Law  -rose,  a  Rabbi  was  ^iven  the  problem  or  the  auestion 
to  render   a  solution.      Thus,   these   scribes    and    Pharisees   were   treats 


_2- 

as  an  authority,       abbi.   Hdultery  was  a  serious  crime  ar        re  ask- 

Jesus  to  render  TIi^  decision  in  this  ca?e.       lis  time  in  history, 

adultery  was  very  common  and  because  of  this  the  law  was  no  lonrer  enforced 

against  it,   You  nay  recall  that  e  part  of  bo  lo  with  the  ritual 

a  woman  had  to  go  through  if  her  husband  suspected  her  rf  adultery,  'he  w<  i 

brought  bo  bhe  priest  and  the  priest  book  holy  water  and  mixed  some  of  the 

of  the  floor  of  the  tabernacle  in  it.   This  ;ven  to  the  woman  to 

drink,   If  she  was  guilty  her  body  was  si      I  to  swell.   But  if  she 

innocent  nothing  happened.   But  this  enactment  of  the  Law  was  no  lonrer  bein*r 

'  "and  the  husbands  were  esually  p-uiltv  so  thev  dared  not 
done  bee      idultery  had. become  so  eommrn-oleceli  In  earlier  days,  adultery 
brinr  charges  against  their  wives.  fy 

was  considered  so  offensive  by  the  Jews  thai        '   meat  was  death  and  so 

we  see  bhe   cene  is  set  for  Jesus  to  render  His  decision.   The  poor  woman 

cast  into  the  midst  of  this  throng  or  people  and  she  is  facing  Jesus, 

agin  by  saying  to  Him,  "Now  Mo?es  in  the  Law  commanded  us,  that 
such  should  he  fa.Ou'  " 

And  John  then  adds  his  editorial  comment  in  the  6th  verse,  "This  they  said, 
tempting  Him,      'hey  might  have  to  accuse  Him.'1 

And  this  exactly  what  ixxxn  they  had  in  mind,      <  ipiracy  to  n^ve 

make  a  fal~e  move  and  b:     Lmself .   "rem  the  standpoint  of  the  Law  this 
woman  was  liable  for  the  death  penalty.   But  so  was  the  man  and  where  was  he? 
had  either  been  allowed  to  escape  or  had  been  a  plant  from  the  v       in- 
ning.  It's  quite  possible  that  bhe  scribes  an   harisees  hsd  twr%   neatly  ar- 
ranged all  of      "or  the  benefit  of  getting  Jesus  trapped  one  way  or  anothei 
if  Jesus  agreed  that  she  war  guilty  of  ^his  crime  and  deserved  to  die, 
ras  goin     ;nst  the  Roman  authroities.   So  the  lenders  could  confront 
Pilate  and  tell  him  this  man  had  condemned  a  person  to  death  contrary  to  what 
Home  permitted.   But  if  He  ruled  she  should  die,  He  would  lose  the  respect  5Jb 
lac4xip6±OTtxxrocxfeB      cfcsg  of  the  masses  of  people  who  had  come  to  know  Hj 
as  loving  and  com  .   nd  if  T1e  .  '     t  she 

should  be  pardoned,  He  would  be  teacv '     -ale  to  break  the  Taw  of 
-as  condonin^  sin.    o  what  did  Jesus  3.0' 

The  remainder  of  the   th  verse  tells  us,  "But  Jesus  (tooped  down  and  with  His 
finger  wrote  on  the  ground,  3S    thoumb  T7e  heard  them  not*." 

Jesus  rave  them  time  to        "-       ;ave  an  answer.   T"ey  were  left  wonder- 

ing  what  His  decision  would  be.   He  was  theoretical^  caught  on  the  horns  of 

a  dilemma  and  no  matter  which  answer  :,:-  gave ,  r;e  was  in  wrong  one. 

T_ e     jnse  mu  I  have  become  unbe        r  them  because  we  read  in  the  7th 

verse,  "Fo  when  they  continued        Him,"  They  were  anxious  for  Him  to 

stick  His  neck  in  the  noose  they  had  so  nicely  prepared.   You  can  almost  hear 

them  saying,  "Come  on  now,  what's  Your  answer''   You  ilwaya  have  a  solution  foj 

•  {hat    3hould  be  do™  with  this  filthy,  immoral  person  we  brought 
here'.  " 


_3- 

It  is  then  we  read,  "He  lifted  Himself  up,  and  said  unto  bhei  ,  'He  that  is 

without  sin  a  rou,  let  him  first  oaat  9  -tonp  at  her." 

What  was  THi"  decision?1   Did  He        wa   not  guilty'   )id  He  si    he  should 

be  stoned'.    0  Be  didn't  say  wither  of  these.   Bv  Tis  answer       Med  that 

she       Llty   ad  should  be  punished,  1  '  !  He  put  t]  e  burden  uron  her  accuser) 

Tt  was  up  to  them  to  punish  her,  to  execute  her.   But  the  condition  was,  that 

of  them  who  were  wit]  Dut  "in,  could  begin  the  execution.   It's  8  -nod 

ility  some  cf  these  men  accusing  v-.er,  were  guilty  of    1  !  tery  themselvei 

and  Jesus  knew  it. 

Po  after  He  has  said  this  we  read,  "An        He  3tooped  down,  and  wrote  on 
the  pround . " 

Jesus  ignored  them  and  made  it  possible  for  thei      tke  uj  their  minds  as  to 

what  they  would  do.   Much  has  teen  made  about  what  He  wrote  on  the  pround  and 

people  are  a]       •  "     hat  question.   But  that  ouestion  is  immaterial.  le 

don't  know  what  Me  wrote,  and  it  hod  no  actual  bearing  on  this  episode.   He 

may  have  been  playing  some  sort  cf  game  like  tic-tac-toe  slf.   All  m 

of  that  is  of  no  concern.   'hat  is  o^  concern  is  how  He  gave  these  respected 

leaders  a  chance  to  save  face  and  get  out  of  there  gracefully  and  so  we  read, 

"And  when  they  heard  it,  beinr-  convicted  by  their  own  conscience,  went  out 
one  by  one,  I      Lng  at  the  eldest,  even  unto  the  lost:  and  resus  was  left 
alone,  and.  the  woman  standing  in  the  midst." 

Mow  this  merely  tells  us  that  those  who  brought  the  woman  departed  starting 

with  the  oldest.   It  doesn't  tell  us  that  Jesus  and  the  woman  were  the  oily 

two  left  on  the  spot.   It  tells  us  that  Jesus  was  left  alone  by  these  people 

with  ehe  woman  standing  in  the  midst  of  the  people  who  were  still  there  for 

Jesus  * nteaching ,    It  was  at  this  roint  then  that  Jesus  for  the  first  time 

speaks  to  the  woman.   And  we  read:  "hen  Jesus  had  lifted  up  !:imself,  and  saw 
none  but  the  woman,  He  said  unto  her,  'Woman,  where  are  those  thine  accusers! 
Hath  no  man  condemned  thee?'  She  said,  'Ho  man,  lord.'   And  Jesus  said  unto 
her,  'Meither  do  T  cc      thee:  go  and  sin  no  more.'" 

It  took  two  witnesses  to  brinr  charges  against  someone  and  to  make  those 

charges  stick.   But  none  of  the  accusers  stuck  around  to  make  the  charge 

stick.  '  o  what  happnes  when  there  is  insufficient  evidence?  mhe  case  is 

thrown  out  of  court.   And  this  is  what  Jesus  did. 

Now  we  can  see  that  Jesus  was  confronted  with  two  choices  here.   Each  of  those 

choices  had  to  do  with  forgiveness.   The  first  one  would  have  been  a  type  of 

forgiveness  which  was  sort  of  conditional. 

(Illustration  woaan,  husband  dying  and.  l^avine-  everything  to  another  woman) 
man  died  and  his  widow  expected  to  receive  all  of  his  estate  which  was 
quite  considerable.   The  gave  him  a  nice  funeral  and  bought  an  expensive 
headstone,   Eut  several  days  later  after  the  funeral  and  the  will  was  read, 
she  discovered  that  he  had  left  everything  to  his  secretary  and  left  85  to 
xxexxxxex  her.   ihe  was  furious  and  went  to  the  tombstone  company,  and 
talked  to  the  chiseler.   fhe  told  H,m   ^hp   wanted  the  inscription  changed  on 
the  stone,   "I  can't  do  that  Ma'am.   You  told  me  to  inscirbe  lr>est  in  I'eace 
on  the  stone  and  that's  what  I  did.   T  can't  change  it  now  unless  ^ou  want 


-4- 

to   buy   a   new   stone."      She    thought   about    it    for   a   cio^nt  ,xM   rbe   didn't   want 
to   spend    anymore   of  her  own  money  ?o  she   said,    "Right   after  tka    ,T7eat   In 
I-'eace  '    I  want   you   to  chisel   in  the   words    —    'TUT     \_    Meet    '"Tin,1" 

From  this    incident  we   can  see   this   woman  was   unwilling   to   ferret   what  had 
happened   to  her.      tad    isn't   this   fche   kind    o-1"   forgiveness   exacted  by  many 

Have   you   ever  heard,    or   have   ,rcu   said    it   yourself^      "I  can  forrive, 
but    I   can't    ^crret."      Jesus   had    that   choice    at   this   point.      The    woman  was 
accused   of   what   was   considered   one   of   the  three   most   serious   crimes  possible. 
He   could   have    said    to  her   in  front   of   thorp    people,    'You   are    guilty   of   this 
terrible   sin,   but    I   forgive   you.        "  ant   you   to  remember   that  you   or    - 

mitted   it  and   all   of  tfeesTss  these    peoi  ember   it."     He   could 

have  r'aid  that,  but  He  didn't.  Instead,  Jesus  gave  her  the  kind  of  forgive- 
ness that  He  wants  all  of  us  to  rr-.ctice  and  that  is  the  forgiveness  of  for- 
getting that   it   ever   happened. 

Put   yourself   in   the   shoes    of   the   woman   in    this      criptijre.  iture   yourself 

as   beinr  guilty  of   sin   and   knowing  it.      Look  at    the   -norle   surrounding  you 
and   know  that   thr  •   rr   your   guilt,       tad    then  picture  her   feelings   as   she 

stood  before   this  man  who  w  lg  considered    as    her    judge.        he   ma 

heard   of    Jesus;    maybe    she   knew   of   His    love      r      31  ssion;    and    maybe   she   hi 

heard  He  was  the  Messiah,  the  promised  6ne  fro-  Sod,  But  above  everythj 
else,  f-he  knew  her  guilt  and  it  burned  in  her  i±tn  heart  and  life  as  she 
faced   Kim.      A  sin  situation   faced    -1   man   for   many  years. 

(Illustration  of  man,   killing   college    student,   bain."   forgiven  by    boy's   mother) 
an  had  been  fired    fro-    J  1  3    job   for   several  months    cm:1,    then  was    permitted 
to   return  to  work,       '•    fellow  worker  remembered    how   inconsistent   his   nretr- 
ious   work  had    been   and   remarked    about    it,      "What   happened    to  make    this   dif- 
ference   in  you?"      tad    the   man  bpr-^r    to   tell  him.      "When   1   was    in   college 
I  was   part    of    0    Craternity    initiation  team.  :acnd    the   new   members 

the   middle    of   a   long   stretch   of  klFCkTra:^   a  country   road,    late  Lght. 

I  was   to  drive   my  car  as   fast   as     possible    straighl    at    them.  c    allenge 

was   for  them  to   stand    firm  unti]  ;iven   and    then   jump   out   of 

T  had    reached    one  hum  red    miles    an   hour    in-    saw  the    1   oks   of 
■ror   in  1  .      3?he   signal   was   riven  as    I    neared   them  and   every- 

one   jumpe  •    —  except   one   boy.      T   left   college    after    that.      I   later" 

r-    pried    and  we  had    two   children.      The    look  on  t;  >y's    face   as    ]    —^ged 

over  him  at   one  hundred  niles   an   hour   stayed    in  my 

I  became   hopelessly   i^corM.  4-"'^,   "^o^',    and    fim  :er, 

■'  wife   had    to  work  to  brina    in   the  Income  we   had.  Ln         was  at 

home   drinking  by   myself   when   the   doorbell    rang.      I  3d   the   door  to 

find   a  woman  wl  0    looked      ' •  amiliar,  asked  to   cc 

down  .':  n   our  living  roo^.  told    m°    she   was   the  mother   of    :  oy    T  had 

killed    years  before,      'he   said    that    she  nd    spent   aginizin 

rehearsing  revenge.      But    then  she   told    me   of   the    love    and    the 

forgiv  ven   to  her  when   she   [rave   her   heart    fo   Christ, 

aid,    "1    have   come   to   let  yow   kno  I   forgive    ■-■ 

Ive    me."      I   looked    into   her   eyes  orning   and    ]    -■--•■    lee       rithin  her 

■    the   permission  to  h"   the    kind    of   man   T  might   hi 
Billed    that   boy,  forgiveness    changed    my  whole    life." 

Fomeday  we   may  have   the   0  tnity   to    talk  to  the   woman     re   have   read    about 

in  our  Scripture   this   morning.      '     "    :      we   were   able   to   ask  her  how   she    felt 


-5- 

wben  nhe  looked  into  tb<  is  I  beli«      8  "ill  say,  "I  raw  ck 

in  I  is  eyes  the  permission  to  bo  the  kind  o^   person  I  might  have  been  had  I 
never  lived  the  life  T  had  lived  up  to  that  time.*'   Each  of  us  have  been 
given  that  same  chance  througt  Jesus.   Ee  has  made  it     lible  tec  look  bo  Him 
and  Fee  ourselves  for  what  we  can  be  once  we  have  I  ©en  forgiven  bhrough  Him. 
Once  we  know  all  about  being  a  Christian  tbere  is  to  know,  then  it  ±t   is 
"Time:  To  Release,"  tc  forgive  in  return,   to  release  those  feelings  of  our 
unforgivi      ;ures;  to  share   "    all  others  thai  have  been  fiven 

so  freely.  if   nped  to  forgive  and  forget  -'n^  ^ust  3Lke  jo6  ,  c  i  of 

selves  and  others  into  the        of  the  sea,  \nd   we  •  bhe 

rds  cr  J  mas  and  also  be  able  bo  3ay  bhem  to  others,  "Neither  do  I  condemn 
thee s  go  s  asj  i  no  more." 


Clinton  Presbyterian  Church 

109  Otinda  Street 

Freeport.PA    16229 

Clerk  of  Session:  Mrs.  Jean  Woods 

(724)  295-3596 

Worship  Service  9:15  a.m. 

Sunday  School  following 


Srader  Grove  Presbyterian  Church 

108  Srader  Grove  Road 

Freeport.PA    16229 

Church  Phone:  (724)  295-9293 

Clerk  of  Session:  Michelle  Motasicky 

(724)  334-3826 

Worship  Service  11:00  a.m. 

Sunday  School  during  worship 


Student  Pastor 

Robert  Hindman 

Cell  Phone:  (724)664-1703 


Clinton  Presbyterian  Church 


Srader  Grove  Presbyterian  Church 


Sunday,  July  11,  2010 
15th  Sunday  fn  Ordinary  Time 

This  week's  Lectionary  Readings:  Amos  7:  7-17; 
Ps.  82:  Col.  1: 1-14;  Luke  10:  2S-37 

*  All  who  are  abie,  please  stand. 


Prelude 

Announcements 


Affirmation  of  Faith  Apostles'  Creed 

I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of  heaven  and 
earth.  And  in  Jesus  Christ  his  only  Son  our  Lord;  who  was  conceived  by 
the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate, 
was  crucified,  dead,  and  buried;  he  descended  into  hell;  the  third  day  he 
rose  again  from  the  dead;  he  ascended  Into  heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the 
right  hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty;  from  thence  he  shall  come  to 
judge  the  quick  and  the  dead,  I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost;  the  holy 
catholic  Church;  the  communion  of  saints;  the  forgiveness  of  sins;  the 
resurrection  of  the  body;  and  the  life  everlasting.  Amen. 


Call  to  Worship 


Worship  God  In  holy  splendor. 

God's  voice  is  powerful  and  thunders  over  the  mighty  waters. 

God  is  full  of  majesty  and  power, 

God  gives  us  strength  and  offers  us  peace. 


Hymn  of  Praise 

C:  Immortal,  Invisible 

SG:        Immortal,  Invisible 


#85 
#263 


Prayer  of  Confession 

Sovereign  God,  all  we,  ilke  sheep,  have  gone  astray.  We  have  turned 
to  the  ways  of  death  rather  than  of  life.  We  have  preferred  security 
to  sacrifice  and  gluttony  to  generosity.  We  have  failed  to  care  about 
or  respond  to  the  needs  of  our  sisters  and  brothers,  for  we  have  b 
preoccupied  with  our  own  narrow  concerns.  Forgive  us  and  turn  us 
around  so  we  may  accept  our  rightful  place  in  your  eternal  realm. 
Amen. 

Silent  Confession 

Assurance  of  Pardon 

Gloria  Patri  56:  #  579 


Hymn  of  Devotion 

C:  Blessed  Assurance 

SG:        Blessed  Assurance 


#139 
#341 


The  Worship  of  God  in  Giving 

*  Doxology  SG:  #592 

*  Prayer  of  Dedication 

Through  our  offerings,  0  God,  we  would  supply  bread  to 
those  who  hunger  and  the  bread  of  life  to  feed  all  who  need  spiritual 
nourishment.  We  who  have  received  good  news  seek  to  live  by  it  and 
to  share  the  gospel  with  others,  May  our  gifts  and  our  lives  proclaim 
your  rule  among  all  people,  beginning  in  our  midst  and  extending 
through  all  your  world.  Amen. 

jPastoral  Prayer  and  The  Lord's  Prayer 


Hymn  of  Dedication 

C:  0  God  Our  Help  in  Ages  Past 

SG:        0  God  Our  Help  in  Ages  Past 

Charge  and  Benediction 
Postlude 


#111 
#210 


The  Childrens'  Time 
Prayer  for  Illumination 


5ermon  Tent 
Sermon 


VK  ^.Jr   K  DEW  TH/V70HAN  NCR  DIE   HE  JUSTI    '  GAT  ETHRC 

SWTt?TM    ? 

T"   p-  3Y  REALI7  ELL 

^c  ■*-■ 

TS10=AS   IN  HEP 

'SP  ?"•  •■■    '•■-;;■  ">:r  one  ft 

v^-  lllWE^U"   FCHC  ■  pDHK  HER  LIFE  AROUNI 

ALL  TH/J  " 

;lc:  \  /js 
bsi  js     bmfh  "hep  wh/othi  nt  d« 

lea?  all  2secrktary) 

-^"IGE]1  WAT 

'■'  TEE  -  I  CAN  4GIVE,      ■■---■■.      I 
DING 

t.v  •  n         wait  k  js  t-'^.'-:  ;  on  skr 

"   MAN   KIL  CI  CLEG  .?TITEENT  ?:_  BEING   FCHGITOT) 
T  IT  'HAS   BIN  GIY   5AM  riHANC   THRU  J" 

' "  "   MADE  F0SIB2  2LK   2HIM   ;-  C    SZIVS   fry;  A I  '■'£  CIAKB  ONCE  VJE  SIN   'iCIY 
■  r  JUS   AS   WE  BIN   'fC.IV  P-   OUR   SINS'^GOTEN   BY  GOD 
THRU  CHRI^: 
THAJORCS  CF  JC:   ?THAT  WOMAN  SHED  RS3CUNP  in  per  LIV 
"NEITHER  IT.   I  CCNDSM  U,   GC  |  SIN  NO  MORE 


:X:  John  p:ll 
[ 

IS7i52=PR0B  LATE  IN  ] 

9  -i=::c  ov 

- 

--■   ~-  <Q  ....... 

Y9.  t*ev  as  ^ri-r*  ^-eT 

jr  *•?-'-  £S  A       NO 

I 

I  ELF 

- 

'  LE  1C  CAPTU  FEC 

! 

SIN 

LT 


•i-phe     xafflple" 
Scripture:    T"hr.  R:l-ll 


7A//6 


"cripture  Text:   Jo1  ■■    R:11B   -  "AN      '     "'      ME    "  .    '" 

GC 

■:esus  had  been  teaching  at  the  Feast  of  the  Tabernacles  for  the  past  few  days  and  word 

"3d  spread  through  the  crowds  gathered  for  the  feast.  This  then  created  another  crowd 

around  Jesus.  People  knew  of  the  fame  of  Jesus  and  so  naturally,  they  wanted  to  see  Him 

and  hear  Him. 

'he  last  verse  53  of  chapter  7   of  Jon's  Gospel  inorms  us,  "AN  p  ete  TC 

doesn't  tell  us  the  tirre  hut  it  was  probably  late  in  the  evening  and  the  audience 
listening  to  Jesus  went  home  for  the  night,  No  ore  invited  Jesus  to  spend  the  night  at 

their      and  so  we  read  in  the  1st  chapter  of  John,  "DDT  ' 

...  ,>M 

This  wasn't  unusual  because  Jesue   often  went  to  the  Mount    i  t  the  night       13    from 

everything  and     vej    body. 

The  new  day  dawns  and  John   informs   Ui  .    ' '.  HE  CAKE  AGAIN   " 

PEKPLE,    INI  ^ 

Wost  Biblical  scholars  believe  this  was  at  the  break  of  da->-  when  Jesus  cane  back  to  the 

pla  in  Jerusalem.  The  people  must  have  made  some  kind  of  arrangements  that  when  Jesus 
appeared  the  word  was  spread  and  they  cane  gain  to  hear  Him  speak.  Notice  in  the  Scrip- 
ture it  says,  "/        EOFLE  CAME  TO  HIM."  That  rears  His  audience  of  the  day  before 
was  a<-ain  in  front  of  Him  to  listen  and  learn. 

Jon  tells  us,  "  ."  If  Jesus  were  just  an  ordi- 

nary teacher  :Te  would  have  taught  them  while  standing  up.  But  by  seating  Kimeelf  to 
shows  that  3e  had  authority,  or  rank.        jbf'a  taught  while  seated. 

Rut  while  Jesus  is  teaching  He  is  rudely  interrupted.  the  -rd  verse,  ! 

'  [OUGHT  rC  HIM,  A  WOMAN  : ' :.".  FT  IN 
HAD  SET  [IM,  'TEAXHER,  THIS  ET  IN  ADCLT* 

"",'■'   "erses  3-h, 

This  woman  did  not  cope  willingly  with  these  men,  she  was  probably  dratted  there  and  when 

we  read  she  was  "SET  IN  THE  MIDST,"  it  probably  means  she  was  flung,  or  cast  on  the 

ground  right  in  front  of  Jesus.  Having  done  this  thev  inform  Jesus,  "'         IN  THE 
LAW,  COI  ■  [AT  SUCH  SHOD]        "  .  ;;  SAY?  ' 

KING  CF  WHICH  TC  ACCUSE  HIM."  Verses  5   ~   6A,' 
At  first  jrlance  this  episode  seems  like  an  ordinary  case  of  pointing  out  sin  and  providing 
the  punishment  for  it.  Jesus  knew  that  this  episode  was  not  the  simple  case  it  seemed 
to  be.   This  was  an  obvious  conspiracy  and  Jeeus  was  aware  that  He  was  in  trouble  no 

matter  what  He  decided,   So  being  confronted  in  this  manner,  John  tells  us,  "BUS  J8SUS 

STOOPED  DOWN  AND  '■'BOTE  "  HER,  A   THOUGH  FE  DID  NOT  HEAR."  Verse  6b. 

We  don't  know  what  Jesus  wrote  on  the  p-round,  it's  immaterial.   But  I  believe  that  He 

3  thinkinr  this  situation  through  and  this  pause  caused  everyone  to  become  anxious 

and  want  the  situation  resolved. 


-2- 

conspracy  the  Scribes  and  T%ariseee  had  hatched  was  a  gbcd  one.   It  placed  Jesue  in 
a  dilemma  that  no  natter  what  He  pronounced  as  judgement,  te  would  entrap  Himself. 
The  fact  was  that  the  woman  had  been  os>u£ht  in  the  act  of  adultery  and  being  guilty  i 
was  liable  for  the  death  penalty  as  prescribed  by  Jewish  Law.   gut  the  Law  also  provide 
death  penalty  for  the  man  involved  as  well.   They  wore  both  guilty  and  both  could  be  stoned. 
But  where  was  the  nan?  He  had  conveniently  worked  out  this  little  scheme,  was  probably 
paid  to  do  so  and  had  now  conveniently  disappeared. 

: Lf  Jesus  said  she  had  broekn  the  law  and  wan  guilty  and  be  stoned,  He  was  going 
against  what  He  had  been  preaching.  The  Pharisees  could  go  to  Pilate  and  have  Him  ar- 
rested for  going  against  the  Roman  law. 

If  He  declare      ;*  uld  be  set  free,  He  was  condoning  sin.  And  thus,  the  Pharisees 
believed  they  had  Jesus  in  a  bind.  Everyone  was  now  anxious  that  this  situation  be  re- 
solved, and  their  impatience  is  showing  because  John  writes:  "SO  WHEW  THEY  2 
A"  :.  &    CM,  HE  "  .  '  ■  . 

LE~  .  "'  Verse  7. 

Those  words  of  Jesus  silenced  any  and  all  who  were  denandinr-  an  answer,   Jesus  didn't 

condemn  the  woiran,  but  neither  did  He  justify  her  sin, 

after  Jesue  had  said  this,  we  read,  "A!  THE 

HND."  Terse  8, 

Jesus  said  what  He  had  to  say  and  now  He  was  ^eerinsrlv  ignoring  thos  who  were  clamoring 

for  justice.   And  it  arpea>-s  that  t>iose  people  rot  *ve  message  for  John  tells  us,  "^HEN 
BEING  TO  cme  BY.  ONE,  BEGINI  ] 

■":"  :<      •  :  \  and  jestjs  was  le^t  iLoni  -rm 

IN  "  ."   reree  9. 

ThoEe  who  believed  thay  had  Jesus  tra.  ped  no  matter  what  He  did,  he  verv  quickly  taken 

notice  that  thay  were  the  or.es  who  had  failed  and  they  slinked  off  one  by  one  until  only 

B  and  "he  woman  remained. 

So  John  tells  us:  ED  HIMSELF  T"   :  -  [  I  ; 

SAID  TO  HER,  'WOMAN,  •  ACCUSE?.        \S't      H&S.V  ON  ?"' 

Jesus  didn't  pronounce  judgement  on  her,  He  rerely  asked  if  any  of  those  who  had  brought 

her  here  had  condemned  her. 

"SHE  SAID,  TIC  ONE,  LORD."'  Verse  11A.  Following  her  answer  we  read,  "AN 
HEP,  NEITHER  PC  I  CONDEMN  YGU;GC  IORE,"  Verse  113. 

According  to  Jewish  Law  it  took  two  witnesses  to  bring  charges  against  someone  and  to 
rake  those  charges  stick.   In  this  instance  all  the  accusers  left  and  there  was  no  c 

lould  be  brought  against  her.   So  what  happens  when  there  is  insufficient  evidence? 
Ihe  ca^"  is  ^hrown  out  ar.d  this  woman  is  left  alone  in  the  presence  of  aJrasr  Jesus. 
But  Jesus  said  something  to  her  which  on  other  occasions  had  prompted  scepticism  con- 
cerning what  He  could  snd  could  not  do.  Hese  Ho  tells  her  that  ther  sins  are  forgiven. 

[JSBANI  DY3 

...  EKpBC,j<BI     ■  SEITE    ILI   CF    PHE  E        "  " 

ABLE.      3HC  Gi" 

KJ  TO 
.00 


LKED  rr  THE  hz;d  chxselbr.  she  told  him  ■  :p- 

"  CHANGED  ON  1   E.   "I  CAN'T  DO  THAT  MA'M.  YOU  TCLE  HE  7C  INSCRIBE  ON  THE  STONB, 

IN  PEACE, '  WHAT  I  DID.   I  CAN'T  CHANGE  IT  UNLESS  YCU  W 

n-^."   SHE  "  !.   ""'F  DIDN'T  WANT  TC  SPEND  A"  ?MOHS  CI' 

MONEY,  "". E  ~CLD  I      .  "EIGHT  AFTEF  ,  'REST  IN  PEACE, ' 

I  WA1  .,  —  'TIL  WE  MEET  AGAIN.1" 

from  this  incident  that  the  woman  was  unwilling  to  forp-et  what  had  been  done 

to  her.  and  isn8t  this  the  forgiveness  exacted  by  many  pec?i  /r .  You  have  probably 

hea>-d  it  and  maybe  said  it  yourself,  "J  Can  Forgive,  but  I  can't  forest,"  This  woman  was 

f""jnd  guilty  of  one  of  the  three  post  serious  crimes  possible.  He  could  have  told  her 

in  front  of  all  thos  peorle,  "you  are  guilty  of  this  terrible  sin,  and  i  torrive  you. 

but  "%.  want  you  to  rferber  that  you  committed  it,  and  ill  of  these  people  will  remember 

it  as  well.fi  But  He  didn't  do  that  He  demonstratedtne  forgiveness  we  are  all  expected 

tc  practice.   That  is  forpivinp  and  forgets 

Put  yourself  in  the  shoes  of  this  woman.   icture  yourself  as       uilty  of  sin  and 

wing  it.  Look  at  the  people  around  you  knowing  that  they  know  of  your  guilt.  And  then 

picture  her  feelings  as  she  stood  before  the  man  considered  as  her  judge.   She  may  heard 

of  Jesus;  maybe  she  knew  of  His  love  and  compassion;  Maybe  she  had  heard  He  was  the 

Messiah,  the  promised  One  fron  Sod.  Put  above  everything  «lse  she  kne*  herguilt  and  it 

burned  in  her  heart  and  life  as  she  faced  Him.   A  nan  faced  a  similar  situation  for  years. 

STUDENT,        !Q  FORGITEN) 

'.:   AFTER  5 
TC  SI        WORK.   A  FE~  I 

■ 

PLACE] 

SIGNAL      :  ■ 

...  ... 

»_,...  ...    xc  .. 

...  .  ^   _  ,. 

.  :  nt, 

I  . 

[AID  OFF  3  .   :  "I 

. 
rVING  ROOM.  SHE  .    " 

RIST.  AMD     SAID,  "I  HAT  !  '      '"  ; 

I  LCI         '  I  :  ETHl  "  THOi  '      '  '  "TO 

5  LIFE." 

Each  of  us  has  been  piven  the  same  chance  through  Jesus.  He  has  made  it  possible  to  Ino1' 

i_r  'rirn  and  see  ourselves  for  what  we  can  be  once  we  have  been  forgiven  throurh  'Tin. 
leed  to  forpive  and  forret  just  as  we  have  been  forfiven  and  our  sins  fore-otten  by 

God  through  Christ.   The  words  Jesus  spoke  to  that  woman  should  resound  in  our  lives, 


ST.  PAUL'S  UNITED  CHURCH  OF  CHRIST 
BUTLER,  PENNSYLVANIA 

FEBRUARY  20,  1985 


Wednesdaij 


V.ornn'Yat'MOKNj  1 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor       February  20,  1985 
Rev.  David  Hodges,  Guest  Minister 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 

+   +   +   +   +   +   +   +++   +   +   +   +   +   +   HH+   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  7:30  P,M. 

Prelude 
*Hymn  "When  I  Survey  the  Wondrous  Cross" 

When  I  Survey  the  wondrous  cross  On  Which  the 

Prince  of  glory  died.  My  richest  gain  I 

count  but  loss,  And  pour  contempt  on  all  my  pride. 

Forbid  it  Lord,  that  I  should  boast,  Save  in  the 
death  of  Christ  my  God;  All  the  vain  things  that 
charm  me  most,  I  sacrifice  them  to  His  blood. 

See,  from  His  head,  His  hands,  His  feet,  Sorrow  and 
love  flow  mingled  down:   Did  e'er  such  love  and 
sorrow  meet,  Or  thorns  compose  so  rich  a  crown? 

Were  the  whole  realm  of  nature  mine.  That  were  a 

present  far  too  small;  Love  so  amazing, 

so  divine ,  Demands  my  soul,  my  life ,  my  all . 

Amen- 

•Call  to  Worship 

Pastor;   "Come  now,  let  us  reason  together,  saith 

the  Lord,'1  is  the  invitation  from  God. 
People :   "Though  your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall 

be  white  as  snow:  though  they  be  red  like 

crimson,  they  shall  be  as  wool,"  is  His 

promise. 
Pastor:   Let  us  accept  the  invitation  and  claim 

the  promise  as  we  come  to  Him  in  confession. 

Let  us  pray ! 
*Prayer  of  Confession  (In  Unison)  "Father,  as  we  take  our 
place  at  Your  table,  forgive  us  for  wanting  to  be 
forgiven  and  forgetting  that  we  are  also  to  forgive. 
Grant  us  Your  forgiveness  for  the  anger,  the  hatred, 
the  jealousy,  the  selfishness,  and  all  of  the  other 
things  which  have  caused  us  to  be  truly  sorry  and 
wish  we  could  undo  them.   This  we  humbly  ask  in  our 
Saviour's  name,  even  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. . .Amen. 

Presentation  of  "Christ  In  The  Passover"  by  the 
Rev,  David  L.  Hodges 


Preparation  for  the  Lord's  Supper 
Consecration  of  The  Elements 

Distribution  of  the  Bread 

Distribution  of  the  Cup 
Offering  of  Thanksgiving  and  Thanksgiving  Prayer 
Offertory  "I  Believe  In  Miracles11 
Hymn   "My  Faith  Looks  Up  to  Thee*' 

My  faith  looks  up  to  Thee,  Thou  Lamb  of  Calvary 
Saviour  divine!  Mow  hear  me  while  I  pray,  Take  all  my 
guilt  away,  0  let  me  from  this  day  Be  wholly  Thine! 

May  Thy  rich  grace  impart  Strength  to  my  fainting 

heart, 

My  zeal  inspire;   As  Thou  has  died  for  me(  0  may  my 

love  to  Thee  Pure,  warm,  and  changeless  be,  A  living 

firet 

While  life's  dark  maze  I  tread  And  griefs  around 

me  spread, 

Be  Thou  my  guide;  Bid  darkness  turn  to  day,  Wipe 

sorrow's 

tears  away,  Nor  let  me  ever  stray  From  Thee  aside. 

When  end  life's  passing  dream,  When  death's  cold 

threatening  stream 

Shall  o'er  me  roll,  Blest  Saviour,  then,  in  love. 

Fear  and  distrust  remove; 

0  lift  me  safe  above,  A  ransomed  soul!     Amen* 

*Eenediction 


+  +  -i-  + 


+  +  +  + 


Easter  Egg  order  forms  are  to  be  turned  into  Dick  Mangel 

on  Sunday. 
The  Ushers  will  also  be  serving  Communion  tonight* 

We  wish  to  extend  a  very  warm  welcome  to  our  special  guest 
tonight*  The  Rev*  David  L.  Hodges.  He  is  the 
director  of  Jewish  Evangelism  Inc.  in  Monroeville. 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link*  Pastor  February  24,  1985 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
David  Andrews,  Acolyte 
+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +++  +  +  +  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude  "An  Easter  Carol" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Ar.JiQun.ceraen.tia- 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
•Processional  Hymn  No.  349  "O  for  a  Thousand  Tongues 

to  Sing" 
•Ascription 
•Exhortation 

•Confession  (In  Unison)  1l0  God,  you  know  how  we  are  exposed 
to  the  world's  temptations,  but  you  also  know  that  we 
would  like  to  be  righteous.   Grant  us  the  strength 
to  follow  our  Master  do'*T!  the  road  of  discipleship, 
even  though  we  know  we  shall  surely  meet  the  cross 
at  the  end  of  that  road.   Forgive  us  for  all  sin 
that  prevents  us  from  following  Him  rightly, 
through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. . . .  Amen. 
*Kyrie 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 
•Praise e   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever , 
•Gloria  Patri 
Hymn  No.  476  "More  Love  to  Thee,  0  Christ" 
Call  to  Prayer;   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  —  Let  us  Pray* 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  "The  Garden  of  Easter" 
•Doxology  No.  382 
Anthem:   "The  Promise  of  the  Rainbow" 
Scripture:   Ephesians  5:  15-21 

Sermon:   "When  It's  Over  It's  Time:  To  Make  Mus£cTl 
Closing  Hymn  No.  455  "I  Am  Thine,  0  Lord" 
•Benediction 
Closing  Chimes 

Postlude   "Fanfare  for  a  Festival" 
+  +  +   +  +       *Congregation  Standing     +  +  +  +  +  + 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mrs.  Ann  Williams  to  the  Glory  of  God. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Richard  Mangel,  Don  Kingsley, 

Dick  Dally  and  Ed  Walker. 
Mr,  4  Mrs,  Leroy  Andrews  Jr.  will  greet  the  congregation 

at  the  door  this  morning. 
Nursery  will  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Jane  Snyder. 
Don  Kennedy  and  Don  Kingsley  wi 1 1  be  visit ing  the 

hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  125  with  12  visitors. 

MONDAY  -  Spang 'a  Volleyball 
THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-S 

Basketball  8-10 
SATURDAY  -  Basketball    10-12 

Hall   Rental  4:00 

*  EASTER  EGGS  -  Orders  and  order  forms  are  to  be  turned 
in  today.  Please  give  them  to  Ginny  Mangel  or  bring 
to  the  office.   If  you  forgot  your  order,  please  call 
Ginny  at  home  this  afternoon. 

^PRAYER  MEETINGS  -  starting  February  23th  we  are  having 
Prayer  MeetiE:gs  once  a  week.   They  will  always  be  on 
Thursdays  at  3:00  P.M,   If  you  would  like  to  become 
an  active  part,  please  plan  to  come.  We  will  be 
joining  in  prayers  for  the  church,  needs  in  our  lives 
and  many  others.   See  you  then, 

-NEW  MEMBERS  -  will  be  received  into  the  church  on  March 
31st,  Palm  Sunday.  If  you  know  of  anyone  interested 
in  becoming  a  member,  please  let  the  office  know. 


_Z^L0VE  LOAVES  -  are  available  to  those  who  were  not  here 
on  Wednesday  evening.  Please  pick  them  up  in  the 
back  of  the  Sanctuary.   The  offering  from  these  goes 
to  the  needy  in  Africa. 
Daily  Bread  Booklets  and  Moody  Monthly  may  be  picked  up 
in  the  Narthexi 
j^ There  are  some  extra  copies  of  the  Jewish  Evangelism 
booklets  in  the  office.   If  you  would  like  one  you 
v     may  pick  it  up  in  the  office  or  on  the  table  in  the 

.  extend  our  Christian  love  and  sympathy  to  the 

families  or  our  two  members  who  passed  away  this 
past  week*   I'm  sure  that  all  or  us  $o±n   me  in  ex- 
pressing our  sympathy  to  the  Carney  fa:  Lily  and  to 
the  family  of  Emeraon  -ise. 


Community  Bible  Church  -  Sajraoore,   Pa,  March  8,  1992 

Prelude 

Announeenente/8rset logs/prayer  Requests 


Ascription 

Call  To  Worship: 

0  COME,    LET  US  SING  INTO  THE  LORD:    LET  US  MAKE  A 
JOTTBL  NOTSE  TO  THE  HOCK   OP  OWN   SALTATION. 

LET  ¥S  COME  BEFORE  HIS  PRESENCE  WITH  THANKSGIVING 
AND  MAKE   A  JCWCTL  NOISE   UNOT  MM  WITH   PSALMS 


Offering/Prayer 
•Doxology 
Pastoral  Prayer 
If  yam 

Scripture:  Epheslans  "5:15-21 
Sermon:  "When  It's  Oyer  Ot'a 


•Hyrni 

'Benediction 
" Post lude 


Time:  To  Make  MbbIc" 

St.  Paul's  Boiler. 


7^S< 


V 


seap  Lie  imB-i9  Gyv      r  '  /r-  v 

Bead  Pres  minatr  -  Howard  Thorman-when  Itia  ryer 
»■   15*CTHCMSPECTLT  <  EXACTLY, CAOTTfLT.ACIRATLT 

Lltrl  interp.B  CONSTNTLT  TAKING  HEED  HOW  ACffRTLT  •  F  CONMCTTNG 
BRSELTS 
T    \o  wis  Virms.lO  foolish  -  Js  xli  -  WATCH  t,  WAIT 
Vb   .       REDEEM  la    -  2BB7  HP     THOZ  FEEET  HCMENS  NEVR  CUM   AGIN 
fllna  Kyle  Saanel  CrUeton  -  Life) 
Son*  aeyrl  yre  »ro  .Tint,   DON'T  RUN  OBT  ON  ME 
Samone  sed.ONE  LIE  TWIL  SBNH   PAS.CNLT  THAT  BfN  k  XP  WIL  LAST 
(Ilus  Oneen  Victoria  ft  G1t  milins  4nothr  inch  or  tint 
Vee  17-l8«Cp  Diseips  at  Pent  t,  pen  thot  dmn.k 
Ell  w/H  Sp 

ros  19-?l»Resaits  of  I  Sp  fills' 
h  Basic  things: 

l.sinj  Pa  -  wh/dun  sum  congs  then  t  now 

thoz  compos  Xelan  songs  t,  Basle, then  ft  now 
Da»  wrot.Mak  Joyfal  Nois  Into  Th/Lord 
2. Lift  harts  t,  spirits  In  sing  2  G,   Wt  dun  ^Blleyr 

3.BlieTr  ehadB  oTrwhel  u/complet  lur  of  G  thra  Js  Xp 

do  hy-prayr/pablie  w-rehlp/read-obey  G'a  Word  8,  Xpian  Serylf 

4.S«»«it  2ea  othr  3*dvaneaeot  I  welB  ea  othr 
show  lttr/eoneern  *tea  othr 

All  this  outgrowth   frAaas 
(•"AD-Thurman  -  wen  It'a  Orer.ete) 

(Has  woman  I   11 1   In  amaie) 

JS  XP  CWMS  INTO  LIYS  EA  TS  AT  XMAS 
WEN  XMAS   IS  OVR  t  WE  HAV  LERND  2B   FOLOWR   OF  HTM, 
I   BLIEV  WE  2CAN  SAT  2HIM-THANK   t  LORD  JS.TOB'VE  HADE  MT   LIFE 

LET  B5  1  BO»T  WORK  OF  XMAS  S,  W/fcA   THEZ  THINGS  WE  LKD  AT,    LET  US 
B    DO  THEM  OFR   DAILT  LTVS 
t,  LET  THEZ  LIVS  WE  LIT  GIV  *»TH  TH/MAK  Or  MBSIC  IN  OIR  HARTS 


",vhen  It'.-   Over   It  'r   Tine:    To   Hake   Music" 

Scripture:    KpheFians   5J15-21 
xieg   Js   minstry  read=Lk  4  ll8-19=Naz  syn         etc. 
(Read  Howard   Thurman  'ihen  Chiistmas   ovr, etc, etc) 
Sine   Xmas   Ik   thez   issu   1  by  1,&  now  final=Hake    Music 
£ph  5:15=Gr=circumspec2eaxetly,   carf ly,acuratly=thus- 
be     -onetan  tsk  heed  how  acuratly  U   H  conduc   eelvs 
P*      advic   2Bllevr  ""watch  how  liv, daily  walk  measur  2B 
Xplike,&  avoid   einfl  act  by  clos   scrutny  aspects   life 

Juml  foolish  no  prep   self   Xpian  liv  £  shud   act  wise 
(Ilua   10  wise   virgins, 10  foolish  virgins )&   Js  say= 
Watch  &  Vait  &  P  say  exact  bout  day /day   Xpian  life 

vs   16=P  say  mak  posib  use   time   Bcuz   time    liv  fill 
with  trubl, tempts   etc  keep  Bllevr   liv   Xpian  life 
Redeem=buy  up   thoz   fleet    moraens   nevr  cum  agin 
(Quote   Kyle  Samuel  Critchton  bout   life) 
wat  F  mean=  Redeem  Time 
Hu   song=Time   Don't   Run  Out  On  Me=lv  time    stil  do  thing 

S.  this   wat   hapn  ea   U3   whethr   want    or   no=-we   no   stop 
As  sit  here   mins   lif   tik  way,ea   tik  shortn  livs  an- 
othr  moment 
Wat   R  we  do  w/livs'j   count  4  eternty?  "'uml  say=l   lif, 

twil   soonB  pas,onljr  wat  dun  4  Xp  wil  last 
Wat  R  we  do  4   Js   Xp? 

(Ilus    Sliz    1  I    "wil  riv   milions  4   nothr  inch  lif) 
vss   17-18=  Wil   of  G=H  rP  indwel  us   2pt   B  fil  w/things 

G  as  tho  drunk 

(examp  Acts/  entcost   &  discips  thot   SB  drunk) 
F  say  shudB  eoidenc   Blievr  lif; lif  yield  2  Lord   is 
sho  by   lif    B   liv  str/powr   from   L  "imself 
vss   19-21=thez  vs  sho  resul  B  fp  fil   &  sho  4 things 
lst=Rlievre   shudB  spk  ?pethr=nean  shar  rs,hymn,sp  son; 

I      Dav  Ps  as   sung   Jews   &.  pass  on 

Hj.nns=Xpian  sons:  compos   2elQg  cones 

fp  songs-song-s   compos  sp   joy  &  rho  4-th  song/sing 
P  s„y  Blievr   shudB  encourag  lif  hart/voic   praia  5 

&  wat  say  stil  aply  2day  s  "crip=Dav  say=Kak   joyfl  m 

nois  un2  1  £  this   ment   sing/play   instru   in  worsh  G 
2nd=vs  19B=lif   hart/sp  sing:  2  G  4wst  dun  4  Blievr 
3rd=vs  20=Blievr   shudB  overwhelm  cimplet   luv  givn  by 

G  as  sho   thru   Js  Xp 
shud  evok  thankfl  hart/sp   in  wh  ea  Blievr  rendr  thai 
many  dif   ways   his    lif 
this   dun=prayr;pub   worst] ; read/obey  G*B    V/ord;do  deeds 
Xpian  eervic   wenevr,wherevr  posibi 
4th=vs  21=mean  houshol  faith, conre  wh   serv  &  Blong, 

seek  advanc   &  welE  othrs   as  wel  as   self 
no   lraan  sho,individ  efort 

insted,combin  efort  2p;ro  faith  £  do  so  by  submit 

our  desir  4persnl   priory  2shar  wat  we   H,wat  hav  2peth 


ea  iEHue   Ik  ea  wk  hav  C  nil  outgrowth   of      las  3/ 

Xmas   bring  inP   harts /livs    infant    Js   prru        manhud   £ 
,    Bgan  minstry  aftr  prelims   of  prep  4  mins>„rv 
Xmas   equip   us  w/prelim  2Bgin  Xpian  livs , but" wen  song 
of  angls   silent=(Pead  v.'en   Xmas   Is  Ovr   apin) 
(Ilua   woir,an,lif  music   Bcuz   teachr  hi  skul) 
Js     p  cum   in?   livs   ea  yr   Xmas  ,but  wen   Xmas   is   ovr  & 
;we   tiav  lern  wat   is  2B  fol   of  Him,  I  Bliev  we   2  can  sav 
|2   Him, "Thank   U   lord    Js, You've   made    my   life" 

Let  usB  bout  work  of  Xmas   &  w/ea  things   we   shudB  do 
as  we   liv  daily  livs, 
let  thoz   livs  we   liv  giv  4th  the   Making  of   Music   in 
our  harts . 


When  It's  Over  It's  Tine:  To  Make  M»slc" 


*/»*■/ 


#- 


Scripture:  Ephesians  5:  15-20 

As  we  have  said  before, 

At  the  beginning  of  Jesus1  ministry,  Pie  read  a  Scripture  from  Isaiah  in  the 

synagogue  in  Nazareth  as  we  find  recorded  in  Iuke  4:18-19,  (readthis). 
Howard  Thurman  a  Presbyterian  -inister  wrote  the  lines,  (read  this). 
Since  Christmas  we  have  been  involved  in  a  series  in  which  we  have  looked  at 
each  one  of  these  issues.   Now  we  have  come  to  the  final  issue  which  admon- 
ishes us  that,  "'A/ben  It's  Over  It's  Time:  To  Make  Music."  For  our  ,3„ripture 
we  are  looking  at  Paul's  words  to  the  church  in  Ephesus . 

In  this  5th  chapter  he  is  advising,  in  the  15th  verse,  "See  then  that  ye  walk 
circumspectly,  not  as  fools,  but  as  wise." 

The  Greek  word  used  for  "circumspectly"  means,  "exactly,  carefully,  accurate- 
ly." And  the  literal  interpretation  would  read,  "be  constantly  taking  heed 
how  accurately  you  are  conducting  yourselves."   Paul's  advice  is  to  the  be- 
liever to  watch  how  he  lives,  how  his  daily  walk  is  measured  by  seeking  to 
live  Christlike,  and  how  he  avoids  sinful  acts  by  keeping  close  scrutiny  on 
every  aspect  of  his  life.   Someone  who  i?  foolish  is  not  prepared  or  preparing 
themselves  each  moment  of  every  day  for  Christian  living  and  Paul 's  continued 
advice  is  to  act  as  a  wise  man  and  not  as  a  foolish  one.   Remember  the  illus- 
tration that  Jesus  gave  c  ncerning  the  10  wise  virgins  and  the  ten  foolish 
ones?  The  16  wise  virgins  had  their  lamps  trimmed  and  oil  to  maintain  them 
for  extended  use.   The  foolish  ones  ran  out  of  oil  and  when  they  went  to  get 
some  the  bridegroom  was  ushered  into  the  house,  the  door  was  shut,  and  they 
missed  out  on  the  toedding  feast.   And  Jesus  advice  was  to  "watch  and  wait." 
This  is  exaafctly  what  Faul  was  saying  about  living  the  Christian  life  day  by 
day. 

His  further  advice,  completing  the  sentence  in  the  16th  verse  is,  "Redeeming 
the  time,  because  the  days  are  evil." 

Paul  was  advising  for  believes   ' «'  make  tie  ;•  t  j  :-l;'  :.  ui    f  thi  Lr  biraa 

because  the  times  in  which  they  lived  were  full  of  troubles  and  temptations 

and  all  of  the  other  things  which  can  and  do  keep  a  believer  from  living  the 

Christian  life.  Paul  was  saying  to  "redeem"  or  to  "buy  up  those  fleeting  mon- 

ents  which  will  never  come  aprain,  Kyle  Samuel  Crichton  writes:  Life's  a 
precious  and  wonderful  thing.   You  can't  sit  down  and  let  it  lap  around  you., 
...you  have  to  plunge  into  it;  you  have  to  dive  ixtfcBxii  through  it!   And  you 
can't  save  it,  you  can't  store  it  up;  you  can't  horde  it  in  a  vault.   You've 
got  to  taste  it,  you've  got  to  use  it.   The  more  you  use  the  more  you  have... 
...  that's^the  miracle  of  it." 

This  is  what  Paul  measn  by  "Redeeming  the  time."  There's  a  new  song  out 

Kk±aii  which  sings,  "Time,  don't  run  out  on  me."   And  that  is  what  is  happening 

in  each  of  our  lives  whether  we  want  it  to  happen  or  not.   We  can't  stop  it. 

As  we  sit  here,  the  minutes  of  our  life  are  ticking  away.   Each  tick  shortens 

our  life  by  another  m me nt.   What  are  we  doing  with  our  lives  that  is  counting 

for  eternity?   Someone  has  said,  "One  life,  twill  soon  be  past,  only  that  done 


-2- 

Eiiaabeth  I, 

flor  Christ  will  last."   What  are  we  doing  for  Jesus  Christ?   Queen  XlSSHKIS 

ruled  an  empire  on  which  it  was  boasted  the  sun  never  set.   That  is  because 

no  matter  where  the  sun  was  shining  it  was  shining  m  some  territory  owned  or 

operated  by  the  British  Kingdom.   She  had  closets  of  clothes  that  she  never 

could  possibly  completely  wear;  she  had  more  food  than  anyone  could  ever  eat; 

she  possessed  all  and  more  that  life  had  to  offer  anyone;  and  yet,  when  she 

lay  on  her  deathbed  she  cried  twx    "I  will  give  millions  for  another  inch  of 

time."  She  had  enjoyed  70  years  of  life,  but  used  them  for  the  gathering  of 

wealth  and  the  pursuit  of  pleasures  and  ambitions. 

Then  ^aul  gives  the  advice,  "Wherefore  be  ye  not  unwise,  but  understanding 
what  the  will  of  the  Lord  is.   And  be  not  drunk  with  wine,  wherein  is  excess; 
bjrt  be  filled  with  the  Spirit." 

The  will  of  God  is  that  His  Holy  Spirit  indwells  us  to  the  point  of  our  being 

so  filled  with  Him,  with  God  and  the  things  of  God  that  it  is  as  though  we 

were  drunk.   Remember  in  the  book  of  Acts  how  spirit  filled  the  disciples 

were  and  the  people  around  them  accused  them  of  being  drunk?   This  is  what 

Paul  is  saying  should  be  evidenced  in  the  believers  life.  The  yielded  life 

to  the  Lord  is  shown  by  a  life  being  lived  in  the  strength  and  power  from 

the  Lord  Himself. 

And  then  Paul  continues  his  advice  by  telling  the  believers,  "Speaking  to 
yourselves  in  psalms  and  hymns  and  spiritual  songs,  singing  and  making  melod; 
in  your  hearts^  to  the  Lord;  giving  thanks  always  for  all  things  unto  God  and 
the  Father  in  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  submitting  yourselves  one 
to  another  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord." 

In  these  verses  Faul  is   setting  forth  the  results  of  being  Spirit-filled, 

In  these  verses  we  see  four  basic  things.   First,  Faul  says  that  believers 

should  be,  "speaking  to  yourselves"  and  by  this  he  means  that  together  they 

should  be  sharing  together  in  Psalms,  hymns,  and  spiritual  songs.   Now  there 

are  those  who  try  to  differentiate  between  these  types  of  musical  composition 

Paul  was  merely  saying  to  sing  Psalms  which  were  done  in  some  congregations. 

These  were  the  Psalms  of  David  as  sung  by  the  Jews  in  their  worship  and  were 

handed  down  to  the  Christian  congregations.   But  there  were  those  who  were 

composing  Christian  hymns  and  spiritualj'directed  songs  and  music  for  worship. 

Paul  Is  saying  that  believers  whould  be  encouraged  to  lift  up  their  hearts 

and  voices  in  giving  praise  to  God  in  this  manner.   And  what  he  is  saying  is 

still  biblical  and  Scriptural  because  we  read  several  timep  in  the  "''salms  of 

David  that  he  admonishes,  "Make  a  joyful  noise  unto  the  Lord."   This  meant  to 

sing  and  to  play  musical  instruments  in  the  worship  of  God. 

The  seoond  thing  in  these  verses  is  the  "singing  and  making  melody  in  your 
heart  to  the  Lord." 

Once  again,  this  is  the  lifting  of  hearts  and  spirits  in  singimr  to  God  for 
what  He  has  done  for  the  believer. 

The  thid  thing  is  to  "giva  thanks  always  to  God  the  Father,"  for  all  things. 
A  believer  should  be  overwhelmed  by  the  complete  love  siven  by  God  as  shown 
through  Jesus  Christ.   This  nhould  evoke  a  thankful  heart  and  spirit  in  which 
each  believer  renders  his  thanks  in  many  different  ways  in  his  life.   It  is 


-3- 

prayer  that  we  do  thi»;  it  ts  by  public  worship;  it  is  by  reading  and  obeying 
God's  Word;  and  it  is  by  doing  deeds  of  Christian  ?ervace  whenever  and  where- 
ever  possible. 

And  the  fourth  thing  is  for  believers  to  submit  to  one  another.   This  means 
that  in  the  household  of  faith,  in  the  congregation  in  which  we  serve  and 
belong  we  seek  to  submit  ourselves  to  the  advancement  and  well-being  of  each 
other.   It  isn't  a  one  man  show,  or  an  individualistic  effort.   Instead,  it 
is  a  combined  effort  of  showing  forth  our  love  and  concern  for  one  another. 
We  help  each  other  to  grow  in  the  faith  and  we  do  this  by  submitting  our  de- 
sire for  personal  gain  or  glory  to  sharing  what  we  are  and  what  we  have  to- 
gether. 

In  each  of  the  issues  we  have  looked  at  each  week,  we  have  seen  that  all  of 
them  are  an  outgrowth  of  Christmas.   Christmas  brings  into  our  hearts  and 
lives  the  infant  Jesus  who  grew  to  manhood  and  began  His  public  ministry 
after  the  preliminaries  of  preparation  for  ministry.   Christmas  equips  us 

with  the  preliminary  to  begin  our  Christian  lives,  but  when  the  song  of  the 
angels  is  silent;  when  the  star  in  the  sky  is  gone;  when  the  kings  and  the 
princew  -ire  home;  when  the  shepherds  are  again  tending  their  sheep;  when  the 
manger  is  darkened  and  still,  the  work  of  Christmas  begins: 
to  find  the  lost, 
to  heal  the  broken, 
to  feed  the  hungry, 
to  rebuild  the  nations, 
to  bring  peace  among  the  people, 
to  befriend  the  lonely, 
to  release  the  prisoner, 
to  make  music  in  the  heart. 

(Illustration  of  woman  and  life  in  music  1        >f    nu  >ic 

K  woman  attended  a  meeting  where  she  met  her  former  high  school  music 
teacher  whom  she  hadn't  Peen  for  many  years.   She  introduced  1  jrself 
and  then  explained  how  ±km   much  extra  time  and  encouragement  the  teacher 
had  given  her.  She  said,  "T  was  so  inspired  by  y<   '"   ;  J  d  ";ided  to 
continue  my  music  education  in  college  and  graduate  school.   Now  I   i 
a  music  pr  C    -.-  and  the  head  of  the  entire  music  department  of  a  cert- 
ain college,"  which  she  named.   Later  as  they  said  goodbye  to  each  other, 
phe   teacher  said  to  her  former  pupil,  "Thank  you  for  saying  those  nice 
things  about  my  teaching  and  encouragement.   You  have  made  my  day." 
The  woman  replied,  "Oh  no,  let  me  thank  you.   You've  made  my  life." 

Jesus  Christ  comes  into  our  lives  each  year  at  Christmas,  but  when  Christmas 

is  over  and  we  have  learned  what  it  is  to  be  a  follower  of  Him,  I  bel:'eve  we 

too  can  say  to  Him,  Thank  you  lord  "esus,  You've  made  my  life.   Let  us  be 

about  the  work  of  Christmas  and  with  each  of  the  things  we  should  be  doing 

as  we  live  our  daily  lives,  let  those  lives  we  live  give  forth  the  making 

of  music  in  our  hearts. 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler t    Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  March  3,  1935 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,   Minister  of  Music 
Megan  Hewis,  Acolyte 
Kelly  Mangel ,  Acolyte 
++   ++   ++   ++   ++   ++   +  +■   ++   +■+   ++   ++   ++   *+   ++ 
ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude  "There  is  a  Green  Hill  Far  Away" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
^Processional  Hymn  No*   240  "Fairest  Lord  Jesus" 
♦Ascription 
'Exhortation 

♦Confession  tin  Unison)  "Again  we  confess,  0  God,  that 
we  are  not  ready  to  bear  our  cross,  getting  involved 
in  the  life  of  the  world  as  a  Christian  is  just  too 
much  right  now.  We  do  not  want  to  take  the  risk  of 
being  isolated  from  the  crowd,  even  though  the  crowd 
is  not  on  your  side.   But  Father,  we  want  to  get  in- 
volved with  you,  really  we  do.   Our  sin,  indeed  my_ 
gin,  is  that  we  are  not  willing  to  make  any  commit- 
ments to  you  or  anyone  else.   Please  forgive a  Lord 
Jesus,  for  feeling  this  way.   Grant  your  peace*  Amen* 
*Kyrie 

♦Assurance  of  Pardon 
♦Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lqrd  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious,  name 
forever . 
*Gloria  Patri 
Hymn  No.  230  "His  Name  is  Wonderful" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  you 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  —  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  "Beneath  The  Cross" 
*Doxology  No.  3&2 
Anthem:   "Were  You  There?" 
Scripture:   Matthew  26:14-16 
Sermon;  "Seen  in  the  Crowd:  A  Traitor" 
*Closing  Hymn  Wo.  224  "If  That  Isn't  Love" 
♦Benediction 
"Closing  Chimes 
•Poetlur    ■ "HARKI  Ten  Thousand  Harps  and  Voices" 


> 


> 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed 

by  Mrs.   Ellen  Bauer  in  memory  of  loved  ones. 

Mr.  &  Mrs.  Paul  Reiner  will  greet  the  congregation 

at  the  door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Art  Carney,  Ban  Bosko,  Martin 

Henry,  and  John  Snow, 
Nursery  will  provided  today  by  Mrs •  Jane  Snyder. 
Sandy  Sheppeck  and  Mid  Diefenderfer  will  be  visiting 

the  hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  141  with  17  visitors. 

ospitaliaed;  BMH  Betty  Jaillet 
MONDAY  -  Women's  Mary  Prugh  Circle  7:30  P.M. 

Bpang's  Volleyball  6:30  -  9:30 
TUESDAY  -  Aerobics   6-7 

Chancel  Choir  Practice  7:00  F,M. 
WEDNESDAY  -  Council  Meeting  7:00  P.M. 
THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-8 

Basketball  8  -  10 
SATURDAY  -  Basketball  10  -  12 
EASTER  EGGS  -  We  will  be  starting  to  make  them  on 

March  11,  you  can  still  order  if  you  wish,  contact 

Dick  Mangel, 
PRAYER  MEETINGS  -  We  will  be  having  our  second  meeting 

this  THURSDAY  at  8:00  P.M.,  if  you  would  like   to 

become  an  active  part,  please  plan  to  come.  We  will 

be  having  prayers  for  the  church,  needs  in  our  live 

and  many  other  concerns, 
NEW  MEMBERS  -  Will  be  received  into  the  church  on 

March  31st,  Palm  Sunday,   If  you  know  of  anyone 

interested  in  becoming  a  member,  please  let  the 

office  know. 

"SPECIAL  ANNOUNCEMENT:   MONDAY  MARCH  4,  7:00  P.M. 

A  joint  meeting  of  the  Activities,  Hospitality  and 
Follow-up  Committees  in  the  Undercroft. 

EASTER  LILIES  -  You  can  put  your  order  in  for  Easter 
Lilies  now.   Cost  will  be  $5.25  each. 

++  ++  ++  ++  ++  ++  ++  ++  ++  ++++++++    ■*■ 


IN  MEMORY  OF: 


r3een   In  The  C^owd  :    A  Traitor" 
I     .crip:    Wt.    26:14—16 
L'ur  minstry   Js   oft  read-Crowd  multudi.      folo  Him 

ironic  ]il'  laa  lays  also  auroun  by  crowds  but  mixtur 
thoz   luv,bin  brot   salvatin/thoz   curious=thos  hostil* 

As  vu  crowd  we  go  PC  few  selec  individs  &  analya  the: 
to'  ill  ennyB.sum  f  rends, a  few  dif  ,but  any  crowd  iitt 
suruUn   Js   fchoz   who  luv  6   R   of   servlc/thos    hate   &  dise: 

ft  this   includ  Ch   Js   Xp;no  matr  how  hard   try  keep  pur 

Booties    tUer  ":   fchos  who       i  col  '■      oo   pli       ''    '" 
.       v-    !  ■■        \    ■".     SUITOR" 

the   man  of'cors   is    Judas   Isacriot=twn   Kerloth 
]ocr.   Judea   S  »    bribe    "  de  i,     -\.      :      :.  '   ""  ^;■1 

so  seprat   from  rest  very  Bgin 
bin  w/Js  5yrs;taut  by  nim.givn  powr  heal   ft  yet  turn 

Pleas   understjregardles  wat   sy  this  norn,  Judas=Traitr 
betray   Js,evn  tho  had   op  do  othrwis,so  as  cum   Scrip 
Jmo   Judas   lik  othr  discip3,prob  respec   by  them 
Bcuz  givn  job   treasur ,handl  mony  bag  wh/their  wealth 
from  bag    Judas  ^av  mony  poor,bot   food, etc. 
so   Judae   no  outcast  during  yrs  minstry   Jr 
trior   Scrip  this  morn   Js, discips   nous   Simon  Leper 
Kary=sistr   Martha, Laz  pour  ferfum   Js   &  discip  no  lik 
Gospl    Jn=pt   out    Judas   led  protest  cudB  use  4  poor, 
ft    Jn  say   Judas   say  Bcuz  steal  irony 
Kay  welE   Judas  saw   Js   giv  up  set   Kingdm  wen  excus 
waste   expensiv  oerfum  as   anoint   self  *  burial, 
vf-e   14-16«Why   Judas  wil  Btray    Js   3o  pc  ;   silver? 
this   price   com  -t.   slav=Vv'at  drov  ?it?   ft  why  aftr   B  no 
mor  disobed  than  othr  discips   eundnjy  want   sel   Js  . 
m«-»   hav  bin  Eiddn  motiv;join  Js    S.  discips   Eliev  Js 
r«      rKessiah;Js   acpt, discips  aopt  &   Judas  may  wel 
thot    Js   set   up  kingdm  ft  they  rule  with  Him 
v,en   Js  hail   as   King, Ik   Ilk  set   in  motin.but  wen  re- 
turn Bethany  ft  Bgin  spk  burial, may  spark    Judas   2 
instirat  mov   fore  hand    Js  aser'.    -elf, est  kingdm  ertr 
No  1  kno  loertin  if  this   tru,hut  hav   scrips  2bakup 
Quest  remain, why    Js   chos    Judas?   Did^kno  betray  Him.' 
ft  if  did, why   pik  sural  turn  agin  Hior 
We  dont  kno  whys, but   Judas  conduc   self   lik  othrs 
It   Petr  cal   Satan  by   Js  wen  contradic   aftr  Tran.-fig. 
ACtr    Judas   mak  aran^men  betray   Js.ecen   set   Las  ■  up 
vss  21-22=from  respons   wat    Js  sed,nol  knu  who   ^trayr 

had  known, wud  hav  pt  finer 
v=^   ?=u24-=custmary  host   tak^eleinnts   ft  dip  ft  pass   next 

seat   arang  U  shap,tabl  midl  U  reclin  e«skia«; 
Jn  sat   1st, then   Js.then   Judas   Bcuz  read   Jn  ask  who 
Btray   ft   Js   anser  ffiv  dip  2,6  giv  2    Judas 
probly  Js   no  spk  4all  2hear,   ft   Jn  say    Js   tol  do  quil 


Ko  read  othr  discips   ouert   wher    Judas   go  2/ 

..  probly   Bliev   erand   4-    Js 
tow   seen  arang   arest    Js 
|  ves  4?-49=here   kis   Btrayl  by  The   Traitor 

involv  hidn  mean  wh/opn  quest  wat    iTudas   motivs  wer 
arang  Kis   Js   ft  <1r=kis=PHILEIN, plain  ordnary  kiss 

, custmary   discip   kis    Rabbi  .favrit    teachr,Bloved 
ni-uhin  unusul  bout   this 
but  wen  cam  up   Js,Hail   Mastr,ft  kissed  Him 

agrement  2kis  only;insted  pav  greet  Bloved  teachr 
&  word  Cr=ki3sed=KATAraiLEIfJSm»an  kiss  repeatedly, 
par  -nionately ,  fervently. 

NO   JUr   KISo,kiss   of   luv, repeatedly ,pasinonatly ,ferv 
How  cud   man  bent   Btray  kis   lik  this? 

mos   llklji  wud  only  eiv  peek  cheek, but   not   Judas 
Insted,giv  kis   as    1   Bloved    &  1   anser   mayB,wen  step 
bak,thot    Js  wud  blast   thez   peopl  ft  Bgin  asert  reign 
ae   Messiah  ft  Bgin  establish  kingdm 

But   Js   no  do   "■  shatr   Judas   corepletly 
Hex  read   27:3-5 

Judas  now  awar  horibl  thing  did;asham,disgus  ,w/self 
plan  prod  Js  in2  actin  bakfir  S  complet  dislusin/shal 
so  went   Tempi  ft  word   use   Temple   no  mean  precin/corts 

it   use  4   tempi   itself , inner  portin, sanctuary 
mean  Judas   pass   thru  oorts   ft.  ariv  cort   Israelites 

T&is   cort   sperat  priests /peop  from  inner  portin 

wher  peop  cud    no  go 
Ask  priest?    tak  mony  bak,but  wud   not,':   with  all   mite 
thru    mony   at   them  &   sound   rine  thru   temple 
In  despar  no  C  any  othr   cors   cept  end   it  all 

Go  Vally  Kidron  ft  Hinnom  meet, climb   hill;tak  off 

s"ash,ty  tree,rnd   nek  ft  step  off  edpre 
(      )  prob   sash  brk,limb  brk/both  ft  tfal  hedlone  dwn 
slop   on  rocks  &   body  out   ft  brokn=Petr   say   Acts   1:18 

he    Ik  Traitr  seen  in  C^owd  wat   is   it  we   H  seeing? 
(Ilu?    Judas   sold   self  not  Xp) 
no   mattr  how   Ik   Judas   C  man  refus    acpt    Js  as  ^was 

lie   try  mak   Js   wat  he  want  Kim  2B;it   is    not   Js  who 

canF  chang  by  us, it   we  who  nmsB  chan=;  by   Js 
(Ilu   Daily  Bred  ft.  pompous   strut  peachr   ft  Xpian) 
Can  peop   identfy  us  as.   Xpians?   Do  they   C  Xp  our   livs 
Bcuz   He   has   chane:  us? 

or  do  they  C  Briaaij  peop  identfy  w/Js   but   R  try 

mak   Js  suit   our   livs/lif styles? 
Judas   start   out   as  devot   folo»er,but   sumwber   along 
way  deeid   chang  J?   2suit  his   needs; imapin  wat  wud 
hav   hapn   if    he   wud   hav    let    Js    chang   him    insted! 

Let  ue-   let   Js   chang  us   &  C  wat  Be   can  do   in  our 

livs! 


"Seen  In  The  Crowd:  A  Traitor" 

Scripture:  Matthew  26:1^-16 

During  the  preaching  of  Jesus  we  often  read  in  Scripture  of  the  "crowds" 
or  "multitudes"  which  followed  Him.   Thus  it  is  ironic  that  in  the  last  days 
of  His  life  He  was  also  surrounded  by  a  crowd.   But  this  crowd  was  a  mixture. 
In  that  crowd  were  people  who  truly  loved  Him  and  had  been  brought  to  salva- 
tion by  Him;  and  in  that  crowd  were  those  whose  curiousity  was  aroused  and 
they  were  still  unable  to  make  up  their  minds  whether  they  wanted  to  be  fiollo- 
wers  or  not;  and  also  in  that  crowd  were  those  who  were  definitely  hostile 
to  Him  and  sought  to  have  Him  put  to  death.   So  as  we  view  that  crowd,  we  are 
going  to  look  at  a  few  select  individuals  and  analyse  them  as  much  as  we  poss- 
ibly can.   Those  we  will  be  looking:  at  are  not  all  enemies  of  Jesus.   A  few 
of  them  are  different  from  the  others.   But  one  thing-  is  certain,  and  that  is 
in  any  crowd  which  surrounds  Jesus  Christ,  there  are  those  elements  of  love 
and  service,  or  elements  of  unbelief  and  disservice.   And  this  includes  the 
very  Church  of  Jesus  Christ.   We  know  that  no  matter  how  hard  any  and  all 
within  the  Church  of  Jesus  Christ  seek  to  keep  it  pure  and  spotless,  there  ars 
still  those  who  become  members  of  the  Church  and  are  far  from  being  committed 
to  Jesus.   Jo  with  this  background  let  us  look  at  those  who  were  "Seen  In  The 
Crowd,"  and  let  us  in  particular  look  at  "A  Traitor." 

The  man  of  course  Is  Judas  Iscariot.   He  derives  his  name  "Iscariot"  because 
he  was  a  man  from  the  town  of  "ISH-KERDOTH, "  which  was  located  in  Judea. 
So  we  are  talking  of  a  man  commonly  called,  "Judas  of  Kerioth"  and  other  than 
where  he  came  from,  we  know  nothing  more  about  him.   But  since  he  was  from 
Kerioth  he  was  a  Judean  and  probably  from  the  tribe  of  Judah  because  we  read 
in  Joshua  15E25  that  Kerioth  was  one  of  the  cities  given  to  the  tribe  of 
Judah  in  which  they  could  live.   All  of  the  other  di-ciples  were  Galileans 
and  Judas  was  a  Judean.   So  in  this  we  see  that  he  was  separated  from  all  of 
the  rest  from  the  very  beginning.   How  as  we  try  to  analyse  this  man  we  know 
that  he  was  with  Jesus  for  3  years.   He  had  listened  to  Him;  he  had  been 
taught  by  Him;  he  had  been  given  the  power  to  heal  like  the  other  disciples 
by  Him;  and  yet  there  was  something  which  made  Judas  turn  against  Jesus.   Tow 
please  understand,  regardless  of  what  we  say  here  this  morning,  nothing  can 
erase  the  fact  that  Judas  was  "A  Traitor."   He  betrayed  Jesus,  even  though  he 
had  opportunity  to  do  otherwise.   So  as  we  come  to  this  portion  of  Scripture, 
we  know  that  Judas  had  been  a  disciple  like  the  others  and  was  probably  re- 
spected by  them,  because  Jesus  gave  him  the  job  of  handling  the  money  bag 
which  constituted  all  of  their  earthly  wealth.   It  was  from  this  bag  that 
Judas  dispatched  money  to  be  given  to  the  poor  and  to  purchase  their  food  and 
what  other  necessities  they  might  need.   So  we  can  grasp  from  this  that  Judas 
was  not  an  outcast  during  the  three  years  ministry  of  Jesus. 


-2- 

Frior  to  what  we  are  using  for  our  Scripture  for  this  morning  there  is  an 
incident  in  which  Jesus  and  His  disciples  were  at  the  home  of  Simon  the  Leper, 
There  was  a  woman  there  who  has  been  identified  as  Mary  the  sister  of  Martha 
and  Lazarus.   She  poured  a  perfumed  ointment  on  the  head  of  Jesus  and  the 
disciples  saw  this  as  a  waste  and  spoke  out  against  it.   In  the  Gospel  of 
John,  Jidas  is  pointed  out  5S  the  one  who  asks  why  this  perfume  was  not  sold 
and  the  money  given  to  the  poor.   And  John  further  states  that  Judas  was  not 
interested  in  the  poor,  but  in  repl^cine;  the  money  he  had  stolen  from  the 
purse.  Here  is  the  prelude  to  the  events  which  futher  transpired  for  Judas. 
1$   may  well  he  that  all  hopes  Judas  had  for  Jesus  setting  up  His  kingdom 
vanished  when  he  saw  Him  excusing  the  waste  of  expensive  perfume  as  an  an- 
ointing of  Himself  for  burial. 

So  then  we  read,  (read  the  scripture,  verses  14-16).   Mow  we  need  to  ask  why 
Judas  was  willing  to  betray  Jesus  for  the  thirty  pieces  of  silver,  which  was 
the  price  of  a  common  slave?   >/hat  drove  him  to  it?   And  why  after  being  no 
more  disobedient  than  any  of  the  other  disciples,  did  he  suddenly  find  reason 
to  sell  his  master? 

In  order  to  answer  these  questions  we  must  investigate  what  may  have  been  his 
hidden  motive.   Judas  may  have  joined  the  select  group  of  disciples  completelj 
believing  that  Jesus  was  the  promised  Messiah.   He  was  accepted  by  Jesus  and 
given  responsibility  like  all  the  rest.   He  must  have  been  accepted  by  the 
other  disciples  or  they  would  not  have  terroitted  him  to  handle  the  money  bag. 
Judas  may  well  have  thought  that  Jesus  was  foing  to  set  up  His  kingdom  and 
each  of  the  twelve  disciples  would  have  a  part  in  the  ruling  of  it.   Ju&aa 
nay  have  envisioned  himself  as  being  the  treasurer  of  tha4:  kingdom.   And  aftei 
all,  Jesus  was  always  talking  about  the  kingdom.   Then  along  came  the  entry 
into  Jerusalem  aid  Js    w  .s  hailed  as  a  King.   Surely  this  would  set  the 
wheels  in  motion  for  Jesus  bo  overthrow     '  iraans.   But  when  Jesus  returned 
to  Bethany  and  spoke  of  dying,  perhaps  this  sparked  Judas  to  instigate  a  move 
to  force  the  hand  of  Jesus  to  assert  Himself  and  establish  His  kingdoir  on 
earth.   Ho  one  knows  for  certain  if  any  or  this  is  true,  but  we  do  have  Scrip- 
ture to  back  up  n_   supposition  such  as  bhis.   The  question  always  remains, 
"Why  did  Jesus  choose  Judas?  Did  He  know  that  Judas  would  betray  Him?  And 
if  He  did  why  pick  someone  who  would  burn  against  Kim?"  Vm   don't  know  all 
of  the  answers,  but  we  do  knew  that  Judas  conducted  himself  like  all  of  the 
resi;.   He  wasn't  called  S&tan  like  Teter  was  one  time.   Peter  had  been  privi- 
leged to  see  Jesus '  Transfiguration  and  to  share  that  spiritual  mountaintop 
experience.   Yet  when  he  came  back  down  from  that  experience  he  made  a  declara 
tion  that  contradicted  what  Jesus  had  said  about  having  to  suffer  and  ±wx   die. 
And  at  this  point,  Jesus  said,  "Get  behind  me  Satan." 
SO  after  **  ,uaa8  „aa  „a,e  t„e  arran^ents  an*  Jesus  »as  sh„illg  the  T^ 


-3- 
to  betray  Jesus.   And  the  scene  is  that  of  Jesus  sharing  the  Last  Supper  with 
His  disciples.   So  we  read  in  the  ?lst  and  22nd  verses  of  this  chapter,  (read 
these).   Now  from  this  response  to  what  Jesus  had  said,  it  is  evident  that 
no  one  knew  who  the  betrayer  was.  Had  they  known,  they  would  not  have  quest- 
ioned, but  would  have  pointed  the  finger. 

Then  Jesus  said  in  verses  23  and  24,  (read  these).   It  was  customary  for  the 
host  to  take  the  elements  of  food  at  the  Passover,  and  to  psss  dip  them  to- 
gether, and  then  to  pass  them  on  to  the  next  person.   As  far  as  we  know,  the 
seating  arrangement  was  that  the  pillows  on  which  they  reclined  were  placed 
in  a  U  shape  with  the  table  inside  of  the  U.  On  the  first  pillows  on  the 
left  side  of  the  table  reclined  John,  the  beloved  disciple  of  Jesus.   Then 
Jesus  sat,  and  next  to  Him  on  His  left  was  Judas.   We  read  in  John's  Gospel 
that  John  asked  who  the  traitor  was ,  and  Jesus  gave  the  same  answer  as  re- 
corded here  and  then  gave  the  dipped  food  to  Judas.   But  in  all  probability, 
Jesus  didn't  speak  loudly  so  everyone  could  hear.   And  John  also  says  that 
Jesus  spoke  to  Judas  and  told  him  whatever  he  was  going  to  od ,  to  do  quickly. 
And  Judas  departed.   But  we  don't  read  of  any  of  the  other  diciples  question- 
ing where  he  was  goinr  or  what  he  was  soing  to  do.   They  probably  believed 
he  was  on  an  errand  for  the  Lord . 

Mow  the  scene  is  set  for  the  arrest  of  Je?us  as  arranged  by  Judas.  We  begin 
reading  at  verse  47  and  read  through  verse  4°,  fread  these).  Here  is  the 
kiss  of  betrayal  by  the  Traitor.   But  involved  in  this  is  the  hidden  meaning 
which  opens  the  question  of  just  what  the  motives  of  Judas  really  were.   His 
arrangement  to  identify  Jesus  was  a  kiss  which  in  Greek  is  the  word  "IHILEIN'i 
It  was  customary  for  a  disciple  or  follower  of  a  beloved  Rabbi  to  greet  him 
with  a  kiss.   So  there  was  nothing  unusual  about  this.   But  when  Judas  c-,me 
up  to  Jesus  we  read  that  he  greeted  Him  and  said,  "Hail,  master;  and  kissed 
Him."   Wow  his  agreement  was  to  merely  kiss  Him.   But  instead,  he  gave  Jesus 
the  greeting  given  to  a  beloved  teacher.   And  the  word  for  kissed  is  "KATA- 
PHILEIK,"  which  is  an  altogether  different  word  than  ;}ust  "kiss."  This  Greek 
word  means  to  "kiss  repeatedly,  passionately,  fervently."   Now  how  could  a 
man  bent  on  betrayal  kiss  the  betrayed  repeatedly,  passionately,  or  fervently' 
It  is  most  likely  that  had  the  only  intent  of  Judas  have  been  to  deliver  Jesus 
to  the  authorities,  he  would  have  given  ^im  a  peck  on  the  cheek  to  identify 
Him.   Instead,  he  kissed  Him  as  one  beloved.   One  answer  may  well  be  that 
when  Judas  stepped  back,  he  expected  Jesus  to  begin  to  blast  these  people  and 
to  assert  Himself  as  the  Kessiah  and  begin  to  establish  His  kingdom.  But 
Jesus  didn't  do  this  and  this  must  have  shatered  Judas  completely. 
The  next  we  read  of  him  is  in  the  27th  chapter  of  Matthew  beginning  with  the 
3rd  verse.   We  read,  (read  verses  3  through  5).   Judas  was  now  aware  of  the 
fiorritle  thing  which  he  had  done.   He  was  ashamed,  disgusted  with  himself  and 


' 


-4- 

may  well  have  been  his  plan  to  prod  Jesus  into  action  had  backfired  and  he 
was  completely  disillusioned  and  shattered.  So  he  went  to  the  temple  and  the 
interesting  thing  about  it  la  that  the  word  used  for  the  tempfce  is  not  that  oj 
its  precincts  or  outside  courts,  it  ir  the  word  for  temple  itself.   This  means 
that  Judas  passed  through  the  outer  courts  and  into  the  Court  of  the  Israel- 
ites which  was  outside  of  the  Court  of  the  Priests  and  as  far  as  he  could  go. 
He  called  rut  to  them  to  take  their  money  back,  but  t  ey  wouldn't.  And  so  he 
flung  the  money  at  them  and  went  out  and  hung  himself.   In  his  despair  Judas 
can  see  no  other  way  than  to  end  It  all.   So  he  went  out  to  where  the  Kidron 
and  the  Hinnom  valleys  merged  and  he  climbed  the  hill  and  at  the  summit  stop- 
ped at  one  of  the  trees.   He  unwound  thelong  girdle  that  held  his  robe  to- 
gether at  the  middle  and  tying  it  to  the  tree,  put  it  around  his  neck  and 
stepped  off  the  edge.   But  either  the  girdle  broke  under  his  weight,  or  the 
limb  broke  or  both,  and  he  was  thrown  down  on  the  rocks  of  the  cliff  and  died 
as  Peter  said  he  did  as  recorded  in  Acts  1:18. 

As  we  look  at  "The  Traitor"as  xekbi  "^een  In  The  Crowd,"  Just  what  ±±  is  it 
we  are  seeing?   Someone  has  written,  "Still  as  of  old,  Kan  by  himself  is 
priced,  For  thirty  pieces  Bixxi-imjr  Judas  sold  Himself,  not  Christ." 
No  matter  how  we  look  at  Judas  we  see  him  as  a  man  who  refused  to  accept 
Jesus  as  He  was.   He  tried  to  make  Jesus  what  he  wanted  Him  to  be.   It  is  not 
Jesus  who  can  be  changed  by  us,  but  we  who  must  be  changed  by  Jesus. 
You  may  have  read  the  mausing  little  story  recently  in  the  Our  Daily  Bread 
booklet  which  told  of  a  pompous,  strutting  Sunday  School  teacher  who  asked 
his  class,  "'.Vhy  do  people  say  I'm  a  Christian'1 "   Ona  little  boy  raised  his 

•■■  I,  "Maybe  It's  because  they  don't  know  you."   Can   ;ople 
■  Lentify  us  as  being  Christians?  Do  they  see  Christ  in  our  lives?  because  He 
has  changed  us?  Or  do  they  see  people  who  identify  with  Christ,  but  are 
trying  to  make  Jesus  suit  our  lives  and  lifestyles?   Judas  started  out  as  a 
devoted  follower,  but  somewhere  along  the  way  he  decided  to  change  Jesus  to 
suit  his  needs.   Imagine  what  would  have  happened  L£  he  would  have  '^'■:   Jetia 
sha     '  -  Laste  .d!   let  us  let  Jesus  change  us  and  see  what  He  can  do  in  our 
lives ! 


St,  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Ralph  Link,  Pastor  March  10, 

Mr-  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
John  Penrodj  Acolyte 


++ 


++   ++ 


ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  ll;0O  A,M, 

Prelude  "In  the  Shadow  of  the  Palms'" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregation  Greeting 
Joys 
♦Processional  Hymn  No,  95  "At  the  Cross" 
♦Ascription 
♦Exhortation 
♦Confession  (In  Unison)  Most  merciful  Father,  we  confess 

that  we  have  sinned  against  you  and  against  our  fellow- 
men.   We  have  followed  too  closely  the  pathway  that  was 
easy,  and  we  have  done  whatever  we  desired.   We  have 
failed  to  praise  you  with  our  words  and  deeds,  and  we 
have  Ignored  the  needs  of  others.  Even  though  we  have 
known  your  will  for  our  lives,  we  have  failed  to  follow 
It.   Grant  your  mercy  unto  us,  0  Father!  as  we  express 
our  regret  for  that  which  we  have  done.   Receive  us 
again  into  your  fold,  as  we  would  endeavor  to  go  forth 
serving  you  more  faithfully,  in  the  name  of  Christ* 

Amen. 
♦Kyrie 

♦Assurance  of  Pardon 
♦Praise:  Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever. 
•Gloria  Patri 
Hymn  No*  229  1,How  Sweet  the  Name  of  Jesus  Sounds" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  you 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  —  Let  us  Pray 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  "Low  In  The  Grave  He  Lay" 
♦Daxology  No*  382 
Anthem:   Piano  Solo 
Scripture:  John  18:  12-14 

Sermon:   "Seen  in  the  Crowd:  A  Politician" 
♦Closing  Hymn  No.  114  "Wonderful  Grace  of  Jesus" 
•Bened:    ion  j 


♦Closing  Chimes 

♦Postlude  h'Glory  To  Our  Risen  Lord" 
++  ++  ++  ++  Congregation  Standing  ++  ++  ++  ++ 
The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mr*  &  Mrs*  Richard  Mangel  in  memory  of  "Uncle  Jimmy 

Stewart. 
Mr*  if   Mrs.  Harry  Fry  will  greet  the  congregation  at 

the  door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Dutch  Bolam,  Alta  Kradel,  Helen 

Hiemer,  and  Marilyn  Snyder. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Gloria  Walker. 
Carl  Vinroe  and  Art  Carney  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week* 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  130  with  15  visitors. 
MONDAY  -  Spang's  Volleyball  6:30  -  9:30 
TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 
THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6  -  B 

Basketball  8  -  10 
SATURDAY  -  Basketball  10  -  12 
"^ Daily  Bread  Booklets  and  March  Moody  Monthly  may  be 

picked  up  in  the  Narthex. 
>THURSDAY  -  8:00  P.M.  Let  us  come  together  in  one  body 

to  Praise  the  Lord  through  prayer- 
^   NEW  MEMBERS  -  will  be  received  into  the  church  on 

March  31st,  Palm  Sunday.   If  you  know  of  anyone 

interested  in  becoming  a  member,  please  let  the 

office  know. 
EASTER  EGGS  -  We  will  be  making  eggs  tomorrow  evening 

at  7:00.   Come  join  in  the  fun. 
The  Family  of  Emerson  Wise  would  like  to  thank  every- 
one for  their  cards  and  prayers  in  the  loss  of 

their  loved  one.   We  also  wish  to  thank  those  who 

contributed  or  worked  on  the  dinner. 
EASTER  LILIES  -  You  can  put  your  order  in  for  Easter 

Lilies  now.   Cost  will  be  $5.25  each. 


++  ++  ++  ++  ++  ++  ++ 
NAME: 


IN  MEMORY  OF: 


++   ++   ++ 


"^eem   mine    u^uwu: 


rt     I  U  J  J.biVJi«II 


Jcrip:    John  18:12-14 
|CHus  2  politcl  candates   &  arcru=powrfl  intrests 

control   U=U   Iv    ray  wife    out    of   this) 
Ares/trial   Ja   sumwat  sirolr  2this   involv  thoz   who   R 
"Jeen   In  The   Crowd 

'*lo  do   U   Bllev   was   mos    sinstr   persn   imrol   this   deed? 
.n  whos   souldr  wud  I   say  res  responsbilty  4this 
gros  miseariag  of   Justic? 
Per hap  U  mayB  tempt   say  crowd   itself  piltytthex   peop 

yel   selvs  horse   aak  4  Barabas   insted    Jc  ,&  roar  with 

cry=Crucfy  Him.Crocfy  Him  &  may  think  thers   serius 

crime 
But   they  actul  do  bid  of   ottos  taunt /push  in?  outcrys 

Perhap  U   mayB  temp  say=Pilat   mos   ainstr   in  plot  dest 

roy   Jb  &  he  gud   subjec  4  distinctin 
Eut   filat   was'not   the   man=Fo  Jus  who   is  he? 

Scrip  pt   2  two   men  &  ftp  they  control        of   2  .which 

one   is   gilty  of   plot   artin  Js? 
vs   12=  Js   takn,    5  vs   13*a-here   is   anser-A'nas , 

ther   Is    gilty  wan, hut  who  was   he?, read  vs   1?B.READ 
How  we  kno',but  wat  kno   of  Caiaphas?=vs    14-SEAD 

Wen   Js  rais   Laz,read  this    11th  chap   Jn  45th  vs 
(mite   want   tuen  2it=Read  vs  4J) 

As   alway.ttier  thoz  who   ho  kno  wat   Bliev,8:  in  ordr  •? 
keep   status-quo   went   2   so   cal*Authoritys 
vf  46=convers   sumthin  lik  tbis  =  This   fuy  la  changing 

thing-s    arcran.    i:ayB   sumthin  shudB  dun   2   stop  Him. 

B4  we  "kno  it , all  ol  way  worship, syn  rula/rega  wilB 

dun  way  with  &  no  hav  things    lik  always   were 
In  otto' word= they  no   lik  this   guy,::   didnt  want  Him 
making  wavs  with  relig  estab  lik  He  was,1  so  read== 
T     .  ^.yjts^ppecil   council  ranhedrin,suprem  cort    Jews 

-jmpos    71  merobrs   of  wh/Chief   priest   or  pres   was   hed 
read  vss  49-5Q=from  words   '■    think  it   clear  he  think 

long  lines  of  fiomns  destroy  natin  Is.  Pcuz  treasn 

which  Je  bring  bout  , 

Ther  had  bin  talk  Him  B  Pino;  &  set  up  King  aFln  3"i™ 
govt=but  Ik  wher  his  think  came  from=vs  51.READ 


rfhy  didnt  Caiaphas  spk  4  self  -.',110  giv  directins 
nser=Af.NA^,fathr-in-law,he  man  Bhin  scenes  pul  s 


Ans 


strii 


So  now  underst  why  Caiaphas  had    idea   lmsn  dy  insted 

entir  natin 
Sounds   god  duznt   it?    Haka    sens   sacr  1  &  not  evrl 

But  why   Annas  propos    Js  2B  sacrifc? 
1st  time  red   this   proposl.Jn  11 ,  Js   clens   temp  mony 
changrs    ■>.  sellrs 

2nd  read   as  fnd   Scrip  this  morn  tuk  plac   aftr   Js 

had  dense   temp  2nd  time; He   had  hit   2clos   ?hom  lnce 

2oftn 
He  had   hit  powrs  wher  hurt-pockets /pocketbuks 


Annas  control   this   Bhin  scenes , made  him  welthy         2/ 

He  wat  many  politicins   R,man  Bhin  scenr        control, 
pul  strings, hoi  powr ,manip/manuvr 

he   bilt   powrfl   machine   Ss  no  want   ?lose    it 
He   selc  as   Hi   Pr  6AD  7  riil  til   15AD,depos   by  Governor 

but   able  control   situatin  &  replac    sons, 5  of  them, 
wen  ran   out    of   sons=son-in-law 
A^nas   acomp  by  greas   propr  palms   &  g-et   welthy  crooked 
(sel  animls=outsid  declar  unclean/blemjchang  mony) 
so   he  had  gud  rackt  &,hJs  Bpin  disturb/mak  wa»a 

he   no  need   mor  many, 70  yrs   old   at  time  8.   at  end  life 

yet=want   control, want   porwr,&  no  want  let  go 
JA   clash   w/Jaiaphas    &  4mer   Hi   pri  y   '"■■Ids 

(Examp  no  Bliev  resur,reward   aftr  lif,soul  dies  with 
body,&  this   wat   mak   them   Sad   U    See!) 
Js   not   only   talk  lif   aftr  deth,Byon  this   l,rais   peopl 

It  prob   Annas    made   aranp:    Judas    Dlivr    Js    in''   hands 
notic    in  Scrip-Led   2    tanas   lst^among  temp  polic,were 
^oman  pards   2keep   peace»prob   pd   by  Anna's 
i,ow  read  vs  24=  Aftr  Annas   satisfy  this   disturb  harmle 

send   son-in-law  4mockry  setnee  &  apear  B4  puppet 

governor   Pi]  at- 
2  all  intent/purps    lUmas  had  fceatn  yet    aaothr   enemy 
treatn  his   little   empire 

Can  wel   imajjin  him  setl  dwn  hie   nous   that    nite  chuck 

2self   Ecuz   suceed  dispos   upstart  cal=^es^iah 
Did   Annas  realy  win?   Hay  won  "bat  1, but   lost  war 
Jn  19:11= Js   sed   this  bout   Annas, man  Phin  scene  &  he 

mor   ainfl   than   Filat 
Js   taut   bout  sow/reap='.-,'atsorvr  U  sow, that   shal  ye   rea 

Annas   sow  seeds   preed  4powr  %  mony  ft  reap  eternl  dam 
(Tllus  roan  smash  oar  &   no  lv  name   license    -'tc) 
I     ;  felo   get   away  w/deed?   Pe  thot   so, but   sumday, 
sumday,   G  wil  repay  4deed   Jus  a  repay  all  thoz   think 
get  away  w/trifl  with  Him 

G   is   G   of   luv,but   also   G    of    justic 
l>i&y  no  hav  welth  othrs, things  this  worl  but   if  hav 
salv   thru    3v   Xp  we   mor   welthy  any  persn   Bcua  poses 
eternty 

It   no  mattr  win, hav  evrthin  this   lif, insted   it   wat 
Js   sed=wat   shal   it   porf   man  if  gain  who  worl  t  los  sc 
(Ilus  misinary  &  not  home  yet)  soul 

(read  hymn  by  Gaither  It   Will  He   '.'.'nrth   It  all) 


"Seen  In  The  Crowd:  A  Politician" 

Scripture:  John  18:12-14 

(Illustration  of  poilitcal  candidates  arguing  in  debate) 
Two  political  candidates  •-■'   Involved  Ln  a  heated  debate.  Finally  one 
>f  bben  J.  ped  to  his  f     .    lied,  It  the  other,  "What  about  the 
powerful  interests  that  control  you?" 
And  the  other  guy  yelled  back,  "You  leave  my  wife  out  of  this." 

The  arrest  and  trial  of  Jesus  was  somewhat  similar  to  this  involving  those 
who  are  "Seen  In  The  Crowd."   Who  do  you  believe  was  the  sinister  twssm   persoi 
involved  in  this  deed?   On  whose  shoulders  would  you  say  rested  the  responsi- 
bility for  this  gross  miscarriage  of  justice9   Ferhaps  we  may  be  tempted  to 
say  that  it  was  the  crowd  itself  which  was  guilty.  These  people  yelled  them- 
selves hoarse  asking  that  Barabbas  be  released  instead  of  Jesus.   They  roared* 
out  with  the  cry,  "Crucify  Him,  crucify  Him,"  and  for  this  we  may  think  theirs 
was  the  most  serious  crime.   But  they  were  actually  doing  the  urging  and  bid- 
ding of  others  who  taunted  them  and  pushed  them  into  these  outcrys  . 
Perhaps  we  may  be  tempted  to  say  that  it  was  Filate  who  was  the  most  sinister 
in  this  plot  to  destroy  Jesus.   There  are  legitimate  grounds  for  this.   But 
regardless  of  what  he  did  Pilate  was  not  the  man.   So  just  who  was  this  man? 
Our  Scripture  this  morning  points  to  two  men  and  the  group  they  controlled. 
But  of  the  two  men,  which  one  is  guilty  of  the  plot  against  Jesus?   We  read 

in  the  12th  verse,  "Then  the  banc?  and  the  captain  and  officers  of  the  Jews 
took  Jesus  and  bound  Tim." 

Following  this,  the  answer  is  given  in  the  13th  verse.   We  read:  "And  led  Him 
away  to  Annas  first." 

There  is  the  guilty  man!   The  man  named  Annas.   And  who  was  he?   Reading  fur- 
ther in  the  13th  verse  we  discover,  "For  he  was  the  father  of  Caiaphas ,  which 
was  the  high  priest  that  same  year." 

And  then  what  do  we  know  of  Caiaphas?   Just  what  we  read  in  the  14th  verse, 
"Now  Caiaphas  was  he,  which  gave  counsel  to  the  Jews,  that  it  was  expedient 
that  one  man  should  die  for  the  people." 

When  Jesus  raised  Lazarus  from  the  dead  we  read  in  JohnsGospel  that  many  Jews 

came  to  believe  on  Him.   This  is  recorded  in  the  11th  chapter  at  the  45th 

verse.   Since  that's  only  a  few  chapters  back  from  this  one,  you  may  want  to 

turn  to  it  and  seecwhat  John  says.   At  the  45th  verse  we  read,  "Then  many  of 
the  Jews  who  came  to  Mary,  and  had  seen  the  things  which  Jesus  did,  believed 
on  Him. " 

But  as  always,  there  are  thore  who  don't  know  what  they  believe  and  in  order 

to  keep  the  statu?  quo,  went  to  the  so  called  "authorities."  So  we  read  in 

the  46th  verse,  "But  some  of  them  went  their  ways  to  the  Pharisees,  and  told 
them  what  things  Jesus  had  done . " 

In  other  words,  their  conversations  were  something  like  this:  "This  fellow  is 

changing  things      I.   Maybei something  should  be  done  to  stop  Him.   Before 

we  know  it,  all  our  old  ways  of  worship  and  synagogue  rules  and  regulations 

■away  i  ith  and  we  won't  have  things  like  they've  always  been." 


-?- 
In  other  words,  they  didn't  like  or  want  this  guy  making  waves  with  the  re- 
ligious establishment  like  He  was.   So  then  because  of  the  reports  received 

about  Him,  it  is  no  wonder  we  read  in  the  4?th  and  48th  verses t  "Then  gather- 
ed the  chief  priest?  and  the  Pharisees  b  council,  and  said,  ".•»*hat  So  we7 

For  this  man  doeth  many  miracles.   If  we  let  Him  thus  alone,  all  men  will 
believe  on  Him;  and  the  Tomans  shall  come  tnd  '       -  both  our  place  and 
nation. ' " 

The  special  council  which  was  the  Sanhedrin,  the  supreme  court,  or  council  of 

the  Jews  was  called  Into  session^   Phe  lanhedrin  iras  composed  if  71  m   mbe 

of  which  the  chief  priest  was  the  president  or  head.  t>o   we  read  in  the  49th 

and  50th  verses,  "And  .re  of  them,  named  Caiaphas,  being  the  high  priest  that 
same  year,  said  unto  them,  'Ye  know  nothing  at  all,  nor  consider  that  it  is 
expedient  for  us  that  one  man  should  die  for  the  people,  and  that  the  whole 
nation  perish  not."' 

Prom  his  words  and  thinking  it  was  clear  that  he  was  thinking  along  the  lines 

of  the  Romans  destroying  the  nation  of  Israel  completely  because  of  treason 

which  this  Jesus  was  supposedly  bringing  about.   There  had  been  talk  of  Him 
,  was  treason 

being  a  King  and  setting  up  a  king  was  strictly  forbidd-n  and* against  the 

Roman  government.   But  look  at  where  his  thinking  ame  from.   In  the  51st  hei 

yerse  we  read,  "And  this  spoke  he  not  of  himself;  but,  beins;  hiph  priest  that 
year,  he  prophesied  that  Jesus  should  die  for  that  nation." 

Now  why  didn't  Caia;has  speak  for  himself9   Who  was  he  getting  his  directions 
—  from?   Tve  answer  is,  from  Annas  hi;  father-in-law.   Annas  was  the  man  behind 
the  scenes  palling  the  strings.   So  now  we  see  where  Caiaphas  came  up  wit)  th« 
idea  of  one  man  dying  for  the  nation  instead  of  the  entire  nation  being  de- 
stroyed.  It  sounds  rood  doesn't  it?   It  makes  sense  to  sacrifice  one  and  not 
everyone.  But  Just  why  would  Annas  propose  that  Jesus  be  the  one  sacrificed? 
The  first  time  we  read  of  this  proposal  in  John  11,  Jesus  had  cleansed  the 
temple  of  the  moneychangers.   And  this  second  reading  as  found  in  our  Scriptu 
ure  this  morning  took  place  after  Jesus  had  cleansed  the  temple  for  the  sec- 
ond time.   Jesus  had  struck  too  close  to  home  once  too  often.   He  had  hit  the 
powers  that  were  right  where  it  hurt.   That  was  in  their  pockets  and  their 
pocketbooks.   Although  Annas  was  technically  not  in  power  which  the  high 
priest  controlled,  nevertheless  he  was  the  man  behind  the  scenes  controlling 
and  maneuvering  and  manipulating  everything.   Annas  was  what  many  politicians 
are  and  that  is  men  behind  the  scenes  who  control  votes  and  favors  and  things 
iaxHBtxs  either  get  done,  or  don't  get  done  on  the  say  so  of  a  political 
machine  built  usually  by  one  powerful  man.   Annas  was  selected  as  the  high 
priest  in  6AD  and  he  rule  "  until  15A.D.   He  was  replaced  by  tint   one  of  his 
sons  by  the  Homan  governor.   But  Annas  was  able  to  control  the  situation  and 
saw  to  it  that  five  of  his  sons  became  the  high  priest  inn  succession  and  when 
each  in  turn  was  to  be  deposed,  it  was  Annas  who  pulled  the  strings  in  the 
background  to  be  replaced  by  yet  another  son.   But  he  ran  out  of  son's  and  so 
he  had  to  resort  to  his  son-in-law  as  the  next  replacement.   Now  how  did 


-3- 

Annas  accomplish  this?   By  greasing  the  proper  palms.   Annas  was  a  very  wb&s. 
wealthy  man  and  he  became  wealthy  by  seiling^dmals  for  sacrifce  in  the  femp 
le  and  exchanging  fioreign  money  for  the  coin  of  the  realm  with  which  to  pay 
the  temple  tax.   But  for  the/b^imals  and  for  the  money  exchange,  he  charged 
exorbitant  sums  of  money  and  through  his  conniving  and  schemeing  he  made  it 
virtually  impossible  to  buy  sacrificial  ^tyUmals ,  or  exchange  money  outside  of 
the  temple. area.   Animals  bought  outsdie,  mysteriously  were  designated  as 
blemished  and  unclean;  money  exchanged  outside  of  the  temple  was  considered 
counterfeit.   Go  you  see  he  ha<l  a  good  racket  goincr  and  Jesus  was  distcnbing 
it  and  making  waves.   But  Annas  didn't  need  anymore  money,  because  at  the  time 
of  this  incident  his  life  was  eomins;  to  a  close.   He  was  70  years  old  at  this 
time.  But  what  he  wanted  and  needed  was  power  and  he  couldn't  let  go  of  that 
desire.   Jesus  also  clashed  with  Annas  and  his  sons  former  high.,  priests,  and 
the  present  ..high  priest  Caiaphas  because  these  men  were  Sadducees.   Those 
who  belonged  to  this  pect  did  not  believe  in  life  after  death,  and  they  deniec 
any  rewards  or  punishments  beyond  this  life  and  taught  that  the  soul  dies  witl 
the  body.   And  that  is  what  made  them  "sad,  you  see."  But  here  was  Jesus  not 
only  talking  about  a  life  beyond  this,  but  raising  people  from  the  dead  and 
disproving  the  theories  of  these  people. 

So  lit  was  probably  Annas  who  made  the  arrangements  to  buy  off  Judas  to  delivei 
Jesus  into  their  hands .   And  notice  in  this  Scripture  that  it  says  they  "led 
Jesus  away  to  Annas  first."   Along  with  the  temple  police  were  some  Roman 
guards  to  capture  Jesus,   And  guess  who  probably  paid  tfeHm  the  ^oman  author- 
ities to  supply  the  guards? 

Then  we  read  in  the  ?4-th  verse  of  this  same  chapter,  "TTow  Annas  had  sent  Him 
bound  unto  Caiaphas  the  high  priest." 

After  Annas  had  been  satisfied  that  this  one  who  was  causing  him  so  much 

trouble  was  now  renedered  harmless,  he  sent  him  to  his  son-in-law  for  the 

mockery  of  sentencing  to  appear  before  the  puppet  governor  ^ontius  Pilate. 

To  all  intents  and  purposes,  Amiss  had  beaten  yet  another  enemy  that  had 

threatened  his  little  empire.   We  can  well  imagine  that  he  srttled  down  that 

night  in  his  house,  chuckling  to  himself  how  he  had  succeeded  in  disposing 

of  this  upstart  so  called  Meppiah. 

But  what  of  Annas?  ^id  he  really  win?  He  may  have  won  another  battle,  but 

he  eventually  lost. the  war.   What  did  Jesup  say  about  him?   In  John  19:11 

we  read,  "Jesus  answered,  'Thou  couldest  have  no  power  at  all  against  Me,  ex- 
cept it  were  given  thee  from  above:  therefore  he  bhab  delivered  Me  unto  thee 
hath  the  greater  Bin,'" 

Jesus  said  that  Annas,  the  man  behind  the  scenes  who  was  responsible  for 

having  Him  brought  before  Pilate,  was  more  sinful  than  Pilate  in  his  role  of 

Judge  and  jury.   Jesus  taught  that  the  law  of  life  was  that  of  sowing  and 

reaping.   ^Whatsoever  vp  ~r>^     -t->io->-  „v,  -i  i 

ever  ye  .,0rf,  that  shall  ye  also  reap."   Annas  sowed  the  seeds 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  March  17,  1985 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
David  Andrews,  Acolyte 
+  +  +++  +  +  +  +  ++•  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  ++  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude   "Cleansing  Fountain" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 

Joys 

Choral  Introit  "Hosanna" 
^Processional  Hymn  No*  338  "Jesus  Shall  Reign  Where'er 

the  Sun" 
•"Ascription 
•^Exhortation 

'Confession  (In  Unison)  "Eternal  God,  in  Jesus  Christ  you 
entered  Jerusalem  to  die  for  our  sins.   We  confess,  we 
have  not  hailed  you  as  King.,  or  gone  before  you  in  the 
world  with  praise.   From  brief  faith  that  fades,  from 
enthusiasms  that  fizzle  out,  from  hopes  we  parade  but 
do  not  pursue,  have  mercy  upon  us ,   Forgive  us  God;  and 
give  us  such  trust  in  your  power  that,  in  every  city,  we 
may  live  for  justice  and  tell  of  your  loving  kindness; 
for  the  sake  of  our  Saviour,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Amen. 
*Kyrie 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 
*Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Elessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever , 
•Gloria  Patri 
Hymn  No.  227  (sing  through  twice)  "There's  Something 

About  That  Name" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
people  —  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  "Wondrous  Love" 
Anthem:   "Easter  Glory" 
-Scripture:   Matthew  27:  11-26 

Sermon:   "Seen  in  the  Crowd:   An  Obstinate  Coward" 
•Closing  Hymn  No.  270  "I  Believe  in  a  Hill  Called 

Mount  Calvary" 
*Benedic*-<  on 


> 


;> 


♦Closing  Chimes 

•Postlude  "Day  of  Triumph" 

+  +  +  +  +      ^Congregation  Standing        +  +  +  +  + 

The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mrs.  Harvey  Campbell,  children  and  grandchildren  in 

laving  memory  of  Harvey  A,    Campbell. 
Mr.  &  Mrs.  Robert  Stewart  will  greet  the  congregation  at 

the  door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are   Rob  Vinroe,  Bob  Dellen,  Randy  Dellen 

and  Kevin  Snyder* 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Sue  Davis. 
Mary  Lou  Davis  and  Delores  Herrit  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  128  with  22  visitors. 
Hospitalized:  BMH  -  Valjean  Nicholas,  Becky  Shearer  is 

in  Central  Medical  Pavilion  in  Pittsburgh,  and  Mrs. 

Alma    Rex    is    in    St.    Margaret's    Hospital    in    Pittsburgh. 
MONDAY   -  Spang 's    Volleyball 

Fidelity  Bible  Class  7:30 
TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 
WEDNESDAY  -  Golden  Circle  7:30 
THURSDAY  -  Mary  Martha  Circle  10:30 
Aerobics  6-B 
Basketball  8-10 
SATURDAY  -  Basketball  10-12 

Easter  Sunrise  Breakfast  &  Service  will  be  April  7th  at 
6:30  a.m,  in  Rehoboth  Hall.  The  men  will  be  preparing 
the  food,  so  if  you  are  willing  to  help  contact  Dick 
Mangel.   We  need  your  reservations,  so  call  on  Helen 
Riemer  or  Dick  Mangel.  Any  one  wishing  to  bake  rolls  or 
coffee  cakes,  please  contact  Dick  or  Kelen.   Thank  you. 

PRAYER  MEETINGS  are  still  being  held  on  Thursday  evenings 
at  8:00  p.m.   Please  put  forth  your  efforts  and  come 
pray  for  your  church,  personal  needs,  friends,  etc, 

EASTER  EGGS  are  in  the  making.   If  you  wish  to  help  or 
join  in  the  fun  and  fellowship,  we  will  be  working  an 
them  again  Monday,  Wednesday  and  Friday  each  night  at 

7:00  P.M. 

GOOD   FRIDAY    MEN'S    FELLOWSHIP    BREAKFAST    is    April    5th   at 
6:00  a.m.    at   the  YMCA.     Tickets  are  $3.00  and  may  be 
purchased    through  Ken  Weitzel   or  Walter   Harmon. 

EASTER  LILLIES  can  be   ordered  now.      They  are   $5.25  each. 

NAME 

IN    MEMORY    OF 

Deadline  to  order  is   March  24th.  ) 


-ijeen  in  xne   urowa  :    an  uDstwate   uowsra" 


I  .'crip:    Fit.    27:11-26 


"an.   which 


scene    opes   w/hastly   cal   resump   meet    of 
end   wee    hrs    morn 

Sow, J  ldrs,all   71  asembl  ft  read  vs   1,    Kt  27- READ 
meet   2brint;  charg  agin   Js   wh/wudl  result   Flis  deth 

I      |   Job  2convinc   Pil, Rom  covn  of  need  4executin 
ttb  no  elab  how  ariv  decisin  Just  say=vs  2=READ 
Fil  6th  Rom  gov   Judea;apt  85AD  by  Tiberius 

l=lst   th  did,mov   army   hedouart    Caesaria   2    Jeru   &   Rom 

soldirs   carry  stndrds   imag  emp  &    Jew  protest 
ordr  by  Tib, or  did   by  self   no  kno, but  bak  dwn  &  peace 

No   surpris   Pil  handl  this  case   as  did 
vs   1  read^Wen  morn  cun=5:0OAI*=inf  orir  pard ,who  go  Pilal 

Can  U  imanrin  greet  receiv  from  Filat?   Prob  nevr  up 

this  erly;no  coffee-ey  opnr  6s  Ilk  bear  wak  hibernatii 
3o  hav  arous  hrs  ahed  time, ad  insult  injury  thez  Jews 
no  present   selvs   B4-   thron,stay  outside   2B  no  unclean 

Filat  cum  outside   6  hav  pictur  man  embark  1  thoz  day; 
Jn   t41   1'llat    ask  wat   ehrg  &  anser=If    no   crimnl   wud 
not   hav  brot   2U 

no  way  anser    Roan  Gov   &  no  help  Pil  dispositin  &  he 

anser  tak   ■:•   id=-e  by  own  law=prob   think   Js   gilty  smal 

infract  in  of    Jew  law  he  detest 
anser=no  alow  2execut   anyl,only  Romns   cud   do  so 

I'll  then  kno   Js  acus   treasn  ft  knu   mus    invest  do   Job 
vs   ll=privat   B4-   Pil  2deterni  if   inocent 
vs   llb=Js   giv  pruf  Pil  need  declar   gilty  treasn  Rome 

but   Filat   no  do  so 
vss   12-J4=interpatin  &  Pil   mus   hav   try  2B  hones   man 

can  say,Bcuz  no  condem   Js   this  pt ,hafl   evr  reasn  ?do 
V~   says=ril   tol   them   no  find   fait   this    man 

t  tol  Pilat  stir  up  pepp  all  way  3  '"-alilee  &  hear 

this  giv   Pil  chanc   get   out  mess   &  send   ?  Perod 
but   ilerod   only  intres   Js   do  miracl,He   refus , march  bak 

vs   15=chane   Til  wrigl   off   hook  Sc  crwd   decid   wat  dun 
Ear  man   insurectin/mui-'lr  &   Pil  prob  cert  peop  no  want 

iroacly  Bar  also  nam    Js»Je   Bar, or   Js  son  Bar, as   opos 
Js   of    Naz,Js    Xp  mean   Js   the   Anointed   One 
hav  made   of r, ill   go   judnsen  hal       read  vs   19»R1  "|J 

serv  bring  mesag  fr/wif ;dream  ment   mueh   Romns   and 

they  thot   highly  of  them 
whil  Pil   insid,f*an.   stir  mob   i.  lern  vs   20=  READ 
Pil  ask   '.'3   PlAfthey  anser=vs   21B,   xxmrti  contrary  2 
wat  Bliev  wud  hap  so  now  wat  do?   In  desperstin  ask= 
vs   22a  &  they  anser=vs   32b   unexpee 

Pil  want  salva<r  situatin  ask=vs   2Ja  &  anser-vs    ??b 
Here   quest    all   men  wrestl   w/sumtim   livs^at   2do   w/Js? 

quest   no  can  eseap,no  neutrl  grnd;we   dec  Id  4   or   agin 


Pil  no   Kno   wat   ..jao;co»piet   rati  tnis   time  ?/ 

ys  2<4-=did    Jew  custm  sho   inocenc   of  gilt 

he  knu  riot  clos  hand   &  if  hap  put  him         bad   lite 
so   wash   hand   absolv   gilt   but   peop   cry   oufc=vs    25 

"o     11   satisfy  admin   justie   as   peop  want»read   ■■'      26a 
ordr  '    icu"-:    rln    rm!.'   !.  i-i(read   vs    26 B 

F'l  say  this   actin=I  no   gilty  His  blud,do  wat  law 

V  Jscrib^ocourf  many  men  dy ;awful ,lacerat  etc 
Aftr  beat,soldrs  pur  crwn  thron,purp  robe  &  brin"-  bak 

read    Jn  19:5=alnjos   as   if   say=U  want  Him  sufft   I  tak 

care   of.    Isnt   this   enuf? 
I  but   mob   no   satsfy,they  out    nothin   les    than  blud 

San  instigat   scene    £  wel   lmagin   Annas   Bhin  scene 
READ   Jn  19:12  if  Pilat   no  pas  deth  sent  no   frnd   Oaesa 
vs   ?6b   Wt=ril  dun  wat   expedient; dec isn  satsfy  mob 

Rome   wudE   notfy   Fil   he    no  caus   uproar ,truble 
Fictur  rilat=Jus  nothr    Jewjdid  my   Job; had  2do   it   etc 

But  wat  say  bout  Filat?    only  thing  can   say, he  knu   Js 

was   innocent 

No  hard/faBt   chrgs   mandtory  deth  seht;he   sot  evry   ave 
escap  that  deeisin;evn  wif  expres   fear   thru  dream 

But   ril   was   a  coward ;he   lak  courag  his   convict  ins 
stubborn  man  &  nol  go   say  no  did  duty   evn  if  wrong 
■  Til  cud  hav  releas   Js , refus   tak  part   inocen  deth, 
j    but   Fil  prid   such,obstnatly   let  selfl  «"i 

ill   knu   wat    JHUD  do, but   chos    exped    think    insted 

Fil  wasnt   any  dif  from  us=£ow   oft  do  we   KNOW  wat 
!     ehud  do, but   insted  do  opos it? 
Js   maks  all  us    Ik  situatins   lif  wh/face  us   2mak  deeis 

decisin  has  upon  our  strnvth  ?do  wai-  we   kno  °B  rt   or 

wrong 
but  wat   motivat  choic?    Is   it  wat  suml  wil  say  if   I 
g      ^gin  crowd  &   stan  4-  riphteousnes? 

I    afr  2B  cal  fanatic /kook  Bcua   I  choos   2do  rt? 
Isnt  alway  easier  2B  Obstinat  Coward   than  Pstan   out 
all  alone    for   the   Lord? 

r    .    .  "navia   ft  handle   on   it) 

we   alway  hav  that  choic 

Wat  3  we   go  2do  bout    Js    Kp? 
irfat  decisins   wil  mak,set   us   apart   from  world? 

And  wat   about   the   Cross? 
Do  we  crucify  Bin  nnew  by  tirn  from  Him? 

Or  do  we   stan  afrin  crowd    i  stan  4  'Him'' 
we  hav  choic  of  eithr  ,Jl  Xp  or  4-world 

if  choos  worl,we  choos   deth, but   if   Xp, choos   lif 
We   can  B  a  coward, or  we   can  be   a  Christian 
Wat  wil  U  do  with   Js? 


suml  els  cant   anser.no  grp  peop=individ=Wat   Wil   U  Do 
"  ~U3?    rfil   D   acpt   I   of   Ur   lif?    Or   wil   pas    off? 


with    JrT 


"Seen  In  The  Crowd:  An  Obstinate  Coward" 

Scripture:  Matthew  27:11-26 

The  scene  opens  with  a  hastily  called  mesumption  of  a  meeting  of  the  Sanhedrii 
which  had  ended  in  the  wee  hours  of  the  morning.   Now  these  Jewish  leaders, 
all  71  og  them  were  assembled  and  we  read  in  the  1st  verse  of  this  27th  chap- 
ter of  Matthew,  "Whea  the  morning:  was  come,  all  the  chief  priests  and  elders 
of  the  people  took  counsel  against  Jesus  to  put  Him  to  death." 

Their  meeting  was  held  to  bring  charges  against  Jesus  which  would  result  in 
His  death.   But  their  job  was  to  convince  Pilate,  the  Roman  Governor  of  the 
need  for  His  execution.  So  determining  their  strategy,  Matthew  doesn't  elab- 
orate on  what  *faay  conclusion  they  had  arrived  at,  he  simply  statesxin  verse 

2,  "And  when  they  had  bound  tfaaas  Him,  (Jesus),  they  led  Him  away,  and  deliv- 
ered Him  to  Fpntius  Tilate  the  governor." 

Pontius  Pilate  was  the  6th  Roman  procurator  of  Judea.   He  was  appointed  in 
A.D.  25  by  the  Emperor  Tiberius.   One  of  the  first  things  he  did  as  the  new 
governor  was  to  remove  the  army  headquarters  from  Caesaria  to  Jerusalem.   T^e 
Roman  soldiers  marched  into  Jerusalem  carrying  the  standards  on  which  was  the 
image  of  the  emperor.   This  caused  an  outcry  by  the  Jews  because  it  was  in 
opposition  to  their  comandment  of  not  making  or  having  graven  images.   They 
demanded  from  Pilate  that  those  images  be  removed  from  Jerusalem.  Pilate  wax 
refused  to  do  so  amid  the  near  rioting  of  the  Jews.   How  whether  he  ordered 
the  standards  removed  himself,  or  was  ordered  to  do  so  by  Tiberius,  there  is 
speculation.   But  he  did  order  this  to  take  place  and  a  semblance  of  peace 
existed  once  again.   But  whether  Tiberius  was  involved  in  the  situation  or 
not,  Pilate  was  in  all  probability  in  ±im   somewhat  of  a  bad  light  in  the  em- 
peror's eyes,   So  it  is  not  surprising  that  Pilate  handled  this  case  as  he 
did. 

So  the  Sanhedrin  marched  Jesus  from  the  palace  of  the  high  priest  to  the  pal- 
ace of  Pilate.  Prom  Scripture  we  read,  "When  the  morning  was  come,"  and  this 
meant  about  6:00  A.M.,  because  this  was  when  the  Jewish  day  befean.   So  they 
presented  themselves  before   ilate  around  6:00  A.M.   In  all  probability  the£ 
informed  one  of  the  soldiers  standing  guasd  that  they  wanted  an  audience  with 
the  governor.   Someone  was  dispatahed  to  get  the  governor.   And  can  you  imag- 
ine the  greeting  these  members  of  the  Sanhedrin  must  have  received,  from  Pil- 
ate? At  this  hour  of  the  morning  he  was  probably  never  up  and  about.  So 
having  aroused  him  from  his  comfortable  bed,  hours  ahead  of  time;  he  hadn't 
had  time  for  a  cup  of  coffee,  or  an  eye-opener  and  was  probably  as  mean  as  a 
bear  awakened  from  hibernation.   But  to  add  insult  to  inuury,  these  Jewish 
leaders  would  not  present  themselves  and  their  prisoner  before  his  throne, 
because  they  would  have  defiled  themselves  by  entering  the  palace  of  this 
"Gentile."  So  instead  of  them  being  ushered  into  his  throneroom,  he  had  to 
go  outsdie  to  speak  to  them.   So  we  have  the  picture  of  a  man  about  to  embark 


-2- 
on"one  of  those  days."  So  as  he  faced  these  people  he  probably  thought  of  as 
contemptable  Jews,  he  began  his  proceedings  with  a  question  to  the  Jew? . 
John  tells  us  that  Pilate  asked  them  what  charges  they  had  brought  against 
this  man.   Instead  of  giving  a  specific  answer  to  this  nuestion  they  said, 
If  He  were  not  a  Criminal  we  would  not  have  brought  Him  to  you."   Now  this 
was  certainly  no  way  to  answer  the  Roman  governor.   Tviir  reply  didn't  help 
Pilate's  disposition  we  can  be  assured.   With  the  answer  they  gave  him,  Pil- 
ate told  them  to  take  Jesus  and  to  judge  Him  according  to  their  own  law.   He 
was  thinking  in  terms  of  Jesus  being  judged  guilty  of  some  small  infraction 
of  the  Jewish  code  which  he  probably  detested.  But  they  answered  him,  that 
it  was  against  Roman  law  to  put  someone  to  death.   It  was  at  this  point  then 
that  Pilate  recognized  that  they  were  accusing  Jesus  of  treason.   He  knew 
that  he  had  to  investigate  this  more  fully  or  he  would  be  accused  of  not  doin^ 
the  duty  entrusted  to  him  by  the  Emperor. 
So  he  took  Jesus  privately  into  his  palace  to  ouestion  Him  there.   So  we  read 

in  the  11th  verse,  "And  Jesus  stood  before  the  governor:  and  the  governor 
asked  Him  saying,  'Art  Thou  the  king  of  the  Jews?" 

Pilate  was  determining'  for  himself  what  to  do  with  thi^  man  who  he  very  evid- 
ently believed  to  be  innocent.   Jesus  gave  him  a  reply  which  should  have 
sealed  His  fate,  because  He  answered  accroding  to  Hatthew,  "Thou  sayest." 
He  didn't  deny  He  was  considered  as  the  King  of  the  Jews.  Here  was  all  the 
proof  Pilate  needed,  and  he  was  Justified  in  declaring  Him  guilty  of  treason 
against  Rome  and  for  this  should  receive  the  death  penalty.   'Bub  lis  didn't 
do  so.    ,e  read  further  of  the  interrogation  taking  place  in  verses  12  to 
14,  (read  these).  So  we  can  see  that  Pilate  must  have  tried  ho  be  an  honest 
man.   W^  must  say  that,  because  he  didn't  sonde!  i  he  had 

every  reason  to.   Luke  tells  us  that  Pilate  to"'"  fchem  h   found  n<  6aul1  .' : 
tl  is  i  •  :■  i.   But  they  inform  Pilate  that  this  man  has  stirred  up  the  people 
all  the  way  from  Galilee.   Hearing  Salilee  mentioned,  gives  Rilate  a  chance 
to  get  out  of  this  mess  after  all.   If  this  prisoner  is  a  Galilean,  then  He 
falls  under  the  jurisdiction  of  Herod,  the  man  who* King  of  the  Jews  at  that 
time.   So  the  soldiers  march  Jesus  off  to  Herod  for  an  audiende.   But  Herod 
is  only  interested  in  Jesus  doing  some  miracles  and  when  He  refuses  to  do  so, 
Herod  marches  nim  right  back  to  Filate . 

So  Pilate,  wanting  to  wriggle  off  the  hook  decides  upon  a  plan  whereby  the 
crowd  will  make  the  decision.   So  we  read  imrfchaxi^tiixxaxxH  starting  at  the 

15th  verse,  "Now  at  that  feast  the  governor  was  wont  to  release  unto  the  peo- 
ple a  prisoner  whom  they  would.   And  they  had  a  notable  prisoner,  called 
Barabbas.   Therefore  when  they  were  gathered  together,  Filate  said  unto 
them,  'Whom  will  ye  that  I  release  unto  you?  Barabbas,  or  Jesup  which  is 
called  Christ?'   Foi  he  knew  that  for  envy  they  had  delivered  Him." 


-3- 
Barabbas  was  a  man  who  had  stirred  up  insurrection  against  the  Romans  and  was 
also  a  murderer.   Tilate  was  probably  relatively  certain  the  Jews  would  not 
ask  for  hie  release.   Ironically,  Barabbas  name  was  also  Jesus.   Jesus  Bar- 
abbas,  or  Jesus  son  of  a  man  named  Abbas,  as  opposed  to  Jesus  of  Nazareth, 
or  Jesus  ttoE  Christ,   Meaning  Jesus  the  anointed  One. 
Having  thus  made  this  offer,  Filate  went  into  the  judgement  hall  and  we  read 

in  verse  19,  "When  he  was  set  down  on  the  judgement  seat,  his  wife  sent  unto 
him,  saying, 'Have  thou  nothing  to  do  with  that  kust  man:  for  I  have  suffered 
many  things  this  day  in  a  dream  because  of  Him,1"' 

A  servant  had  been  dispatched  to  Pilate  from  his  wife  with  this  message. 
Dreams  meant  much  to  the  Romans  and  messages  within  them  were  highly  thought 
of.   But  while  Pilate  is  away  from  the  ^anhedrin  and  the  mob  they  have  assem- 
bled, the  high  priest  and  others  have  spread  the  word  to  ask  for  the  release 

of  Barabbas,  as  we  learn  from  the  20th  verse.   And  Pilate  asks  them,  "Whether 
of  the  twain  will  ye  that  I  release  unto  you?1   They  said,  'Barabbas.  "'  vs  21 

This  is  completely  contrary  to  what  he  must  have  believed  would  happen.   Now 

what  can  he  do?   In  utter  futility  and  desperation  he  asks,  ""What  shall  I  do 
then  with  Jesus  which  is  called  Christ?"  vs  22a. 

And  unexpectedly  they  answer,  "let  Eim  be  crucified."  vs  22b. 

W  nting  to  salvage  the  situation  and  not  make  the  dreaded  pronouncement,  "And 
the  governor  said,  ' -Vhy,  what  evil  hath  He  done?'"  verse  25a. 

But  the  mob  has  been  thoroughly  stirred  up  and  the  ■  answer  they  give  is,  "Thej 
all  say  unto  him,  'Let  Him  be  crucified."   verse  23b. 

SBXlMtkEix^HB|JE2:HtiHxxiitHtKXXSlcsxx*«k^  Pere  is  the  question  all  men  must 
wrestle  with  at  sometime  in  their  lives.   The  question  of,  "What  to  do  with 
Jesus  the  Christ?"  It  is  a  question  that  we  cannot  e»cape.   Tfeere  is  no  neu- 
tralcground.   We  must  decide  for  Him,  or  we  must  decide  against  Him.   We  can- 
not let  the  answer  up  to  someone  else,  or  a  group  of  people.  "What  will  you 
do  with  Jesus  Christ?"   Will  you  accept  Him  as  Lord  of  your  life?   Or  will  yot 
pass  Him  off? 
Pilate  didn't  know  what  to  do.   He  was  completely  rattled  at  this  time,   fo 

we  read,  "When  Pilate  saw  that  he  could  prevail  nothing,  but  that  rather  a 
tumult  was  made,  he  took  water,  and  washed  his  hands  before  the  multitude, 
saying,  'I  am  innocent  of  the  blood  of  this  just  person:  see  ye  to  it.*" 

He  took  the  opportunity  to  use  a  Jewish  custom  to  show  his  innocence  of  any 

guilt  in  these  proceedings ,  He  knew  that  a  riot  was  close  to  taking  place 

and  if  this  happened  it  would  put  him  in  a  bad  light.   So  he  washes  his  hands, 

thus  absolving  himself  from  all  guilt,  or  so  it  seems. 

And  the  people,  being  stirred  to  the  point  of  wanting  blood?,  cried, out,  "Eis 
blood  be  on  us,  and  on  our  children." 

So  Pilate,  satisfied  that  he  was  administering  justice  as  the  people  wanted  it 

took  the  action  promised.   And  we  read  in  the  26th  verse,  "Then  he  released 
Barabbas  unto  them." 


-4- 

And  in  order  to  show  that  he  had  taken  action  against  the  prisoner,  so  that 

he  couldn't  be  accused  of  doing;  nothing,  we  read,  "And  when  he  had  scourged 
Jesus,  he  delivered  Him  to  be  crucified." 

Pilate  was  saying  in  tills  action,  'I'm  not  guilty  of  His  blood,  and  I'll  do 

what  the  law  prescribes."  Scourging  was  a  beating  under  which  many  men  died. 

It  was  a  brutal  beating  which  tore  aid  lacerated  the  back  of  the  victim. 

After  this  beating,  the  soldiers  put  a  crown  of  thorns  on  hi?  head  and  put  a 

purple  robe  on  Him  and  mocked  Him.   Tt,ey  brought  Him  back  to  Pilate  and  we 

read  in  John  19:5t  "Then  came  forth  Jesus  wearing  the  crown  of  t: orns  and  the 
purple  robe.   And  Pilate  saith  unto  them,  'Behold  the  man!'"    It's  aimosjr 

Bwt<this  :didn't  satisfy  the <mstez<fsr  'they  KhaMt«iix:ai3:xtfcEX±BH#Hr^x^£iHK±fyx2±i 
gEHEXX^xiltKXX"   as  if  he  is  saying,  "You  wanted  Him  to  suffer,  and  I  have 
taken  care  of  it.   Isn't  this  enough?"   But  the  mob  is  not  satisfied.   They 
are  out  for  nothing  less  than  His  blood.   The  Sanhedrin  were  probably  instiga- 
ting the  mob  behind  the  scenes.   And  we  can  well  imagine  that  Annas  was  there 
as  well  to  make  sure  that  .justice  was  done.   We  alFO  read  in  John  19:12  that 
the  Jews  cried  out  that  if  Pi"!  ate  didn't  pass  the  death  sentence  he  wasn't 
a  friend  of  Caesar's  because  Jesus  had  set  Himself,  up  as  i  king  and  whoever 
made  himself  a  king  was  working  against  Caesar.   And  so  we  read  raxikKxiJfcik 

XSXXS  at  the  end  of  the  26th  verse  in  Matthew  2?,  "He  delivered  Him  to  be 
crucified . " 

Pilate  had  done  that  which  was  expedient.   His  decision  satisfied  the  mob. 
Rome  would  not  be  ntoified  that  he  afc  was  negligent  in  his  duty.   And  after 
all,  the  man  was  only  another  hated  Jew.   We  can  picture  Pilate  Baking  these 
rationalizations  long  after  Jesus  had  been  put  to  death. 

But  just  whaf  can  we  say  about  Pilate?  The  only  thing  we  can  say  is  that  he 
knew  Jesus  was  innocent.   There  were  no  hard  and  fast  charges  which  made  it 
mandatory  that  the  death  sentence  be  imposed.   Pilate  sought  every  avenue  of 
escape  from  that  decision.   His  own  wife  had  expressed  fear  through  a  dream 
that  this  man  was  innocent.   But  Pilate  was  a  coward.   "To  lacked  bhe  courage 

■  ■  '     .  .   He  was  a  stubborn  man  and  no  one  was  going  to  have  the 
opportunity  to  say  he  didn't  do  his  duty.   Even,  if  that  duty  was  100#  wrong. 
Pilate  could  have  releas  '  Testis  and  refused  to  have  a  part  in  the  death  of 
an  innocent  men.  But  Pilate's  pride  was  such  that  obstinately  he  let  himself 
be  proven  a  coward,  Filate  knew  what  he  FHOU1D  do,  but  he  chose  to  do  the 
expedient  thing.   And  lilate  wasn't  any  different  from  any  of  us.   How  often 
do  we  know  what  we  should  do,  but  instead  we  do  the  opposite?   Jesus  makes 
all  of  us  look  at  the  situations  of  life  which  face  us  and  then  make  a  decis- 
ion. The  decision  is  based  upon  our  strength  to  do  what  we  know  to  be  right 
or  wrong.   But  what  motivates  »x  our  choice?   Is  it  what  someone  will  say  if 
I  go  against  the  crowd  and  stand  for  righteousness?  Am   I  afraid  to  be  called 


-5- 

a  fanatic,  or  kook  because  I  choose  to  do  ris?ht?   And  isn't  it  always  easier 

to  be  an  "Obstinate  Coward"  than  to  stand  out  all  alone  for  the  lord? 

(Illustration  of  door  of  Scandinavian  churcfc  and  door  handle) 

On  a  heavy  wooden  door  in  an  old  Scandinavian  ehurch  there  If  a  strange, 
very  large  handle,  shaped  in  a  circle  and  made  of  wrought  iron.   Inside  the 
circle  is  a  Kisras  large  cross.  The  Cross  is  cradled  In  a  wrought  iron  hand 
To  open  and  close  the  door,  you  grab  hold  of  the  Cross  and  when  youdo  the 
hand  points  directly  at  you.  You  are  left  with  the  impression  that  the 
art  if  t  who  designed  the  handle  is  saying  to  you  as  you  take  hole  of  the 
3aanst±E  Cross,  "What  are  you  going  to  do  about  it?" 

We  always  have  that  choice.   What  are  we  going  to  do  about  Jesus  Christ? 

What  decisions  will  we  make  about  Him  that  seta  u^  apart  from  the  world? 

And  what  about  the  dross?   Do  we  crucify  Him  anew  by  turning  from  Him?   Or 

do  we  stand  against  the  crowd  and  stand  for  Him?   We  have  the  choice  of  being 

either  for  the  world,  or  for  Christ.   If  we  choose  the  world  we  choose  death, 

and  if  we  choose  Christ,  we  choose  life.   We"  can  be  a  coward,  or  we  can  be  a 

Christian.  What  will  you  do  with  Jesus? 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler  f  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  March  24,  19B5 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
Megan  Hewis ,  Acolyte 

1-  +  +  +  +  +  4+  +  +  +t  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  ++  +  + 

ORDEK  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude  "Easter*1 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements:   Elder  Harry  Fry 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 

Choral  Introit  "Hosanna" 
♦Hymn  No.  244   "Jesus  I  What  a  Friend  for  Sinners" 
*Aacription 
•^Exhortation 

♦Confession  (In  Unison)   "Our  Father,  in  this  season  of 
self  discipline,  when  we  are  giving  thought  to  our 
discipleship,  make  us  aware  that  being  a  disciple 
mean3  to  follow  Jesus  Christ  as  He  seeks  to  be  a 
servant  of  all.   Thus  we  would  remember;  all  our 
sins  that  keep  us  apart  from  you-  all  of  the  things 
we  have  omitted  to  do  in  our  lives;  all  of  the  chances 
we  have  missed  to  help  others  and  to  seek  them  for 
your  kingdom.   For  all  of  these  things  as  well  as 
others  that  may  separate  us  from  your  love,  we  ask 
forgiveness  in  His  name*"    Amen. 
*Kyrie 

♦Assurance  of  Pardon 
*Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever. 
♦Gloria  Patri 
Hymn  No.  226   "Jesus  Loves  He,  This  I  Know" 
Call  to  Prayer:  Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  "Joy  in  the  Morning" 
Anthem;   "Reach  Out  to  Jesua" 
Scripture:   Matthew  27:  27-36 

Sermon;   "Seen  in  the  Crowd:  The  Executioners" 
•Closing  Hymn  No.  260  "And  Can  It  Be  That  I  Should  Gain?" 
•Benediction 
•Closing  Chimes 


*Postlude  "The  Day  is  Coming" 

++++++  *Congregation   Standing  ++++++ 

The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mrs.  Genevieve  Nohach  and  daughter  in  memory  of  Nick. 
Mr..  Joseph  Youngblood  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 

door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Richard  Mangel,  Don  Kingsley,  Ed 

Walker,  and  Dick  Dally. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Beth  Tait. 
Robert  Dellen  and  Harry  Fry  will  be  visiting  the  hospital 

this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  IBS  with  33  visitors. 
Hospitalized:   Ed  Hampton  in  BMH  and  Mrs.  Alma  Hex  is  In 

St.  Margaret's  Hospital  in  Pittsburgh. 
MONDAY  -  Spang's  Volleyball  6:30  -  9:30 
TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 

THURSDAY  -  Aerobica  6-B  8:00  P.M.  Prayer  meeting 

Chancel  Choir  7:00 
Basketball  8-10 
FRIDAY  -  HFEC 
SATURDAY  -  Basketball  10-12 

Easter  Sunday  -  the  chancel  choir  will  be  presenting  the 
Cantata  "Then  Came  the  Morning1"  written  by  the  Gaithers. 
Please  make  plans  to  join  the  celebration  of  our  risen 
Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ. 

Chancel  Choir  practices:  Saturday  9:00  a.m.  March  30th, 

Thursday  April  4th  at  7:00  and  Saturday  April  6tht  9-OQ  a. 

BAKE  SALE  -  Friday  March  29th  and  March  30th  at  the  Butler 
Mall*  Pies  are  the  featured  attraction.  If  you  would 
like  to  donate  pie  filling  instead  of  baking  a  pie, 
Contact  Phyllis  Tait  or  Sandy  Sheppeck.   Come  to  the  mall 
and  support  your  church. 

EASTER  SUNRISE  SERVICE  AND  BREAKFAST  is  April  7th  at  6; 30 
a.TTw  in  Rehoboth  Hall.   Men  are  preparing  the  food.   If 
any  men  wishes  to  help,  please  contact  Dick  Mangel.  Also 
we  need  coffee  cakes  or  rolls.  If  you  wish  to  donate  any 
please  contact  Dick  or  Helen  Riemer.   If  you  plan  to 
come,  please  turn  in  your  reservation  to  Helen  Riemer 
as  soon  as  possible. 

EASTER  EGCS  are  done.  Those  who  turned  in  orders  may  pick 
them  up  after  church  in  the  kitchen.   There  are  also 
extras  * .  You  may  pick  them  up  also.  They  are  $4*25  each. 

EASTER  LILLIES  can  be  ordered  now.   They  are  $5.25  each, 

Kane.  


In  memory  of 


Deadline  to  order  is  March  24th.  Contact  ■□;-  -' 

) 


"aeen   in  Tne  u^owd :   'me    Oceeut loners" 
Scripture:    Katthew  ??:27-56,   45-49 

Bgin  oorip   many   soldiers   &  end   up  with  4 

Aftr   Js   scour, Js   takn  qrtrs   poldiers   2B  prep  4executit 
vs  27=all  sold  in  Baraks   hav   Ik  C  this   man  Jews   wont 

kil,"c  man  who  cal+Kinp  of   Jews 
"'ey  want   2C   wat   kind    man   He   was   &    so   hav    fun   w/His 
t  .   His   expens 
vss   ?8-3Q=a  king:  need=Rob,crwn,scepter=lik  reed  P  Tun 

ea  bow  B4,mak  insult  remark, hit   bed   w/palm  fal   hands 
of  all  humil   Js  tad  tak,prob   easiest   Bcuz   no   kno  betti 

grusum  fun  2B  sure, but   involv  grusom   situatin 

oo  hav  dun  this,cro?   bin  made  fcedy,we  read=Vs   11 
Glos  ovr  Simon  Cyrene,wilB  lk  him  nothr  time 

Js  brot   2r>lac   of   executin=lon>j;es   rte,  mtia 

&.  mak  exampl  wat  hapn  crimnils 
4soldier  asie-n  ea  condem  man;Js  had  4,8   othr   2-4each 

Wen  ariv  site.Je   thro  dwn,nail   ?cros  &  cros   stuctup 

Wen  nail,Riv   sour  wine   2dull   pain, senses 
vs   55=this   auot   Ts  22  wrot   IK  B4   Xp,yet   predic   crucfii 

cast   lota  4clothes   apin  amus  durinr  horibl   ordeal 
vs   36=had  2sit   8b  wait  4-prisnr  2dy«brok  le?s   prop  time 

ordr   ?;eed  deth,no  push  up  8c  breath=dy  sufocat 
extremely  cruel  way  to  execute 
ariv   arnd   9  &  aroun  noon  thik  darknes   ovr  land 

Time   pas    slowly  4soldiers   &  startl   hear   cry   at   1 
perhap  sit, lost   own  tbots=think  home,luv   1 rs 

all   prob  draft   in2  servic  &   on  foreign  soil  ?serv 
As  herd  outcry  eomplet   fot-eipn  Bcuz    Js   no  spk  latin, 
prob   mixtur  Feb-Aramaic,prob  knu  that   much 
vss  45-46=tel  us  of   cry   of   Js 
vs   49=thot    Xe    cal   ^     \lijah 
vj       p=l   of    soldier   try   ?Riv   relief ,?help, reach  out 

who   of  othr  5?   =   vs  49=adopt  wait  &  C   atitud 
if   wer  ask   5why   no  do  anything   wild   prob   receiv  Manser; 
lst=no  do   nothin  Bcuz    I  not   Elijah, that  who  cal  4 
2nd=it  wasnt    any  of   my  busnes=it  didnt   concern  me  so 

mind  my  own  busnes 
atitud   so  many  U"28  ,=exairips   peop  kil  whil  othrs   watch 
&  do  nothin£=this   in  vogue   2day.no   p;et   involv 
(llus   fire   want  pret  .ther  ,but   no  piv  loc^ti^1) 
here  nan, fire    lept  I  ■■-  "-  ,' 

If  we   vers  walk  pas  hous   C  smdsk/fire  wud  try  help? 
Or  wud  say=I  se      hous    '  nrn»but   not   my  busnes? 

At   least   1  thez   soldier  hid    that   atitud,e,ae    Fulfil 

job,Js   soon  ded,so  why  help?   It  not   my  busnes 
3rd=I  want  2, but  Bliev  suml  els  do   it,    Bs ides, cal  4 

Elijah  &  I  figur  let  Elijah  help  If  that   who  want 
But   He   condem  dy  S    wud   hapn  short  tine, no   need   help 
But  ther  was   lwho  did   help,l  of  the  4  who  no  listn 
to- Wait    .'i:   C  whethr   Elijah   cum   ■■■■   help 


no  kno.but   lik  othrs  w/out   name  deed  ■*■  ^  etch   in 
histry  4all  time,4all  2B 

(llus  poe0i=Wat's  his  name?) 

he  may  no  hav  nmae   kno  by  us, but   kno  by  God 
prob  no  swap  do  wat  this  man  help  exeeut   had  tut 

Js    -ed   wen  minstr   ne ?d   suml    if   only  drink  watr.In  as 
mu_,  as   I.   did   it  un2  th  least  thez    Kv  brthrn.ve  hav 
dun  it  un2  Ke 

««tn  fen  alway  lk  grt  deed /acomplish, but  wat  duz   G   lk 

(llus   Samuel  &  sons   Jesse=Dav,redhed , short  &   3  sed  as 

lk  Lliab=l  Sam  16:7) 

this   namles  excutiner  gav  2  Lord   from  hart  £■  we   canB 

certin  6  lk  at  his   hart 

(llus   Bonhoeffer  go  bak  Germ,    6  kil   by   Nazis) 

Wen  talk  peop  lik  this   no  hit  us  wher  we   liv, perhaps 

lk  nothr  way  can  relat  2it 

V  dont   HAV   TO  pray 

U  dont   HAV   TO   CUm'  to   church 

L    dont   HAV   TO   giv   Ur   money 

U   dont   HAV   TO  try   2B   honest 

D  dont   HAV   TO   seek  2do   anythin  which  taut   by  Xp   ?do 

But   it  wen  chaos   tsk  actin  then  we  2  serv  Xp 
Js  sed^lie  cum  aftr  me,tak  up  cros  &  folo  He 
.   wen  cum  2actin, actin  wh/help  feloman  we  H  do  that 
Ea  us  executiners  own  rt 

eithr  crucfy   Js  anew  ea  time  refus   21iv/act  as  He 

has   taut   us 
or  we  crucfy   selvs   2worl  wen  reach   out   2needs    othrs 
The   1  soldier  cudhav  remain  seat  w /othrs, 

insted,chos    2p:et   involv 
io  kno  anythin  else   bout   man, but   I  Eliev  by  his  oIor- 

;       t    Js    &   Bcuz    seek  help   Him, his    lif   was   chene 

Perhap   Iday  wil   C  in  R-lorv  6  hear   G  say  J>him.tfel  dun 

Wei  dun 
"-■   may   we    hear   Him   say   2us,Bcusi  we    chooz    Pserv   Him, 
Wei  dun  FUd  &  faithfl   servants!    Vel  dun! 


"Seen  In  The  Crowd:  The  Executioners" 
Scripture:  Matthew  2?i 27-36,  45-49 

We  begin  this  Scripture  with  many  soldiers  and  end  it  with  just  four.   After 

Jesus  had  been  scourged  by  the  person  who  did  that  on  the  orders  of  Pilate, 

Jesus  was  taken  into  the  quarters  of  the  soldiers  to  be  prepared  for  executioi 

We  read,  "Then  the  soldiers  tBBkxtfesHS  of  the  governor  took  Jesus  into  the 
common  hall,  and  gathered  unto  Him  the  whole  band  of  soldiers," 

In  other  words,  all  of  the  soldiers  who  were  in  the  barracks  came  to  see  for 

Jew 
themselves  this  usa  whom  the  hated  Jews  themselves  wanted  killed.   They  had 

said  He  proclaimed  Himself  as  a  king  and  they  wanted  to  see  just  what  sort  of 

man  He  was.   And  since  He  didn't  look  any  different  from  any  other  Jew,  they 

started  to  have  some  fun  at  His  expense  in  their  own  special  way.   So  Matthew 

writes,  "And  they  stripped  Him,  and  put  on  Him  a  scarlet  robe-   And  when  they 
had  platted  a  frown  of  thorns,  they  put  It  upon  Hi?  head,  and  a  reed  in  Hit- 
right  hand;  and  they  bowed  the  knee  before  Him,  and  mocked  Him,  saying, 
'Hail,  King  or  the  Jews!'  "ml  they  spit  upon  Him,  and  took  the  reed  and 
smote  Him  on  the  head." 

A  king  needed  a  royal  robe  and  a  crown.   So  in  their  desire  to  have  some  fun, 
they  found  a  discarded  officers  cloak  and  put  it  on  Him  for  a  robe.   A  crown 
was  fashioned  out  of  thorns.   And  a  king  needed  a  scepter  and  so  a  reed,  much 
like  the  reeds  which  we  pass  out  on  Palm  Sunday  was  placed  in  His  hands.   And 
then  probably  they  passed  in  front  of  Jesus  and  each  one  bowed  before  Him, 
and  made  Insulting  re-mrks  and  lastly  they  took  the  reed  which  ha^l  probably 
fallen  out  of  His  hands  and  hit  Him  on  the  head  with  It.  Of  all  that  Jesus 
had  to  endure,  this  humiliation  was  possibly  the  easiest  to  bear  because  *k 
these  men  didn't  know  any  better.   They  were  merely  seeking  to  have  some  fun, 
warped  fun  at  that,  but  nevertheless  fun  in  what  was  a  very  gruesome  and  hor- 
rible situation.   .,   ,  .  ,  ...   ...  .  .  , 

jas  beinr!"  prepared  while  this  went  on  and  had  now 

So  having  done  this,  Jesus'  cross  faaiS  been  made  ready,  and  He  was  ready  to  be 

marched  off  to  the_  execution  site.   So  we  read  in  the  31s i;  verse,  "And  after 
,.'  had  mocked  Him,  bhey  ook  he  ro  -   f*f  Ircrn   Rim,  and  put  His  own  rai- 
ment on  Him,  and  led  Him  away  to  crucify  Him." 

Ve    are  going  to  gloss  over  Simon  the  Gyrene  because  we  will  be  looking  at  him 
at  another  time  in  the  near  future.   So  Jesus  was  brought  to  the  place  of 
execution.   On  that  journey,  prisoners  to  be  executed  were  baken  by  the  long- 
est route  as  an  example  for  everyone  to  see  what  happened  to  those  who  defied 
Rome,  ifaxixg vK^xlve  I  radi  riJ n  -itrr,  >n    that  journey,  four  soldiers  were  assign- 
ed to  each  prisoner  to  be  executed.   So  Jesus  had  four  soldiers  walking  with 
Him,  and  each  of  the  two  executed  with  Him  also  had  four  each. 
When  they  arrived  at  the  sight,  Jesus  was  thrown  down  on  the  ground  and  given 
a  drink  of  sour  wine  to  de  .den  bhe  i    '-.       ";  ■    nail  I    '      the  jroaa.  and  the 
cross  was  stood  in  an  upright  position.  The  four  soldiers  assigned  to  Him 
then  took  j  >sse   ion  of  the  clothes  which  had  been  stripped  from  Jesus.   In 
the  35th  verse  we  read,  "And  they  crucified  Him  and  Parted  His  garments, 


-2- 

casting  lots:  that  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken  by  the  prophet, 
'They  parted  My  garments  anions  them,  and  -upon  My  vesture  did  they  cast  lots. 

This  is  a  quotation  from  the  2?nd  Psalm  which  the  Psalmist  wrote  a  thousand 

years  before  Christ,  and  yet  it  depicts  accurately  the  crucifixion  of  Jesus. 

This  casting  of  lots  for  the  clothing  of  the  prisoner  was  another  means  the 

soldier.?  employed  to  amuse  themselves  somewhat  during  the  horrible  ordeal 

taking  place  above  them  on  thsoe  crosses.   And  so  we  read  in  the  36th  verse, 
"And  sitting  down  they  watched  Him  there." 

T^ey  had  to  sit  and  literally  wait  for  the  prisoner  to  die,  or  to  break  their 
legs  at  the  appropriate  time  so  they  could  no  longer  push  themselves  upright 
to  breathe  properly,  and  thus  they  would  die  by  suffocation.   It  was  an  ex- 
tr  mely  cruel  way  to  execute  criminals. 

They  had  arrived  at  this  site  around  xiime  9:00  A.M.   Around  noon,  a  th'.ck 
darkness  had  settled  over  the  land.  ka   time  slowly  parses  the  four  soldiers 
are  startled  by  a  loud  cry  coming  from  the  cross  above  them  at  about  3:00  P.N. 
Perhaps  they  were  idly  seated  there,  each  one  lost  in  his  own  personal  thougjjrt 
lerhaps  each  one  was  thinking  of  home,  wherever  that  may  be.   In  all  probabil- 
ity, they  were  each  drafte*  into  the  Roman  army  and  now  found  themselves  on 
foregin  soil  to  serve  here  for  a  period  of  time. 

But  as  they  hearl  this  outcry,  it  was  completely  fOEeign  to  them  because  Jesus 
was  not  speakiz  :-  in  latin.   The  languas-e  was  either  Hebrew,  or  a  combination 
of  Hebrew  and  Aramaic.   That  much  they  probably  knew.   But  what  He  said  meant 
nothing  because  of  their  lack  of  understanding.   So  we  read  in  verses  4-5  and 

46,  "Now  from  the  sixth  hour  there  was  darkness  over  all  the  land  unto  the 
ninth  hour.   And  about  the  ninth  hour  Jesu^  cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying, 
'Eli,  Eli,  Lama  Sabachthani?  '   That  is  to  say,  'My  God,  My  God,  why  hast 
Thou  forsaken  F,E? '" 

bo  then  we  read  in  the  47th  verse,  "Some  of  them  that  stood  there,  when  they 
heard  that,  said,  'This  man  calleth  for  Elijah,'" 

The  only  thing  these  soldiers  understood  was  that  it  sounded  like  He  was  call- 
ing for  the  prophet  Elijah.   Being  around  these  Jews  for  any  length  of  time, 
they  would  have  learned  that  Elijah  was  a  prophet  who  held  a  high  place  in 
their  religion.  So  therefore,  when  they  heard  this  man  calling  out  in  His 
agony,  the  only  intelligible  thins;  was  what  sounded  like  the  name  "Elijah," 

Mow  what  was  the  result  of  this?   Well,  we  read  in  the  48th  verse,  "And  wtrai- 
ghtway  one  of  them  ran,  and  took  a  sponge,  and  filled  it  with  vinegar,  and 
put  it  on  a  reed,  and  gave  Him  to  drink." 

One  of  the  soldiers,  just  one, reached  out  to  help  Him.   What  of  the  other 

three?  'What  did  they  do?  Verse  49  tells  us,  "The  rest  said,  'Let  be,  let  us 
see  whether  Elijah  will  come  to  save  Him,'" 

The  other  three  soldiers  adopted  a  wait-and-see  attitude.   Now  if  we  were  to 
ask  these  three  why  they  didn't  try  to  do  anything  we  would  have  probably  re- 
ceived several  answers.   One  of  them  may  have  said,  "I  didn't  do  anything, 
because  I'm  not  Elijah.   That's  who  He  was  calling  for. 


-3- 

Ferhaps  one  of  them  would  have  said,  "It  really  isn't  my  business,"  and  would 

have  given  the  ape  old  excuse,  "It  didn't  concern  me,  so  I  minded  my  own 

business."  This  attitude  has  now  become  vorue,  especially  in  our  United 

States  of  America.   We  have  read  of  sitaation  after  situation  in  recent  times 

of  people  who  were  actually  murdered  while  others  looked  on  and  did  nothing. 

And  when  questioned  why,  they  answered,  "It  was  none  of  my  business." 

(Illustration  of  fire,  wanting  to  get  there,  but  not  knowing  where  to  go) 
In  a  small  town  the  volunteer  fire  department  'a  phone  was  answered  by  a 
policeman  on  duty  who  would  sound  the  alarm  for  the  fireoen  to  come  to  the 
firehouse.   One  day  the  phone  rang,  the  policeman  answered,  "Fire  department 
A  voice  on  the  other  end  said,  "Send  the  fire  truck!"  and  then  the  caller 
slammed  the  iphone  down.   The  policeman  sat  stunned,  not  knowing  what  to  do. 
He  waited  a  few  moments  and  then  the  phone  rang  again.   He  quickly  picked 
it  up  and  the  same  frantic  voice  said,  "Gen  the  fire  truck!"  and  just  as 
quickly  hung  up  again. 

Realizing  that  someone's  house  was  pofsibly  at  stake,  he  rushed  outside  and 
sa&nned  the  horizen  but  couldn't  detect  smoke  in  any  direction.   As  he 
tryed  to  figure  out  what  to  do,  he  formulated  a  plan  as  to  how  he  could 
keep  the  caller  from  hanigng  up  so  quickly  if  she  called  back.   Sure  enough 
the  phone  rang  asrain  and  instead  of  answering  "fire  department,"  he  asked, 
"'//here's  the  fire?"  and  the  lady  on  the  other  end  screamed,  "In  the  kitchen! 
and  hung  up. 

Now  there  was  a  man  and  a  fire  department  that  wanted  to  get  involved,  but 
were  prevented  by  a  lack  of  co-operation.   If  we  were  walking  past  a  house  anc 
saw  fire  and  smoke  pouring  out  of  it,  would  we  try  to  be  of  help?   Or  "/Quid 
we  say,  "I  saw  the  house  burniriEr,  but  it  really  wasn't  any  of  my  business?" 
At  least  one  of  the  soldiers  must  have  had  that  attitude.  He  was  fulfilling 
his  job  and  the  man  wax  would  soon  be  dead,  so  why  try  to  help.   He  would  have 
said,  "It  really  wasn't  any  of  my  business. 

If  another  of  those  three  were  asked,  "Why  didn't  you  do  something  to  help?" 
he  may  have  answered,  "I  wanted  to  but  I  believed  that  someone  else  was  going 
to  do  it,  so  why  should  I  bother?"  He  had  asked  for  Elijah  and  I  figured 
I  would  let  Elijah  bake  care  of  '  Ls  ne  ds. 

And  then  there  is  the  third  soldier  if  he  were  asked  why  he  didn't  do  anything 
perhaps  he  would  answer,  "I  wanted  to,  but  after  all,  His  situation  is  hope- 
less you  know.   He  was  condemned  to  die,  and  in  a  short  period  f  '.  i  -  he  was 
going  to  be  dead  &  no  one  could  stop  that.  To  why  bother?" 
But  there  was  one  amonp:  that  four  who  did  render  help  even  when  the  others 
said,  ".v'iat  and  see  if  Elijah  comes  to  help!"   Who  was  this  soldier?   ■■•hat 

ki!  esu     We  don't  know,  but  like  so  many  others  without  a  name,  his 
deed  is  etched  in  history  for  all  to  see.   Someone  wrote  a  poeni  about  people 
such  ,a  fch  Ls  and  bhis  Ls  how  H  ;oes : 
(Illustration  of  poem  of  "What's  his  name) 


-it- 
Common  as  the  wayside  grasses, 

Ordinary  as  the   soil, 
By  the   score  he   daily   passes, 
Going   bo  and   fro   from  '  Ls    toil; 
wealth  o      "  nte  , 
„     '  ~        '    ••  :/rr, 

Hot  tovm   him  the  glittering  glory 

•'-,■  for  '■ '  n  the  plac  1  :  ghf 
Week  by  week  the  same  old  story, 

Try  and  fail,  and  fail  and  try, 
A1TL  his  days  dull  and  tame- 
Poor,  old,  plodding  What  's-his-name . 

Though  to  someone  :else  the  guerdon, 

Though  but  few  his  worth  may  know, 
On  his  shoulders  rests  the  burden 

Of  our  progress  won  so  slow; 
Red  the  road  by  which  we  came 
With  the  blood  of  what 's-his-name . 

He  may  not  have  a  name  known  by  us,  but  he  was  known  by  God.   This  man  proba- 
bly was  not  aware  that  he  was  actu? lly  doinpc  ±kExw±±4  that  which  this  man  he 
was  helping  to  execute  had  taught.   Jesus  had  said  when  we  minister  to  the 

needs  of  someone,  if  it  is  only  giving  a  drink  of  water,  "Insomuch  as  ye  have 
done  it  unto  the  least  of  these  My  brethren,  ye  have  done  it  unto  Me." 

Man  always  looks  at  great  deeds  and  great  accomplishments,  but  what  does  God 

look  at?   Remember  the  incident  when  Jesse  paraded  all  of  his  sons  before  the 

priest  Samuel?  Each  of  these  young  men  were  tall  and  well-built ; physical 

specimens  they  all  were.   But  God  told  Samuel  He  had  not  chosen  any  of  these. 

Finally,  he  ask?  Jesse  if  these  are  all  the  sons  he  has.   And  Jesse  tells  him 

he  has  one  more,  his  youngest.   So  David  is  sent  for  and  we  read  that  he  was 

ruddy,  (which  jaDckaxxtaox&BxjribfcjaxaxrKt  means  red,  and  probably  that  he  was 

redheaded).   And  we  also  learn  from  Scripture  that  he  wasn't  very  tall,  but 

was  probably  short.  So  here  was  a  redhaired ,  short  young  man  and  this  is  the 

one  God  chose  to  be  Saul  '3  successor  who  stood  head  and  shoulders  above  all 

other  men.  Why?  Because  God  told  Samuel  when  he  was  looking  at  Eliab,  look 
not  on  his  countenance,  or  on  the  height  of  his  stature;  because  I  have  re- 
fused him:  for  the  Lord  seeth  not  as  man  seeth;  for  man  looketh  on  the  out- 
ward appearance,  but  the  Lord  looketh  on  the  heart."  1  Samuel  16:7 

This  nameless  executioner  gave  to  the  Lord  from  his  heart,  and  we  can  be  cert- 

ain  God  looked  at  his  heart. 

(Illustration  of  Bonhoeffer  going  back  to  Germany  and  losing  his  life) 

During  world  War  II,  Dietrich  Bonhoeffer  a  German  Lutheran  minister  had 
come  to  the  United  Spates  to  live.   He  was  offered  a  comfortable  job  teach- 
ing in  one  of  our  seminaries.   But  he  refused  it  and  returned  to  Germany 
to  be  with  his  people  and  to  fight  against  the  Nazis,  who  finally  killed 
him.   He  didn't  have  to  go,  but  he  chose  to  go. 

When  we  talk  about  people  like  this  it  doesn't  help  us  too  much  because 
it  doesn't  reach  most  of  us  where  we  live.   But  if  we  describe  it  another 
way,  then  we  can  relate  to  it.   You  don't  have  to  pray  each  day-  you  don't 
have_to  come  to  church;  you  don't  have  to  give  your  money;  you  don'r  h&ve 


-5- 

to  try  to  be  honest;  you  don't  have  to  seek  to  do  any  of  the  things  which  we 
are  taught  by  Christ  to  do.  But  "It"  "is  when  we  choose  to  do  things,  to  take 
action  then  we  too  are  serving  Christ. 

Jesus  said,  "He  that  will  come  after  Me,  must  take  up  his  cross  and  follow 
Mm   he."      And  when  we  choose  to  take  action,  action  which  helps  our  fellow- 
man,  we  are  doing  just  that.   Each  of  us  are  executioners  in  our  own  right. 
We  either  crucify  Jesus  anew  each  time  we  refuse  to  live  or  act  as  He  has 
taught  us.   Or  we  crucify  ourselves  to  the  world  when  we  reach  out  to  the 
needs  of  others.   The  one  soldier  could  have  si  remained  seated  with  the 
other  three.   Instead,  he  chose  to  get  involved.   And  we  don't  know  anything 
else  about  this  man.   But  I  believe  that  by  his  closeness  to  Jesus  and  be- 
cause of  his  seeking  to  help  Him,  his  life  was  changed.   Perhaps  we  will  see 
him  in  frlory  one  day,  and  hear  Jesus  speak  to  him,  "Well  done,  well  done.! 
And  may  we  hear  Him  say  to  us  becuase  b£  we  choose  to  serve  Him,  "Well  done 
good  and  faithful  servants!   Well  done,! 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  March  31*  1935 

Mr.  Dale  Rice ,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
John  Penrod,  Acolyte 

+  +  ++++  +  +  +  +■+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  4-  +  +  +  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude  "Open  the  Gates  of  the  Temple" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announc  ements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 

Choral  Introit   "Hosanna" 
*Hymn  No,  394  "flejoice,  ¥e  Pure  in  Heart" 
"Ascription 
*Exhortation 

•Confession  (In  Unison)  "Father,  we  recall  that  our  Lord 
was  led  through  a  rejoicing  throng  and  hailed  as  King, 
but  many  who  hailed  Him,  helped  to  lead  Him  to  a  hill 
where  He  was  slain.   Keep  us  from  our  individual  reject- 
ion of  Him,  and  forgive  us  for  the  love  of  self  which 
excludes  Him,   Lead  us  from  our  fruitless  worship  of 
power  and  might  to  Him  who  continues  to  come  in 
meekness  and  humility,  that  we  may  be  ruled  by  Him, 
and  we  may  ever  acclaim  Him,  "Blessed  is  He  who  cometh 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord."      Amen* 
*Kyrie 

^Assurance  of  Pardon 
'Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God! 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever. 
•Gloria  Patri 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory   "Gentle  Shepherd" 
Doxology 

The  Rite  of  Confirmation  -  The  Charge:  The  Vows 
*Apostles  Creed  -  page  137  (Congregation  and  Confirmand) 
The  Confirmation;  The  Confirmation  Prayer 
The  Reception  of  Adult  Members 
Anthem:   "The  Festal  Day  is  Here" 


> 


Scripture:  Luke  19:  28-40 

Sermon:   "Seen  in  the  Crowd:  An  Heir" 
♦Closing  Hymn  No .  345  "Crown  Him  with  Many  Crowns" 
♦Benediction 
"Closing  Chimes 

*Po3tlude  "Thau  Art  the  King" 
+  +  +  *  +  +       "Congregation  Standing      t  +  +  +  +  + 

The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mr.  &  Mrs.  William  Snyder  in  memory  of  brothers  &   sisters. 
Mr.  Don  Kingsley  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the  doer 

this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Alvin  Tait,  Mike  Nazaruk,  Gottlob 

Kradel,  and  James  McClymonda. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Tracey  Johnston.  ..  _ 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  129  with  14  visitors.  _- 
ospitaliied:   George  HacKinney  BMH,  Mrs.  Alma  Rex  is 
in  St.  Margaret's  Hospital  ia  Pittsburgh. 
MONDAY  -  Spangs  Volleyball 
TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 
WEDNESDAY  -  Council  7:00  P.M. 
•THURSDAY  -  Maundy  Thursday  Service  7:30  P.M.  Altar  communion 

Chancel  choir  practice  after  the  service 
Vti  Lie-;*'     Reception  &   Social  Hour  in  Rehoboth  Hall  after 
'    pjf.   ^^e  service  for  new  members  &  the  congregation. 
RIDAY  -  Good  Friday  Service  at  7:30  P.M.  Pew  Communion 
SATURDAY  -  Chancel  Choir  practice  at  9:00  A.M. 

Basketball  at  10-12 
Easter  Sunday  the  chancel  choir  will  be  presenting  the 
Cantata  "Then  Came  the  Morning"  written  by  the  Gaithers. 
Please  plan  to  join  the  celebration  of  our  risen  Lord 
and  Saviour  with  us. 
■~>EASTER  SUNRISE  SERVICE  AND  BREAKFAST  is  April  7th  at  6:30 
in  Rehoboth  Hall.  Men  are  preparing  the  food.  If 
any  one  wishes  to  help,  please  contact  Dick  Mangel. 
Also  we  need  coffee  cakes  or  rolls.   If  you  wish  to  help 
with  the  rollSi  please  contact  Helen  Riemer.   Also 
please  call  Helen  with  your  reservation.   We  need  them 
by  April  1st.--  T^ttrAT 
^RECEPTION  ON  MAUNDY  THRUSDAY  we  are  in  need  of  cookies. 
If  you  can  bring  some,  please  inform  Shirley  Link  so 
we  can  have  enough  for  an  enjoyable  evening. 
EASTER  EGGS  are  still  available  in  the  kitchen  after 

the  service.   Helen  Riemer  will  take  care  of  you. 
NEWSLETTER  ARTICLES  may  be  brought  into  the  office  by 
Wednesday.   The  newsletter  will  go  out  on  Thursday, 


• 


> 


Scrip:    Luke   19:28-40 

(Una    Jack  bfuroi  £-.  bottl,inher  6mil) 

Jack   .fijiim  Bean   instan  heir  by  chanc/perhap  pur   luk 

as  mos   peop  wud   say 

But   how   unlik   Q   this    respec=He   duznt    lv   anytbin  2 

sp  cal=luk  or  chanc 
Al      He   duz   ia  plan,proi!:ram,orchestret  acord   Mastr  PI 

Js  bin  preach  3yr   6  aclaim  as  many  things 
1  title  was  that  of  Prophet   &  lik  prophs   B4, mesas? 
spok  no  herd   or  receiv 
Ja  knu  fulfil  G 's   inf in  plan  &  part  plaa  2B  recogniz 
^who/what  He  was 

All  bin  fulfil  proph  of  ilim  w/excep   He   mus=   uffr 

many  thinp"   as   He  tol  discips 
3o  thez   las   day .resolutly  set  face  2go  2Jeru  2*aixyi£ 
2hav  final  thing  tak  place 

Thus    Js   kno  He   not  bin  herd,listn  2, set   stag  4-this 
vss  29-Jl«Beth  vas  hom=Kary,Marth  ,XaK  wher   Js   stay 

locat   Ij£-2mi  fr    Jeru  &  wat   re*  I!   instruc    Js  giv  disc 
Discips   wer  giv  pasword=vs   31b 

Js   made   aranp   w/suml  remain   unknown 
0  fr  this   Js   aranp  own  parad  &  in  sens   fore   iasu  of 
His   arest/deth  wfa  wud  tak  plac   Bcuz   this   parad 

But  wriu"all  thine  nrnsB  acomplish  &  that  He   in  F's  vi 

wil  &  so  plan  set   in  motin 
'' o  read   as  discips   go  vilac,unty  donky   ask/anser 

cloths   mak  saddl  <*■   Js  Jride   donky  &.  ride  2ward    Jeru 
peop  Egan  spred   cloths /palms   in  rd=cust  ?day=Red   Car^ 
vs   37« Js  cum  in2   Jeru  fr  (U  Olivs  &  thispt  recog  as 

King  cum   in  peac  Bcuz  ride  donky=war=white   horse 
Thez  peop  bin  rnd    Js  saw  heal   sik;rais    Lz?  ft  herd 
■   'each  things    of   G 
Th^J  same   peop  crv  out=vs  38 
Ht    tel  dif=21:9-HEAD 

duz  aparant  discrep  storys   mean  1/both  wrong? 
lio  duznt, Bcuz  crowd  shout  both  &  ea  writr  tel  herd 
Ther   sum   crowd   saw   or   thot    Js  as   B=3on   of    David   & 
riteful   1   sit   throne   David 
othrs   saw  as   Messiah, delivr  peop   Israel 
othrs  saw  Hita  as  Savior   grant  salvatin,but  directly, 
indirectly  all  saw  as   sucesor   sumway  throne  David 

Saw  Him  as   King  &  riteful  heir  2  the  throne 
During  feast   Tabnacl  peop   cut  palm  br  &  waved  &   join* 
sing   PS   118: 25-26=  READ 

tford=HOrA£NA=Heb  4=3av   now   ?r  acknowledg   He   Savior 

whom   Ik  4 


2completly  underst  wat  aclaim   Js  ment/siraifv  2/ 

need   Ik  ilus   OT  &  4-that  mus   turn  2  Ki  2 

■  this   chap  readElij  2B  takn  hvn  bodly 

Tels  this  Elish  who  was   2B  sueesor   In  prophetic   line 
■ilij   tel    -lish  mu.=   "-o  cros    Jordn,he   stay, but   Elish 
go  with, no   lv   him 
i  Ov     |2Jordn,Eli-j   tak  mantle=Cloak   strik    Jordn=part   & 
j  th_y  cros 
'  now  read   =vs9=this   no  requesElish  2B  abl  do   twie  as 

■  much   as    EliJ 

insted=it  reques  he   mlteB  recogniz   heir   Elij   in 

prophetic   line 
heir/&  oldes   son  fanly  was  errant  doubl  portin   of 
famly  welth  as   inheritance 
'   Deut   '1:1?  s?eci"y   let  born  receiv  dubl  portin  f's   ir 

heritance 
:    //at   was    Js?oHe   1st  born   of   S  &   as    such   heir   "'F's 
■  in^dom 

&  if   Js  aclaim=3on  of   Dav   that   made  Him  a  prince 
«/en  born  angl  aclaim  w/Feac  on  Erth  &  here  Lk  read 
peop  aclaim=Peac   in  hvn 

'o   if   Js  acknowlerlf=  Trine   of  Psac  ther 
of    :  .' 
It  is   G'a   hvnly  kingdom  &  the  kingdom  on  earth 
He    is   2inherit   G  F's   thron   &.  thron   David 

So   lk  Js    in  Growd  not   merely  as    lwho  rode   in  pre- 
plan parad, but   as    An  Heir 
But  ihars,relig  ldrs  day  no   lik  wat   peop  aclaim   Js 

They  no   Bliev   Js    I'esiah  &  told  Him  tel  discips  shut 
Js   anser   if   they  shutup, stones   cryout  &  proclaim  as 
King, Mesiah, Savior 

He   say, He   all   thez   things    aclaim  Him 
&      (uz  all  thoa  claim  Him  as   Sav   &  L  are  inhertors 
of  wat  He  has, they  R  also  sons   of  G 

As   Bgan  talk  tol  man  name    Jack  Wurm,compar  2wat  he 

inherit, 6mil, wat  Ur   inherit  worth? 
Can   U/do   U   try   measur   worldly   guds? 

If   trus    Js  as   Ur  3av  Ur  inheritanc   secur 
Thick  bout  wat  U  hav !    Think  wat   mean  100  yr  fr  now! 

Try   2imaE:in  etern  wh  will  Bf  Ujeteral  peac;eternl 

hapnesjeternl   ^oy  of  G's  presenc 
Dav  writ  ln^  B*    ther  was   kno   etern  such  as   we  kno 
thru    Xp,E    wrot   Ps   118:16=READ 

Think   of   it!    6million  dollars    cannotB   compar   ?tha'; 

which  is   ours   thru  Him 
The   parad    is  pasin  8=  we   R  a  part  that   Crowd   partak 
of   it 

Can  we   B  soen   in   that   Crowd   &  identfy   as    All  HEIH7 


"Seen  In  The  Crowd:  An  Heir" 

Scripture:  Luke  19:28-4-0 

(Illustration  of  Jack  Wurm  heir  to  Singer  fortune) 

A  man  named  Jack  Wurtt,  (W-U-R-M),  was  walking  alonsr  axiiKHKkxxH  the  beach  in 
San  Francisco  in  194-9.   He  was  broke  and  out  of  work.  He  came  upon  a  bot- 
tle with  a  note  in  it  and  he  read,  "To  avoid  confusion,  I  leave  my  entire 
estate  to  the  lucky  person  who  finds  thin  bottle  and  to  my  attorney,  Barry 
Cohen,  share  and  share  alike."   And  it  was  signed  Daisy  Singer  Alexander 
who  was  the  heir  to  the  Singer  sewing  machine  fortune.   The  courts  accepted 
the  theory  that  the  heiress  wrote  the  note  12  years  prior  to  this,  threw  it 
into  the  River  Thames  in  London  and  it  drifte*  across  the  oceans  to  land  at 
the  feet  of  a  penniless  and  .jobless  man.   Jack  Wurm  got  over  6  million  in 
cash  and  Finger  stock. 

Jack  Wurm  became  an  instant  heir  by  chance.   Perhaps  by  pure  luck  as  most  peo- 
ple would  say.   But  how  very  unlike  God  in  this  respect.  He  doesn't  leave 
anything  to  so  called  "luck"  or  "chance."   All  that  He  does  is  planned  and 
programmed  and  orchestrated  according  to  His  master  plan. 
Jesus  had  been  preaching  for  3  years.   He  was  acclaimed  as  many  things,   Among 
which  was  the  title  of  "Prophet."   And  like  all  of  the  prophets  before  Him, 
the  message  He  spoke  was  not  heard  or  received.   Jesus  knew  He  was  fuf  Hilling 
God's  infinite  plan  and  a  part  of  that  plan  was  to  be  recognized  for  who  and 
what  He  was.   All  had  now  been  fulfilled  prophesied  of  HIb,  withvthe  exception 
that  He  "must  suffer  many  things,"  as  He  had  told  His  disciples.   So  in  these 
last  days,  He  had  resoultely  set  His  face  to  go  to  Jerusalem  and  to  have  these 
final  things  take  place. 

Thus ,  Jesus  knowing  that  He  had  not  been  heard,  or  listened  to,  set  the  stage 
for  His  final  days.  So  we  read  in  verses  29-3}.,  (read  these).   P.ethany  was 
the  home  of  Mary,  Martha  : ' -i "^  lAzarus,  where  Jesus  frequently  stayed  during 
His  ministry.   It  was  located  about  1#  or  2  miles  from  Jerusalem.   What  we 
have  Just  read  are  the  instructions  which  Jesus  ceve  to  His  disciples  to  go 
to  a  nearby  village  and  secure  a  donkey  for  Him  to  ride  on.  T>,e  disciples 
were  giving  the  password  when  they  said,  "The  Lord  hath  need  of  him,"   Jesus 
had  made  these  arrangements  with  someone  who  remains  unknown.   We  see  from 
this  that  Jesus  had  arranged  His  own  parade.   In  a  sense,  He  was  forcing  the 
issue  of  His  arrest  and  death  which  would  take  place  because  of  this  parade. 
But  He  knew  that  "All  things  must  be  accomplished,"  and  that  He  was  in  His 
Father's  will.   So  the  plan  was  set  in  motion.   So  we  read  that  the  disciples 
went  into  the  village  and  as  they  were  untying  the  donkey,  the  people  or  per- 
son who  owned  the  animal  questioned  why-  they  were  doing  that.   They  gave  the 
answer  and  were  not  stopped,  and  came  back  to  Jesus  vith  the  donkey. 
So  clothes  were  placed  on  the  donkey  for  tit*  Jesus  to  sit  on  and  as  Jesus 
began  riding  the  donkey  toward  Jerusalem,  the  people  becan  to  spread  their 
clothing  in  the  road  for  the  donkey  to  ride  ss  over.   T^is  custom  is  continued 
today  for  visiting  dignitaries  and  we  call  it  the  "Red  Carpet  treatment." 


-0_ 

Iuke  tells  us  in  verse  37,  (read  this  verse).   Jesus  was  coming  into  Jerusa- 
lem from  the  Mount  of  Olives .   At  this  point  He  was  recognized  as  a  King  com- 
ing in  peace  because  He  wasvriding  on  a  donkey.   Had  He  been  coming  to  make 
war,  He  would  have  been  riding  a  white  horse.   These  people  had  been  around 
Jesus  and  had  seen  Him  heal  people;  perhaps  witnessed  Lazarus  coming  forth 
from  his  tomb;  and  heard  His  preaching  of  the  things  of  God.   So  these  same 

people  were  crying  out,  "Elessed  be  the  King  that  cometh  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord:  peace  in  heaven,  and  priory  in  the  highest."  verse  38. 

Katthew  tells  us  that  the  people  reacted  a  little  differently.   He  writes  in 

the  8th  and  9th  verses  of  the  21st  chapter,  "And  a  very  great  multitude 
spread  their  garments  in  the  way;  others  cut  down  branches  from  the  trees 
and  strew  them  in  the  way.   And  the  multitudes  thatvwent  bef*ore  ,  and  that 
followed,  cried,  saying, 'Hosanna  to  the  Eon  of  Bavi&:  Blessed  is  He  that 
cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord;  Hosanna  in  the  highest." 

Wow  does  this  apparent  discrepancy  in  the  two  stories  mean  that  one  or  the 

other,  or  both  are  wrong?  T.o   it  doesn't.   Because  the  crowds  were  shouting 

and  saying  both  of  these  things.   TTnere  were  some  in  the  crowd  who  only  saw, 

or  thought  of  Jesus  as  being  the  Son  of  David,  the  rightful  one  to  sit  upon 

David's  throne.   There  were  those  who  saw  Him  as  the  Messiah,  the  deliverer 

of  the  people  of  Israel,   And  then  there  were  those  who  saw  Him  as  the  Savioui 

the  one  who  would  grant  them  saltation.   But  directly,  or  indirectly,  they 

all  saw  Him  as  the  successor  in  someway  tovthe  throne  of  D«,vid.   They  saw  Him 

as  their  Kingt  and  as  such,  He  was  the  rightful  heir  to  the  throne. 

During  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles,  the  people  cut  palm  branches  and  waved  them 

during  the  feast  and  xxsar  joined  in  the  singing  of  Psalm  118.   We  read  in 

this  Fsalm  in  verses  25  and  26,  "Save  now,  I  beseech  thee,  0  Lord:  0  Lord, 
I  beseech  Thee,  send  now  prosperity.   Blessed  be  He  that  cometh  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord:  we  have  blessed  you  out  of  the  house  of  the  Lord." 

T>,e  word  "Hosanna"  is  Hebrew  for  "Save  nowt"  and  is  the  acknowledgement  that 
He  was  their  Saviour  whom  they  had  been  looking  for, 

Wow  to  completely  understand  what  this  acclamation  of  Jesus  signified,  we  need 
to  look  at  an  illustration  in  the  Old  Testament,   And  for  that,  we  must  turn 
to  the  book  of  2  Kin^s  chapter  2.   In  this  chapter  we  read  that  Elijah  was 
to  be  taken  to  heaven  bodily  without  dying.   He  tells  this  to  Elijah  who  is 
to  be  his  successor  in  the  prophetic  line.  Elijah  tells  Elisha  isix±eHXEXfa±jn 
that  he  must  go  across  the  Jordan  and  ±nx   Elisha  is  to  wait  where  they  are. 
But  Elisha  tells  Elijah  that  he  will  not  leave  him  and  so  they  travel  togeth- 
er.  T,,ey  come  to  the  Jordan,  Elijah  gathers  his  mantle,  or  his  claak  and 
strikes  the  Jordan  with  it;  the  waters  part  and  they  walk  together  to  the 
other  side.  Here  Elijah  speaks  to  Eliaha  and  we  read  in  the  9th  verse, 
"Ask  what  I  shall  do  for  thee,  before  I  be  taken  away  from  thee." 

"And  Elisha  said,  'I  pray  thee,  let  a  double  portion  of  thy  spirit  be  upon 
me  .  '" 


-3- 

This  was    not   a  request   by  Elisha  to  joaxs  be   able   to  do  twice   as    much  as    Elijah 
or  to  have   twice   as nuch  as   Elijah.      Instead,    it   is  a  reiuest   that   he   might  be 
the  recognized   heir  of   Elijalr  in  the   prophetic   line.      The  heir  and  oldest   son 
in  the   family  was   granted    a   double   portion  of   the   family  wealth  as   his    inherit 
ance .      Deuteronomy  21:17   specifies   that   the   firstborn  was   to  receive   a  double 
portion  of  his  father's    inheritance. 

What  was    Jesus?     He  was   the   Firstborn  Son  of  God  and   as   such,   was    the  heir 
to  His   Father's   kingdom,      Now  if    Jesus   was   acclaimed   as    "The   Son  of   David," 
that  made   Him  a  prince.      When  He  was  born  the  angels   acclaimed  Him  ataxttoE 
with    "Peace    on   Earth."      kD6    heve   in  Puke   we   read  the   people   proclaiming, 
"Peace    in  Heaven."      Po   if    Jesus   was   acknowledged   as   the    "PRince   of   Peace," 
there   is  His   double    \  motion  of  the   inheritance.      Tt   la  (rod 'a     teaveiily  1  Lngdom 
eni    the   1  Lngdom   on  earth.      He   is   to  inherit  God  His   Father's   throne,   and  He 
is  to  inheirt   David's  throne.      Fo  we   are   looking  at  ±k±x   Jesus   in  the  crowd, 
not   merely  as   One   who  rode    in  a   pre-planned   parade,   but   as    "An  Heir."     As 
±ke  tin  ±rxstea:xJm£xiiihEr±fcBi£x3&nrHx:x±EEKXjri&six2x^ 

KXXXXKMXX 

But  the  relierious  leaders  of  the  day,  the  Pharisees  didn't  like  what  was 

going  or  because  to  them  the  acclamation  of  the  people  was  not  true.   They 

didn't  believe  that  Jesus  was  the  Messiah  and  so  we  read  that  they  told  Him 

to  shut  His  disciples  up.  And  the  answer  Jesus  gave  was  that  if  they  were 

to  remain  silent,  the  stones  would  cry  out  and  proclaim  that  He  was  the  King, 

the  Messiah,  the  Saviour  as  He  was  being  acclaimed.   He  was  all  that  was 

being  Raid  of  Him. 

And  because  of  Him,  all  those  who  claim  Him  as  Saviour  and  Lord  are  inheritors 

of  what  He  has  because  they  also  become  Sons  of  God.   Ae-  we  began  we  talked 

about  a  man  named  Jack  Wurm.   Compared  to  the  &  million  which  he  inherited, 

what  is  your  inheitance  worth?  «2Bx?fB5ax]CEaaHrExi±xixxKHx±ii^yxKBH^s*  Can  you 

or  do  you  try  to  measure  it  in  worldly  goods?   If  you  are  trusting  Christ  as 

your  Saviior,  your  inheritance  is  secure.   Think  about  what  you  have.  Think 

what  it  will  mean  100  years  from  now!   Try  to  imagine  the  eternity  which  will 

be  before  you,  the  eternal  peace,  the  eternal  happiness,  the  eternal  joy  of 

God's  presence.   David  writing  of  this  long  before  there  was  a  known  eternity 

such  as  we  know  through  Christ,  wrote  in  the  36th  Psalm  verse  16,  "The  lord 
knoweth  the  days  of  the  upright:  and  their  inheritance  shall  be  forever." 

Think  of  it!   Six  million  earthly  dollars  cannot  be  compared  to  that  which 

is  ours  through  Him.  The  parade  is  passing  and  we  are  a  part  of  that  crowd 

partaking  of  it.   Can  we  be  seen  in  that  Crowd  and  be  identified  as  "An  Heir?' 


St*  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 

April  4,  19B5  MAUNDY  THURSDAY 

Rev.  Ralph  Linkj  Pastor      Dale  Rice,  Organist 

Kelly  Mangel,  Acolyte 
+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  ++  +  +  +  +  +  +++  +  +  +  +  + 

0RD5H  OF  WORSHIP  7:30  P.M. 

Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 

Announcements 

Congregational  Greeting 

Joys 

Choral  Introit  "Hosanna" 
"Hymn  No.  254  „  "Near  the  Cross11 
♦Ascription 

"Call  to  Communion  and  Confession  (Communion  Folder) 
*Prayer  of  Confession  (Communion  Folder} 
♦Assurance  of  Pardon 

Offering 

Offertory 
*Doxology 

Communion  Hymn  No,  251. "In  the  Cross  of  Christ  I  Glory" 
♦Invitation  to  Communion  (Page  2  of  Communion  Folder) 
♦Seraphic  Hymn  (Communion  Folder) 
"Institution  and  Consecration  of  the  Elements 

Distribution  of  the  Bread 

Distribution  of  the  Cup 
"Prayer  of  Thanksgiving 

Scripture:  Hark  IS: 21 

Sermon:   "Seen  in  the  Crowd:   An  Unwitting  Volunteer" 
♦Hymn  No.  256  "When  I  Survey  the  Wondrous  Cross" 
♦Benediction 
"Closing  Chimes 
♦Postlude 


Mr.  A  Mrs.  Harry  Davis  will  greet  the  congregation  at 
the  door  this  evening. 

Nursery  will  be  provided  tonight  by  Mrs.  Bonnie  Gannon. 

Ushers  will  also  be  serving  the  communion  this  evening. 

Hospitalized r  Ralph  Tait  in  BMK 

*"  Easter  Sunrise  Service  and  Breakfast  will  be  held 
April  7th  beginning  at  6:30  a.m.   Please  come 
and  Join  in  the  service  of  our  risen  Saviour. 

Easter  Worship  Service  at  11:00  a.m.  will  be  the 
Easter  Cantata  "Then  Came  the  Morning"  sung 
by  the  Chancel  Choir.   This  cantata  was  written 
by  the  Gaithers. 

There  are  still  Easter  Eggs  for  sale.   You  may  pick 
them  up  tonight  after  the  service  in  Rehoboth  Hall. 

Immediately  after  the  service  this  evening,  there  is 
a  reception  in  Rehoboth  Hall  for  the  new  and!  old 
members  of  the  congregation  *      Please  stop  in  to 
visit  and  welcome  the  new  members.   It  is  a  time 
of  fellowship  with  refreshments . 


Su^dtoy-  ^.c^a-ct'ioN.  .        LoAoes  &  dedication 
ouringf  the  service .   i  lease  do  not  drop  them  off 

up  front  before  the  service. 

■'ill  all  do  that  during  the  service* 

Invite  all  to  partake  of  Lord 'a  fupper  tonight 

do  not  ask  that  you  are  members , ask  that  you 
profess  belief  in  Jesus  Christ  as  your  saviour* 

fUshera  will  direct  you  which  aislj?  to  walk  up  and 
Idown  so  you  may  partake  without  inconvenience. 
The  Elements  are  in  front  of  you  as  you  kneel, 
will  .ill  partake  of  them  at  one  time  as  you  are 
at  the  altar  rail.  Please  wait 
If  you  cannot  kneel ,you  may  stand 

'£//■    C,  <*?,#*       /P//^-,   jf    ,j,.,0,<       y„      j-^„        ^ 


Grk  word= Compel  cum  fr/Lersin  origin 
I,  used  of  me   ■  '    ■ 


-■' 


i'CCli      J-*4 


uc     viunu  , 


:Ui       '-UJWTJ.  I,  LAIIK 


u±  jnueer 


1    a  ■   statin  intervl  thruout   kingdm,w/bor9viS  reddy  2 
speed  mesags   2thelr  destinatin  as  nuik  as   posibl 

Thez  men  ■  v  .horses , boats 

evn  Den    they  met 

b    lik   nesen     ■   cary   import   rre^ap. ,S  inon 
t-es   in2  servie 
quit  posibl  Simon  cary   import   mesaf  as   we   shel   G 

This  vs,3inion  identfy  as   fatbr   Alexander  &  ^ufus 
This   unusul,Bcuz   fathr  no   identfy  by  childrn ,revers 
Very  likly   Mk's   Gospl   writ  4    Ch  Pome    S;  so  we   read 
Romans    lGilV^ufus    son   Simon   Gyrene   &  2  Faul   speoil 

trend  ^."Hothr, Simon  wife, lik  own  mothr 
May  wel  mean  Simon  encountr  w/Js  raod  ?Calvry, Simon 
acpt    Js  as   ;iav  &.  he  in  turn  lead  famly  2   Xp 

But   Imor  impot   thing  pt   out  fnd   in  Luke   Acts   1^:1_ 
This   vb  read  Simeon, nothr  form  r  imon 

thir   Simeon  cal   Niger  &  merly  nean  dark  skin, swarthy 

i»o  mean  Blak  lik  sum  try  2say 
Simeon  nam  ty  2  Lucius ,Cyrene  &  way  vs  writ   apear 
both  Simeon, Lucius   from  Cyrene 

How  if   same  Simon  oary  ores   Js,gud  posibilty  4  this 

means   this   Simeon  very   inatru  creat   1st   mission  2 

Gentils   in  Antioch, 
&  if  this   case=then  gud   posibilty  we   canE  Xpians   ?dav 
Bcuz   ince   long  arc  a  man  anser  cal  2carry  burdn  Js   Ep 

Now   is   that   coine'd?   Suirk  fate? 
NO, it  G 's  plan        in  G'a  plan  ther  no  coincid, quirks 

If   Simon  no  ther  thai    time/that   plac,gud   posibilty 

U  &  I  no  here   this   eve 
Bu*   all  did  tak  plao   &  G  plan  that   way  Bcuz   that  way 
Hi     iperat 

Here  was   man  2celbrat     asovr  persnl   meanful  way 
Ins ted   shar   larb,had  Larab   shar  w/him 

Bcuz    Simon  met    Js   on   way   Calvry   his    lif   nevr   sane 
fcame   4evr  writ  histry   as    Ali  DBWIWIBS   VOLUNTEER 
but  4  him  it   ment   a  new   life 

He   is  only  man  who  cud   say  literly  piked  ut>  ,tp  s 

cros  i  cary  it 
ti   8    I   a  only  ask  by   Js   ?pik  up  our   own  er©e«e   &   cary 
them  4  Him, 


Scrip:    [-ark   15:21 

Lik  taks   on  apear  wat   many  cal=conincid,      ouirk  fate 

4thoz   outsid   Xpianty  ther   R  coincid^quirks  fate, 

but  4  Xpian  thoz   ctrcums   R  acts  of  G,fi   R  Cod  directet 
Js  bin  condem  dy;bin  up   all   niteB  quest   Sanhed   ordr 
f    yes  chrg  ?secur  executin 
So  uad   gon  w/out  sleep  &  erly  hrs   morn  takn  ?Filat 

que3tin  mokry  trial ;takn  Herod=mok-,then  bak  2rilat 
scourp   rip   flesh  ribbns ;releas   whims    soldiers ,abus , 
then  enrout   circuitous   rte   2   Calvary ,Oolrotha 
At  same  time  B  led   out   pate    Jeru,man  mak  way  f recount: 
2Jeru  2celbrat   feast  Easovr 

short  periud  tine  path^  vud  ctos=  fas  coincid?=G's  dii 
the  man  nam  .'.imon  &  kno  nothin  excep  came  Africa  ,Cyrei 
■v  this   mod  day  Tripoli 

this  city  grp   Jews   setl  &  rpob   liflonp  dream  Simn  2 

cum  2Jeru  f..  celbrat  Feast   Paaovr   kus   lnce   liftime 
Irob  scrimp, sav  ?do  so  &  Ik  4ward   2ernestly 

Irob   stay   sumwlafcr   country  abl   aford   lode-  &.  now   go   2 

city   Pcelbrat    feast   &  2C    Jeru   siter- 
Is   aproach   gate   city, cant   help  hear  nois/clamor  crowd 

As  his  curosty  aroun  ,so   othrs  &  crowds   form 
He   push  thru  &  C  Romn  seldur   front  w/board  &  words 
Solo  by  man  eery  cr03beam,2solcture  hesid,nothr   Bhin 
then   same   grp  w/nothr  prisnr   cary  crosbeamjK'   then   not 

procesin  5men  led   Pexecut   greet    jeers , insult , curses 

Bcuz   crowd    knu   dun   sumthin  worthy   rleth 
Jus  as   las   prisnr   cum  abrest  Simon, fal  dwn  undr  burdn 

Simon  watch  how  othrs  cary  cros   &  notic   tho  weifh 

100   lb, cud  cary,but   las   man  no  apear  aase    othrs 
'*lh-\  they  Ik  hardned,exhib   calusnes  this   man  Ik  oorml 

.  Amman  fal,&  Simon  C  all  want  ^>C,turn  %.   as  duz.feel 

tuch  cold  ntetl   shoiar,lk  rnd  &  star  Romn  soldur  ft 

spear  on  his   sholdr 
YUU,pik  up  cros  fe  cary 

profcl  dimon  impos   statur  8-.  why  chosn  4task 
Wen  persn  i  mpres   servie  by  Romnjinus   do   or  dy 

Simon  stoop  dwn,pikup  despis   instr  del'  ;      -       "::ouch, 

much   les  cary  was   2c5efil,2B  cursed 
As  heft  ?sholdrs ,man  ?B  slain  on  it  prob  walk  by  side 
It   no  record, but   pud  posibilty  Js    tol  how  much   aprec 
Simon  tnk  burdn  4   Him 

\r.   mov   Sward   plao   executin  wat   mus   bin  distastful 

task  4   Simon, may  wel  hav   Bcum  1   in  wh/lern  who  was 
Gac   Js   op  2reaeal   self  2  a   seeking   Jew 
Simon  may  wel  bin  Ik  '.,_      lis    of    Cs.  ,:iesiah,ont    "-\<\ 
Him  on  road  2   Calvary 


"Seen  In  The  Crowd:  An  Unwitting  Volunteer" 
Scripture:  Mark  15:21 

Life  takes  on  the  appearance  of  what  many  call  "coincidences."   But  are  the 
events  of  our  lives  such0  For  those  who  remain  outside  the  fold  of  Christ- 
ianity circumstances  may  indeed  be  looked  upon  as  "coincidence,"  or  "quirks 
of  fate."   But  for  the  Christian  those  circumstances  which  may  be  thought  of 
as  "coincidences"  are  looked  upon  as  acts  of  God,  and  are  God  directed. 
Jesus  had  been  condemned  to  die.  He  had  been  up  most  of  the  night  being 
questioned  by  the  Sanhedrin  in  order  to  press  adequate  charges  against  Him  to 
secure  His  execution.   So  He  had  gone  without  sleep.   In  the  early  hours  of 
the  morning  He  had  stood  before  Pilate  and  been  trhough  the  mockery  of  a 
trial.   Then  He  had  been  led  to  King  Herod  and  mocked  by  Herod's  soldiers 
and  men  of  his  court.   Then  marched  back  to  pilate,  sentenced  to  scourging, 
which  involved  a  brutal  beating  tearing  His  flesh  to  ribbons;  then  released 
to  the  whimR  of  the  eb±±he:k  soldiers  who  further  abused  Him;  and  then  led 
through  a  long  snd  curcuitous  route  to  the  place  of  execution.   Jesus  was 
being  led  to  the  gate  going  out  of  Jerusalem  to  the  hill  called  "Golgotha, " 
or  "Calvary."  But  at  the  same  time  as  He  was  bein^  led  out  of  the  gate  in 
the  company  of  the  two  other  prisoners  and  the  Roman  soldiers  escorting  them, 
a  man  was  making  his  way  from  the  country  into  the  city  for  the  Feast  of  the 
Passover,   In  a  short  period  of  time  their  paths  are  goinc-  to  cross.   Was  it 
coincidence,  or  was  it  God's  leading? 

The  man  is  named  Simon  and  we  know  nothing  more  of  him  at  this  point,  other 
than  the  fact  that  he  is  from  a  city  namedCyrene  which  was  in  North  Africa. 
Tvat  place  is  the  site  of  modern  Tripoli.   It  was  there  that  a  group  of  Jews 
had  settled,   Simon  probably  came  to  Jerusalem  to  fulfill  a  lifelong  dream  of 
celebrating  the  Passover  in  Jerusalem  ,iust  once  in  his  lifetime.   He  had  prob- 
ably scrimped  and  saved  in  order  to  make  this  pilgrimage,  and  had  looked  for- 
ward to  it  very  earnestly.   He  had  probably  stayed  somewhere  in  the  country 
where  the  prices  would  have  made  it  possible  for  him  to  afford  the  lodging. 
Now  he  was  on  his  way  into  the  city  for  the  feast.   At  long  last  he  is  going 
to  see  Jerusalem  and  he  is  probably  absorbed  in  all  that  is  going  on  around 
him.   But  as  he  is  approaching  the  gate  leading  into  the  city,  he  can't  help 
but  hear  the  noise  and  clamor  of  a  crowd  up  ahead.   And  just  as  his  curiousitj 
is  aroused,  so  is  the  curiosity  of  many  others.   So  as  the  procession  makes 
its  tedious  way  down  the  road,  fcisxKnsKdxjrKtfcEEs  crowds  of  people  gather  on 
both  sides  of  the  road.   Simon,  pushing  himself  to  the  front  of  the  crowd 
whefe  he  is  at  this  time  watches  as  a  procession  of  people  come  toward  him. 
lie  first  notices  a  Roman  soldier  carrying  a  board  on  which  is  printed  some 
words  which  at  this  point  he  can't  make  out.  Following  the  soldier  is  a 
man  carrying  a  heavy  crossbeam,  which  anyone  *ould  recognize  as  the  second 


-2- 
part  of  a  cross  to  which  this  prisoner  will  be  nailed.   He  is  flanked  on 
either  side  by  two  soldiers  and  another  soldier  is  bringing  up  the  rear. 
The  crowd  is  calling  out  to  him  and  he  in  turn  is  answering  their  jibes  with 
jibes  of  his  own.  Following  the  last  soldier  is  another  soldier  also  bear- 
ing a  board, followed  again  by  another  man  carrying  a  crossbeam,  with  the  same 
amount  of  soldiers  and  ikgxssxia  following  them  If  yet  another  man  carrying 
a  crossbeam  with  the  same  amount  of  soldiers.   This  procession  of  three  men 
is  greeted  by  the  crowds  with  insults  and  curses  because  it  is  known  that  the; 
had  each  done  something  worthy  of  death. 

Just  as  the  last  man  comes  abreast  of  rimon,  Fe  falls  down  under  his  burdens 
Simon  had  watched  how  the  others  had  carried  their  crosses  and  had  noticed 
that  although  they  probably  weighed  around  a  hundred  pounds,  an  ordinary  man 
could  carry  them.   But  as  he  looks  at  this  fellow  he  sees  that  this  man  does- 
n't have  the  same  appearance  of  the  other  two.   Where  they  look  hardened  and 
exhibit  a  callousness  about  them,  this  man  had  the  look  of  a  normal  law  abid- 
ing citizen.   Seeing  the  man  fall  under  his  burden,  and  noting  that  He  didn't 
look  like  a  criminal,  Simon  probably  turned  away  hafine-  seen  all  that  he  carec 
to  see.   But  as  he  turns  and  starts  to  push  back  through  the  crowd  to  contin- 
ue through  the  gate  into  Jerusalem,  he  feels  the  touch  of  a  cold  piece  of 
metal  on  his  shoulder.   And  turning  round  he  is  confronted  by  the  spear  of  the 
last  Roman  soldier  resting  on  his  shoulder,  and  the  menacing  appearance  of 
the  man  holding  the  spear.   The  soldier  speaks  and  says,  "You,  pick  up  this 
cross  and  carry  it."   In  all  probability  ^imon  was  of  an  imposing  stature 
which  is  why  he  was  chosen  for  the  task.   And  when  a  person  was  impressed  in- 
to service  by  the  Romans,  he  had  to  obey  or  lose  his  life.   So  Simon  stoops 
down  and  picks  up  this  detected  instrument  of  death.   As  a  Jew  it  was  not  onlj 
despised,  but  was  considered  as  a  curse  to  have  anything  to  do  with  it. 
We  can  well  imagine  his  feelings  not  only  toward  the  cross,  but  toward  the  mai 
who  has  caused  him  to  be  pressed  into  service . 

An  he  hefts  the  weigh   o.f  i    o  hia  shoulder,  bhe  man  to  be  slain  on  it  waa 
probably  walking  by  hia  side.   It  isn't  recorded,  but  it  is  a  -ood  bet  that 
Jesus  struck  up  a  conversation  with  Simon.   He  may  have  told  him  how  much  He 
appreciated  Simon  taking  His  burden  from  Him,   V  they  moved  toward  the  place 
of  execution,  what  may  have  been  a  very  distateful  task  for  Simon,  may  well 

r   '  •;  v;hioh  nie  learaed  -        man  was,  and  gave  Jesus  the  op- 
portuntiy  to  reveal  Himself  to  a  seeking  Jew,   Simon  nay  well  have  been  look- 
ing for  the  j ,mise  of  '    >1,   !      ■■  .ah,  and  found  Him  on  the  road  to  Cal- 
vary . 

The  Greek  word  for  compel  in  this  21st  verse  comes  from  Persian  origin.   It 
was  used  of  public  messengers  who  were  appointed  by  the  king  of  Persia   They 
were  stationed  at  intervals  throughout  the  kingdom,  with  horses  ready  to  ' 


-3- 

speed  messages  to  their  destination  as  nuickly  as  possible.   Tvey  were  the 
forerunners  of  our  Pony  Express.   These  men  had  the  authority  to  press  into 
services,  horses,  boats,  and  even  men  they  met.   So  we  can  see  that  much  like 
a  messenger  carrying  an  important  message,  Simon  was  pressed  into  service. 
And  it  is  quite  possible  that  Simon  did  carry  an  important  message  as  we  shall 
soon  see. 

In  this  verse  Simon  is  identified  as  the  father  of  3x  Alexander  and  Rufus. 
This  is  out  of  the  ordinary  because  usually  the  reverse  is  true.  *3hxxxkxb±h 
kisxSExpKixtBixtkH  It  is  very  likely  that  Mark's  Gospel  was  written  for  the 
church  at  Rome  and  so  we  read  in  Paul's  letter- to  the  Romans ,  chapter  16, 
verse  13;  "Greet  Rufus,  chosen  in  the  Lord,  and  his  mother  and  mine." 
Most  likely  :his  Rufus,  is  the  son  of  Simon  of  Cyrene  and  to  Paul  he  was  a 
spceial  friend  and  Paul  considered  his  mother,  Simon's  wife  like  his  own 
mother.   This  may  well  mean  that  because  of  Simon's  encounter  with  Jesus  on 
the  way  to  Calvary,  r imon  accepted  Christ  as  his  Saviour  and  then  he  in  turn 
led  his  sons  Alexander  and  Rufus  to  the  Lord  as  well. 

But  there  is  one  more  thing  we  should  point  out  in  this  incident.   Luke  writ- 
ing in  his  book  called  "The  Acts  of  the  Apostles,"  in  chapter  13:  verse  1, 
writes:  ":Jow  there  were  in  the  church  that  was  at  ^tioch  certain  prophets 

vlSLi^S5er«4  tS  ?arn^as,  and  SymeAn,  who  was  called  Niger,  jraSxiiraxxsxBxx 

xxxkkxkxxx  and  lucius  of  Cyrene.  " 

In  this  verse  we  read,  of  a  man  named  "Simeon,"  which  is  another  form  of  Simon 
It  is  said  that  Simeon  was  called  Niger,  and  this  merely  means  he  had  a  dark 
or  swarthy  skin.   It  doesn't  mean  he  was  black  as  some  people  try  to  say. 
And  Simeon's  name  is  tied  together  with  lucius  of  Cyrene.   The  way  the  verse 
is  written  it  appears  that  Simeon  and  lucius  are  both  from  Cyrene.   Now  if 
this  is  the  same  Simon  who  carried  the  cross  of  Jesus,  and  it  is  a  rood  possi- 
bility, it  means  that  this  Simon  was  very  instrumental  in  creatine;  the  first 
mission  to  the  Gentiles  in  Antoich.   And  if  this  is  the  case,  then  it  is  a 
good  possibility  that  we  can  be  Christians  today  because  once  long  ago,  a 
man  answered  the  call  to  foarry  the  cross  of  Jesus  Christ. 

How  is  that  a  "conincidence,"  or  a"ouirfc  of  fate?"   No,  in  Sod's  plan  there 
are  many  chance  nestings.   If  -imon  had  not  been  at  that  place,  at  that  time, 
it  is  a  good  possibility,  you  and  I  would  not  be  here  this  evening.   But  all 
of  it  did  take  place  and  God  planned  it  that  way  because  this  Is  how  He  oper- 
ates.  Here  was  amn  who  came  to  celebrate  the  Passover  in  pan  a  personal 
and  meaningful  way.   Instead  of  isaxx**  sharing  in  the  lamb,  he  had  the  Lamb 
share  with  him.   Because  Simon  met  Jesus  on  the  way  to  Calvary,  his  life  was 
never  the  same.   His  name  is  forever  written  in  history  as  "An  Unwitting 
Volunteer,"  but  for  him  it  meant  anew  life.   He  is  the  only  man  who  could  say 


■ 


Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 


GOOD  FRIDAY  5ERVICE 
April  5t  1985 


Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor 
Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Organist 


ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  7:30  P.M. 

Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Armounc  ements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 

Choral  Introit   "Hosanna" 
*Hymn  No.  256  "The  Old  Rugged  Cross" 
'Ascription 
♦Call  to  Worship 

Pastor:   Christ j  our  paschal  lamb,  has  been  sacrificed. 
Let  us  therefore,  celebrate  the  festival,  with 
the  unleavened  bread  of"  sincerity  and  truth. 
People:  Behold,  the  Lamb  of  God,  who  taketh  away  the 

sin  of  the  world. 
Pastor:  Our  help  is  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  who  made 

heaven  and  earth. 
Peoples   The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  all  than  that  call  upon 

Him,  to  all  that  call  upon  Him  in  truth. 
Pastor:   Seeing  that  we  have  a  great  high  priest,  that 
is  passed  into  the  heavens,  Jesus  the  Son  of 
God:   let  us  therefore  come  boldly  unto  the 
throne  of  grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy, 
and  find  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need. 
*Prayer  of  Confession  -  (In  Unison) 

Lord  Jesus,  who  on  this  night  long  ago  instituted 
the  memorial  of  Your  Body  and  Blood,  grant  us  the 
eyes  of  faith  to  discern  Your  presence  through  the 
Communion  Elements.   In  Your  presence  here,  we  come 
asking  for  Your  mercy;  for  the  sorrow^  which  brought 
no  softening  of  heart;  far  the  rebukes  of  conscience 
which  led  to  no  amendment  of  life;  for  the  counsels  of 
Your  Word  we  have  known  and  not  loved;  for  the  Gospel 
of  Your  love  we  have  believed  and  not  obeyed,  we 
humbly  ask  for  Your  forgiveness  as  we  gather  at  this 
Table. >••■•••*  Amen, 
•Assurance  of  Pardon 

Pastor:  He  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions,  He 

was  bruised  for  our  iniquities;  upon  Him  warn 


His  stripes  we  are  healed. 

Offering 

Offertory 
♦Doxology 

Communion  Hymn  No.  253   "Beneath  the  Cross  of  Jesus" 
*  Invitation  to  Communion 
♦Institution  and  Consecration  of  The  Elements 

Distribution  of  the  Bread 

Distribution  of  the  Cup 
♦Prayer  of  Thanksgiving 

Scripture:   Luke  23:  39-43 

Sermon:   "Seen  in  the  Crowd;  A  Contrite  Outlaw" 
♦Hymn  No.  270  "I  Believe  in  a  Hill  Called  Mount  Calvary" 
♦Benediction 
♦Chasing  Chimes 
♦Postlude 

++++++  *Congregation  Standing  ++++++ 

Mr.  &   Mrs.  Howard  Jaillet  will  greet  the  congregation  at 
the  door  this  evening. 

Ushers  will  be  serving  communion  this  evening. 

Nursery  will  be  provided  tonight  by  Mrs.  Sue  Davis* 

Moody  monthly  and  Daily  Bread  Booklets  are  available  in 
the  Narthex . 

Easter  Eggs  are  available  in  the  kitchen.   Help  support 
your  church  with  this  "sweet"  project. 

A  Petition  concerning  the  Butler  City  councils  decision 
to  drop  the  Fire  Dept.  Rescue  Service  is  hanging  in  the 
Nartbex,   If  you  are  opposed  to  this  decision,  please 
take  time  to  sign  the  petition* 

EASTER  SUNRISE  SERVICE  &  BREAKFAST  is  Sunday  April  7th. 
beginning  at  6:30  a.m.,  followed  by  a  delicious 
breakfast  cooked  by  the  men.  Hope  to  see  you  there! 

EASTER  WORSHIP  SERVICE  at  11:00  a.m.  Sunday  morning  will 
be  the  cantata  "Then  Came  the  Morning"  sung  by  the 
Chancel  Choir.   Please  make  plans  to  come  and  join 
in  the  celebration  of  our  risen  Saviour  through  songs. 

Vielcome  and  invite  all  to  partake  of  C 


Good  Friday 


SI.  PAUL'S  UNITED  CHURCH  OF  CHRIST 
APRIL  S,  198S 


robbr 


2/ 
Luninu  thing  case  Contrite  Outlaw   li     th= 
understud   Js   bettr  than  closest   frends 

All  ran/bid  Bcua  they  Eliev  wen  He   ay,evrthin  ovr./du 
Didnt   3]  lev   wud   cum  bale  from   prav,evn   tho   tola   them 
aevrl  times 

J    vprov   evn  «■»  whil  dy   on   eros,He   luv  sinnrs 
Th-./man  start   out  hurl  inrults   at    Je    life  evrl  else, 

hut  sumthin  hapn=he   chanp^titud   transform 
&  this   efecfc    Js   hav    on   peop   ^day 

Ve  eithr  draw  2ward   Hira.er  we  repel  by  Fim 
It  all  matr  wat  we   Ik  for 
Ithief   want    ret    off   cross     '    gat   b^k   ?old    ways 

He    only    saw    iTs    as   means    escap   present    rrediciment 
Othr   thief   saw    Js   as    lredeem  him  &   Pi^rsnt   him  releas 
from  sordid   lif   he   had   led 

Has  deth   Js   transform  us? 
R  we   dif   Bcuz  we  hav   sum   in?   His   presence 
&  hav  we  receiv   invitatin  in?  His  butiful  rardn 
Bcuz  we  hav   acpt   His   invitatin  2cura  to  Fim? 
2day  we   celbrat   in  histry  day  He   dy  &   it   is   a  day 
which   rhud  brina-  us    lif   Bcuz    of   His   deth 
Hay  thoz   butiful  words    of   Master  fal  upon  ears   &_ hav 
nu   aeanin^  4   ea   of   us=TOD^Y   SHALT  THOU    BE   KSI 


"Seen  In  The   Crowd:    A  Contrite   Outlaw" 

Scrip :    Luke    25:59-4j 

Js  bin  nail   2  His  cros  &  as   othr  f crips      tel  us,   2 
othrs    nail   with   Him 

In  fac,    scrip  this  evp.   shud  start  vs  'j^RKAD 
vs   =53=  Js  plac    Btween  ?=malfact»s=erinmals 

V     icno  read  wat   dun,likly  crim   spin  Rome=&  deth 
Ht    .-7:  38-44- READ 

Here   C   Js   mok  &  evn  thievs    Join  in, heap  abus  on  Him 
Both  thez   men  walk  enforc   march  2   site   of  ©xecutin, 

herd, seen   Js   remarks   2thoz   oal  out  2him 
Lk  records vs    54=  Js   pray  4enemys 

Evn  tho  both  crimnals  had  mok,l  was   mov  by  this 
Here  was   man  B  tortur,abus   by  thez  peop  Gc  ask  4-4friv 

can  wel   imaptin   impac   this   had  on  crimnal 
Lk  35-38=can  also  imapin  superseriptin  had  efec  man 

prob  had?  strain  nek/sholdr  PC  wat   sed,but   mus    sunk 
i     his    consciousnes   man  no   ordnary   crimnal 
vs   39-cthr  crimnal   only  want   sav  nek, no  intreft   in  a 

Savior   who   wud   releas   from   sins 
He    lk  4savior  who  sav  nek  so  cud   continu  do  wat  did 
He  was   a   lawbrkr  and  &.  outlaw 

so   this   pt,C   coang   takn   plac   crimnal=only   1 
He    no   loner    Join   w /crowd    2abus    Js,cal   names    p'  seek  4 
Him  do  sumthin  miraculus 

insted,Bp;in   stan  up  4    Js 
vs  40— 41-V/at   exclamtin  who   Js  realy  was 

He  saw  Him  4  tru  Sav  was; sumthin  hap  ?him  "'chanr 

hart   h  mind  bout   this  nuiet  man  who  pray  4enmys 
insted   cry  out  4releas  from  deth  which  certin  ?cum 
short  periud   time, reach   out   S    Js     ■  we  read=VP  4?»REAI 

r~a  hav  ariv  conclusin   Js   realy  Kinp 
N      iC=no   say   IF   in  prayr=it   is    WEN  THOU   COMEST 

he   awar    Js    nearer   deth  than  he,&  reach   out  tak  optur 

2B  a  part   Uis   klnpdo-i 
Lk   Js   anner-VS  43 

Js   say=fol  ther  deths,that  very  day, not  sum  far  eons 

but  TODAY, thief  wudB  w/Kim   in  paradise 
Paradise=Persin  oricin   >   ment  wal  irardn3   of   Rings 

,/en  kin^  want  honor  suml, invite  walk  gardn 
It  was  by   invitatin   only 

Paradise   Js   talk  of  plac   wher  Blievr   go  iuediatly 

in?  presenc   of  G 
But    stil   plac   nol   can   entr   on   own,mus    acpt   invitatin 
of    Sing  who    is    Js    Stp 

That   invitatin   is   I  alway  has  bin  extend   mankind= 
Come   Unto   Me 

wen  persn  cum  3   SCp.  s-  acpt   as   L  &  Sav, wen  persn  Bcum 

Born   a"-in,or    regenerate,    nersn  acpt    invitatin  ?    ,1oil 

Js    in  paradise   upon   deth 


"Seen  In  The  C  owd :  A.  Contrite  Outlaw" 

Scripture:  Luke  23:39-4-3 

Jesus  has  been  nailed  to  His  cross  and  as  other  Scriptures  tell  us,  two  crimi- 

nals  were  also  crucified  with  Him.   In  fact,  our  Scripture  for  this  evening 

actually  begins  with  verse  52  of  this  chapter.   There  we  read,  "And  there  were 
also  two  other,  malefactors,  led  with  Him  to  be  put  to  death." 

w»  The  following  verse  tells  us,  "And  when  they  were  come  to  the  place, 
which  is  called  Calvary,  there  they  crucified  Him,  and  the  malefactors,  one 
on  the  right  hand,  and  the  other  on  the  left." 

Jesus  is  placed  in  the  middle  of  these  two  men  named  "Malefactors,"  and  that 
identification  merely  means  they  were  criminals,   No  where  in  Scripture  do 
we  read  what  they  had  done,  but  it  is  most  likely  they  committed  crimes  again- 
st Rome  which  would  warrant  the  death  penalty. 

Matthew  tells  us  in  the  2?th  chapter  of  his  Gospel  in  verses  38  through  44, 
(read  these).  Here  we  see  that  Jesus  is  mocked  and  even  the  two  thieves  Join 
in  the  abuse  heaped  upon  Him.   Both  of  these  men  had  walked  the  enforced 
march  to  this  execution  site  and  had  seen  and  heard  His  few  remarks  to  thdse 
who  called  out  to  Him.   And  Luke  records  that  when  they  are  on  their  crosses, 

Jesus  prays,  and  we  read  in  the  34th  verse,  "Then  said  Jesus,  'Father,  forgive 
them;  for  they  know  not  what  they  do. ' " 

Even  though  both  of  the  criminals  with  Him  had  mocked  Him,  one  of  them  was 

probably  very  moved  by  this.   Here  was  a  man  being  tortured  and  abused  by 

these  people,  and  He  is  asking  for  them  to  be  forgiven.   We  can  well  imagine 

that  this  had  a  definite  impact  upon  the  one  criminal. 

Then  Luke  records  much  what  Matthew  has  but  slightly  different  as  we  read  in 

verses  35-38,  (read  these).   ±Hi4x3teti±sx^i!i3Tfcxinmex^x±toxEr±Bri3a^xxKBi!i±X3DMEs 

iHxkEH^xxirHHRX-H^-Ei-HxiiwxHitxHzS   tfe  can  also  imagine  what  that  superscription 

over  the  head  of  Jesus  may  have  done  to  affect  the  attitude  of  this  one  man. 

He  probably  had  to  ptrain  his  head  and  shoulders  to  see  what  it  said,  but  it 

must  have  begin  to  sink  into  his  consciousness  that  this  man  was  not  ,just  a 

common  ordinary  criminal.   But  the  other  fellow  was  only  interested  in  having 

his  life  spared.   Luke  writes  in  verse  39,  "And  one  of  the  malefactors  which 
were  hanged  railed  on  Him,  saying,  'If  thou  be  Christ,  save  Thyself  and  us." 

His  thoughts  were  not  of  Jeaws  i>wic±   being  the  promised  Messiah.   He  wasn't 
interested  in  a  Saviour,  at  least  not  a  Saviour  *um  who  would  release  him 
from  his  sins.   He  was  interested  in  a  Saviour  who  would  save  his  neck  so  he 
could  continue  to  be  what  he  had  been.   And  that  was  a  lawbreaker  and  an  out- 
law. 

So  at  this  point  we  see  a  change  has  taken  place  in  the  one  criminal.  He  is 
no  lower  joining  in  with  the  crowd  to  abuse  Jesus  by  calling  Him  names  and 
seeking  to  have  Him  do  something  miraculous  to  save  him.   Instead,  he  begins 

to  stand  up  for  Jesus  and  Luke  tells  us,  "But  the  other  answering  rebuked  him 
saying,  'Dost  not  thou  fear  God,  seeing  thou  art  in  the  same  condemnation? 
And  we  indeed  justly;  for  we  receive  the  due  reward  of  our  deeds:  but  tM. 


-2- 

man  hath  done  nothing  amiss.1" 

What  an  exclamation  of  who  Jesus  was.  He  saw  Him  for  the  true  Saviour  He  was, 

Something  had  happened  to  change  his  heart  and  mind  about  this  quiet  man  who 

prayed  for  His  enemies, 

4.nd  instead  of  cry'  I  for  el  sase  Fro  i  fthe  leatn  '  Lch  is  c  jrtain  to  come 

in  a  short  period  of  time,  he  reaches  out  to  Jesus,  and  we  read,  "And  he  said 
unto  Jesus,  Lord,  remember  ne  when  Thou  cotnest  into  Ti  .      lorn." 

t   --.   rriv  1  at  the  conclusion  that  Jesus  really  was  a  king,   tiotice , 

he  doesn't  pray  with  an  "If"  in  his  prayer.   It  is  not  "If  yon  come   1  o  y<  vc 

•  i'-ii."  ""  i        "  flu   ?hou  comest,"  He  is  aware  that  Jesus  is  nearer 
death  than  he  is  and  he  is  reaching  out  to  take  the  opportunity  fms  to  be  a 
part  of  His  kingdom. 
And  look  at  the  answer  Jesus  gives  him.  He  says,  "Today  shalt  thou  be  with 

me  in  paradise . " 
The  answer  Jesus  gives  is  that  following  their  deaths,  that  very  day,  not 
some  far  off  day  eons  from  now;  but,  TODAY, that  very  day,  the  thief  would  be 
with  Him  in  a  place  called  paradise.   Tve  word  "Paradise"  is  of  Fersian  orig- 
in.  It  was  used  of  beautiful  gardens  which  the  Persian  kings  had,  which  were 
walled  in  and  separated  from  all  other  real  estate.'  Into  these  gardens  the 
kings  would  invite  special  friends  to  walk  through  them  w:'th  the  king.   It  wai 
by  invitation  that  one  pot  into  the  garden.   The  Paradise  Jesus  was  talking 
about  is  a  place  where  the  believer  goes  immediately  into  the  presence  of  God 
But  it  is  still  8  rlace  where  no  one  can  just  enter  on  his  own.   He  must  ac- 
cept the  invitation  of  the  King  who  is  Jesus  Christ.   That  invitation  is  and 
always  has  been  extended  to  all  mankind,  "Come  unto  Me."  When  a  person  comes 
to  Christ  and  accepts  Him  as  Lord  and  S"viour,  when  that  person  has  become 
"Born  again,"  or  is  regenerated,  that  person  has  accepted  the  invitation  to 
join  Jesus  Christ  in  paradise  upon  death. 

The  unioue  thing  in  this  case  of  the  "Contrite  Outlaw"  is  that  a  robber  under 
stood  Jesus  better  than  His  closest  followers.   They  all  ran  and  hid  because 
they  believed  when  He  died  everything  was  over  and  done.   They  didn't  believe 
He  would  come  back  from  the  grave,  even  thouph  He  had  told  them  several  times 
But  Jesus  proved  even  while  He  was  on  the  cross  dying,  that  He  loved  sinners. 
This  man  started  out  hurling  accusations  at  Jesus  Just  like  everyone  else. 
But  then  he  changed.   His  attitude  was  transformed.   And  this  is  the  effect 
Jesus  has  on  people  even  today.   We  are  either  drawn  toward  Him,  or  we  are 
repelled  by  Him.   It  is  all  a  matter  of  what  we  are  looking  for.   The  one 
thief  wanted  to  get  off  that  cross  to  continue  doinp  all  of  the  wrong  things 
he  had  been  doing.   Therefore,  he  only  saw  Jesus  as  means  of  escape  from  his 
present  predicament.   The  other  thief  saw  Jesus  as  the  one  to  redeem  him  and 
to  grant  him  the  release  from  the  sordid  life  he  had  led. 


' 


-5- 

Has  the  death  of  Jesus^-  transformed  us?   Are  we  different  because  we  have  come 
into  His  presence?  And  have  we  received  the  invitation  into  His  beautiful 
garden  because  we  have  accpeted  His  invitation  to  come  to  Him?  Today,  the 
day  we  celebrate  in  history  as  the  day  on  which  He  died,  is  a  day  which 
should  bring  us  life  because  of  His  death. 

May  those  beautiful  words  of  the  Master  fall  upon  our  ears  and  have  new  mean- 
ing for  each  of  us,  "Today  shalt  thou  be  with  me  in  paradise." 


ST.    PAUL'S   UNITED  CHURCH   OF  CHRIST 
BUTLER,    PENNSYLVANIA 

EASTER  SUNRISE  SERVICE 
April  7,  -985 

Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor        Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Organist 

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  ++  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  6:30  A.M. 

Prelude 
*Hymn  "Christ  the  Lord  is  Risen  Today" 

Christ  the  Lord  is  risen  today 

Alleluia 

Sons  of  men  and  angels  say 

Alleluia 

Raise  you  joys  and  triumphs  high, 

Alleluia 

Sing  ye  heavens  and  earth  reply 

Alleluia 

Lives   again  our  glorious   king, 

Alleluia 

Where  0  death  is  now  thy  sting? 

Alleluia 

Dying  once,  He  all  doth  save. 

Alleluia 

Where  thy  victory,  0  grave? 

Alleluia 

Love's  redeeming  work  is  done 

Alleluia 

Fought  the  fight,  the  battle  won, 

Alleluia 

Death  in  vain  forbids  Ham  rise, 

Alleluia 

Christ  has  opened  paradise, 

Alleluia 

Sing  we  to  our  God  above 

Alleluia 

Praise  eternal  as  His  love, 

Alleluia 

Praise  Him,  all  ye  heavenly  host, 

" lleluia 


Father,  Son*  and  Holy  Ghost* 
Alleluia. 


Amen. 


•Call  to  Worship 

Leader :      God  has  altered  the  human  outlook  forever! 

He  has  confirmed  the  best  in  humanity  by 

His  Resurrection.   He  has  defeated  the  enemie- 

of  life. 
People  :   He  has  vindicated  righteousness  over  evil, 

love  over  hate,  and  life  over  death* 
Leader;   God  had  given  assurance  to  all  men  in  that 

He  raised  Jesus  from  the  dead! 
People:  We  are  no  longer  tossed  to  and  fro.  We  know 

"whom  we  have  believed."   We  rejoice  with 

unutterably  great  joy.   Hallelujah! 
•Invocation 


Hymn 


Easter 
Script 
Sermon 

Prayer 
*Hymn 


"He  Lives" 

I  serve  a  risen  3aviour,  He's  in  the  world  today; 
I  know  that  He  is  living,  whatever  men  may  say; 
I  see  His  hand  of  mercy,  I  hear  His  voice  of  chee.- 
And  just  the  time  I  need  His  He's  always  near, 

In  all  the  world  around  me  I  see  his  loving  care. 
And  though  my  heart  grows  weary  I  never  will  desps. 
I  know  that  He  is  leading  through  all  the  stormy 

blast 
The  day  of  His  appearing  will  come  at  last. 

Rejoice,  rejoice,  0  Christian*  lift  up  your  voice 

and  sing* 
Eternal  hallelujahs  to  Jesus  Christ  the  King! 
The  Hope  of  all  who  seek  Him,  the  Help  of  all  who 

fi_nd. 
None  other  is  so  loving,  so  good  and  kind. 

He  Lives,  He  Lives,  Christ  Jesus  lives  today! 
He  walks  with  me  and  tlaks  with  me  along  life*s 

narrow  way* 
He  lives,  He  Lives,  salvation  to  impart, 
Ydu  ask  me  how  I  know  He  Lives?  He  lives  within 

my  heart. 

Prayer 

ure:   Luke  24:  1-9 
"Lost?" 

Because  He  Lives"   (printed  on  back) 


God  sent  His  Son,  they  called  Him  Jesus, 

He  came  to  love,  heal  and  forgive; 

He  lived  and  died  to  buy  my  pardon, 

An  empty  grave  is  thereto  prove  my  Saviour  lives. 

How  sweet  to  hold  a  newborn  baby, 

And  feel  the  pride  and  joy  He  gives; 

But  greater  still  the  calm  assurance, 

This  child  can  face  uncertain  days  because  He  lives. 

And  then  one  day  I'll  cross  the  river, 
I'll  fight  life's  final  war  with  pain; 
And  then  as  death  gives  way  to  victory 
I'll  see  the  lights  of  glory  and  I'll  know  He  lives. 

CHORUS;   Because  He  lives,  I  can  face  tomorrow 
Because  He  lives  all  fear  is  gone, 
Because  I  know  He  holds  the  future , 
And  live  is  worth  the  living  just 
because  He  lives* 


""Benediction 


HAPPY  EASTER! 


asiea 


■     '.crip:    Ik   ?4:1-Q 

I'Pday  celbrat   as   Eastr  7un;'  tboz   w'in  n   ^h 

speeil  sirnif ;2thoz  outsid  Ch.litl  or  no  mean, but  2*i 
?  all    it   a    celbratin   sum   kind 

(Ilus  girl  &  mean  Eastr- Js  fr  'tomb, hut  C  shade  jj-o  bak 
OS-  .Scrip  l.k  te]  meaninr  of  Eastr  &  Bgia  w/three  womn 
tt.     /  R-Maxy   Magdalene ,  Joanna ,&  Mary  mothr   James 

dipcovr  hvy  ston  rol  wsy  entranc        step    in?   tomb 
they  met   by  2  angls ;discovr  body  Bis   ':-   made   fearfl 

■  then  meet   anrls  ad  ?fear  ft  Lk  describ   seen  bv  gay 
Bow  faces   ?  prnd   S    angle   ask  nuestin  vs   5E= 

I'd   lik  mak  ootup  this  pt  w/nothr   Pcrip   fnd   OT 
If   U   hav    Bibl   turn  2   Kinps    2 

Las  wk  shar   1st  part   story    *  wil    recap   hhia   mo 
Eli j"  bout  2B_tak  2hvn  bodly,no  dy  £   Elish  2suced   Prop 

Elij  ask   Elish  remain  this   side    Jordn,no   want  to 
Elij  strik  watr  cloke,part   &  crosjothr   3ide  Eli  J  ask 

wat  ii±sii  eud  do  4  Elish   *  Translate   ?  hvn 
llish   ask  dubl  portin    Elij   spirit 

Ko  mean  abl  do  dt»bl,h">v  dubl  powrs=mean  dnbl  inherit 
Jew   law   1st  born, eld   son  receiv  dubl   inherit   f r 'Eathr 

Elish, sucesor  Elij  lik  1st  born, ft.  merly  ask  dubl  in. 

t  out   las  wk   Js   1st   bDrn  G,eld   Son  &  He  Heir   Pdubl 

ortin   inherit=K   of   C,   in  Hvn,Kin"-dum   on   Erth-P   of   Hav 

so   now   cum   event   folo   Elij   translatin    in?   hvn 
Elish  part    Jordn  watr   lik  Elij 
vs   15=50nen   saw  Elij  go  up   chariot   of   fire 

they  awar   Elish  endo-r   same   3p  as   Elij 
vs   16=made  reoues   ft.  want  permisin   investgat  disapear 

of  Elij 
they  saw  go  up, but  refus   Bliev 


V    \SB=i:o   giv   permisin 


they  no  stop  ther  S    insist   ft,  vs   17AREAB 
continul  beer  ft.  Elish  kno  they  wud   noB  satsfy  untilgo 
vs    17B=results    serch 

Ko  matr  wher  lk,no  fnd   evidenc   of  hio=he   pone 
They  lk  upon  tranelatin  Elij  as   LOST 
Comp  tween  this  St  empty  tomb   Js   is  persn   Js    •    Elij 
u<-r    ]  r>3  t 

Fimlarity,  ;days 
ther  wasnt  trao  of  eithr  body  &  it  mattr  Bliev  bodys 
iisapear  &   necestat  serch  41ogicl  solutin 

both  instanc   ther  def   anser 
angl  gav   anser  vs    5B=READ 

&  then  anpls  ad  vs  6-READ 
«e  find  this  record  Lk  18:^1-53 
rs  34-  givs  resn  tsercb  by  women  at  tomb 

Human  logic  tel  us, seeing  is  Blieving  ft.  didnt  50  mi 

men  C  Elij  transport  chariot  fire? 


isnt  it  logicl  body  Js  laid  tomb  fri      aft, 

&   wud  stil  B  ther  fun  AH? 
Logic  tel  us  this  how  thez  ilus  shud.  hav  bin: 

But  a  duznt  do  thing  this  way,fortunatly  ft  this  wat 
G  Father  Almighty 

H'~  ways  not  our  ways 

C     Js   Daffodils   in  Fhialdel  phia  park  lot) 
LO.'jT?    ,,'as    Js    IOST? 

I  no   kno  any  U  had   exper   lik  me=los  rlov, scarf   etc 
mothr   ask=  >/her  did  U  los   it?      ANYOrrE  Else?"?? 

Tel   me, if  you've   lost   sumthin,how  can  it  be   lost   if 

U   kno  wher  II   lost    it? 
'.•/as    Js  LOST? 

(Ilus  woman  baby  boy  fly ,8  d otter   ask   if   lost) 
i    Jus    as   we    kno   thoz   dy    in   Lord,   wher   they   R, 

so  do  we  kno  wher    Js  was   wen  cudnt   B  fnd'  in  tomb 
He  was    Alive 
He    is   eoually    Vliv   ?day 
deth   cudnt   hold   Him  &   it   cant   hold   us    eithr. 

Thru  Iiim  we   hav  victry  ovr  that  rrav 
oh  sure,    sumday  thez   mortl  remains   of  ea  us  wilB 
plant   in  grnd . 

But   wen   hapn,thoz  who   R    in   Xp  wil   go   ?liv   w/Him  4evi 
Is  ther  such  a   thine  as   B  I03T  w/thoz  who  R  L'£ 

Thanks  be   2   G.who  piveth  us  victry  thru   L  ft    iav    Js 
Xp 

Bcuz   He   livs ,we   too   shall   liv 


"Lost"  -  Scripture:  Luke  2^:1-9 

Easter  -  meaninf  thoz  w/in  Ch  -  thoz  outaid  a  eelbratin 

(Hue  girl  SS  &  Js  Rose  fr/graT  ) 

BflT  IF  HE  SEES  HIS  SHADC,  HE  HAS  2G0  BAK  k   SEVN  WKS 

iel  3womn  cum  tomb  let  Eastr 
nARY  MAG,  JOANNA,  MART  MOTHR  JAMES 
saw  angle  t  afraid 
Va  5A- 

Va  5BsQtTESTIN 
«p  Scrip  w/OT  2  Kings  2nd  chap 


Vs  6-7*  aner  2quest-why  seek  11t  aaonp  ded? 
Lk  record  ehap  18:31-33 
S-  Vs  31*  giT  reaen  womn  aerch  *t  Js  at  tomb 
men  saw  Elij  transport  in  chariot  of  fire  -  log  othr  aid  mtn 
saw  Js  put  in  tomb  Frid,log  He  ther  on  Sunday 
G  no  operat  that  way  -  that  why  He  Almighty 
(Hue  Dafodils  in  Philly) 
LOGt?  WAS  IS  LOST?? 

(Ilus  my  mothr  ask*wher  Did  U   Lose  IT?) 
Strath  lost, don't  kno  wher  it  is  -  was  Js  Lost?? 
(Hub  woman  ded  baby  ealled  lost) 

MOMMY  IS  SUMTR  LOST  IF  V   KNO  WHER  IT  IS?  NO  DEAR  IT  ISNT  LOST 
MY  BABY  BROS  W/JS,ISNT  HE?  YES  HE  IS  DEAR 
THEN  WHY  DID  ALL  THOZ  LADTS  SAY  THEY  WER  SORY  U  LOST  HIM,  WE 
KNO  WHER  HE  IS 

^S_  KNO  WHER  THOZ  R  WHO  DY  IN  THA,SO  KNO  WHER  JS  WAS  WEN  NOT  IN 
5a  ■*,  HE  WAS  ALIV  t  HE  ALIV  2DAY  AS  WEL. 
.  _.J  HIM  WE  HAV  VICTRY  OVR  TVGRAV  •  WE  WILB  PLANTD.BHT  4TH0Z 
WHO  F  THA'S.THEY  R  NOT  LOST 
THANKS  B  2  G  WHO  GIVTH  PS  THAlCTRY  THRET  JS  XP 
JS  LTVS  tc   SO  SHAL  I.BCTZ  OF  TH/EMPTY  TOMB 


ELIJAH  »I  2Go  2HTO,nO  dy^TRANLATED 
ELISHA  2suceed  hi* 
ELIJ  ask  stay  othr  sid  Jordn.no  do 
ELIJ  strik  watrs  w/cloak»part,eroa  ott 
Eli i   ask  wat  eud  do  4him  B*  go  hvn=DOTBL  PORTTN  ELIJ  Spirit 
dubl  portin  inherit=lst  born  son.eldea  receiT  dubl  portin  aeord 
Bew+sh  law  -  Eliah  lik  let  born  son  fr  ask  dubl  inherit 
i       ;*s  1st  born  receiT  G'e  hrnly  K,t  inher  thron  Dav  wil  rule 
ert  j   k  ae  wel 

ts  m- 

Ve  15-16* 

ts  17-Ellj  2them  was  LOST  -  JS  was  LOST  -  No  body 
»,-  ansr  angel  gaTe  -  Why  seek  ye  the  living  among  the  dead? 


If/si/y^-Sto*,* 


"Lost?"  //      V  /^  ~  ^t^"A*^tf^r 

Scripture:  Iuke  24:1-9 

Today  we  celebrate  as  Easter  Sunday.   To  those  within  the  Christian  Church 

it  has  a  special  significance;  to  those  outside  the  Church  it  has  little  or 

no  meaning;  but  to  all,  it  is  a  celebration  of  some  kind. 

(Illustration  of  girl  in  Sunday  School  class  explaining  Easter)_ 


t« 

up 

"That's  wonderful,  now  does  anyone  knsw  what  next  lunday  Is?'   And  the 
same  little  girl  held  up  her  finger  again  and  answered,  "i.ext  Sundaybis 
Easter."   ".Vonderful , "  the  teacher  exclaimed,  "And  now  does  anyone  know 
what  makes  next  Sunday  Easter?"   The  same  little  girl  held  up  her  finger 
and  answered,  "Yes,  next  Sunday  is  Easter  because  Jesus  rose  from  the 
p-rave."   But  before  the  teacher  could  congratulate  her  on  her  correct 
answers,  the  little  girl  kept  on  talking  and  said,  "But  if  He  sees  His 
shadow  ....  He  has  to  go  back  for  seven  weeks." 

In  our  Scripture  this  morning,  Iuke  is  tellinf  of  three  women  coming;  to  the 
tomb  of  Jesus  on  that  first  Faster  morning.   The  woemn  were  Mary  Magdalene, 
Joanna,  and  Mary  the  mother  of  James.   As  they  discovered  the  heavy  stone 
had  been  rolled  away  from  the  entrance,  and  steered  into  the  tomb,  they  met 
two  angels.   They  discovered  the  body  of  Jesus  was  missing  and  that  made  them 
fearful,  and  then  encountering  the  anp-els  added  to  their  fear  and  so  Iuke 
describes  the  seene  by  saying  that  they  bowed  their  faces  to  the  earth. 
The  angels  encounter  their  fear  with  a  ouestion,  "Why  seek  ye  the  living 
among  the  dead?2  -  verse  5b. 

Mow  I'd  like  to  make  a  compaBison  at  this  point  with  another  Scripture  as  it 
is  found  in  the  Old  Testament.   If  you  have  your  Bibles  with  you,  you  may 
want  to  turn  to  the  book  of  2  Kings,  the  2nd  chapter.   Last  week  we  shared 
the  first  part  of  this  story  and  we  will  recap  it  this  morning  for  those  of 
you  who  were  unable  to  be  with  us.   Elijah  was  about  to  be  taken  to  heaven 
bodily  without  having  to  die.   Elisha  was  to  succeed  him  in  the  prophetic 
line.   Elijah  had  asked  Elisha  to  remain  on  the  other  side  of  the  Jordan 
while  he  crossed  It.   But  Elisha  insisted  on  going-  with  him  and  Elijah  had 
struck  the  water  with  his  mantle,  his  cloak  and  the  waters  parted  and  thej 
crossed,  on  dry  land.   On  the  other  side,  Elijah  asked  Elisha  what  he  could 
do  for  him  before  he  was  translated  to  heaven  and  Elisha  had  answered  that  he 
derired  a  double  portion  of  Elijah's  spirit.   Now  we  pointed  out  that  this  di 
not  mean  that  he  desired  to  be  able  to  do  double  that  which  Elijah  did,  or  to 
have  twice  as  much  power  and  authroity.   Instead,  it  meant  that  he  desired  a 
double  portion  of  his  Inheritance.  The  first-born  son,  the  eldest  son  was  to 
receive  a  double  portion  of  his  father's  inheritance  accroding  to  the  Jewish 
law.   Elisha,  as  the  successor  to  Elijah,  much  like  his  first-born  son,  merel 
asked  for  that  double  inheritance,   tfe  pointed  out  that  Jesus  was  the  Heir  in 
this  respect,  because  He  received  the  double  portion  as  well. 


-2- 

As  Sod's  first-born,  Ills  only  Son,  Jesus  received  that  Inheritance,  rhich  Ls 

Go<3  ':       ','       '  .  And  as  the  Ton  of  D^vid,  He  inherited  his  throne  and 

will  rule  the  earthly  kingdom  as  well. 

So  now  we  come  to  the  events  following  Elijah's  translation  into  heaven. 

Elisha  crosses  the  Jordan  by  parting  the  waters  with  the  use  of  Elijah's  cl=io} 

thus  indicating  that  he  had  received  Elijah's  prophetic  office.  Fq  in  the  151 

verse  we  read  of  the  50  men  who  had  witnessed  this  event  coining  to  Elisha, 

And  we  read:  And  when  the  sons  of  the  prophets  which  were  to  view  at  Jericho 
saw  him,  they  said,  'The  spirit  of  Elijah  doth  rest  on  Elishas   And  they 
came  to  meet  him,  and  bowed  themselves  to  the  ground  before  him." 

They  were  aware  that  Elisha  was  endowed  with  the  same  spirit  which  Elijah  had, 

And  then  they  made  their  renuest  of  Elisha,  as  we  learn  from  the  16th  verse: 
"And  they  said  unto  him,  'Behold  now,  there  be  with  they  servants  fifty 
strong-  men;  let  them  fro,  we  pray  thee,  and  seek  thy  master:  lest  peradventurf 
the  Spirit  of  the  "  ord  hath  taken  him  up,  and  cast  him  upon  some  mountain, 
or  into  some  valley." 

These  men  wanted  permission  to  investigate  the  disappearance  of  Elijah.   They 

had  seen  him  being  takne  up  bodily  into  heaven,  but   1-      '    '    V  ;  '■ 

:'t.   But  Elisha  answers  them  and  we  read:  "And  he  said,  "Ye  shall  not  send.'" 

Elisha  refused  to  give  his  permission  to  make  a  pointless  search  for  Elijah. 

But  thsoe  fifty  men  didn't  stop  there  and  the  17th  verse  tells  us:  "Andcwhen 
they  urged  him  till  he  was  ashamed,  he  said,  'Send.'" 

This  means  that  their  continual  beggine  to  search  for  Elijah  caused  Elisha  to 

know  they  would  not  be  satisfied  until  they  had  made  a  search  for  him.  So  he 

tells  them  to  go. 

And  what  were  the  results  of  that  search?  The  remainder  of  the  17th  verse 

tells  us,  "They  sent  therefore  fifty  men." 

The  same  fifty  men  who  had  seen  with  their  own  eyes  Elijah  being  translated 

into  "od's  presence.   And  in  their  search  we  read,  "And  they  sought  three 
days,  but  found  him  not." 

No  matter  where  they  looked,  they  found  no  evidence  of  him.   He  was  c-one, 

Taey  had  looked  upon  the  translation  of  Elijah  as  his  being  lost.   And  the 

comparison  between  this  event  and  the  event  of  the  empty  tomb  in  Jerusalem 

is  that  the  person,  x^xifeExfeHityxHrHxiHBkH^xiqpBxixxxxiEHXBKx^iE'Stxi!  Elijah, 

and  the  person  Jesus  hie  were  "lost."   And  the  body  of  Slijah  and  the  body  of 

Jesus  was  "Lost."   There  wasn't  a  trace  and  so  it  became  a  matter  of  believing 

that  the  bodies  had  disappeared  and  this  necessitated  a  search,  a  questioning 

for  a  logical  solution  to  the  strange  events.   But  in  both  instances  there 

was  a  very  definite  answer.   Tve  angel  gave  that  answer  by  asking  the  questioi 

"Why  seek  ye  the  livinc  among  the  dead?" 

And  then  the  navels  give  further  evidence  by  adding,  "He  is  not  here   but  i= 
risen:  remember  hoe  Fe  * 
'The  Son  of  man  must  be 
cified,  and  the  third  day 


spake  unto  you  when  He  was  yet  in  Galilee,  sayine-, 

delivered  into  the  hands  of  sinful  men,  and  be  cru- 
ay  rise  ap-ain.  '  " 


-5- 

This  is  recorded  in  Luke  18:31-33,  (read  these).   And  the  34th  verse  Fives 
the  reason  for  the  search  of  these  women  for  Jesus  at  the  tomb,  (read  this). 
Human  logic  tells  us  that  seeing  ±f   believing  and  didn't  those  fifty  men  see 
Elijah  alive  and  be  in,..:  transported  on  what  appeared  to  be  a  chariot  of  fire? 
Isn't  it  logical  that  he  was  on  the  other  side  of  the  mountain?   And  isn't 
it  logical  that  when  the  body  of  Jesus  was  placed  in  a  tomb  on  "Friday  x±   aft- 
ernoon, that  it  would  still  be  there  on  Sunday  morning?   Logic  tells  us  this 
is  how  these  illustrations  should  have  been.   Bpt  God  fortunately  doesn't  do 
things  which  are  logical  and  this  is  what  makes  Him  GodE ,  the  \lmisrhty.   His 
ways  are  not  our  ways . 

(Illustration  of  bed  of  Dafodils  in  Philadelphia.) 

A  church  bought  a  house  next  door  to  their  property  in  Philadelphia.  The 
old  house  was  abandoned  and  was  to  be  torn  down  to  make  more  parking  avail- 
able for  the  church.  A  bed  of  daffodils  had  bloomed  in  jfcke  a  flower  bed  in 
front  of  that  house  each  spring,  A  company  was  contracted  to  tear  down  the 
house  and  pave  the  lot  with  8  inches  of  asphalt.  This  was  done  in  the  fall 
of  the  year.  All  winter  long  the  church  used  that  parking  lot.  As  it  the 
kEKXjaxiHx  days  began  to  move  on  toward  spring  it  was  noticed  that  the  asph- 
was  cracking.  And  then,  just  before  Easter  those  dormant,  buried  Daffodils 
burst  forth  from  under  that  bed  of  8  inches  of  asphalt  and  bloomed  to  cele- 
brate the  resurrection. 

"Lost?"   rfaP  Jesus  LLost?"  xExxgExwHSB.xtx*i«sirx*xxHHXMasxiiBi: 

I  don't  know  if  any  of  you  ever  had  the  experience  I  had  many  times  as  kid 

growing  up.   I'd  lose  a  glove,  or  pome  other  article  between  frome  and  school. 

And  when  I'd  report  the  loss  to  my  mother  she  would  ask,  "Where  did  you  lose 

it?"   Did  any  of  you  ever  have  someone  ask  yon  that?   Wow  tell  me,  if  you've 

lost  something  how  can  it  be  lost  if  you  know  '-.'here  you  lost  it?   Was  Jesus 

"Lost?" 

(Illustration  of  woman  and  her  dead  baby  being  called  "lost") 

A  woman  tells  of  going  to  church  the  first  time  after  the  desth  of  her 

newborn  son.   Following  the  service  many  sympathetic  friends  surrounded 

her  to  comfort  her 

later  the 

where  it 

The  little  girl  asked,  "My  baby  brother's  with  Jesus  ian"t  he?" 

ohe  answered,  "Yes,  he  is." 

"Then  why  did  all  those  ladies  say  they  were  sorrv  you  lost  him?   .,'e  know 

where  he  is . " 

And  just  as  we  know  where  those  who  die  in  Lord  are,  so  do  we  know  where  Jesus 
was  when  T-fe  couldn't  be  found  in  the  tomb.   He  was  alive.   Vnd  He  is  enually 
alive  today.   Death  couldn't  hold  Him  and  it  can't  hold  us  either.   Through 
Him  we  have  the  victory  over  that  prave .   Oh  sure,  Someday  these  mortal  re- 
mains of  each  of  us  will  be  planted  in  the  cround.   But  when  that  happens, 
those  who  are  in  Christ  will  go  to  live  with  Him  forever.   "Lost?",  is  there 
such  a  thing  as  being  "Lost"  with  those  who  are  the  Lord's?   Tvanls  be  to  God, 
who  giveth  us  the  victory  through  our  lord  and  rfviour  Jesus  Christ.   Jesus 
lives  and  so  shall  I  because  of  the  empty  tomb. 


■  wo,   ruiiuwuiK  tne  service  many  sympathetic  rnendr  surrounded 
>mfort  her.   Standing  beside  her  was  her  five-year-old  daughter. 
it  day  at  home  she  asked,  "Mommy,  is  something  lost  if  you  know 
is?"   She  answered,  "No  dear,  it  isn't  lost  then." 


ST.  PAUL'S  UNITED  CHUHCK  OF  CHRIST 
BUTLER,  PENNSYLVANIA 


April  7,  1985 


Easter  Service 


l><* 


11:00  A.M.  Worship  Service 
Danny  Mangel       ACOLYTES        Kelly  Mangel 

+  +  *  +  +&+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +J+  +  T++  +  + 

"THEN  CAME  THE  MORNING" 

Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 

Announcements 

Congregational  Greeting 

Joys 

Choral   Introit     "Hosanna*1 

Call  to  Worship: 

Pastor:   Why  seek  ye  the  living  among  the  dead? 
He  is  risen! 

People:   He  is  risen  indeed! 

Pastor:   Let  us  worship  our  risen  Saviour! 

♦Hymn  No.  2S9  "Christ  the  Lord  is  Risen  Today" 

Introduction  of  the  Cantata—/?/1,  /'•/ft./-  f-i^f 

Narrators :   Rev.  Ralph  Link  -  Disciple  1 
Richard  Mangel   -  Disciple  2 
Cantata: 

Overture 

Unshakable  Kingdom 

Broken  and  Spilled  Out  -  Soloist  Evie  Dellen 

Can  I  Trust  You       -  Soloist  Lloyd  Link 

Father  Dear 
Offering  -  All  offerings  are  to  brought   forward 

Ushers  will  assist* 
Offertory 
*Doxology  No.  382 
Prayer  of  Dedication 
Cantata: 

Then  Came  The  Horning 

I've  Just  Seen  Jesus  -  Soloist  Nancy  Dellen 

Resurrection 

We  All  Are  Thomas 

I  Believe,  Help  Thou  My  Unbelief  -  Soloist  Nancy  Dellen 

Resurrection  Reprise  (Finale) 
Benediction 
Choral  Allelulia! 


Mrs*  Marilyn  Snyder  and  Kevin  will  greet  the  congreg- 
ation at  the  door  this  morning. 

Ushers  for  today  are  Art  Carney,  Dan  Bosko,  Marty  Henry, 
and  John  Snow. 

Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Julee  and  Amy  Vargo, 

Attendance  last  Sunday  was  160  with  27  visitors. 
^Hospitalized:   Ralph  Tait  in  BMH* 

MONDAY  -  Spang 's    Volleyball 

TUESDAY  -   Aerobics  6-7 

WEDNESDAY  - 

THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-8 

Basketball  8-10 

SATURDAY  -  10-12  Basketball 

Clianeel Choir  Practice  is  Thursday  7:00  P*M^   Anyone 
wishing  to  join  please  come.  We  welcome  new  voices* 

There  are  still  Easter  Eggs  available  in  the  kitchen 
after  the  service . 
jf  There  are  envelopes  in  the  office  for  your  lilly.   You - 
may  pick  them  up  before  or  after  the  service. 
For  the  offering,  the  Ushers  will  direct  you  up  the 
outside  aisles,  and  return  to  your  seats  up  the 
center  aisle.   Please  cooperate  to  avoid  confusion. 

For  those  of  you  taking  Easter  Lillies,  please  let  the 
the  Ushers  assist  you  so  no  flowers  get  broken. 

Moody  Monthly  books  are  available  in  the  Narthex. 

Paul  Ftiemer  and  Dick  Mangel  will  be  visiting  the 
hospital  this  week. 


1   Wtffr 


/LL    tin 


ts-i 


-/ 


+  +  + 


♦Congregation  Standing 


+  +  +  +  + 


St.   Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,    Pennsylvania 
Rev.    Ralph  Link*    Pastor  April  14,    1985 

Mr.    Dale    Rice,    Minister    of   Music 
Doug     Vfensel ,    Acolyte 
John  Penrod,    Acolyte 
+  +  +  +  +   +  +  +  +  +   +  +  +   +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +   + 

ORDER   OF   WORSHIP      11:00  A.M. 
Prelude     "Behold  a  Host  Arrayed   in  White" 
Chiming  of   the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational    Greeting 
Joys 
♦Processional  Hymn  No.   £16     "Strong,    Righteous  Man 

of  Galilee" 
""Ascription 
•Exhortation 

"Confession  (In  Unison)   "Almighty  God,  who  brought  again 
from  the  dead  our  Lord.  Jesus  Christ*  help  us  in  the 
days  of  our  flesh  to  minister  like  Him.   Keep  our 
tempers  cool  and  our  spirits  calm;  make  us  brave  to 
fight  for  the  right  and  to  stand  firm  against  those 
who  would  oppress  the  weak.   Give  us  grace  to  know 
Him  as  our  living  Lord,  and  strength  to  follow  in  His 
footsteps;  in  His  name  we  pray.        Amen. 
•Kyrie 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 
*Pralse:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God! 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever. 
•Gloria  Patri 
Hymn  No.  213   "I  Think,  When  I  Read  That  Sweet  Story" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray* 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  "I  Am  Thine,  0  Lord11 
Doxology  No.  382 

Anthem:   "I  Cannot  Keep  From  Singing"1 
Sermon:  "That  Reminds  He  of  a  Story" 
Closing  Hymn  No.  619  "I  Love  to  Tell  the  Story" 
Benediction 
Closing  Chimes 
Postlude  "Trumpet  Voluntary" 


The  beautiful  flowers  an  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 
Mrs.  Elmer  Massey  in  memory  of  her  mother  Mrs.  Girty 
Adamson. 
Mrs.  Phyllis  Tait  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the  door 

this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Sandy  Sheppeck,  Mary  Lou  Davis, 

Peg  Nazaruk  and  Gloria  Walker. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Nancy  Dellen. 
Lloyd  Link  and  Marty  Henry  will  be  visiting  the  hospital. 
.  Attendance  last  Sunday  was  161  with  32  visitors. 
^Hospitalized:   Ralph  Tait  BMH 

MONDAY  -  Mortgage  Burning  Committee  meeting  7:00  F.M, 
Spang's  Volleyball  €:30  -  9:30 
Fidelity  Bible  Class  7:30 
TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 
WEDNESDAY  -  Chancel  Choir  7:00  P.M. 

Golden  Circle  7:30 
THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-8 

_ Basketball  8-10 

~ ^ ^Prayer  Meeting  3:00 

Mary  Martha  Circle  10:30 
SATURDAY  -  Basketball  10-12 

J>Easter  Eggs  are  available  in  the  kitchen  after  the  service. 

Please  help  us  to  sell  the  extras. 
J>Elders  and  Deacons  Training  Classes  will  begin  fchlfil 

Tuesday  at  7:30  P.M. 
Property  Committee  meeting  this  Monday  at  7:00  P.M. 
Memorabilia  is  needed  for  the  Mortgage  Burning  Celebration. 

Any  pictures,  clippings,  etc.  are  needed  for  the  board. 

This  can  be  of  activities,  or  even  stages  of  the  church 

and  building  during  construction.   Please  give  this 

to  Elowdy  Bolam. 


St*  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev*  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  April  14,  1985 

Mr.  Dale  RiceT  Minister  of  Music 
Dcug   Vtensel ,  Acolyte 
John  Penradj  Acolyte 
+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  ++  +  +  +  +  +<.+ 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP   11:00  A.M. 
Prelude  "Behold  a  Host  Arrayed  in  White" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
•Processional  Hymn  No.  216   "Strong,  Righteous  Man 

of  Galilee" 
•Ascription 
♦Exhortation 

•Confession  {In  Unison)   "Almighty God,  who  brought  again 
from  the  dead  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  help  us  in  the 
days  of  our  flesh  to  minister  like  Him.   Keep  our 
tempers  COol  and  our  spiri  ts  calm-  make  ug  brave  to 
fight  for  the  right  and  to  stand  firm  against  those 
who  would  oppress  the  weak.   Give  us  grace  to  know 
Him  as  our  living  Lord,  and  strength  to  follow  in  His 
footsteps;  in  His  name  we  pray.        Amen, 
*Kyrie 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 
•Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessedbe  the  Lord  God! 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever. 
•Gloria  Patri 
Hymn  No*  213  "I  Think,  When  I  Read  That  Sweet  Story" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  "I  Am  Thine,  0  Lord" 
Doxology  Ho*  382 

Anthem:   "1  Cannot  Keep  From  Singing" 
Sermon:  "That  Reminds  Me  of  a  Story" 
Closing  Hymn  Ho.  619  "I  Love  to  Tell  the  Story" 
benediction 
Closing  Chimes 
Postlude  "Trumpet  Voluntary" 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 
Mrs*  Elmer  Massey  in  memory  of  her  mother  Mrs.  Girty 
Adamson, 
Mrs*  Phyllis  Talt  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the  door 

this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Sandy  Sheppeck,  Mary  Lou  Davis, 

Peg  Nazaruk  and  Gloria  Walker. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Nancy  Dellen. 
Lloyd  Link  and  Marty  Henry  will  be  visiting  the  hospital. 
,  Attendance  last  Sunday  was  161  with  32  visitors. 
^Hospitalised:   Ralph  Tsit  BMH 

MONDAY  -  Mortgage  Burning  Committee  meeting  7:00  P.M. 
Spang's  Volleyball  6:30  -  9:J0 
Fidelity  Bible  Class  7:30 
TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 
WEDNESDAY  -  Chancel  Choir  7:00  P.M. 

Golden  Circle  7:30 
THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-8 
__^^^   Basketball  a-10 
^7^-— ^"Prayer  Meeting  8:00 

Mary  Martha  Circle  10:30 
SATURDAY  -  Basketball  10-12 

^>Easter  Eggs  are  available  in  the  kitchen  after  the  service. 

Please  help  us  to  sell  the  extras. 
J>Elders  and  Deacons  Training  Classes  will  begin  this 

Tuesday  at  7:30  P.M. 
Property  Committee  meeting  this  Monday  at  7:00  P.M. 
Memorabilia  is  needed  for  the  Mortgage  Burning  Celebration. 

Any  pictures,  clippings,  etc,  are  needed  for  the  board. 

This  can  be  of  activities,  or  even  stages  of  the  church 

and  building  during  construction.   Please  give  this 

to  Howdy  Bolam. 


Community  Bible  Church  -  Sagamore,  Pa.  April  26,  1992 

Prelude 

Announcements/greetings/joya/Prayer  Reoueeta 

Announce  Bob  nain  here  next  week  t  2%th  Memorial  Day 


Ascription 

Call  to  Worship: 

GOD  HATH   EXALTED  HTM   AND   GIVEN   CM   A  NAME  WHICH  IS 
ABOVE  EVERY  NAME:    THAT  AT  THE  NAME  OF  JESUS, 
EVERT  KNEE  SHOULD  BOW,    OF  THINGS   IN   HEAVEN, 
AND  THINGS   IN  EARTH,    AND  THINGS  UNDER   THE  EARTH: 
AND  THAT  EVERT  TONGUE   SHOULD  CONFESS  THAT  JESUS 
CHRIST  IS  LORD,    TO  THE  GLORY  OF  GOD  THE  FATHER. 
*Hrmn 
Offerinfr/Prayer 

•tksxolnjrv 

Pastoral  Prayer 

H-ran 

SeriDture:  Matthew  13:1-JA,     5*-35 

'ermon-   "That  Reminds  Me  Of  A  Story"-  St.   Paul's  Butler 

■Hymn 

•Benediction 

•Poetlode 


\*f*t      F^w/i-Y 


"That   Keminds    he   ur   A  :'tory" 
,  Scrip:    Matthew   1^:1-^".,    W-35 
(Ilus  unemploy  bros,truk  train  Sc  crash) 
Jus  wat  dus   story  hav   "do  w/mesap  this   morn? 

c  nser   obvius ,absolutly  nothin  &  also  obvius   can  find 
i]    -   %t    ;t,      hav   no   bear  wat?oevr=jT.     ,31en  auote 

SOB    -v     ;■      think  w/actins/atr.ds    Js,no   comparsin 
teek  roak  is  wen  invol   situatin  may  say, Remind   Mo 
of     ,     jOtry   &  giv   incidfr.   no   hav   bear,".-   how   unlik   Ja 
en  spok, speech  relevant   ?ocasin, contain  pert   info 
Find   selvs    lnee  tnor  w/Js  &  discips  by   Sea  Gal 
prob   erly  morn,&   few  wks    34    Feast   laaovr, 
suround   field  p;iv  signs  barly  harv  soon  2cum, 
it   sprinp  &  fresh  smel   typcl  sprint  day/worn  in  air 

Js   S  daicip  cum  out  hous    &  crowd  descend    on  them 
fo    Je   sat   boat.dok   edp:   sea    p.    cud    adres    crowd   fac   2fac 
vs  ij  5A»ffEAT),S<  then  Ht   list  parabl  sowr=nothr   time 
vs   10=this   folo  parbl 
vs   11=  Ja   anser   them  j  in  tirce    Js   Mystry  Relics   flourish 

in   Gr/.lome 
Genrl  charactristic«lik  passin  plays=r;tory  (jod/rodes 

liv,work,sufr  ,dy  ,rir;e   agin  Estate  ble^ednen 
Thos   B  initiat   givn  instructins ;wen  dun,takn  C  play 
ritape  set=perfum,incens,sensus   lites   °   stir  persn  £Es 
2Bcum    idenfv   w/~od 

end   cry   out=I   AW   THOU, THOU  ART    I 
so   Js  compar  kin;   of  G   Praystry  relig  2which  only  thoz 
insid    kno  mystry  &  vs  11   no  mean  everl  hear    Js   no 
underst  Him, but   ttter  wer   sum  &  varius   reasns  4-this 
vs   12= may  snd   harsh, cruel  tak  fr/lwho  has   littl  '     glv 
2suml  who  has   lots   but    Js  no   spk  material  guds 

spk  Fp  things  £   2underst   mus   Ik  audienc   suroun   C 
lsu=thoz  hungry  'i-anythin  sp  wh/raade  nor   ;vens   wat   had 
they  Ik  4=hope   mid  despair jlif  mid  deth,no  hope   Byor, 
joy  mid  darknes,r loom, doom 
fhez   peop  cud   underst  dimpl,meanf  ul   expres ,examps    Js 
wernt  try  read   in2  ilus   all  sorts  things  wernt   ther 
2thez   peop   Js  aed   wudE  pivn  mor  underst ,mor   incite 
in2  thin;-   sj  iritul 
Js  audienc   made   up  relig   elit   of  the    Jews 
Thez  wer  sotibes/pharsees 
They  tiot  had   all  angers   2wat    King   of  G   was 
Thez  wer  peop   Js   sed=hath  not   8   from   shalP  takn  wat 
rfat  litl  tru   faith  mus   poses ;wat   litl  had   thinps  0; 
wat   litl  knowledR  of   G  had ,knu,wudP  takn  from  them 
Vss   13-17-quot   Isa  6:10   "■■  proph  Isa   spk  peop   in  name 
of  lord 
but   felt   Erk  T  brik  wal;ther  no   evidenc  chanp  livs 
act  no  dif ,talk  no  dif ;no  reflec/obey    •  hear  wat  B 
say  2thet» 


f±sa   exper   was   evi   pr/ceacnr   exper   jr/time     'time  -' 

defintly  blase  i     ' "..         n  thoz   we   see*      Pwin, spite 

all   efort  draw   away  fr/truth  furthr  tha_     H  draw   "it 
lay  favrit   lines   mod   sons'  few  yrs   apo  spjc  very  thing 
inglicn  miniatr   in  prep   of  serum 
"F-thr   fiacl.enzie, writing  the  wores   of   a  sermon   fe] 

n      one   will   hear." 
Io«.  felt  this  £  sad-Vs  15  8    Je   not  only  felt, but   to  a 

&  repeat  words    las, but  then  add«=v^s   15-17 
T,  oz  whoR  opn  Sthinfr  of  ■"  ,Z-   certin  grp  war, 2 then  is 
Civ  underst   king  of  G  evn  tbo   Js   spok  hidn  mean=parbl 

Par  at  1   no  nu  2peop,pivn  in  OT  &   taut  by  T^abbi   W   Js 
But   Js   brinr  q-tfl  nu  way  &  did  so   3cuz   opositin  Fhars 

no  fraid  them.but  read  r„rip=ITis   time   no  cum  yet 
Js    no  hastn  day   of   ieth,imip    fulfil    pirn   of   G 
&  2comon,3impl  peop  mesaf  reveal, but  not   lern  Tien 

i;ex  reasn  Js  taut  parabi  reveal   1   Cor  2:12-14=Explaii 

F  say   no  mean  anythin  ^naturl  man  Bcuz   no  Porn   ■'■■  "in, 

not   sp  understud 
.j1"    II  Tp  can  only  reveal   Pthoz  who  part  His   kinrdm 

Isa,Js   both   nay   thoz   who   Ik  ^things    thru    naturl   eyes 

no  C  Ecus   thez  things   spirituly  discern/understud 
Js  taut  parabi   "ouz   mesac  fr/G  cud   onlyB  tol  way  whicl 
thoz   seek/sereh  cud   understan 

(Ilus   nurs   chan  -oldier  who  shud  dy,didnt) 

-Vis   wat    Js   didjup  2this   pt  relig   instructins  wer   riv 
by  thoz  who  wer  selec  few  "    iv 

But  G  ohansr  tags    "    use  persn  t-all  intent/purp  wasnt 

qualf ied=acord   Strain  clergy  fcf  the  day 
He  preach/teach  £   peop  lern/underst   F-cuz   simpl  mann 
taut 
St  ♦•'at  reminds   me   of   a   story=onee  upon  a  time   there 

v,        a  man  named    Jr   of   T'az   8  we  read   of   "im=Ft   7:?6',9 
&  so  we   R  go  Ik  sum  thez   teaching?   of    Ja   in  parnbl 
form 

■_.-  all  us  wil   C  w/eyes;wil  hear  w/ears/wll  under 

w/harts   that  we   may?  converts  ■        G   nay  heal  us    of 

watevr   spiritul  blindnes   or  ha  nines    of  hart  we  may 

hav. 


That  Reminds  Me  Cf  A  Story  -  Scripture:  Mt.   13:1-JA,    34-35 
Scrip  reminds  me  of  story  -  Tlua  Trnk  driTra  ft  aeident 
Ex  -  minetr  aeiftnar  ft  aee  Ilus   fit  or  not 
ft  we  oft  do  this  ft  say^That  rminde  ae  of  a  etory 
\  no  lik  this  -  always  reliant  wat  had  2aay 
Ja  ft  discipa  by  S  Gal 
prob  erly  morn  ft  prob  few  wks  B-t  Feaa  PasoTr 
surond   fields  tfri»  aljm  3arly  hair  aun  2eum 
it  spring  ft  fresh  snel  spr  in  air 

Js  J,  discipa  cun  out  noue,C  crowd, eo  sit  boat  edg  of  sea 
ft  a  abl  spk  crowd   face  2    face 
Vs  3A=No  Head  parol  aowr 
Vs  10=ques  why  spk  parbls?? 
Ve  ll.Mystry  religs 

all  lik  psssjn  plays  -  god/godes  li»d/workd/sufrd/dyd  ft 
cum  aak  in  state  bleBdenes 
thoi  B  initiatd  wer  gl»n  lnatrues  ft  wen  couplet  takn 
2C  play 
atag  set  ineene/litesfseneuos  music, all  this  2mak  persn 
deslr  SB  iden  w/lif ,work,e«ffr,deth,resur  th/eod 
end  play  worshpr  erv*I  AM  THCtJ.K-  THOU  ART  I 
Js  cp  K  of  0  2thoi  mystry  relift  wh/mystrrs  kno  bT  ineidr  only 
this  no  mean  eyrone  herd  Js  parbl  no  undrst,but  ther  aun  ft 
Tariua  reasns  4thia 
Vs  12=this  1st  reasn 
this  sp  things  ft  need  Ik  audiene  ouroun  Js 
Thoi  hungry  V  ap  food 
Reli^  elite=Sor  ft  Pilars 
Vos  13-17.  Js  quot  Isa  6:10 

^a  exper  wat   eTr  pr/teach  exper 
^j.ua  Beatle  aons=FATFIB  MCKENZIE  WBITINQ  TH/WORES  OF  SESMN 
THAT  NO  ONE  WILL  HEASO 

Vs  15KIsa  felt,Js  felt  ft  repeat  Iaa  words  ft  add  

Vas  l6-17Mthos  undrat  hid  means  -  parbls 
ETcpl  parbla*  not  new, bin  taut   of  old 
lat»opos    fr/Phars  ft  reasn=HIS  TIMS  HAD  NOT  YET  CQME 
2nd.Faul  expl  - %_  Cor  2:12-l1i 
expl  naturl   ft  sp  minds 
Js   taut  parbls  Bcme  mesag  of  (1  cud  only  B  tol  way  vh/thoz 
seek  ft  serch  cud  undrst 
(Hue  nurse  chang  tag  on  soldier  shud  hav  dyd) 
G  changd   ta^s,uae  persn  wasnt  qualfyd  teach/preach 
taut  sinpl  mannr  ft  peop  lern  of  G  Bcua  thia 
AND  THAT  REMINDS  ME  OF  A   STORT-  ONCE  UPON   A  TIME, THER  MAN  NAWD 
JS  OF  NAZ  !,  read  of  Him, ft  IT  CAM  2PAS,WEN  JS  HAD  ENDED  THEZ 
SAYINGS ,TH/^E0  WES   ASTONISHD  AT  HIS   DOCTRIN:4HE   TADT  THEM  AS 


ONE  HAVING  AuTHORTY.ft  NOT  AS  TH/SCHIBES 
AS  LK  TEACH  OF  JS  KAY  EYES  C.KARS  HEAS , S S* 
OF  SP  BLIDNES   OR   HARDNES   OF  HART  WE  MAY   HAV 


TS  UNDRST  ft  HEAL  ITS 


"That  reminds  Me  Of  A  3tory" 

Scripture:  Matthew  13:1-3A,  34-35 

T-he  Scripture  this  morning  "Reminds  Me  Of  A  S'ory." 

(Illustration  of  unemployed  brothers   training  ?or  ;  •  ic  :  driving  job, humor) 

Just  what-does  this  story  have  to  do  with  o\ir  mossr.ge  for  this  morning?   lie 

-     V;"  '-     "'  :  cl  -■  -r  i   «3  that  Is;  it  has  absolutely  nothing  to  do 

witht  the  message.   And  the  reason  is  obvious  from  the  stand  oint,  that  quite 

often  we  can  find  something  we  want  to  use  to  illustrate  a  point  we  may  be 

making  and  also  quite  often,  it  has  no  bearing  on  the  case  in  p<int.  ±xxs±± 

kEBXEX  I  heard  a  well  known  preacher  make  the  statement  in  a  seminar  I  .-.ttend- 

ed,  "If  you  have  an  illustration  use  it  regardless  of  where  it  fits  in." 

When  we  compare  this  type  of  thinking  with  the  actions  and  attitudes  of  Jesus 

we  find  there  is  no  comparison.   The  point  I  am  seeking  to  make  is  that  when 

we  are  involved  in  a  situation  we  may  say,  #S*a±x2;x  "This  situation  reminds 

me  of  a  story,"  and  relate  an  incident  which  has  no  bearing  upon  the  present 

at  all.   How  unlike  Jesus.   ","hen  Ee  spoke,  all  of  His  >peech  was  relevant  to 

the  occasion  and  containe-  pertinent  information  for  His  listeners. 

tf@  find  ourselves  once  more  with  Jesus  and  His  disciples  by  the  Sea  of  Galilee 

It  is  probably  early  in  the  morning  and  is  probably  also  a  few  weeks  before 

the  Feast  of  the  Passover.   Tve  surroundinr  fields  are  giving  sirns  of  the 

barley  harvest  soon  to  come.   It  is  spring  and  the  fresh  smell  of  a  typical 

spring  morning  is  in  the  air.   Jesus  and  His  disciples  have  come  out  of  the 

&ouse  and  had  seen  a  crowd  of  people  descending  on  them.   So  He  sat  in  a  boat 

$hx±  docked  at  the  edge  of  the  Zea.   so  Fe  could  speak  to  the  crowd  thus  being 

able  to  address  them  face  to  face. 

So  we  read,  "And  He  spake  many  things  unto  them  in  parables,"  f-!t .  13:3A. 

Then  Matthew  lists  the  famous  parable  of  the  sower,  which  we  are  not  going  to 

look  at,  at  thir  time,  (but  we  will  at  another  time). 

Now  following  this  parable,  the  disciples  Questioned  Jesur  about  *kEx?s£EaiiiBx 

it.  and  so  we  read  in  the  10th  verse,  "Andthe  disciples  came,  and  said  unto 
Him,  ":Jhy  speakest  Thou  ±hx  unto  them  in  parables?1" 

"And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them,  'Because  it  is  given  unto  you  to  know 
the  mysteries  of  the.  kingdom  of  heaven,  but  to  them  it  is  not  given.'" 

In  the  time  of  Jesus  what  was  known  as  "the  mystery  religions,"  was  flourish- 
ing in  Greece  and  Rome.   ill  of  these  religions  had  the  same  general  charact- 
eristic.  They  were  like  passion  plays  in  which  a  story  was  told  of  a  god  or 
goddess  who  lived  and  worked,  and  suffered  and  died  and  who  had  come  back  to 
life  again  in  a  state  of  blessedness.  Those  being  initiated  into  one  of  these 
religions  were  given  instructions.   These  instructions  were  geared  to  raise 
the  feelings  and  the  emotions  of  the  initiate  in  preparation  for  the  play  it- 
self.  ,tfhen  the  instructions  had  been  completed  and  the  Initiate  was  ready, 
he  was  taken  to  see  the  play  performed  before  him.   The  stage  was  set  with 
incense,  effective  lirhting,  sensuous  music  which  was  intended  to  stir  within 


-2- 

the  person  the  desire  to  become  identified  in  the  life,  the  work,  the  suffer- 
ing, the  death  and  the  resurrection  of  the  god.  The   cry  of  the  worship  r 
in  the  end  was,  "I  am  Thou,  and  IV ou  art  I." 

To  Jesus  is  comparing  the  kingdom  of  God  to  tha.ee  mystery  religions  of  which 
the  mysteries  only  were  known  to  those  who  were  on  the  inside.   Now  this  does- 
n't mean  that  everyone  who  heard  Jesus  teach  in  parables  didn't  understand 
Him,  but  there  were  some  and  there  were  various  reasons  for  this. 

T>,e  first  reason  is  found  in  the  12th  verse  where  we  read,  "For  whosoever  hatl 
to  him  shall  be  given,  and  he  shall  have  more  abundance:  but  fx»nixfc±Hi  who- 
soever hath  not,  from  him  shall  be  taken  away  even  that  he  hath." 

Now  at  first  this  may  sound  rather  harsh  to  take  away  from  someone  even  the 
little  he  may  have  and  give  it  to  someone  who  has  more  already.   But  Jesus  as 
not  speaking  of  material  goods.   He  is  speaking  of  spiritual  things.   To 
understand  this  we  need  to  look  at  the  audience  which  surrounded  Jesus. 
First,  there  were  those  who  were  hungry  for  anything  spiritual  which  made  morj 
sense  than  that  which  they  already  had.   T^ey  were  looking  for  hope  in  the 
midst  of  despair;  of  life  in  the  midst  of  just  death  and  a  deathwhich  ha*  no 
hope  beyond;  and  of  joy  in  the  midst <f  nothing  but  gloom,  and  darkness  and 
doom.   T^ese  people  could  understand  the  simple,  meaningful  expressions  and 
examples  which  Jesus  used,   Tv.ey  weren't  trying  to  read  into  His  illustrations 
all  sorts  of  things  which  weren't  there.   To  these  Jesus  was  spying  would  be 
given  more  understanding,  more  knowledre,  more  insight  into  the  things  spirit- 
ual. 
But  Jesus  '  audience  was  also  made  up  of  the  religious  elite  of  the  xJxxxsii 

.3.   "hese  were  the  -scribes  and  the   ]      •  -. .    ,  5y  thought  they  had  all  oi 
the  answers  to  what  the  kingdom  of  God  was,   T,_ese  were  the  people  that  Jesus 
said,  "Hath  not,"  and  "F„om  him  shall  be  taken  even  that  he  hath."   rfhat  litt: 
of  the  tru<    _   they  nay  have  possessed!  what  little  they  had  of  the  things 
of  God;  and  what  little  knowledge  of  the  kinrdom  of  God  they  knew,  all  of 
this  would  be  removed  from  them. 

To  Jesus  continues  by  saying,  (read  verses  13  through  17).  He  is  quoting 
from  Isaiah  6:10.   The  prophet  Isaiah  was  speaking  tc  the    3    in     iame 

C  ,'i  ■  Lord,  iut  he  *elt   s     it   xoxxsxixxxxxxxxixxxxxx  he  were  speaking 
to  a  brick  wall.   Taere  was  no  evidence  of  change  in  their  lives;  they  acted 
no  different;  they  didn't  reflect  hearing  and  obeying  what  God  wanted  from 
them.   Isaiah  was  experiencing  what  every  preacher  or  teacher  experiences 
from  time  to  time.  There  are  definitely  times  when  those  we  are  seeking  to 
win,  seem,  in  spite  of  all  our  efforts  to  draw  further  away  from  the  truth 
than  be  drawn  toward  it.   One  of  my  favorite  lines  from  a  modern  song  of  a 
few  years  ago,  speaks  of  this  very  thing.   It  tells  of  an  Anglican  minister 
in  the  preparation  of  a  sermon.  The  song  goes  something  like  this,  (without 


-3- 

my  singing  it  of  course),  "Father  Mackenzie,  writing  the  words  of  a  sermon 
that  no  one  nrte±  will  hear." 

Isiah  felt  this  an-"  paid,  (read  verse  15)j  and  Jesus  not  only  felt  this  way, 
hut  knew  it  was  so  and  He  repeated  the  words  of  Isaiah.  But  He  then  added, 
(read  verses  16  and  17).  T~ose  who  are  open  tovthe  things  of  God,  which  the 
disciples  were,  and  a  segment  of  these  people  were,  to  them  is  given  the 
understanding  of  the  x^s±bxxx:e:£xx-hS:  kingdom  of  Sod  even  though  Jesus  spoke  to 
them  in  hidden  meanings  which  the  parables  contained. 

Parables  were  not  new  to  the  Jewish  people.   There  are  parables  recorded  in 
the  Old  Testament  prophets  and  they  had  been  taught  by  many  Rabbi's  before 
Jesus.   But  Jesus  brought  them  forth  in  a  new  and  fresh  manner.   He  did  so 
first  of  all  because  of  the  opposition  which  He  faced  from  the  Pharisees. 
The  message  got  across  to  the  lowly  citizen  but  it  bypassed  the  jjearded  men 
who  would  have  sought  His  immediate  arrest  and  death  had  Jesus  come  right  out 
and  proclaimed  the  message  in  forthright  words.   This  doesn't  mean  He  feared 
these  men,  because  such  was  not  the  case.   But  He  used  discretion  because  as 
we  read  several  times  in  scripture,  "His  time  had  not  yet  come."   This  meant 
that  He  was  in  no  hurry  to  hasten  His  death  because  He  had  a  message  to  teach 
and  preach. 

The  secoi  i  reason  why  Jesus  taught  in  parables  is  spoken  of  by  Paul  in  his 
First  letter  to  the  church  in  Corinth,  chapter  2,  verses  12  through  14, 
(Read  these).    Paul  is  saying  that  the  things  of  Tod  mean  nothing  to  the 
natural  man,  or  an  unsaved  man,  a  man  who  is  not  born  a^ain.   To  that  natural 
man,  the  reading  of  God's  Word  doesn't  have  the  true  meaning  for  him  because 
as  Paul  says,  "They  are  foolishness  to  him,"  and  he  can't  know  them,  "Because 
they  are  spiritually  disceraed,"   In  other  words,  God's  Holy  spirit  only  re- 
veals the  truth  of  God  and  His  kingdom  to  those  who  belong  to  that  kingdom. 
l-hose   outside  the  fold  remain  in  darkness.   And  as  Isaiah  said,  and  Jesus 
repeated  there  are  those  who  do  not  hear,  do  ot  see,  and  do  not  understand 
because  they  are  seeking  spiritual  thinre  with  natural  minds  and  th-3    aatur  .1 
in  '..  net  i  ■ 

Jesus  taught  in  parables  because  the  message  from  Gcd  could  only  be  told  in  a 
way  which  those  seeking  and  searching  could  understand. 

(Illustration  of  nurse  changing  tag  on  soldier  who  should  have  died) 

During  tfExiai  the  war  years  a  rolicy  was  adopted  pertaininr  to  the  handling 
of  the  wounded.   It  was  ex±±bt£  done  with  color  tags.   One  color  meant  hope- 
less —  nothing  we  can  do  save  them;  another  meant  they'll  make  it  whether 
we  treat  them  or  not;  and  the  third  meant  a  doubtful  prognosis  —  a  chance 
to  live  if  medical  assirtance  ±s   giiven.   And  since  medical  supplies  were 
limited,  the  third  group  received  priority. 

Ioji,  was  badlj?  blown  apart.   One  lea   was  severely  wounded  and  the  doctor 
who  examined  him  made  the  decision  that  he  was  a  hopeless  case  and  tagped 
him  as  such,  leaving  him  to  die  on  his  stretcher.   But  a  nurse  who  saw  that 
Lou  was  conscious  began  to  talk  to  him.   They  discovered  they  were  both 


-4- 

from  Ohio.   Setting  to  know  him  as  a  person  and  not  Just  as  a  statistic, 
the  nurse  couldn't  just  let  Lou  die.  So  she  broke  all  the  hospital  rules 
and  changed  his  color  tap.   "For  ieioc  Lou,  there  followed  a  two  day  trip  by 
truck  to  the  rear  and  months  in  a  hospital  after  several  operations.   But 
Lou  made  it.   He  met  a  girl  in  the  hospital  who  later  became  his  wife. 
And  even  with  only  one  leg,  Iou  led  a  full  and  happy  life,  and  all  because 
a  nurse  broke  the  rules  and  changed  a  tag. 

This  is  what  Jesus  did.   Up  to  this  point  the  religious  instructions  were 

piHXBK  given  out  by  those  who  were  the  select  few  to  do  such  thine':.   But 

xTsmflxxEasiEXsimns  G-od  changed  the  tags  and  used  a  person  who  for  all  intents 

and  purposes  wasn't  qualified,  (according  to  the  trained  clergy  of  the  day), 

bo  beach  and  preach.   Eh      Is   (Sould  understand  and  learn  of  Cod  because  oi 

the  simple  manner  in  which  He  taught. 

And "f hat  Reminds  Me  Of  A  Story."  Once  upon  a  time,  there  was  a  man  naned 

Jssus  of  Nazareth  and  we  read  of  Rim,  "And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Jesus  had 
ended  these  sayings,  the  people  were  astonished  at  His  doctrine:  for  He 
taught  them  as  one  having  authority,  and  not  as  the  scribes." 

And  so  we  are  going  to  look  at  some  of  these  teachings  of  Jesus  in  parable 

form  and  I  pray  that  all  of  us  will  see  with  our  eyes,  will  hear  with  our 

ears,  and  will  understand  with  our  hearts  that  we  may  be  converted  and  God 

may  heal  us  of  whatever  spiritual  blindness  or  hardness  of  heart  we  may  have. 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  April  21,  1935 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
Kelly  Mangel,  Acolyte 
Doug  Vensel,  Acolyte 
+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  *■  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  + 

ORDER  QF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
•Processional  Hymn  No.  325  "Praise  the  Lord!  Ye   Heavens 

Adore  Him11 
♦Ascription 
♦Exhortation 

*Confes s ion  ( In  Unison )  " We  offer  you  Our  thanks  0  God , 
for  the  rising  of  our  Lord.   But  we  also  know  we 
must  come  to  you  in  confession.   We  confess  our 
unwillingness  at  times  to  follow  our  Lord.   We 
confess  as  well  our  willingness  to  sin  even  when  we 
know  we  shouldn't.  Forgive  us  Lord,  cleanse  us,  and 
renew  us,  for  we  pray  in  His  name.      Amen. 
•Kyrie 

^Assurance  of  Pardon 
♦Praise:  Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God! 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever. 
♦Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No  *  439   "Sweet  Hour  of  Prayer" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 
Offertory 
♦Doxology  No.  382 


•Benediction 

•Closing  Chimes 
•Postlude 


Anthem:    Organ   &      Saxophone    Medley 


"Precious    Lord    take 
My  Hand" 
"He   Touched   Me" 
"Cleanse  Me" 
"Amazing  Grace" 


Scripture:      Luke  14:    15-24 
Sermon:      "Let's   Party" 
*Closin        Jmn   No.    4^6   "For  Tho^p   Tears    T   Died" 


•Congregation  Standing 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mr.  &   Mrs.  George  Pfiugh  in  memory  of daughter  Pamela  Jean* 
Mr.  &  Mrs*  Wally  Feder  will  greet  the  congregation  at 

the  door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Rob  Vinroe,  Bob  Dellen.  Randy  Dellen, 

and  Kevin  Snyder. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Sue  Gamble. 
Bill  Thompson  and  Kevin  Snyder  will  be  visiting  the 

hospi  t al  this  week ■ 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  127  with  11  visitors* 
^Hospitalized:  BMH  Ralph  Tait,  George  MacKinney 
MONDAV  -  Spang's  Volleyball  6:30  -  9:30 
TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 
THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-8 

Basketball  8-10 
Chancel  Choir  7:00 
Prayer  Meeting  8:00 
SATURDAY  -  Basketball  10-12 

^REMINDER  for  all  to  send  or  bring  in  your  reservation  for 
the  Mortgage  Burning  Dinner.   They  are  due  by  Hay  1st. 
Memorabilia  is  needed  for  the  Mortgage  Burning  Celebration^ 
Any  pictures,  clippings,  etc.  are  needed  for  the  board. 
These  can  be  of  any  activity  within  the  church,  or  of  any 
function  outside  of  the  church.   If  you  have  any  please 
give  them  to  Howdy  Bolam  or  Don  Kennedy. 


Let's  Party  -  Luke  lk-.13-2k 

Js  invit  horn  of  Pharisee 
IT  LAS  SAB  JS  MINSTRY  WH/HAV  ANY  RECORD  OF 
MEAL  PREARANG  fr  SETUP  C  WAT  JS  WUD  DO  UNDR  CIRCDMS  FIND  SELF 
MAN  PRESEN  HAD  DROPSY  &  JS  ASK  IF  LEGL  HEAL  ON  SAB  -  VS  3 
Vf "  =NO  ANSR.HE  HEAL 
Vb   ?=FURTHR  QUESTS  ON  SAB 
VS  6-NC  ANSR  AGIN 

VSS  7-11-PABBL  PHOB  TRU  2CCASIN  THIS  MEAL  -  EXPLAIN 
VS  12.ADVIC  ON  INVIT  PEOPL  2DINNR 
VS  13-I^mWHO  2INVITE  JS  AMONG  WEL  2D0  INVIT  GEST 

KNU  CURIUS  BOUT  HIM,*-  SHO  OFF  QUES  CHARACTH  AT  DINNR 
VS  lWlONTINU  KNU  JEW  BLIEV  RESUR  OF  JUS  TH/SETUP  OF  K  OF  G 

WUDB  USRR  IN  W/GRT  FESTIVL  fc  ALL  MEMBRS  THAT  K  PARTICIP 
VS  15«PROB  SCRIB/PHAR  OR  SUM  MEMBR  RELIG  ELITE 

HE  THINK  OF  SELF  *•  OTHRS  THER-JEWS,*-  JEWS.ESPEC  RELIG 
LDRS  WEB  ONLY  ONES  2B  PART  THAT  K 
VS  lf.ATITUD  THAT  MAN,*-  OTHRS  LIK  HIM, PROMPT  JS  2SAY  THIS 
UStTL  PROCEDUI-SEND  SERVS  2HOMS  INVITO  GESTS 
INVIT  2ATEN  DINNR  SUCH/SUCH  DATE  -  but  TIME  ETC  NO 
REVEAL  HERE 
VS  17-WEN  ALL  REDY, SERVS  GO  BAK  2THOZ  INVIT  Sr  INFORM  PERSNLY 

EVRTH  PREP  &  AWAIT 
VSS  l8-20-INVIT,BUT  BGIN  MAK  EXCUSES 

FROPRTY-SITE  UNSEEN  -FLCH  t  SEL  SWAMPLAND 
OXEN-WUD  U  BUY  USED  CAR  R-  NO  KNO  IF  RUN?? 
MARRY* JEW  MALE  fr  WAR, BUT  NO  ASK  GO  WAR 

WAT  WIF  DUZNT  LIK  EAT  OUT  INSTED  COOK? 
(ILUS  MOD  EXCUSES  BY  TONY  TWIST  YOUTH  MIXSTR  XPIAN  CH  INDY) 
gXCUSE  TBEN/2DAY  KEEP  PEO  FR/B  PART  K  OF  G 

X  T  TAK  PRECED  OVR  PRIORTYS  2  G 
V£  ,  i=THEZ  PEO  WER  SHUND  BY  RELIG  ELIT=SCR/PHARS  BCUZ  NO  WHOLE 
BODY  &  MIND  -  CUDNT  SERV  RELIG  CAPACTY 
WAT  JS  PROPOS  HERE  CAUS  SHOK/DISBLIEF 
VS  22-SERV  DID  &  STIL  ROOM 

VS  2J.THEZ  PEO  WER  NON-JEWS-GENTILS ,THOZ  OUTSID  JEWRY-HATD  DOGS 
SO  HERECRIPPLS  SOCIETY, W/GENTIL  DOGS  AT  GRT  SUPPR  fr  SPECIL 
JEW  GESTS  WER  NOT 
MASTR.G,  fr  JEWS  UNDRST  THAT,&  UNDRST  1ST  TIM , INTITATIN  2DINNR 
INCLUD  ALL  PEO 
THIS  GRT  SUPPR  INVIT  IN  FUTBR,BUT  ALSO  HERE  fr  NOW 
INVITE  IS-LET'S  PARTY  fr  WAT  JS  SAY  HAD  2DO  W/TIME 
(ILUS  MAN, USED  SUIT  fr  SHOE  TICKET  15YR  LATR) 

TIM  IS  COMODTY  CANOT  IGNOR  -  PASBY  &  OFT  SAY-I  WISH 
(ILUS  18YR  OLD  GIRL  KIL  PLANE  CRASH) 

LOST  CPORTUNTY  BCUZ  HAD  FIELDS  LUK  AT, OXEN  ?PRU¥,NEW  WIF 
fa  LK  TIM  ABUN, UNTIL  DISCOVR  IT  RUNNING  OUT  fr  LIK  STORY 
(TTfT^ETIRD  CPL  fr  MTOR  HOME  W/CRUISE  CONTROL) 


JEW  LK  CENTURYS  %MESIAH  fr  WEN  CAM  REJECT  HIM 
IS  LIKN  2BIG  PARTY  THEY  WER  INVIT  TO 
HAD  INVIT  fr  PROM  TO  ATEND  -BUT  WEN  PARTY  ARIV,MAK  EXCUS  NOT  2ATEND 

SAM  APLY  2US  AS  WEL  -  WE  BIN  INVIT  BCUZ  CTHHS  REFUS  2ATEND 
PJJT   LIK  JEWS  WE  MAK/GIV  EXCUSES 

F7K  JEWS, WE  THINK  THER  WILB  OTHR  PAFTYS,OTHR  DINNHS,OTHR  INVITES 
TK  -  fr  MANY  BLIEVRS  ON  CRUSE  CONTROL 
WE  HAV  CUM  2  TH/L.HE  OUR  SAV  fr  THAT  AS  FAR  AS  GOES 
NO  FURTHR  COMIT,FURTHR  INVOLVMEN  -I'LL  SERV  WEN  GET  OLDR, PLENTY 
TIME  LEF 
BUT  INVIT  TMDEIATxVS  17B 

WEN  MASTR  CALLS  IT  IS  A  50M0NS  k   TH/IMEDIAT 

WE  MUS  RESPON  BY  ASX*AM  I  IN  TH/KINGDOM??? 
_^WAT  IS  MY  EXCITE  IF  I'M  NOT?? 

^"t&  IT  FIELD'  OXEN, OR  MARAG?? 


unity  Bible  Church  -  Sajtanorei;  Pa.  -  May  10,  1992 


prelnde 

'nneuncenents/Greetinfrs/joTs/PraTer  Reaueste 


ftiT#CA./{>lbit-lX**         d>it-/.r~~  6  ',    1* 


Ascription 

Call   T  o  Worship: 

MAKE   A  J   YFUL  NOISE  (WTO  GOD,    ALL  YE  LANDS: 
SING  FORTH  THE  HONOR   OF  TITS   NAME: 
HAKE   HIS  PRAISE  GLORIOUS.      -  Peala  66"  1 1-2. 
•Hyen 
Cfferinft/Prayer 
'Doxoloipy 
Paetoral  Prayer 
Hymn 

Scripture:   Luke  14a?-?1* 
Vernon;   "Let's  Party"  -  St.  Paul's  Butler  April  21,   1985 

wn 
•Benediction 
'PoBtlude 


MODERN   EXCUSES  BT  TONT  TWIST  TODTH  MINISTER 

asks,  "what  is  rooa  favorite  excuse?" 

WHEN  YOU   DON'T  WANT  TO  DATE  SOME  TURKEY' 
"MOTHER  WANTS  HE  TO  STAY  HOME  WITH  THE  FAMILY" 

EN  YOU   DON'T  WANT  TO   HELP   A   FRIEND  IN  NEEDY 
"I'VE  GOT  TO  BE  AT  HOME  WITH  THE  WIFE." 

WHEN  TOP   DON'T  WANT  TO  TEACH  A   SUNDAY   SCHOOL  CLASS? 
"WE'RE  OUT  OE  TOWN  VISITING  A   LOT." 

WHEN   YOU   DON'T  WANT  TO  HELP  WOTH  VBST 
"WE  WILL  BE  ON  VACATION  WITH  OUR  FAMILY." 

WHEN  YOU  WANT  TO  AVOID  ANY  COMMITMENT* 
"FAMILY." 


111    situ  wej.  iraag  gnoK/aiscner   statmen   js  receiv       2/ 
this   absolut   unherd   of  &  2sua:est  went  agin  all 

/    Jews   Blievd 

I  vs  22= serv   act  mastrs  coman  &  yet  ther   was   room 
vs  ?J=peop  2B  brot   in  wer   non-Jews  ,Gentils 

they  wer   l's   liv  biways   &  Eyon  hedge 
hi     es   stud  edg   Jew  proprty  sep  lentils  from  them 

s-  here  cripls   society , hated  fientil  dors   B  part   fflrt 

suppr   &.   invit   specil    Jewish   pests   wer    not 
vs  24=result   of  ther  refusl 
Master  of  parbl=Ood 
Thea   peop  knu  exact  nat    Js   tel  them   in  story 

understud  4  1st  time   invit   includ   all  peop  no   ius    Je 
invite   is.LETS  PARTY  &  includ   evrl  2B  part   G  's   crrt 
party  talc  plac  hvnly  kine-dm.bufc   invit   P  externa   here 
&  now 

a  part  wat    Js   sed  had   ?do  with  time 

(Ilus  man  buy  suit  gudwil   stor,shoe  ticket   in  pocket; 
r"ine   is   comodty  we  can  no  ignor,has  way  pas  us  by 
&  ther   cuibp    times   wen   can   only   say=I    WD  II 
(llus   18yr  old   ?irl  kil  plan  crash, fathr  no  say   I  LOT 
He  has   los   optunty=he   had    fields   to  luk  at,oxn  chekot 

time    In   sumthin  we  human.?   sumtimes  considr  as  B 

abundant , until  discovr   it  run  out  &   then  thing  negle 

put  off,R  sot  aftr 

3umwat   lik  tru  story  mi  retir  opl  &  motor  home 

(Ilus   thez   peop  &  cruise  control) 

This  examp  wat    Js   try  get   cros   this   parabl 

Jews  had   Ik  4centrys  4Messiah  G  prom 
But  wen  came, they  rejec   &  Js    llkn  ?   Big  Tarty  ?which 
they  tavite 

h"^   invit   &  prom  ?atend  ,but  wen  day  party  ariv,made 

(.    ,us  not   2  attend. 
same   aply  2us  as  wel=we  hav  bin  invit  2part   simply 
Bcuz   othrs  hav  refus   2  atend 

but  lik  them, many  us  mak  excus  not  2B  in  atendsnc 
atituds   of    Jews   &  many  us=ther  wil3  othr  partys ; 
othr   dinnrs   &    invites 

They  wer   on  Cruise   Control   ,1us  as  many  Blievrs  R 
.'■ure, we've   cum  2 the   Lord; He's   our  Hav  &  we've   acpted 
Him  which  mor  than  the   Jews  did 

But   that   as   far  as   it  goes 
Thers   no   furtfar  com  it;  no  fiirthr  involv 
I'll   serf  Hiir  wen  I  eet   oldr  Bcuz    I've   not  plenty   of 
time    left-but    invit    imrasdiat ,it    ls=C0HE;4ALL  THINGS 
R    HOW    :?EUY=vs    17B 

wen  faster  5ivs   sunmons    it   1  i        aedJ  its   i   that   sum- 
mons  is=LET'3  PARTY!    &  we   mus   respond  by   as  k= -flier  am 
I?      Am   I   in  the   kingdom?      And  wat   is   my   excuse   if 
I'm  not? 


"ljez-s   i-arty!" 
■  Scrip:    Luke   14:15-24 

This   Scrip  &  tariax  parbl  has   sevrl  bak         grnds   & 
actul   preceed   vss   H   part   of    it 

It   las   fab    J?   pub   minstry  hav  record    of  &  He   invit 

hous   1   of  rulrs  of  Phars 

Zt~  iVrr^anE,i   lk   llk  Setup  ?C  wat    Js   Ao's*y  °i"um 
whi^fl  find   self 

man  ther  w/dropsy  &  B4   Js  do  anyth  ask  leerl  heal   Sab 
■no  anser=so  heal  man  &  then  tel  parbl   seat   self" lowr 
&   if  host  want  honor  wud  mov  up 

i  *  £*°*  °   J0cky  *Pt>sitin  of  rests, nerhap  ?B  near  Him 

*s  altho   Js   also  gest,tak  op  2reprov  actins   othr  gests 

also  giv  advic  bout  invite    only  thoz  return  favor  & 

vs   13    is   adfio   Bcuz   Js   lk  rnd  &  C  onlv  wel  2do  gests 

Thez   peop  curios  bout  Him,*  wat  betr  way  2C  than  eat 
vs   14= Js  continu  2do  this   wud   br  rewar   f'inl  resur 
Jews   Bliev  resur   of   Just, setup  kingd  of  G  wud   B  ushr 
w/grt  festivl  which  all  membra   kingd   wud  particpate 
vs    15=prob   scrib/phar,sum   membr  relig   elit   &  aeree 

w/Js    £  think   self /othrs   ther  wud   mos   cert   B  part    of 
j      Jews  thot  wer   only  l's   2B  part   that   kingdom 
j  this   atitud  &.  atitud   othrs  prompt   Js   ?say-vs   16 
;    usul  procedur  send  servs   2invlt  fests  w/invit  atend 
dinnr  such, such  date 
time   meal   no  reveal   Bcuz   need  get  everthin  2p:ethr 
vs   17=wen  evrthin  redy, servs   rro  arin  &  tel  o-ests 
vss   lE-20=reeults   that  sumons   2cum  2dinnr 
here  were  peop  who  had   sea  wud  cum  &  mak  excuses  ft 
thats   Jus  wat  were=EXCUSES 
1st  felo=Hav  H  evr  herd  suml  buy  prop  site   unseen? 

if\u  do  that?   =Ex  ppop  buy  PI  prop  lik  this  &  stung 
2n      relo-Wud  U  buy  used  car  w/out  kno  run  or  not? 

his  excus   much   lik  1st   felo 
3rd   felo=semi-truthf 1; Jew  male  no  serv  army  lyr  nuwed 

But  nol  ask  go  2war=excus   nonj"ustfybl-cud'  tak  wif 
l&  wat  wife  duznt   lik  eat   out  rathr  than  cook? 

But  excus  same   2day  by  peop  keep  fr/eh  &  thinps   Lord 
\(Ex  excus   made  by  people   from  Lawson) 
Uinstancs  Scrip  pt  tak  care  busnes  ,work;peranl  poses; 
i&  persnl  pleasur 
!    ea  thez  keep  peop  fromB  part  kingd  of  8 

they  no  wrong  own  rt  ,but  wen  tak  preced   ovr  priorty 
2  G,need   2B  eval  4wat   R  Z  that  is=excus   steer  clear 
things   of   G 
vs  21=aerv  went  out  brot   peop  in  &  thez  peop  shun  by 

scrib/phars   &  relig  elite 
Th0z   no  cokplet   body   '■■.  limb  cud  no   serv  relig  capactj 

2do  so, Jew   law  state  persn  musB  whol  body /mind 
So  thez   peop  wer   outcas   society  &  wer  shunbv  thoz 
who  wer  rel  K  idr3 


"let's  Party!" 

•cripture:  luke  14:15-?4- 

This  Fcripture  and  parable  has  several  backgrounds  to  it  and  actually  all  of 

the  preceeding  verses  sxk  rla7  a  part  in  it,   Jesus  was  invited  to  the  house 

of  one  of  the  rulers  of  the  Pharisees.   It  was  the  last   oabbath  in  Jesus' 

public  ministry  of  which  we  have  any  record.   This  meal  was  prearranged  and 

was  a  setup  to  see  what  Jesus  would  do  hA&ex  the  circumstances   in  which  T'e 

found  himself.  There  was  a  man  present  at  that  meal  who  was  suffering  from 

dropsy.  Before  Jesus  did  anything,  He  asked  them  if  it  was  legal  to  heal  on 

the  Sabbath  day.   He  receiver"  no  answer  and  so  He  healed  the  man.   Then  He  ±m 

told  them  a  parable  about  seating  oneself  at  the  lower  or  lowest  position 

and  if  the  host  wants  you  to  have  a  place  of  honor,  he  will  direct  you  to  ist. 

Evidently  what  Jesus  was  witnessing  at  this  meal  was  a  jockeying  for  position 

for  the  honored  seats,  perhaps  to  be  nearest  Him,   And  surprisingly,  Je^us 

although  a  srusst ,  doesn't  hesitate  to  correct  the  actions  of  some  of  the 

other  gupsts . 

He  then  gives  advice  about  giving  a  dinner  and  only  Lnviting  p  Dple  who  would 

ixDcfcHEB  return  the  favor  and  ±ex±±s   extend  an  invitation  for  dinner  also. 

His  instructions  then  follow  in  verse  13,  "But  when  thou  make at  a  feast,  call 
the  poor,  bhe  maimed,  bhe  1  ame ,  the  blind." 

Jesus  had  looked  around  and  had  seen  all  of  the  well-to-do  invited  guests. 

He  knew  these  were  just  people  whose  curiosity  about  Himself  had  been  aroused 

And  what  better  way  to  show  off  this  Questionable  cha  'a<£    than       Inner? 

And  Jesus  continued,  "And  thou  shalt  be  blessed;  for  they  cannot  recompense 
thee:  for  thou  shalt  be  recompensed  at  the  resurrection  of  the  just." 

He  is  saying  that  rewards  for  doing  good  will  come  in  the  final  resurrection. 

The  Jews  believed  that  the  resurrection  of  the  just,  the  setting  up  of  the 

kingdom  of  God  would  be  ushered  in  with  a  rreat  festival  in  which  all  the  mem. 

hers  of  that  kingdom  would  partake.  °o  it  isn't  surprising  that  we  read  in 

the  15th  verse,  "And  when  one  of  them  that  sat  at  meat  with  Him  heard  these 
things,  he  said  unto  Him,  'Blessed  is  he  that  shall  eat  bread  in  the  kingdom 

of  God." 

This  was  one  of  the  very  select  Froup  of  guests  at  the  meal.   He  was  probably 

a  scribe,  or  a  Pbarisee,  cr  some  other  member  of  the  religious  elite.   He 

was  agreeing  with  Jesus  and  was  thinkinr  of  himself  and  all  the  others  there 

who  would  most  certainly  be  a  part  of  that  kinrdom  since  they  were  the  religS 

ious  leaders  of  the  Je  rs.   And  the  Jews  were  the  only  ones  to  be  a  part  of 

that  kingdom. 

His  attitude,  and  the  attitude  of  the  others  prompted  Jesus  to  say,  "A  oertaii 
man  made  a  great  supper,  and  bade  many." 

The  usual  procedure  was  to  send  out  servantr  to  the  homes  of  the  invited  p;ues1 

T>,ey  received  an  invitation  to  attend  a  dinner  on  such  and  such  a  date. 


-?- 

But  the  time  of  the  meal  was  not  revealed.   Circumstances  concerning:  cooking, 

preparations,i^XCTKXx£&±xxxK2x£X  and  getting  everything  in  readiness  caused 

the  ommission  of  the  time. 

So  then  we  read  in  verse  1?,  "And  sent  his  servatns  at  supper  time  to  sa#  to 
them  that  were  bidden,  'Come;  for  all  things  are  now  ready.1" 

When  the  supper  was  actually  ready,  the  servants  went  back  to  those  invited 

guests  and  informed  them  personally  that  everything  was  prepared  and  awaiting 

their  arrival. 

Verses  18  through  20  tell  us  of  the  results  of  that  summons  to  come  to  supper, 

(read  these).   Here  were  people  who  were  invited  and  who  had  responded  to  the 

invitation  by  acceptinr  it.   But  now  they  made  excuses  and  that's  just  what 

they  were.   Look  at  the  first  fellow!   Siexxbbxbxkz  Have  you  ever  heard  of  ssra 

someone  buying  a  piece  of  property  sight  unseen?   ,'ould  you  do  that?   A  few 

years  ago  people  with  the  craze  to  buy  land  in  Plorida  were  hoodwinked  througl 

a  newspaper  ad  which  made  most  of  the  major  newspapers  in  the  nation  during 

a  several  week  period.   The  land  they  bought  sight  unseen  was  nothing  but 

undraine  i  swampland  which  proves  the  validity  of  seeing  the  product  before 

buying  it. 

The  second  feftlow  made  the  same  sort  of  excuse.   He  said  that  he  wanted  to 

"prove"  his  oxen.   Would  you  buy  a  used  car  without  knowing  whether  it  runs  anc 


how? 


And  the  third  fellow  had  a  semi-truthful  excuse.   His  was  that  he  was  just 
married  and  needed  to  be  with  his  wife.   A  Jewish  male  ■■'he   got  married  was 
exempted  from  military  duty  for  one  year.   But  no  one  was  asking  him  to  go  to 
war.   His  excuse  wasn't  justifiable  because  he  could  have  taken  his  wife  with 
him.   And  after  all,  what  wife  doesn't  like  to  eat  out  instead  cf  doing  the 
cooking?   But  you  see,  their  excuses  are  the  same  as  are  used  today  by  people 
to  keep  from  Church  end  the  things  of  the  Lord.  These  three  instances  point 
to  taking  care  of  business  and  work,  of  personal  posresssions ,  and  of  person- 
al pleasure.   Each  of  these  thing?  keep  people  from  being  a  part  of  the  king- 
dom of  God.   Each  of  them  are  not  wrong  in  their  ownright .   But  when  they  take 
precedence  over  our  priorities  to  God,  then  they  need  to  be  evaluated  for 
what  they  are  and  that  in  excuses  to  steer  clear  of  the  thinp;c  of  the  Lord, 

Verse  21  relates,  "So  the  servant  came,  and  shewed  his  lord  these  things. 
Then  the  master  of  the  house  said  to  his  servant,  'Go  out  quickly  into  the 
streets  and  lanes  of  the  city,  and  bring  in  hither  the  poor,  and  the  maimed, 
and  the  halt ,  and  the  blind . " 

So  the  servant  went  out  and  brought  these  people  in,   Tv,ese  people  were  shunne 
by  the  scribes  and  the  rharisees  and  the  religious  elite.   Those  who  were  not 
complete  in  body  and  limb  could  not  serve  in  any  religious  capacity.   The  Jew- 
ish law  specified  that  to  do  so  a  person  must  be  whole  in  body  and  mind. 
So  these  people  were  the  outcasts  of  society  and  were  shunned  by  those  who 
were  the  religious  leaders. 


-3- 

lou  can  well  imagine  the  shock  and  disbelief  this  statement  of  Jesus  must  have 

received  .   This  was  absolutely  unheard  of.   To  even  suggest  it  went  against 

all  the  Jews  believed. 

So  the  servant  acted  on  his  master's  command  and  we  read  in  the  22nd  verse : 
"And  the  servant  said,  lord,  it  la  done  as  thou  hast  commanded,  and  yet  there 
is  room." 

And  since  there  was  still  room  we  read:  "And  the  lord  said  unto  the  servant, 
"Go  out  into  the  highways  and  the  hedges,  and  compel  them  to  come  in,  that 
my  house  nny   be  full." 

The  people  who  were  to  be  brought  in  next  were  non-Jews ,  or  Gentiles  in  other 

words.   Tvey  were  the  ones  who  lived  out  on  the  highways  and  who  were  beyond 

the  hedges.   Je    Ldn't  fence  in  thei  V;"i  hedges,  T,  e  hedges 

stood  at  the  very  edge  of  Jewish  property  to  keep  out  the  Gentiles.  Sc  here 

were  the  cripples  of  society  alon~  with  the  ±hxk  hated  Gentile  dogs  being  a 

part  of  the  Great  Supper  and  the  invited,  special  Jewish  guests  are  not. 

And  the  master  said  in  verse  24,  'Tor  I  say  unto  you,  'That  rone  of  those  men 
which  were  bidden  shall  taste  of  my  supper." 

How  naturally,  the  master  extending  the  invitation  is  God  and  thene  people 
knew  exactly  what  Jesus  was  telling  them  in  this  story.   They  were  understand- 
in-  for  the  very  first  time  that  the  invitation  is  to  include  all  people  and 
not  Just  Jews.   T,_e  invitation  is  "Let's  Party,"  :  r.d  includes  everyone  to  be 
a  part  of  '"rod's  Great  party  which  will  someday  take  place  in  the  heavenly 
kingdom,  but  is  also  being  extended  in  the  here  and  now.   A  part  of  what  Jesus 
was  saying  had  to  do  with  time. 

(Illustration  of  time  as  seen  in  story  of  man,  a  used  suit,  and  shoes) 

.'.  man  bought  a  used  suit  at  a  Goodwill  store  and  discovered  in  the  poscket 
there  was  a  ticket  for  a  shoe  repair  job.   But  the  ticket  was  fifteen 
years  old.   He  checked  and  discovered  the  rhoe  repair  store  was  still  in 
business.  So  he  decided  on  a  lark  to  try  to  redeem  the  ticket.   /hen  he 
gave  the  ticket  to  the  proprieter,  the  man  looked  at  it  for  a  moment  and 
then  disappeared  in  the  back  room.   A  few  moments  later  he  reappeared 
and  said  very  calmly,  "They'll  be  ready  next  Tuesday." 

^2x  Time  is  a  commodity  that  we  cannot  ignore.   It  has  a  way  of  passing  us  by 

and  there  somes  a  time  when  we  can  only  say,  "I  wish." 

(Illustration  of  18  year  old  girl  killed  in  plane  crash  and  no  "I  love  you.") 
In  May  of  1979  a  plane  crashed  kb  shortly  after  takefifif  from  O'hare  Airport 
in  Chicago.   Killed  in  that  crash  was  an  18  year  old  x?fexxsi±aja  young  lady 
xaSffi±x£arBixJfe*s±iig±itx  whose  father  sobbed  when  informed  of  his  daughter's 
death,  "The  thing  that  makes  it  so  hard,  is  that  I  never  told  her  I  loved 
her.   I  was  always  so  busy  and  always  intended  to  but  she  grew  up  so  fast 
there  just  never  seemed  to  be  time." 

He  had  lost  his  opportunity.   He  had  fields  to  look  at  and  oxen  to  check  out. 

But  time  is  something  kaiuaE  we  humans  look  at  as  being  abundant,  until  we 

discover  it  is  running  out  and  then  the  things  neglected  or  put  off  are  SOUghi 

after.   It's  somewhat  relate;"  to  the  true  story  of  a^Kis&sxxjpcEsaqsiK  newly 

retired  couple  who  fulfilled  a  dream  by  using  their  savings  to  purchase  an 
elegant  motor  home. 


-4- 

( Illustration  of  retired  couple,  motor  home,  and  cruise  control) 

When  they  purchased  it,  the  wife  was  very  visibly  impressed  with  what  the 
salesman  said  of  the  cruise  control  with  which  it  was  equipped.   He  extolled 
its  virtues  in  XHKtocxxxxxxiiiaixxiix  a  very  convincing  manner.   To  they  pur- 
chased the  motor  home  and  began  to  travel  up  the  west  coast.   A»x±kEy  .After 
they  had  traversed  the  winding  stretches  of  highway,  the  husband  told  his 
wife  he  was  goinjfc  to  the  back  to  take  a  nap  and  she  could  drive  on  the 
straight  stretches  for  a  while.  She  took  over  and  put  the  camper  on  cruise 
control.   After  about  an  hour  of  driving,  she  decided  she  had  to  go  to  the 
bathroom  and  so  she  got  out  of  the  seat  and  went  to  the  xhhx  bathroom  in  the 
rear.  Several  ninutes  later  the  motor  home  went  off  the  highway  and  crashed, 
The  camper  was  totalled,  but  neither  of  the  two  people  were  injured.   The 
wife  explained  to  the  Highway  Patrolman  that  she  thought  the  cruise  control 
worked  ±±&k  the  same  as  the  automatic  pilot  on  a  plane. 

This  is  an  example  of  what  Jesus  was  trying  to  sret  across  in  this  parable. 
The  Jews  ha#  been  looking  for  centuries  for  the  Messiah  GoS  had  promised. 
But  when  He  came,  they  rejected  Him,   And  Jesus  likened  it  to  a  big  party  to 
which  they  were  invited,  kH±  They  had  the  invitation  and  had  promised  to  at- 
tend. But  when  the  day  of  the  party  arrived,  they  made  excuses  not  to  attend, 
But  the  same  applies  to  us  as  well.  We  have  been  invited  to  the  party  simply 
because  others  have  refused  to  attend.   But  like  them,  many  of  us  make  ex- 
cuses not  to  be  a  in  attendance.  T""e  attitude  of  the  Jews  and  of  many  ofl  us 
is  that  there  will  be  other  parties;  bfcher  dinners  and  invitations.  They  were 
on  cruise  control  ,iust  as  many  believers  are.   Sure  we've  come  to  the  Lord; 
He's  our  Saviour  and  we've  accepted  Him  which  is  more  than  the  -Tews  did.   But 
that's  as  far  as  it  <?oes .  There's  no  further  commitment;  no  further  involve- 
ment.  I'll  serve  Him  when  I  get  older  because  I've  got  plenty  of  time  left. 
But  ;he  invitation  is  immediate.   It  is,  "Come;  for  all  things  are  now  ready!' 
When  the  Master  -ives  a  summons  it  is  for  the  immediate.   T^at  summons  is, 
"Let's  Party!"   And  we  musr  respond  by  asking,  "Where  am  I?   Am  I  in  the 
kingdom"   fl.nd  what  is  my      •  if  I'm  of'" 


St,  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 

Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev*  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  April  28,  1985 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr,  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
Kelly  Mangel,  Acolyte 
Doug  Vensel,  Acolyte 
+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +-++  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  + 
ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements:  Elder  Paul  Riemer 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
"Processional  Hymn  No.  €86  "Christ  for  the  World  We  Sing" 
♦Ascription 
"Exhortation 

♦Confession  (In  Unison)  "0  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  art  the 
Way,  the  Truth*  and  the  Life,  we  pray  thee  suffer  us 
not  to  stray  from  thee*  who  art  the  Way,  not  to 
distrust  thee,  who  art  the  Truth,  not  to  rest  in  any 
other  thing  than  thee,  who  art  the  Life.  Teach  us  by 
thy  Holy  Spirit  what  to  believe,  what  to  do,  and 
wherein  to  take  our  rest.   For  thine  own  name's 
sake  we  ask  it.       Amen. 
"Kyrie 

♦Assurance  of  Pardon 
"Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God! 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever. 
"Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No.  685  "In  Christ  there  is  no  East  or  West" 
Call  to  Prayer;   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 
Offertory 
•Doxology  -  page  3B2 
Anthem:  "The  Saviour  is  Waiting11  soloist  Nancy  Dellen 
Scripture:   Luke  15: 11-32 
Sermon:   "The  Reason  to  Party" 
♦Closing  Hymn  No,  543  "The  Family  of  God" 
"Benediction 
"Closing  Chimes 
"Postlude 
+  +■  +  t  "Congregation  Standing     +  +  +  +  + 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mrs.  Fanchon  Hindman  and  Joy  in  memory  of  Lawson  Hindman. 
Mr.  &   Mrs.  Paul  Campbell  will  greet  the  congregation  at 

the  door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Dick  Mangel,  Ed  Walker,  Don  Kingsley, 

and  Dick  Dally, 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Beth  Tait. 
Bob  D.  Dellen  and  Dan  Bosko  will  be  visiting  the  hospital 

this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  106  with  6  visitors. 
Hospitalized:   Mrs.  Tresa  Nicholas  in  BMH, 
MONDAY  -  Spang' s  Volleyball 
TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 
WEDNESDAY  -  Council  meeting  7:00  P.M. 
THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-B 

Basketball  8-10 

Chancel  Choir  practice  at  7:00  P.M. 
Prayer  Meeting  8:00  P.M. 
SATURDAY  -  10-12  Basketball 

VBS  is  fast  approaching  us.   We  are  still  in  need  of 

a  director  and  teachers.   If  you  are  willing  to  help 

In  any  department,  please  inform  the  office. 
Laymen's  Dinner  will  be  served  at  our  church  on  May  16th. 

Please  come  out  and  support  this  dinner  and  those 

serving  with  it. 
May  6th  at  6:30  we  will  be  starting  a  Family  Night.   It 

will  begin  with  a  tureen  supper,  followed  by  games  and 

other  activities.   Please  make  plans  to  come  and  support 

this  night  and  other  future  activities. 
COUNCIL  MEETING  TODAY  AFTER  CHURCH  IN  THE  LOUNGE. 
Articles  for  the  newsletter  are  due  into  the  office  by 

Wednesday, 
Reservation  Cards  for  the  Mortgage  Burning  Dinner  are  due 

in  on  May  1st.   Please  mail  them  or  drop  them  in  the 

offering  plate. 
Mother  &  Daughter  Banquet  is  coming  upon  us.   This  is 

open  to  all  women  of  the  church.   May  8th. 


"The  Bible  will  keep  you  from  sin;  or  sin  will  keep  you 
from  the  Bible,  The  Bible  is  old  with  age,  but 
always  fresh  with  the  dew  of  heaven, rr 


"T,  e    Reason  To  Farty" 
Scrip':    Li  15:11-32 
I  (Ilus   B  Graham, Cleveland   &.   :lho   Are  Tou?) 
identy  is   sumthin  sot  by  evrl;elliE°P   seek  2B  known 
4who  &  wat  they  R 

(Pus   city  oficial   insance   inat.  &   "I  kno  wher  U  R) 
W        R  U?=the   anser  U   fiv  depend    on  wat   U   Bliev 
Thoz   who  adop  humnistic   atitud  wud  anser   lik  ■««»»■ 
(Hub   Carl  Becker   historian) 
Duz  that  snd   lik  G's  mos   uniau  creatin  worth  anythin' 

perha     can  contras  w/finds   of   Adam  S  tarehi4d,pres 
Minerva   Consult  Corr  in   78  &  fnd  chems    in  body  worht 
6  million. 
Who   R   U?    Wet    is   Or   lif   worth? 

this  very   issu   Ja  was   try  deal  with   in  aprbl  las  wk 
&  in  parbl  this  wk 

Actul,parbl  this   chap  giv  Jpicturs 
at  end  dinnr   Ja   eed=He  hath  ears   let  him  hear 
Js   tol  parbl  Grt   3uppr  &  fiv  2ilus   terms  discipship 

As   membabl  Sab  draw  clos    Js   suroun  outoas   socity 
vs    l=this  no  meet  aprovl  relip  elit   &  Lk  say  Vs  2+REi 
this   pt  read=vs  3  . .     _  , 

Then  folo  incident   lost  sheep, 6  incident   lost  coin 
&  finaly=Frodlgal    inn  „_ 

All  thez   R  lparbl  &  form  wat   cal-Parbl   Lost    1.  Inga 
This  morn  lk-lrodipal  Son  &  want   share  mod  versin 
miteB  call  story  in  Key  of  F 
(Ilus  mod  parable   in   "T1") 

i.ow  that   story   liter  vein, hut   wud   lik  focus   on  cent- 
ral  meaninr   of   parable . 
in  all  3seg-s  ther  central  theme. lost    sheer, ?hep  e° 
""■  4sheep 
1.  .t    coin=ownr   perch, swepp   until    find 
lost   son-fathx   seek  him, Ik  'I    him 

Read- .ion  comin"-  2self=othr  word.recop  prob  &  he    lost 
&.  need   ?oum  home 

kno   mus    fac    fathr   p-.  plan   litl   speech=vss    18-19 
set   off  on   jorny  &  read  re  20 
prob  fathr  watch  son  lv  farm   &  my  climb  tales  hil 
8=  watch  til  out   site;perhap  evr  day  did   same   &  Ik 
day  folo  day  8=  dieapoint ,but   lday  C   figur  aproach 
recog-  way  walk  &  kno   it    son  &  B4  son  cud  cum  2him 
ran  Phim'  &  welcom  home 
i.o  scold, cal   stupid, dumb- instep   hue/kiss  8=  sho  luv 
Vs   ?1=&  "at  fathr 's  reaetin? 

vs   2?= It   was  as  tho  son  nevr  sed   word   ask  4plv 
fathr   Beuz  deep, deep  luv   i"-nor  son  remark 
l.owehr   Scrip  read   son 'a   name, hut    T   EHiev   it   "TLL 
(Ilus  Bill  in  new  York  acpt   Js   8    ch^nr   it  made) 


hear   story   11*  thi8   S5y=lsnt  wondrfuiv      men  ilk     ?/ 

Cud   nevr  hapn   Pus , 
.   But   it  cud, if  we  let  it 

JT,  er  H  a   lot  of  Bill's    in  worl   5  Fathr   is    IV  *then 
?oi™  home 

B"t  fathr  no  stop  Ik  4childrn,lnsted    send  r.on  out  2 
\   t     k  &.  ?sav  that  which   ii    1ob1 

MayB  we   hav  cum  home   &.  claim  4grivnes   &.  clensing 
But  nayB  things  no  dif  Bcuz  we  unwil   let   pro 
Lif  4ea  us  can  cum  aliv,but   we  mus  want   it 
W„  mus- Cum  2ourselvs   &  realiz   that  T.  far  cuntry  is 
not  wher  we  Blong 
Our  fathr  want  us   2B  part   of   party 
&  Reasn  2  Farty  is   Bcuz  G  is   piv  faast  2which  He  has 
invite  evrl  &  His    Son  tela   us,avs    10 
4es  us  who  hav  cum  hom, or  decid  cum  horn  this  day, 
G  says,=vs   ?2 
no  mattr  who  U  R,no  mattr  wat  we  hav  dun, we   canB  dif 
Ur  hopes   can  cum  tru 
Reasn  I   sea   Prods   name   was   Bill   is   Bcuz   ther  lota   jus 
plain  Bills  who  hav   acpt  *p  wat  G  hav   offr  thru    Js 

Bill,   the   man  we  talk  bout   made  statement, 
IHB   CHURCH   IS   WHER   ALL  UR   HOPES  CUM  TRU 
with    Js   this  posibl 
with  His  help  Ur  hopes   can  cum  tru 
U   canB  Chang, U  can  cum  home  4  thats   Reason  To  Tarty 


Community  Bible  Church  -  SaRamore,   Pa,   Kay  17,  1992 

Prelude 

Sreetings/Joys/AnnauneeiientB/Prayer  Requests 

Bob  Dain  here  next  Sunday  May  Zk 
(j^LO     otJ      /Jt+V     A***r      &6ft~    /fS-ET/t'c- 


Call  To  Worship: 

(1  BLESS  OUR  GOD,  TE  PEOPLE,  AND  HAKE  THE  VOICE  OF  HIS 

PRAISE  TO  BE   REAHE: 

WHICH  HOLDETH   OTJH   SOUL  IN  LIFE,    AND  SITTEJtETR  NOT  CUR 

FEET  TO  BE  MOVED. 

FOR   THOU,    0  GOD,    HAST  PROVED  OS:    THOU  HAST  TRIED  US, 

AS   STIVER   IS  TRIED.        PSALM  fiS :8-10 


Of  ferine/prayer 
• DoxolOffy 
Pastoral  Prayer 
Hymn 

Scripture:  Luke  15>ll-32 
Sermon:   "The  Reason  To  Party" 


April  28,  1985  St.  Paul 'a 

Butler 


•      idietion 
•Post lade 


/The  Reason  To  Party  -  Luke  15:11-72 
{ILUS  B  ORAHAM-CLEV  f,  aak-WHO  R  UT 


JTJN  73) 


identy  aot  by  eTrene   -  peo  seek  2B  kno  *wat  &  who  they  R 
(Ilv-  city  officii  t,  mentl  in»t) 

.,   ITT      ANSH   DEPEN  ON  WAT  U  BLIEV 
<1lJS   HENRY  BECKER  fc   HYMANISTIC   PHILOSPIY  ANSR) 
(ILUS   ADAM  STARCHILD-FSES  MINERVA  CONSULT  GRP  1978   DISCCVB 

CHEMS  HUMN  BODY  WORTH  If   MILION) 
WHO  F  Ut  WAT  UR   LIF  WORTH?  JS   DEAL  PARBL  LAS  WK  i   THIS  PARBL 
VS   35  END  CHAP  Ik 

had  tol  GST  SDPPR  ft  rIt  2terms  4diselpahip 
VS  l«Sab  draw  cloa  Js  euroun  outeaa  society 
VS  2*no  aproyl  fr/jew  ralifr  elite 

VS  3«thes  3ineidents  R  one  parbl  aa  such  ft  eal  prabl  los  th£n.ws 
(ILUS   MOD  PABIL   PROD  SON   IN   KET  OF  F) 

eentrl  theme  oarblaxlos  sheep/lost  eoinAoat  son«SERCH  4LOST 
tbs  l8-19=SFEECH  PREP 

VS  20.FATTTR   SAW   SON   OFF  &  WATCH/WAIT   -  Notie-hu*Ais   ft  no  scold 
VS   ?l^want  2mak  amends 

VS  22.LIK  SON  NEVR  SED  WORD  BOUT  4GIVNES 
Scrip  no  gi»  son8s  nam  but  posibl  cudB  BILL 
(ILUS  BILL  aept  XP  ft  Chang) 
HEAR   STORY, EXCLAIH-ISNT  WONDRFUL?  HOT  NO  CUD  HAPN  ?US-BUT  CAN!! 
FATHR   LK   4CHILFN,SEND  SON   2SEEK/SAV   THAT  WAS  LOST 
MATB  HAV  CUM  HOM, CLAIM  ^GIVNES/CLFNSING  BUT  THINGS  NO   DIF, 
BCUZ  HNWIL  BLET  GO 
LIF  "»EA   US   CAN   CUM  ALIV   -  BUT  WE  M03   WANT  IT   -  WE  MUS  COM  2SELVS 
ft   FAR  CTTNTHT   NO  WHER  WE  BLONQ 

CUR   FATHEH  WANTS  US   2B   PART  OF  TH/PABTT  ft  TH/REASN   2PAHTT  IS 
BCUZ  0   IS  GIV   FEAST  2WHICH   HE  HAS   INVIT  EVRONE 
.'       ?ED  -  VS   7A 
<n£A  WHO  CUM  HOM/DECID  CUM   HOH  2DAT.G  SEZ-VS  2» 
NO  MATTR  WHO  WE  R,WAT  HAV   DUN, WE  CANB   DIF-UR   HOPES  CAN  CUM  TRU 
REASN  SED  PROD   SON  NAM  BILL  BCU2  THER  LOTS   "JUS   PLAIN  BILLS" 
WHO  HAV  ACPT  WAT  G  HAS   20FFR  THRU  JS   XP 
BILL     SED-THE  CHURCH  IS  A  PLACE  WHER  ALL  UR  HOPES  CUM  TRUE 
w/JS  THIS  POSIBL-W/HIS  HELP  UR  HOPES   CAN  CUM  TRU 
U  CANB  CHNGD.U  CAM  CUM  HOME  &  THATS   TH/REASN  2PARTY 


"The  Reason  To  Party" 

Scripture:  Luke  15:11-32 

(Illustration  of  Billy  Graham  in  Cleveland  and  question:  "WHo  Are  You?") 
On  a  beuatiful  warm  evening  in  July  of  1972,  Cleveland's  Municipal  Stadium 
was  packed.   People  were  even  standing  or  seated  on  the  field  itself. 
Following  the  opening  preliminaries,  Hie  Rev,  Billy  Graham  stepped  to  the 
microphone  and  in  th?t  North  Carolinian  drawl,  asked  in  a  voice  which  rang 
throughout  that  stadium,  "''too  Are  Tou?  Who  Are  You?"  F^om  the  right  field 
bleachers  a  leather  lunged  youn^  man  probably  of  college  age  shouted  back 
in  a  voice  heard  throughout  the  stadium  without  amplification,  "I'm  Some- 
body,"  Everyone  lauehed  in  eluding  Mr.  Graham.   \ni  he  answered,  "It's 
too  bad  that  young  man's  theology  isn't  as  good  as  k£s  strong  as  his  voice.' 

Identity  is  something  that  is  sought  by  everyone.   All  people  seek  to  be  knowi 

for  who  and  what  they  are. 

(Illustration  of  city  official  in  mental  institution  and  not  recognized) 

{   prominent  official  of  the  city  was  in  the  mental  institution  on  business; 
,/hen  trying  to  leave  he  was  stopped  by  •  uaxd  who  tho   '  n  e  was  a  patient 
"Do  you  know  who  I  am?"  he  asked,  indignantly. 
"No,"  replied  the  "Tjard.   "But  I  know  where  you  are." 

"Who  Are  You?"   The  answer  you  -ive  depends  or.  what  ,    '     ve«   Those  who 

have  adopted  the  humanistic  philosophy  would  answer  much  like  a  historian 

named  Carl  Becker : 

Man  is  but  a  foundling  in  the  cosmos,  abandoned  by  forces  that  created  him. 
Unuarented,  unassisted  and  undirected  by  omniscient  or  benevolent  authority, 
he  must  fend  for  himself,  and  with  the  aid  of  his  own  limited  intelligence 
find  his  way  about  in  an  indifferent  universe." 

Does  that  sound  like  God  's  most  unioue  creation  is  worth  anything?   Perhaps 

we  can  contrast  that  with  the  findings  of  Adam  Starchild,  president  of  the 

Minerva  Consulting  Group  in  1978  who  kh&e  added  up  the  chemicals  which  rake 

up  the  human  body.   In  1978  dollars  the  human  body  was  determined  as  being  xrx 

worth  :-t6,000,000. 

Who  Are  You?   What  is  your  life  worth?   This  is  the  very  issue  that  Jesus  was 

trying  to  deal  with  in  the  parable  of  last  week  and  in  the  prable  of  this 

week.   Actuallyij  this  parable  ±x  gives  three  pictures  in  this  chapter.   At 

the  end  of  His  speaking  to  these  at  the  dinner  to  which  He  had  been  invited, 

Jesus  said,  "He  that  hath  ears  to  hear,  let  him  hear.   Jesus  had  told  the 

parable  of  the  great  supper  and  had  given  two  illustrations  of  the  terms  for 

discipleship.   As  this  memorable  Sabbath  day  drew  toward  a  close  Jesus  was 

surrounded  by  the  outcasts  of  society.   The  1st  verse  of  this  15th  chapter 

tells  us,  "Then  drew  near  to  Him  all  the  publicans  and  sinners  for  to  hear  Hii 

This  didn't  meet  with  the  approval  of  the  relisrious  elite  and  Luke  tells  us 

in  verse  2,  "Andt  the  Pharisees  and  scribes  murmured,  saying,  'This  man  re- 
ceiveth  sinners,  and  eateth  with  them." 

At  this  point  then  we  read,  ".And  He  spake  this  parable  unto  them,  saying." 

Then  is  related  the  incident  of  the  lost  sheep,  the  incident  of  the  lost  coin 

and  the  incident  of  ±ks   what  is  called,  "The  Prodie-al  ^on."  All  of  these 


-2- 

three  incidents  are  one  parable  as  such  and  are  called  "The  parable  of  the 

lost  Things."   This  morning  we  are  going  to  look  at  the  portion  of  the  parabl< 

."hich  deals  with  the  so  called,  "Prodigal  Son." 

This  is  probably  the  most  familiar  of  Jesus'  parables.   Probably  we  all  know 

most  of  the  details  of  this  parable,  so  the  one  thing  I  want  to  share  with 

you  is  a  modern  version  of  the  parable  written  in  the  key  of  P. 

(Illustration  of  Prodigal  Ton  using  the  letter  "F")  (1 

Feeling  footloose  and  frisky,  a  featherbrained  fellow  forced  his  fond 
father  to  fork  over  the  farthings  and  flew  to  foreign  fields  and  frittered 
his  fortune,  feasting  Babulously  with  faithless  friends.  Fleeced  by  his 
fellows  in  f looey,  and  facing  famine,  he  found  himself  a  feed-f linger  in  a 
filthy  farmyard.  Fairly  famishing,  he  fain  would  have  filled  his  frame 
with  foraged  ±-e&Asx.   food  from  fodder  fragments. 

"Fooey!   My  father's  flunkies  fare  far  finer,"  the  frazzled  fugitive  for- 
lornly fumbled,  frankly  facing  facts,   frustrated  by  failure  and  filled 
with  forboding,  he  fled  forthwith  to  his  family.   Falling  at  his  father's 
feet,  he  forlornly  fumbled:  ^Father,  I've  flunked  and  fruitlessly  forfeited 
family  favor  !  !  " 

The  farsighted  father,  forestalling  further  flinching,  frantically  flagged 
the  flunkies  to  fetch  a  farling  from  the  flock  and  fix  a  feast.   The  fugi- 
tives fault-finding  brother  frowned  on  fickle  forgiveness  of  forner  folder- 
ol.  But  the  faithful  father  ficruted,  "Filial  fidelity  is  fine,  but  the 
fugitive  is  found!   ''/hat  forbids  fervent  festivity?   let  flaes  be  unfurled. 
Let  fanfares  flars','"   And  the  father's  forgiveness  formed  the  foundation 
for  the  former  fugitives  future  fortitude. 

Wow  that  is  the  story  in  a  lighter  vein,  but  I  would  like  to  focup  on  the 

central  meaning  of  this  parable.   In  all  three  segments  of  this  parable  there 

is  a  central  theme.   The  incident  of  the  lost  sheep  finds  the  shepherd  poing 

out  and  looking  for  the  lost  sheep*   In  the  incident  of  the  lost  coin  the 

owner  of  the  coin  searched  and  swept  the  house  until  she  found  it.   And  in  th« 

incident  of  the  lost  son,  the  father  was  seeking  him  as  well.   We  read  of  the 

"son  coming  to  himself,"   in  other  words  he  recognized  what  his  problem  was 

and  that  he  was  lost  and  so  he  determines  to  come  home.   He  knows  that  he 

must  face  his  father  and  so  he  plans  his  little  speech  which  he  will  give  to 

him.   In  the  18th  and  19th  verses  that  speech  is,  "I  will  arise  and  &o  to  my 
father,  and  will  say  unto  him,  'Father,  I  have  sinned  against  heaven,  and 
before  thee,  and  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  son:  make  me  as  one  of 
thy  servants . " 

And  so  he  sets  off  on  his  journey  homeward.   And  we  read  in  the  20th  verse, 
"But  when  he  was  a  crest  way  off,  his  father  saw  him,  and  had  compassion, 
and  ran,  and  fell  on  his  neck,  and  kissed  him." 

Probably  HTTKijqnisx  the  father  watched  the  son  as  he  left  the  farm  and  went 

off  on  his  own.   He  may  have  climbed  to  the  bop  of  bae  highest  hill  on 

property  md  ffatcaea'  him  unti]  he  couldn't  >ee  hiro  anymore.   And  perhaps 

every  day  after  that,  every  chance  he  got  he  was  scanning  ttte  horizen  for  a 

sign  of  bae  returning  son,  \n\    lay  followed  'lay  and  he  was  disapppinted  each 

day.   But  one  day  he  looked  and  saw  a  figure  loom  on  the  horizen.   He  rubbed 

his  eyes,  wondering  if  perhaps  he  was  seeing  things.   But  as  he  anxiously 

watched  and  the  yiKE^  man  came  closer,  he  recognized  feka  that  this  man  was 


-3- 

his  son.   He  could  tell  it  by  the  way  he  walked.   And  before  the  son  could 

get;  to  him,  the  father  ran  toward  him  to  welcome  him  home.   Kotice,  that  he 

hugged  him  and  kissed  him.  He  didn't  --cold  him,  or  call  him  stupid  and  iumb. 

Instead,  he  showed  him  that  he  loved  him  in  spite  of  his  failings. 

But  the  son  wanting  to  make  amends  spoke  to  his  father  and  verse  c21  tells  us, 
"And  the  »on  said  unto  him,  "Father,  I  have  sinned  against  heaven  and  in 
thy  sight,  and  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  son." 

And  what  was  the  father's  reaction?  We  read,  "But  the  father  sadd  to  his 
servants,  'Bbing  'or  the  b      be,    n.   put  it  >n  '  ;.  --,  md  put   rd  g 

his  hand,  and  shoes  on  his  feet:  and  bring  hither  the  fatted  calf  and  kill 
it;  and  let  us  eat  and  be  merry.*" 

It  was  as  though  the  son  hadn't  said  a  word  ■*  c     iking  forgivene  .-.   Phe 

'ather  because  )f  his  ioep,  plei  V  ignored  the  son's  remarks. 

Tvere  is  no  where  in  this  scriptur   '  ,t  we       if  the   >   name.   But  I 

think  it  was  Bill,  and  I'll  tell  you  why. 

(Illustration  of  Bill  in  New  York  accepting  Christ  and  the  change) 

On  a  cold  rainy  Sunday  evening  a  man  named  Bill  who  was  the  controller  of 
a  big  New  York  city  chain  of  hotels  was  walking  back  and  forth  on  Fifth 
Avenue  of  that  city.   He  happened  to  walk  by  the  Marble  Collegiate  Church 
around  8:00  O'clock  and  heard  singing  coming  from  within.  T>,e  congregation 
was  singing  what  a  Friend  we  have  in  Jesus,  He  stepped  into  the  church  and 
took  a  seat  in  the  balcony.  He  listened  to  the  sermon  and  at  the  end  Dr. 
Peale  invited  anyone  who  wa  vted  to  skbx?!*  surrender  their  lives  to  Cvrist 
to  fill  out  one  of  the  cards  found  in  the  pwe  rack.   Bill  took  out  a  card 
looked  at  it ;  and  was  going  to  sign  it,  but  said  to  himself,  "ho,    I  won't 
do  this.   This  is  evangelism  and  I  am  not  in  favor  of  it.   He  put  the  card 
in  his  pocket  and  went  home  to  his  hotel  room.   About  3:00  O'clock  in  the 
rnornin-  he  awoke  and  couldn't  get  the  church,  the  service,  and  the  chall-ng{ 
out  of  his  mind.   He  got  out  of  bed,  got  down  on  his  knees  and  proved  and 
then  he  signed  the  card.   In  his  bathrobe  and  slippers  he  took  that  card 
out  to  the  mail  chute  in  the  hallway  and  dropped  it  in.   He  said  that  when 
he  did  it  was  like  having  a  load  lifted  off  his  shoulders.  The  next  morning 
he  called  Dr.  ieale  and  had  him  come  to  his  office  and  talk  to  him.  He  tolc 
him  what  he  had  done  and  how  he  wanted  to  o-et  involved  in  the  work  of  the 
church.   He  began  to  tithe.   At  first  it  was  ten-percent  and  this  wasn't 
enough  so  he  gave  fifteen-percent,  and  then  twenty,  twenty-five,  and  fiaallj 
thirty-percent.   He  became  involved  in  almost  every  Christian  agency  he 
discovered  to  do  the  work  of  Christ.   He  gave  hours  and  hours  of  his  time 
and  of  his  ability.   When  he  died,  3B±iixwHS  Bill's  funeral  was  held  in  Ihias 
delphia.   Four  *ix±o  railroad  cars  of  men  went  to  Philadelphia  for  his  funei 
When  the  funeral  was  over  these  men  kept  asking  Dr.  Feale,  " //hat  did  vou  do 
to  Bill?"  And  he  answered,  "I  didn't  do  anything  to  Bill,  but  I'll  tell 
you  Who  did  all  those  wonderful  things  to  Bill."   Tvey  answered,  "You  need 
not  tell  us,  we  know," 

W&en  we  hear  a  story  like  this  we  say,  "Isn't  that  wonderful,"  much  like  it 
could  never  happen  to  us.   But  it  can  if  we  let  it.   A  Father  has  been  look- 
ing for  HiF  children  to  come  home.   But  the  Father  iraaximfc  did  not  stop  at 
loteking  for  His  children.   Instead,  He  sent  His  Son  out  to  seek  and  to  save 
that  which  was  lost.   Maybe  we  have  come  home  and  claimed  that  forgiveness 
and  cleansing.   But  maybe  things  haven't  been  that  much  different  because 
we  have  been  unwilling  to  let  go.   life  for  each  of  us  can  come  alive,  but 


-4- 

we  must  want  it.   We  must  "Come  to  ourselves"  and  realize  that  being  sxf  in  a 

far  country  is  not  where  we  belong.   Our  Father  wants  us  to  be  part  of  the 

Party.   And  the  "Reason  To  Tarty"  is  because  God  is  giving  a  feast  to  which 

He  has  invited  everyone  and  His  Son  tells  us,  "Likewise  I  say  unto  you,  there 
is  Joy  in  the  presence  of  the  angels  of  God  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth." 

For  each  of  us  who  have  come  home  or  decide  to  come  home  this  day,  God  says, 
"For  this  my  son  was  dead,  and  is  alive  arcain;  he  was  lost, and  is  found." 
No   matter  who  we  are;  no  matter  what  we  have  done;  we  can  be  different. 
Your  hopes  can  come  true.   Tve  reason  I  said  the  prodigal's  name  was  Bill,  is 
because  there  are  a  lot  of  "Just  plain  Bills"  who  have  accepted  what  God  has 
to  offer  through  Jesus.   Bill,  the  man  we  talked  about  made  the  statement, 
"The  church  is  iriaexH  a  place  where  all  your  hopes  come  true."  With  Jesus 
this  is  possible.   With  His  help,  your  hopes  can  come  true.  You  can  be  chang- 
ed; you  can  come  home  and  that's  "The  Reason  To  Party." 


St.   Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,    Pennsylvania 
Rev.   Ralph  Link,    Pastor  May   5,    1985 

Mr.    Dale   Rice,    Minister   of  Music 
Mr.   Roland  Thompson,    Saxophonist 
Kelly  Mangel,    Acolyte 

+  +  +  t  +  +  +  +  +  +  ++  +  i-  +  *  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +4-  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude  '"The  Divine  One" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Ann  ouncemen  ts 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
♦Processional  Hymn  No.  31S  "Come,  Thou  Fount  of  Every 

Blessing'1 
^Ascription 
-^Exhortation 

^Confession  (in  Unison) "Our  heavenly  Father,  who  by  Thy 
love  hast  made  us,  and  through  Thy  love  last  kept  us, 
and  in  Thy  love  wouldst  make  us  perfect,  we  humbly 
confess  that  we  have  not  loved  Thee  with  all  our 
heart  and  soul,  and  mind,  and  strength.,  and  that 
we  have  not  loved  one  another  as  Christ  hath  loved 
us.   Thy  love  is  in  us,  but  our  selfishness  hath 
hindered  Thee.  Forgive  what  we  have  been;  help  us  to 
amend  what  we  are;  and  in  Thy  Spirit  direct  what  we 
shall  be;  that  Thy  Image  may  come  into  full  glory 
in  us  and  in  all  men,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

*Kyrie 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 

*Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God! 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever. 
* Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No.  470  "Are  Ye  Able",  Said  the  Master" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lard  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  ua  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  "The  Angels  in  Heaven*' 
*Doxology  -  page  382 
Anthem:   h"Turn  Your  Eyes  Upon  Jesus" 
Scripture:    Matthew  13; 3-9,  18-23 
Sermon:   "'Spiritual  Farming" 
•Closing  Hymn  No.  659  "We've  a  Story  to  Tell  to  the 
i  Nations" 


*BenedIction 

•Closing  Chimes 

*Po6tlude   "Glory  Be!" 

+  +  +  +  +         "Congregation  Standing      +  +  +  ♦  + 

The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mr.  &   Mrs.  Ed  Weichey  in  memory  of  their  parents. 
Mrs.  Emogene  Massey  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 

door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Art  Carney,  Dan  Bosko,  Marty  Henry. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Janet  Bowser, 
Don  Kennedy  and  Don  Klngsley  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  115  with  10  visitors. 
^>*iospi tallied;  John  Snow 

MONDAY  -  Women's  Mary  Prugh  Circle  7:30 
TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 
WEDNESDAY  -  Chancel  Choir  7:Q0 
THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 

Basketball  8-10 
Prayer  Meeting  8:00 
FRIDAY  -  BFBC 

SATURDAY  -   Basketball   10-12 
Mother  &  Daughter  Banquet  May  9th  at  6:00.      Bring  tureen 

and  table  service.   All  women  in  the  church  and  their 

guests  are  invited  to  attend.   Entertainment  will  be 

the  "Fools  for  Christ'.' 
Penn  West  Conference  is  June  7-9.   If  you  would  like  to 

attend,  please  contact  the  office. 
GRADUATING  SENIORS  -  We  need  your  help  in  securing  the 

names  of  those  who  are  graduating  this  year,  whether  it 

be  high  school,  college,  etc.   If  you  do  not  give  us  the 

names  we  cannot  recognize  them.   Please  help  us  out. 
The  Memorabilia  Committee  for  the  Mortgage  Burning  is 

looking  for  articles,,  pictures*  clippings,  etc.  for  their 

display.   If  you  have  any  please  give  them  to  Howdy  Sola?. 

or  Don  Kennedy. 
Laymen's  Dinner  is  coming  to  our  church  on  May  16th.   Please 

make  plans  to  attend.   See  J.  Walter  Harmon  for  tickets. 
VBS  is  coming  on  June  17-21.   We  still  need  teachers  and 

helpers.   Please  pray  about  this  and  help  us  out.   This 

is  for  the  adults  as  well  as  the  children. 


> 


mlnr" 
I  .crip:    t-'it.    13:3-9,    18-23 
'As   sed   B4,few   wks    apo   w/intro   Pstudy   palsies    Ja,wae 
time;Js    Si  discips   walk   out  hous   loeat  Capenum 

tl'HVl 

h      y   br,lrg  crowd     ■  'edly    "'lear   Spk 

oat,  a  at  dwn  &  Bgan  ?apk 
vs   J=Parabl   from   2   Gr  word-PARA  8    F-'.T.I  0=?throw   alOTiggi 

parbl  mak  comp  tween  kno  truth, E-  tinkno  truth 
thez  parhls  cal  mystry  nimpl   Bcuz   no  re  re>a]    OT   5   only 
reveal  by   Js   Pthtra  wh     truly  seek  Punderstan 

this   15th  chap   Mt  record   7parbls   &  rower  1=   loa 
vs   3B=incorec   sns   trans]    * cuz   orpnl    ;"r=THE  sower, 

def  art   insted   indef  art   A  &  latr  on  wll  C  this 
suroun  cnrtysid   barly  harv    a]   r 
■  3f    "  ■■  - n 

familr   method   sow   seed=scattr  by  hand   S.  by  donky 
eithr  method  brot  result    Js   spok  vss  4-3= 
But  discips    no   sur  wat    Js  try  teach  &  privat   ask  expl 
vs   18= Js   Egin  expl  &  notic   it   say  THE  rower ,not  A  sowr 
this  parbl  spk  of   seed, seed   Is  gud   &  Stan*   tf  of  Q 
the  E owr   is    Js   Xp  Himself  &  this  why  vs   3   shud  read 
THE   sowr  went  4th  2  sow 
vs   19=ii  tel  parbl  birds  eat   seed,&  thez  stan4   evil 
1, which  fatan;ther  alway  thoz  who  hear  mesap-  but  no 
underst,or  who  no  complet  responsiv  2it 
(Turn  peop   Bcum  hardn  of  hart   Beuz   cert  circum,exper 
of    lif   8:  ther  harts   2hard   4Word  pentrat   or   sink   in 
G  try  pet   in  thf z  harts, but   no  pentrat  barier  rais  & 
finly   tak     p   fr/them;He  say=Ky  3p  no  alway  striv  w/raan 
v<?"   ?0-21=Stony  plac    Js   spk  of   no  rocky  pr,but  pr  covr 
".    fs  erth   on  top  rok-Is   &  limstone 
if  seed   planjr  here, pro  fas  Beuz  pr  warm  nuik,but  no 
room  4roots   &  dy 
Js   talk  bout  peop   atrac   Xp   Si  v        tin4;they  want   2B 
wat    3   ofr  thru    Xp,but  unwil  pay  rric   involv 
thez   peop  in  Ch  4awhil,but  wen  trial  'trib  'tempts  cum, 
St   frends   persecut  ,di»-'pear   2old   livs=on  roll, no  co   it 
vs  22=thir   3rd   o-rp,soil   no  2hard  ,2 thin,  jua   seed   fel 
horn    ■  tborn  strggr  of  3  &  c'  ok  aeed  out 
this   wat   hapn   in  lif   no   hav   rn   4   G    Ppro 

Brd  plant  thez   livs,acpt   &  devel,but   as   time   go 
on, lif  passes, gud   things   add^pap  rais ,pronotin,hous , 
cars.mony   in  bank  ther  les   ft  les   need    of  G  &   so  persn 
faith   Bgin  pet   crowd   thin^p    tbls    lif 
(Ilus  of   traditin=Iibl,prayr,medtst  &   famly  cat   tyup) 
altho  mayfi   farfeteb   Ilua   how    3  canB  crowd   out  by  ritul 
replao  actul  comitment   2  Xp  &   ther   lots  thornF   crowd 
out   seed  wh/G  want   2pro/develop  ?B  His 
va  2J=thez  thoz   hear   Word,&  acpt  Sc  acptanc  ^rViS,:j'tt'h 


|  now  fr/this    las  remark  evrl   in  Ch   mus   tak  hart  ft        2/ 

.especil   thoz   seek  work  at  ft  bild   cocp  Bio  ■     " 

,     Luk  at  men  who  pav  up   a] 1   2f ol   Js 

j       thez  humbl   men  thot   He    i'essiab;here  wa^   wi=es,mos 
powrful   man   evr   net 
.  6   cud   do   things   no  1  had   evr  dun  B4,but   they  ?aw  the 
limited    impac   He   had   on   society 
dors   synpop  wer  closing  2nijn;relif-   Idrs   wer  severest 
critics  \h  sum   nos    powrful  relicr   ldrs   out    2ret   Him 
Tru,many  peop  arnd    had  realy  bin  chanr-, 
but  here  wer  thez  vas   multituds   folo  Him.fi    mob  Him 
wherevr  they  went 
But  ther  no  spectaculr  complet  turn  2  G  amonp  thez 
crowds, so  they  mus   hav   Bourn  very  discoura--  ft   Ptop 
off, here    Js   say  only  25?!  wud   actul   cum  2  G  as  He 
desir   them   2do 
ouest+Fow  can  suy  therB  any  run    frnrl   4<a«ed    'fal   in2??' 
Anser=THE  sowr  ausB  abl  2work  that   prnd   5   prep  it  4 
rrovrth   ?tak  plac 
Js,T:IE  sowr  musB  givn  op  work  that  hart /lif  4srud 
seed  2develop 
It   mus  mean  mor  than  Ch   atend,1!-  fulfil  memship  reiuir 
MusB  indwel   H  rp  work  in  &  thru  lif  Pchans-  it 
^it  duznt   tak  plac   w/out   sum   efort   6  sum  work 
T   ruout   parbl    Js    spk    of    ,VOHD    %  wat    is    VOID??? 
it  exact  as    imply=Jn  tel  us    Js  is  Word  &  also  kno 
■\'or&   is   Bible 
it   tak  thez   2  2produc  harves   fr   that  wh/plant 
it  musB  work  at 
(I]        colep  boy  prom  uBxfei  car   if  read    Bibl   thru) 
How   .„any  us   lik  that   boy?      Sure, we   inten  p;et  2things 
of  G,but  we   let- latr, or, ID  read   my  -^ibl  but    I'M  not 
pud  redr,or  no   like  2read,or  dont  hav  time 
Our  comitment   2  Xp  shudB  mor  than  brokn  proms 
d„t  G   made  prom  2  His   peop   lon^  B4   Js   came   ?erth 
Iaa   55: 8-11= HEAD 
in  othr  wordf-,G's    «iord,whethr  from  Eibl   or  spoKh  thrv 
lof  Fiir    servants   wil  no  p-o  4th   frutlesly 
we   may  try  tune   out, or  >=hut   out, but   S  liitxmxit  can 
Sc  wil   use   it    Pconvic   anyl   who   may  hear    it    or  read   it 

All  that  G  want   fr  us    is   our   comitment  2Him  complet 1; 
THE  sower  has   sown  the   seed   ft  no  mattr  wat  we  do  w/it* 
ther  wilE  a  harvest 
But   wen  that  harves    is    ir^thr    in, we   wil   eithr    '•'   in   it 
or   out   of   it 
it   that   inclusin  or  exclusin  wiEB  thru   our  own 
choic 


Community  Bible  Church  -  Sairaiwre,   Pa.   -  June  IV,   I992 


prelude 

Gr*etinKs/.7oys/Announcemente/prayer   Requests       .J -  *- £■  c*t ;■* 

.,oyd  Smith  -  June  28  "  ''' 

Bob  Dsin       -  July     5 


Ascription 

Call  To  Worship: 

PRAISE  YE  THE   LORD, 
PRAISE  GOD  IN   THE  SANCTUARY:    PRAISE  HIM   IN  THE  FIRMAMENT 
OF  HIS  POWER, 

PRAISE  HIM  FOP   RIS  MIGHTY   ACTS:    PRAISE  HIM  ACCORDING  TO 
HIS  gJ&XTKini  EXCELEENT  GREATNESS. 
LET   EVERYTHING  THAT   HATH   BREATH  PRAISE  THE  LORD. 
PRAISE  YE  THE  LORD.  PSALM   15n:li2,   (, 

•Hymn 
Of ferine/Prayer 
•floxolo^y 
Pastoral  Prayer 
KJ 

Scripture:  Matthew  13:3-9,   18-2J 

Sermon:     "Spiritual  Parmiflg"  -  St.   Paul's,   autler  5/5/85 
■*ymn 

•Benediction 
•Postlude 


Mt  13:3-9,  18:23  -  "Spiritual  Farming" 


PARABLE.  GR    -  PAHA     BALLO   -  TO  THROW   ALONGSIDE 
CP  TV  EN   KNOWN   TRUTH  &   AN   UNKNOWN   TRUTH 
MYSTERIES ,BC0Z  REVEAL  BY  JS   TO  THOZ   TRULY   SEEK  TO  UNDEHST 
r/t  7  parbla  this  chap 
VS  3B.INC0RBC,  fc  SHUDB  -  THE  SOtfER 
EXPL  HOW  SOW  SEED 
DISC  IPS  ASK  EXPL  t,  JS  BGIN   VS  18 

NDTH  WRONG  W^SEED.NOR   SOWS   -  BOTH  CUD 
VS   lS^NTCIC    -THE  SOWER    -  THE   -  BCUZ  JS 
VS  19-HARDND  HARTS  S  NO  GET  IN 

GEN   6:3-G   SEZ  .   MY  SP  SHAL  NOT  ALWAYS  STHIV  W/KAN 
VSS  20-21.   ISRAEL  t.   LIMSTON  UNDR   SOIL 
PEO  ATRAC   2   XP.WANT  2B   PART  WAT  G  OFFR  THRU   XP 
BUT  UNWIL  PAY   PRIC   TNVOLV   •    IN  CH  AWHIL.BUT  TRIAL/TEMPTS  CUM 
GO  BAK  OLD  LIVS  -  NO  COMITHSNT 
VS  22.AS   LIF  00  S;   THINGS   AD  2LIF  SUM  BLIEVHS,LES  t  LES  NEED  OF 
THINGS  OF  G 
FAITH  CROWD  OUT  BY  CARES  THIS   I.1F  ir  XPIANTY  ONLY  PITUL 
( ILtJS  TRADITIONS   "    TY  CAT  TO  BEDPOST) 

FORM/tlTUL  OFT  TAF  PLAC  REAL  COMIT  *  XP 

VS   23.FS   SPK   2   THOZ  FAITHFUL-  IN  HIS  CHURCH 
ILUS   BY  LK   DISCIFS  t  JS  MINSTHY 
JS   SAY  ONLY  25*   ACTULY  CUM  2  G   AS  G  DESIS3  FOR   MAN  TO   DO 
PREP  OF  GKND  2KCEIV  SEED  t  THIS  H  SP 

IN  PASBL  JS  SPK  CF  WORD 

WORD  IS  -  JS  AS  JN  SAY,  S-  ALSO  BIIL 

*LUS  BOY  PROM  NEW  CAR  IF  READ  BIBL  THRU) 
iXCUSES  BOUT  NO  READ  BIBLE  -  NO  TIME, NOT  GHD  READER 

COMITHENT  SHUDB  MOR  THAN  BHOKN  PROMISES  2HEAD/0BEY 

ISA  55ilO 

ALL  G  WANT  FR/US  IS  CCMITMENT  2HIM  COMPLETLT 
THE  SOWS   HAS   SOWN  SEED  S-  NO  MATTR   WftT  DO  W/IT  WILB  HAHV 
WEN   HASV  GATHR   IN,   WE  WIL  EITHH   B  IN   IT,    OR  OUT  OF  IT 
THAT  INCLUSIN.OR  EXCLUSIN  WILB   THRU  OtTH   OWN  CHOICE 


"Spiritual  Farmi  gn 
Scripture:  Matthew  13:3-9,  18-23 

As  we  said  before,  a  few  weeks  apo  with  the  introduction  to  the  study  on  the 
parables  of  Jesus,  it  was  spring  time.   Jesus  and  Lis  disciples  walked  out  of 
the  house  located  at  Capernaum  and  traveled  the  few  feet  which  took  them  to 
the  seashore.   Already,  at  this  early  hour,  a  very  large  crowd  ha3  assembled 
to  hear  Him  speak.   Jesus  got  into  one  of  the  nearby  boats,  sat  down,  and  be- 
gan to  speak. 

The  third  verse  of  this  chapter  tells  us,  "And  He  spake  many  things  unto  them 
in  parables." 

The  word  "parable"  comes  to  us  from  two  Greek  word?  "para"  and  "ballo"  which 
together  mean,  "to  throw  alongside."   A  parable  makes  a  comparison  between  jdb 
a  known  truth  and  an  unknown  truth.  These  parables  were  called  mysteries 
simply  because  they  were  not  revealed  in  the  Old  Testament  and  they  were  onibj 
revealed  by  Jesus  to  those  who  were  truly  seeking  to  understand.   tffxsixxxtKK 
fsirax£^pB3:xHX±tBr53?:J£^feksxxl2xiiasxxnaxxxkBxxro 

-pxxakiKKXBtxfiesusji      In  this  13th  chapter  wBxfisd  Matt!  ■■•   ■,:.->■  ]      7  j   ibles 
of  Jesus  ot   which  the  parable  of  the  sower  is  the  longest. 
Jesus  begins  this  parable  by  stating,  "Behold,  a  sower  wen      h   to  sow." 
Now  actually,  this  is  incorrect    aos      sla  Lens,  because  in  the  original 
Greek  it  is  "Behold,  THE  sower  went  forth  to  sow."   It  is  the  definite  articl 
THE,  instead  of  the  indefinite  article  A.   Now  later  on,  we  will  see  the  im- 
portance between  the  two  words.   On  the  surrounding  countryside,  the  barley 
was  gust  about  ready  to  be  harvested  and  the  scene  was  conducive  to  speak  to 
the  people  about  something  they  understood,  and  that  was  farming.   They  were 
all  familiar  with  the  methods  of  sowing  seed  either  having  eown  seed,  or  see- 
ing it  sown  by  others.   Two  methods  were  employed  in  this  part  of  the  world 
at  this  time.   One  was  to  walk  through  the  field  scattering  the  seed  by  hand. 
The  other  was  to  tie  a  sack  of  seed  on  an  animal  such  as  a  donkey,  cut  a  smal 
hole  in  the  sack  and  then  walk  the  donkey  back  and  forth  across  the  field. 
The  use  of  either  method  brought  the  results  of  which  Jesus  spoke  as  recorded 
in  verses  4-  through  8. 

Tut  the  disciples  were  not  completely  sure  of  what  Jesus  was  trying  to  teach 
and  so  privately  they  ouestioned  Him  concerning  the  meaning  of  this  parable. 

So  Jesus  then  begins  to  explain  the  hidden  truth.   "Hear  ye  therefore  the 
parable  of  the  sower.   'Vhen  anyone  heareth  the  word  of  the  kingdom,  and 
understandeth  it  not,  then  cometh  the  wicked  one,  and  catchethsway  that 
which  was  sown  in  his  heart.   This  is  he  which  received  seed  by  the  wayside 'J 

tfe  need  to  understand  that  in  the  explanation  of  the  parable  there  is  nothing 
wrong  with  the  seed.  The  seed  is  pood.   In  this  parable,  the  seed  stands  for 
the  Word  of  God.   Nor  is  there  anything  wronf  with  the  sower.   If  you  look  at 
the  18th  verse  you  see  there  that  Jesus  says,  "Hear  ye  therefore  the  parable 
of,"  whom?   Not  A  sowe,  but  THE  sower.   T, e  sower  in  this  parable  is  Jesus 


-2- 

Christ  Himself.   That  is  why  the  translation  should  read  in  the  3rd  verse, 
"Behold  THE  sower  went  forth  to  sow."   Tn  telling  the  parable  Jesus  had  said 
that  some  seed  fell  by  the  way  side  and  the  birds  of  the  air  came  and  ate  the 
seed.   In  His  explanation  He  speaks  of  "the  wicked  one"  takinr  away  that 
which  was  sown  in  a  person's  heart.   There  are  always  those  who  hear  the  mes- 
sage but  do  not  understand  it,  or  who  are  not  completely  responsive  to  it. 
Some  people  become  hardened  of  heart  because  of  certain  experiences  or  cir- 
cumstances of  life  and  their  hearts  are  too  hardened  for  the  Word  to  pene- 
trate or  sink  in.  God  tries  ri  to  get  into  those  hearts  but  He  cannot  pene- 
trate the  barriers  raised  there  and  finally  He  takes  His  spirit  from  them. 

In  Genesis  6:3  we  read  where  God  says,  "T-y  spirit  shall  not  always  strive 
with  man,"  Satan  is  waiting  to  t"ke  God  way  from  any  believer. 

Then  Jesus  explains ,  "But  he  that  received*!  thep  seed  into  stony  places,  the 
same  is  he  that  heareth  the  word,  and  anon  with  joy  receiveth  it;  yet  hath 
he  no  root  in  himself,  but  dureth  for  a  while:  for  when  tribulation  or  per- 
secution aiiseth  because  of  the  word,  by  and  by  he  is  offended."   20-21 

The  stony  places  Jesus  is  talking  about  are  not  rocks,  but  ground  which  is 
covering  stone  underneath.   In  Israel,  in  many  places  limestone  was  and  is 
several  inches  beneath  the  surfcae  of  the  earth.   If  seed  is  planted  on  this 
ground,  it  grows  rapidly  because  the  ground  warms  up  quickly  there.   But  there 
is  no  chance  for  the  roots  to  sink  deep  into  good  soil  and  so  they  wither  and 
.  the  plant  dies.   Jesus  is  talking  about  people  who  are  attracted  to  Christ 
and  what  He  stand  for.   They  are  people  who  want  to  be  a  part  of  what  God 
offers  through  Christ,  but  they  are  unwilling  to  pay  the  price  involved. 
These  are  the  people  we  see  in  church  for  a  while,  but  when  trials  and  tempt- 
ations come,  and  friends  persecute  them  they  disappear  to  their  old  lives. 
They  may  remain  on  the  church  rolls,  but  there  is  no  real  commitment. 

The  third  type  of  growth  from  seed  Jesus  pay?  is,  "He  also  that  received  seed 
among  the  thorns  is  he  that  heareth  the  word;  and  the  care  of  this  world, 
and  the  deceitf ulness  of  riches,  choke  the  word,  and  he  becometh  unfruitful^ 

vs  22 
Jesus  didn't  say  anything  about  the  soil  being  too  hard  or  too  thin,  but  that 
these  seeds  fell  anions  thorns.   mhey  grew  alon~  with  the  thorns,  but  the 
thorns  were  the  stronger  of  the  two  and  therefore  choked  the  seeds  out. 
T,  is  is  what  happens  in  a  mind  and  in  a  life  which  doesn't  have  room  for  God 
to  grow.   What  happens  in  ther-e  lives  is  that  the  seed,  God's  Word  is  r  landed 
in  these  lives.   It  is  accepted  and  bee-ins  to  develop.   But  in  many  instances 
as  the  years  go  by  and  the  things  of  thi?  life  and  world  are  added  to  that 
person's  life,  there  is  less  and  less  need  of  the  things  of  God.   And  so 
that  person's  faith  begins  to  get  crowded  out  by  the  cares  of  this  life. 

After  a  while,  Christianity  is  nothing  more  than  a  ritual. 
(Illustration  of  traditions  carried  on  which  mean  nothing) 


-3- 

k   man  who  was  a  devout  Christian  spent  several  minutes  each  day  reading 
his  Bible,  reading  from  %   devotional  "  ook,  and  praying.  Tie  had  a  cat  who 
liked  to  snuggle  up  against  him  as  he  sat  in  his  bedroom.  But  the  cat 
distracted  him,  so  he  '  tiwsbcfesx  put  a  collar  arounf  her  neck  and  tied  her  to 
the  bedpost.   The  cat  didn't  seem  to  mind  and  all  went  well, 

!  man's  lau  ;ht   i  ifciced  how  much  tks  her  father's  devotional  time  meant 
to  him  and  so  when  she  was  married  and  out  of  the  house  decided  to  follow 
his  example.   "o  she  began  by  tying  her  cat  to  the  bedpost,  but  the  time 
ehe  was  able  :  i    snd  In  p:  \/  "  le   ading  became  greatly  diminished 

and  so  it  was  less  than  her  father  had  done . 

When  her  son  grew  up  he  wanted  to  preserve  the  family  traditions  which  had 
meant  so  much  to  his  mother  and  grandfather.   But  the  pace  of  life  had 
quickened  so  much  that  there  wasn't  time  for  meditation,  Bible  reading  and 
prayer,  but  in  order  to  carry  on  the  religious  tradition,  each  day  while 
he  was  dressing  he  tied  the  family  cat  to  the  bedpost. 

Although  this  may  be  farfetched,  it  Illustrates  that  form  and  ritual  can  and 

often  do,  take  the  place  of  real  commitment  to  Christ,   There  are  lots  of 

thorns  which  can  crowd  out  the  seed  which  Cod  wants  to  grow  and  develop  and 

be  His. 

And  thSn  Jesus  explained,  "But  he  that  received  seed  into  the  rood  ground  is 
he  that  heareth  the  word,  and  understandeth  it;  which  also  beareth  fruit, 
and  bringeth  forth,  some  an  hundredfold,  some  sixty,  rome  thrity." 

Jesus  says  that  there  are  those  who  not  only  hear  the  word,  but  they  accent 

it  and  that  acceptance  brlnge  forth  abundant  fruit.   From  this  last  remark  of 

Jesus,  all  who  are  in  the  church  must  take  heart.   And  especially  thore  who 

^  seek  to  work  at  and  build  the  congregation  in  which  they  belong.   I  believe 

that  Jesus  was  specifically  speaking  to  the  leaders  of  any  congregation  in 

this  part  of  the  parable.   look  at  the  men  who  had  given  up  their  businesses 

and  their  livelihoods  to  follow  Jesus,   Here  were  these  humble  men  who  had 

believed  they  were  following  the  Messiah.   Here  was  the  wisest,  most  powerful 

man  they  had  ever  met.   He  could  do  things  no  one  had  ever  done  before.   Hut 

they  saw  the  limited  puccess  He  had  and  the  limited  impact  He  had  on  society. 

The  doors  of  the  synagogues  were  closing  to  Him;  the  religious  leaders  were 

his  severest  critics;  and  some  of  the  more  powerful  relipjous  leaders  were 

obviously  out  to  destroy  Him.   True,  many  of  the  people  around  them  had  reall; 

been  changed.   But  here  were  these  vast  multitudes  following  Him  and  mobbing 

Him  wherever  they  went.   But  there  was  no  spectacular  complete  turn  to  God 

among  these  crowds.   Co  they  must  have  be<5ome  very  discouraged  and  to  top  it 

off,  here  was  Jesus  Himself  tailing  them  that  only  about  25%   would  actually 

come  to  Cod  as  ±toK?r  Cod  desired  for  them  to  do. 

The  ouestion  then  arises,  "How  can  there  be  any  good  p-round  for  the  seed  to 

fall  into?"   And  the  answer  is  that  TffR  sower  must  be  able  to  work  that 

ground  to  prepare  it  for  the  growth  that  can  take  place.   Jesus,  The   sower 

must  be  given  the  opportunity  to  work  in  that  heart  and  life  for  good  seed 

to  develop.   It  must  mean  more  than  ,iust  church  attendance  and  fulfilling 

church  requirements  for  membership.   It  must  be  the  indwelling  ofvthe  Holy 

Spirit  working  in  and  through  that  life  to  change  it.   it  doesn't  take  place 


without  some  effort  and  without  ?orae  work,  iftc 

Throughout  this  parable  Jesus  speaks  of  the  Word.   What  is  the  Word?   It  is 

exactly  what  it  implies.   John  tells  us  Jesus  is  the  Word,   And  we  also  know 

that  the  Word  is  the  -"ible.   It  takes  these  two  to  produce  a  harvest  from 

that  which  is  planted.   It  must  be  worked  at. 

(Illustration  of  boy  promised  a  new  car  if  he  would  read  Bible  through) 

How  many  of  us  are  like  that  boy?  Sure  we  intend  to  get  to  the  things  of 

God,  but  let,  much  later.  "I'd  read  my  Bible,  but  I'm  not  a  good  reader," 

Or,  "I  .don't  have  time."  Our  commitment  to  Christ  should  be  more  than  just 

some  broken  promises.   But  God  made  promises  to  His  people  long  before  Jesus 

hx&x  came  to  earth.   In  the  prophecy  of  Isaiah  God  spoke  of  this  very  thing. 

In  the  55th  chapter  starting  at  verse  10,  we  read,  "For  as  the  rain  cometh 
down  feEmxinraxKn  and  the  snow  from  heaven,  and  returneth  not  thither,  but 
watereth  the  earth,  and  maketh  it  brinr  forth  BimaSaaacfciy  and  bud,  that  it 
may  give  seed  to  the  sower,  and  bread  to  the  eater:  ro  shall  My  iord  be 
that  goeth  forth  out  of  My  mouth:  it  shall  not  return  unto  Me  void,  but  it 
shall  accomplish  that  which  T  please,  and  it  shall  prosper  in  the  thing 
whereto  I  sent  it." 

In  other  words,  God's  Word  whether  from  the  Bible,  or  spoken  through  one  of 
His  servants,  will  not  go  ferth  fruitlessly.   We  may  try  to  tune  it  out,  or 
shut  it  out,  but  God  can  and  will  use  it  to  convict  any  and  all  who  may  hear 
it,  or  read  it.   All  that  God  wants  from  us,  is  our  commitment  to  Him  com- 
pletely.  THE  sower  has  sown  the  seed  and  no  matter  what  we  do  with  it,  there 
will  be  a  harvest.  ^txtfc^xfcSMB^xKiixxHXXiotr  But  *hen  that  harvest  is 
gathered  in,  we  will  ±K±iE±±iEiyxfeHX2x?iHi*xH#xiJcx  either  be  in  it,  or  out  of 
it.   And  that  inclusion,  or  exclusion  will  be  thorugh  our  own  choice. 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev,  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  May  12,  1985 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
John  Penrod,  Acolyte 
+  +  +++  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  -(-+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude  "Poem  for  Mothers  Day" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements  —  Elder  Don  Kennedy 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
♦Processional  Hymn  No.  341  "Come,  Thou  Almighty  King" 
♦Ascription 
*Exhortation 

♦Confession  (In  Unison)   "Our  Father,  we  come  knowing 
that  we  have  fallen  and  failed  in  so  rr_any  ways. 

Sometimes  we  have  tried  to  hide  from  you,  from 
one  another,  and  even  from  ourselves.   There  have 
been  times  when  we  have  drawn  back  from  the  right 
because  it  was  a  difficult,  crucifying  experience. 

Father  we  seek  strength  to  overcome  our  weakness, 
our  sin*  and  our  doubt  of  your  help.   Forgive 
us,  and  make  us  whole,  for  we  pray  in  Jesus1  name. 

Amen. 
•Kyrie 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 
♦Praise:  Pastor-Blessed  be  the  Lord  GodI 

People— And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name  forever. 
•Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No.  442  "0  Master,  Let  He  Walk  With  Thee" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  Us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  '"Mother"  -  organ  and  saxophone  duet 
*Doxolcgy  -  page  382 
Anthem:   "There  Were  Ninety  and  Nine" 
Scripture:  Matthew  13:  2d-30,  36-43 
Sermon:   "Final  Results  to  Follow1' 
♦Closing  Hymn  No.  631  "I  Know  Whom  I  Have  Believed" 
•Benediction 
•Closing  Chimes 

♦Postlude   "Fanfare  &  Trumpeting" 
+  +  *  +  ■■         ^Congregation  Standing     +  +  +  +  + 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 
Women's  Mary  Prugh  in  memory  cf  deceased,  members. 

The  long  stem  red  roses  are  in  memory  of  Mrs.  Grace 
Riddle,  placed  by  her  children* 

Mr.  &  Mrs,  Harold  Taylor  will  greet  the  congregation  at 
the  door  this  rr.orning. 

Ushers  for  today  are  Karen  Link,  Virginia  Mangel,  Nancy 
Dellen  and  Marie  Henry. 

Nursery  for  today  will  he  provided  by  Mrs •  Bonnie  Carman . 

Sandy  Sheppeck  and  Mid  Diefenderfer  will  be  visiting  the 
hospital  this  week. 

Attendance  last  Sunday  was  108  with  7  visitors. 

TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  G-7 

WEDNESDAY  -  Golden  Circle  7:30   Choir  practice  at  7:00 

THURSDAY  -  Mary  Martha  Circle  10:30 

-  Laymen's  Dinner  at  6:30  in  Rehoboth  Hall.   Thi^_ 
is  open,  to  all  ladies  and  gentlemen.   See  J. 
Walter  Harmon  for  tickets ■ 

SATURDAY  -  Basketball  10-12 

GRADUATING  SENIORS  -  we  need  your  help  in  securing  names 
of  those  who  are  graduating  from  schools.  Please  sub* 
mit  their  names  to  the  office. 

We  wish  to  extend  our  congratulations  to  Mr.  &  Mrs. 

Andrew  Zulick  (Sue  Hollefreund)  en  the  birth  of  a  baby 
daughter  this  week. 

David  Vensel  will  be  graduating  from  Carnegie  Mellon 
University  on  May  13.   He  will  be  graduating  with  a 
,  B.A.  degree  in  Ketalurgival  Engineering. 

MORTGAGE  BURNING  CELEBRATION  will  be  next  Sunday  beginning 
with  our  11:00  a.m.  worship  service.  The  Rev,  Paul 
Westcoat  will  be  our  guest  speaker.   Make  plans  tc  corRe 
and  join  in  our  festivities, 

VBS  Dates  for  pre-registration  festivities  have  been  se*, 
Fre~regi3tration  for  children  and  adults  will  be  held 
June  2nd  at  7:00  in  the  sanctuary  followed  by  refresh- 
ments in  Rehoboth  Hall.   Plan  now  to  attend  and  support 
this  program* 


rrjotl^ep's  da\; 


PRODIGAL  SON  IN  THE  KEY  OF  "F" 

FEELING  FOOTLOOSE  AND  FRISKY,  A  FEATHER  BRAINED  FELLOW  FORCED  HIS  FOND  FATHER  TO  FOtw/ 
OVER  THE  FARTHINGS  AND  FLEW  TO  FOREIGN  RXXRX3  FIELDS  AND  FRITTERED  HIS  FORTUNE,  FEAST- 
ING FABULOUSLY  WITH  FAITHLESS  FRIENDS.  FLEECED  BY  HIS  FELLOWS  IN  FLOOEY,  AND  FACING 
FAMINE,  HE  FOUND  HIMSELF  A  FEED-FLINGER  IN  A  FILTHY  FARMYARD.   FAIRLY  FAMISHING,  HE 
FAIN  WOULD  HAVE  FILLED  HIS  FRAME  WITH  FORAGED  FOOD  FROM  FODDER  FRAGMENTS. 
"FCOEY!   MY  FATHER'S  FLUNKIES  FARE  FAR  FINER,"  THE  FRAZZLED  FUGITIVE  FORLORNLY  FUM- 
BLED, FRANKLY  FACING  FACTS.  FRUSTRATED  BY  FAILURE  AND  FILLED  WITH  FOREBODING,  HE  FLED 
FORTHWITH  TO  HIS  FAMILY.  FALLING  AT  HIS  FATHER'S  FEET,  HE  FORLORNLY  FUMBLED:   "FATHER, 
I'VE  FLUNKED  AND  FRUITLESSLY  FORFEITED  FAMILY  FAVOR." 

THE  FAR-SIGHTED  FATHER,  FORESTALLING  FURTHER  FLINCHING,  FRANTICALLY  FLAGGED  THE 
FLUNKIES  TO  FETCH  A  FARLING  FROM  THE  FLOCK  AND  FIX  A  FEAST.  THE  FUGITIVES'  FAULT- 
FINDING BROTHER  FROWNED  ON  FICKLE  FORGIVENESS  OF  FORMER  FOLDEROL.   BUT  THE  FAITHFUL 
FATHER  FIGURED,  "FILIAL  FIDELITY  IS  FINE,  BUT  THE  FUGITIVE  IS  FOUND!   WHAT  FORBIDS 
FERVENT  FESTIVITY?  LET  FLAGS  BE  UNFURLED.   LET  FANFARES  11M   FLARE!"  AND  THE 
FATHER'S  FORGIVENESS  FORMED  THE  FOUNDATION  FOR  THE  FORMER  FUGITIVES'  FUTURE  FORTITUDE. 


VJher  Js   is   lite   of  worl.ratan  is  aancnes  sj 

l   so   spk   seed  B  sow  at  nite=at  nits  hav      \  darknes 
'      ther4 , Satane  seed   alway  pown  darknes,      Ecu*   he 
darknes  himself 
But   seeds   sown  wen  men  slept 

1  p-T-bl  duznt  rrealy  mean  whil  peop  phys   asleep,   but 

*       s   peop  wer    lax   in  watchfulnes    ovr    field 
„s   sed  field   is  worl,S   it  ch  which  in  worl 
so  within  ch   in  worl   H  thoz  who  asleep  ?wat   pro  on 

if  ch  had  bin  aw  k  ?■  alert  2evil  rnd   it.wudnt  hav 

widspred   mes   find   selvs   in 
hav=J's  wifcnes,Kormns,Xpian    icienc , Unity  ft.  othrs   ?ro 
leaps/bnds   &  many  thez  prps  H  suport  by  Xpians  who 
Bliev   they  hoi  truth*=which   they  dont 

It  not  3d  if  2C  wher    Js    sows  tru   Xpian, Satan  cuius 

long  &  sows  contrfeit 
Lets   Ik  Scrip  2C  this=2  Cor  ll:26=countrfeit   Brians 

Bliev  contrfeit   r,ospl=Gal   1:6-9 

he  encourap  counterfeit  r?htnes=Eoni  10:1-3 

he  has  countrfeit  ch=Rev.   2s9 

at   end   of  am  wil  produc   countrfeit   Ep-2  Thes  2:3-4 
(Ilus    J.J.    Ross   auote   from  book=Mystery  Kingdom) 
w/in  ch  itself  ther  thoz  who   R  not  tru  Xpians   &  gro 
lonrsid  thoz   who  tru   Xpians 

that   why   impertiv   striv   propr  doctrins/Bliefs    in 

any  cong 
jr   wrot   Gorinth  ch=B  not  uneoualy  yokd   2pethr  with 
unBlievrs 

That  shy  it   impertiv  we   no   join  w/ungodly  prps, or 

unpodly  practics,or   unprodly  Eliefs 
Js   taut'  in  this   parbl=vss  41-42-READ 

t'-a.t  wip  harv  wher  wheat/tares  H  seprat 
i      jilB  4thoz  who  playd  fun/panes  w/Ch  of   Js   Xp 

no  mar  excuses, no  mor= Lord, Lord  wen  did  we    0  thee 

hungry , thirsty  etc. 

Js   final  warning   was-ve  43=READ 

the  i'inal  Results  To  Folo  wil  notB=picturs  at  11, 

or  a   final  wrap-up   of  days   news, 
it  wil3  exper  by  1  &  all   in  a  harves  which  will 
seprat   wheat/tares=tru    Blievrs    from   mak  Blievrs; 
wilB  day  of   truth  4all;an  exper   ea  us  mus    liv  thri 
The   cal  from  G  is   evr=Ghoos  U  this  day  whom  ye  wil 

serv,4  rnos  asuredy,   ther   R-FIHAI    RESBHCS  TO  FOIKW 


[ 


inal  Resubts  To  Follow* 
13:24-30,   36-43 


,:rii  :    Mb. 
(Tins  radio  preachr,sipnof  S   eurpria   by     anouncr) 
i  le  hav   Pcum  acust  hav  radio/TV   interupt=speeil  bultin 
l    folo  brief  synops,so  cal=erth   shatr  news, which 
oft  cud   hav  wait  til  rerlar   schedul   news 
lo  synops   always  prom, or  thret? , details   folo   11, 

■'  ■, '   tol  w/conclu8in»»stay  fcu»,iTiiil  result  fo 
this  mayB  way  of   mod  media, but  was   preced   2M  yr=Js 
Scrip  this  morn  examp  this=nothr  parol   sow  seed 

dif   tween   2,Js   no   expl   this   parbl  publicly 
vs   J6=Js   conclud  pub   spk  21rp  throng; step  out  boat, 
walk  short  diit  2hous  by  seas  id  Capern  ft.  lnce   ins  id, 
discips   ask  privat   interp  parbl    jus   taut 
J.OTIG  wat  ask=vs  36B=iiow  did  parbl   jus  deal  tares? 
WO, tel  wheat   &  tares, so   indioat     wat    Js  taut, had 
rais  sum  serius  quests  Minds  discips 
vs   24=Wen  Js  tol  parbl  sowr,nevr   sed   anyth=K  of  hvn 
I  Bjiev  we    need   under st   wat   He   try  ?  convey 
time  ?  time   Mt  use   term=Kinpdm  hvn, whil  othrs  use 
Kingdm  of  G  &  nevr  kinpdm  hvn 
Distinctin  tween  ,«K  of  6  nevr  includ  unsav  peop 
wheras   K  of  hvn  includ  both  sav/masm  6  othrs  who 
claim  2B   Xpian,but   R   not 
This    in  essenc   wat    Js   teach  this   parbl 
vs   z7=Js   expl  RE  the   sowr,but   discvr  parbl  tak  nothr 
j     arpec   wen   fo   bak  vs    25-- 

How  cud  thisB  posib  ft  nevr  detect? 
:  Amser=thez   tares    Ja   talk  bout ,resembl  wheat  evr  respe 
'     &  impos  detec  until   strain  beard    1  alnos  redy  harves 
i  'i'P-ps=Bearded   Darnel  &  lk  exao   lik  wheat;but  polsnous 
1  &      jus  harm  if   no  seprat 

cant   B  dun  ±±±  whil  darnel/wheat  pro   2"-ethr,evn  joqrje 
experts   no  can  tel  part 
pluk  out  wat   mayB  thot   Darnel, miteB  wheat, lv  =ilone 
ftrwen  can  tel  dif , if  pluk  cud  pluk  wheat  Bcub  roots 
intertwin,so  real  prob 
India  2day  mos  drLre  thret=I'll   sow  weeds   in  Ur  field 
&  it   is   dun  by  unsavry  char^ictrs 
This  why  discips   ask  expl    reus  knu   of   tares   %  knu  nrus 
hav  had   deepr  mean  than  jus   mere  story 
vss  3S-39=in  this   parll  ther  ?sowrs=] ord   r    Patan 
Xp  sow  pud   seed  in  worl   S-.  this   is, has   bin  dun  by 
His  provisn  redemptin  4any  &  all  who  cum   2  Him 
But  worl  Blonp  2   Satan; it  his  kinpdm  &  has   free  rein 
sow  seed    &  bis    seed  is   evil 

Gan  start   2C  hiddn  mean   Js  try   impart 
rpks=Enray  cum  at  nite«Satan  alway  has  bin, always  wilE 
enemy  of  wat    is  rite,~ud  &  tru 


Cor-muni^y  Bible  Church   -  "agamore,   Fa,  >'sv  51,   loop 

Pre! uda 

Greetings /joys /Aonouncements/Praver  Requests 

Congregational  meeting  after  church 
Communion  next  Sundav  -  Pentecost 


Call  to  Worship: 

PRAISE  YE  THE  LORD:  FOP  IT  IS  GOOD  TO  SING  PRAISES 
UNTO  OUR  GODs  TOR  IT  IS  PLEASANT  AND  PRAISE  IS  COMELY. 
GREAT  IS  OUR  LORD,  AND  OF  QRSAT  POWER;  HIS  UNDER- 
STANDING IS  INFINITE. 
SING  UNTO  THE  LORB  WITH  HTANlCSniVING  . 
PSALM  1*7 :1»  5,  7A. 
"Hymn 

Offering/Prayer 
• Poxology 
Pastoral  Prayer 
Hymn 

Scripture:  Matthew  1J:2%-10,  V^-M 

Sermon:    "final   Results   To  Follow"   -  St.   Paul's   Butler 

■5A2/8"5 

•Benediction 
'oetlude 


g/LL 


Scripture:  Mt  1^:2"(--TO;  3f-H3 

(Ilus  radio  preachr  6  "Mil  Cain  kil  Abel?) 

RADIO/TV   INTRUPT  W/SPEOIL  BULTIN    -   DETAILS   2F0L0/FILM   AT  11 
AFTR   11  NEWS    »   FIflAL  RESULTS  TO  FOLLOW 
JS      PRECED  THIS    SY  2M  YRS  t,   SCRIP  EXAMPL  OF  THIS 
DI^VEEN  THIS   PARBL  %   SOWR   -  JS  NO  EXPL  THIS  ONE  PUBLICLY 
VS      n.JS  CONCLUD  PUB  SFK  LHG   THRONG   -  STEP  FR/'BOAT  2H0US  SEASIS 
CAPRNUM 
DISCIPS    ABK   JfiB  S,  WHY?      JS   RATS   SEBIUS  QUESTS 
VS  2%.DIF  FHAAFSL  SOWR  BC8Z  NEVR  TALK   BOUT  K   0r  HVN 
DIF  TVEEN  2.MT  USE  TERM  t,  OTHR  GOBFL  USE  K  OF  GOD 
K  OF  G  NEVR   INCLUD  DNSAVD  PEC  fc  K  OF  HVN  BOTH   SAVDA  PHOFES 

VS  J7-JS  IS  SOWR  -  BUT  MUS  GO  BAK  VS  25 

expl    -  BEARDED   DARNEL  IS   TARE 
INPIA   2DAY  MOS    DIRE  THRET  GIV.I'CL  PLANT  WEEDS   IN  OR  FIELD" 
VS  *XX   ^8-EXPL  2SCWERS  -OUD  SEED/BAD  SEED   -  LIGBT/BARKNES 
WAN  CH  THOZ  THAT  R  ASLEEP  &  MESS   IT  IS   IN 
JEH  WITNES:MORMONS:XPIAN  SCIENTISTS7UNITY:NEW  AGE  ETC 
h  MANY  XPAINS  SUPORT  THEZ   BCUZ  THINK  HAV  TRDTH  ALSO 
XP  SOWS  A  TRU   XFIAN-SATAN  SOWS   A  CQSNTRFIT 
SCRIPS:  ROM  10:1-?;  ?  Cor  n-jfi.  n,i  1:6-9;  Pry  2:9*  2  Thee 

(Ilus  Ross  S:  auot  on  "Kingdom  Hystery)  2:3-* 

WAN   CH   THER  UNTRU  XPIANS  GRO  LONGSID  TRU  XPIANS 

IHPERTIV   STSIV   PROPP    DOC/BLIEF  ANY  CCNG 
P  WROT  CH  IN  COR.B  NOT  UNEQLY  YOKD  2GETHR  WAfNBLIEVRS 

IMPERTIV  NO  JOIN  W/UNGOD  GRPS.PPACTICS.BLIEFS 
END  PARBL  JS  TAUT-VSS  MJ-42 
THAT  WILB   HARV  WHER  WHEATAARES   SEP 
END  TROZ  PLAY   FUN/GAMS   IN  CH  JS   XP 
NO  MOR.L,    L,    WEN   DIE  WE  C  THEE  HUNGRY , THIRSTY , ETC 
?*   FINAL  WPAN-VS  k3 
-"RESULTS   2F0L0  NOT   FILM  AT  11, OR  WRAP  DP  OF  NEWS 
Muj'eXPEB   BY  ALL  TH/SEP  WHEAT -TARES  :BLIEVRS  FR/HAX  BLIEVPS 
A    DAY  OF  TRUTH   <»ALL  -  AN  EXPEH   EA  MUS  LIV  THRU 
TH/CAL  FR/GCD  IS  EVER: 
CHOC'S  YE  THIS   DAY  WHOM  YE  WIL   SEPV 
ItMOS   ASURETiY  THES  F   -  FINAL  RESULTS  TO  FOLLOW 


"Final  Results  To  Follow" 

Scripture:  Matthew  13:24-30,  36-4-3 

(Illustration  of  radio  preacher  on  Cain  and  Abel,  and  announcer  at  end) 
A  preacher  on  the  radio  had  Just  finished  hip  -Bible  study  from  the  book 
of  Genesis  on  Adam  and  Eve.   The  program  was  being  signed  off  by  the 
announcer  and  the  radio  audience  was  astounded  to  hear,  tWill  Cain  kill 
Abel?  Be  sure  to  tune  in  next  week  at  this  same  time  to  find  out." 

We  have  become  accustomed  to  having  a  radio  or  television  program  interrupted 

by  "A  special  bulletin."   ".'/hat  follows  then  is  a  brief  synopsis  of  the  so 

called  "earth  shaking,  or  shattering  news",  (which  most  often  could  have 

waited  until  the  regularly  scheduled  news).   Following  the  synopsis  there  is 

always  the  prorrise,  (or  is  it  a  threat?),  that  details  will  follow  at  11:00. 

Or  we  are  told,  "film  at  11:00."   Then  at  the  ]1:00  o'clock  news  the  story  is 

told  with  the  conclusion,  "stay  tuned,  final  results  to  follow." 

Now  this  may  be  the  way  of  our  modern  media,  but  it  was  preceeded  by  Jesus 

Christ  by  about  2000  years.   Our  Scripture  for  this  morning  is  an  example  of 

this.   T  is  Fcripture  tells  another  parable  of  the  sowing  of  seed.   But  the 

difference  between  this  parable,  and  the  parable  of  the  Gower  is  that  Jesus 

did  not  explain  this  parable  publicly. 

So  it  is  that  we  read  in  the  36th  verse,  "Then  Jesus  sent  the  multitude  away, 
and  went  into  the  house:  and  His  disciples  came  unto  Him,  saying,  'Declare 
unto  us  the  parable  of  the  tares  of  the  field.'" 

Jesus  had  concluded  his  public  speaking  to  this  large  throng  of  people.   He 

stepped  out  of  the  boat  and  walked  the  short  distance  back  to  the  house  by  the 

seaside  in  Capernaum  and  once  inside  the  house  the  disciples  asked  Him  for  a 

private  interpetation  of  the  parable  He  had  just  taught.   But  notice  what  the^ 

asked,  "Declare  unto  us  the  parable  of  the  tares  of  the  field."   Did  this 

parable  just  deal  with  tares?   Ho!   It  is  the  parable  of  the  wheat  and  the 

tares.   So  it  is  evident  that  what  Jesus  had  taught  had  raise*  some  serious 

questions  in  the  minds  of  the  disciples. 

Jesus  began  this  parable  by  Ba±ny  saying  as  we  read  in  the  34-th  verse: 
"The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  likened  unto  a  man  which  sowed  rood  seed  in  his 
field." 

When  Jesus  told  the  parable  of  the  Sower  He  never  said  anything  about  the 
kingdom  of  heaven.   I  believe  we  need  to  understand  what  He  was  trying  to  con- 
vey. From  time  to  time  Matthew  used  the  term  "vin^d  om  of  heaven,"  while  the 
other  Gospel  writers  used  "kingdom  of  God,"  and  never  kingdom  of  heaven. 
The  distinction  between  the  two  is  that  the  Kingdom  of  God  never  includes 
unsaved  people.   Whereas  the  term  "kingdom  of  heaven"  includes  both  saved  and 
HBSHMmixjiHH^iKX  others  who  profess  to  be  Christians  but  are  not.   T>,is  in 
essence  is  what  Jesus  is  teaching  in  this  parable. 

Jesus  explained  to  His  disciples  that  the  sower  in  this  par -ble  was  Himself, 
as  we  read  in  verse  37.   But  the  parable  takes  on  a  different  aspect  as  we 


-?- 

discover  by  going  back  to  verse  ?_5 ,    "But  while  men  slept,  his  enemy  came  and 
sowed  tares  among  the  wheat  and  went  his  way." 

how  how  could  this  be  possible  and  not  be  detected?   The  answr  is  that  these 
tares  which  Jesus  is  talking  about  resembled  wheat  in  every  aspect,  that  it 
was  impossible  to  detect  them  until  the  -rain  had  bearded  and  was  almost 
ready  for  harvest.   These  tares  are  a  weed  known  as  "bearded  darnel"  and  in 
every  respect  look  like  wheat.   But  the  darnel  plant  is  somewhat  poisonous 
and  can  cause  harm  so  it  must  be  separated  from  the  wheat.   It  can't  be  done 
while  the  "/heat  and  the  darnel  are  growing  together  because  it  is  impossible 
even  for  experts  to  tell  them  apart.   So  plucking  out  what  may  appear  to  be 
darnel,  or  tares,  is  likely  to  have  wheat  also  plucked  out.   And  when  the 
prain  has  bearded  and  it  is  possible  to  tell  the  two  apart,  pulling  up  the 
tares  will  also  pull  up  the  wheat  because  the  roots  become  infcettwinei .    0 
it  becomes  a  reel  problem.   In  India  today,  one  of  the  most  dire  threats  any- 
one can  give  to  another  if,  "I'll  plant  weeds  in  your  field,"  and  it  is  done 
by  some  unsavory  characters.   This  is  why  the  disciples  asked  for  an  explana- 
tion of  the  "parable  of  the  tares  of  the  field."   They  knew  of         ;;e3 

meaning  1  han  Is  brou 

c  j-i~  t  ^,  .  Starting  at 

1.-0  then,  Jesus  tells  what  this  story  means.  3E»  the  38th  verse  we  read,  "The 
field  is  the  world;  the  good  seed  are  the  children  of  the  kingdom;  but  the 
tares  are  the  children  of  the  wicked  one;  the  enemy  that  sowed  them  is  the 
devil;  the  harvest  is  the  end  of  the  world;  and  the  reapers  are  the  nagels." 

In  this  parable  there  are  two  sowers,  not  one.  One  is  the  lord  and  the  other 
is  Satan.   Christ  sows  "good  seed"  in  the  world.  This  is  and  has  been  done 
by  His  provision  of  redemption  for  any  and  all  who  will  come  to  Him. 
But  the  world  belongs  to  Satan.   It  is  his  kingdom  and  he  has  free  reign  to 
also  sow  seed  and  his  seed  is  evil.   We  can  see  in  this  parable  the  hidden 
meanings  Jesus  was  trying  to  impart.   He  speaks  of  an"enemy"  coming  at  night 
to  sow  the  tares.   Satan  always  ixi  has  been  and  always  will  be  the  "enemy" 
of  what  is  right,  and  true,  and  prood.   Compared  to  Jesus  we  see  that  he  is 
the  exact  opposite.   Where  Jesus  is  the  Tight  of  the  World,  S  tan  is  darkness, 
To,speakinp  of  the  seed  beinp  sown  at  night,  it  is  at  ni<?ht  that  we  have  dark- 
ness.   Therefore,  Satan's  seeds  are  always  sown  in  darkness,  because  he  is 
darkness  himself.   But  his  seeds  were  sown  "while  men  slept."   The  parable 
doesn't  really  mean  while  people  were  physically  asleep,  but  that  these  peo- 
ple were  being  lax  in  their  watchfulness  over  the  field.   Jrsus  said  the  fielc 
is  the  world  and  it  is  the  church  which  is  in  the  world.   Go  within  the  churct 
in  the  world  are  those  who  asleep  to  what  is  goin^-  on.   If  the  church  had  beei 
awake  and  alert  to  the  evil  around  it,  we  wouldn't  have  the  widespread  mess 
we  find  ourselves  in.   We  have  the  Jehovah's  Witnesses,  the  Mormons,  Chpistiai 
Scientists,  Unity,  and  all  the  others  .rowing  by  leaps  and  bounds  and  many  of 
ese  groups  are  being  supported  by  Christians  believing-  that  they  hold  the 


2/ 

-'- 

truth,  which  they  don't.   It  isn't  too  difficult  to  see  that  where  Christ 

sows  a  true  Christian,  ^atan  cones  along  and  sows  a  counterfeit.   Lets' s 

just  look  at  a  few  FCriptural  examples  of  this.   In  2  Corinthians  11:26  we 

see  he  has  counterfeit  Christians,  who  believe  a  counterfeit  Gospel,  (Gal. 

1:6-9) i  he  enocurages  a  counterfeit  righteousness,  (Rom.  10:1-3);  he  has  a 

counterfeit  church,  (Rev.  2:9);  and  at  the  end  of  the  are  will  produce  a 

counterfeit  Christ,  (2  Thes.  ?;3-4). 

J.J.  Ross  in  a  hook,  "The  Kingdom  Mystery"  writes: 

In  the  church  in  which  John  writes  his  letter,  1  John  3:10,  there  were  two 
families  -  those  born  of  God,  and 'the  children  of  the  devil.'  These  two 
families  were  set  forth  at  the  very  beginning  of  human  histroy  by  Cain  and 
Abel.   Cain,  the  first-born,  though  religious  was  of  the  evil  one,  while 
Abel,  the  second-born,  representing  those  born  of  the  rpirit,  was  of  God. 
The  children  of  the  devil  are  not  out  and  out  blasphemers  and  wicked  per- 
sons generally;  they  are  those  who  profess  to  be  Christians,  having  been 
baptized,  have  their  names  enrolled  upon  the  church  register,  and  perhaps 
are  even  engaged  in  £iir±x±±xxDC3KXTir±BB  some  form  of  Christian  service,  but 
have  never  been  born  from  above.   Like  Cain,  they  are  religious  without  the 
blood,  having  their  offerings  rejected  because  they,  themr elves  have  not 
been  accepted. 

Within  the  church  itself,  there  are  those  who  are  not  true  Christians,  growing 
alongside  of  these  who  are  true  Christians.  2H±xi*EXocHrHxitB±xiBxfeKX3B±HKiEia: 
BMtxtoxxxuxxfcKiGHHa  That  is  why  it  is  imperative  to  strive  for  the  proper  doc- 
trines and  beliefs  in  an-  congregation,  Paul  wrote  to  the  church  in  Corinth, 
"Be  not  unequally  yoked  witte  together  with  unbelievers."  That  is  why  it  is 
imperative  that  we  do  not  .join  ourselves  with  ungodly  eroups,  or  ungodly 
practices,  or  ungodly  beliefs.   Jesus  taught  in  this  parable  that  at  the  end 

of  the  age,  "The  son  of  man  shall  send  forth  His  angels,  and  they  shall  fath- 
er out  of  His  kingdom  all  things  that  offend,  and  them  which  do  iniquity; 
and  shall  cast  them  into  a  furnace  of  fire:  there  shall  be  wailing  and  smash- 
ing of  teeth. 

T-uat  will  be  the  harvest  where  the  wheat  and  the  tares  are  separated.   It  will 

be  the  end  for  those  who  played  fun  and  games  with  the  Church  of  Jesus  Christ, 

i.o  more  excuses,  no  more,  "lord,  lord,  when  did  we  see  Thee  hungry,  thirsty, 

and  so  on.   Jesus'  final  warning"  was,  "Then  shall  the  righteous  shine  forth 
as  the  son  in  the  kingdom  of  their  Father." 

The  "Final  Results  To  Follow"  will  not  be  "pictures  at  11:00,"  or  a  final 

wrap-up  of  the  days  news.   Tt  will  be  experienced  by  one  and  all  in  a  harvest 

which  will  xyaxxairK  separate  the  wheat  from  the  tares,  the  believers   from  th« 

make-believers;  it  will  be  a  day  of  truth  for  all;  an  experience  each  of  us 

must  live  through.   The  call  from  God  is  ever,  "Choose  ye  this  day  whom  ye 

will  serve,"  for  most  assuredly  there  are:  "Final  Results  To  Follow." 


St-   Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler*    Pennsylvania 
Rev,    Ralph  Link,    Pastor  May  19,    1985 

Mr.   Dale  Rice,    Minister  of  Music 
Kelly  Mangel,    Acolyte 
Sally  Vensel,   Acolyte 
+  +  ++  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +-  +  +   + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
♦Processional  Hymn  No.  557  "Christ  is  Made  the  Sure 

Foundation" 
♦Ascription  -  led  by  the  Rev*  Roy  L.  Frazier 
♦Call  to  Worship  -  Come,  let  us  give  thanks  together, 
for  our  Cod  is  a  generous  Father;  let  us  sing  toget- 
her, for  our  God  is  a  joyful  Father;  let  us  praise 
together,  for  our  God  is  a  majestic  Father;  let  us 
pray  and  share  together,  for  our  God  is  a  listening 
and  understanding  Father . 
♦Invocation  {In  Unison)   "Accept  our  highest  praise,  as 
we  worship  You,  0  King  of  all  Kings,  Lord  of  all 
Lords.   How  majestic  is  Your  name  in  all  the  earthl 
Father  of  all  mercies,  we  Your  grateful  children 
give  You  our  humble  and  hearty  thanks  for  all  Your 
goodness  and  lovingkindness.   We  thank  You  for  this 
occasion  which  brings  us  together .   Let  us  Show 
forth  Your  praise,  not  only  with  our  lips,  but  in 
our  lives,  by  giving  ourselves  to  the  work  and 
service  of  this  Your  church*  Guide  us  that  we  may 
walk  before  You  in  holiness  and  righteousness  all 
our  days;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord....  Amen, 
♦Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No,  376   "Glorious  Things  of  Thee  Are  Spoken" 
Litany  of  Appreciation  -  led  by  the  Rev.  Albert  Robinson 
Leader  -  Eternal  God,  for  this  Church  facility  Which 

has  served  as  a  spiritual  home  for  many  years. 
People  -  We  give  our  thanks 
Leader  -  For  the  services  of  worship,  including 

baptism  and  the  Lordfs  supper,  for  joyous 
occasions  of  weddings,  and  sad  occasions  of 
funerals  and  memorial  services* ■ • 
People  -  We  express  our  gratitude 


Leader  —  For  all  the  fond  memories  which  this  house 

holds  for  us  in  our  growing  awareness  of  Your 
presence* . . 
People  -  We  give  you  Thanks 
All  -  Mow  in  appreciation  for  the  useful  functions  of 

this  congregation  and  for  an  enlarged  opportunity 
of  service  in  the  tomorrows  we  dedicate  ours^l Vfl 
anew  to  the  establishment  of  Your  kingdom. 
Leader  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Pastoral  Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  "Resurrection" 
♦Doxology  -  page  382 
Anthem:   "Fully  Alive" 
Scripture:   Acts  1;  15-17 
Epistle:    1  John  4:,  11-16 
Gospel:     John  17r  11-19 
Sermon:   "Where  God  Dwells" 
*Closing  Hymn  No.  560   "Blest  Be  the  Tie  That  Binds" 
♦Benediction  -  led  by  the  Rev.  Paul  L,  Westcoat 
♦Postlude 
++++++       "Congregation  Standing      +■  +  +  +  +  + 

The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by  Mr. 

St  Mrs*  Paul  Campbell  in  memory  of  Joan's  parents  Mr.  & 

Mrs.  James  Christy. 
Mrs*  Genevieve  Nohach  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 

door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Rob  Vinroe,  Bob  Dellen,  Randy  Dellen 

and  Kevin  Snyder. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Debbie  Christie. 
Art  Carney  and  Carl  Vinroe  will  be  visiting  the  hospital 

this  week* 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  155  with  13  visitors. 
We  extend  a  warm  welcome  to  Rev.  Paul  Westcoat,  our  Perm 

West  Conference  Minister  for  being  our  guest  speaker  this 

morning. 
We  welcome  our  guests  who  are  assisting  with  the  service 

this  morning,  Rev.  Roy  Frazier  and  Rev*  Albert  Robinson, 
^Reminder  -  next  Sunday  we  will  be  observing  Pentecost  Sunday ^ 

with  the  Lord's  Supper.  Communion  is  at  the  altar. 
VBS  Pre-registration  will  be  held  on  June  2  at  7:00  P.M.  ^^ 

in  the  sanctuary.   Plan  now  to  come  and  register  your 

children  for  VBS. 
TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 

WEDNESDAY  -  Chancel  choir  practice  at  7:00 
.  THURSDAY  -  Prayer  meeting  at  6:00  P.M. 
j  Aerobics  6-7  | 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler T  Pennsyl vani a 

Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  May  26,  1985 

Mr*  Dale  Rice*  Minister  of  Music 
John  Penrod,  Acolyte 
+  +  +  +  +  +  +■  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  ■»-  +  +  +  +  +  +  ++  +  + 
ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 

Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 

Announcements 

Congregational  Greeting 

Joys 
•Processional  Hymn  No.  306  "Lo!  He  Comes  with  Clouds 

Descending*11 
* Ascription 

*Call  to  Communion  and  Confession  (Communion  Folder) 
*Prayer  of  Confession  (Communion  Folder) 
•Assurance  of  Pardon 

Offering 

Offertory 
•Doxology  -  page  382 

Communion  Hymn  No.  30   "Break  Thou  the  Bread  of  Life" 
•Invitation  to  Communion  (Page  2.   of  Communion  Folder) 
•Seraphic  Hymn  (Communion  Folder) 
•Institution  and  Consecration  of  the  Elements 

Distribution,  of  the  Bread 

Distribution  of  the  Cup 
••Prayer  of  Thanksgiving 

Anthem:   "Battle  Hymn  of  the  Republic"  £  *t  I 

(Congregation  please  join  the  choir  on  the 
singing  of  the  fourth  verse.) 

Scripture;   Matthew  25:  1-13 

Sermon:   "Plan  Ahead" 
"Hymn  No.  313  "The  King  is  Coming" 
•Benediction 
•Closing  Chimes 
•Postlude 

+  +  +  +  +  +■       "Congregation  Standing      ++++++ 

The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  in 
memory  of  Mrs.  Grace  Riddle  by  her  children. 

Mr.  £  Mrs.  William  Thompson  will  greet  the  congregation 
at  the  door  this  morning. 

Ushers  for  today  are:  Dick  Mangel,  Don  Kingsley,  Ed 
Walker,  and  Dick  Dally. 


Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Sue  Davis. 
Mary  Lou  Davis  and  Marilyn  Snyder  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  1Q9  with  30  visitors. 
TUESDAY  -  AerobicB  6-7 
THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 

Notice  -  Chancel  choir  practice  will  not  bs 
until  June  12th  at  7:00  P.M. 
> EARLY  CHURCH  begins  next  Sunday  at  1Q;0G  A.M. 

^SUNDAY  SCHOOL  beginning  next  Sunday  will  be  held  at  9:00  A.M. 
GRADUATING  SENIORS  -  we  need  the  names  of  those  who  are 
graduating  from  schools  this  year*   Turn  them  into  the 
v   office  or  see  Ginny. 

J^VBS  Pre-registration  will  he  held  on  June  2nd  at  7;0G  P.M. 
A  program  is  being  planned*  along  with  refreshments. 
Please  plan  to  come  and  enjoy  an  evening  of  fellowship 
and  fun  and  also  get  the  children  pre-reglstered  for  a 
week  of  Vacation  Bible  School. 

>VBS  dates  are  June  17  through  the  21st. 
This  week  the  pastor  and  8  laymen  from  the  congregation 
will  be  going  to  Moody  Bible  Conference.   If  you  have  any 
pastoral  needs  please  call  Ginny  at  the  office  or  at  home. 

Have  a  safe  and  happy  Memorial  Day  Weekend! 


i!   ..neaa" 
|   :3crip:    i-atthew  ^5  : 1-13    s 
Kllus   sirn  on  desk=ilan     head" 

This   wat    Js   try  expl   in  this  parbl        story  this   Sorij 
seem  stranr   2ua,Bcu«   we   no  familiar  with 

2peop  tol,it   complet  understanbl 
I  ■      s   wen   yng   man/rirl  want   marry, entr    anremen  wh   call 
bt      othl  or   engagnen   S   period    las   aprox  lyr  &   as  bind 
i 

Kow  we   underst   very   wel  ,but   nex   step   hav  dif   with 
Involv  cum  of  Erprum  4-his  bi±de=cud   cum  am-tin  Polaia 
as  own  so  imperativ  she  reddy  f    wail; 

normly  she  had    lOcloses   f rends  redy /avail  Pescort 

her   2gFt)DS   hous  '+feast  C-  this   in  esenc  wat    Js   talk 

bout   custom  etil  prevail  Pday 

Js   spV   of    is   futur  &  apropriat  chap  Dfin=TTTEN 

Js  was   say»tfe  hav  spoMti  of  end   of   age, so   """'., or, 
pince   we   hav  sed   the   Agoing "S   Bgin  tel   story 

As  pt  out  2wk  ago-E  of  Fvn  of  I't  is  dif=K  of  Sra  God 
I'  of  God  made  aoly  thoz  who  sav=Tru  Blievrs , saved  pec 
K   of  Hvn  made   thoz  claim  save,f<  thoz   truly  H 

Tvoz  who  olaim.no  complet   comit  &   in  K  of  Hvn  wil 

tak  plac   sepratin  thea  Pp-rps   as   pt=Parbl  wheat/tares 
vs   lB=Js   say  sepratin  likn  2=10  virp-ins 
vs   ?=dif  tween  two  &  reasn  4  wise  6   foolish=vs   3-4 

nothin  mentin  thir  parbl  bout  Bride   Bcuz   Oh  is  bride 

Js=IIe  is  bridfrum  8t  wil   Rcum  eviden  end    parbl 
misunderst  of  parbl  in  vsl=they  no  pro  dwii  rd  meet  BG 

They  went  Phous  Brid  Pawait  EG  w/Hride 
Gist  of  story  is  bridl  attends  wer  2B  prep  4arivl  BG 

Bcuz  wen  He   ariv  .escort   Brid   ft  BG   ?-f"rrums  hous   & 

this  usul  at  nite 
Br  'eek  surpris  Brid  6  cum  unexpec,K=  Brid  Ik  4ward  2 
da,,  wen  BG  wud  cum, seek  B  prep=it  day  fulfil  4both 

fine  tuk  plac   nite, bridl   party  rnus  hav   lamps,'*  enuf 

oil  Clamps   &  thie   sho  dif   5wise/5f oolsih  virgins 
vs   J-Aglii  as   in  wheat/tares   this   Gh  &  thoz   Ch   sleep, 

they  no  alert, lull  in?  fals  securty 
But   thousan  yrs  pas   S   no  BG  cum.Apostl  wait«no  cum; 
Ch  mov  thru   aces   &  ntil  no  cum 

r.en   H  no  alert  21k  4Him  &  F  doze/nod    off 
&.  whil  tak  plac    Js  say=Vss   5-8 
Here   1st   sad   comen  this   parbl-va   8B= lamps  s-on  out 

Thoz  5cal  foolish  didnt  hav   enuf   oil  2evn  Bp/in   Jorn; 

2escort   Br   &   BG  2   prums   hous 
Usui   in  Scrip«OIL  stan  4   anoint  ft  in  KT  starrt-  H  T-p 

now  if   involv   Bridl  party,*  that   involv  all   Ch  merabs 

they  hav  H  fp   &.  mos    likly  mean  G'e    .Jord  here 

Js   sed=Iet   Ur   lite   so  shin  B4   men, that   they  may  C  Ur 

pud   works   a  plorify  Ur   Father   which   is    in   heaven 


jjite   we    nay    i»    lt-h    ,*ora  ?f 

Qlus    of    1  Innne!-*    i  p-rlect ) 

(ff  we  wud   put   asid   sum  thinps   tak  prece(i..ice   ovr  read 
i&  study  Q'e   Word  £   use   plan  neplec  we  cud   C  vast  chang 
■tak  plac   our   livs 
This    oil    foolish   vires    needed 

trabl   as    continu   wise   virp  refus    sriv   up   oil   ft    this 
no       Jlfish  as   sum  want  pt   out, Bcuz   if  p;av  up  oil, all 
wud  hav  bin   out   of   lite 

,vs   10=Here  2nd   trapdy.And   The  Door  Was    Shut" 
I   It  was  clos  2thoz  who  wud   lik  Pentr  wen  realiz  wat 
was   on  othr   side   of  door 
They  awak  fr/sleep  2discovr  Plate  ?mak  necesary 
changes   2pet   in  Sc  this   sad  comentary  on   life 
:sed  B4   1   sades   thinp-s    in  lif   is   2hav  Psay-I  WISH  5  tk 
Ithen  recal   sumthin   we   wish  we   had   dun 
In  this  parbl   it   is«If   Only"=If  Only   I  had  made   sure 
I  was  prepared    for  w4t   wud  cum  at  the   end 
|(Ilua   Robt   Heller  8:  buk=Great    Executive   Dreams) 
;Thez   men  wer  lik  man  in  1880's  predic   sts   major  cities 
jwud  B  pil  2ft  hi  w/hors   manur  by  1929 's 

:*ain  lik  this=(Ilus   Twain  S   telephone) 
'•'   is   cry   of    so  many, but   unfortunatly  wen  cry  wil 
be   made   at   portl   of   hvn, wil    B  mos   despairing 
G  fivs  ea  us   same   amt  hrs , minutes ,seconds   ea  day 
R  we   seek   Ss   knok  whil   stil   time   2seek   B-   knok? 
Js  clos  parabl-vsa   11-13 
&  here  ^rd   tragdy-I  KKO"  T08 
traprdy  is  that  this   sed   Pthoz  asembl  rnd   Rim  who 
think  they  ehudB  part   this   K  of    ' 
But  remem  wat    eed»K  of   hvn  wil   hav    thoz   who  truly 
rov,tru   Blievrs,8    slso  thoz  claim  2B   &  sepratin 
'1  &.  bus    tak  plac 
(J-L..4   fiimon  Bolivar   8:  freeing  of  Peru) 

-.' i  1   curr.  time   wen   Js   wil  hav  say  Pcert  peopl"! 
KNOW  TOD    . 

Bis   admonitin   Pall  peo,n<~'   mattr  wat  race, who   R   is 
vs   13»Hatch  theref ore ,etc 
>'e   n   "B  prep  *Hla   Bum  at   any  time  j He   nay  cun  4us  at 
deth  &  remov   fr/this   worl 
He   may  cum  in  clouds   ft  Raptur  ch   out   of  worl 
But  He   is  cun    ■    we   tol   P-  'ATCH;ii   lamp?   trim  8:  hav   oi] 
catch  unawar 
;uest    is;Ti   our   lamps    trim?   Do   we   hav    oil' 
Is   T*3    .'ord  port  our  lira       H  rrp  aoir,BOtivat  us? 
If  can  anser  TKS,need   no  fear  cum  a  He  own, but 

if    no   can   anser   YES=need   get    livs    In   orrlr  whil   sti3 
,i-    for   -neb    of  us, we   must   Plan    Ahead,    and 


Plan  Ahead  -  Mt  25:1-1? 

(Tlus  desk  sign  -  Plan  Ahea 

This  wat  J«  try  expl  this  Scrip 
Strng  2us,but  peo  Je  talk  2  kmt  wat  talk  bout 

(T>"1  parbl  aqueez  tween  diaeora  enil  age  t,  parbla  talents/ah  goat 
di       ween  K  of  G  -  all  trn  BUeTfa 

It  of  Bra  -  Tro  Blierra-saTd.i  thor  elalu  2B  eard 
Sgln  Ta  l«TrTEN  -  or  sine  hay  Bed  Vgolng 
Ye  IB-Arid  &  10  closes  frende 

no  mentin  BRIBE  -  HIM  lo  Ch  of  JS  IP  &  eTiden  end  parbl 
Va  lB«Na  Ik  h  flrgrtuti,went  span  tim  w/Bride  h  await  ariwl  hie) 

Bridl  party  was  2B  prepd  *ari»l  gruiti 
Va  5"this  ilus  of  ch  of  Ja  Xp 

Beue  Je  no  cum  as  prom, sen  lea  alert  watch  ^Mlrti 
Vaa  6-8»No  oil  2Bein  jurny  -  1st  tradgy 
OIL  atan  '•anoint  in  Scrip  f.  NT  atan  k  H  SP 
if  they  part  Bridl   party, ft   InTolT  all   Ch  membra, Oil  atns  atan 
h  G'S  WORD 
JS  SED-LET  TO  LITE  SO  SHIN  .THAT  MEN  MAT  C   CR  QUO  WORKS  Sr  DLORTT 

UH  FATHR  tffl  IS  IN  HVN 
TH/LIQHT  WE  KAV   IS  O'S  WORD 
(Una  Plannd  Neglect) 
If  we  praetic  plan  Neglee, thing  tak  preeedenc-eud  c  Tast  ehng  liyi 

Thie  oil   foolish  Yirgins  needed 
(Expl  no  aelfiahnea  part  othr  »irgina  -  wise)   -  VS  9 

Ve  10-DOCR  WAS  SHOT  -  2nd  tradgy 
Elate  &  aad  eomntary  lif"IWTSH 
thia  parbl-TF  ONLY 
(Ilus  Robt  Roller  buk«Fxee  Dream  &  nlaad  oprtuntya) 

IF      *T  cry  many 
R  *eVj\nok,seek  whil  can  &  otll  time*?? 
G  glr  same  minnta/hra  in  any  day 
TSS  11-13«  ?rd  tradgy  -  T  UNO  n  NOT 
(Tins  Boliyar  i  fne  elaye  in  Pern) 

Tim  wen  Je  Bay  eert  peo-I  mo  U  NOT 
We  bus  «VS  1? 
We  t  2B  prep  kHis  ettm-DeathAaptnr 
Rut  He  »ii  ec1ll  ^  we  tol  2  WAT~n 

F  LAMPS  TFTMMT5?   DP  WE  HAY  LAMP  OOP  LIVS-rt'S  WOPDT 
IfAV  SUFLY  OIL?      H  SP  HOV  OUR   HAPTSAlVS   2LTV  k  IP? 
No  auar  TFB  need  put  Uts  in  ordr  whil  tin 
ll  FA   ITS  WD  MUS-PLAN   ASED,    &  WATCI 


Community  Bible  Chnreh  -  Sagamore,   Pa.  June  21,   1992 

Prelude 

TeetingB/joys/Announcements/prayei'  Requests 

Boyd  Smith  -  June  28 

fltt  fltiB.r.-cOll'     '       , 

-     July  19,  during  SS  hour 

taken  in  on  July  19 


Call   To  Worships 

0  GIVE  THANKS   UNTO  WE  LORD:    CALL  UPON  HIS   NAME: 
MAM   KNOWN   HIS   DEEDS   AMONG  THE  PEOPLE. 
SING  UNTO  HIM,    SING   PSALMS   OTTO  HIH: 
TALK   TE  OF  EKXlfBlimiBWSXWtHllcl  HIS  WONDROUS  WORKS. 
GLORY  YE  IN  HIS  HOLY  NAHE1  LET  THE  HEART  OF  THEM 
PEJOICE  THAT  SEEK  THE  LORD.      PSALM   105:1-3 
•hymn 

Offering/Prayer 
*Doxologw 
Pastoral  Prayer 
Hymn 

Scripture:     Matthew  25:1-1J 

Sernoc:   "Plan  Ahead"  -  May  26,  19S5  -  St.  Paul's  Butler 
*  mn 

*_.fledietion 
•Postlnde 


"Plan  Ahead" 

Scripture:  Matthew  25:1-13 

'  .    <         h  r; '.  seems  very  stange  to  us  because 
it  is  something  we  are  not  familiar  with.   But  to  the  people  He  told  the  stor; 
it  was  EOmpletelj  understandable.   In  Israel,  when  a  young  man  and  a  girl 
wanted  to  marry,  they  entered  into  an  agreement  which  was  called  the  betrothal 
or  engagment.  This  period  of  time  lasted  for  approximately  one  year  and  was 
as  binding  as  the  sttxxrxxjc  subsequent  marriage  itself.   We  can  understand  the 
engagement  period  very  readily,  but  the  next  step  was  one  we  would  have  diffi- 
culty accepting  perhaps.  This  involved  the  coming  of  the  bridgroom  for  his 
bride.   He  could  come  for  her  at  any  time  to  claim  her  as  his  own,  so  it  was 
imperative  that  she  be  ready  and  waiting.   And  normally,  the  bride  had  at 
least  ten  of  her  closest  friends  ready  and  available  to  ^BDcw±±tociiKxx±B  escort 
her  to  her  groom's  house  for  the  feast.   This  in  essence  is  what  Jesus  is 
talking  about  and  this  custom  still  prevails  today. 

HHMxa±a?!tHEx2§xisxKHzn*5irxEXKii:x±nxfeBtwEEifl  This  parable  is  situated  in  chapter 
25  in  between  the  discourse  on  the  end  of  the  age  in  24,  and  the  parables  of 
the  talents  and  the  sheep  and  n-oats .   '/hat  Jesus  is  speaking  of  ±f    the  future 
Appropriately  the  chapter  berins  with  the  word  "then."   By  starting  this  way, 
Jesus  was  saying,  x"x±HEE"w"e  have  spoken  of  the  end  of  the  age ,  "#£&*»  "o, 
"Then,"  or  "since  we  have  said  the  forgoing,"  and  He  begins  with  His  story. 
And  once  again  as  we  pointed  out  two  weeks  apro,  the  "Kingdom  of  heaven," 
which  Matthew  alone  employs  refers  to  a  difference  from  the  reference  "Eingdoi 
of  God."  That  difference  is  that  the  "Kingdom  of  God"  is  made  up  solely  of 
those  who  are  the"true  believers,  the  saved  people."    But  the  "Kingdom  of 
heaven"is  made  up  of  both  the  true  believers,  the  saved,  and  those  who  may 
claim  to  belong  to  the  Lord  but  are  not  because  of  a  lack  of  a  complete  com- 
mitment to  Him.   In  the  "Kingdom  of  heaven"  there  will  take  place  a  separatioi 
of  these  two  groups  as  we  pointed  out  in  the  parable  of  the  wheat  and  the 
tares . 

So  Jesus  is  saying:  that  this  separation  will  be  likened  to,  "Ten  virjrins  whicl 
took  their  lamps  and  went  forth  to  meet  the  bridegroom."  verse  IB. 

fiow  of  those  ten  we  can  see  there  is  a  difference.   The  difference  is,  "And 
five  of  them  were  wise,  and  five  BfxfcteKxi  were  foolish."  verse  2. 

The  reason  five  were  wise  and  five  were  foolish  is  explained  in  the  3rd  and 

4th  verses:  "They  that  were  foolish  took  their  lamps,  and  took  no  oil  with 
them:  But  the  wise  took  oil  in  their  vessels  with  their  lamps." 

In  this  parable  there  is  nothing  mentioned  about  the  Bride.   It  is  understood 

that  the  Bride  is  the  Church  of  Jesus  Cv,rist.   I  say  it  is  understood  that 

this  is  so,  because  Jesus  Himself  is  the  Bridegroom  and  this  will  become 

evident  at  the  very  end  of  the  parable. 

There  has  been  some  misunderstanding  connected  with  this  parable  because  o£ 


-2- 

the  beginning  in  verse  1,  where  Jesus  says  the  ten  virgins  took  their 
lam  s  and  "went  forth  to  meet  the  bridegroom,"   They  weren't  going  down 
the  road  looking  for  him,  this  merely  means  they  went  to  spend  their  tim< 
with  the  bride  and  await  his  arrival. 
Now  the  real  gist  of  the  story  is  that  the  bridal  attendants  were  to  be  pre- 
pared for  the  arrival  of  the  groom.  Because  when  he  arrived,  they  escorted 
the  bride  and  the  groom  to  the  groom's  house  and  usually  this  was  at  night. 
The  reason  for  this  was  because  the  bridetgroom  sought  to  surprise  his  bride 
by  coming  unexpectedly.   The  bride  was  looking  forward  to  the  day  when  he 
would  come  and  it  was  a  day  of  fulfillment  for  both  of  them.   And  since  thffis 
usually  took  place  at  night,  to  trs/fel  with  the  bridal  party  required  lamps 
and  oil  enough  for  the  lamps.,  and  thiq  fives  us  the  distinction  between  the 
wise  and  the  unwise  virgins , 

Go  Jesus  telling  this  story  says,  "While  the  bridegroom  tarried,  they  all 
slumbered  and  slept." 

And  once  arain  the  illustration  is  the  church.   Jesus  had  promised  that  He 
would  come  again  for  His  bride  the  church,  but  lo  these  thousands  of  years 
have  passed  and  still  He  hasn't  come.   The  Apostles  waited  expectantly,  eager- 
ly, but  He  didn't  come  in  their  lifetime.   And  the  church  moved  down  through 
the  apes  and  still  He  hasn't  come.   So  the  illustration  about  "sleep"  is 
much  like  the  illustration  in  the  parable  of  the  wheat  and  tares  which  said, 
Ww/hile  men  slept."   It  doesn't  really  mean  sleep,  or  being  asleep.   It  means 
that  because  the  bridegroom  hasn't  appeared,  men  have  become  less  alert  to 
look  for  Him.   The  church  has  relaxed  in  the  comforts  of  the  world  and  has 
been  lulled  into  dozing  and  nodding  off. 

But  then  Jesus  says,  "And  at  midnight  there  was  a  cry  made,  'Behold,  the 
bridegroom  cometh;  go  ye  out  to  meet  him.'"   "Then  all  those  virgins  arose, 
and  trimmed  their  lamps.  And  the  foolish  said  unto  the  wise,  'Give  us  of 
your  oil;  for  our  lamps  are  gone  out. '" 

Here  is  the  first  sad  commentary  on  this  parable.   "Our  lamps  have  pone  out." 

Those  five  virgins  whom  Jesus  called  "Foolish"  didn't  have  enough  oil  to  even 

begin  bhe  journey  to  escort  the  bride  and  proom  to  the  grooms  house.   Usually 

in  Scripture  "0i2 "  stands  for  anointing  and  in  the  Hew  Testament  it  stands 

for  the  Holy  Spirit,   Kow  if  they  were  a  -part  of  the  bridal  party  and  that 

involves  all  church  members  they  have  the  Holy  Spirit  and  so  most  likely 

oil  here  represents  God's  tford.   Jesus  said,  "Let  your  light  po   shine,  that 
men  may  see  your  good  works  and  glorify  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven." 

The  Light  we  have  is  God's  V/ord. 

(Illustration  of  "Ilanned  Ileglect") 

k   noted  young  concert  violinist  was  asked  the  secret  of  her  success. 
"Ilanned  neglect,"  she  replied.   Then  she  explained,  "Years  ago  I  discover- 
ed that  there  were  many  things  demanding  my  time.   After  washing  breakfast 
dishes'  -  nade  the   bed,  straightened  my  room,  dusted  the  furniture   and  did 


-5- 

a  host  of  other  ±fc±Hgx  chores.   I  then  turned  my  attention  to  violin  practice, 
That  system,  1   'ever,  "ailed  to  accomplish  the  desired  results.   So  I~  realized 
I  had  to  reverse  things.  I  ieliberately  set  aside  everything  else  until  my 
practice  period  ended.   That  program  of  planned  neglect  accounts  "or  my 
success . " 

If  we  would  put  aside  some  of  the  things  which  take  precedence  over  the  re  idij 

budy  of  Jed's  Ford  and  use  "Planned  Reelect,"  we  could  see  a  vast  change 

take  place  in  our  lives.  This  is  the  oil  the  five  foolish  virgins  needed, 

n  bhe  ps  'able  is  i  b  cc  :    '  lue  ',  bhe  rise  rir  ;in    "  ■  i  i  be  /.    ■  up  their  oil 

for  the  others.  This  isn't  selfishness  as  some  people  may  want  to  point  out. 

It  is  being  wise  because  had  they  given  up  their  supply  of  oil,  all  of  them 

would  have  been  without  light. 

So  then  we  read  in  the  10th  verse,  "And  while  they  went  to  buy,  the  bridegroor 
came;  and  they  that  were  ready  went  in  with  him  to  the  marriage:  and  the  dooj 
was  shut." 

Here  is  the  second  tragedy  of  this  parable,  "And  the  door  was  shut."  It  was 

closed  to  those  who  would  have  liked  to  enter  when  they  realized  what  was  on 

the  other  side  of  the  door.   They  had  awakened  from  their  sleep  to  discover 

that  it  was  too  late  to  make  the  necessary  changes  to  get  in.   This  is  a  sad 

commentary  on  life.   We '-be  said  before  one  of  the  saddest  things  in  life  is 

to  have  to  say,  "I  wish"  and  then  recall  something  we  wish  we  had  done.   In 

this  parable  the  sad  commentary  is,  "If  only."   "If  only,  T  had  made  sure  I 

was  prepared  for  what  would  come  at  'he  end. 

(Illustration  of  Robert  Teller  and  book,  "Great  Executive  Dream") 
Mr,  Heller  writes  of  those  men  like : 

the  executive  xkHx±mtxf  of  IBM  who  turned  down  the  tJHIVAC  computer 
the  DuPont  exec  who  pointed  the   inventor  of  xerography  the  door 
the  Kodak  man  who  turned  up  his  nose  at  Polaroid 

These  men  are  like  the  man  in  the  1880' s  who  predicted  that  the  streets  of  oui 

major  cities  would  be  piled  two  feet  high  in  horse  manure  by  the  19?0's, 

Mark  Twain  was  e   man  like  this.  A* 

(Illustration  of  Twain  and  telephone) 
Mark  Twain  snuandered  a  fortune  on  hairbrained  schemed  that  all  led  to 
financial  ruin.   But  a  poor,  but  brilliant  inventor  asked  him  to  invest 
only  ,1500  in  his  invention  in  exchange  for  as  large  a  share  in  the  company 
as  Twain  wanted.   Twain  saw  no  future  in  the  invention  and  so  he  sent 
Alexander  Graham  Bell  on  his  way,  and  lost  the  incredible  fortune  he 
could  have  made , 

"If  only"  is  the  cry  of  so  many,  but  unfortunately,  when  that  cry  will  be 

made  at  the  very  portal  of  heaven,  it  will  be  the  most  despairing.  God  gives 

each  of  us  the  same  amount  of  hours  and  minutes,  and  seconds  in  any  ^iven 

day.   Are  we  seeking  and  knocking  while  there  is  still  time  to  seek  and  knock' 

Jesus  closes  this  parable  by  saying,  "Afterward  came  also  the  other  virgins, 
saying,  Lord,  Lord,  open  to  us."  But  He  xzitofcaxtkax!  answered  and  said, 
'Verily  I  say  unto  you,  I  know  you  not.   Watch  therefore,  for  ye  know  neithei 
the  day  nor  the  hour  wherein  the  Son  of  man  cometh.'" 


-4- 
And  here  is  the  3rd  tragedy,  "I  know  you  not."   The  tragedy  of  this  is  that 
the  lord  will  say  this   to  those  assembled  around  Fin  who  are  thinking  that 
they  should  he  part  of  this  Kingdon  of  God.   But  remember,  that  as  we  read 
at  the  geginnine?  of  this  parable,  Matthew  stressed  the  "Kingdom  of  heaven," 
which  we  said  included  both  save1    I     36  who  vhnu^ht  they  were  saved. 

(Illustration  of  rinon  Bolivar  and  bhe  freeing  of  Peru) 

jn  1824  "ecu  ■  o  i  its  independence  from  Spain  under  the  leadership  of  Simon 
Bolivar.   General  Bolivar^ sailed  a  convention  to  draft  the  eonstitution  for 
the  new  nation.   After  that  convention  he  was  asked  to  become  the  first 
president, ȣ  hut  he  declined  saying  he  believed  someone  else  deserved  that 
honor  more.   But  the  people  still     I  sd  to  do  something  to  express  their 
appreciation  and  so  they  offen    "     LC:-  of  one  million  pesos,  which  was 
a  lara-e  fortune  in  those  days.   Bolivar  accepted  the  gift  and  then  asked 
how  many  slaves  there  were  in  Peru.   He  was  told  there  were  5500.  "  md  how 
much  does  a  slave  iell  for^f     3ked.   About  350  peso3  for  an  able-bodied 
man  was  the  answer, 
"Then,  said  Bolivar,  I  will  add  whatever  in  nee  "  '   million  r 

He,  and  I  will  buy  all  the  slaves  in  Peru  and  set  them  free, 
;  makes  no  sense  to  f        '   ,   less  ell  ii  „  :  ■   " ^m 

as  well." 

And  just  as  tras-ic  is  the  fact  that  Jesus  Christ  paid  the  price  '   ^ree  all 
citizens  of      'orld  and  yet  her       ; ill  the        jaaia  :  >  onds 
I  e    -  •  i   Lee  has  '      Ld, 
T~ere  will  come  a  time  when  Jesus  will  have  to  say  to  certain  people,  "I  know 
you  not."   His  admonition  to  all  people  no  matter  who;  no  matter  what  race; 

not  matter  where  they  are  is,  "Watch  therefore,  for  ye  know  neither  the  hxrarx 

day  nor  the  hour  wherein  the  Son  of  man  cometh."  verse  13. 
We  are  to  be  prepared  for  His  coming  at  any  time.  He  may  come  for  us  in  deat 
by  removing  us  from  this  world  in  this  manner;  or  He  may  come  in  the  clouds  t 
Rapture  Hie  Church  out  of  this  world.   B„t  He  is  coming  and  we  are  told  to 
"Watch,"   If  our  lamps  are  trimmed,  and  we  have  a  supply  of  oil  the  Bride- 
groom can  come  at  anytime  and  He  will  not  catch  us  unawares.   But  the  questio 
is,  "Are  our  lamps  trimmed?  Or  do  we  have  the  lamp  in  our  lives,  God's  Word? 
Do  we  have  a  supply  of  oil?  Or  is  the  Holy  Spirit  moving  and  motivating  us  to 
live  for  Christ?"   If  we  can  anser  YES  to  these  questions,  we  need  lot  fear 
the  cominp;  of  the  Briderroom  for  His  own.   But  if  we  cai  not  answer  YDS  to 
these  questions  we  need  to  p-et  our  lives  in  order  while  there  is  still  Time. 
But  for  each  of  us,  we  must  "Plan  Ahead,"  and  "WATCH." 


St.    Paul's   United   Church   of   Christ 
Butler,   Pennsylvania 
Rev*     Ralph    Link,     Pastor  June    2,    1985 

Mr.    Dale   Rice,    Minister  of  Music 
Doug  Vensel,    Acolyte 

+  +-  +  +   +  +  +  +  +  +  +   +  +   +  +  +  +   +  +  +  +  +-H  +  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  10:00  A.M. 
Prelude 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 

AnnounC ements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
"Hymn  No.  385   "Holy  God,  We  Praise  Thy  Name" 
"Ascription 
"Exhortation 

"Confession  (In  Unison)  "Most  merciful  Father,  like  the 
prodigal  we  come  before  thee  to  admit  we  have  sinned, 
and  to  ask  your  forgiveness.  Yet  in  our  distant  land, 
we  hear  thy  Spirit  saying,  "Come  home."   By  that 
same  spirit  make  us  clean  that  we  may  stand  before 
thee  once  again,  and  to  receive  from  thee  the 
blessings  of  thy  household;  through  Jesus  Christ,  who 
promised  the  abiding  presence  of  thy  Spirit,  we  pray. 

Amen. 
"Kyrie 

"Assurance  of  Pardon 
•Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God! 

People  —  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever, 
"Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No.  461  "Jesus,  We  Just  Want  to  Thank  You" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  U3  Pray, 
Prayer 
Offering 
Offertory 
•DoxoLogy 
Scripture:   Matthew  IS:  21-35 
Sermon:   "What  Does  Your  Life  Depend  On?" 
"Closing  Hymn  No.  114  "Wonderful  Grace  of  Jesus" 
"Benediction 
"■Closing  Chim.es 
"Postlude 
+  +  +  +  4        "Congregation  Standing       +  +  +*+- 


> 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mrs.  Ann  Williams  in  memory  of  Woody. 
Mrs.  Fern  Minehart  and  Mrs-  Peg  McClymonds  will  greet 

the  congregation  at  the  door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are:   Art  Carney,  Dan  Bosko,  Marty 

Henry  and  John  Snow. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs,  Nancy  Dellen. 
Robert  Dellen  and  Harry  Fry  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  112  with  9  visitors. 
MONDAY  -  Women's  Mary  Prugh  7^30  P.Mt 
TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 

WEDNESDAY  -  Council  meeting  at  7:00  P.M. 
THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 

Chancel  Choir  practice  will  be  held  June  la  at  7:00  P.M. 
B3  meeting  of  all  teachers,  helpers,  and  instructors  will 

be  held  Monday  evening  June  3rd  at  7:30  P»M* 

This  is  important,  so  please  try  tc  attend* 
Articles  for  the  newsletter  are  due  in  on  or  before 

Wednesday. 
June  10th  at  7:00  P.M,  the  Benevolence  &  Welfare  Committee 

will  be  meeting ■ 
CQNCF0DANCE  REFERENCE  BOOKS  are  available  in  the  office. 

Anyone  interested  may  purchase  them  for  $2.00  each. 

They  will  come  in  handy  in  your  study  of  the  Bible, 
Next  Sunday  June  9th  we  will  have  a  guest  speaker  to  fill 

in  for  Rev.  Link  while  he  is  attending  the  Penn  West 

Conference  with  Mr.  &   Mrs,  Richard  Mangel* 
We  wish  to  extend  our  best  wishes  to  those  Seniors  who  are 

graduating  from  schools  this  year.  They  are: 
Roger  Fair  from  Slippery  Rock  University 
David  V ens el  from  Carnegie  Mellon  University 
Beth  Kocko  from  Butler  High  School     -ffa  -  c  |  \ftfriSTK 
Beth  Feder  from  Butler  High  School      '" 
Sandy  Snyder  from  Butler  Community  College 
Sara  Ann  Mehegan  from  Vermont  College  in  Montpelier 
^=^.  (daughter  of  Mr.  Sr  Mrs.  George  MacKinney) 
Easter  Seal  Society  will  be  holding  a  free  "Child  Check" 

screening  for  children  who  may  have  problems.  The  dates 

are  June  11  to  21st*   For  more  information  contact  the 

office  or  call  the  Easter  Seal  Society  at  283-1010. 
CHURCH  PICNIC  IN  THE  PARK  is  coming  up.   Circle  June  23rd 

on  your  calendar,  and  cosne  enjoy  a  day  of  fun  and 

fellowship  at  Butler  Memorial  Park  on  Mercer  St* 


J 


WHAT  DOTS  YOUB  LIFE  DEPEND  ON? 

SCRIP:     MT  lB:21-35 
(TLBS  uscesfl  marair  <jOti>s  t,  reasn  Mt) 

but  she  irot  em 
(Hub  iflf  fleer  hunt  fr  nhoot  deer  ^/saddl  on  it) 

b.     '  IS   IT  MATTR  OF  GET  EVN?   MPS  WE  ALWAY  WIN  OUT  REOAfiDLES   COST! 

(TLBS  SEAKSTRES  KIL  BY  HBSB)      WAT  DUZ  BR   LIF   DEPEN  OUT 

WAT  WTO  U  SAT  WAS  INGREG  WE   ALL   HAV   &  NEVH  GIV   IT  NOTHR   THOT7 
2BAT  SCRIP  FRESEN  W/OUT   IDENT  BY  NAM, ONLY  Bf  TLI1S 
THIS   SCRIP  SPK   kSIVHES.OF  B  *GIVN,i   ATITBD  FOLO  %GIVNES 
VS  21.PETR  t  REASN   ASK  7 
AMOS  1:3-THUS  SAITH  THAs*  THREE  TRANSGRES  OF  DAMASCUS,!,  FOR  k, 
1  nil  not  torn  my  th/l'UNISKMENT  THEROF 
LIK  BASBAL  t,   PETS   EQUATION   OF  7   -  BAD  THEOLOGT 
VS   ffl.   JS   CORECTS   -  "»90 

VSS  2J-2*«SEVRL  MIL/BIL   -  WORK  OVRTIH  &  JtJGGL  BUS 

VS  26-REOTES  2B  kGTVW 
VS  27-REQUES  GRANTD 
PARBL  CHABACTiS:   KING  IS  GOD" 

SERV  ETR  PERSN  WALK  THIS   ERTH 

KUGE   DEBT   IS   SIN   OUR   LIVS 
AFTR   WIVNES  WAT  ATITTOE  SERV?*  VSS  28-30 
VS   31.K  TOL  OF  THIS 

vss  32-33-ANaR  of  k  bcbz  acttns 

VS   34»HIS  POTtlSHMEN 

VS  35-G'S  ACTTN  2TH0Z  NO  *<5IV   AS  <>GIVN 
NO  TORMEN  BI  G,OR  LOSE  SALV 

IT  THOZ  NO  <KJIV  OTTOS, LK   DWN   NOSES   AT  THEM  t,  ALL  TIM  WANT  WAT 

G  HAS     W/OBT  ACPT  IT 
AT^D  *GIVNES?T  2B  %GIVN,BBT  WONT  WET   -  WE  B  "iGTV.BBT  NO  *GIV 

...«s 

THATS  NOTHR   STORY   -  2WALK  W/TH   SAINTS   ABUV,    0  THAT  WILB  GLORT 
2LIV  W/*m  SAINTS  WHIL  HERE  ON  ERTI.WEL, 
THATS  NOTHR  STORY 
WAT   DUZ  US  LIF  DEPEND  ON?    -  MBS   LK  KICAH  Si  8 


2D0  JBSTLT   -  LIV   IT, ACT   IT 
MT  5:8-9 
0  CAN   RAIS  BP  ROBOTS   IF  WANTS  TO 
WANT  US  2KN0  BIN  MADE  RITOR   THRU   SAC/DETH  JS   -THRU   HIS   BLUD 
THEN  £H0  RITtlSNES   THPtt  ACTINS 

pr  m/    MERCY 

f   DHZtJR  LIF  DEPEND  ONT  FIGUR   OUT  YET?? 
IT   IS   MERCY 
MERCY   IN  THIS  PARBL, HERCT  WH/SAVS  UStMERCY  SUSTAINS  US: 
MERCY  KEEPS  US  IN  HIS  LUV:MERCT  OURS  THRU  JS  XP 
IT  KNO  THIS  MSHBY  WE   DO  JUSTLY  fr  WALK  HUH  LY  W/OUR  GOD  Sr  WILB 
BCBZ  WE  LOT  TH/BEHCY  G  HAS  OIVN   US 
JS   ASKED  iSHOUDLBST  NOT  THOU   ALSO  HAVE  HAD  COMPASIN  ON  THY  FELO- 

SEHVANT  AS  I    HAD  PITY  ON  THEE?    -  VS   33 
IT  MERCY  WE  WANT.t  MERCY  WE  NEEE.BDT  R  WE  WIL  2GIV  20THRST 

DIF  TWEEN  GRACE/MERCY 
MERCY  KEEPS   US  FR/GET  WAT  WE  DESERV 
G  PROIVD  MANK  W/HIS  MERCY  THRU  GRACE, FREE  SIFT  SALV  THRU  JS  XI 

CILUS  SANDRA  &  ACT  OF  MERCY) 

OUR   LIVS  DEPEN  ON  MERCY 
G"S  MERCY 
WES   NO  4HTS   LUV  WTO  GET  WAT  DESERV   -  HELFIR    -  SEP  FR/HIM  k 
■LL  ETRNTY 

BUT  REACH  OUT  IN   MERCY  8-  ENVELOP  US  IN  LUV   ARMS   OF  SAV   2 
BRING  US  IN2TH/F0LD 
DO  U  KNO  WAT  UR  LIE  DEPENDS   ON? 
R  U  WIL  2SH0  MERCY  2OTHRS  AS  BIN   SHOWN  2U?Y 


K  had  arest   &  put   in  prisn 

|  ,n     ! 

it   ":3   or  mb   lose   our   salvatin 

Js  tali  'bout    thoa     ;o  thru   lif   "liev  selva  riteous  & 

moral  8;  nevr  avail   aelvs    of 
ft  thez   same   peop  Ik  dwn  noses  othrs   &  refus  4piv, 
t  all  whil     seek  wat  3  hae  w/out  tak  advantap-  of 
Lattr  sect  in  parbl  Riv   -rud  examp  wat   our  atituds   R 
concern  4-^ivnes 

we  want   2B  'tprivn  by  G;we   luv  2hav  4rrivnes  &  wen  do 

hav   it  thru    Js  we   ovrjoy 
But  wat   our  atitud   2ward   thoz   ein/trespas   ap-in  us? 

Wei, now,   that   nothr  story 
Kany  peop   say=I  can  nevr  4i?iv  him/her;  I  4-p-iv,no  Ipet 
which  same  say=I  nevr  *giv  Bouz  PAp.iv  is  2  4-pet   lik  G 

Hav  U  discovr  word  which   imply  but   no  sed   this  parab 
dat   Duz  Ur  lif   Depen  On? 

4aaeer  mus  turn  OT=Micah  &  Micah  cub  sftr  indiden  of 

fish  swalo  man  &  B4-  man  name    I.ahain. 
Kic  6:8=8.  1st  thinr   Is   K    DO   JUSTLY 

this   mean  we  Pact  riteous  &  word  OT   mean  actin  not 

atitude 
I  aeys-TO  DO, which   mean  liv   it, no   jur-   think  it   or  Blive 

U  hav  it  &  Js    "elt  w/this   -Ht  3:8-9 
He   say   cud    rais   up  robots   tak    n  er   plac,but    G   no   want 

He  want  peop  kno  bin  made  riteous  thru  sac/deth   Js 

:ip  thru  His  shed  Blul  "  then  5ho  4-th  riteousne- 
It  is  in  deeds/our  act:!  nd  Pward  othrs/our  deals  w/the: 
our  ethics, our  morals=everthin 

&  then  we  TO  n  ■  fat   Duz  Ur  lif  D„pen  On- Hav  u 

or  out  yet?«It  depends  His   Mercy 
i  e-     v   wat  bin  read   bout   parbl  ;G's   mercy   savs   us;I'is   nt 
me     y  sustain  as    i'1   life;His   mercy  keeps  us   Hir   luv 

S-.  if  kno  rnercv   as  realty   our   livs  wilb  do    Justly, 

wiH  walk  humbly  w/G  6  this  Bcuz   we   luv  mercy  :'e   Jiv 

Pus 
This  wher  ouest   Js   ask  this   parbl  fit   in=vs   33 

It  merc^  we  want, mercy  we   need , but   unwil  giv  2othM 
nrac=r,,s'unern,uEmerit   luv  4-us  6  thir   she  free   salvat 
thru    Ji 

1  pre  wat  keep  us  get  wat  deserv 

<Kglii±ZB   fire    of    hell 

3   interven   St  provifl   nercy  thru  Srac»Salv   in   S» 

(Ilus     fndra    G-  her  act  of   mercy) 

Our   livs   depen  G's  nercv  &  wer  not  11Tim,fis   luv, we     u 
St   wat   aeserv-Hellfixw-Sepratia   fr/Kim  thru   eter 

He  reach  out  envelop  us   luvin?   arm?    of   Savior  Pbrinp- 
in2   fold;    Do  U   Kno    tot    Or    lif    Depends    On?      6   R  U 

willing  to   sho   ffercy  to  othrs  as  bin  shown  2  U? 


&  evr  human  deserv 


":crip:    Mt.   18:21-55 
(Hup   lnr  marar*  6   suces   of   it   £  wif/deei      hunting) 
But    is   it   matr  of   pet   evn?   ftafl  we   slway  win  out   regar 
les   of  co'it? 

(Ilus   seamatres   Londn  kil   by  bus   6  it-was-pur  acident 
•a*  duz  Dr  lif  depen  on?     /at  wud   U  say   is    Inraed  we 
al     'hav  &    nevr   riv    It   anothr   thot? 

crip  presen  inrred  w/out   ident  by  name-Ilua 

crip  spli=4givnes ; of    B  4r:Ivn;:'-,  atitud  fol  4rrivnes 

In     crip  preced    Js  talk  bout  4-Fiimes   &  fresh  minds 
so   Pat  ask; he   guy  felt  rt   trak  I  bumbl  solutin  &  ask 
vs    21=let   Tillev  very   renruB   &  expec    Js    say=Boy   Pet   U 

got  rt   idea,R-   caut  wat   I  try  ?say 
::bv  evr  wondr  wher  Pet   c-ot   fran  idea  4-n-iv   ?  times? 

'"urn  bk   <lmos=tween   Joel   "    Obadiah 
'■.mos   1:3" Here   Bib  prnds  4-   -  4-pivnes     :•  lik  battr  baseB 

U  ret  5strikes=Do  lnce-G  4-.-iv;rto  'wice-f.  4p-iv;3time 

G   4r:ive;')-time-::'ap  U   had    it 
That   Ot  way  &    ^abbi'.'i   t.^ut   ^timea  *p-iv  anyl 

Go  let  tak  ?X3=S+l=7,very  renrus 
Gud  arithmetic   rt?,   but   bad   Theology   '•    or-   corec   vs   22 

Can  U  pictur   let?   Complet  deflated; insted   B  abl   hoi 

sunl  actbl   7time  6  writ   off=now  mus  Ipiv  490  tine 
That  wud  tak  lif  time  6  want   2B  that  tfriving?      MO  ONE 

&   Js    knu   this    so  want   "•  ■■■  .  othr    Jew  bretb 

,amonp  them  bout  B  4-c-ivn    '   thus   folo  parabl 
os  tel  cert  k  Ik  at   kind-dm   Si  discovr   T 
sum  mony=amt    imaterlal=est   sevrl  mill   2   sevrl  billior 

ho  neces   kno  amt  8   nuest  also  ask=How  serv  cud   owe? 
1-T0b   handl  buks   6  f-ujoci  work  ovrtime    jugl  tuks 

brot    "4    ?'        r   shud  hav   sold  him  &  all  his   Jrecovr 

w     ihis, but  nan  be>-   2B  4-riven 
vs     -7=K  4-gave 

stop   R-   ident- K  of  cors   is   G    '    -erv   is   ea    persn  evr 

liv,wil   liv  S  walk  erth 
:"u^e  Saht   debt    is   sin  our  livs   fi   if  wer   ask  mak  pay? 
G  4sin,ther  we  cud  pay  it 

Ea  us   desir   ?B  1-p-ivn  ^ebt   of   sin    '■'    G   our   E  h    "    compa 

on  us   ft  provid  t-givnes   by  p"'-r  debt  w/BIud    Js  Xp 
Hav   now   C  wat   4-p;ivnes   is   4   of    B  4fivn, 

aftr  4frivnes    tak  plac,  :at    atitud   serv   folo  '^ivnes? 
Head:   went   out   Ik  4felo  who  owe   lrg  debt       debt   amt 
few   penny   comp   ?wat    he    owe    S 

So  being  warn,wondrfl    "elo  he  was, put  hand3  rnd    thro 

in     estur   ■  "   luv,chak  violent   %  whil  partil  Btrangl 
■        ' ..' 
not   pay, so  thro   in?  prisn  &  roeanwhil  othr  servs 
no  apreciate   wat  dun, tel   K 


Community  Bible  Church  -  Sagamore,  Pa.  July  12,  1992 

Prelude 
'reetPngs/joye/Announcements/prayer  Requests 

/u/r^   /f£*?4e*j    cla^    -  >fxz      Sot*    ~  J.J 

M?"  turfite**         /»        <~Ih;*^        lAqT     Jaf     "2-4 


Call  to  Worship: 

BLESSED  BE  THE  LORD  GOD,  WHO  ONLY  DOETH  WONDDROTTS  THINGS: 
AND  BLESSED  BE  HIS  MXMJ  GLORIOUS  NAME  FOREVER: 
AND  LET  THE  WHOLE  EARTH  BE  FILLED  WITH  HIS  GLORY: 
AMEN,  AND  AMEN.    PSALM  78:18-19 
•Hymn 

0  f ferine/Prayer 
•Doxology 
Pastoral  Prayer 
Hymn 

Scripture:  Matthew  l8:21f35 
Sermon:  "On  What  Does  Your  Life  Depend?"  -  St.  Paul's  Butler 

•Hymn 

•*■«  Benediction 
)Stlude 


t/Jk. 


"What  Does  Your  life  Depend  On?" 

Scripture:  Matthew  18:51-35 

tlllustration  of  Ion-  marriage  and  succes   of  it) 

couple  ■-.■-  c  lei    ijog  their  Golden  Wedding  Anniversary.  Their  happy 
marriage  was  the  talk  of  the  town.   Everyone  saw  them  as  the  ideal  couple. 
Fo  a  newspaper  reporter  was  sent  to  interview  them.  He  asked,  "What  is  the 
secret  of  your  long  and  happy  marriage?"   "Well,  it  dates  back  to  our  honey- 
moon," the  wife  began.   "We  visited  the  Grand  Canyon  and  taook  a  trip  down 
into  the  Canyon  by  pafik  mule.   We  hadn't  gone  too  far  when  my  husband's  mule 
stumbled.  He  took  him  by  the  ears,  shook  him  vigorously  and  said,  'That's 
once.*  A  little  further  on  the  mule  stumbled  again.  And  again  my  husband 
took  him  by  the  ears,  shook  him  even  more  vigonously  and  said,  'That's  twice 
About  a  half  mile  further  down  the  trail  the  mule  stumbled  again  and  my  hus- 
band took  his  pistol  from  the  holster  and  shot  the  mule.   I  started  to  pro- 
test tfextxJ5RxxkBMit»3tt  his  harsh  treatment  of  the  mule  and  he  walked  over  t 
me  ,  grabbed  me  by  theears,  shook  me  vigorously  and  said,  "That's  once," 

But  I  think  she  got  even.   Because  this  man  was  considered  to  be  a  great  hunt 
er  and  she  begged  him  and  coaxed  him  to  take  her  deer  hunt  in"*  with  him. 
To  finally  one  day  he  decided  he  would  take  her  out  just  once  and  maybe  she 
would  get  tired,  or  cold,  or  something  and  quit  bes-ginp-  to  go  deer  hunting 
So  they  set  out  this  one  morning  and  climbed  up  to  tfeE  where  the  trees  be^an 
on  this  mountain  and  where  phe  had  a  good  view  of  anything  coming  up,  or  walk 
ing  in  the  valley.  \nd   he  told  her  he  was  goinf  on  the  other  side  of  the 
mountain.   He  reached  a  spot  where  he  decided  to  stay  and  it  wasn't  too  long 
when  he  heard  a  shot,  followed  by  another,  and  then  aaother.   He  didn't  think 
it  was  his  wife  and  yet  the  sound  came  from  the  direction  where  he  had  left 
her.  To  he  started  to  go  to  where  she  was  and  soon  he  heard  what  sounded  lik 
two  people  talking  loudly.   But  as  he  approached  he  heard  that  it  was  a  loud 
argument  and  hi??  wife  's  voice  was  raised  above  the  voice  of  a  man.   An  she 
was  shouting  "It's  my  deed,  it's  my  deer,  I  shot  it."  And  when  he  got  on  top 
of  them,  he  heard  the  man  yell,  "OK,  OK,  you  can  have  your  deer  lady,  but 
first  let  me  take  my  saddle  off  him." 

Sfe±axmESB±Bg  But  is  it  a  metter  of  "getting  even?"  Must  we  always "win  out" 

regardless  of  the  cost? 

(Illustration  of  seamstress  in  London  slum,  killed  by  drunken  husband)' 
A  seamstress  lived  with  her  husband  in  a  slum  district  of  London.   One 
night  he  came  home  drunk  and  he  got  into  an  argument  with  her.   kniraged, 
he  picked  up  a  kerosene  lamp  and  threw  it  at  her.   The  kerosene  doused  her 
clothing  setting  her  on  fire.  Horribly  burned  she  was  rushed  to  the  hos- 
pital where  a  policeman  and  other  authroities  told  her  she  was  near  death 

and  to  tell  them  what  happened.   Phe  only  raid  four  words:  "It  -  was 

pure accident .  " 

"What   Does    Your   Life   Depend   On?"     x^±xxsrxxx3cyxx±£xxiaK:pQiaxo:n2^xWfex± 

What  would  you   say  is  the   ingredient  we   all  have  and  never  give   it  another 

thought? 

Today's  Fcripture  presents  to  us  that  ingredient  without  identifying  it  by 

name,  but  only  by  illustration.   This  Scripture  speaks  of  Forgiveness,  of 

Being  Forgiven,  and  of  the  attitude  Following  Forgiveness. 

In  the  Scripture  immediately  preceeding  this  one,  Jesus  had  been  talking  abou 

forgiveness  and  while  it  was  fresh  on  their  minds,  Feter,  the  guy  who  always 

felt  he  was  on  the  right  track  and  bumbled  into  his  solution  asked  Jesus  abou 

forgiveness.   Fo  he  asks  Jesus  the  ouestion  in  verse  21,  "Lord,  how  oft  shall 
my  brother  sin  against  me,  and  I  forgive  him?   Till  seven  times?" 


-?- 

How  Peter  believed  that  he  was  being  very  generous  with  what  he  gave  as  his 
answer.   Probably  he  expected  Jesus  to  say,  "Boy  Peter,  you  got  the  right  idei 
and  you  have  really  caught  on  to  what  X  have  been  saying."   Have  you  ever 
wondered  where  Peter  ^ot  hi?  n-rand  idea  of  forgiving  someone  7  times?   Is  it 
Scriptural?   Can  I  find  it  in  the  Bible?   You  can't  actually  find  what  Peter 
was  asking  in  Scripture,  but  you  can  find  where  it  was  he  rot  his  idea.   Turn 
to  the  Old  Testament  book  of  Amos.   Now  in  Cfl5e  you  may  have  a  bit  of  diffi- 
culty here,  it  is  fight  next  :  Le      of  Joel,   1  if       ■  :■  come 
-  ,-,   ladiah,  you       ised  '.J_  up,    is,  chaj   •  c   ,    king  ifc  tl 

i  ■ .   We  read,  "Thus  saith  the  Lord."  Mow  that's  God  and  not  Amos  just  in 
case  the  angry  hearers  of  Amos  were  looking  for  something  he  was  going  to  say 

in  his  own  strength.   "Thus  saith  the  Lord; 'Tor  three  transgressions  of  Damas- 
cus,  and  for  four,  I  will  not  turn  away  the  punishment  thereof." 

Here  is  the  Biblical  grounds  for  forgiveness.   Like  a  batter  in  a  baseball 

ball  game,  you  get  three  strikes  and  then  youfre  out.   Do  it  once,  God  forgivi 

do  it  twice,  God  forgives,  do  it  three  times,  God  fore-ivesj  do  it  four  times 

and  Zap,  you've  had  it.   That's  the  Old  Testament  way  of  forgiveness.   The 

Rabbi's  taught  to  forgive  anyone  who  does  something  to  or  against  you  "three 

times."  So  Peter  is  following  what  he  had  been  taught.   But  he  is  being  extr, 

generous.   Twice  times  three  is  six,  and  for  good  measure  he  adds  one  more, 

making  seven.  Good  arithmetic,  right?  Right,  but  bad  theology,  and  Jesus 

corrects  him  by  saying,  "I  say  HxdtexxiBKK  not  unto  thee,  'Until  seven  times:' 
but,  'Until  seventy  times  seven,"' 

Can  you  picture  Peter?  He  has  been  completely  debated.   Instead  of  being  abli 
to  hoW  someone  accountable  seven  times  and  then  write  him  off,  he  was  being 
asked  to  firgvie  him  490  times.   Why  that  would  take  a  lifetime  and  who  wants 
to  be  that  forgiving?   No  one  !   And  Jesus  knew  this  so  He  was  now  going  to  *k 
tell  fir.  Peter,  the  impetuous  one,  end  the  other  --rood  Jewish  brethren  among 
them  about  being  forgiven.  And  thus  follows  the  parable, 

Jesus  tells  the=m  that  a  certain  king  looked  at  his  kingdom  and  his  servants 
and  he  discovered  that  one  of  his  servants  owed  him  a  lar^-e  amount  of  money. 
The  ammunt  is  immaterial.   Estimates  have  rann-e^  from  the  millions  into 
several  billion.   But  it  is  not  necessary  to  know  the  amount.   The  question 
is  also  asked,  "How  could  9  man  owe  the  king  so  much  money?*   And  the  answer 
is  that  he  worked  for  the  king  and  worked  overtime  juggling  the  books.   So  he 
was  brought  before  the  kin?-  and  the  king  should  have  sold  him  and  all  of  his 
family  to  recover  what  was  rightfully  his.   The  man  in  fear  begs  to  be  for- 
given and  we  readi  in  the  2?th  verse,  "Then  the  lord  of  that  servant  was  movec 
with  compassion,  and  loosed  him,  and  forgave  him  the  debt." 

Mow  at  this  point  in  the  story  perhaps  we  need  to  stop  and  identify  the  chara 
alters  of  the  story.  The  king  of  course  is  God  and  the  servant  is  each  PerSO] 
who  will  ever  walk  this  earth.   The  huge  debt  is  the  sin  in  our  lives  and  if 


-3- 
we  were  asked  to  make  payment  to  God  for  that  sin,  there  is  no  way  we  could 
ever  repay  it.   And  so  each  of  us  desires  to  he  forgiven  of  our  debt  of  sin, 
and  Hod,  our  Sovereign  had  compassion  on  us  and  provided  for  our  forgiveness 
by  pajring  the  debt  with  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Wow  we  have  seen  what  forgiveness  is  and  of  being  forgiven.   After  the  for- 
giveness has  taken  place,  "What  is  the  attitude  of  the  servant  following  for- 
giveness?"  Well,  we  read  that  he  went  out  and  he  looked  for  a  fellow  who 
owed  him  a  large  debt.   That  debt  amounted  to  a  few  pennies  compared  to  what 
he  had  owed  the  king.  So  being  the  warm,  wonderful  fellow  he  was,  he  put  his 
hands  around  hip  neck  in  a  gesture  of  love  and  shaking  him  violently,  while 
partially  strangling  him,  he  demands  payment  immediately.   Not  being  satisfied 
with  all  of  this  he  had  the  fellow  thrown  into  prison.   Meanwhile,  there  are 
some  of  his  fellow-servants  who  don't  approve  of  his  direct  methods  to  get 
paid  back  and  they  tell  the  king.   The  king  summons  him  and  says  to  him  in 

verse  32  and  33,  "0  thou  wicked  servant,  I  forrave  thee  all  that  debt,  be- 
cause thou  desirest  me:  shouldest  not  thou  also  have  had  compassion  on  thy 
f ellowservant ,  even  as  I  had  pity  on  thee?" 

5o  the  king  had  him  arrested  and  put  into  prison  until  he  could  pay  the  king 

back.   And  Jesus  concludes  this  parable  with  the  words  in  verse  35,  "So  shall 
My  heavenly  Father  do  also  unto  you,  if  ye  from  your  hearts  forgive  not 
every  one  his  brother  their  trespasses." 

We  need  to  quickly  add  that  God  isn't  ^oin~  to  torment  us  or  that  we  will  lose 
our  salvation.   Jesus  is  talking  about  those  who  go  through  life  believing 
themselves  righteous  and  moral  and  never  avail  themselves  of  the  forgiveness 
of  sins  which  God  offers  to  them  through  Jesus,   And  it  is  these  same  people 
who  look  down  their  noses  at  others  and  refuse  to  forgive  them,  yet  all  the 
while  seeking  what  God  has  without  taking  x£fcafca*acjcB  advantage  of  it. 
T  is  latter  section  of  this  parable  gives  up  s  ^ood  example  of  what  our  atti- 
tudes are  concerning  forgiveness.   -  want  to  be  forgiven  by  God;  we  love  to 
have  that  f orgiveness;  and  when  we  do  have  it  through  Jesus  we  are  overjoyed. 
But  what  is  our  attitude  toward  those  who  sin  or  trespass  arainst  us?   'ell 
now,  that's  another  story.   Many  people  say,  "I  can  never  forgive  him  or  her.' 
Or,  "I  can  forgive,  but  I'll  never  forget,"  whir"  "       Hy  saying,  "I'll 
neither  forgive  nor  forget."  To  forgive,  is  to  forget,  to  never  remember  it 
again.   T^is  is  what  God  did  and  does  for  us  with  our  sin,  so  why  can't  we 
try  to  do  as  God  does? 

Have  you  discovered  the  word  which  is  implied,  but  not  said  in  this  block  of 
Scripture?  "What  Does  Your  Life  Depend  On?"   For  the  answer  we  need  to  turn 
to  another  of  the  Old  Testament  men,  a  man  named  Micah.   And  Micah  comes  aftei 
the  incident  of  the  fish  that  swallowed  a  man  and  juet   before  a  man  named 

Nahum.  In  Micah  6:8  we  read  the  classic  verse,  "He  hath  shewed  thee,  0  man, 
what  is  good;  and  what  doth  the  Lord  renuire  of  thee,  but  to  do  -Justly  and 
to  love  mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly  with  thv  God." 


-4- 

The  first  thing  in  that  verse  is  "to  do  justly."  That  mean.^  we  are  to  act 

righteous.   The  word  in  the  Old  Testament  meant  action,  not  attitude.   It  say£ 

"to  do,"  which  means  to  ] ive  it,  not  just  think  it,  or  believe  you  have  it. 

Jesus  dealt  with  this  all  the  time  and  in  Matthew  5:8-9,  (read  these),  He  was 

telling  them  that  God  could  raise  up  other  robots  if  He  wanted  to,  just  like 

them.   But  this  isn't  what  "od  wants.   He  wants  people  who  know  they  have  beei 

made  righteous  through  the  sacrifice  and  death  of  Jesus  Christ,  through  His 

shed  blood;  and  then  show  forth  that  righteousness  in  action/  That  is,  in 

deeds,  in  our  actions  toward  other",  our  dealings  with  them,  our  ethics,  our 

morals,  in  everything. 

\nd  then  we  are  "To  love  mercy."   OWhat  Does  Tour  life  Depend  On?"   Have  you 

figured  it  out  yet?   It  is  dependent  upon  "MERCY."   Mercy  is  what  we  have  beei 

reading  about  in  this  parable.   It  is  God's  mercy  which  saves  us;  it  is  His 

mecry  which  sustains  us;  and  it  is  Hir  mercy  which  keeps  us  in  His  love. 

And  if  we  know  this  mercy  as  a  reality  in  our  lives  then  we  will  be  doing 

justly,  we  will  be  walking  humbly  with  our  God  and  it  will  all  be  because  we 

love  the  mercy  '"od  has  given  to  us . 

T,  is  is  where  the  question  Jesus  asked  in  this  parable  fits  in.   "Fhc-uldest 
not  thou  also  have  had  compassion  on  thy  fellowservant  as  I  had  pity  on  thee"! 

It  is  mercy  we  want,  «nd  mercy  we  need,  but  we  are  mostly  unwillin"  to  give 
it  to  others. 

Grace  is  God's  unearned,  unmerited  love  for  us  and  this  is  shown  in  the  free 
£ift  of  salvation  through  Jesus  Christ.   But  mercy  is  what  7mxtXKSXxsx«wx.Am 
nDtx&ffKEXxK  keeps  us  from  getting  what  we  deserve.   Every  one  of  us  as  humans 
are  deserving  of  the  fire  of  hell.   But  rTOd  has  intervened  and  provided  man- 
kind with  His  mertSy  through  His  Grace ,  His  free  gift  of  salvation  through 
Christ. 

(Illustration  of  Sandra  and  her  act  of  mercy) 

Sandra  and  Tom  had  been  married  for  8  years.   It  was  a  stormy  marriage  but 
they  had  never  talked  of  divorce  or  going  their  separate  ways.   But  one 
day,  Sandra  couldn't  believe  what  she  was  hearing.  Tom  wanted  out,  he 
wanted  a  divorce.   For  11  Ions-  years  ^'andra  lived  alone  and  those  years 
were  hard  on  her.  Tom  remarried  and  with  his  new  wife  he  had  5  children. 
Then  Tom  took  sick  and  hip  illness  was  terminal  and  he  died.   Sometime 
later,  ?andra  learned  that  Tom's  children  were  destitute  and  Tom's  second 
wife  was  unable  to  care  for  them,   oandra  faced  the  hardest  decision  of  her 
life.   Could  she  -  would  she-  for  Tom's  sake  -  ±kK  for  the  children's  sake 
-  for  Christ's  sake?   Bhe  decided  this  is  what  she  had  to  do  and  so  she 
took  all  three  of  the  children  and  raised  them  as  her  own. 

Our  lives  depend  on  Mercy.   God's  mercy!   ''/ere  it  not  for  His  love  we  would 
get  what  we  deserve  and  that  is  hellf ire !   Separation  from  Him  for  all  etern- 
ity.  But  He  reached  out  in  Mercy  and  enveloped  us  in  the  loving  arms  of  a 
Savior  to  bring  us  into  the  fold.   Do  you  know  what  your  life  depends  on? 
And  are  you  willing  to  show  Mercy  to  others  as  it  has  been  shown  unto  you? 


St,  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  June  16, 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Kelly  Mangel,  Acolyte 


+  + 


+  + 


+  +  +  +  + 


ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  10:00  A.M. 
Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 

Announcements  —  Elder  Richard  Mangel 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
♦Hymn  No,  595  "Lead  On,  0  King  Eternal" 
^Ascription 
♦Exhortation 
♦Confession  (In  Unison)  "Our  Father,  send  thy  Spirit 

with  fire  and  zeal  into  our  sinful  lives.   We  confess 
our  brokenness  in  thy  Church;  the  dissension  we  have 
perhaps  caused  by  unbelief,  or  disobedience  to  thy 
ward.   Grant  us  a  new  spirit  to  live  for  thee  and  to 
overcome  the  temptations  we  so  often  fall  victim  to; 
cleanse  us  and  forgive  us  again.   Through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord  and  Saviour.       A-  -:. . 
♦Kyrie 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 
*Praise;   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever* 
"Gloria  Patri  -  age  142 
Hymn  No,  611  "Precious  Lord,  Take  My  Hand" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 
Offertory 
♦Doxology  -  page  382 
Dedication  of  Staff  far  Vacation  Bible  School 
Dedication  of  Gifts  and  Food  for  Tornado  Relief 
Anthem:  "This  Little  Child" 
Scripture:   Matthew  16:  24-43 
Sermon:   "Duplicating  the  Model" 
♦Closing  Hymn  Mo,  502   "I'll  Go  Where  You  Want  Ke  To  Go" 
♦Benediction 
^Closing  Chimes 
*Postlude 
+  +  +  *         "-Congregation  Standing      +  #  +  +  + 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Ruth  Davies  in  loving  memory  of  June  Davies. 
Mrs.  Ann  Williams  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 

door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are:  Rob  Vinroft,  Bob  Dellen,  Randy 

Deilen  and  Kevin  Snyder. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Cathy  Sheppeck. 
Lloyd  Link  and  Marty  Henry  will  be  visiting  the  hospital 

this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  94  with  5  visitors. 
Hospitalized:  Gottlob  Kradel  and  Mrs,  Elms  Robinson  in  BMH 

Kevin  Snyder  in  VA  Hospital. 
MONDAY  THROUGH  FRIDAY  -  Vacation  Bible  School  7-9  P.M 
THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 

NEXT  SUNDAY  15  CHURCH  IN  THE  PARK  at  11:00  a.m.   Please 
make  plans  to  join  in  with  us  for  a  full  day  of  fun 
and  fellowship  after  the  worship  service.   Bring  a 
tureen,  table  service  and  a  full  picnic  basket.  The 
meat,  beverage,  and  dessert  are  provided  by  the  Lay, 
Life  and  Work  Committee.   See  you  there! 

REGISTER  FOR  VBS  is  still  open.   You  may  sign  up  in  the 
office. 

COOKIES,  COOKIES  AND  MORE  COOKIES  are  needed  for  refresh- 
ments for  VBS.   Please  take  a  minute  and  sign  up  In 
the  Narthex  or  in  the  office. 

CONCORDANCES  are  still  available  in  the  office.   The 

price  is  $2,00.   You  may  get  them  after  or  before  church. 


fflDAYj^ 


Scripture:  Matthew  lfiP^-PB 

(Ilua  Perfect  Rappneaa/liiabandVwife} 

Questin  bout  wheaties  -  Brfst  Chnpinfl???? 

(Ilua  Lou  Gehrig  died  June  2/%l  -  Pride  of  th/Yankeeo) 

f,,lua  Steve  Harvey  -  Hr.  clean  7  few  othrs) 

lus  boy  want  liv  Pgh  Piwteo-get  hi, cant  beat  anybody) 
Thai  heroes  our  kids  2flny  -  Majric  Johnson?* 
if  auk  who  hero  -  ANSHS«Rap  frpe/Wadonna 

%thoi  seek  purp/mean  Mif  -  JESUS 
ONLY  PESSN  LIF  INFLU  REKN  OF  TIM  -  SC  &   AD  *ANNO  DOMINI -YF  LOU 
HE  TH/MCDEL  WE  SHOD  DUPLICATE 

VS  2\-  3THING  HEQUIS  BT  TH/L  8,  ALT,  INTB  TWIN 

ENG/GSK   S,   PHOB  TSANSL 
CUM   AFTR  ME  -   ENG   -FOLLOW 

GRK   .CUM  BHIND/2  TH/HEAR/BAKWARDS 
2DO  £0  PESSN   LIF  CONTORMTT  W/JS,G0  THRU   SAME  HIM 
LIT  SELFLES   LIF.GIV   2NEEDS   HANK 
VS   ali.DENY   SELT-*GET  ME,ME,ME 
(Ilua   *irl  cosmetics  5-   BCUZ  I'M  WORTH   IT) 

ONSCHIP  t,   WORLDIY  t,   IMPLICSTIN  -I'M  SFECIL.D  R  BOT 
t>  GAL  2:20  -  SELF-DENIAL 

VS  ?4*TAK  ITP  CROSS   '-EXAMPL  LAW  !.  CHOSS  HER   HUSH 
CROSS»MEANSLIF  OF  SERV  WHES  G  WANTS  IT 
WORL  SHOTS   PS   TOPS   IN  BtTSNES/PROFESINS.ETC 
BUT  JS  TALK  BOUT  PLAIN   EVFDAY  PEO  PLOD  AL0150  S,   SERV  W/NO  NOTOR- 
IETY, PPBLICTY   -  JUS   SERV 

CROSS  BEAR  TALK  BOUT  PHIL  f     3:7-10 
VS   2*. AND  FOLLOW  ME 
FOLO.DENOT  ACTIN  OF  HAN   ANSR  CAL  OF  JS  WHOS  WHOL  IF  REDIBECTD 
OBED  TO  HIM 

MOST  OFT  OK  -   ClLUS   I'LL  00  WHER  WANT  ME  TO  GO.ETC-UNK  AUTHS) 
(ILS  SIR  JN  BARBIROLLI.SYMPH  S-  CHURCH) 
JS  ASK  THIS   TTP  DISCIPLIN/DISCIPSHIP 

HE   INVIT   LIV   LIF  AS  HE  D1D/C0MIT  ALL  TO  HIS  CUASE  t,   DUPLICATE 

HIM  AS  OUR  MODEL 

IN   BOOK-OUT  OF  MY   THESURE  VOL  III   READ  OF  JS-(HEAD  THIS) 
cOME    LET  US  FOLLOW    IN   THE   FOOTSTEPS   OF  JESUS  t  !  ! 


I'll  go  where  You  want  me  to  ro,   dear  Lord; 

Real  service  is  what  1  desire ; 
I'll  say  what  You  want  me  to  say,  dear  lord  - 

Put  don't  ask  ne  to  sin-  in  the  choir, 

"•X   say  what  Yon  want  me  to  say,  dear  lord; 
like  to  see  things  come  to  pass; 
on't  ask  me  to  traoh  boys  and  girls,  deer  Lord- 
I  'd  rather  stay  in  my  class . 


■ord 


I'll  do  what  You  want  me  to  do,  dear  lord; 

I  yearn  for  Thy  Kinrdoir  to  thrive; 
I'll  five  You  my  nickels  and  dimes,  dear  I 

But  please  don't  ask  me  to  tithe. 

I'll  g-o  where  You  want  me  to  go,    Dear  lord; 

I'll  say  what  You  want  me  to  say; 
I'm  busy  just  now  with  myself,  dear  Lord  - 

I'll  help  You  some  other  day. 


He  put  on  humanity  that  we  mifht  have  divinity. 
He  became  the  Eon  of  Kan  that  we  night  h<*come 
sons  of  God. 

In  infancy,  He  startled  a  kinr; 

In  boyhood,  Be  puzzled  the  doctors; 

In  manhood,  He  Ruled  the  course  of  nature. 
He  never  wrote  a  book,  yet  all  the  libraries  cannot 

hold  the  books  written  about  F!imT... 
ie  never  wrote  a  song;,  yet  He  is  the  theme  of  more 

=onps  than  all  other  subjects  combined.... 
He  never  practiced  medicine  ,  yet  He  healed  more 

broken  bodies 

broken  hearts  than  all  the  doctors  who  ever  liv« 
Great  men  have  come  and  pone,  but  He  lives  on! 

Herod  could  not  kill  Him; 

Satan  could  not  seduce  Him; 

Death  could  not  connuer  Him; 

The  wave  could  not  hold  Him. 
Truly  He  E  ?he  incomparable  Christ. 

-Out  Of  Ivy  Treasure,  Vol  III  - 

'  IS  t-HF  FOOTSTEPS  OF  JE  "" 


I 


■■■nner  many  customs  war   mean  z/ 

( Ex=wonian  &  husband    is    cross 

o  Matre   G  -'+15313   choic 
cross   Js   talk  bout   ir   lif   ofi   -orv   no   mattr 

&  C  evrthin  gear  ^success 

'.      shown  top  Drs, executive, grt   lawyrs, judges   etc 
Bu*   ther   thoz   all  walks  work  day  by  day, plod   long,   & 
do    job   no   fanfare=hundreds , thousands , millions   work 
as   shud   Sc  no  recog,no  notic   in  papr  or  TV 

Js   no   talk   bout    suprstar   Xpians   paracl    TV   nets 
He   talk  of  all  littl  teachrs ,preachrs ,workrs  vt  all 
kiaix  eldrs/deacs ,Ghe   ovrlk  peon   about   His  busnes 

Cros  bear  cum  from  lif   liv   in  Xp  H  P  writ=Fhil  3:710 
Now  aftr   Js   tel  deny  self,pifr  up  cros=now   say 
FOLLOW  ME: this  nos  dif  part 

J'olo-denot   actio  man  anser  cal  of   Js  whos  whol  lif  Si: 
direc   in  obed  2  Him 

but  how  oft  the  case? 

(Ilu3  I'll  po  wher  want  me  ^Vo,  except) 
Cant  we  C  truth  here? 

(114s    -.ir   in.  Parblrolli  5  pastr  no  fil  hell  lik  him) 
Js   ask  4this   typ  disclplin;4this  kind   diecipleship 

His   invit   is  21iv  lif   as  Pe   liv  it;    ?comit   our  all 

to  His  caus 

,-.     ?   ?Duplicate   Film,    our   -lodel 
(,'ead   out   of   Hy  Treasui'e^He  put  on  humanty ,etc,etc) 

JESUS. 


-■  r -j       • w       >  kuuc  J. 

,  Tcrip:    Mt .    16:24-?8 

Xllus   perf  hapnes  a  husband   -  or  wife  Fathrs     i„ 

v??™?^  hTt  WhB**S'?l    NP*   punchy, toasty.roasty  nu" 
vitmins  aded-I  mean  old   Vheatys-pour  milk   on   ■■    1iiq 
lay    in  bowl   Ik  stupid  ° 

p s    boa        baseball   players? 
(IaOS   my  hero  Lou  e;ehrio-,d,Y    Jun  ?/41    ) 

!But   all  heroes  dy  soonr/la'tr 
Bsk  then  wer  real  hero  Ik  upP=Esanp  r  tev   -,arw 
He   is  exceptin  2day,S  mos   lik  storv'herd  this  wk 
Ulus   boy  custody       want   Firates-FTirh  £   cant  beat  any 
&  stranp-ly   enuf   thez   hero  ynp  peop   Ik  up   3  _  p^av 

nor  imoral, wired, stupid  hairdo, dres ,mor  luv  worship 
sing  indecent   sonSs  ,do   indecent   fryratins  ,hav  low  raorl 
!liv   imoraly  I    p]  ■■   ra7   notic„    ^^ L 

Jus   wat   is   a  hero?     'at  deterw  model   'B  Ik  to   Si  folo' 
In   sec   worl  ansers  wudB-Heatles  ,  :rinz  ,  Madonna 

uest   of  thoz   seek  mean/purp  41if       anser- Jeans 
Js    is   only    rersn  walk  erth   %    made  impso   He   did 
Birth  afec  reckon  of   time-FA   cane   re^kon-BC 
AJtr  deth   tiire    is    AD   or,    Yr   of   our   Irrd 
'-ts   lk  at   wat  made/makes   Hia-Model  we    phud  Duplies 
pernap  bes   statmen  giv   by    Js   Himself=vs   ?&    c'crip 
Jthing  requlr  by  I    this   statemen.but  all   intertwin 
in  p»>rsn  wtin   made    statement 
Js  no  apk  nice   of  aiseipship.out   issu   chalenf  which 
deman  totl .undisputed  comitment 
words   soun  so   inofensiv  &  this   Bcuz  prob   translatin 
I.o  hav  deep, rich   mean   in      c    lii       hav    in   "*-eek 
closea    Eng   can  cum   Pthis 
-    mean=wud    say-   to   follow   8   that   not   hard 
,    rear ,bakwsrds 
It   no  deal w/positin   in   lif    it   pt  out, anvi.no   natts 
nt   folo   -Ts   inus   ^-e<:   2i>ear,Bhin,curi  "hin  T'iir 
I'olowrs   lif  musF  in  confer  »i]     ;0   thru   same 

thin:     Js  did    if   needB 

elf .self -ltr,ambitins  tself 
iv_of  tiae/abil  ■   set  4th 

by  say=If  any  man  wil   cum  aftr   Me 

persn  mus    O.ny     ;elf=los   site   l's   ambitins.self-intres 
one  's     elf  6  Brin  care  I  tea 

,      ,l  this  wat  worl   teach   us 

comercials  lipstifc,eyma1crttp-  '~     orth  it] 

this   unscrip,it  worldly   "   raor    oft   ■■  -  ,■       raBny 

^pians   c?ut   up   in  it 

It   imply   I'm  specil  &  U   ?  not 
Inste  3al  ?:?0=P 

Wfat 


Community  Bible  Church  -  Sagamore,  Pa.  July  19,1992 

Prelude 

Greetings/joys/Announcemente/prayer  Requests 

New  Members  next  week  -  July  26 
Picnic  C  : '  ' 


Call  To  Worship: 

KK1  GOD  BE  MERCIFUL  TO  US  AND  BLESS  US:  AND  CAUSE 
HIS  FACE  TO  SHINE  UPON  US: 
THAT  THY  WAY  MAY  BE  KNOW  UPON  EARTH, 
THY  SAVING  HEALTH  AMONG  ALL  NATIONS. 
LET  THE  PEOPLE  PRAISE  THEE,  0  GOD: 
LET  ALL  THE  PEOPLE  PRAISE  THEE.   PSALM  67:1-? 
•Hymn 

Offering/Prayer 
*Doxology 
Pastoral  Prayer 
Hymn 

Scripture:  Matthew  l6:2*»-28 

Sermon:  "Duplicating  The  Model"  St.  Paul's  Butler 

bf&m 

•-Jediction  </A/*T 

•Postlude 


ft*  /i-A 


" Duplicating  The  Model" 

Scripture:  Matthew  16:24-28 

(Illustration  of  perfect  happiness  of  a  husband/wife) 

Do  you  know  the  definition  of  perfect  hapjiimess  for  a  husband? 
It  is  when  he  opens  the  refrigerator  and  sees  his  wife  's  picture  on  the 
milk  carton. 

You  husbands  whose  wives  are  not  here  can  share  that  with  them  and  you 
wives  whose  husbands  are  not  here  can  adapt  that  at  home .   "But  I  cannot 
be  held  responsible  for  the  consequences,  just  tell  anyone  that  Paul  .nest- 
coat  gave  us  that  one,    I  just  threw  it  in  for  Father's  Day. 

How  many  of  you  remember  Wheaties,  the  Breakfast  of  C,  ampions?   I  don't  mean 

the  new  roastier,  toastier,  vitamin  packed  cariety,  I'm  talking  about  the 

Wheaties  of  old,*tait  the  Wheaties  you  poured  the  milk  on  and  didn't  speak  to 

you,  or  make  noises,  but  just  kind  of  laid  there  in  the  low!  and  looked  stupi 

How  many  of  you  kind  of  grew  up  with  them?  Good!   Then  I'm  sure  you  can  thin 

back  with  me  to  the  days  of  yesteryear  when  those  boxes  held  the  pictures  of 

some  of  the  heroes  of  baseball. 

(Illustration  of  Lou  Gehrig  as  my  boyhoos  hero) 

I  can  remember  the  beginning  of  the  summer  of  the  year  which  saw  the  United 
ctates  plunged  into  war.   The  date  was  June  3,  1941.   I  was  home  from 
school  and  sick  in  bei  with  the  flu  or  3C  i<     '  thing.  The  afternoon  pape 
arrived  and  my  mother  broup-ht  it  to  me  and  I  immediately  turned  to  the 
sports  pages  to  sis  read  about  my  favorite  sport  baseball.   On  that  sports 
page  was  spread  the  story  and  history  of  one  of  my  heroes,  because  on  the 
day  before,  June  ?nd ,  he  had  died.   T>,e  man  was  called  "^e  Iron  Horse"  and 
death  had  finally  released  him  from  an  incurable  crippling  nerve  and  muscle 
disease.   He  had  played  in  ?,130  consecutive  games  before  beinr-  felled  by 
the  crippler;  a  record  that  will  probably  never  be  beaten.   But  as  it  cones 
to  all  men,  death  had  taken  the  life  of  Lou  Gehrig,  the  pride  of  the  Yankee 

But  heroes  all  die  sooner  or  later,   '"ome  die  through  death,  and  others  fade 

from  sight.   But  in  my  generation  men  like  Lou  Gehrig  were  not  the  exception, 

they  were  mostly  the  rule.   They  were  genuine  heroes  a  boy  or  girl  could  look 

up  to.  Today,  there  is  only  a  handful  of  baseball  players  that  could  ever  fi 

this  imare.   One  of  them  is  sum  a  player  named  Steve  Harvey  whom  the  press  ha 

named  "Mr.  Glean."  He  received  this  name  because  he  doesn't  drink,  or  smoke, 

and  he  will  spend  endless  time  sin-nin^  autographs  for  all  his  fans  wherever 

.'  "re,      he  is  b      option  and  most  are  somewhat  like  a  story  I  heard: 
(Illustration  of  younr^  boy  and  parents  getting  divorce  and  custody  hearing) 
you  i  boy's  parents  were  getting  a  divorce  and  a  custody  hearing  was 
being  held  in  front  of  a  local  juage .   The  judge  asked  the  boy  if  he  wanted 
to  live  w3:'       ther.  k       lid,  '        honor,  I  don't  want  to  live  wit 
him,  he  will  beat  me."   "Well,  do  you  want  to  live  with  your  mother?"  he 
asked.   "Ho  your  honor,  my  mother  will  beat  me  too."   "Well,  what  are  we 
going  to  do  with  you?"  The  boy  answered,  "Let  me  go  live  with  the  Pitts- 
burgh Pirates,  They  get  high  and  can't  beat  anybody," 

And  strangely  enough,  these  are  the  heroes  many  of  our  young  people  look  up 
to.  The  more  immoral,  or  wierd,  the  more  fans  they  have.  Many  people,  not 
only  young  people  are  worshiping  the  freaks  and  monsters  of  our  society  who 
sing  indecent  songs,  ymxr  make  obscene  gyrations  and  motions,  and  do  every- 
thing they  can  which  is  against  all  morals  and  principles,  and  they  play  to 
packed  houses.  £bx±  For  all  of  this  they  receive  rave  notices  from  the  news 


-2- 

media  and  their  myriad  fans. 

But  just  what  is  a  hero?  What  determines  the  model  to  be  looked  up  to  and  to 
be  followed?   If  we  ask  thic  question  in  the  secular  world,  the  answers  would 
I robably  vary  from  the  Beetles,  to  Irinz  or  Madonna.   But  if  you  ask  that 
question  of  those  who  are  truly  peeking  meaning  and   urpo.se  in  thpir  lives,  Si 
the  only  answer  that  can  be  ^iven  is  "JESOSr"   Jesus  is  the  only  person  who 
ever  walked  this  earth  to  make  the  las  ing  impact  He  did.   He  is  the  only  one 
whose  3cx±±ii  birth  has  influenced  the  reckoning  of  time.   Before  T"e  came,  the 
time  was  reckoned  by  B.C.  or  before  Hia  birth.   After  His  birth,  it  becomes, 

,D«,  or  "In  the  year  of  our  lord,"   There  are  other  things  which  He  did  to 
make  a  lasting  impact  on  the  world,  but  let's  just  look  at  what  made,  or 
makes  Him  the  Model  we  should  duplicate. 

Perhaps  the  best  statement  to  summarize  His  rifht  to  be  a  model  for  all  man- 
kind is  given  by  Jesus  Himself  as  found  in  the  24-th  verse  of  our  Scripture. 

He  said,  "If  any  man  will  come  after  He,  let  him  deny  himself,  and  take  up 
his  cross  and  follow  He." 

There  are  three  things  which  are  required  by  the  Lord  in  this  statement,  but 

all  of  them  are  intertwined  in  the  person  who  is  making  the  statement.   Jesus 

was  not  just  sayinp-  a  nice  sounding  phrase  concerning  discioleshio .   Instead, 
issuing  ,  ft'  ciu, 

He  was  stixxxii  a  challenge  which  If  followed  completely , as  it  should  be,  de- 
mands total  and  undisputed  commitment.   How  the  words  sound  so  unoffensive 
and  unbinding.   But  that  is  one  of  the  problems  of  translation.   In  striving 
to  taave  the  sa±$±7mir&Twwk.   English  version  make  sense  the  true  and  deep  mean- 
ing of  the  words  and  phrases  are  often  distorted.   Please  note  the  beginning 
of  this  24th  verse.   The  very  closest  the  English  can  come  to  the  Greek  is, 
"If  any  man  will,"   and  it  is  the  next  words  that  are  important,  "If  any  man 
will  COME  AFTER  ME."   The  very  closest  we  can  come  to  the  original  Greek  is 
our  English,  "COME  AFTER  ME."   i'Jow  that  may  not  seem  so  important,  because  if 
we  asked  what  this  means  in  anp-lish  we  would  all  say  without  hesitation,  "It 
means  to  follow,"  and  this  is  absolutely  correct.   But  in  the  Greek  the  say- 
ing goes  much,  much  deeper.   v/hen  Jesus  says,  "Come  after  me,"  He  was  actually 
saying  that  anyone  who  wanted  to  be  a  disciple,  or  a  follower  of  Him,  that 
person  had  "come  behind"  Him,  or  be  "behind,  to  the  rear,  backwards."  The 
phrase  in  English  is  hxkkz!*:  an  adverb  in  Greek  jcaauEoqis;  speaking  of  place. 
It'e  not  dealing  with  position  or  station  in  life.   That  has  nothing  to  do 
with  it.   It  is  merely  pointing  out  that  MJTOHE,  no  matter  who,  if  that  per- 
son wants  to  follow  Jesus,  that  person  must  get  to  the  rear,  must  be  behind, 
must  come  behind  Him.   in  order  to  do  this,  bhx-  the  follower's  life  must  be 
in  conformity  with  that  of  Jesus.   The  follower  must  be  willing  to  go  through 
the  same  things  which  Jesus  did  if  need  be.   Tuat  is  givinr  up  selfish  am- 
bitions and  surrendering  tobthe  complete  will  of  Oodj  living  a  selfless  life- 


-7,- 

giving  of  endless  time  and  ability  to  and  for  the  needs  of  mankind,  Jesus 
sets  forth  here  the  Dnpfsieation  of  the  xiBKii  Model  by  setting  forth  the  in- 
vitation, "If  any  man  will  come  after  Me." 

Then  He  rives  three  specifics  in  doing  this.   First,  the  person  must  "deny 
himself."   This  means  to  forcet  one-'s  self;  to  lose  sight  of  one's  ambitions 
or  self-interests.   It  means  to  herin  to  live  thinking  3nd  caring  for  others 
and  forgetting  ME,  ME,  ME.   But  is  this  what  the  world  teaches  today? 
see  it,  and  hear  it,  and  read  it  that  we  are  to  look  out  for  number  One  and 
that  is  me.   We  only  need  to  see  the  TV  commercials  to  realize  this.   One  of 
them  which  is  prominent  today  has  to  do  with  a  certain  brand  of  cosmetics. 

advertise  the  latest  gunk  for  the  eyes  or  the  mouth  and  then  some  girl 
says  that  she  deserves  this  kind  of  junk  for  her  face,  "Because  I'm  worth  it.' 
How  that  isn't  Scriptural  at  all.   T>at  ia  worldly!   And  unfortunately,  the 
world!.     'ion  1b  heard  most  often.   Tvia  is  not  denyinr  anything.   Instead, 
it  is  demanding  what  is  rightfully  mine  because  I'm  someone  special  and  the 
implication  is  that  you  are  not.   "o  in  order  to  deny  ourselves  we  must  know 

ourselves.   I-aul  states  this  in  Galatains  ?:20,  "I  am  crucified  with  Christ: 
yet  not  I,  but  Christ  liveth  in  me:  and  the  life  which  I  now  live  in  the 
flesh  I  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Con  of  God,  who  loved  me,  --;:  1    v      telf 
for  me." 

It  is  a  denial  that  I  am  of  importance  and  the  exaltation  of  the  One  i  hi  :' 
'  i  ,  ?ta  i  b . 

T^en  Jesus  said  the  Duplicator  of  the  Model  musftake  up  his  cross."  There 
are  many  distortions  of  just  what  this  verse  means.   One  lady  wtos  told  me  thai 
her  cross  to  bear  through  life  was  her  husband  who  was  a  real  problem.   But 
that  is  not  true,   we  can  choose  situations  like  that  simply  by  making  a  bad 
choice  for  a  life  partner  and  we  dannot  blame  that  on  God.   The  cross  Jesus 
is  talking  about  is  a  life  of  service  wkKExxExxieHxxs  which  entails  continuing 
in  that  service  even  when  it  presents  problems  and  difficulties,  but  you  con- 
tinue because  you  know  this  is  where  God  wants  you.  Once  again  when  we  look 
at  things  from  the  perspective  of  the  world  we  see  that  everything  is  geared 
toward  success.   Do  matter  the  job  or  the  profession,  we  are  always  reminded 
of  the  people  at  the  top  who  have  truly  succeeded.   We  are  tsdbfxBfxtfex  shown 
the  great  surgeons,  the  top  lawyers,  the  best  dentists,  the  top  notch  financ- 
ial wizards  and  so  on.   But  in  each  profession  there  are  those  who  are  method- 
ically working  along  and  plodding  step  by  step,  day  by  day,  who  never  receive 
billing.   And  after  all,  who  is  more  important?   Is  it  the  one  person  who 
is  singled  out  for  recognition?   Or  is  it  the  hundreds,  perhaps  thousands,  or 
even  millions  who  are  ouietly  performing  the  necessary  tasks  who  never  re- 
ceive a    line  in  a  newspaper  or  magazine?   .Tesus  wasn't  balking  about  super- 
star Christians  paraded  on  all  the  TV  networks  ^s  examples  of  cross-bearing. 
He  was  talking  of  xkK  all  the  little  teachers  and  preachers,  all  of  the  little 


-4- 

elders  and  deacons,  all  of  the  little  teachers  and  helpers,  all  of  the  common, 

ordinary,  often  overlooked  people  who  are  about  His  business.   The  cross- 

_  bearing  He  is  talking  about  comes  from  a  life  that  is  lived  in  Christ.   Paul 

tells  us  this  in  his  letter  to  the  ryilippians  5:?-10,  (read  these  verses). 

After  Jesus  has  pointed  out  a  person  must  deny  himself,  and  then  take  up  his 

cross,  He  adds, "and  follow  He."   Tfcis  ia  the  most  difficult  part.    The  word 

"follow"  denotes  the  action  of  a  man  answering  the  call  of  Jesus  whose  whole 

life  is  redirected  in  obedience  to  Him.   Hut  how  often  is  this  the  case? 

Isn't  it  more  often  like  the  lines  penned  by  an  unknown  author?  (read  this). 
(Illustration  of  I'll  r*o   where  you  want  me  to  pro,"  etc.) 
I'll  go  where  you  want  me  to  go,  dear  Lord; 

Real  service  is  what  I  desire; 
I'll  say  what  you  want  me  to  say,  dear  Lord  - 
But  don't  ask  me  to  sing  in  the  choir. 

I'll  say  what  y"ou  want  me  to  say,  dear  Lord; 

I  like  to  see  things  come  to  pass; 
But  don't  ask  me  to  teach  girls  and  boys,  dear  Lord  - 

I'd  rather  stay  in  my  class. 

I'll  do  what  You  want  me  to  do  dear  Eord ; 

I  yearn  for  Thy  Kingdom  to  thrive; 
I'll  give  You  my  nickels  and  dimes  dear  Lord  - 

But  please  don't  ask  me  to  tithe. 

I'll  go  where  You  want  me  to  o-o,  deer  Lord; 

I'll  say  what  you  want  me  to  say; 
I'm  busy  just  now  with  myself,  dear  Loed  - 

I'll  Qelp  You  some  other  day. 

Can't  we  see  the  truth  there? 

(Illustration  of  Sir  John  Barbirolli,  symphony  and  clergyman  asked  about 
filling  the  same  hall  as  he  did) 

several  years  ago  in  "ngland  Sir  John  Barbirolli  was  conducting  a  sym- 
phony orchestra  to  a  standing-  room  only  crowd  in  a  uninue  concert  hall. 
During  the  week  the  hall  was  used  for  secular  cultural  events ,  but  on 
Sunday  it  was  used  for  religious  services.   The  clergyman  who  was  to 
preach  there  the  next  day  was  present  at  the  concert.  Some  man  who  knew 
him  xxKxkiicxHE^xttexjTSK  was  seated  next  to  him.   So  he  thought  he  would  have 
a  little  fun  at  the  man's  expense.   He  leaned  over  and  said,  "Rev,  when 
are  you  going  to  fill  this  hall  on  lunday  the  way  T'ir  John  barbirolli  has 
djDne  tonight?"   T^e  minister  in  a  clear  voice,  looking  the  man  directly 
in  the  eye  said,  "I  will  fill  this  hall  on  Sunday  morning  when  you  will 
give  me  eighty-five  disciplined  men  and  women  like  -ir  John  has  had  this 
evening  to  work  with  him." 

Jesus  is  asking  for  this  kind  of  discipline,  for  this  kind  of  discipleship. 

His  invitation  is  to  live  life  as  He  lived  it;  to  commit  our  all  to  His  cause; 

and  to  Duplicate  Him,  our  Model.   In  a  book  entitled,  Out  Of  My  Treasure 

Volume  III,  we  read  of  Jesu1?  : 

He  put  on  humanity  that  we  might  have  divinity, 
e  became  the  Son  of  Man  that  we  mirht  become"  sons  of  God. 
In  infancy,  He  startled  a  king; 
In  boyhood,  He  puzzled  the  doctors; 
In  manhood,  He  ruled  the  c<      if  nature. 


-5- 

He  never  v;rote  a  book,  yet  all  the  libraries  cannot  hold  the  books  written 

about  Him .... 
He  never  wrt>te  a  song,  vet  He  is  the  theme  of  more  son^p  than  all  other 

subjects  combined.... 
He  never  practiced  medicine,  yet  He  healed  more  broken  bodies 

And  broken  hearts  than  all  the  doctors  who  ever  lived. 
Great  men  have  come  and   one,  tut  He  lives  on! 

Herod  could  not  kill  Him; 

!"atan  could  not  seduce  Him; 

Death  could  not  conquer  Him; 

The  grave  could  not  hold  Him, 
ily  He  IS  The  incomparable  Christ. 

COHE,..«let  us  follow  in  the  footsteps  of  Jesus. 


"CHURCH  IN  THE  PARK  -  June  23,  1935 

St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler ,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  ++-  +  +  +  +1-  +  +  +  +  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude 
•Ascription 
*Hymn  No.  363  "To  God  Be  The  Glory11 

To  God  be  the  glory  -  great  things  He  hath  done! 
So  loved  He  the  world  that  He  gave  us  His  Son, 
Who  yielded  His  life  an  atonement  for  sin, 
And  opened  the  lifegate  that  all  may  go  in. 

0  Perfect  redemption,  the  purchase  of  blood, 
To  every  believer  the  promise  of  God; 
The  vilest  offender  who  truly  believes, 
That  moment  from  Jesus,  a  pardon-  receives. 

Great  things  He  hath  taught  us,  great  things 

He  hath  done, 
And  great  our  rejoicing  through  Jesus  the  Son; 
But  purer,  and  higher,  and  greater  will  be 
Our  wonder,  our  transport,  when  Jesus  we  see* 
Chorus i 

Praise  the  Lord,  praise  the  Lord, 

Let  the  earth  hear  His  voice! 

Praise  the  Lord,  praise  the  Lord, 

Let  the  people  rejoice ! 

0  come  to  the  Father  thru  Jesus  the  Son, 

And  give  Him  the  glory  -  great  things  He  hath  done. 


*Call  to  Worship: 


♦Invocation 

Announcements, 


Pastor  -  Praise  ye  the  Lord!  Praise  0 

ye  servants  of  the  Lord,  praise  the 

name  of  the  Lord! 
People  -  Blessed  be  the  Name  of  the 

Lord  from  this  time  forth  and  for 

evermore . 
All  -  From  the  rising  of  the  gun  unto  the 

going  down  of  the  same,  the  Lord's 

Name  is  to  be  praised. 

Joys,  and  Prayer  Requests 


Hymn  No.  98   "Great  is  Thy  Faithfulness" 


Great  Is  Thy  faithfulness,  0  God  my  Father, 
There  is  no  shadow  of  turning  with  thee; 
Thou  changest  not,  Thy   compassions,  they  fail  not; 
As  Thou  hast  been  Thou  forever  wilt  be. 

Summer  and  winter,  and  springtime  and  harvest, 
Sun,  moon,  and  stars  in  their  courses  above, 
Join  with  all  nature  in  manifold  witness 
To  Thy  great  faithfulness,  mercy  and  love. 

Pardon  for  sin  and  a.  peace  that  endure th, 
Thine  own  dear  presence  to  cheer  and  to  guide, 
Strength  for  today  and  bright  hope  for  tomorrow 
Blessing  all  mine,  with  ten  thousand  beside! 

Chorus: 

Great  is  Thy  faithfulness,  Great  is  Thy  faithfulness, 

Morning  by  morning  new  mercies  I  see; 

All  I  have  needed  Thy  hand  hath  provided  - 

Great  is  Thy  faithfulness,  Lord, unto  met      Amen* 

Morning  Prayers 

Offering 

Offertory 
*Doxolagy 

Scripture:   Matthew  20:  1-16 

Sermon:   "That's  Not  Fair,  Or  Is  It?" 

Prayer 
*Hymn  No.  92  "  The  Solid  Rock" 

tfy  hope  is  built  on  nothing  less 
Than  Jesus*  blood  and  righteousness; 
I  dare  not  trust  the  sweetest  frame, 
But  wholly  lean  on  Jesus'  nanu: . 

When  darkness  veils  His  lovely  face, 
I  rest  on  His  unchanging  grace; 
In  every  high  and  stormy  gale, 
My  anchor  holds  within  the  veil. 

His  oath,  His  covenant,  His  blood, 
Support  me  in  the  whelming  flood; 
When  all  around  my  soul  gives  way, 
He  then  is  all  my  hope  and  stay. 

When  He  shall  come  with  trumpet  sound, 
0  may  I  then  in  Him  be  found; 
Dressed  in  His  righteousness  alone, 
Faultless  to  stand  before  the  throne. 
Chorug :   ^printed  on  the  back) 


.(Ilus   shoppine:  -33  boy  w'non   8   push,      1  -  ins)c 

I  this  preuld   2  story    Jack  Nayhsll  wife 
(llua   Hayhall  wife»slaets, grocery   line) 
..:ere   eithr   incidents   f    i 
Of  corse   not! 

t  wat  cIue  :  2do   situ   lik  thea? 

tent   US   remevteT'he    las    shalG  1st,      Is1-    las 
'i  noz   kind   jeop  may  apear  get   away  ther  selfish, 
1  atitud, 
but  actul  dont 
.jumday  in  etern  thoz   who  hav  no   » r~u, push, shov, stam- 
ped 4  1st  plae  will"  ushr  in2  G's   presenc   ahed  of  the 
hovra 
"mt  ther  1  funtnr  thing   Js   pt  out  which  need  remem 
That   is  las   phras  v 
Js   sed«?or  nany  be  called , but   few  chosen 
word=CHCSEB  in  Gr»actu]  htadB  interj 

• :  1  HCS 
That  mean  many  peop  may  labor  0       1  •  ■  ,  few   R  of 

■-  ,  the   duality  which  -  c 
It  matr  litl  whethr   laoor  long/hard   L'i  ,      the 

Jny  cum  latelys    labor  -fshort   periud  tine, 
watevr  we  do  4   Him.wilB  reward   in  eternty  with  a- 

•i   8    faithfl  serv, en.tr    in^1    .ioy  of   lord 
choic  serve, lnsted   Ik  4wat 
is    f^ir,or   wat    la    cur    Pps   Boua    I  hsv   serv 

this   lif  we  bst  end   up  lo        ,  need  reman 

prop!  vr  we  fsel   lik 

losrs , 

: 
•;D  ,BUT  FE 


..crip:    Ht.   20il-l 
'(.Ilus   2childrn  fuss  ovr  piece   of  cake) 
Iant   I  Lol  of  childrn?    Khloh  only   goes   2prov 

only  childrn' act  lik  this -Hi  >ngl      P  kno/hear 

ai*  -lts=shud  tin  me  promot-I  was   is t, not  him  etc. 

i.    jry  old  as   creatin  in  fact, go  bak  Cain/'.bel 
It  isnt   fair   GtU  acpt   Abel  offr  &  not  raine»bludy  mesi 
U  dont  apreciat   ne        argumen  rt/wronr;/fair=end  murdr 

this  bakjrr  this   parbl   Js   tol  workrs   in  vinyard 
loes  bak  2-19th  chap  which  tel  rich   yng   man  cub  2    Js 
&  ask  bout  etern  lif  &  anser   Js   riv  2serv  amnk  nolik 

.ftr  ron,j3   say  Camel   8    neodl  ey  £   kingd    of  G 
pav  aiscips   sumth  think  boot  Ss  as   usul,ietr  hav 
Ci  ;ut  out 
vs   97=I'eter   ask 
Vss  28-?9=Js   anser   "   then   notic  wat   say  vs 

Here  was  His  thot  4-day, sumth  mak  them  think  '  in 

ordr   ilus  pt   tel  them  parabl 
: arabl   conern  rat   fairnes    in   lif=wat   fai*/wat   not? 
Man  own  vinyard  went  maktplac  hire   labrers   8  mktplac 
loci  unemploy  ofic 

Thoz.  no  stedy  employ  cum  w/tool   ."■  wait  213  hire   &  go 

rate  4-days    labr  was   penny  F    housholdr   hir  4"o  rate 
Examp  grap"harves   musB  dun  quikly  Bcuz  rain 

this  why  houshoadr  hire   others   at   9,12,3,"    5 
he   got   all   labrers    _■  ■  "  ?     at  '"'it1 

Custmary  6-2pay  labrers   8b   Jew  law  mandatory  cud  no 
hoi  bak  pay 

Chis  kep  eraployrs   cheat^steal/mak  interest 
Jo  paymastr  start   thoz  hire   5   "■■■  pay  "    disoips   prob 
a      sc"  2hear  1st  hired  richly  reward  Bcuz   long  day 
whil   othrs    only  work  partil  day, 

but    Js   sez=vs   10 

ny  stndrd  this   prosly  unfair    '    re-id=vs    11 
vs   12=they  reasoned   5    it  was   tru 

vs   13=vinyrd   ownr  remind  they  had   agree   ?this  w-?re 
vss   14-15-he   say  las  hire  also  had  famly  8    he  pay 

going-  wage   2evrl 
it   simpl   all  had  work  acomp  foal   &  ea  pd  Baffle 

i'-oE  hire  1st  contrac,thoz  latr  tol  wud  pay  rt 
ownr  viryrd  had  rt  pay  wat  thot  shud  "■    say  so=vs  15 

it   do  matr  who  did   mos  work, but  wat   ownr  wil  pay 
Bcuz  this, thoz  work  lonrr   nuest  fairnes   aranrment 
If  parabl  de^l   stric  secular  worl.workr  hav   le  it 

.    Js  talk  erthly  servic  which  wud3  reward   by  G 
in  hvn/    wil   Ik  this   in  ooment 
But    supos   this  wer   seculr   situitin,wud   it   B  fair: 
I  sur  wud   all  arree    it  wudnt 


VS  8«BGIN  WAAS  HIRD 

VS  9-PECEIV  PENNY 

VS  10=FIRST  EXPEC  MOE 

BY  ANY  STANDARD  UNFAIR  &  GRUMBL  -  VS  11-12  -WORK  12HRS 

V.  J.3-PRJCE  AGREED  ON 

VSS  1%-15»ALL  PAID  SAME  REGARDLES  HRS  WORK  -  PRICE  AGREED  TO 
NOT  MATTR  MOS  WORK  DUN,&  LNGR  WORKRS  QUESTIN  FAIRNES 

THIS  SECULR  SITU  S:  LK  AT  THIS  WAY  IS  IT  FAIR?? 
(ILUS  JERI  MAYHALL  WIF  JACK  MAYHALL  DIR  OF  NAVIGATORS) 
EITHR  INCIDENTS  FAIR? 
WAT  DUZ  G  WANT  US  TO  REMEMBR?  VS  16A 
SUMDAY  IN  ETHNTY  THOZ  MEEK  USHR  B%  PUSHRS  fc  SHOVRS 

VS  16B-GR  CHOSEN  -  CHOICE 
MANY  LABOR  k   THA.BUT  FEW  R  OF  CHOIC  VARIETY 
MATTR  LITTL  IF  LABOR  LNG.OR  JOHNY  CUM  LATELY 
WATEVER  DO  FOR  HIM  WILB  REWARD  W/WEL  DUN  GUD  FAITHFUL  SERVANT 
ENTER  INTO  THE  JOY  OF  THE  LORD 
NEED  2B  LK  2B  CHOIC  SERVS  RATHR  THAN  LK  WAT  FAIR, OF  GET  WAT  IS 
CUM  TO  ME  BCUZ  I  HAV  SEHVD 
THIS  LIF  MAY  ENDUP  LOSRS  BUT  NEED  HEAR  PROPH  WORDS  JS.VS  16 


THAT'S  NOT  FAIR,  OR  IS  IT? 
SCRIP:  MT  20:1-16 

(Hue  2  childrn  pc  of  cak  fc  Jlmy's  oldr  &  bigpr) 
AND  HE  ALWAYS  WILB  IF  U  KEEP  DOING  THIS 

C"   DRN  ONLY  ACT  LIK  THIS  -  RITE??  WRONG  1 ! 
AraJLTS:  I  WORK  HARDR  THAN  HIM;SHUD  HAV  GOT  PROM: HE  GOT  WAT  I  SHI 
BAK  TO  CAIN/ABEL  ARGUMEN  RT/WHONG, FAIRLY/UNFAIRLY  TREATD 
THIS  BAKGRND  THIS  PARBL 
BAK  TO  CHAP  19  fc  RICH  YNG  KAN  t  QUEST  ETHRL  LIF 
SEHV  MANK,NOT  ANSR  WANT  Sr  GO  WAY  SAD 
VSS  23-24-CAMEL  &  NEEDLE  EYE 

PETR  SEEM  HAV  FIGUE  CUT 

VS  27-EXPRES  SELF 

VSS  28-?9*JS  GIV  ANSR 

VS  30-THOT  FOR  TH/DAY,i  THEN  BGIN  TEL  STORY 

THIS  PARBL  CONCERN  MATTR  FAIRNES : WAT  FAIR  IN  LIF  &  WAT  NOT 
MAN  OWN  OKI  VINYRD  WENT  MRKPLAC  HIRE  LABRS 
MRKTPLAC  LOCAL  HNEMPLOY  OFFIC 
GO  RATE  WAS  ONE  PENNY  £  HIRE  FIRST  GRP  AT  GO  RATE 
GRAP  HARV  MUSB  HARV  END  SEPT  BCUZ  RAINY  SEASN  S-  RUIN  GRAPES 
TIM  OF  ESSENC 
OUT  AT  9,  12,  3,  t  AGIN  AT  5 
eustaarr  6  PAY  FOR  LABR  *•  JEW  LAW  DEMAN  PAY  END  DAY 


Community  Bible  Church  -  Saramore,  Pa.  July  26,  1992 


Prelude 

Greetings/joys/Announceraents/Praver  Requests 
New  Members  -  greet/welcome 
picnic  tonite  6  -  invitation 


Call  To  Worship; 

0  LET  THE  NATIONS  BE  GLAD  AND  SING  FOB  JOY: 
FOR  THOU  SHALT  JUDGE  THE  PEOPLE  RIGHTEOUSLY 
AND  GOVERN  THE  NATIONS  UPON  EARTH. 
LET  THE  PEOPLE  PRAISE  THEE,  0  GOD: 
LET  ALL  THE  PEOPLE  PRAISE  THEE. 
THEN  SHALL  THE  EARTH  YIELD  HER  INCREASE: 
AND  GOD,  EVEN  OUR  OWN  GOD,  SHALL  BLESS  US. 
GOD  SHALL  BLESS  US:  AND  ALL  THE  ENDS  OF  THE 
EARTH  SHALL  FEAR  HIM.   PSALM  6?: 4-7 
•Hymn 

C  f f eri  ng/Prayer 
JtesBpiXDiKxiifxitffNxmmiltinTC 
•Doxology 

eeeption  of  new  members 
'Pastoral  Prayer 
Hymn 

Scripture:  Matthew  20:1-16 

Sermon:  "That's  Not  Fair,  Or  Is  It?"  St.  Paul's,  Butler 

6/2V8<5 
*Hymn 

•Benediction 
•Postlude 


"That's  Not  Pair,  Or  Is  It?" 

Scripture :  Matthew  20 ; 1-16 

(Illustration  of  two  children  fussing  over  the  size  of  the  cake) 
±}CKEiks:z:xyHiHxi[BrxJntBXKfci±ctKEEx  A  mother  gave  each  of  her  two  children  a 
piece  of  cake.   The  little  girl  complained,  "It's  not  fair  Mommy,  you  gave 
Jimmy  a  bigger  riece  than  you  pave  me."    "Well,  you  must  remember  dear, 
Jimmy  is  older  and  bigger  than  you,"  the  mother  answered.   "Well,  at  that 
rate  he  always  will  be." 

I? n't  this  typical  of  children?   Which  only  goes  to  prove  that  only  child- 
ren act  like  this.   Right?   Wrong}   '„  know  this  and  hear  of  it  nuite  often 
among  adults.   "I  work  harder  than  him,  and  yet  he  rot  the  promotion." 
"He  got  what  I  should  have  gotten,"   The  story  is  as  old  as  creation.   In 
fact,  it  started  way  back  when  Gain  and  Abel  brought  their  offerings  to  the 
Lord.   "It  isn't  fair  "od,  how  come  y"ou  look  with  favor  upon  the  bloody 
sacrifice  Abel  brings,  but  You  don't  appreciate  mine?"  And  the  argument  of 
eight  and  wrongness,  of  being  fairly  or  unfairly  treated  began  and  ended 
with  the  murder  of  Abel  by  Gain,   And  this  is  the  background  of  this  parable 
Jesus  told  of  the  workers  in  the  vineyard.   It  roes  back  to  the  19th  chapter 
which  tells  of  9  rich  young  man  coming  to  Jesuc-  and  asking;  what  he  had  to  do 
to  inherit  eternal  life.   The  answer  Jesus  gave  was  to  serve  mankind  and 
this  was  not  the  naswer  he  wanted  to  hear.   So  he  went  away  sad  and  after  he 
had  gone  Jesus  remarked  that  it  would  be  easier  for  a  camel  to  go  through 
the  eye  of  a  needle  than  for  a  wkx  rich  man  to  enter  God's  kingdom,  '"his 
gave  the  disciples  somethin-  to  think  about  and  as  a  result  Peter  seemed  to 
have  it  all  figured  out  as  usual. 

oo  he  expressed  himself  by  saying,  (read  verse  2?),   And  Jesus  rave  him  the 
answer,  (read  verses  28-29).   And  then  notice  his  closing  remark  before 

begin?  to  tell  them  a  story:  He  says,  "But  many  that  are  first  shall  be  last 
and  the  last  shall  be  first." 

Here  wsfe  Ai   thoug]  t  for  the  day.  Something  to  make  them  think  2nd  in  odder 
to  illustrate  His  point  TJe  tells  them  the  parable.   How  the  parable  concerns 
the  matter  of  fairness.   [hat  is  fair  in  life  and  what  is  not'. 
Tve  man  who  owned  the  vineyard  went  to  the  marketplace  to  hire  laborers  . 
The  marketplace  at  that  time  was  the  local  unemployment  office.   Those  who 
were  not  steadily  employed  came  to  the  marketplace  with  their  tools  ready  to 
go  and  do  a  days  work  for  whoever  wanted  to  hire  them.   The  ~oinr  rate  for 
a  laborer  was  a  penny  .and  so  we  see  the  householder  hired  bhe  first  batch  at 
the  going  rate . 

But  in  this  part  of  the  world  we  are  bold  the  gr  kes  place  ax 

around  the  end  of  .  eptember  and  time  is  of  the  essence.   Because  at  this  time 
the  rainy  S€      starts  and  if  the  harvest  is  not  completed  before  the  rains, 
the  grape  crop  can  be  ruined.   3o  it  is  essential  that  when  the  harvest  be- 
gins, it  is  completed  as  quickly  as  possible.   And  this  is  exactly  what  this 


-2- 
househdilder  was  trying  to  do.   That  is  why  he  went  back  to  the  m       ice 

:     .1  .,  and  at  1?:0C  noon,  and  at  3:00,  and  again  at  5:00.  He   ot   11 
of  the  laborers  he  could  hire  to  get  the  grapes  harvested  that  day. 
So  as  was  customary  when  6:00  o'cloek  arrived  the  laborers  were  paid  for 
their  work.   The  Jewish  law  made  it  mandatory  that  anyone  hired  for  a  day's 
work,  receive  their  wages  when  the  day  was  over.  T]        those  •■/ho  hired 

he  -on?-  le     ;ed  for  wages  and  -•   rning  interest 
on  it,  while  the  poor  laborer  didn't  have  enough  to  buy  Food  dt  . 
Eo  the  paymaster  started  with  the  men  who  had  been  hired  at  5:00  o'clock 
and  he  paid  each  of  them  the  going  rate  for  a  day's  work  and  that  was  a  pen- 
ny.  And  you  can  imagine  the  disciples  expecting  to  hearcthe  story  have  the 
logical  ending  of  the  first  laborers  being  richly  rewarded  because  they  had 
labored  all  day,  while  the  others  had  only  worked  a  partial  day.  But  Jesus 

says,  "But  when  the  first  came,  they  supposed  that  they  should  have  refiertfed 
more;  and  they  likewise  received  every  man  a  penny." 

Now  by  any  standard,  this  is  grossly  unfair  and  the  laborers  protested  and 

they  "murmured  against  the  goodman  cf  the  house,"  we  are  told. 

Then  they  reasoned,  "These  last  have  wrought  but  one  hour,  and  thou  hast  mad 
them  equal  unto  us,  which  have  borne  the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day." 

I,  -•  had  been  working  for  1?  hours  while  the  others  had  worked  a  partial  day 

x^E?cEXxraax:£KrxrgTC±Es£s8bc±k]£m  Then  the  vineyard  owner  reminded  them,  ""Friend, 
I  do  thee  nowrnn^  didst  thou  not  a~ree  with  me  for  a  pen:- 

They  were  paid  the  going  rate,  so  the;.'  weren't  cheated.   They  had  agreed  to 

work  for  that  wage .   And  he  also  reminded  them,  "Take  that  thiae  is,  an 
thy  way:  I  will  give  unto  this  last,  even  as  unto  thee.   Is  it  not  lawful 
for  me  to  do  what  I  vill  with  mine  own?" 

lie  was  saying  that  the  Inst  men  hired  had  families  to  feed  also  and  even 
though  they  had  only  worked  a  partial  day,  they  deserved  the  going  rate  as 
well.  It  asn't  the  amount  of  time  they  had  put  in,  nor  the  amount  of 
work  they  had  done.   It  was  simply  that  all  of  them  had  served  and  worked  to 
accomplish  the  real  and  for  that  each  of  them  was  paid  the  same.   Those  who 
were  hired  first  had  contracted  for  the  set  amount  and  the  others  hired 
later  had  been  told  they  would  receive  what  was  right,  with  no  amount  speci- 
fied. T,_e  owner  of  the  vineyard  had  the  ri^ht  to  pay  what  he  thought  should 

be  paid  and  this  is  what  he  expressed  in  the  15th  verse:  "Is  it  not  lawful 
for  me  to  do  what  I  will  with  mine  own? " 

It  isn't  a  matter  of  who  did  the  most  work,  but  what  the  owner  is  willing  to 
pay.  And  because  of  this  those  who  worked  the  longer  period  were  question- 
ing the  fairness  of  the  arrangement.  Now  if  this  parable  was  dealing  strict 
ly  with  the  secular  world,  the  workers  would  have  a  legitimate  gripe.  But 
Jesus  was  talking  of  earthly  service  which  would  be  rewarded  by  God  in  heave 
And  we  will  look  at  this  in  a  moment.  But  suppose  this  were  a  secular  situ- 
ation,  .vould  it  be  fair?   I  think  we  would  all  agree  that  it  wouldn't. 


-5- 

I  can  remember  back  when  I  was  a  kid  my  mother  would  take  my  brother  and  I 

with  her  to  the  large  department  stores  in  Pittsburgh  when  they  had  their 

super-dooper  sales.   Like  the  January  white  sales  and  so  on.   Many  of  you 

remember  them  I  am  sure.   I  can  remember  being  dragged  from  one  end  of  the 

counter  to  the  other,  because  she  insisted  we  stick  close,  (Child  kidnap 

was  taking  place  back  then  too),   and  the  women  were  rooting  and  pulling  at 

the  clothes  on  the  counter.   But  the  stores  have  learned  to  handle  this 

situation  differently  now.   First  they  have  bigper  stores,  and  then  they 

have  many  counters  with  the  merchandise  on  them  so  there  isn't  a  pushing  and 

pulling  contest  usually,   Tve  reason  I  mention  this  is  because  I  recently  ekj 

read  of  a  situation  which  happened  to  the  wife  of  J  ck  Kay hall  who  is  the 

Director  of  the  navigators  for  the  U.S.   He  tells  it  this  way: 
(Illustration  of  his  wife  and  a  pair  of  slacks;  and  the  grocery  line) 
Several  months  ago  in  a  large  mall  department  store,  my  wife  found  a  $23 
pair  of  slack?  -  just  what  she  had  been  looking  for  for  months  -  and  on 
sale  at  just  $12t   \s  she  stood  examining  the  garment,  a  lady  walked  up 
and  said,  "Here,  let  me  help  you,"  taking  the  slacks  ofit  of  her  hands. 
Then  the  woman  walked  toward  the  dressing  rooms,  and  she  said,  "If  they 
don't  fit  me,  you  can  have  them." 

Jeri  was  stunned  -  she  could  hardly  believe  her  eyes  and  ears !  Since  the 
lady  didn't  return,  Jeri  concluded  they  had  fit  and  that  the  woman  had  paid 
for  them  and  taken  them  home.  For  two  days  Jeri  battled  depression  ove  the 
disappointment.  IS  we  discussed  the  situation  we  both  came  to  the  conclus- 
ion that  meekness  is  perhaps  one  of  the  most  difficult  of  Christlike  traits 
to  develop. 

.everal  month?  later  Jeri  had  another  opportunity.  This  time  she  was  stand- 
ing in  a  supermarket  checkout  line  with  only  a  couple  items  in  her  hands. 
A  middle-aged  lady  with  a  grocery  cart  pulled  mp-not  behind  her-but  aloiv  - 
side  her.   after  a  couple  minutes  Jeri  felt  a  tap  on  her  shoulder  and 
turned  to  hear  the  lady  ask  in  a  gruff  tone,  "'.re  you  in  line?"   Then  Jeri 
answered  in  the  affirmative,  the  woman  angrily  replied,  "Well,  I'm  ahead 
of  you!"    'Aere  was  a  tremednous  urre  for  Jeri  to  ar~ue  with        an, 
and  "  >r  place."   -ut  ^11  of  a  sudden  rememberinr  the  principle, 

Jeri  said,  "OK,  if  it  is  that  ,  go  ahead."   At  which  the 

woman  said,  "It  is!"  and  pulled  ahead  without  flinching." 

Were  either  of  those  incidents  "Fair?"  Of  course  not!   But  what  does  God 

want  us  to  do  in  situations  like  these?   He  wants  us  to  remember,  "The  last 

shall  be  first,  and  the  first  last."   Those  kinds  of  people  may  appear  to 

get  away  with  their  selfish,  "Me  first"  attitudes.   But  actually  they  don't. 

Gomeday  in  eternity,  those  who  have  not  argued  and  pushed  and  stampeded  for 

first  place,  will  be  ushered  into  Hod's  presence  ahead  of  those  pushers  and 

shovers . 

But  there  is  one  further  thinr  Jesus  points  cut  which  we  need  to  remember, 

and  that  is  the  very  last  phrase  of  the  16th  verse.   Jesus  said,  "For  many 

be  called,  but  few  chosen,"   The  word  "chosen"  in  Greek  actually  means,  and 

should  be  interpreted  "Choice."  I  any  be  called,  but  few  are  "Choice." 

That  means  -hat  many  ^eople  may  labor  Per  the  lord,  but  few  of  them  are 

Of  the  Choice  variety,  the  quality  which  the  Lord  seeks.   It  matters  little 


-4- 

whether  we  labor  ion."-  and  hard  in  the  Lord's  vineyard  and  the  "Johnny  come 

lately "s"  labor  for  a  short  period  of  time.   "hatever  we  do  for  Him,  will  be 

rewarded  by  Him  in  eternity  with  a  "Well  done,  ~ood  and  faithful  servant, 
wnter  into  the  joy  of  the  Lord." 

./e  need  to  be  looking  to  be  His  Choice  servants,  instead  of  looking-  for 

what  is  "fair"  or  what  is  conin;  to  me,  because  I  have  served.   In  this  life 

we  may  end  up  like  losers  but  we  neeri  to  remember  the  prophetic  words  of 

Jesus  to  cheer  us  whenever  we  feel  like  losers,  "So  the  last  shall  be  first, 

and  the  first  last:  for  many  be  called,  but  few  "Choice." 


St*  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  June  30,  1985 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
John  PefkT'od,  Acolyte 
+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  10:00  A.M. 
Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
*Hymn  No.  335  "Praise  the  Lord!  Ye  Heavens  Adore  Him" 
*Ascription 
*Exhortation 

"Confession  (In  Unison)  "We  offer  to  thee,  0  Father, 
praise  for  the  gift  of  thy  Spirit.   We  are  made 
aware  that  your  love  is  given  to  us  in  many  ways. 
When  we  are  lonely,  when  we  are  filled  with  doubt, 
when  we  show  unbelief,  it  is  your  Spirit  that  fills 
us  with  your  truth.   And  when  we  burn  with  hatred,  o 
anger,  or  selfishness,  or  greed*  it  is  your  Spirit 
which  speaks  to  us  with  your  love.   Forgive  us,  and 
may  your  Spirit  live,  guide,  and  direct  us  in  all 
ways.  Through  Christ  our  Lord.        Amen.. 
*Kyrie 

♦Assurance  of  Pardon 
•Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever. 
•Gloria  Patri  -  age  142 
Hymn  No.  467  "Take  Thou  Our  Minds,  Dear  Lord" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 
Offertory 
*Doxology  -  page  332 
Scripture:   Matthew  21 i  33—46 
Sermon:   "Who  Will  Win?" 
♦Closing  Hymn  No.  497  "Like  a  River  Glorious" 
♦Benediction 
•Closing  Chimes 
*Postlude 

♦  *  *   f      *Congregation  Standing      +  +  +  +  +■ 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Charlie  Penar  in  loving  memory  of  Lula. 
Mr.  &  Mrs,  Robert  Dellen  will  greet  the  congregation 

at  the  door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Alvin  Tait,  Mike  Nazaruk,  Gottlob 

Kradel,  and  James  McClymonds. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs ♦  Cheryl  Metrick. 
Bob  Dellen  and  Dan  Bosko  will  be  visiting  the  hospital 

this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  at  the  Church  Picnic  in  the  Park 

was  86  with  2  visitors* 
Hospitalized;   BMH  Mrs.  Alice  Beatty 
WEDNESDAY  -  COUNCIL  MEETING  AT  7:00  P.M. 

THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 

Concordances  -  only  3  left  in  the  office.   They  are  $2.00 
each,  and  a  handy  reference  for  Bible  Study. 

Questions  have  been  raised  as  to  how  to  get  in  touch  with 
the  Janitor.   You  nay  contact  Emogene  Massey  at 
283-5604.   Her  number  is  also  posted  on  the  telephones 
in  the  church  and  hall. 


+  +  + 


+  + 


There  are  negative  words  that  are  harmful, 
There  are  positive  words  that  are  good, 
There  are  false  words  that  we  shouldn't  utter, 
And  helpful  words  that  we  should 

For  a  costly  gem,  or  a  lovely  bouquet, 
Perhaps  we  cannot  pay, 

But  we  can  express  a  beautiful  thought^ 
To  the  heart  of  a  friend  today. 


Have  a  safe  and  happy  Fourth  of  July!!!" 


> 


IX  rxns   te±,ds   no  yet   ^o   turn   or   esi  triaj./e->rec/otln2/ 

Dbut  4tel   u  the*    vin- 

ortara,relig  ldra  of  Isr 
vs  40=ask   que  E  b 
vs  41=  a  riser 

rly  ?this   is   nuot  farnij  1]    knu   Bcuz 

Halel  in  Tempi  wor   I 
>ortin  this   Fa   ahout   by  *»va   9 

Js  quot  vaa    '  '  -'       ■   o 
Here   proph   of   rejectin   Inp   34-   evr   ape  this 

rejeetin  tak  plac   then  in  Isr,Js   -.o&=\' 
"r  word  4natiu»ErHHB=fron  wh  ret  word*  ffthnic 

it  canB  use  both  'J-natin  5  Ax  of  a   peopl 
Jews   use  derop-torly  8x  "'refer  nentilea 
.iat    Js   3s--  in   of   G  pron   5:  reserv  4n-?tin   Isr, 

but   Bcuz   ther  cepartur  from  cov  relatsr.  ip,nothr  nati 

n  peopl  wud  receiv  prom 
As  histry  has  unfold   sinc,canC  Ch   •  Ompoa   mostly 

Gentils  has  reoeiv  that  blessing 
no  mean  G  thru  deal  w/Isr,4  He   is  not;,1us  mean  ther 
fulfil  no  tak  plac  as   ori^  prom, hut   nrue   wait  until 
they  cun  bnk   2   Him 
3h  brin  -  4th  fruts   as    Ja   sed.by  bring  nan"  peop  in? 
fold  of  all  races 
V8  44-=  Js   riv   proph   of   felf  &  wat   say-any 1  hear   m 
salvatin' thru   Js   :{p  &  aopt   as  L  &  ?av,that  persn  has 
fal  on  stop  Si  Eoum  brokn, 
l.ro..n  '(-that  persn   H  bonds=s in ,dath; thlnga   serrnt  fr  8 

that  rersn  now   has   aces   ?thron  Irac    '    cnt    ■■'  's    Son 
Cr,nversly=anyl  hear   mena-    salvatin   thru    Js    Kp  S  redec 
refus  2acpt  Xp,that  persn  has   ston  fal   on  bin       v.'il 
2powdr=means=rersn  wilB  seprat  fr  G  4eternty 
s^im  no  t-givnea    sins, no  eternl   lif  w/r.   &  wilT5  as 
powdr,as   nothing  in  cite   of  G 

man  pardn   '    no   acpt   it) 
Isnt  this   wav  tween  G  &  man'    In  His   grt   luv  4-U   I  e 
offrs   U  pardn, Orac.wholnes   of   lif=Ire   riv  U  fruts   of 
cros   but   quest   is=  vil  we  acpt   it? 

oli      ldl  oudnt   acpt,2t:  -    'comon, 

2ordnary  "3  prom'  Messiah   &  thus  read=vss  45-4-6 

wud  bide  time  until  conven  ?hav  Him  put  2deth 
but  meantime  wud   tolerat   r-   wud  do  wat   cud    ^discredit 
in  efee-aay   Efo  2   3  &  wat   ofr  in  this   Eron  1  of   Isr, 
ry   arron     r entiles 
Jews.manv  othr  re^eo;our  pro'  ",iec,in7te 

orr 
It   tak  nor  than   jus   say  Yes  as   I  S   lav, tak 
in  all   areas    of   our  liva  :  all  of  us    &  not   JIM 

reiec  by   nc    let    Him    :    bed    of  cornr 

or  cornrston   our   livs 


- 


. 

nn   sed=2    the  victrp       In;,.      !;'-    spoils 
:.  her  bin  oo  tl   rags   Bine   G  plac 

rebel  agi] 

viljof  rt/wrong; tween  supren   3       auprei 
-Who  Will  Win*        obv  anser ■«      wi] 
P_jv  victr 

do   all   within   powr   tear   dwn 
so   battl   cotV 
:     truthf ly   if   Ik  rnd   watvtak  plac   presen  worl  " 
can  C  fore  evi'  Ln  mi  strngth  evr 

■  uot   of  '  olomon     eel  9:11-Eac   no  "sv;if,nor  batl  Pstronf 
obeerv   no  sheer   numercl  stren    . 

'r  -.n-it  2    Jerubabal.lst    :ov 
Not   by  mite, nor  by  powr, but  by  p,salth  the   lord 

'.:  v;il  nltin  evn  tho  tide   aeeo 

I 

isst/eldrs    in   Terrrl 
niturly   othrs    ~" 

■n  wud  returi 
2scene   Hia   crome   of  day 

JS        UP"'  .:  .,-, 

':  m  lil:  all   otbx  self-procl  tiesiahs  which  cum4th 

ouz   had   Lt"  folio 

"0   Bus   baktrak  21st  chap  2&  wat   Jew  Idrs   rjuestin  ^bout 

b   25»want  determ   .ius  wat  authorty  was   ?do  &  adt  aadid 

ler  by  stat  wud  riv  anser   if  they  .-^'' 

■?.=cuestin  Si  pondr=vss?5b-26 

T3   2?a=anser   they  rav   6   likwis    Js  piv   indef  ansor  27b 

"  •' 
»notic   ask=Aiat  think  Ye? 
rsa      Sb-31a=prob   in  para^itl  form 

Bpan  parbl   w/quest   &  end   w/quest=wh   of   2  did   wil   of   F 
aftr  giv  corec  anser=31b    Js   relat   outcas   society 
wer  acpt  G's   kincdn  abed  relir   ldrs  =  :51C 
rs   32=Js  giv  reason,comon  peop  herd   J's   mesag  &  B^iev 
him  2B  G's   mesencr^runnr   of   T'es,   but  fcrlb/lhars   S 
relip  ldrr   didnt   S-  comon  peop  wudtE  ahed  of  them  Kingdl 
3o    Js   estab    Jn  authorty, now  about   estab  own  ?c  use   a 
perabl  thez  relig   ldrs  had  2griv  Him  an  anser 
Jen  Ja   spok  vinyrdr   peop  knu  bout  subj   3cuz   lrg  portii 
v/ork   perform  by   many   them 

1    also   ilu  -   quit   frea;  by  prophs 
iiow  this  p  3hldr»G jvinyrd-natin  Israel; 

r usbndmen=  proph  2   G   sent   2natin   lar;' on  houshldr- Js/Dei 
story   ..  "    -    ■  pnt  vinyro  receiv  wat  rtfuly 

,  chr     '  -"    tu     -       ■■    out  thoz  mesa 
,1  oushldr,     ,  '-i   receiv   as   pron    1 


!:il   Hia 


Read  anor  it  bout    "othr   side  winnii 

luks  that  way  duznt  it' 
But 

of  corse 

But  that  victi".-    -ii     ovr  whol  worl,ovr  who]  ere 
trui- 

' 
Kay  we    fa]    ur.cn   Eton  whic]     ;  Okn, 

ston  fal  on  ue         rind  us  Spowdr 


V 


vs  aw&n  est  jn's  AnraiioTT  t  no*  bgin  est  his 
js  spok  vinyrds  i  so  did  psopis 

TV  OT  VINYRDS  DETER  2ISRAEL  -  PROPRTT  Or  Q 
SIS   PARBL  VINTJD  NATIN   ISRAEL 
HOUSHOLDR-GOD 

HOSBNB1AN.SCR/PHARS/HI   PR/ELDRS 
SERVANTS.PSOPHS  G  SENT  2TSRAEL 
SON  HOUSHOLDR.JS,    THE  MESSIAH 

vfEJf A^UEsT  '  ^      '   ^  WT  ™  *  «  ™*  SO, 
VS  41.THEY  ANSR 

^'sho^s'I  ?*?Sk  ™IS  «™  ™*  ™pl  worsh  -sung 

THIS   PROPH   BOUT  JS    LWG  BVAPSAP  ON   SCENE 
VI !   ^-NATION-GRK-ETiraE-DERIV  ENG  ETHNIC 
JEWS    USE  WORD  DEROGTORLT  OF  GENTILES 

crura  man  sefus  pari*  fr/pres  Andrew  jicS 

ISNT  THIS   TH/VAY  TWFEN  G  &  MAN"? 
IN   HIS  CRT  LITV  kO  OFFRS.PArWgRAC/VHOLNES   OF  LIF 
OIVS   FRUITS   OF  TH/OROSS   J.  QUEST   IS    -  WrL  WF   trJr  rm.. 
SELIG  LDRS  CUDNT  ACPT  IT  ^  *CPT  IT" 

v^lt  «m  kmok/mibiuiy  ?b  th/mesiah 

VSS  *5-*6-C0KCLnSIN  THIS  parbl 
THEY  WAIT  2BIDE  TIM  UNTIL  CONV  PUT  HIH   TO   DETT 
MET   SAT  "NO"  2WAT  G  OFTR  AS  PROM!S  ONE^cf  ISRAEL 
THUS  JS  HAD  MINSTST   2GENTILES 
JEWS  &   OTHSS  REJBC   HIH 

Tw^tsT  2?  iT"  A£  SAV  *rT  m  ALL  «"=*s  °™  an 
™  aSSSE  mfT  ^  PABT  •  cowra  ST0N  "W"/"" 

GOD'S  PLAN  MADE  A   HOPEFUL  MX5INNINO 
BUT  NAN  SPOILED  IT  BT  HIS  SINNING 
THET  SAI  THAT  THE  STOUT  WILL  END  IN  OOD'S  GLORY 

«».  Lif r^/ifr-  *■ "»"  --™" 

BUT  WHO  WILL  WINTT      0  OF  CORSE  CTENTULT 
TH/QD1ST  MjS   IS.WHO  WIL  WIN  US  COKPLETLT1" 
WHO  WIL  WIN   US   BODY   %  SOULTT 
MAT  WE  FAL  UPON  TH/STON  WHAS  JS   XP  t,  B  BROOT 
RATOF  THAN  HAV  TH/STON   FAL  ON   US  *  QUITO  uTipCWDER 


Community  Bible  Church  -  Kafranoj'*,  Pa.  Aupist  2,  1992 

prelude 

nreetinRs/joys/Announcsments/Prayer  Reouests 


Call  To  Worship: 

TH?  LOST)  IS  RIGHTEOUS  IN  ALL  HIS  WATS,  AND  HOLT  IN  ALL  HIS 
WORKS . 
THE  LORD  IS  NIGH  UNTO  ALL  THEM  THAT  CALL  UPON  HIM,  TO  ALL 
THAT  CALL  UPON  HIM  IN  TRUTH. 
HE  WILL  FULFILL  THE  DESIRE  OF  THEM  THAT  FEAR  HIMs  HE  ALSO 
WILL  HEAR  THEIR  CRY  AND  SAVE  THEM. 
•Hymn 
Offering/Prayer 

*  POXOlOft? 

Pastoral  Prayer 

Hymn 

Scripture:  Matthew  21:33-46 

Sermon;     "Who  Will  Win?"     St,  Paul>e  Butler,  6/30/85 
*"    "nn 

j„   (Sedlctlon 
•Pootlude 


"Who  Will  Win?"  -  Scripture;  Mt.  21:33-46 

PSES  ANDREW  JACKSON  SED:   2  TH/VICTORS  BLONG  TH/SPOLIS 
CONTINUL  BATL  WAG  SINC  0  PLAC   MAN  EDEN 
~T  BATL  GTID/EVIL.SUPRMCT  OF  G/SUPREMCY  SATAN 
»„0  WILL  WIN??* 
It   SOL  WSOT  ECCL  9:ll-TH/feAC   IS  NOT  2  TH/SWIF.NOH  TH/BATL  2  THE 

STRONG 
ZECH  PROPH  INSPIR  2WRIT  EZERUBABAL  1st  GOV  JERTI  ArTR  ETIL: 
NOT  BT  MITE, NOR  BY  PWR.BUT  BT  HT  SP  SAITH  TH/L  OF  HOSTS 

JS    SPK  SCR/PHARK/CH   FR/ELSDRS    IN   TEMP 
TT   DAT  FOLO  CLENS  TEMPL   -   ONLY  FOOL/MADMAN   RETURN   SCEN  GRIM 
JS  TTPSET/ANGR   AUTH.TKEY  INTEN  PPUV  CHARLATAN , NOT  KESIAH 

SO  BAKTRAK   THIS    21ST  CHAP  t,  READ  VS  23 
VS   2Ws   ANSR  QUEST  W/QUEST 
VS  25-THEY   REASN   AMONG  SELVS    -  VS    26 
YS2?A«INDEF  ANSR 
VS  27B»JS   ANSR   LIKWTS 
VS28A-BEGIN   BY   ASK   QUEST 
VSS  281-31A.RELAT  PROB   IN   PARBL 
BGIN  W/OTJEST.END  W/qUEST 


"  ft        in?  " 
Scripture:  Matthew  21:53- 

]  resident  Andrew  Jackson  said,  "To  the  victors  belon-  ^he  spoils."   There 
is  a  continual  battle  EHixxxwsrcHjixEXEfe  which  has  been  jce±x3cxhh  raging  since 
God  placed  man  in  the  garden  of  Eden  and  he  rebelled  against  Bod.   It  is  the 
battle  of  rood  and  evil;  the  battle  of  right  gnd  wrong;  the  battle  between  th 
supremacy  of  God  and  the  supremacy  of  r  atan.   Ive  question  is  always  asked, 
]  1  xx\.  "   The  obvious  answer  is  that  God  will  prove  the  victor !   But 
there  are  the  e  wh(  slie         and  they  are  doing  all  within  their 

er  to  tear  down  any  semblance  of  belief  in  God  and  so  the  battle  continues 
And  quite  truthfully,  if  you  look  around  you  at  what  is  taking  place  in  our 
present  world  you  can  see  the  forces  of  evil  seem  to  have  the  rapperhand  and 
are  gaining  new  strength  everyday.  King  ' olomon  in  the  strength  of  hi?  wis- 
dom wrote  in  the  book  of  "eclesiastes  9:11,  "The  race  is  not  to  the  swift, 
nor  the  battle  to  the  strong." 

He  observed  that  it  wasn't  sheer  numerical  strength,  nor  through  the  fastest 

armies  that  the  battle  is  won.   "echariah  the  prophet  was  inspired  by  God  to 

prophesy  to  Aerubaebal  the  first  governor  of  Jerusalem  after  the  exile,  "Not 
by  might,  nor  by  power,  but  by  My  Spirit,  saith  the  lord  of  hosts." 

God  will  ultimately  win  even  though  the  tide  seems  to  be  flowing  strongly 
against  that  possibility. 

Jesus  was  speaking  to  the  scribes  and  Pharisees,  the  chief  priests  and  the 
elders  in  the  temple.   Naturally  there  were  many  other  people  who  had  gather- 
ed to  hear  Him  as  well.   It  was  the  day  followint_  the  cleansing  of  the  temple 
Only  a  fool  or  a  madman  would  have  returned  to  the  scene  of  his  crime  of  the 
day  before.   Jesus  had  upset  and  angered  the  authorities  and  so  they  were  in- 
tent hxezl  on  showing  the  people  that  He  was  a  charlatan  like  all  of  the  other 
self-proclaimed  Messiah's  which  had  come  forth.   But  they  had  to  do  this  in  a 
manner  which  didn't  upset  the  people  because  Jesus  had  a  large  following. 
Go  if  we  backtrack  in  this  Gist  chapter  we  see  that  these  Jewish  leaders  came 
to  Him  to  question  Him  about  His  authority.   In  the  ?3rd  verse  we  read,  (read 
this).   They  wanted  to  determine  just  what  His  authority  was  to  do  and  act  as 
He  did.   And  Jesus  answered  them  by  stating  that  He  would  give  them  an  answer 
if  they  answered  a  -mention  of  His,  vs  24,  (read).   Thar  question  was,  vs  25a. 
They  pondered  this  among  themselves,  vss  25b-26.   '.nd  they  answer  they  gave 
was  vs.  2?a.   ?na  likewise  Jesus  ~ave  them  an  indefinite  answer,  vs  27b. 
But  He  gave  them  an  opportunity  to  show  where  they  stood  in  relation  to  who 
was  truly  serving     '  -  giving  them  a  problem  to  solve.   Notice,  He  asks 
them  in  the  28th  verse,  "What  think  ye?  \nd  then  He  relates  the  problem  in 
parable  form,  vss  28b-31a.   He  began  the  parable  with  a  ouestion  and  He  ends 
it  with  the  question,  "Ahether  of  the  twain  did  the  will  of  his  father?" 


-2- 
\fter  they  have  riven  Jesus  the  correct  answer,  vs  31b,  then  Jesus  relates 
them  that  the  outcasts  of  society  were  accepted  in  iod's  kingdom  ahead  of 
these  religious  leaders,  vs  31c.   '.nf:  then  Jesus  fives  the  reason  in  vs  32. 
Tv,e  common  ordinary  people  heard  John  and  believed  him  to  be  God's  messenga 
or  the  forerunner  of  the  :  e-rsiah,  but  the  cribes,  Pharisees  and  religious 
leaders  didn't,  and  this  is  why  the  common  people  would  be  ahead  of  them  in 
Cod':-  kingdom. 

thus,  havin  established  John's  authority,  Jesus  is  now  about  to  establi 
and  to  do  so  He  uses  another  parable  in  which  these  religious  leaders  hi 
to  jive  Him  an  answer. 

n  Jesus  spoke  of  vineyards  and  anything  about  them,  the  people  knew  all 

about  the  subject  because  it  was  a  large  portion  of  the  work  many  performed 

but  it  was  also  something  ks  illustratec3  quite  frequently  in  the  mess'ges  oj 

the  prophets.   Identified  in  this  parable  are  the  following:  the  household* 

who  owned  the  vineyard  is  A.lmi  hty   3d;   the  vineyard,  is  the  nation  of  IsJ 

the  husbandmen  are  the  Scribes,  Pharisees,  Priests,  High  Triests,  and  elder! 

the  servants  are  the  prophets  whom  "od  sent  to  the  nation  of  Israel;  and  thi 

son  of  the  householder  is  Jesus  Himself,  or  the  Messiah,   "he  story  is  self. 

explanatory  ■'  owi         -n    it  be  the  vineyard  to  receive  what  was  rj 

fully  His,  but  tbore  in  charge  of  the  vineyard  beat  up  and  cast  out  those 

engers.  Last  of  all  the  householder,  Sod,  sent  His  ion  to  them  thinkin] 

they  would  receive  Him  as  the  promised  One,  but  they  threw  Him  out  and  kill 

How  at  the  time  of  the  telling  of  this  parable  Jesus  had  not  yet  ^one 

throu  h  the  ordeal  of         "   id  execution,  bi 

eventually  take  place  at  the  hands  of  these  Vineyard  workers,  the  religioui 

leaders  of  Israel. 

So   then,  Jesus  asks  the  question,  "/hen  the  lord  therefore  of  bhe  vineyard 
cometh,  what  will  he  do  unto  those  husbandmen?"  vs  4C 

!  "       '-red,  vs  41  -        .is. 

us '  reply  to  tl    Ls  to  .11 

knew  because  it  was  a  part  of  the  Plallel  sung  in  temple  worship.   In  fact, 

a  portion  of  this  Psalm  was  shouted  as  an  acclamation  for  Jesus  when  He  cam 

riding  hto  Jerusalem  the  day  before.   They  had  shouted,  vs  9,  (read  this). 

Jesus  was  quoting  verses  22  and  23  from  thin  Psalm  when  He  said,  vs  42,  reai 

Here  is  a  prophecy  of  the  re, lection  of  Jesus  lonr,  lonT  before  He  ever  appe 

ed  on  the  scene.   And  because  of  thin  re, lection  which  was  now  taking  place  ; 

the  nation  of  Israel,  Jesus  said,  vs  43,  (read).   The  word  for  nation  in 

Greek  is,  "Hthne"  from  which  we  derive  our  English  word  "Ethnic."  The  word 

here  can  be  used  of  both  a  nation  and  of  a  people.  f~e    Jews  used  this  word 

derogatorily  to  refer  to  the  Gentiles.   hat  Jesus  is  actually  saying  is  th 

the  kingdom  of  3od  was  promised  and  re-erf ed  for  the  nation  of  Israel,  but  1 

e  of  their  departure  fro™  the  covenant  relationship  another  nation  on 


group  cf  people  would  receive  that  premise.   \s  history  has  unf older!  since 

we  can  see  that  the  Church  of  Jesus  Christ  composed  mostly  of 

-entiles  has  received  that  blessin^.   Ihis  doesn't  mean  thai  Sod  is  through 

de  lin  with  Israel,  for  He  is  not.   It  just  means  that  their  fulfillment  ' 

not  take  place  as  originally  promised  but  must  wait  until  they  come  back  to 

Him,   The  Church  is  bringing  forth  fruits  as  Jesus  has  said  by  bringing  many, 

many  people  of  all  races  into  its  fold. 

Then  Jesus  rives  a  prophecy  concerning  Himself  in  the  4Ath  verse.   "And  who- 
soever shall  fall  on  this  stone  shall  be  broken:  but  on  whomsoever  it  wxiti 
all  fall,  it  will  grind  him  to  powder." 

What  Jesus  is  saying  is  simply  this:  Anyone  who  hears  the  message  of  salvatio 
through  Jesus  Christ  and  accepts  Him  as  his  Lord  and  Seviour,  that  person 
has  fallen  on  the  stone,  and  that  person  becomes  broken.   Hroken  for  that  per 
son  are  the  bonds  of  sin  and  death;  brokenr  for  that  person  are  the  things 
that  separate  anyone  from  Godj  that  person  now  has  access  to  the  throne  of 
Grace  and  is  counted  as  one  of  '"od's  sons. 

But  conversely,  anyone  who  hears  the  messare  of  salvation  through  Christ  and 
rejects  it,  refuse?  to  accept  Christ,  that  person  has  had  the  stone  fall  on 
him  and  he  will  be  -round  to  powder.   T^is  means  that  person  will  be  separate 
from  God  for  all  eternity.   For  him  there  is  no  forgiveness  of  sins,  no  etern 
al  life  with  Cod  and  he  will  be  as  powder ,  a?  nothing  in  the  sight  of  Cod. 
(Illustration  of  man  pardoned  and  wouldn't  acdept  it) 

hen  Andrew  Jackson  was  president  he  granted  a  presidential  pardon  to  a 
man  who  had  been  imprisoned  for  a  serious  crime.   The  man  had  a  deep  sense 
of  guilt.   He  felt  that  he  should  remain  in  prison  for  the  crime  he  had 
committed  and  so  he  refused  the  pardon.   I  any  lawyers  engaged  in  a  famous 
debate  to  try  to  determine  whether  a  pardon  that  had  been  refused  was 
really  a  pardon.   They  finally  decided  that  until  it  was  accepted  it  is 
not  3  pardon. 

Isn't  this  the  way  it  is  between  God  ^ni    man?   In  His  great  love  for  you, 
He  offers  you  the  pardon,  the  Grace,  the  wholeness  of  life.   He  gives 
you  the  fruits  of  the  cross!   But  the  question  is,  "Will  we  accept  it?" 

The  religious  leaders  of  Jesus'  time  couldn't  accept  it.   To  them,  Jesus  was 

too  common;  too  ordinary  to  be  the  promised  Messiah.   And  so  It  is  we  read 

the  conclusion  to  this  parable  with  the  words,  "And  when  the  chief  priests  am 
isees  had  heard  His  parables,  thev  perceived  He  3pake  of  them, 
they  sought  to  lay  hands  on  Him,  they  feare:  the  multitude,  because  they 
took  Him  for  a  prophet."  V3s  45-4-6 

T,  ey  would  bide  their  time  until  it  was  convenient  to  have  Him  put  to  death. 
But  in  the  meantime  they  would  MSKxtkBii  tolerate  Him  and  do  what  they  could 
to  discredit  Sim.   hey  rere  in  effect:  sayj     o"  to  what  God  was  offer:, 
them  in  this  "Iromised  One  of  Israel."   And  so  He  was  able  to  have  a  ministry 
:he  lentiles.       Jews  and     -  others  rejected   im.   ur  problem  may 
not  be  that      :e  rejected  T"im.   Instead,  our  problem  may  be  that  we  have 
not  said  "Yes"  to  Jesus  Christ  in  everything.   It  takes  more  than  just  accept. 
im  as  lord  -"      lour,  it  takes  es"  to  Him  in  all  areas  of 


our  lives.   Jesus  wants  all  of  us  and      [ust  a  part.   .'^  too  can  reject 

Jesus  by  not  le:tirr-  Him  be  the  iKXXxKrstEBH  ";Tead  of  the  corner,"  or  the 

"cornerstone "in  our  lives. 

-^orceone  penned  the  lines: 

Sod 'a  plan  made  a  hopeful  berinninr 

oiled  it  all  by  his  sinning 
that  the  story 
.ill  e  nd  in  God  *  a  g 1 ory 
But  at  the  present,  the  other  side's  winning  . 

It  looks  that  way  doesn,J-  it?   Bat  "Who  rill  'in?"   God  of  course!    ut  :;"-iat 
victory  will  be  over  the  whole  world,  over  all  of  creation.   The  truly  im- 
portant question  in  our  live    ,   ho  'ill  'in  B«r:rKaTiiriart«  us  completely?" 
//ho  will  win  us,  body  and  soul?   May  we  *al]  ~     he  ?tone  which  i;'  Dhrist 
and         ,  -  '  ■  bhe    : Fall  o rind  us  to  powder. 


St*    Paul's   United   Church  of  Christ 
Butler,   Pennsylvania 
Rev.    Ralph  Link,   Pastor  July  7,   1985 

Mr.   Dale  Rice,    Minister  of  Music 
John  Pem-od,    Acolyte 
+    +   +   +   +   +   +    +   +   +   +   +   +    +-   +   +   +   +   +   +    +    +   +   +   +   + 

ORDER  OF   WORSHIP   10:00  A.M. 
Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational    Greeting 
Joys 
*Hymn  No.    360  MYou  Servants  of  God,    Your  Master  Proclaim" 
♦Ascription 
*Exhortation 

•Confession    (In  Unison)    "0  God,    who  hast  brought  us  into 
this  fellowship  with  one  another  through  thy  Son 
Jesus   Christ:    let    ua    be   one    in   thought   and  mind   and 
spirit.      Help  us   to   strive  not   to  be   individuals  but 
to    be    a  group    of    fellow    believers,       Forgive    us    in    our 
weakness   of    turning   from   thee.      Give   us   strength   as 
we  need  it   in  our   times   of  turmoil,  and  frustration. 
Help  us   to   live  in   the  world,    but  not  to  be  completely 
wrapped    up    in   all   of   it.      Make   our   wills    obedient    to 
thine,    for  we  ask  it  all  in  Jesus'   name.  Amen* 

*Kirrie 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 
*Praise:      Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever. 
♦Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn   No.    45S    "Take    My    Life,  and    Let    It    3e    Consecrated'1 
Call  to  Prayer:      Pastor  -  The   Lord  be  with  You 
People   -  And  with  Thy   Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray, 
Prayer 
Offering 
Offertory 
♦Doxology  -  page   385 
Scripture:      Matthew  25s    14-30 

Sermon:      "How  Does  The   Expected  Square  With  The  Actual?" 
-Closing  Frmr*   'Jo.    502    lhI1ll    Go   Where   You   Want   Me  To      ■ 
*Ber.edi^fl|.--r       i 
^Closing  ^Chimes 
tlufda 


The   beautiful   flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed     by 

Mrs.    Genevieve  Nohach   in  memory  of  loved   ones. 
Mr.   Rob  Vinroe  will  greet  the   congregation  at   the  door 

this  morning. 
Ushers  for   today   are   Art   Carney,    Dan   Bosko,    Martin   Henry, 

and  John  Snow. 
Nursery  will   be   provided    today   by  Mrs.    Joyce   McCandless. 
Don  Kingsley  and  Don  Kennedy  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital   this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  119  with   6  visitors. 

THURSDAY  -  Aerobics    6-7 

We  still  have  2  Concordances  left  in  the  office.   They 
are  $2.00  each,  and  are  a  handy  reference  for  Bible 
Study. 

^Recently  we  have  heard  from  Rob  and  Cindi  Sybert.   They 
*        have  asked  us  to  publish  their  address  and  asked  that 
we  take  some  time  and  drop  them  a  line*   They  have  not 
heard  from  many  within  the  congregation  and  have  express-- 
how  much  they  have  missed  the  church.  If  you  have  a 
little  spare  time,  write  to  them.   I'm  sure  they  would 
enjoy  hearing  from  you. 

Robert  K.  Sybert 

c/o  SP  4  R.  K.  Sybert 

Grefrath  Radio  Site  Hdqts. 

50?th  USA  -  AD 

AP0  New  York  09103 


■Congregation  Standing 


Commnity  Bible  Church  -  Safmmore,   Pa.   -  August  9,   1992 


"Ha*  Does  The  Expected  Sauare  With  The  Actual? 
Scripture;  Mt.  25:l*-30 


Prelude 

JreetinKs/joya/AnnaunceBenta/Prayer  Requests 


Call  To  Worship: 

GIVE  UNTO  THE  LORD  THE  GLORT  DUE  UNTO  HIS  NAME: 
WORSHIP  THE  LORD  IK  THE  BEAUTY  OF  HOLINESS. 
THE  LORD  SITTETH  UPON  THE  rLOOD:  TEA,  THE  LORD 
SITTETH  KING  TOR  EVER. 
THE  LORD  WIIX  GIVE  STRENGTH  UNTO  HIS  PEOPLE: 
THE  LORD  WILL  BLESS  HIS  PEOPLE  WITH  PEASE. 

PSALM29:2,  10-11 

Offerinjr/Prayer 
• Doxology 
Pastoral  Prayer 

Scripture:   Matthew  25:lk-30 

Sermon:    "Row  Does  The  Expected   Square  With  The   Actual?" 
St.  Paul's  Butler  -  7/7/85 

nyetn 
•Benediction 
•Poatlude 


7*7? 
•7.  ii  ■>-"'/<-'/ 


(Hub  Ton  Klrkpatrick  ssoinr,  as  niasionarj) 
Gud  exampl  parol  Js  taut 
»     ■jBL  KENT  alSRAEL 
l^iciPS   MUS  HAV  TROT  MENT  WTHEM 
BUT  PARBL  MENT  %EVRCNE  COLETTIVLT/INDIVIDULT 
TEL  OF  TWO  THINOS-ONE  IS  WAT  Q  EXPECTS 

2ND  IS  WAT  IS  ACTUL  RESUL  THAT  EXFECTATTN 
TALENTS:  SILVER/GOLD  •  ABILTTD 

o  expecs  a  retttrn  on  his  investment  -  accountability 

PS  121i2«HHOL,TH/ETES   OF  SERVS  Lit  IJN2  TH/HAND  OF  THER   HASTRS , 
«■  AS  TH/ETS   OF  A  MAIDN  UN2  TH/tCAN  OF  HER   HISTRES: 
SO  OCR  ETS  WAIT  UPON   TH/l  OUR  G  UNTIL  HE  HAV  MERCT 
UPON  US 
CHAP  tklk&M    -  READ 

EXPL   DO  W/fcAT  HAV  TO  WORK  WITH 
fllus  Martha  Berry  Dine  H  Ford  pay  her) 
LK  AT  PARBL  t,  HUS    ASRV'WAT  HAS  G  REALTZD  FR/KIS   INVES  IN  US?»7 
HAS  THER  EVR   BIN   ANT  RETURN? 
EXPL  ONE  TALENT  MAN  VSS   2* -27   -   (hanks-eichn^rs) 
SO  HOW   DUZ  TH/EXPECTD  SSUAR   W/THE  ACTULt?* 
HERE.TH/ACTUL   IS  EXCUSES  ft   NO  RETURN 
(Hub  Lincoln  choice  of  Gratn  2  Lead  Union  Forces) 
RESULTS   IS  WAT  G  WANTS  FR/SERVS 
VSS   21-2?«THIS  WAT  G   DUZ  FOR   FAITHFL  SERVS 
3  GIVS  REWARDS   2TH02   SHO  ACNTBILTT  W/ABILTTS 
(ILUS  NAPLOEAN  HILL  ft   BUT.) 
JS   CAL  THIS  GO  SECNE  MILE 
WE  R   2TAK  JOBS  G  BIVS   !JS  &  BIV  BAK  RETURN  ON   INVESTMNT 
iHE  WIL  REfRD  US   ACORDINGLT 
SLrfiNE  HAS   SED:    U  DONT  GET  MUCH   FR/VORK   k  OOD  IN   THIS  LIF, 

BUT  TH/fcETIRMENT  BENFITS  R  OUT  OF  THIS  WORLD 
G  EXPECS  A  RETURN  ON  HIS  INVESMENT  HE   ENTURST  TO  US 
WAT  IS  HE  ACTflXT  GETTING?? 


OF-  ~n-/*-4 


How   uoes  The   isxpecti 
rip:    Mt.    25:  14 -JO 

orn   I.irpatrick; 


-:ampl   of  part] 
Ik  thia   parti   car.  always   pik  out   particpanta ,or 
-j)  it  was   inter) 

Jay  bin  spk  2natin  Is  or  peopl  who  foil  mil 
en 
".seips  wer  prob  think   Ja  refr   2them  concern  wat 

o   sine   alway   pt   out   their  duties 
t  wei  t  we  mus  4get  natin   lB,4get  bout 

oir:  -"i   lif  "    TU3   kno        riiev 

atory  is  4  us 
t  4us  colectivly/i •  fcel  2thi:       s 

Wat  "od  expects 

ctul  result  of  fcb.s ' 

3  servants 


-ntrus  run  of   affairs   2 


Ik  parbl  we   C=   i 
str   liken   ' 
G  no  bodlj   on  seen 
thoz  employ  by  "Tim 
Js  te]     is,  ,     -id,giv   ?three  employs   talents 

adl 

it   messur    of   money 
valu  vary  Bcuz  depen  whthr    Jew, Greek, Roman 
refr   2dif     bi]  its  i  -v    >oaes 

it   2   -  ^talents:  7,1  3   had    1 

er   nuthin  abnorml  bout   ilus   Ecuz  evrl  no  poses 
,me   abiltys   in  same  amt 

'her   tiioa  cando  many  dif    jobs   &  do  we  1; ther  thoz 
mly  do  few   jobs   *   do  wel;ther  thoz  ljob  8    do  wel 
Tt  no  ref lectin  ther  specif  abiltys, but  with  ea 
Is   talents/abiltys,ther   shudB  acctbilty 
E  very  blunt  bout   it=G  expec  return  on  Kia    invests 
Rol  serv   in   ".crip  alway  bin  describ   1  of  actbilty 
?3    123:2=REJU3 

Ps  say   serv   Iks   2mastr  4wat  he  receiv   food.lodsr  etc 
3ut   serv  mus   1st  do  wat  roastr  requir  of   him  B4  can 
:eceiv  mercy  of  raastr 

t.    24:4S=r?E'D   G   expec   His   sens   2B  faithfl  £    in  so 
do  return  prof  on  investment   so  2   spefck 
at    Js  say  this  parbl=evn  w/ltalent ,labilty  that 
ersn  worth  sumthin  Pmastr 

Baly   mattr   is   if   ltalent   persn  do  wat  can 
Naturly  ^talent   expec  do   mor,5    shud  do  mor 
Byt  wat  of   littl   guyl    1   /with  limit   abiltys? 
Is  he  ad  litl  can  do  2that  ea  one   hav   same  abiJ 
I  so,   ther   nuthin  4=ltalent  peran  2B  asha:ied    of 

Ilus  dime   Fen---  ^.ve  her) 


iiamr  as  itaient        muitpiy  many  t: 

&  so   as   Ik  thi:-  L,  '    difcomf  ortin 

J  .     at     flvs ; 

G  realiz   fron   His    investment   i:      : 
our  anaers   brinr  us   Pt'ie   actul  which  shown  4th 
p™s  frequently 

ilo  in  parbl  no  tad   man, he    jus  no  do  as  shud  hav 
va   27=  Js  pt   out  very  least  cud  hav  dun 
wen   Js  talk  exchangrs  ,refr   2banks   8    ther  were   ^uch 
they   tak  money  lik  2day,      riv    intrest    on   it 
If  ltalent   man  no  want   2<5o  as   othrs,cud  hav  tak  2 
bank   i   receiv   intres   2giv   2mastr  as  return 
But   wat   did    B&atr   got   •■.'en   nuestin  man=- 
Insted  return  on  inves,he  f;iv   mastr  excuses 
r,o=How  Duz   Th   TJxpected  ""unare     ;ith  The    Ictul?"' 
It  duznt 
The  Expected  is  a  pud  return  on  th   investment 
But   the    \ctual   is   excuses    and    no  return 
(Ilus    of  electin    '.thens    S    ?nen) 
G  wants  results,   not   excuses 

(Ilus   Lincoln's   choic   of   Grant   as   General, &  atitude) 
He  had   no  time  to  waste ,  he  had  a  war  to  win 
Reaulta   la    tl  e  name  of  the  game  &  this   is  wat  G 
wants  from  His   servants . 
Vss  21  &  23=thez  pt   out  wat  G  duz  4  faithfl  servs 

lie    rivr.   awards    2thoz   who   sho  actbilty   w/abiltys 
(Ilus    Hapolean  i'.ill  ...   jok  on  boss=work  hard, etc) 
This   wat    Js   cal=Go  2nd  mile 
,e    R  2tak   job-   G  p-.ivs   us   ?.-,  sriv  Him  bak  a  return 
on  His    invests  rv 
"    need   2remem  He  wil  giv   awards  4wat  we   do  4  Him 
{nl   has    eed=Tl   dont   ret   much  4workinr:  4    God   ±B 
njre   on  erth,but    the   retirment   benefits    R   out   of 
this   world. 
And    so  they  are ! 
G   expects   a  return   on   the    investment   He   has   entrust 
ed   2  us, 

is  He  actually  getting? 


"How  Does  The  Expected  Tauare  With  the  Actual?" 
Scripture:  Matthew  25:14—30 

(Illustration  of  Tom  Kirkpatrick  gains;  to  work  as  a  missionary) 

Tom  Kirkpatrick  had  worked  for  the  Allison  plant  of  G-enral  Motors  for  over 
20  years.   In  1965  he  decided  that  he  and  his  wife  were  called  of  God  to  be 
missionaries  to  Ethiopia.   They  were  just  common  people.   He  was  an  elder  in 
their  local  church  and  she  was  one  of  the  leaders  of  the  women's  work. 
Tom  was  not  theolopically  educated,  not  a  public  speaker,  no  real  abilities 
to  be  a  missionary.   His  wife  was  equally  unqualified.   They  were  of  very 
modest  means  and  grandparents.   But  they  volunteered  for  this  missionary 
duty  which  was  unrroven  and  untried.   In  their  jobs  in  Ethiopia  they  did  all 
sorts  of  unglsmorous  chores  to  keep  the  missionaries  serving  there  on  the  job 
full  time  by  takin-  away  from  them  the  menial  tasks  which  would  have  delayed 
their  work.   In  1977  the  communists  overran  Ethiopia  and  they  had  to  leave  the 
country.   Tom  and  his  wife  had  to  return  to  the  United  rtates  where  they, 
could  have  settled  down  for  a  deserved  vacation.   But  they  were  determined  to 
go  to  another  field  of  work  and  so  they  went  to  Tenya,  Africa.   While  there, 
Tom  contracted  a  rare  disease  which  was  incurable.   He  stayed  there  and  worked 
as  long  as  he  possibly  could  qnd  then  returned  home  to  die.   Tome  died  in 
1982,  but  when  he  did,  he  was  mourned  on  two  continents. 

Here  was  a  iran  of  limited  abilities,  wh  oleft  a  secure  position  with  General 
i  otors  who  heeded  the  call  of  Christ. 

Surely  the  lord  would  say  of  someone  like  him,  "'.'ell  done,  thou  ~cod  and  faitl 
Jul  servant:  thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a  few  thinrs,  I  will  make  thee 
ruler  over  many  things :  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  lord." 

Tom  Kirkpatrick  is  a  vivid  example  of  the  parable  given  by  Jesus  in  this  25th 
chvpter  of  Matthew.  ds   we  look  at  this  parable  we  can  always  pick  out  the 
participants,  or  the  people  it  was  intended  for.   Jesus  may  have  been  speak- 
ing of  the  people  or  the  nation  of  Israel  who  had  failed  miserably  in  taking 
care  of  the  thin~s  "od  had  entrusted  to  them,   ^he  disciples  were  probably 
thinkin"  that  Jesus  was  marine-  reference  to  them  conecrning  what  they  should 
be  doing  since  He  always  pointed  out  their  duties.   ^ut  when  we  read  or  hear 
this  parable  we  must  forget  about  the  nation  of  Israel,  about  the  disciples 
and  their  problems  of  livin^  the  Christian  life  and  we  must  know  and  believe 
the  story  is  for  us.   It  ±*   for  us  collectively  and  individually.   It  tells 
us  two  things!"  One  is  what  Sod  expectes ,  and  the  other  is  what  is  the  Actual 
result  hxx  of  that  expectation. 

As  we  look  at  this  parable  we  see  a  Master  and  three  of  his  servants.   The 
Master  can  be  likened  unto  God.  God  is  not  ±m   bodily  on  the  seene  in  and  so 
He  must  entrust  the  running  of  His  business  to  those  employed  by  Him.  So 
Jesus  tells  that  the  Master,  God,  gives  to  three  employees  the  talents  they 
are  capable  of  handling.   :\'e  should  also  point  out  that  a  talent  as  Jesus  was 
t'  Iking  about  it  was  a  measure  of  money.   The  actual  value  is  unknown  because 
it  varied  first  if  it  was  silver  or  p-old  and  then  vdiether  it  was  Jewish,  Homai 
or  Greek  valuation.   Jesus  is  really  referring  to  different  abilities  which 
each  servant  possessed.  One  had  abilities  which  amounted  to  five  talents, 

one  had  abilities  which  amounted  to  three  talents,  and  one  had  abilties  which 
amounted  to  one  talent.  > 


-2- 
There   is   nothing-  abnormal  about  this   illustration  because   not  everyone  poss- 
esses  the   same   abilities   in  the   same   amount.      There   are   those  who  can  do  many 
different    jobs   and  do  them  well}    then  there   are    some  who  can  only  do  a  few 
jobs,    or   one    job  and  do   it  well.      It   is   not  a  reflection  on  their  specific 
abilities.      But  with  each  one's   talents,    or  abilities,   there  should  be 
accountability.      To  be   very  blunt   about    it,    Sod   expects   a  return  on  His    in- 
vestment.     §EixxK±Kx:h2arexHi5fa^xkBKiix^B±iritEnixBB±x±3!ix^EE±?!SMZ]Rxas      The  role    of 
servants   in    .'eripture   has   always  been  descibed   as  iJEsax   one   of   accountability. 

In  Isalm  123:2,  we  read:  "Behold,  the  eyese  of  servants  look  unto  the  hahd  of 
their  masters,  and  as  the  eyes  of  a  maiden  unto  the  hand  of  her  mistress;  so 
our  eyes  wait  upon  the  lord  our  God  until  that  He  have  mercy  upon  us." 

The  Psalmist  is  saying  that  the  servant  looks  to  his  master  for  what  he  is  to 

receive  in  the  way  of  food,  lodging,  etc.   But  the  servant  must  first  do  what 

is  required  of  him  before  he  can  receive  the  mercy  of  his  master.    nd  in  the 

4Sth  verse  of  the  2*  chapter  preceedinr  this  one,  chapter  ?A ,  we  read:  ho 
then  is  a  faithful  and  wise  servant,  whom  his  lord  hath  made  ruler  over  his 
his  household,  to  five  themm  meat  indue  season?   "'lessee'  is  that  servant 
whom  his  lord  when  he  cometh  shall  find  so  doing." 

God  expects  His  servants  to  be  faithful  and  in  so  doin~  they  return  a  nrofit 

on  His  investment  so  to  speak. 

hat  Jesus  was  saying  in  this  parable  is  that  even  the  one  talent,  or  the  one 

"-  ability  person  is  worth  something  to  the  master.     it  really  matters  in  all 

of  this  is  if  the  one  talented  person  is  doinr-  what  he  can.   Naturally,  the 

five  talent  man  has  that  much  more  to  work  with  and  more  is  expected  of  him. 

But  how  about  the  little  guy?  The  one  with  only  limited  abilties?   Ts  he 

adding  the  little  bit  he  can  do  and  rive  to  that  of  each  one  who  only  has  the 

me  abilties?   If  so  there  is  nothing  forvthe  one  talent  person  to  be  ashamed 

of. 

(Illustration  of  Martha  Berry  and  the  clime  Henry  ?ord  gave  her) 

Martha  Berry  had  9  rescue  mission  por  boy    I  -iris  ind  she  needed  money. 

she  approached  Henry  Bord  and  asked  for  ''1,000,000  for  her  work.   He  re- 
fused and  instead,  gave  her  a  dime.  But  Martha  Berry  was  not  insulted  and 
she  put  the  dime  to  work.   She  ksmitk'tx&xftaKXBixTDHaEiaiK  had.  ^iven  up  her  home 
in  [Jeorgia  to  take  in  every  possible  boy  and  girl  who  needed  help.   She  needed 
more  room,  but  there  were  no  funds.   ro  she  tool:  the  dime  and  bought  a  bag  of 
peanuts  and  she  put  the  boys  to  work  pLanting  then.  The  f irs ~   crop 

1,  .0  she  ordered  that  every  nut  was  to  be  planted.   The  next  crop  was  big 
enough  to  divide,  half  to  sell,  and  half  to  replant,   "he  half  to  be' sold  w 
placed  in  bags  and  sold  at  a  nearby  crossroad.   Tvus  began  her  peanut  business 
and  each  year  she  mad  an  accounting  of  all  sales  until  at  last  she  could 
•  /rite  to  ,      ember  that  dime  you  rrave  me?   fsll,  sir,  I  invested 

it  in  peanuts  and  it  has  finally  earned  enough  ^0  buy  a  piano  for  our  music 
students.   Hov  's  that  for  iividends?"  Hen:  td  he  invite 

her  to  Detroit,   ■■■  ;  '"inner,  and  r-ave  her  the  million  dollars  she 

had  asked  for  years  earlier.   And  in  following  ir  further 

millions . 


-•-         .  ?r  one  talent   nd  i    3   ■  ' 

And  30  as  we  look  at  this  parable  we  must  axki  ask  the  discomforting  question 
of  ourselves,  "What  has  God  realized  from  His  investment  in  us?"  Has  there 
been  any  return  at  all?  Will  there  ever  be? 

Our  answers  bring  us  to  the  actual  which  is  shown  forth  most  frequently. 
The  fellow  in  the  parable  was  not  a  bad  man,  but  be  just  didn't  do  as  he 
should  have.  The  answer  Jesus  gives  which  the  Master  gave  in  verse  27  points 
out  the  very  least  he  con  ted  hase  done.   When  Jesus  sx±x  talked  about  the  ex- 
changers, He  was  referring  to  banks.   T,,ere  were  such  institutions  then  and 
they  paid  interest  on  money  loaned  to  them.   If  the  one  talent  man  felt  he 
didn't  want  to  work  to  give  his  master  a  return,  he  could  have  at  least  put 
it  in  a  bank  and  it  would  have  gained  interest  for  the  master.   But  do  you 
see  what  the  master  got  when  he  questioned  the  servant?  Verses  24  and  25 
relate  this,  (read  them).   Instead  of  a  return  on  the  investment  he  rave  his 
master  excuses.   c'o  "t"ot,-.t  Toe:   .  -    pected  Square  With  The  .ctual?"  ,  it 
doesn't.   TKe  expected  is  a  good  return  m  the  investment,  but  the  actual  is 
excuses  and  no  return. 

(Illustration  of  an  election  in  Athens  "reece) 

In  Athenian  style  each  man  had  to  ppeak  before  an  assembly  to  tell  of  his 
qualifications  before  he  could  be  elected.  Two.  men  sought  a  public  job,   One 
was  a  gifted  speaker  but  the  other  was  not.   I,  e  "if ted  one  told  in  eloquent 
terms  of  his  qualifications  and  then  what  he  felt  he  would  do  for  them  and  re- 
lated how  pnoud  all  of  them  would  be  with  the  finished  results.   The  other  mar 
^ust  stood  up  and  said,  "All  that  Mr.  blank   has  said,  I  will  do."   And  he 
was  elected.   The  people  wanted  results  and  not  flowery  words . 

God  wants  results,  not  excuses. 

(Illustration  of  Jincoln's  ch  ice  of  Grant  to  lead  Union  forces) 

Ibraham  Lincoln  led  a  fruitless  earch  for  a  man  to  lead  the  Union  A"nry  who 
could  win  the  war.   Finally  he  came  across  a  man  who  had  been  winning  battles 
of  the  western  front.   He  summoned  him  to  Washington  and  made  General  Grant 
that  man.   But  Grant  was  not  liked  by  the  press  because  he  refused  to  give 
them  Rood  copy.   His  success  is  summed  up  in  what  he  said  to  someone  who  told 
him  he  should  give  the  press  what  it  wanted.   They  wanted  him  to  tell  how  he 
was  going  to  maneuver  around  Vicksburg.   Grant  crumbled,  "T-uis  life  is  too 
brief  to  be  frittered  away  with  explanations." 

He  had  no  time  to  waste.   He  had  a  war  to  win.  Results  is  the  name  of  the 

game  and  this  is  what  God  wants  from  His  servants. 

What  God  does  for  faithful  servants  is  pointed  out  in  the  21st  and  23rd 

verses,  (read  there).   He  "Ives  rewards  to  those  who  show  accountibility  with 

their  abilities. 

(Illustration  of  Uapolean  Hill  and  book,  "How  To  Sell  Your  Way  Through  Tife) 
Mr.  Hill  says  to  play  a  good  joke  on  your  boss.   He  challenges  them  to  ret 
io  work  earlier,  and  work  later  than  expected.   They  should  handle  the  iiaxs 
bosses  tools  as  if  they  were  their  own;  work  at  bei^""  hind  to  fellow -em- 
ployees;  volunteer  for  extra  work  that  needs  to  be  done.   Then  he  says, 
they  shouldn't  be  surprised  "'hen  they  ?re  offered  the  job  of  foreman  or  a 
partnership  in  the  business.  "This  is  the  best  part  of  the  joke,"  he  says. 


-A- 

This  is  what  Jesus  would  call  "going  the  pencil  mile,") 

e  to  take  the  tjobs  Cod  gives  us  -?nd  give  "im  back  a  return  on  TIi§  in- 
vestment -   And  v;e  need  to  remember  that  He  will  r'ive  us  rewards  for  what  we 
do  for  Him.   Someone  has  said,  "You  don't  get  much  for  working  for  God  in 
this  world,  but  the  retirement  benefits  are  out  of  this  owrld."   Ind  so  they 
are.   "od  expects  a  return  on  the  investment  He  has  Entrusted  to  us.   /hat 
is  He  actually  netting?" 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  July  14,  1985 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Kelly  Mangel ,  Acolyte 
+  ++  +  ++++  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  ++  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  10:00  A.M. 
Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
*Hymn  No.  336  "0  Worship  the  King" 
•Ascription 
•Exhortation 

•Confession  (In  Unison)  "Dear  Lord  and  Father  of  mankind, 
forgive  our  foolish  ways.   We  have  sinned  against  you 
and  are  not  worthy  to  be  called  your  children*   We  have 
forsaken  your  way  and  sought  our  own.  We  have  strayed 
from  the  paths  of  righteousness  and  have  sought  the 
easy  road.   Qur  lives  are  in  turmoil  because  of  our 
sin.   But  in  our  weakness  we  find  our  strength  in  you. 
In  our  despair  we  find  peace  in  your  love.   Help  us 
rather,  and  forgive  us  once  again.   In  the  name  of 
your  Son.         Amen. 
•Kyrie 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 
•Praise:   Pastor  -  BlesBed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever. 
•Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No.  443  "I  Need  Thee  Every  Hour" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray, 
Prayer 
Offering 
Offertory 
•Doxology  -  page  382 
Anthem:  There's  Something  About  That  Name"  [organ/sax) 
Scripture:   Matthew  25:  31-46 
Sermon:   "The  Surprise  of  Separation" 
•Closing  Hymn  No.  462   "Living  for  Jesus" 
•Benediction 
•Closing  Chimes 
"Postlude 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

the  Women's  Fellowship  in  memory  of  loved  ones, 
Mr.  &  Mrs,  Dick  Dally  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 

door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Dutch  Bolam,  Alta  Kradel,  Lais 

Stokes,  and  Marilyn  Snyder. 
Nursery  for  today  will  be  provided  by  Nrs.  Sue  Gamble. 
Sandy  Sheppeck  and  Mid  Diefenderfer  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  96  with  7  visitors. 

THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 

Special  Council  meeting  will  be  held  on  July  22  at  7:00  P.M. 
Finance  Committee  meeting  is  coming  up  July  23  at  7:00  P.M. 
We  have  one  damaged  Concordance  left  in  the  office.   If  you 
missed  out  on  getting  one  and  would  like  one,  we  can  order 
more.   Please  respond  in  the  office, 

^HOSPITALIZED:  ^Raymond  Mi  Her ^  Helen  Crouse,  Carol  Noel 
all  are  lTT BMH . 

We  are  in  need  of  people  to  sign  up  for  the  flowers  for 
the  remaining  empty  weeks  of  July  and  August.  Please 
take  some  time  and  sign  up  now. 

'  •'  I    r     am       ]  lay  ii:oo    ul  .   froa 

l.illex 

v     1    at  ion  tomorrow     -A 


j  'Congregation  Standing 


Cmnunity  Bible  Ohureh  -  SafMmore,   Pa.   -  A"*™*  17,  «** 

Or«tl*|w/JcryaAim<ranc«ientB/Pr»Ter  Bequeata 


Call  to  Worship: 

SING  UNTO  THE  LORD,  0  TE  SAINTS  OF  HIS, 
AND  GIVE  THANKS  AT  THE  REMEMBRANCE  OF  HIS  HOLINESS 
FOR  HIS  ANGER  ENDURETH  BUT  A  MOMENT: 
IN  HIS  FAVOR  IS  LIFE:  „„„™ 

WEEPING  MAT  ENDURE  FOR  A  NIGHT,  BUT  JOT  COMETH 
IN  THE  MOWING,    FSALH  JO;k-5 
■Hymn 

Offering/Prayer 
*Dojralo(ry 
Pastoral  Prayer 
Hyain  ., 

Scripture;  Matthe*  85t»^6 
Sermon:  "The  Surprise  of  Separation" 


St.  Paul' 


Sutler 


•Hyim 

•Benediction 

•Fostlude 


Scripture:   Matthe*  25:^l-l,6 

Sermon:    "The  Surprise  of  Separation" 

(Tins  Eddy  8-  *<rlimes  of  his  mothrj 
CH  WAIT  k  ■ASOOSIa/rAPTURE  OF  TH/CH 

/  2>i  ;5-V«Ja  prow 
chaps  2*-25  eirpl  end   times 
our  SCRIP  TEL  US  JS  EXPL  2nd      CUM   2BRTH 
»S   31»TIMTABL  OF  G 

WE  LIV   CH/AGE,   AGE  GENTILS 
TIHTABL:    P  SE7  TRUMP  END  S-  BOWS  RISE  FB/GRAVS  "SET  JS   IHAI 
TRI3  OF  7TR/AFTR  JS     CUM 
tPRES  UNRES.TERISM.FIRES.FLUDS.ERTHQUAKS.VARS  -LEAD  2nd 

CUM  OF  JS) 
AFTR  7TR  JS   RETURN  t,  BATTL  ARHGEDON  %  THIS  VS   31B 
HERE  JS  TALK  BOUT  SELF 
VSS    J2-5T.  NATINS/GENTILS  THOZ  LIV  THHU/BIN   IN  MIB  t,  EITHR 
ACCPT/REJEC   HIM  DURING  THIS  PERIOD 
SHETP  R   SAVE,    GOATS   R  UNSAVD 
¥SS    Ji,-36.  CRITERION   'tSEPRATIN 
VSS   }7-39»  MMXMK   QUESTTO   OF  BLIEVHS 
VSS  %0«  J*  ANSR 
VSS   tt-*S«  KOTUXBRTMIM 
VSVi»OTHRS  ASK 
VSS  45-Jto.   JS   ANSRS 
WAT  WAS  REACTIN   OF  BOTH  GRPS'!?? 
(ILUE  CHINESS  WORKR  t,  SPLISE) 

THIS  NO  TIM  2DAYDREAH  V  WISH  FOR  THAT  DAT  TO  CUM 

WAT  DUK  Q  WANT  US  2DO  WHIL  WAIT  FOR   DAT???"! 
(ILUS  MARTIN  OF  TOURS > 
THIS  WAT  G  WANT/RXPEC  FR/FOLLOWRS 

WAT  CAUS  TOO  MAN  PRAT: 
GOD  I   PRAT  THEE, LITE  THEZ   IDL  STIKS  OF  HI  LIF  t,   MAT   I   BURN 

CONSUM   HT  LIF.MT  GOD.4IT   IS  THIN.    I   SEEK  NOT  A  LNO  LIF, BUT 
A  FUL  ONE.LTK  U  LORD  JS     -  JIM  ELLIOTT  1W  aenoir  coleg 
at  29  fcil  hedhuntrs  Equador  n/K  othrB 

HE  WAS  CALLED  OF  G  ft  SO  SHUD  EVRONE  WHO  NAM  NAM  OF  JS 
1ST+LIF  MOR  THAN  EAT/SLEEP/HAV  JOB 

LK   TH07,  NO  KNO  XP  ft   ENDLES  SERCH  FOR   MEANING 
2ND.TH0Z  REALT  CALLD.PREACHRS/OTHRS 

CP-WOMN   MINSTRT   »  CAROL  IN   SEM.NOW  NUN 
3RD-LIK  JER  *&  20:9 
(ILUS  THER  CAM  A  MAN  -  JN  WESLEY) 
THIS  WAT  JS  SAT  IN  PHABL 
NO  MATTR  WHER  LIV, WHO  WE  R, TITER  PEO  NEED  FEH/CL0THS,2B  LUVD 
^  WE  IX)  THEZ  NAM  OF  JS.BCUZ  WE  CALLD 


e  "I'"'tinn" 
'crip:   K  t.   25:?1^46 
'  ^Illu^    I  "nes   of  his  nothr) 

!:uoh   1  '  ,  4return   o 

:Ouon  c?l 
r     jprom  wud  return, out   mor   import  epl  Misc  who  93k 
Kt  e?4:3-4*Discips   ask  "bout   end  times 

rtarbls   wis/fool   V3r~/talents 
part  of  this  expl 

-   pictur   ?nd  cum  of  Xp,so  now  we  read 
words   of  >rn  cum  bak  2erth  '4— 2nd    t 

1    in  lsens,hut   parbl  in  nothr 
tel   ir   story   form 

va   51«]  er£  !    as   fnd 

at  time   Q  kno   Ja   apear  cloud   !j  wil    :'  ,  out 

all   liv  Blievr  which  makup  6 

T   liv  wat   eal-Ch  a-e,or  ace   Gentila 

W  'translatin  all   T-'lievr: 
hvn  23  w/Lord 
I    tel=trump  wil  snc  1   L]  n   in  vi 

air  2  l-ii  liv  saints  wilB  tranlt 

bodly  fro'  ivn 

Colo  this  acord     wrip   Grt    'rib  wil  tak  plae 

il     Tyr  period   turmoil  ,strif  such  as   nevr  C  B4 
11   present  unrest  .terisra,  fire-  ,  floods  ,erthmjaks  , 
wars, etc   H  lead  up2  time  -il  tak  !Tis   own  fron 

vtii   B4  teribl  time     riv 
after   7yr  Xp  wil  return  2erth  at  which  tine   Battl  of 

1  1   &  thoz   in  avi 

w/Him  wil  fite  &  win  that  battl 
T-^en  Js  wil  set   up  His  kingdm   on  erth  &  this  wat 
mean  by  "Sit   on  thron  His  Glory" 
This   isnt  S   talk  bout, it   Js   Himself 
vss  32-53= All   natins  wilB  thoz   Gentils  who  bin  left 
on  erth  during  Trib  &  hav   surviv 
Separatin  wilB  thez   acpt   Him  as   I   Si   Bav  durin  perdt 
&  thoz  rejec  TH™=.rjheep='."aved;Cjoats^uiisaved 
Criteria  4sepratin  fnd  in  vss   34-36 

But   statment  by   Js  wilB  met  w/surpris    Sc  say=37-39 
&  Jb  wil  anaer-vs  40 
&.  alonr  w/surpris  wil?   othrs   Si  ther   sep-vss  41-43 
They  wil  ask=vs  44 
Js  wil  answer=vss  45^46  &  perhaps   cud   lik»n  to-« 
(Ilus   of   coal  mine   owner   &    7hinep   Ban* 
Wat    Js  tel  this   incident  wilE    'epaatin  of     urr 
I  thin;-,  rrt  2B  atl  read/lern  wat   S  wil  do  in  futur 
But  lead   us  2daydream  &  wish  44a-  2c»i 

Inate^.I   Biiev    '   want  us  awak/alert   2own   '  T 

cur   of    Jeai      .                lik 
2use   it   2pt   nothr  directin 


win  oats-with  G  or  sp, rate  flrom 

I    we   eithx  ■        unsaved  ,hav  acpt   or  reject 

crip  "•  word  in  32nd  vacations 
"    wid  lik 

••  in  wh/we   liv 
o.jus  wat  impllcatin  of  pasag  4us : 
.at   duz   lord  expect  of  us? 
(Ilus    Kartin   of  "ours) 

wat   I  expec  fr  folors  rerard  who  R.wher   u, 
whomevr  nitee   minister  ,,„„,, 

But   is   this   teyp  actin  in  keep  chaxactr  4anyl. 
&  wat  wud  caus   a  man  2aay- ( Ilns    Jim   Eliot   prayer) 
yn-  man,,  .       ,ior  colep  *?  pray  prsyr   6 at  are 

29  kil   Dv  saTOfs   Ecuador  he   &  4othrs   try  lead 
J/at     ud"caus  man  ?*iv  lif  4such  caus=He  cal  by  G 
spk  cal   of   -..think  preachrs  o.ly.expec  of  t hem 
But   evry  Tpian.no  matter  who  he/she   KOffiTB  cal  of  G 

tfBTZ   3cuz  fear  deth.keep  busy   -  no  think  bout    I 
li  bS  bultin  lunch  time-Alfred  KruTjP.no  kno     P  ■  -, 

o  hav  millins.no  cope  w/thot  detb=^n  1  *tta> 
no  fear  deth.Bcua  wen  cum.nex   face   seen  wilB  JB 
Pn   it   m^tivatin  ?liv  4  G  constut  cal=burdn  2do  4  Hl« 

»  =  intens  desir=U  hav  2do   it,h  hav  2serv 
•    fe  preacSrs^o  cal  by   V=-   =i«    ^b  etc;examp 

»in^0^as-l  li£°no  woman  is   cal  Spreaci 

-  'P^acnr^v^l^-nen  shudB  in  Job  not  ^  pay 
best  or  rranrfathr  did, or  mos  benefits-but  n.cuz  we 
got   ,'do   that    dob   Bcuz   it   dun  4  lod   &  in  th.t    job 

?S   i^hafthlr   is    absolute   nothin   . 
^h  Jo  e^ccep   1ob  U  H  do  now  lik   Jer  proph-20:9= 
inroslb  fje?  do  anvthin  els  hut  spk  name   of  lord 

we'        '  i';ri  W 

(Ilus   Ther   care   a  m»n-. Joan        sla .O  . 

the   lif   6  testmony   of   1  man  ^ad  chan^  ^t  no 

mattr  wher   liv; who  we    8,U 

.  -loth. need     !B  weli — .. 


ther   peop  need   2B  fed, cloth, comf ,welcum, need   2B  luv 
&  we  do  thez  things   in  name    Js  Xp  Bcuz  we  call  by 
Mm  to  do  so 


he  r'urprise  Of  "epsn^inn" 

Scripture:   Matthew  25:31-46 

(Illustration  of  Eddie  and  his  forgiveness  of  his  mother) 

Eddie  was  six  years  old  and  his  mother  who  was  a  very  confused  young  woman, 
left  him  at  an  orphanage.  He  stood  on  the  steps  of  the  building  and  watched 
as  his  mother  tearfully        cod -bye  through  the  rear  window  of  the  taxi. 
Suddenly  sensing  the  rejection  and  with  anger  swellinr  up  within  him,  he 
wrestled  free  from  the  grasp  of  the  woman  holding  him  by  the  arm,  and  he  ran 
after  the  cab  shouting  a4:  the  top  of  his  lungs,  "Mommy,  I  hate  you,  and  I'll 
never  forgive  you. 

Eddie  didn't  see  his  mother  asrain  for  years.   But  Sddie  was  one  of  those  few 
rkable  people  who  could  ro  through  life  overcomin "  the  obstacles  in  his 
,  like  waltzing  over  and  arounl  stumbling  blocks  en  the  dancefloor  of  life, 
he  became  a  professional  ice  skater  at  an  early  e  e .   later  he  became  a. 
and  had  his  own  business.   But  after  several  years  he  '"el4-  in  inner  compulsion 
to  do  something  in  life  to  really  help  other-.    e  fe]  11  to  the  mini 

nd  went  to         .    it  before  he  was  ordained  he  did  so         ich 
feliov  iel  1  Lr  rreatest  lesson  in  the  preparation  for 

ministry.   One  afternoon  he  p icked  up  the  telephone  and  called  his  mother 

:  .   hen  his  mother  inswered  he  said,  "bom,  thir  is  Eddie,  and  I 
called  to  say  that  I  love  you,  and  I  forgive  you."   After  a  Ion,-'  sob'  : 
telephone  discussion  between  them,  the  Ion-;  chase  was  ended.   Bor  fc      jars 

lie  had  been  chasinr  that  taxi  in  his  mind.   Put  now  it  was  over,  the  lo 
wait-.       inded. 

The  Church  has  been  waiting  for  almosl       -ears  for  the  return  of  Christ, 

for  what  is  called,  "The  Farousia"  as  it  is  interpreted  from  Scripture,  or 

Tesus  promised  ch 

return,  but  more  importantly  He  had  explained  this  to  His  disciples  after  *x 

they  had  asked  Him  about  it.   In  the  24th  chapter  verses  3  and  4  tell  us, 

(read  these),  "~o  then  Jesus  explained  this  to  them  in  the  24th  chapter  and 

in  the  25th  chapter  as  well.   tffi  shared  together  the  parable  of  the  wise  and 

foolish  virgins  and  the  parable  of  the  giving  of  talents.  These  both  p-ive 

us  pictures  of  the  3econd  Coming  of  Jesus.   3o  now  we  are  reading  the  words 

of  Jesus  concerning  His  coming  back  to  earth  for  the  '"-'econd  time. 

xJaxnaxfeEidiiax  Tbis  is  not  an  actual  parable  in  the  sense  of  relating  something 

which  is  wrapped  up  in  story  form.   But  it  is  a  parable  in  the  sense  that  it 

tells    of   Christ's   second   coming   in  sort   of   story  form. 

Jesus  begins   by  sayin    ,    :r  "hen  the    :'on   of   man  shall   come    in  His    glory,    and   all 
the  holy  angels  with   Him,    then  shall  He   sit  upon  the   throne   of    His      lor-." 

25:31. 

Perhaps  we  should  relate  the  timetable  of  God  as  found  in  Scripture,  up  to 
this  point.   At  a  time  which  only  God  knwws ,  Jesus  will  appear  in  the  clouds 
and  will  rapture,  or  take  out  of  this  world  all  living  believers  t^hich  make 
up  nis  Church.   You  and  I  are  living  in  what  is  called  "The  0,  urch  ' .;;.e , "  or 
the  "Age  of  the  "Entiles,"   \.is  "^-e"  will  come  to  an  enrl  with  the  transla- 
tion of  all  believer"  to  heaven  to  be  with  the  Lord,  \t   that  time  faul  tells 
us,  the  trumpet  of  Cod  will  sound  and  those  '-'ho  were  believers  and  who  have 
died,  their  bodies  will  miraculously  be  raised  out  of  the  ^raves  and  will 
be  taken  in  the  air  to  be  Joined  with  their  souls  in  heaven  and  then  the 


-2- 

living  saints  will  be  translated  bodily  from  earth  to  heaven.   Following  this 
according  to  "cripture ,  the  'hreat  Tribulation  will  take  place,   "his  will  be 
■•w.  a  period  of  7  years  of  turmdol  and  strife  on  earth  such  as  there  has  never 
been  before.   Ml  of  the  present  unrest,  the  terrorism,  fires,  floods,  earth- 
quakes, wars  and  so  on  are  leadinp-  us  to  that  tine  when  Christ  will  take  His 
own  from  this  earth  before  that  Terrifele  time  arrives.   After  the  7  years, 
Christ  will  return  to  earth  at  which  time  the  Battle  of  tanageddon  will  be 
fought  and  Jesus  Christ  wiijt  with  all  of  His  angels  and  those  in  heaven  with 
Him  will  fight  and  win  that  battle.   Then  Jesus  will  set  up  His  kingdom  upon 
earth.   T,  is  is  what  He  means  by  His  sitting  on  the "throne  of  "i<  -lory." 
This  isn't  Sod  He  is  talking  about,  but  Himself. 

Then  He  says,  "  ind  before  Mm  shall  be  gathered  all  nations:  and  He  sha.l 
separate  them  one  from  another,  as  a  shepherd  divideth  his  sheep  from  his 
goats."  2fxS  "And  He  shall  set  the  sheet*  on  His  right  hand,  but  the  goats 
on  His  left."  25:32-33. 

The  "All  nations"  before  Him,  will  be  those  KkExkaxu  Gentiles  who  have  been 

living  .  .  ,  . 

saiEifc^xcHKBxtBx^tosizt ,  during  the  tribulation  period*  3n&   have  survived  it. 

The  separation  will  be  to  Mace  those  who  have  accepted  Him  as  lord  and  Savioi 

during  this  period,  from  those  who  have  rejected  Him.   The  sheep  are  the 

saved,  and  the  goat*  are  the  unsaved. 

The  criteria  for  separation  is  given  in  verses  34-36,  (read  these).   But  this 

statement  by  Jesus  will  be  met  with  "surprise"  and  they  will  say,  (verses  37 

through  39,  read  these).   And  Jesus  will  answer,  (verse  40,  read  this). 

alon^  with  this  surprise  will  be  the  others  and  their  separation  as  we 

read  in  verses  41-43,  (read  these  .    ,.e-  in  turn  will  ask,  verse  44,  (read). 

And  He  shall  answer,  verses  45-46, (read  these).   Perhaps  we  could  liken  the 

acceptance  of  what  Jesuf  will  do  with  the  incident  which  took  Mace  after  - 

man  took  over  the  ownership  of  a  coal  mine: 

man  bought  a  -mall  coal  mine  txxTD   and  hired  three  men  to  work  it  for 
He  told  one  man  to  dig  the  coal,  another  man  to  put  it  in  a  wheelbarrow  and 
wheel  it  outside,  and  the  third  man  who  was  Chinese  he  put  in  charge  of 
supplies.   then  he  left.   ometime  later  he  came       3d  found  the  one  man 
shoveling  coal  into  the  wheelbarrow,  and  ±tes±  the  other  man  wheeling  it  ou  - 

.  in  £  as ked 

re  he  was  and  the  men  informer'  him  that  he  went  down  into  the  i 
returned.      b  aeemed  odd  to  him  so  he  went  in  search  of  the  Chinaman. 
He  went  a  ways  into  the  mine  and.  came  to  a  turn  and  as  he  turned  the  corner, 
the  Chinaman  jumped  out  and  yelled,  "~pplize." 

fell,  what  Jesus  was  tellir       is  incident  was  bhat  when  the  separation 

took  place  between  the  believe-      unbelievers  it  would  be  a  separation  of 

"i  urprise . " 

it  1  Le  to  reac! 

do  sometime  in  the  future.   But  the  problem  with  this  is  that  it  may  tend  to 

lead  us  to  while  away  our  time  in  daydreaming  and  wishing  for  that  day  to 

come.   But  instead,  I  believe  God  wants  us  awake  and  alert  to  our  own  time 


-3- 

our  own  age.   Now  although,  we  must  understand  that  this   Scripture  is  speaking 

about  the  Second  Cominc-  of  Christ,  I  would  like  to  use  it  to  point  us  in  a 

certain  direction.   As  we  said  once  before,  the  word  "Nations"  as  found  in  the 

32nd  verse  applies  to  a  people  collectively.   The  Greek  word  is  "Ethne "  xnvt 

and  is  used  of  Gentiles ,  or  non-Jews.   But  it  can  also  be  used  for  individual 

Gentiles,  individual  people.   I   ould  like  us  to  use  it  tss   in  reference  to 

the  present  day  and  age  in  which  we  live.   Tow  if  we  do  so,  just  what  ±a  the 

implications  in  this  passage  for  us?  What  does  our  :  ord  expect  of  us? 

(Illustration  of  Martin  of  Tours) 

an  rho  is  called  the  patron  saint  of  Trance,  rt.  Martin  of   ours  was  a 
Roman  soldier  before  he  beca'  e  a  monk  and  b  bishop,      while  a  soldier  he 
became  a  Christian.   One  cold  winter  cay  he  was  stopped  by  a  be  gar  askj 
for  alms.  Martin  saw  that  the  beggar  was  shivering  and  freez.    E  ^m  the 
cold.   "~e  didn't  have  any  money,  ro   he  took  of  his  soldier's  cloak,  "ore  it 
in  two      ave  the  beggar  one  naif,   rhat  night  he  had  a  dream.   In  that 
dre  ~  he  saw  heaven,  and  the  anrels  and  Jesus  among  them;  and  Jesus  was  wear- 
in  half  of  a  Roman  soldier's  cloak.   One  of  the  angels  asked,  "-■■aster,  why 
are  you  wearing  that  battered  old  cloak?"   Sn   ~esus  answered,  "My  servant 
Martin  rave  it  to  me." 

This  is  what  the  Laid  expects  from  His  followers,  regardless  of  who  they  are, 

where  they  are,  and  to  whomever  they  must  minister.   But  is  this  type  of 

action  in  keeping  with  the  character  of  anyone?  2KX±±xnEXffixlx:fBzx;8XLXE:EKx:fcnx 

What  would  cause  a  man  to  say,  "God,  I  pray  Thee,  light  these  idle  sticks  of 
my  life  and  may  I  burn  for  Thee.  Consume  my  life,  my  God,  for  it  is  Thine. 
I  seek  not  a  long  life  but  a  full  one,  ] ike  You,  Lord  Jesus."  ?' 

young  man  named  Jim  Elliott  prayed  that  in  194-9  as  a  ~enicr  in  college  and 

in  just  a  few  years  at  the  aye  of  29  was  killed  by  the  savages  in  Ecudor  he 

and  four  others  were  seeking  to  lead  to  Christ.   -hat  would  cause  a  man  to 

give  his  life  for  such  a  cause?   Re  was  called  of  rod.   Now  when  we  speak  of 

a  person  being  called  we  almost  always  think  of  pastors  or  preachers.  This  is 

Christian  ,   ,, .  . 

expected  of  them.   But  every  jssxsai,  no  matter  who  he  or  she  is  should  be, 

must  be  called  of  Cod  in  order  to  live  for  God.   r'o  what  constitutes  ahat 
call?   It  is  three  very  definite  things. 

First,  it  is  the  realization  that  this  life  is  more  than  just  eating  and  sleej 
ing  and  holding  down  a  job  in  order  to  retire.   It  is  the  realization  that  be- 
yond this  life  there  is  an  eternity  awaiting  us.   \nd  in  that  eternity  we  wil] 
either  live  with  God,  or  live  separated  from  God,   ' nd  our  acceptance  of 
CTrist  plaves  us  in  the  croup  who  will  spend  eternity  with  God.   But  until 
God  xh±±bh  calls  us  from  this  life,  there  must  be  so^e      "e  wants  us  to  do. 
Tvat  realization  is  the  motive  that  constitutes  the  call  from  God.   It  is  what 
gives  life  meaning  and  purpose.    "u^  look  at  the  lives  of  those  who  do  not 
know  Christ.   These  people  are  caught  up  in  an  endless  pursuit  of  gainj 
things  nad  possessions,  and  endless  round  of  fun  and  games,  and  why?   Because 
they  fear  death  and  want  to  forpet  that  it  wil]  one  day  come.   tead  the  back 
of  your  bulletin  at  lunch  today  for  s  vivid  example  of  this.   It  tells  of  a 


-4- 

man  who  had  millions,  hut  couldn't  cope  with  the  thought  of  death,   JHY? 
Because  he  didn't  know  Christ.   Inyone  who  knows  Christ  doesn'*  fear  death 
because  when  he  dies,  the  next  person  he  will  meet  will  be  Jesus  and  that 
takes  the  fear  out  of  de         d  -  .   Jut  it  is  the  motivation  to  live  for 
Kim  which  constitutes  the  call  of  Tod  and  it  is  the  desire  to  do  something  foi 
God.  That's  the  first  part  of  rod's  call.   It  is  a  burden,  like  t 
^KEsnoitx  heavy  stone  around.  &   burden  to  do  something:  to  show  love  for  Cod. 
second,  it  is  the  intense  desire  th  I        -e  to  do  it,  ^o-u  have  to  serve. 

said  that  preachers  are  expec  lied"  of  ^od.  Put  the  truth  of 

the  matter  is  that  there      mdreds,      orha-ps  thousands  of  pulpits  in 
our  nation  being  manned  by  minister      are  not  c^llel  of  Cod.   Pvey  are  in 
the  Job  because  it  appealed  to  them  as  a        y  to  earn  a  living  or  some 
other  reason.   Cany  of  these  pulpits  are  bein^  filled  by  women  who  should  be 
doin   something  else,   last  year,  one  third  of  the  students  r       ster, 
one  of  our  seminaries,  were  women.   Tvey  are  there  because  of    en's  ri 

lib,  i\  re3m     But  they 

are  not  there  because  of  the  call  of  God.   When  I  was  in  seminary,  there  were 
several  women  in  my  class.   One  of  them,  a  girl  named  Carol  was  sent  out  on 
preaching  assignments  each  week.   Each  week  the  seminary  would  receive  a  call 
telling  them  to  never  send  her  back.  Che  was  caught  up  in  the  activist  move- 
ment and  this  is  what  she  was  preaching-  and  the  congregations  wanted  to  hear 
the  Jord  of  God.  Che  was  a  fery  mixed  up  youn^  lady  and  the  ministry  was  the 
means  she  saw  as  being  fulfilled  in  life.  rhe  has  since  become  a  Roman  Cath- 
olic nun  and  whether  she  has  found  her  niche  is  known  only  to  Cod.   But  every 
preacher,  every  layman,  should  be  in  the  position  where  they  are  because  Cod 
has  called  them  there.   \f  shouldn't  be  in  our  jobs  because  it  pays  the  most 
money,  or  has  the  most  benefits,  or  our  grandfather  and  fa  her  worked  there. 
Instead,  we        be  in  that  job  because  we've  go1  to  io  I  i   jot,   \nd  in 
yhs  re    -e  the  opportunity  to  show  others  Jesus  Christ. 

_hird,  the  call  of  '-od  is  that  there  is  absolutely  nothing  else  you  can  do 
except  that  job  you  are  doinr.   Jeremiah  the  prophet  said  that  he  wanted  to 

keep  quiet  about  God,  but  he  couldn't.   He  said,  "Then  I  said,  I  will  not  make 
mention  of  Him,  nor  speak  any  more  in  His  name.  ore  '-/as  in  xx  mine 

heart  aw  a  burning  fire  shut  up  in  my  bones,  and  I  was  weary  with  forebearinj 
I  could  not  stay."   Ter .  20:9 

It  was  impossible  for  Jeremaih  to  do  anything  else  but  speak  in  the  name  of 
the  lord.   Martin  Luther  stood  before  the  members  of  the  Diet  of  ..'orms  and 
declared,  "I  can  do  no  else,  so  help  me  God."   This  is  the  call  that  each  of 
should  have  that  wherever  we  are,  wherever  we  work,  wherever  we  live,  we  can- 
not do  anythin-  else  but  live  for  Cod  =>.s  He  directs.   Our  lives  should  be  an 
influence  and  make  a  difference  because  we  have  lived  and  labored  in  a  certaii 
place . 


-5- 

(I]  lustration  of  "T,  ere  came  a  man ",  John  .Vesley) 

n  Jnrlishman  named  Augustine  Eirrell  tells  of  traveleing  through  what  was 
a  wild,  and  wooly  part  of  -n~land.   The  people  there  had  a  reputation  for 
being  hard  drinking,  hard  living,  bellirerant  individuals,   But  when  he 
visited  that  area  he  found  them  to  be  very  subdued,  kind,  hospitable. 
In  a  conversation  with  a  local  miner  he  asked  how  this  chanre  had  taken 
place.   The  miner  tipping  his  hat  very  solemnly  as  a  token  of  respect  said, 
"TT,ere  came  a  man  amongst  us  once,  and  his  name  was  John  V.;esley." 

The  life  and  tesitmony  of  one  man  bed  changed  an  entire  community.   This  is 

exactly  what  Jesus  was  saying  in  this  parable,  Tie  was  pointing  out  that  no 

matter  where  we  live;  no  matter  who  we  ^re;  if  we  belon~  to  the  Lord,  there 

are  people  that  need  fed  and  clothed,  need  to  be  welcomed,  need  to  be  loved. 

And  we  do  these  things  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ  because  we  are  "Called" 

by  Him  to  do  so. 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Litik,  Pastor  July  21,  19B5 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Megan  Hewis,  Acolyte 
+  +  +  +  +  f  +  +*  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  -f  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  10:00  A.M. 
Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 

Announcements  -  Deacon  Kevin  Snyder 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
•Hymn  No.  317  "Let's  Juat  Praise  the  Lard" 
■•Ascription 
•Exhortation 

•Confession  (In  Unison)  "  Our  Father,  we  come  knowing  that 
we  have  fallen  and  failed  in  so  many  ways.   Sometimes 
we  have  tried  to  hide  from  you,  from  one  another,  and 
even  from  ourselves.   There  have  been  times  when  we 
have  drawn  back  from  the  right  because  it  was  a 
difficult,  crucifying  experience.   Father  we  seek 
strength  to  overcome  our  weakness,  our  sin,  and  our 
doubt  of  your  help.  Forgive  us,  and  make  us  whole,  for 
we  pray  in  Jesus'  name.         Amen. 
•Kyrie 

•■Assurance  of  Pardon 
•Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever. 
•Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No.  457  "Take  Time  to  Be  Holy" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray . 
Prayer 
Offering 
Offertory 
•Doxology  -  page  332 
Scripture;   Luke  12:  13-21 
Sermon:   "Soul  Food" 
•Closing  Hymn  No.  127  "Beyond  the  Sunset" 
•Benediction 
•Closing  Chimes 
•Postlude 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mrs.  Phyllis  Tait  *  Beth  in  loving  memory  of  Bob  Tait. 
Mr.  t  Mrs.  Coyle  Fowler  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 

door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Rob  Vinroe,  Robert  Dellen,  Randy 

Dellen,  and  Kevin  Snyder, 
Nursery  for  today  will  be  provided  by  Mrs.  Sue  Gamble. 
Carl  Vinroe  and  Art  Carney  will  be  visiting  the  Hospital 

this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  83  with  10  visitors. 
MONDAY  -  Special  council  meeting  at  7:00  P.M. 
TUESDAY  -  Finance  Committee  meeting  at  7:00  P.M. 
THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 

life  are  still  in  need  of  flowers  for  July  28,  some  weeks  in 
August  and  into  September.   If  you  have  a  loved  one  you 
would  like  to  remember,  this  is  a  great  way  of  doing  it. 
Take  some  time  and  sign  up  now  in  the  Narthex  or  call 
Ginny. 

HOSPITALIZED:   Lloyd  French  and  Carol  Noel  -  BMH. 


•Congregation  Standing 


Community  Bible  church  -  Sagamore,  pa.   -  Aujrust  23,   199? 

Prelude 

rsreetinps/joys/Announce-ents/Prayer  Feqyeeta 


K)R  THE  LOUD 


Call  to  Worship: 

0  love  the  lord,  all  ye  his  saints: 
preserve™  the  faithful, 
and  plentifully  1eqhdeth  the  proud  doer. 

be  of  good  courage,  and  he  shull  strengthen  tour  heart, 

all  te  that  hope  in  toe  lord. 

PSALM  31:23-2* 

"Hymn 
Offering/Prayer 

•  Doxolojry 
Pstoral  Prayer 
Hyim 

Scripture:     Luke  12: 13-81 

Sermon:     *«■*«  Soul  Pood"     St.  Paul's  Butler  7/21/85 

*  Hymn 

•Benediction 
•Postlude 


Sermon:  "Soul  Food"  Scripture:  Lk  12:13-21 

JS   CUM  FR/DINHR  V/PHAH  ft   SPK   LRQ  CROWD  WH/BGAN   FCL  WEN  LET  HODS 
LK   TEL  CROWD  SO  CRT  BGAN  TRAMPL  ONE  NOTHR 
HIS  TEACH  WAS  2BISCIPS,BUT  CTHRS   NO  EXCLtJD  FR/TEACH 
VS   13-NO  UNUSUL  PEO  ASK   RABBI'S  QUEST  ALL  TIM 
ft    "*-JS    NO  WANT  PART  OF  THIS 

iT.T  KNO  MAN   SEEK.CUDB  LEGIT, CUD  HAV  COVET  BCUZ  JS   SAT.VS  15A 
'iTOM-FLURL  t,  KNO  JS  SPK  THIS  MAN,DI£CIPS,«-  MOB  RND  HIM 
VS  15B-JS  TEL  FAHIL  PARBL  OF  FARMR 
VS3   16-19-EXPL  PARBL 

(ILUS  JN  HEED  &   DRUNK   DRIV.ICIL  BABY) 

JN  REED  HAD  SOT  2HAV  AIL   LIF  HAD  20FFR,ALL  THINGS   OF  WORL 
BUT   IN  SO   DO   DISCOVR  COST  HIS  VEST   SOUL  2DO  t,  BUT   THTH 
VIVID  HUB   PARBL  JE  TOL 
APOCRYPHA   BUK  ECCLESIASTICUS   WRIT  JS   BEN   SIRACH-ll:l8-19 
A   MAN  GROWS  RICH  BT  HIS  SHAR.PNES  %  GRABING.t  HERE  IS   TF/SEWARD 
H*-   RECEIVE   *IT:HE  SATS,    'I   HAV  FND  RES,!,  NOW   I   CAN  ENJOY  NY  GUDS 
BOT  HE   DUZ   NCT  KNO   HOW  LNG  THIS  WIL  LASjHE  WIL  HAV  2LV  HIS  GUDS 
*OTHHS  &   DT. 

THIS  WAT  JS   THY  IMPAR  i,   2GET  DEEPR  HUS   LK  WORDING   HERE 
I  HANS   SOUL-PSUCHE   OP   PSYCHE      -  THIS  ONLY  ONE  PAST  HAKUP  OF  HAN 
I    P  SPKS.SOMA-BCDY:  PSCCHE.SOUL:  PNEUNA-SPIRIT 

PSUCHE-HIND,ENG  WORD  PSYCHIATRY-STUDY  CF  TH/KIND 
MAN  IN  STORY.FAHMR.SPK   OF  USE  MIND  ESUL  hia   llf 
saw  V/MTNDS  ET  THAT  WH/GUD  5-    DESIR   IT    „  _    _  ,„„„  .__  ,    ™,CT, 
WE  C  THlf  ALWAT  BIN  CASE  SINC  EVE-SAW  THAT  WH/GUD  *FUD  I   DESIR 
WE  C  wJGuF  ET,*EY  TELGRAP  2MIND  &  ACT  ON   IKAG  5:  WE  SIN 

1  SINiEP  FR/O  ,., 

VS   15-2WOSD  %LTF  IN  GRK    -  BIOS-ENG  BIOLGTiSOA-simpl  word   lit, 

^irsw"s™TILOF  LIF  -ZOA-NOT  WAT  CANB   BCT/FED  W/MATERTL  (SUDS 
HAN  INSTED  HAV  LIF, VERY   SOUL  TAKN  FR/HIM 

VS   21-THEN  JS   ADD, BUT   DUZNT  NEED  B  THIS  WAT   BCUZ  G  ALWAY    AT  WORK 

TRY  BRING  PEO  2SELF 
(ILUS   END  SESUI.  JN   REED'S   IIP)  ^^ 

JS   IN   BUSSES   OF  HEAL  ALL  KINDS   LIYS  t,  NOTHR  EXAMPL  HEAL  POWR 
EVN   LIF  DRKES   MOHEN  CAN  BRING   IMT-CSIBL   AWUT 
(ILUS  UKIV   STUD  ASK  KIDS  BOUT  JS) 

JS  DUE  UNEXFEC   IT  LET  HIM.HE  DUZNT  WANT  US   LIV  JUS   4THIS   LIT 
KNO  WE  HAV  NEEDS  &  KNO  WAT   DO  BOUT  THEM 
HE  WANT  US  1GIN   LIV   ".HIH  &  WIL  TAK   WORTS, CARES.t  CHNG   IN2 
PROBS  ALL  SOLVD  BCUZ  WANTS   TO  LUV  US 
WANTS  US   2KNO-VS  15A.READ 
t  LIF  SHUD  CONSIS  IN   B  RICH   TWARD  GOD 


i .        y  u^  i  i 


I 


Lk  12:15-21 
Js   cum  dinr  w/  err'-'"    folo      sftr   It   tiou 

30    ]         , 

Je  actul   teach  discips  lif  nattr.but   othr  no  exclud 
'.o  1  thoz    I  '  '  n=va    13 

no  unusul 

vh    14 
r   incid,oi  ]  ■    I  r  fr 

itil  man  covet   "ouz   wat  '"   15 

=plurl   '    rent  2nen,discips  ,  "    all  othrr 
Is  r  '  ,etc 

Then  lie   tel  familr   psxbl   of  farnser 
raan  ]  fil  fr/las  ~r 

. 
ed=ve   19 
(Ilus   Jn  Reed  arest.b-by  dyjlc  nds  etc) 

Jn  Ret' 

'  T' !  t 
but   In  do  so,discovr  cost  ve:;-   soul   2buy   "    own  them 

ivid   ilus  parll  -1 

be  bk  of   Apocrypba-Eccle  11:1    -3 

en     irach  ''  vs 

This  wot   Ja  try  impsj  ■  ite  mus   lk  word 

,en   Jb  , 

P   spk   Dody=rOKA:soul=^SUCHE;&  spirit-FHEttMA 

the   PSDCHE   Sb   mind,&  perhaps  grasp  word-Psychiatry  n 

get   fr  it=st-udy   of  human  m  nd 
man  in  story  use  mind  2rul  lif=saw  w/roind   ey  that 
wh  was  gud   &  desir  it 
T(-'^  alway  bin  case  fr  Bpin  time  as   evidenc   Eve  gardrt 
S..      saw  tree  was   pud  4fud,s;ud   2eat,&  she  deBir   it 

we  C  w/eyes , telegraph   ?mind  8c  we  act   &  oft   sin 
But  wen   Js  spok=I.IFE  no  use   phyaicl  word  4it 
I.k  vs   15B=A  man's   lif  a  word   ther   is=ZOS-(zoa) 

this    import  Ecus   in  Or  Pword  <Hif:BIOS  fr  wh=Eiolo<?y 

&  this  refr  hiirhr  forms   of   lif 
ZOE=simpl  word  4lif=lif  butrf ly,animl,anc-l,lif  man, 
lif   of  G  ... 

spk  zoology  &  it  study  animl  lif, very  esenc   of   lif 
Js   no  refr  body, alon=sp  alon, soul/mind  alon,He   spk 
esentil   of   lif  wh  all  thez   combin 

Wen  read  fcrit>=etrn  lif-this  word  used 
Js   sav  very  esenc   of  wat  mak  man, that "LIFE     in  him 
cannot    E  hot   w/material   ^uds   5   Bcuz   men    in   parbl   set 
■■-   of   lif.insted    of   ]iv  lif   ?fu lest, his  verj 

soul  was   takn  fr  him 
He   sot  food  4  body  ■         "■rv|    '    ';ou]    ?,■   Js   ?sk  que  it 

vs   2  OB 


but  duznt   need  23  this  way  Beuz   G   alway  try  2brinr 

peop  2   Himself 

(Ilus  end   result    Jn   Reed   lif) 

|js   is   in  busnes   of  heal  all   ki  this    jus   nothi 

examp  His  heal  powr 


in   mid   lifs   drkes  noser   He   can  bring  bout  wat 


i.,  ^osibl   any   othr 
(Ilus  univ  stud   ask  childrn  tout    Js ) 
Js  duz   thing;  that   R  unexpec   if  we   let 
liV    ^us   K  this    lif 
:nos  we  hav   needs    St  He  knos  wat  2do  bout  them 
But   He   no  want   us   ''liv  *+posesins,or   mor   B   mor   of  fun 
-    pleasur 

v   thez   needs   &   He  wil  bias   them 
But   He  wants  us   2Bpin  liv  4-  Bim,How,2day  &  He  wil 
tak   our  worries, our   cares,    our  concerns, p-   He  wil 
chan>     them   in2  prohs   solv    Bout   He  wants   ?luv  us 

He  wants   us   2kno=Read  vs   15B  &   adapt 
A   man's   lif, his   ZOE,hia   esentil  Being, wat   maks  him 
realy  tik,consisteth  not   In  the  abundanc   of   fcne 
things   which  he   possesseth, 
His   lif  consisteth  not   in  fud  4-  the  body, but   in 
foul    :'ood  , 
in  bein-r    rich  toward   Ood  . 


"  .oul  Food" 
Scripture:    Luke   12:13f2J 

Jesus  had  come   from  dinner  with  a  Pharisee    and   was    speaking  to  a  large  err 
V    which  began  to  folic  -fter  He   left    bhe   Pharisee's   house.     Luke    tells  us 

so     re  "   oeople   began   to   trample    one    another.      His    teaching 

was   actually  to   Ris  disciples   about  different  matters,   hut   the    other  people 
were   not   exclude^    fr  siching,       \nd   so   it   was    that   one   of   those    listen- 

ers  said   to   Him  as  we  read   in  the    13th  verse,    "faster,    speak  to   my  brother, 
that   he   divide   the    inheritance  with  -^e . " 

It   was   not   ar  est,    because    people   came   to   Rabbis   all  the   tine 

asking    thei    to   settle   di-outes    such   as    this.      But    Jesus   didn't  want   to  have 

any  part  in  this    and   so   He    answers,    "'"an,  who  made   Me   a    judge   or  divider 
over  you?" 

n  have   no  elaboration  on  the   circumstances   of  this   incident,    only  that  one 

man  lat   may  have  been   coming  to  him  frr  r  '  :te. 

fvere   is   the   possibility  that    "Vis   man  was    coveting,    or  desiri'  not 

rightfully  his   because   of   the    next   remai  .   ;h    Jesus   made.      In  the   15th  verse 

we   read,    "And     'e   said   unto   ther . "        ince   the   word    "them"   is   plural  we   know  tfcs 

that    Jesus  was   speaking  to  the  man    :  ed    the   question,   to  the  disciples 

He   had  been  teaching,    and    to   the    mob   which  wan   surround inc  Him.        i-    message 

was   for   all   of   them   and    He    3aid,  eware    of   covetousness :    for 

a  man's   life   consisteth  not   in   the    -  assess- 

.'■ 

-  "    -  i  ■>    rarae    .  had  every- 

thing that  he  needed  for  himself.      His   barns  were  probably  bursting  from  the 
last  year's   crops   and   the   crops   of   this   year  were   even  goinc-  to  be    greater. 
So  he   decided   to   make   room   for   these   crops   by  building  bigger   and  better  barns 

This  he  did  and  when  he  had   accomplished  all  of  this    Jesus   said  of  him,    "And   '. 
I  will  say  of   my  soul,    ''oul,   thou  hast   much  ?oods    laid   up  for   many  years; 
take   thine   ease,    eat,    drink, and  be   merry." 

(Illustration  of    John  Reed,   drunk  driving  killing  a  baby,    and  his   life   after) 
John  Reed  awakened  dn  Sunday   "eptember  20,    1981  to  discover  he  was   in  Kail 
in  Vanderburgh   County,    Indiana.     He  vaguely  remembered  hitting  two  adults   on 
bikes    and   a  baby   on  the  back   of   one   bike,   with  his   car.      Then  he   heard   two 
EEExis±k±Era;xi2rBicxtks  voices   comin~  from   the    office    outside   the    cells.      "That 
no  rood,   blankety,   blank,    Reed   is   really   ^oin~  to   get   it   for  this,"   one   said. 
The   other  replied,    "They'll  throw  the   book  at  him  and  he   deserves    it." 
K\He   asked  for   a  r unday  paper  and   one    of   the    other  prisoners   shoved    a  paper  to 
XWhim   from   the   next   cell.      He    opened   it   to  the   front   page   and   there    it  was:   the 
Vy story   of   a  drunken  driver  who  had  hit   two   adults  xmrifc£x±3tK±KX   and   a  baby,    on 
\    /toaE#*E4BS  bicycles,      The   car  had  dragged   the   one   bike  with  the  baby  still 
§>,(   strapped    in  the   child    carrier   2300  feet.      The   father  was    in  serious    condition. 
vand   the   mother  and   baby  were   critical^  John  had   a   30,000  dollar   a  year    job 
as   a  sales-account   manager"  with   '.'/eyerhaue-er   Company.      He   had   a    lovely  home, 
a    fife,   a  two-year  old        u    iter,   everything  anyone   could  want.     He  ended  up 
serving  two  years   in  $8t±i3c?nEK±BXJEK  prison,    losing  his    job  and   losing  almost 
all   of  hi---   friends   and   aquaintances . 

Obhn  Reed  had   sought  to  have   all  that   life  had  to   offer;    to   sample   all  of  the 


-2- 
things  ifeK  of  the  world.   Eut  in  doin^  so  he  discovered  it  had  cost  him  his 
very  soul  to  do  them  and  buy  them.   This  is  a  vivid  illustration  of  the  para- 
ble Jesus  told.   It  is  also  interesting  to  note  that  in  a  book  which  is  not 
included  in  the  original  canon  o£  Scripture  and  is  part  of  tks  what  is  walled 
the  Apocrypha,  we  find  a  writing  similar  to  what  Jesus  said.   The  book  is 
called  "Ecclesiasticus"  and  was  written  by  Jesus  Ben  ''irach,  and  is  also 
known  as  the  Wisdom  of  Jesus  Ben  irach.   In  this  book,  chapter  11:19-1?  we 

read:  "A  man  prows  rich  by  his  sharpness  and  grabbing,  and  here  is  the  reward 
he  receives  for  it:  he  says,  'I  have  found  rest,  and  now  I  can  enjoy  my 
goods';  but  he  xtjbtxsnai:  does  not  know  how  long  this  will  last;  he  will  have 
to  leave  his  roods  for  others  and  die," 

This  is  what  Jesus  was  trying  to  Impart  and  to  ret  a  deeper  insight  into  this 

we  must  look  at  some  of  the  wording  used  here.   hen  Jesus  talks  of  the  man's 

soul  Jesus  uses  the  word  "3      :  or  "FSYCEE."   This  is  only  one  part  of  the 

three  which  makeup  a  human  being,   Paul  speaks  of  body,  "  ana,"  soul)  "Bsuche" 

and  spirit  "Pneuma,"   The  Psuehe ,  or   Psyche  is  the  mind  and  perhpas  you  have 

grasped  t      jjlish  word  from  it   sychiatry,  or  the  study  of  the  mind.   The 

man  in  the  story,  the  farmer,  sneaks  of  his  tutwA  "Isuche,"  or  mind.   He  was 

Bind  to  rule  his  life.   He  saw  with  his  mind's  eye  that  which  was 

good  and  he  desired  it.   This  has  always  been  the  case  as  we  can  see  by  look* 

ing  at  the  illustration  of  Eve  In  the  Garden,   he  "  :aw"  the  fruit  of  the  tree 

that  it  was  good  for  food,  or  rood  to  eat  an        "red  it.   fe  see  with  oui 

eye  and  our  eye  telegraphs  that  to  the  mind  and  we  act  upon  that  ima^e  and  we 

sins.   And  the  sin  separ:  .      "  ~m  God, 

But       esus  spoke  of  "life"  he  didn't  use  the  physical  word  for  it.   He 

said,  if  we  look  at  the  latter  verse,  "A  man's  life,"  and  the 

word  there  for  life  is  "ZOE"  =  (  i-o-a),   Ind  this  is  important.   In  Creek, 

the       two  words  for  life.   One  is  "BIOS"  from  which  we  get  Biolc     ich 

refer-  aer  form  of  life.   The  other  ia  "ZOE"  and  it  is  the  simple 

word  for  life,  any  life.   The  life  of  a  butterfl  ,  an  animal,  angels,  the 

life  of  man,  the  life  of  God,  'e   speak  d"  Zoology  which  ia  a  3tudy  of  animal 

life.   It  is  bhe  very  essence  of  that  life.   Jesus  was  not  referrinr  to  body 

alone,  or  of  spirit  alone,  or  of  soul,  or  mind  alone,  He  was  speakinj   of  the 

essential  of  life  which  is  all  of  these  combined.    hen  we  read  in  'cripture 

of  "eternal  life"  this  is  the  word  that  is  used.   Jesus  was  saying  that  the 

very  essence  of  what  makes  a  man,  that  "life"  in  him  cannot  be  Tad  or 

rith  material  goods.   And  because  the  man  in  the  parable  sought  only  the 

"Things"  of  life,  instead  of  living  life  to  its  fullest,  his  very  soul 

I  him,   _.nA    "    ska  the  nuestion,  "..hose  shall  tho-3e  things  be 
which  thou  hast  provided?" 

It  is  left  behind  for  others  to  have  and  to  take  and  use.   Jesus  said,  "So  is 
he  that  layeth  up  treasure  fo:      slf,    "  is  not  rich    -   "    J  . " 


-3- 

But   it  doesn't  need  to  be   this  way  because   God  is  always  at  work  trying  to 

brinp;  all  people  to  Himself. 

(Illustration  of  end  result   of   John  Redd's    life) 

John  Reed  went  to  prison  a  broken  and  defeated   man  because   of  the  harm  he 
had   done   to  himself,   his   family,    and  the    certainly  the   family  of   the  beby  he 
killed.      While    in  prison  he   came   to  Christ.      This   didn't  dissolve   his   prob- 
lems,  but   it    let   him  cope   with  them.      He  was   released   from  prison  he    still 
faced  a   36  million  civil  suit.      He   got   a    ,job  as   a  car   salesman.      One    night 
his   wife   picked  him  up  after  work  and   said   they  had  to    go  to   the    local   grocer; 
store  where  they  shopped  to  get  a  prescription,      John  didn't   care   for  this  be- 
cause  he   wasn't   in  the   mood    ^o   go  up  and  down   aisles   shopping,       -o  he   informet 
his   wife   he  would   see   to   it   that   they   only  went   to   the   drug  section   and  then 
left   the   store.      It   meant   turning  right   when  they   en-ered   the   store   and  walk*: 
in-;  right   up  to  the   drug  counter.      When  they   entered   the   store,   he   turned   lef- 
instead   of  right   and  what   he   had   done   was   to  take  them  directly  away  the 

prescription  counter.      His  wife  was   trailing  behind  and  he  heard  her  pay, 
Oh,   John,   look  at  this  imraixxfczkyx  beautiful  baby!"  id   they 

were  both  admiring  a  beautiful   little   baby  being  carried  papoose   s      ]      by  its 
mother.      Then  he  heard  both  women  ^asr-  and   he   looked   at   the   mother  for  the 
first   time.      It  was   the   mother   of   the  baby  he  had   killed.      Had  he   seen  her 
before   this,   he   would  have   ducked  up   one    of   the   aisles   to  get   away   from  her, 
but  he  couldn't  do  that  how.      But  this  woman  reached    out  and  took  his   hand 
and  said,    "Jphn,   the   lord  has  been  working   in  my  life.      I've  needed  to   see 
you   and  tell  you   that I've  forgiven  you."      And  there  they  were,   all  three   of 
them  holding  an  to  each  other  and  hugging   and  crying  in  the   produce   section  of 
that   store.      John  learned   in  a  few  days   after  that  that  the  father  had  forgiv< 
hij,    also.      The  civil  suit   came  to  trial,   but  was   settled   out  of  court  before 
it   ever   got   started . 

Jesus   is   in  the  business   of  healing  all  kinds   of   lives    and  this    is    just  anothi 

example    of   His   healing  power.      Even  in  the   midst   of   life's   darkest   moments, 

He   can  bring  about  what   is    impossible    in   any  other  way. 

(Illustration   of  university   student  asking  kids    about    Jesus) 

A  universoty   student  was    asking  children  about    Jesus.      Susan  aged    six   said 
""    don't  know   if  there    is   a    Jesus,   but    I  believe   in  Him  anyway."    "John,   aged 
nine   said,    "There  had  to  be   a   Jesus   or   it  wouldn't  make   sense  to  have    ..",'. 
and    i..D."      Rory,    aged    eight    answered,    "If    I  asked    Jesus    if   He    loved    me,   He 
probably  wouldn't   answer   me.      "e    probably   would    just    send    me    another   kid  to 
play  with.      He  does   things    like   that." 

Jesus  does   things   that   are   unexpected    if   we    let   Him.      T:e  doesn't   want   us   to 

live    just   for   this    life.      He   knows   we   have   needs   and"    r-e   knows   what   to  do   abou 

them.      But   "e   doesn't  want  us   to   live    fo]  :■      s    or  possessions,    or   more   and 

more    of   fun    and   pleasure.      He   knows   we   have   those   needs   and   He  will  bless 

them.      But   He  wants   us   to  be^in  living  for  Him,    now,   today,   and   He  will  take 

our  worries,    our   cares,    our   concerns    and    ~"e   will   change   them  into   problems 

all  solved  because   He   wants   to   love  us. 

He  wants   us   to  know,    "A  man's   life,    (his    Zoe),   his   eseential  bei  t   makes 

really  tick,   consisteth  not  in  the   abundance  of   the  things  which  he 
possesseth, " 

but  his   life  should   consist   in  being    rich  toward  God. 


St.    Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,    Pennsylvania 
Rev.    Ralph  Link,    Pastor  July  28,    1985 

Mr.    Dale   Rice»    Minister  of  Music 
Doug  Vensel,    Acolyte 

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  4  +   +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +   +  +   +   +   +   +   + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  10:00  A.M. 
Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
•Hymn  No-  337  "Praise  to  the  Lord,  the  Almighty" 
♦Ascription 
"Exhortation 

♦Confession  [In.  Unison)  "Father,  too  often  we  have  been 
involved  in  a  meaningless  round  of  activities.  All 
of  this  has  kept  us  busy  but  has  brought  no  satis=* 
faction.   Forgive  us  for  being  self-centered,  and 
grant  ub  new  strength  through  a  renewed  return  to 
your  will  for  our  lives.   In  Jesus'  name  we  pray. 

Amen, .. , . 
*Kyrie 

"Assurance  of  Pardon. 
"Praise:  Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  —  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name 
forever. 
•Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No.  440   "The  Lord's  Prayer" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  —  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 
Offertory 
•Doxology  -  page  382 
Scripture:   Luke  18:  1-14 
Sermon:   "Persistence  Pays" 
♦Closing  Hymn  No.  623  "The  Longer  I  Serve  Him" 
•Benediction 
"Closing  Chimes 
•Postlude 
+  +  ■*■++      Congregation  Standing     +  +  +  +  + 


> 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mr.  4  Mrs.  William  Snyder  and  family  in  memory  of  loved 

ones. 
Mr.  Don  Kingsley  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the  door 

this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Richard  Mangel*  Don  Kingaley,  Ed 

Walker  and  Dick  Dally. 
Nursery  for  today  will  be  provided  by  Mrs.  Gloria  Walker- 
Mary  Lou  Davis  and  Marilyn  Snyder  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  104  with  19  visitors. 
HOSPITALIZED:  BMH  -  Carol  Noel,  Lloyd  French,  and  George 

Mac Kinney. 

THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  G-7 

FRIDAY  -  Butler  Food  Buying  Club 

Marie  Henry  wishes  to  extend  her  thanks  for  the  many 

cards  and  letters  and  prayers  she  received  while  she  was 

hospitalized. 

\      /^ 

^>  August  ^J^thru  September  1  we  will  be  having  guest  speakers 

with  us  while  the  pastor  is  on  vacation.   If  you  have 
special  prayer  requests  please  write  them  down  and  give 
.them  to  the  llturgist  or  the  guest  speaker  to  avoid 

>  confusion  on  his  part. 
Gtivities  Committee  is  meeting  August  4th  right  after 
church  to  finalize  their  plans  for  Ethnic  Days.   Hark 
your  calendar  and  hope  to  see  you  then. 

We  are  in  need  for  someone  to  sign  up  for  flowers  for  the 
remaining  weeks  of  September  and  some  weeks  in  the  rest 
of  the  year.   Take  some  time  and  sign  up  now. 


'"•ersistenee  Pays"  -  Scripture:   T.uice  16:1-1% 

(Hub  Pappy  Reveal  P,  -  Where's  The  Other  NinetyT) 

world   -  Co-incidence 
Faith   -  it  was  Gall 

(Hub  philips  Brooks  auote  on  prayer) 
Tarbla  Js   teach  bout  prayr 
ill  Ik  at  2nd  parbl  let,  I  1st  parol  2nd 
this  Scrip  fulfil  of  1st  wilB  last,!,  last  let 
ts  9-try  undrst  motive  Js   this  pt,mus  start  w/this  vs 

THOS   THUS  IN   SELVS.RFLIG   LDRS    -PHARS 
VS   10.2EXTREHS    "PHAR-SU   ED  JEW  BY   LAS;    PUB-EXCOM   JCT 

EXPL  GIF  TWEEN  TWO 
VSS   11-12.JS   PT  MAN   NO  PRAT  2  G.BITT  TO   SELF 
EXPL  WHY:      FASTS    -JEW   LAW   ONLY  ONE   -DAY  ATONE 
RELIG   LDRS   SET  TOCE  W!C    -  HON  i   TfflffiS   -  WHY?  BCTIZ  MKT  DATS 
(WHITN   FACES, DISHEVELED  CLOTHS    -"LK.THAT  PHRA   IS   BASTING) 
(ILUS   RABBI  h  HtS  RIGHTEOUSNESS) 

VS   1J-PUB  1  PRATR, 

VS  H-ATITTO  OF  PHAYH   NEEDS   B  HUMILTT 

JS  GIV  EXAHPL  THIS  WEN   SAY   EXCSP  BCtIM   AS   LITTL  CHILDRN 
SIMPLICTY   IN  CHILDRN   -  SIMPL  TRUST 
(ILUS  PRAYHS  OF  CHILDRN) 

DDNT  tl  THINK  G  HUS  SMIL/LAFF  2HAV  SUCH  HONESTY  IN  PRATHT 
THEY  HAK   G'S   DAY.BCU?.  SI  HPL/DWRETENTUS    -  0  WANTS  HUMILTT 

VS   1.GUD  EIAMPL  OF  PHATR  FOLOWS 

VSS   2-!>-WAT  ACTUL  SAT-LEST   SHE  01 V   ME   BLAK  ETE-A  THRET  2HIM 

VS   7-EXMPL  OF  MAN  GIV   HELP.WONT  G   DO   LIKWI5T? 
YJB.TES  HP  WIL  -BUT  3  NO  WANT  US  BEG,  BEG    -JUS   WANT  US   2  AS  It 
JS  SED-UF.  HVNI.Y  F  KNOWETH  WAT  U  HAV  NEED  OF  B«t  0  ASK 

,CSET   IN  VS   l.MEN  OUGHT  ALWAYS   SPRAT  Sr   FAINT  NOT 
OUGHT  IS   C0HF3SIN    -  HUS   DO.ABUV  ALL   ELS 

FAINT  KEANS.GTV  UP  8-   PEO  DO  BCUK  THINK   G  OT2NT  HEAR, OR   LISTN 
(ILUS  MR.    CRIMP  BEING  PR  ATP.  FOR) 
ANOTHR  COINCIDENCE??  U  R  WELCUM  2BLIEV  SO  IF  U  LIK, 

BUT  I  BLIEV  TH/PEO  AT  GIDEON  HKJRTRS  WER  PERSISTENT  IN  PRATR 

t>  PERSISTENCE  PATS 


Community  Bible  Church  -  Sagamore,  Pa,  August  ?0,  1992 

TT^lude 

Greefcinfrs/jove/Announcements 
Anniversary  Service  Sept.   27 
Communion  1st   Sunday  of  October   -  %tv 
Annual  Business  Meeting  -  last  Sunday  October  -  25th 
Bob  Dain  -  nejtt  Sunday, 
'  Boyd  Smith  Sept  1%  %  20th  in  my  absence 


Call  To  Worship: 

Rejoice  in  the   Lord,    for  praise   is  comely  for  the  upright - 
Sinfc  unto  Him  a  new  son*.  Tor  the  word  of  the  Lord  is  rijrht 
"Hvftcd  all  of  His  works  are  done  in  truth  -  Pe  ^?:1A,JA,* 

Offering/Prater 
•Doxolopy 

Pastoral  Prayer 

Hymn 

Scripture:     Luke  l8:l-lk 

Sermon:   "Persistence  Pays"  -  St.  Paul's  Butler'7/28/85 


•Rrmn 

•Benediction 

•Postlude 


_ 


"lersisrence 
,-  crip:    Ik   18:1-14 
'(Ilus   Pappy   "teveal  &   5100  dollars) 

haps    such   as    f;his=coin,but    2thoa    of    faith 
sho  lnce  agio      '  i  "ius  provid  'Si 

(Phil   Brooke   sed«<Ilus   prayr) 
in  'parbls  Scrip   Js   teach  bout  prayr 
:      hink  need   Ik  2nd  parbl   lst,&  1st  parbl  2nd, in  thi 
way  can  C  1st  propr  atitud  prayr, &  examp  persistence 
2underst   motivs    Js  this   pt   need    Ik   9th  vo=HEAD 
Who  wer  thoz  trust   in  themselvs? 
Jew  relig  ldrs  comonly   kno  as   Pharsees 
2  pt   this    6ut,Js   giv   ilus   bout    1  them»vs    10-READ 
Here   2  exferems=Fhar  was   supr   Jew, as  far  law  concern 
Pub  was   prob  ex-comuncat    Jew   Bcuz   tax-collect=explai 
Js  had  now  ident  the   2  prayr?;    in  tempi  fi  now  tel 
how  pray=vss   11-12" 
Js    pt    out   Ihr   no   pray   2   Tod, but   pray   ?^elf 

He  giv  testmonial  m  r,od 
1st  say  no  lik  othr  men   '    pt   fingr  Pah   as   tho  gilty 
then  renin  twic   week        Je*    Law   set  ath  only 

1   obligatory  fact=Day   of    \tonement 
But   SB  seen  by   men  '    2B  thot   holy/relig    -Tews   set  4-t 
othr   fasts 
■wic  ■■•:'  '     msxkt  day        Jeru   fill 

But  peop  end   no   tel   who   fast    fe  who   didnt,so  whiten 
face  6  wear  dishevelled  clothes  &  peo]  --=lk, 

that   fellc 

imeon  Ben    Joel 

ray, went    2tel    Sod   hov;   ^uA    he   ¥33 

its   14- Js   tel   of   man  B   justify       atitud    PBayr  need  2B 

7      f  huroil 
Jo   jed=l-Xcep  ye   Boui    aa   lit]   ohildrn  no  entr  T    of  Q 
And  wher  else    aimplicty  but    in  childm? 
;  Idrns  prayrs) 

'    ,]        at  this?    I  do  !    3   Bllev  child 
rtuit  oft  mak  G's  day   Bcuz  uninhib  ,unpretenti';r 
I         how   wondrful   we    '  ,         I 
kno  all  bout  us 

Be  wants    is  '-utility  as  we  mak  our  desirs   known 
av   ox-amp  prayr  ih  as  Lk  say=vs   WR] 

folo  parhl»vBs      -  ■      ID      - 
jud^  this    instanc   not 
here    judg   who  neithr   relip.nor   humentarlan 
He   ius  seek  ?do   job 
widow  won  sunw  y        fceepa  cum  2hs 
judr  act  no  Bcuz  widow  insistenc.but   Bona  ha   -i'"raid 
not  <"raid=enc'   vs    5=mean=p,iv  him  blak   eve 


l      '-"raid   physcal  harm 
■  ■■/!  is  not  ■■  -and 

'e    G  here    °   ^contrasts: 
lst=man   in   ^uthorty  who  act   Bcuz   of  nsr?istenc 

"man  who  ask  e   in       -1  ;in  +o  nav  c~  <■-•  settl 
Js   say=vs   7»f  ' 

Jhr  word=if  humn   judr,worly  men  finaly  riv  help 
±en,ues  of  worly  woman, wont   G   rlo   likwise  ;i   ''i~  child 
anser=Yes  of  corse  He  wil 
But  G  no  want  us  ?bef,be!-,nar ,nag 
Js  says=Ur  hvnly  V  knoweth  wat  ye   hav   need    of   W  U 
ask 
But   G  stil  wants   us  2ask  &  wil  giv  u*"   gud   things  c 
out  of   His  rud  pieasur 
real  secret   Js   try   impart   is   fnd    1st  vs   «'" 
hEN  OUC  PRAY   AND    NOT   PAINT 

word- Ought   is  word    of  compulsin,of  desir  2do 
to   faint   mean  2<riv   up,2stop   Bcuz   as    sum   erroneously 
believ  G  duz   not  hearmor   is   not   listening 
But  G  aiway  listn 

(Ilus   !r.   Crimp   '■       lane   crash  Ss  he  saved    from  it) 
anothr  coincidence: 
You're  welcua  2think  so   if   U  lik, 
But    T  B]iev  peop  Clid   hdnrtrs,peop  within  orp  R 
held  up  2  G  in  prayr  ea  day 

&  thes  peop  R  persistent   &  Persistence  Pays 


"Persistence  Pays" 

Luke  18:1-14 

(Illustration  of  Fappy  Reveal,  and  "Where's  The  Other  Ninety?") 

XH^qay  A  man  named  Fappy  Reveal  was  the  director  of  the  Svansville  Indiana 
Rescue  Kission.   He  was  crippled  from  an  accident  and  had  braces  on  his  leps 
and  canes  in  his  hands.   He  was  a  man  committed  to  deep,  sincere  prayer. 
One  day  the  rewcue  mission  was  in  debt  for  ^100  dollars-  with  no  money  in 
si^ht  to  pay  the  bill.   So  Fappy  called  the  staff  together  for  prayer.  Since 
he  could  not  kneel  he  stood,  while  the  rest  of  the  staff  knelt.   As  he  prayed 
he  rocked  to  and  fro  with  his  hands  behind  his  back.   And  while  he  was  praying 
his  fingers  were  opening  and  closing.   A  friend  passing  the  open  door  of  the 
mission  looked  in  and  saw  the  prayer  group  with  Pappy  leading  the  prayers, 
with  his  back  to  the  door.   Thinking  he  would  have  a  little  fun,  the  friend 
tiptoed  in  and  slipped  a  crisp  ten  dollar  bill  between  Fappy 's   fingers. 
Without  pausing,  Fappy  brought  the  bill  to  the  front  and  looked  with  his  eyes 
and  said,  "Thank  fou,  Lord,  now  where 's  the  other  ninety?"   The  teasing 
friend  felt  a  compulsion  to  join  them  in  prayer  whicjyhe  did.   Very  shortly 
they  were  done  prsyin^  and  the  mailman  arrived,  with  a  stack  of  letters.   In 
one  of  those  letters  was  a  check  for  ninety  dollars?. 

In  the  eyes  of  the  world  happenings  such  as  this  are  a  coincidence.   But  to 
those  of  faith  it  shows  once  again  God  *s  mysterious  providence  for  those  who 
persistently  dome  to  Him  for  everything.   Phillips  "'rooks  said,  "A  prayer  in 
its  simplest  famo  definition,  is  merely  a  wish  turned  heavenward,"   Ih  the 
two  parables  of  our  '"  cripture  Jesus  is  teaching  about  prayer.   I  think  we 
need  to  look  at  the  second  parable  first  and  the  first  parable  second.   In 
this  way  we  can  see  first  the  proper  attitude  of  prayer  and  then  see  an  ex- 
ample of  persistence. 
To  understand  the  motives  of  Jesus  at  this  point  we  need  to  look  at  the 

verse,   Luke  rets  the  scene  by  saying,  "And  re  spake  this  parable  unto  certaii 
which  trusted,  in  themselves  that  they  were  righteous  and  despised  others." 

were  those  xjse  "Certain  who  trusted  in  themseelves?"  ©hey  were  ufxifes 

the  Jewish  religious  leaders  commonly  known  as  Pharisees.   And  to  point  this 

out  Jesus  ifcEJbtx  gives  an  illustration  about  one  of  them,   Fe  read  in  the  10th 

verse,  "Two  men  went  up  into  the  temple  to  pray;  the  one  a  Pharisee,  and  the 
other  a  publican." 

Here  are  the  two  extremes.       harisee  was  a  super  Jew  as  far  as  the  Law  was 

concerned.   /hile  the  Publican  was  in  all  probability  an  excommunicated  Jew. 

These  Dews  wea    Lred  b;    ■     ns  :  o   jllect  taxes  and  in  almost  all  cases 

they  cheated  an&  swindled  to  collect  whatever  the  traffic  would  bear.   Now 

that  Jesus  has  identified  the  two  prayers  in  the  temple  He  begins  to  tell 

how  and  what  they  prayed,  "The  Pharisee   booo'   vl  prayed!  thus  with  himself, 
'God,  I  thank  Thee,  that  I  am  not  as  other  men  are,  extortioners,  unjust, 
adulterers,  or  even  as  this  Tublican.   I  fast  twic  in  the  week,  I  give 
tithes  of  all  that  I  possess." 

Jesus  points  out  that  this  man  didn't  pray  to  God,  he  prayed  instead,  bo  ]  ha- 
lf,  his  Pharisee  was  actually  giving  himself  a  testimonial  before  God, 
Forst,  he  says  that  he  isn't  like  other  men,  and  he  names  their  faults  and 
sins  and  points  his  finger  at  the  Publican  as  though  he  was  guilty  of  all  of 


'•'    isa  fins.   Then  the  Pharisee  reminds  God  that  he  fasts  twice  a  week  which 

on  the  surface  is  commendable .   Hie  Jewish  law  set  forth  only  one  obligatory 

fast,  and  that  was  on  the  Day  of  Atonement.  But  in  order  to  be  seen  by  men 

and  to  be  thought  of  as  holy  many  of  the  religious  leaders  set  forth 

ti  Lee   week.  '"'■  ■  ;e  fasts  were    Mondays  and  Thursdays.   Now  we  should  point 

out  that  these  two  days  happened  to  be  market  days  when  Jerusalem  was  filled 

with  people.   Now  these  people  didn't  just  fast  but  they  whitened  their  faces 

and  appeared  in  public  with  the  white  faces  and  dishevelled  clothes  so  that 

any  and  all  who  saw  them  could  say,  "Look,  that  Fharisee  is  fasting."  There 

is  a  recorded  prayer  by  Rabbi  fimeon  Ben  Jochai  which  says,  "If  there  are 
only  two  righteous  men  in  the  world,  I  and  my  son  are  these  two;  if  there  is 
only  one,  I  am  he ! " 

So  we  can  see  that  the  Pharisee  didn't  really  go  to  pray,  he  went  to  tell  God 

how  good  he  was. 

Then  Jesus  said,  "The  publican  standing  afar  o6f,  would  not  lift  up  so  much 
as  his  eyes  unto  heave:*.,  but  smote  upon  his  breast,  saying, 'God,  be  merciful 
to  me  a  s inner  ,  '  " 

And  then  Jesus  says  of  him,  "I  tell  you,  this  m?r_  went  down  to  his  house  just- 
Led  rather  than  the  other:  for  everyone  that  exalteth  himself  shall  be 
abased;  and  he  that  humbleth  himself  shall  ve  exalted." 

Jesus  is  sayinr  that  our  attitude  about  prayer  needs  to  be  one  of  humility, 

e   must  come  to  God  in  simple  trust,   \nd  in  one  place  of  Scripture  Jesus 

sai       except  we  become  as  littl  children  we  cannot  enter  the       n  of 

heaven."        «re  else  d  o  we  see  simplicity,  but  in  little  children? 

Here  are  some  prayes  of  children  -  (Illustrations  of  these) 

Don't  you  think  that  Gpd  must  smile  and  even  lau  '  s  little  to  have  such 

honesty  in  prayer^   I  do!   I  believe  that  children  must  quite  often  make  God's 

day  because  they  are  uninhibited,  and  unpretentious.   'e  don't  need  to  tell  Goc 

how  wonderful  we  are  because  He  already  knows  all  about  us.   A'hat  He  wants 

instead,  is  humility  from  us  as  we  make  our  desires  known  to  Him. 

Then  we  have  a  good  example  of  prayer  and  Jesus  bepins  this  example  with  the 

words,  £Es  Luke  tells  us,  "And  1Te  spake  a  parbale  unto  them  to  this  end,  that 
men  ought  always  to  pray,  and  faint  not." 

Then  follows  the  parable,  "There  was  in  a  city  a  judge,  which  feared  not  God, 
neither  regarded  manP  and  there  was  a  widow  in  that  city;  and  she  came  unto 
thK  him,  saying,  'Avenge  me  of  ^ine  adversary.1   And  he  would  not  for  a  whili 
but  afterward  he  said  within  himself,  'Thnue-h  T  fear  not  God,  nor  regard 
man;  yet  because  this  widow  troubleth  me,  I  will  avenge  her,  lest  by  her 
continual  coming  she  weary  me." 

?e  must  understand  that  the  jud^e  in  this  instance  is  not  an  exam-nle  of  God, 

Here  is  a  judge  who  is  not  religious,  neither  is  he  a  humanitarian.   He  just 

seekr  to  do  his  job.   The  wiodw  was  wronged  in  someway  and  so  she  keeps 

coming  to  'he  jude-e  tovhave  her  case  settled.   The  judge  acts  not  because  of 

the  insistence  of  the  widow  actually,  but  because  he  is  afraid  not  to  act. 


-3- 

The  Judge  is  afraid,  as  he  says,  "Test  by  her  contiual  coming  she  weary  me." 

'hat  is  literally  being  said  is,  "lest  "he  give  me  a  black  eye."  The  judge  if 

afraid  of  the  woman  doin-  him  physical  violence.   Therefore,  the  widow  is  not 

an  example  of  how  we  should  come  to  God  and  demand  of  Him.   hat  we  are  seeing 

is  a  set  of  contrasts.   First,  there  ic  a  man  in  authority  who  acts  because 

of  the  persistence  of  someone  who  finally  scares  him.   Second,  there  is  a 

woman  who  asks  a^ain  and  again  to  the  point  where  she  appears  as  a  threat  to 

the  jud^e.   ro  Jesus  ends  the  example  with  the  words,       hall  not  God 
a  enf-e  His  own  elect,  which  cry  nicht  and  day  unto  Him,  though  He  bear  Ion- 
with  them?" 

In  other  words,  if  a  human  judge,  a  worldly  man  at  that  will  finally  p:ive  the 

help  requested  from  a  wBr&xjc  worldly  woman,  won't  God  do  likewise  for  His 

children?   And  the  answer  is,  "Yes,  of  course  TTe  will."  God  doesn't  want  us 

to  beg-  and  bee:,  or  nag  Him  about  what  we  want.   Jesus  says,  "Your  heavenly 

Father  knoweth  what  ^<^~~   have  need  of  before  you  ask."  But  3od  ^oe"   want  us 

to  -^sk  and  then  He  will  five  us  the  good  things  out  oF   is  own  good  oleasure. 

rea]  secret  of  what  Jesus  was  trying  to  impart  to  these  people  is  found  ii 

the  1st  verse  of  this  'cripture.   He  said,  "That  men  ought  always  to  nray, 
and  not  faint." 

The  word  "oug;ht"  means  a  compulsion,  s   desire  to  do  this  above  all  else. 
"T0  faint,"  means  tc  give  up,  to  stop  praying  because  as  some  erroneously  "be- 
lieve, God  does  not  hear  or  is  not  listening.  But  God  is  always  listening. 
Clllusl  .  Gri^p  being  prayed  for  and  saved  from  plane  crash.) 

nother  coincidence?   You're  welcome  to  think  so  if  you  like,  but  I  believe 
that  the  people  at  the  Gideon  headquarters,  people  within  the  organisation 
are  held  uj      d  Ln  lay.   These  people  are  persistent  and 

"Tersistence  Fays." 


St.    Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler ,    Pennsylvania 
Rev.   Ralph   Link,   Pastor  August  4,    1985 

Mr.   Dale  Rice,   Minister  of  Music 
Kelly  Mangel,   Acolyte 


+   + 


+  +   + 


+  + 


ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  10:00  A.M. 
Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joya 
*Hymn  No.  454   "Trust  and  Obey" 
•Ascription 
*"Exbortation 

"Confession  (In  Unison)  nQ   God,  our  Father,  you  know  that 
we  all  face  the  temptations  of  life.   You  know  that 
many  times  we  are  turned  on  by  the  world  and  turned 
off  by  religion  and  the  Church.   You  know  that  we  do 
not  want  to  discipline  ourselves  to  a  love  that 
demands  obedience.   But  you  also  know  that  since  we 
are  human,  we  can  only  resolve  our  problems  and  our 
difficulties  through  you.   Help  us  in  our  weakness  to 
become  strong,  and  in  the  midst  of  our  sins  to  find 
f'Oi-  ^iveness.   Hear  us  now,  and  let  us  hear  your 
wmlsperwd  "Go  and  sin  no  more."  Through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord,        Amen. 
*Kyrie 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 
•Praise;.   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  glorious  name 
forever. 
•Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No.  465  f,Jesus,  the  Very  Thought  of  Thee" 
Call  to  Prayer-   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 
Offertory 
*Doxology  -  page  382 
Scripture:  Luke  16:  19-31 
Sermon:   "And  Justice  For  All" 
"Closing.  Hymn  No.  2  "How  Great  Thou  Art*' 
^Benediction 
♦Closing  Chimes 
*Postlude 
+  +  +  j  +      Congregation  Standing      +  +  +  +  + 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mr.  &  Mrs.  Gottlob  Kradel  in  memory  of  their  sisters. 
Mr.  Dick  Mangel  and  Danny  will  greet  the  congregation  at 

the  door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Art  Carney,  Dan  Bosko,  Martin  Henry, 

and  John  Snow, 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by 
Robert  Dellen  and  Harry  Fry  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  97  with  7  visitors. 
Jp»  HOSPITALIZED:   BMH  Carol  Noel 

.  '  August  11  through  September  1  we  will  be  having  guest 

speakers  with  us  while  the  pastor  is  on  vacation.   If 
you  have  special  prayer  requests  please  write  them 
down  and  give  them  to  the  liturgist  or  the  guest 
speaker  to  avoid  confusion  on  his  part. 

Today  immediately  following  the  service  the  Activities 
Committee  will  have  a  brief  meeting  to  plan  for 
Ethnic  Days* 

We  are  in  need  of  people  to  sign  up  for  flowers  for 
September,  and  the  rest  of  the  year.  Please  take  a 
minute  and  sign  up  now. 

Monday  August  5th,  the  Mary  Prugh  Circle  Picnic  will  be 
held  at  the  home  of  Betty  Tressler.   Each  one  is  to 
bring  a  tureen  and  a  white  elephant  gift. 


Community  Eible  Church   -  Saeanorc,  Pa.   October  11,   199? 


Prelude 

nreetinps/Joys/Annonneeinenta/Frayer  Bequests 


Ascription 

Call  To  Worship! 

BLESSES  IS   EVERYONE   THAT  FEARETH  THE   LORD: 
MAT  WALKETH   TN    MIS   WATS. 
FOR   THOI   SHALT  SAT  THE   LABOR   OF  THINE   HANDS: 
HAPPY  SFTALT  THOU  BE,    AND   IT  SHALL  BE  WELL  WITH  THEE. 
•Hymn 
Cfferinjr/Prayer 
"Doxoloey 
Paetors.1  Prayer 
Hymn 

Scripture:      Luke  1^:19-^1 

Sermon:     "And  Justice  For  All"  -  St.  Paul's  Butler  8/V85 
•"im 

fldiction 
•Poetlude 


Scripture:   Luke  1^:  19-^1   -  "\nA  Justice  For  All" 

(Tlue  Chas  Bray  t,  it  OESTKY  A  BPK  2FW) 
Mr" <    JnvBLIEV   EHtm   HAV  WAT   HAV .BUT  STOP  HAV   HOB   BSIWS 

uns  plem  alleg-w/libwy  k  justic  *•  alt, 
it  a  wish, but  unfoftnatly  wil  evr  remain  wishfl  think 

WE  TALK   S-   TKINF  BOUT  JTTSTIC   AS   METE  OUT  BY  KAN 
(ILUS   PANDIT  KHASAK   SINGH   ANSR   2JUKTIC   DETH   OF  XP) 
SUHONE  ONCE   SEP  -THE  JUS   AINT  NO  J!" 
SXAMFLSiTHOZ  MOP   MONT/HAT  GUDS   %   TWO  LIFTIHS-THOZ   BARLY  ENUF 

JS   AURE  THIS   PARBL  AS   SCRIP 
TWO  QRPE-ra   PHASE   t   SADDS    -LIF  BTOT   GRAV-NO  BLIEV  5-  SAD-U-SEE 
VS   19-PUSPLAlNEN   MATERIALS   KINGS   ROYLTY  WOR 
VS  20-TKIS  PARBL  JS  NAM  A  CHARCTR   -  NEVF  DID  THIS  OTHRS 

BCUZ  THIS   BIB  SCHLRS   BLIEV   ACTUL   INCIDEN        LAZ  MEANS.  0  HELPS 
SUM  HAV   NAM  RICH   MAN-DIVES    -  LATIN  W  RICH 
VS   21-NO  KNIVS/FORKS   S-  RICH   PEO  ABUNDANC   BRED  t,   BSE  OF  IT 


VS   22.ABE  BCSCM    -  PARADIS:    EXPL  FRE-HESUS  JS   PLAC   OF  DED  WAS 
SHEOL-HEB,    HADES-QRK   Sr  CONTAIN   2PLACES 
THOZ   BLPNQ  2L0RTJ,S-   THOZ  BIN  WICKD  IN   LIF 
VS   23-C   THIS-LAX   IN   PARDI2:RICH   MAN   IN  HELL  OR   HADES 

'  T  BTON  GRAV  &  PLAC   SEPOF  THOZ  TH/LORE'S  j.  TH0Z  WHO  R  NOT 
-HEO  3LIEF  JS   ASCEND  S.   TUK   PLAC  CAL  PARDI7.   1  MADE   JHD  HVN 
VH/P  SPK   OF  SEE  IN  HIS  VISIN      -  THIS  NOT  FINAL  HVN  WHAlLB 
HADES/HELL  NOT  FINAL  WH/VlLB 
VSS  ?3-Zk-DlT  TWEEN  2PLACES   -SIIXXSXBtOXBKK  COMF/TCHMENT 
VSS  25-26-TWO  FLACES  SEPRAT  4  NO  CROSS  CVR   -HERE  ROLES  FEVERS 
VSS   27-31-EXPL  THEZ  VSS 

AT  ONE  TIM  WILB  JUSTIC  k  ALL  6   ALL  INJUSTICES   LIF  SET   APITE 
THOZ  RUN  RUFSHOD  W/VELTH,PCWH,FOSITIN   WIL  TAK  BAKSEATS 
LAST  WILB  FIRST  AS  JS   SED 
SAD  COHENTAP.Y-RICH  MAN  KNU  3ETTH    -  BCUZ  HECCGNIZ.KNU   ABE 
(FNTJ  OF  PANDIT  KHAPAK  SINGH  OTOTE) 

G  NOT  CONTENT  ANYONE  SHTJD  PERISH  -  THUS  JS  XP  S-  DETH  *MANK 
(S    LIV  WIL  ALWAYS  B   INJC5TIC   2US   S,   ALL  PEOP 
BUT  ONLY  TEMP  AFLICT7NS  WTLB  OVRCUH  ETRNTY 
APOS  P  VROT  2  COS  *:K-10 
THEN   STAJ]   FIRMLY  W/CONVICTtN-  VSS  17-18 
p;  has   Iut  us   »/EVRLASTING   LTJV   S-   ONE   DAY  «IL  GRANT.JUSTIG  k   ALL 
SIPPRTF  ETHNTY  '-'TLB  EITHR  LIVF  W/OOD  OR  SEP  FR/HIK 


i;  crip:    :  '■   i     :19-31 

L    C  '  "  7"       'eserv   a   h 

(Ilus   Ches   Bray)«othr  words  hnv  cup  °plac  wher  mos 
Bliev  "■    hav   DOT         i' 

i  j.ne   pled      al<  ~;':<:'  *  all 

wish ,'     ■ 
talk  Just  ae  met?   out   by  nen   ?  ,        rak      inrh 

--  bout   justice ) 
as   pondr   word    -uch   tb.es, cum  realiz  as   sws3    luce   red 
Ther   Just    dint   Ho    jutice 
all  rnd  us   C  iniua  evr   mermen  soeity 
ther  thoz   nor  mony, mater II   ruds   than   cud  posib  use 
in  .?   lif  times  ,vhil  man"  barly  keep  body/soul    3gethr 
xarbl   Ik  this  morn  deal  w/thls  condition 
bin  pt    out   2groups    peo7"   ?«hor:    Js   relet    incident 

s    made  'l-this   by   preced   vss 
sine  deal   lif   T!yon  cTav,cud  bin  Sads>&  why   sad 
I   Bliev    Js   relet   any   "    all   who  had   ears   to  hear 
va   19-manp  cloth,dreas   liv  lik  roylty»B.Igh  positin 
vs  20=dn  0  C  dif  tween  othr  parbls?=r*Tame  Lazarus 
alway  sed=.eertin  man, widow, etc  6  Bcuz   riv   name   mos 
Bib  scholia   Bliev  realy  happn 
Lazrus  mean*Ood  helps,?-,  sho  he  bles  abuv  rich  man 

Dives   name   giv»I«tin  for  rich, but  here   kno   as=H  man 
Js  te"1  rot  eat  crumbs   &  dors   Ilk  sores 

(expl   no  utensils, use  bred   ft  I.az   litrl  fite  docs  4bre 
va   llaaAb  bosom  ment  paxad is  {until   reaur/aecensin  Js 
plac   ded='  heol,Heb;HadeS,Gr;both   ?rethr   but    sep 
-?3=examp  of  dlvisin  par  ,hell 

..,-,-  scend    fcik  paradia        now  ^rd   hvn 

;his    in  vision 

-■  -  ,  I  ,  fia3   "".en 

wher   unBU 
_    ■-■•■"  lac   unBllev   ded- torment 

laces   sepratec 
pt   o"*^  roles   now  revera«=lnci  !    own 

"  ' , ' "  * 

?_31>  ropien:   wat   on   I 

rieti  ilfish  lif   1'  ros 

cum  Vak=  "  this 

Fjpob  Ls,lert   Sher  wll 

'irn=r-       U  Rustic   bhey  wil  enjoy 

H     tine   all   inj  3  rite 

at  ,thoz   lord    o< 

-*-   he   recor-ni7 

God,'  i 

Lusin   ,an:  :lc«  „ 

i      aua   perish   in  hell 


Man  no  riepil   cure   Met  itle   Of  G  thar 

it   is 
I 

i    -.  bear  ,prei  en/teach 

&s  liv   nil  alway  meet  imjustic  e-ithr  2selvs, 

or   luvd    on« 

:  I    '  ■ "       ■  •    ■■- ll 

rnty 

■    -10 
■ victin»17-18 
'    luv   u^   w/everlast   Iot        Iday 
Por    111 

f  r  oi      , 
-■  -  ■  'i  ]      Joy  <•■  r  ]  iv  e '  '  m  w  - 1 


"And  Justice  ^or  ''11" 

i 

Scripture:  Luke  16:19-31 

One  of  the  more  popular  slogans  of  today  has  become,  "You  deserve  a  break 

today."   Tharles  Bray  writing  about  this  in  note  magazine  in  January  of  1981 

saiil  bhis:  "' "e  have  come  to  iioe  a  tine  where  we  aay,  'You  deserve  a  break 
today.1   Too  many  of  us  believe  that.   If  we're  poor,  we  deserve  welfare; 
if  we're  rich,  we  deserve  a  tax  break;  if  we  are  wrokers,  we  deserve  better 
fringe  benefits;  if  we  own  Chrysler,  we  deserve  s  bail-out;  if  we  are  a 
acial  interest,  we  deserve  a  special  hearing." 

In  other  words,  we  have  cone  to  the  place  where  most  of  us  believe  we  should 

not  only  have  what  we  have,  but  we  should  have  more  besides.   The  closing 

line  of  our  pledge  of  allegiance  to  the  American  flap;  states,  "With  liberty 

and  justice  foB  all."   It  is  a  wish,  but  unfortunately,  it  will  ever  remain 

wishful  thinking.   /„  talk  and  think  about  .justice  as  meted  out  by  man. 

landit  Kharak  "ingh  an  old  man  in  India  was  asked  about  the  death  of  Christ 

for  man  and  the  Justice  involved1  in  that  deed.   He  answered: 

"Our  ideas  of  the  Justice  of  God,  or  of  Justice  for  all,  are  very  crude  and 
and  imperfect.  For  example:  a  man  steals  20  rupees  and  s\end  it.   He  Is 
caught  and  punished  as  8  thief.   But  the  stolen  money  is  not  restored  to 
the  man  from  whom  it  was  stolen- Justice  i.~;  not  done  fa  hii  ;      he  thief 
suffers  for  his  crime.   This  is  man's  Justice  -  loss  and  pain. 
Or  suppose  a  man  kills  three  children.   He  should  be  hanged  three  times 
that  strict  Justice  may  be  done.   The  children  are  not  restored  to  life- 
Justice  is  not  done  to  them.   Neither  are  they  restored  to  their  parents 
or  to  the  community.   The  man  who  killed  them  is  put  to  death,  and  thus 
man's  Justice  again  is  resolved  into  loss  and  pain!" 

As  we  ponder  words  such  as  these  we  come  to  the  realization  that  as  someone 
once  said,  "There  Just  ain't  no  Justice."   All  around  us  we  see   injustices 
EHxaxxxs  in  every  segment  of  society.   There  are  those  who  have  more  money 
and  material  goods  than  they  could  possibly  use  in  two  lifetimes,  while  many 
others  barely  have  enough  to  keep  body  and  soul  together  from  one  day  to  the 
next. 

The  parable  we  are  looking  at  this  morning  deal?  with  Just  this  condition. 
It  has  been  pointed  out  that  there  are  two  groups  o^  people  to  whom  Jesus  was 
relatin"  this  incident.  First,  there  '-err-  the  Pharisees  and  it  isn't  hard  to 
build  the  case  that  Jesus  was  :      -  directly  to  them  and  all  we  need  do  is 
look  at  the  preceeding  verses,   3o  it  is  a  verT7  good  probability  that  T:e  was 
speaking  directly  to  the  Pharisees.   But,  since  the  sxeKx  incident  dea] 
life  beyond  the  grave,  it  is  possible  that  Jesus  was  directing  His  remarks  to 
the  Padtfucees  who  didn't  believe  in  a  life  heyo-       one.   In  fact,  they 
didn't  believe  in  angels,  or  spirits,  or  anything  beyond  this  life  and  that 
was  what  made  then  "sad",  you  see. 

But  I  believe  Jesus  was  relating  thi   incident  to  any  and  all  who  had  ears  to 
hear.   Jesus  begins  by  stating,  "There  was  a  certain  rich  man,  which  was 
clothed  in  purple  and  fine  linen,  and  fared  sumptuously  every  day." 

vs  19 


-■?.- 

It  ir  evident  by  the  description  of  this  man's  clothing  that  he  was  very  wea- 
lthy, furple  and  fine  linen  were  the  materials  kin^s  and  royalty  wore.   So 
this  man  mu-t  have  been  in  a  high  position. 

Then  Jesus  adds,  "And  there  was  a  certain  beggar  named  Lazarus,  which  was  lai 
at  his  gate,  full  of  sores." 

Do  you  see  what  makes  this  parable  different  from  all  the  rest  that  Jesus 
toldt?   If  you  haven't  spotter!  it  vet,  the  certain  beggar  is  given  a  name. 
Now  first  of  all,  in  all  the  other  parables  Jesus  never  named  any  of  the  peo- 
ple in  the  parables.   It  was  always,  "A  certain  man,  or  a  certain  widow,"  and 
so  on.   But  in  this  parable,  Jesus  gives  the  bep:rar  a  name.   And  because  of 
this,  most  Biblical  scholars  believe  that  this  is  not  just  a  story,  but  an 
actual  incident  which  Jesus  is  relating.   The  name  Lazarus  means,  "God  helps.' 

Ls  is  also  an  indication  that  this  man  Tazarus  was  considered  above  the 
rich  man.   The  rich  man  may  have  had  wealth  and  power  and  influence,  but  he 
was  not  named  by  Jesus.   You  may  have  heard  the  rich  man  given  the  names  of 
Dives,  and  that  name  comes  from  the  latin  word  for  rich.   But  in  this  incideni 
he  doesn't  have  an  identity  other  than,  "\  certain  rich  man." 
Then  Jesus  tells  how  Lazarus  yms   sought  to  eat  the  crumbs  which  fell  from  the 
rich  man'setable,  and  the  dorr  hun^  around  bin  and  licked  hi^  sores.   People 
who  were  wealthy  could  afford  the  luxury  of   having  an  abundance  of  bread. 

rust  remember  there  were  no  knives  and  forks  and  food  was  eaten  with  the 
hands.   In  the  course  of  the  meal  the  h^n^  would  become  sticky  or  creasy 
and  bread  war  broekn  by  the  rich  on  which  the;"-  wiped  their  hands.   This  bread 

a  then  thrown  to  the  do^s  who  were  in  abundance  in  the  streets.   ro  it  was 

that  lazaru^  had  to  literally  fight  the       -r  thi^1  bread. 

Then  Jesus  says,  "And  it  cane  to  pass,  that  the  beggar  died,  and  was  carried 
by  the  angels  into  Abraham1-  bosom."  vs  11a. 

The  tem,  "  braham's  bosom,"  meant  paradise.   Until  the  resurrection  and  as- 
cension of  <Tesus,  the  place  of  the  dead  was  called,  "cheolir  in  Hebrew,  and 
"Hades"  in  Creek.   It  contained  two  places.   One  was  '      ce  where  these  wh< 
belonred  to  the  Lord  went  to,  and  the  other  was  the  place  where  these  who  had 
been  wicked  in  life  went  to  when  the--  died.   Ind  we  can  pee  the  example  of 
th-      e  finish  the  22ja.h   verse  and  read  the  fjjife  verse  as  well,  ?EA  I  3?H 

place  to  which  Lazarus  went      aradise,  and  the  place  where  the  rich 
man  went  was  TTell  or  Hades.    0  we  see  first  or  all  that  there  is  a  life  be- 
yond the  jrave,  and  there  is  a  place  of  separation  of  those  who  are     Lord  '4 
and  those  who  are  not.   The  theological  belief  is  J       en  Jesus  ascended 
•-_  He  took  the  place  called  paradise  and  made  it  "hat  is  now  called  the  third 
heaven  which  I'aul  spoke  of  -pein^  in  hi-  vision.  kod    Hades,  or  Hell   is  not 
the  final  Hell  which  will  be  a+  the  final  judgement,   It  i<^  merely  wh^re  the 
unbelievin-  flea^  ~o  to  amit  i;hp  days  of  the  Lord.   4nd  similarlv   para^H^e 
or  the  third  heaver  i  not  the  final  heaven  which  will  be,but  the  place  of  thJ 


-3- 

believj   lead. 

Then  we  see  the  difference  between  the  two  places  ss  .Jesus  explained,  read 
verses  23  and  24-.   The  place  of  the  unbelieving  dead  is  3   oiace  of  torment. 

Jesus  then  explain?,  read  verses  °5  and  26.   The  two  places  are  separated  and 
people  in  one  cannol        -~ar  to  the  other.   iut  Ibraham  points  out  thai 
the  roles  are  now  reversed.     ?e   once  the  rich  ray 

'  could  overlook  people  like  Lazarus,  now  fee  Lazaru^  was  in  the  position  of 
being  a  select  person. 

Then  ',re  read,  re-      es  27  through  "1,   ""ere  we  see  there  is  a  sense  of 
remembering  life  on  earth.   nhe  rich  "an  could  now  see  his  selfish  life  and 
aware  that  his  brother-  -'pre  livin-  the  exact  ^nrn  lives.   But  Abraham 
.Is  him  that  they  wouldn't  believe  even  if  someone  c         'rom  the  rrave , 
Jesus  was  livj         of  that  statement.   The  Jewish  leaders  didn't  believe 

im  rhile  He  was  ministering  .     -'hen  He  came  hack  from  the 

grave,  they  still  didn't  believe  it. 

Now  from  all  of  :       learn  that  there  will  at  one  tire  he  "Justice  For 
All."   But  for  many  ■p.eo^l^  it  will  not  be  a  .iustice  they  will  enjoy.   This 
will  be  a  time  when  all  of  the  injustices  of  this  life  are  set  aright.   All 
of  those  who  ran  roi     od  over  their  fellowman  will  find  themselves  taki  - 
a  -lace  in  the  house  of  torment;  all  of  '     i   ;  ove   others  by 

wealth,  or  fame  and  fortune,  will  be  taking  backseats  to  the  ones  they  lord- 
ed it  over.  But  the  sad  commentary  of  all  of  this  incident  is  the  fact  that 
the  rich  man  knew  better.   By  his  very  recognition  of  Abraham  as  seen  from 
his  place  in  Hades,  tells  us  that  this  man  knew  about  God.   But  he  chose  to 
ignore  all  of  that. 

The  Indian  we  quoted  speaking  about  justice  concluded  his  remarks  by  saying: 
But  God's  justice  i":  different.   It  results  in  gain  and  joy!   Lost  souls 
are  found,  losses  are  made  cood,  happiness  takes  the  place  of  misery,  and 
all  because  the  Son  of  God  pave  Himself  a  willing  sacrifice  to  save  men  and 
restore  them  to  God," 

God  isn't  content  that  anyone  should  perish  in  hell  and  so  He  gave  man  the 

oprortunit;'  to  live  eternally  with  Him  through  Jesus  Christ,   fan  need  not 

come  to  death  and  meet  the  .justice  of  God  there.   He  can  be  ju°tified  before 

long  before  he  depart"  this  life.   That  ir  the  message  of  Jesus  Christ; 

tha4:  is  the  Gospel  we  s!  and  partake  of,   is  we  live  this  life  we 

will  always   set  injustices  either  to  ourselves  or  our  loved  ones.   Bu"t 

.  "ioer  the^  are       smporary  afflicltc    and  will  be  overcome  in 

eternity,   ^eelin^  this  way,  t^s   :^~tle  Paul  could  '-'rite  in  2  C  r.  4:^—10, 

read  these.  ]  could  state  firmly  and  '-nth  conviction,  vss  17-18, 

(read  these).   tod  -as  love."  us  with  an  everlastj    ]  ove  and  nne  da;      ill 

nt  "Justice  For  All."  To  some  the  surprise  of  all  eternity  to  be  separatee 
from  -od,  and  to  others,  the  joy  of  living  eternally  with  Him. 


St.   Paul's   United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler ,    Pennsylvania 
Rev.    Ralph   Link,    Pastor  September  S,    1985 

Mr.   Dale  Rice,    Minister  of  Music 
Megan  Hewis,    Acolyte 
+   +   +   +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  -I-  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +   + 
ORDER    OF   WORSHIP    11:00  A.M. 

PROMOTION  SUNDAY 

Worship  Service  by  "Light" 

+  +  +  +++  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  + 

Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour  p     r' £t*       -  ll 

Announcements  QAf*l#*4A       '  A    *»AJ>  / 

Congregational  Greeting 

Joys 

Introduction  of  "Light"  -^^ 

Songs  of  Worship 
Offering 
Offertory 
*Doxology  -  page  382 
Promotion  of  Sunday  School  Children  4  Confirmation 

"Light"  (continued) 

I  Am  A  Promise  (sung  to  the  children  -  we  will  ask 
all  of  the  children  to  please  come 
forward  at  this  time) 

Songs  of  Praise 
Benediction  Song  -  Turn  It  Over  to  Jesus 
Closing  Prayer 
Closing  Chimes 

Postlude 

+  +  +  +  +      Congregation  Standing      +  +  +  +  + 


^Pki 


QNDAY  -  Movie  Preview  at  2:00  P.M.  at  Plaza  Theater* 

If  you  have  tickets  to  attend,  or  would  like  to  attend 
see  Ginny  for  extra  tickets.   This  movie  is  made  by 
the  Billy  Graham  organization,  titled  "Cry  From 
the  Mountain," 

THURSDAY  -  Choir  practice  will  resume  at  7:00  P.M,   If  you 
would  like  to  give  of  your  singing  talent  to  the  worship 
and  service  of  the  Lord,  please  plan  to  join  us.  We 
would  welcome  you  to  the  choir.   See  you  there. 

FRIDAY  -  BFBC  in  Rthoboth  Hall 

APPLE  BUTTER  is  in  the  works.   Due  to  hail  damage  to  the 
apple  crop  we  are  going  to  make  apple  butter  on  Sept. 
27th  and  28th.   Matte  plans  to  come  in  and  help  us  cook 
sauce  on  the  27th  and  cook  outside  on  the  2Bth.   We 
are  asking  that  you  bring  in  any  quart  jara  that  you 
may  not  be  using.   If  you  would  like  to  help  us  out 
please  tell  one  of  the  Activities  Committee. 

Wd  neajsome  people  to  sign  up  for  flowers  in  the  month  of 
October.   Take  a  minute  and  sign  up  now. 

Soup  &   Salad  Day  is  fast  appraoching  and  the  vegetables 
are  still  needed,  especially  tomatoes.   If  you  have  any 
please  contact  Ann  Williams.   Also  they  are  always 
looking  for  new  articles  for  the  Bazaar  table.   You 
still  have  time  to  make  something  unique. 


QFf£*.r«4-        Ctf**cft      p.  £>w^ 


/7:* 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mrs.  Ethel  Edwards  in  memory  of  loved  ones. 
Mr.  &  Mrs.  William  Thompson  will  greet  the  congregation 

at  the  door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are t      Karen  Link,  Virginia  Mangel,  Nancy 

Dellen  and  Marie  Henry- 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  be  Mrs.  Sue  Gamble. 
Don  Kingsley  and  Don  Kennedy  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  S6  with  9  visitors. 
HOSPITALISED:   Mrs.  Elsie  Kornrumpf  9MH 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 

Butler,  Pennsylvania 

Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  September  15,  1985 

Mr,  Dale  Rice,  Minister  af  Music 

Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 

David  Andrews,  Acolyte 

+  +  ++++++  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A*M. 
Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements  -  Elder  Paul  Riemer 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
*Hymn  No-  376   "Glorious  Things  of  Thee  Are  Spoken'1 
♦Ascription 
♦Exhortation 

■"Confession  (In  Unison)  1l0  Lord,  Our  Father,  we  come  to 
you  as  a  people  who  are  a  part  of  the  community  of 
believers.   We  seek  your  guidance  for  we  know  that 
the  Church  cannot  exist  without  it.   Forgive  each  member 
of  your  Church  for  their  individual  and  corporate  sins. 
Keep  us  true  to  the  commitment  of  upbuilding  the 
Church  throughout  the  world.   Keep  us  from  the  divisions 
that  separate  us  from  others.  And  always  keep  us  stead- 
fast in  your  love*  in  Jesus  name.   Amen* 
*Kyrie 

♦Assurance  of  Pardon 
■•Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  glorious  name  forever. 
♦Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Kymn  No-  32  "How  Firm  a  Foundation" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit.. 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 
Offertory 

Doxology  -  page  3G2 
Baptism 

Scripture:   I  Timothy  3:16  -  4:16 
Sermon:   "Sound  Is  Mere  Than  Noise" 
^Closing  Hymn  No,  557  "Christ  is  Made  the  sure  Foundation" 
•Benediction 
^Closing  Chimes 
*Postlude 
■*■  +  +++         Congregation  Standing       +■  +  +  +  * 


The  be auti f ul  flowers  on  the  al t ar  have  been  pi aced  by 

Mrs.  Sara  Cubbison. 
Mr.  &   Mrs.  Harry  Fry  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 

door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  .today  are:   Rob  Vinroe,  Bob  Dellen,  Randy 

Dellen  and  Kevin  Snyder. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Beth  Taiti 
Sandy  Sheppeck  and  Hid  Diefenderfer  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week* 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  110. 
Hospitalized:  BMH  Mrs.  Elsie  Kornrumpf,  Mrs.  Dorothy 

Kennedy,  and  Mrs*  Anna  Zubik. 

MONDAY  -  Fidelity  Bible  Class  will  hold  a  tureen  supper 
at  5:30.   Bring  a  tureen*  table  service,  and  something 
for  a  silent  auction* 
TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 

Confirmation  Class  7:00  to  8:00  P.M. 
WEDNESDAY  -  Golden  Circle  at  7:30 
THURSDAY  -  Mary  Martha  Circle  at  10:30 
Choir  practice  at  7:00  P.M. 
Aerobics  6-8 

APPLE  BUTTER  -  the  Activities  Committee  project  for  this 
fall  will  be  made  on  September  27th  and  2Sth.  A  correctior 
on  the  price;  the  price  will  be  $2.50  per  quart  and 
$1,25  per  pint*  This  is  the  same  as  last  year.  If  you 
can  help,  please  let  someone  on  the  committee  know.   We 
would  appreciate  your  help  and  cooperation. 

In  the  near  future  we  will  be  taking  in  new  members*  If 
you  know  of  anyone  wishing  to  join,  please  make  contact 
with  the  office. 

October  lfi-24  the  movie  "Cry  From  the  Mountain"  will  be 
showing  in  Butler  at  the  Plaza  Theatre*   We  will  be 
getting  tickets  through  the  office.   If  you  are  interested 
in  going,  let  the  office  know  and  we  will  hold  the 
tickets.  The  advance  ticket  price  will  be  S3. 00,  or  at 
the  door  they  will  be  $3.75. 


COMMUNITY  BIBLE  CiHJBT.lt  -  KAGAHOHE,    PA.    -  OCTOBER  ?7,    1996 

PRELUDE 

OREOTINGS/JOY.VANNWTWEMENT.VPHAYFR   REQUESTS 

ANNUAL  COMB  METTING  NEXT  WEEK  NOV  T, AFTER  CHURCH 


•HYMN 

PRAYER/OFFERING 
•BOXOLCGY 

"  MI.  PRAYED 
HYMN 

SCRIPTURE:   1  TIMOTHY  Ja6-*t.l6 
SERMON:   "SOUND  IS  MORE  THAN  NCISE" 

ST.  PAUL'S,  BUTLER  -  9/1  V&5 

BENEDICTION 

-!  o  itxon? 


3ilfi-4:16j  SEHMs   "SOUND  IS  WORE  THAN  N0I6*!" 

.  hfachjj  i  no  XtlSt.  BOCtWH  m  ir  Biwaar) 

LET  HE  UHO  n  A  GOD  FXAMPJ,  OF  DOCTRDt  BEING  BIVISIV  WITHTN  « 

denowutin  bcoz  lapg  majorty  of  penom  dont  kno  Sw  t™Sl£ev 
j  1  of  mna  ■uotaiuM  *  mat  she  sed  b*  sen  synod  of  ws) 

TV   .J  CAW  EXAMPL  OF   DOCTH7N   BETNG  EIVISIV  BCU7,  WAT  SEE  IS   NOT 
TRUE  DOCTRINK   -  IT  IS   HER   THINKING   ON  THIS   -   TB/FEM  VIWMNT 
HEAR   LOT  BOUT   POUITIN,    HATEH/ATP/nwIBONHENTAL,    ETC      BtIT  THFH 

MANY  PEOP   DONT  KNO  WAT  WE   R   TALK    ABOUT   IE  hS  wSS  "DOCTRINE" 
(™  *»*»   *    DOCTRINE  ft  ANSWER   AW)UT  F0H£™  J^f™™ 
"DOCTRINE"   IS    TH/BASIO  FUNDAMENTAL  THINGS  WE  BLIFV     OR  MM  Kl  TV 
BUT  IF  WE   DONT  KNO  WAT  WF  BLIEV   -  THEN   WE  HAV  ^I^INF 

(ilils  jfI  MMwam  &  pro^,,  om  TO  ^        wit  rokans  com 

Ka™"^  ^  "   ™   ™°B  ™ffi   CON^/Lrf  IN  MANY, 
SS  F°pS0SS,mST  C0WCN   ™  ""   ^  ™»  — 

T^T^V^   -"'  CREP  ™  »  "•  ™»   AT  ROOT,   OF 

™rm\^UAiT,A™  ALWATS  *  IT  r™v  L1™  ™  «"" 

\    "TM  MOV  ON  &    ONE  AQS    BOCHSE   ANOTHF,    P  AVAR  BASIC    TDrTPTH.; 
t   BUFFS  m   THINGS   WFA.1TDR  UNDRMTND  OX3TRTNS 

THAT  IS  WHY  P  WROT  TO  TIMOTHY  ft   WE   READ  IN   TfJ  <rtfc  CKAPTEH    1-1 
READ  CHAPTER  d;l-i 


Name:  Ralph  Charles  Link 

Born:  April  9,  1929,  Pittsburgh,  Pennsylvania 

Harried:  December  15,  1951 

Wife:  Shirley  Margaret  Weill 

Born:  December  6,  1930,  Pittsburgh,  Pennsylvania 

Children:  Ralph  Dale  Link,  born  May  11,  1955 
Lloyd  Alan  Link,  bom  May  28,  1958 
Nancy  Lynn  Link,  born  March  15,  1961 

Schooling:  Graduated  Perry  High  School,  Pittsburgh,  June  ' 

Lay  Ministry  School,  Penn  West  Conference  of  Ui 
Christ  September  1965  to  May  1969 
Commissioned  Lay  Minister  June  19&9 

Lancaster  Theological  Seminary,  Lancaster,  Fa. 
to  December  197? 

Graduated  Lancaster  Theological  Seminary  May  V 
Ordained  to  Christian  Ministry  March  10,  1974 

Pastorates:  As  Lay  Minister:  short  term,  1  month  or  less  i 
1965  to  1967 

Emlenton  Lamartine  Charge  of  United  Church  of 
1967  to  1969 
Short  term  various  churches  1970  until  Semini 

July  1970  to  December  1975  Student  Pastor  New 
Duncannon,  Pa.  Charge  Penn  Central  Conference 

December  1973  to  present,  St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ, 
Butler,  Pa.,  Penn  West  Conference  United  Church  of  Christ 

Work  Experience:  Shipping  and  Receiving  clerk  bookstore  Pittsburgh  1947 
to  1951 

Service  U.  S.  Army  1951  to  1953-  Served  Korea,  attained 
rank  of  Staff  Sergeant 

Ceramic  Tile  Contracting  with  brother,  1953  to  1955 

Clerk  Supermarket  chain,  1955  to  1957 

Stationary  Engineer  and  maintenance  Oliver  Building, 
Pittsburgh,  Pa.  1957  to  1965 

Self-employed  Tile  Contractor,  1965  to  1969 

Salesman  1969  to  Seminary  entrance  1970 

Miscellaneous:  Billy  Graham  School  of  Evangelism,  Cleveland,  Ohio 
Crusade,  July  1972 

Coral  Ridge  Presbyterian  Church,  Port  Lauderdale,  Florida, 
Evangelism  Explosion  Training  May  1974 

Billy  Graham  School  of  Evangelism,  Norfolk,  Virginia 
Crusade,  November  1976 

Director  Counsellor  Training  and  Follow-up,  Leighton  Ford 
Butler,  Pa.  Crusade  October  1979 

Weekly  Radio  program,  "The  Joyful  Word"  Sunday  morning 
WBUT,  Butler  8:30  to  8:45  September  1980  to  present. 


THEZ  LEGALISTS  WER  TEACH  ON  ISSELETANCXS  S.  INCONSEQTTENTIL  ISSUES 
BY   DO  THIS  WER    nrVEHT   ATEOTIN   OF  C.H  PR/MAJOR   TTIN^S   ft  CAUS   IT 
JDWEL  ON  MINORITIES 
TOSTEE  OF  ARGU  AHOT'T   jho  SHtfD  or  shuitnot  MARRY,   OR  VAT  a  xpian 

EOT   IS    P  TELS   TIMOTHY    — -- 

VSr    t      =NO   DOOTRTN  ON  EATING,    JUS   EAT  ft   ENJOY  WAT  G  HAS  GIVN 
VS      hfM   *TI.B  OTE  HHSTH   IF  TKACH/PRKACH   BASICS   OF  FAITH   8,  GIV 

THEN  cun  doctrine 

HE  IS  TO  ENLIGHTN  THEM  TO  THARUTH 

( TT.ITS  TOW,    RRP   INSURANT:   POLTOY   ft   UNDERSTANDING   POLICY) 

TO  UNDRSTAN  WAT  WF  BLIEV,    WE  MUS  KNO  WAT  WE  BLTW 

IT  HUSB  CLEAR  ft   THIS  WAT  P  TEL  TIH  IN  VS   fiB 
VS  6B=WAT  TIM  HAS  RECEIV   HE  TO  PASS  ON   TO  OTHRS 
V8   If-TITIS   IS  REITFHATIN   OF  WAT  HL   SET!  B4 

TH/HESAG  MllSB  CLEAR  ft  CONCISE 
WAT  WE   BLIEV  MUSB  SPELLS  OUT  IN   SIKPL  LANGUAG   SO  WE  CAN    ALL 
UNDRSTAN 
(EXAMPL  HOW  WE  CANB    DECETVD  llffim   FROM  1965) 
WE  CAN   C   BY   THIS   THAT  WE  MUS  WAR  UP  TO  WAT  WE  BLIEV 

INSTFD  SING  THIS   HUMANISTIC  .UNGODLY   SONG  THAORLD  SHUDB  SING: 
AMAZING  GRACE  HOW  SHEET  TO/SOHMB  THAT  SAVD  A  WRETCH   LIK   ME 

WE  NEED  TO  BGIN   LKING   FOR  TH/HIDDN  MEANINGS   WH/SOCIETY   IS 

SECRETLY    IMPOSING  ON  IK 

(lias  nUCinnrmT  eye^long  nosed, short  legged  dog) 

"    PECEIV   ft  WE  MAY  NOT   ALWAYS  C   TH/REAL  PTCTUS 
WE  MUS   PIG  NEATH   TH/SPHFAC   TO  GET  AT  TH/TRHTH 
NOW   IS   P  TRY  TO  SPEL  OUT   DOCTRIN   HERE?      YES   HE   IS   ft   J:lf)  GIVS 
VS   l^AsVAT  IS   TH/MYSTERY??      ANSWER    -  VS  l6n 

va  i6b=p  say  g  was  seen  in  flesh  -  -now? 

IN  TH/PERSON   OF  JK   XP 
VS   1*C*H  SP  WAS   EVIDENT   TN   HIS   LIF  8,   SP  SEP  OF  HIM   -  THIS   TS    MY 
I)    BELOVED  SON   TN  WHOM   I   AM  VJFL  PLEASED 

VS  i^IfcANOELS  PPOCLATMn  HIS  birth, they  witnessd  him  to  mankind 

VS   IAf^KESAO  WAS   KENT  FOP   JEWS, RUT  HEJKC    ft  HE  GIV   TO  GENTILES 
VS    J.6F-TH05!   WHO  CAM   ft  HE   CUM  UNDH  TH/CONVIOTIN   OF  TH/H  SF  RECEIV 

TH/SALVATIN    HF  BUOT   FP/GOD 
VS   KkteHE   ASCENDED  INTO   HVN 

NOW   HERE  TN   A   NIITSHFL   IS  TH    DOCTRTN  O*   .TS    XP 
IT  SHOWS    US    "GrP  WITH   BS"    -   "GOD  INCARNATE"    -  "GOB   IN   TH/FIFSI 
Ria   SOilND   I.IK   WAT  THAEWALF  THEOLOGIAN   BEO  AHOUT  JSm 
OF  CORSE  NOT  ft  THIS    IS   EXAMFL  OF  HOW  WE   MPS   SERCH  G'S  WORD  FOR 
,,TH/TRUTH   HE  HA:'.  FOR   US   THEH  _      „„„„ 

Iffi   k:6=V  USE  WORD  "flOOP"   OTHH   SEREINS   USE  WORD  "SOUND" 
SIMPLY  KEAN=RASTC .WHOLESOME, FUNDAMENTAL 

atmv  ro*-««".wt!Lr>  mean  morf  taw  just  noise  -  it  shut,  remind 

US  OF  WAT  WE  BLIEV   ft  WHY 

EBB  LIKTNTC  TK/ADVIC   P  GIVE   TIMOTHY  K   TAK   IT  FOR   OUHKKLVS 
VS   lft.REAl)  T^TIj 


Maine:   tealph  Charles   Link 

Born:    April   9,    19?9,   Pittsburgh,    Pennsylvania 

Married:    December   15,    1951 

Wife:    Shirley   Margaret    Neill 

Born:    December   8,    1950,    Pittsburgh,    Pennsylvania 

Children:    Ralph   Dale   Link,   born   May   11,    1955 

Lloyd   Alan  Link,   born  May  28,    1958 

Nancy   Lynn  Link,   born  March   15,1961 

Schooling:    Graduated   Perry  High  School,    Pittsburgh,    June   19^7 

Lay   ministry  School,    Penn  West    Conference    of   United   Church   of 
Christ,   September   1965  to   May  1969 
Commissioned   Lay   Minister    June    1969 

Lancaster  Theological  Seminary,  Lancaster,    Pennsylvania   September 

1970  to  December   1973 

Graduated   Lancaster   Theological  Seminary,    May   197^ 

Ordained   to   Christian   Ministry,  March   10,    1974- 


short   terms    1   month   or   less   various   churches 

1967 


Pastorates :  As  Lay  Minister 
1965  to  1967 
Emlenton/Lamartine  Charge  of  United  Church  of  Christ 

to  1969 

Short  term  various  churches  November  1969  to  June  1970 

July  1970  to  December  1973,  Student  Pastor  New  Bloomfield/ 

Duncannon,  Pa.  Charge  Penn  Central  Conference  United  Church 

of  Christ 

December  1973  to  present,  Pastor  St.  Paul's  United  Church  of 


•■sound    ±r.    nore   'i^an   noise" 
I -crip:    1  Tim  3:1-^-4:16 

kllus  femnist  Theo  Eliz   P.   Fiorenza  &  Gen  Syn 

Here  gud  exam  wat  tak  plac   aoety  2day;hear  bout   poiiut 
air,polut   envir,rolut   watr  etc,    but   no   hear   rin^1- 

bak  j  lac    ]  nf ortunpt ,many   BTie\ 

Doctrin   intelectul,  Lol        2stiF/forml   ?B  talk/ 

fpeop  no  !  ootrin  is  / 

oues*-  '  '^reir.   '  ur 

Doctrin  bcnic  ,fund:nentl   t!  ,  / 

(Ilus    ■'  trine)      I 

rin  I 

'j   near  end   lif,'  :  vtroi 

p.v  prob  t   '  converts   m 

liter]  .  ioraoa   -en    &  lead    indiviJ 

con;..-  '      '       ,   uidanc  ,helr 

clear  re?d  lettr«chap   1 - 
redly  octr  eren   ir>.       tear  rorVrg   fo 

bin  laid 
P  knu   Ch   ■  ]  hav   frv 

as  time  £o  on,l  gen  folo  not!     .  etr; 

£  Blie  ■      ■  i  I  to]    Tim-4  :l-3 

Inez    leplists  wer   teach    irelevancys  ,  inconsequent  ill 
They  divert   atentin  majors, Of  'el   minors 

Insteri    ai  -  propr     • 

diet   ±s   F  tel  "Ic^vs;;  h—5,&  then  advis="- 

DBtr   if  renind    reop  basics   fait!  ;  f"e 
of   faith  as   wel  as  octrin 

Othr  words«he  Penliten  them  ?truth,9'"   rat 
(Ilus  Tom  &  no   sign   insurance= Nobody  euro  as  clear  aa 
In  ordr  underst  wat  we   Tniev,mus   kno  wat  we   Rliev,muV 
is   I    tel   Tim-vs   6 
liffl  receiv,he    is   ?r>as    on    i    1    emph  vs    16-(r' 
met    /  clear/concis=mijsr'  underst  (rt)   oak  innertiv  no 
conch   'I'heo    jarpn  ";h   mak   ipposib   Punderst 
Gud    examp  bow  canB  deceiv  isximxiimw  by   aumth  snrl    Tuc 
is   nu  sonrfsVe   H  The   V.'orld 

r.ho  wrote=i'icbael   Jackson   &  who  he?    Jehovah  withnes 
".Tit   oal   Valeriana   evrl   in  worl   i   be   no   pledg  aler 
Pflag-   country   made   him  milionaire 
part  1st  vs=Ther  cume  time,v/en  we  heed   a  certin  call 
wen  worl   mus  cum  2gethr  as    1 
Bibl  tel   us    in   las   day   wud  cum  4th   grt   movment   Pwarc 
lworl,lworl  eovt(lworl    ldr«AntJ 
We  R  all  part    "'r>     ::         '       fan]    ,      truth  U  kno,luv   ia 
all   .-e   n^ed=Is   it  tirv   evrl    in  worl   in  family  of^C?         ( 
i^o   lent    '    truth    if   unles    1   born  ap  in?  famly   j  by 
acpt    Js   Kp  as   I.  •■     '.3v  that  persn  no  Child    of   G 
no  nean  no   creat  by  God, but   outbid   no   '  cu2    3  w 

but  Bcuz  nan  made  this  tak 


.£*  „.„  v,™  ,.,lr  yx=i"emmst  1'neo  Eliz  Fior«n*,- 

fH   J  m  her  childri]       she   U    proven  ri 

ariy   f<  '  :      -         wiados  la    justified 

wi     /bni=nr=.':"orhia=fen!  name 
. 

+'h!   r"  ' '      a    of    3od  , 

the   God   of,J?.  is   niV 

anded 

^■'      ck!    •-■]     jfrot   Bbout  by  the   Romans. 


1  ':     "r"         "i^   insurance- rnnoDY  -exti,    ■  -       ■  ., 

author   Mchael   Jackson 
-—1 ltnes    ft  no   ale^iai-cflan-  entry   r  -?lre 


^e  wen  we  heed  a  certin  call 
'orld    mus    -  «   as    on= 

tel   lattr  daya=l  worl,lR-ovt  ,lworl    iflr 


"''■    of   G's    trrt   bi^  fasily 
the   truth  D   kno,    luv   i        11  \       .-eea 

it  tru?  evrl   in  farly  of 

ihem  Ur  hart  so  they  '11  kno  fc]  1  can 

ther  livs  wi]  E 

ne    into  hred, 
'o  ve   all   mus    ipy..        halpin     band 


jr:      ».of  whom? 


- 
(Ilus   pet  '  -      ,      ort-tail,     ort-legf] 


ound  Is  Fore  Than  Noise" 

Scripture:  1  Timothy  3:16  -  4:16 

On  the  evening  of  the  second  day  of  the  General  '  ynod  of  the  United  Church  of 

Christ  in  June  of  this  year,  a  feminist  theologian  Elizabeth   .  "iorenza  appke 

to  the  the  delegates  and  this  is  a  portion  of  >■■'  e  said  : 

The  earliest  Jesus  traditions  perceived  the  "Tod  of  gracious  roodness  in  a 
woman's  form  as  divine  wisdom." 

This  '"cd,  recognizes  all  Israelites  as  her  children  and  she  is  proven  right 
by  all  of  the 

arrived  at  the  femininev  viewpoint  by  lc  uke  T:"7^  which  says, 

'■:~tiried  kxxxxi:  of  all  her  children."   fod  the  word  for  wisdon 

in  Greek  3       la,  which  is  a  woman'-  ne^e.   But  she  not  on]-'  wants  to  claim 

God  as  female,  she  wants  to  claim  the  death  of  the  atonement 

Cod  intended  for  mankind.   The  say 

'The  Jesus  movement's  understanding  and  experience  of  God...  T  iod  cf  Jesus 
is  not  •  -  temands  atonement,  ""he  death  of  Jesus  was  not  a  sacrifice 
and  was  not  demanded  by  God  bul         about  by  the  Tomans . " 

sre  is  a  good  example  of  what  is  taking  place  in  our  society  today.   We  hear 
a  xx-KX^jgxBHXXHiCE'Kx&xEX  great  deal  said  about  pollution  ii  nc- 

iety,  such  as  Air-pollution,  environmental-pollution,  water-  '    Lon, 

■  ;.   which  Is  silently  eatir         our  society 
is  mind-pollution.   One  way  in  which  this  Is  taking  place  is  in  the  matter  of 
Doctrine.   And  unfortunate!^,  because  too  many  people  thin1"  )octirne  must  be 
s_  completely  intellectual  or  philosophica]  arguments,  it  is  too  stiff  and  form- 
al to  be  talked  about.   In  fact,  -   -       >  do  not  even 

talking  about  when  we  mention  the  word  "Doctrine."  I  don't  '         ;rue  it 
is,  but  supposedly  the  que  roup  of  people,  "What  is 

Doctine."   Lnd  the  answer  one  man  gave  was,  "Isn't  he  a  famous  forepin  doctor' 
"Doctrine"  is  the  basic,  fundamental  things  we  believe,  or  should  believe. 
But  if  we  don't  know  what  we  believe,  then  we  have  no  Tocrine. 

.'■'.  \,  of   •"   "     vT  as  a  preacher  who  preaod  ss  .r?ry 

doctrinally,  was  asked  by  a  book  company  to  prepare  ! 

Testament  book  of  Romans.   T  e  only  stipulation  was,  "We  prefer  the  commentarj 
not  be  doctrinal."  He  refused.   And  rightly  so.   How  could  anyone  possibly 
write  on  the  book  of  Romans  and  not  write  doctrinally?   The  entire  book  4s 
filled  with  doctrine. 

The  Apostle  Paul  probably  nearing  the  end  of  his  life,  wrote  to  his  very  good 
young  friend  and  companion  Timothy  at  Ephesus.  Ttee.   Paul  had  1wkx&w&   intro- 
duced Christianity  to  that  wity  and  now  there  were  probably  thousands  of  con- 
verts there  meeting  in  many,  many  homes.   There  were  literally  hundreds  of 
^_  pastors,  most  of  them  common  ordinary  men  and  they  were  leading  these  little 
individual  congregations  scattered  throughout  the  city.   It  becomes  very  clear 
in  reading  this  first  letter  to  Timothy  that  problems  had  arisen  ±xl  within 
the  congregations  In  Ephesus.   Took  at  cva~ter  1,  reading  from  verse  2,  throuf 
verse  7,  (read  these). 


_-_ 

q   can  readily  see  that  false  teaching  had  crept  in  and  was  tearing  at  the 
very  roots  of  the  foundation  which  had  been  laid. 

■1        tat  the  church       always  he  undei      '-  and  therefore  it  was 
imperative  that  the  leaders  had  a  strong  foundation  in  the  faith.  ks   time 
moved  on  and  one  age  succeeded  another,  Paul  wa  that  the  Etoanoek 

basic  Doctrines,  or  beliefs  were  the  things  which  woi     a  undermined, 
Tvis  is  why  he  told  Timothy  as  wo  res^  in  chapter  '-;l-3,  (read  these).   These 
alists  were  teaching  on  irrelevanfcies,  and  incnnsenuential  issues.  By 
Lng  this  they  were  diverting  the  attention  from  ma^ior  things  and  caudin 
church  to  dwell  on  minors.   Instead  of  arguing  about  who  should  or  shoiild  not 
marry,  ov   what  the  proper  Christian  diet  is,  Paul  tells  Timothy,  verses  4—5 
(KMD),  and  then  he  advises  verse  6,       '.   Timothy  will  be  a  ^ood  minister 
if  he  reminds  the  people  of  the  basics  of  the  faith;  feeds  them  the  words  of 
faith,  as  well  as  giving  them  ftOOD  DOCTRIKE.   In  other  words,  he  is  to  en- 
lighten them  to  the  truth.   This  is  somewhat  like  a  man  named  Tom  who  worked 
in  a  certain  company  which  was  In  the  process  of  switching  over  to  a  new 
group  insurance  policy.   But  every  employee  had  to  sign  up  for  it,  or  the 
insurance  company  would  not  issue  the  policy.   Tome  refused  to  sign.   The 
foreman  bested  with  him,  but  it  was  no  use.   "^he  general  manager  and  the 
plant  superintendent  beared  him,  but  Tern  would  not  sign.   Finally,  the 
owner  of  the  company  summoned  Tom  to  his  office,   TTe  said,  "Took,  you  idiot 
unless  you  sign  up  I'll  fire  you.   All  your  fellow  workers  want  this  in- 
surance and  you  either  aign  up  now,  or  you're  out  in  the  street," 
Tnm  n-rabbed  the  pen  and  signed  Immediately.   "Kow,rr  said  the  owner,  "  ihy 
didn't  you  sign  this  thing  before  when  the  other  men  asked  you?"   "because/ 
replied  Tom,  "Nobody  explained  it  as  clearly  as  you  did." 

In  order  for  us  to  understand  what  we  believe,  we  must  know  what  we  believe. 

It  must  be  clear  to  us  and  this  is  what  Paul  is  telling  Timothy  in  this  jth 

verse.   "Of  good  doctrine,  whereunto  thou  hast  atained."  The  same  teachings 

that  timothy  has  received,  he  is  to  pass  them  on  to  others.   Paul  emphasizes 

this  further  in  the  18th  verse  by  saying,  "Take  heed  unto  thyself,  and  into 
the  doctrine;  continue  in  them:  for  in  doing  this  thou  shalt  both  save  thy- 
self, and  them  that  hear  thee." 

T>,e  message  is  to  be  clean  and  concise.   It  must  be  understood  rhich  makes  it 
imperative  that  what  we  teach  ia  not  couched  in  Theolo  ;ical  j  ■■  ■  •-  i  which  makes 
i;;  impos  sible  .f  i&ersl        rood  example  of  how  we  can  be  de- 

ceived by  so>  -       which  seems  good  is  a  new  song  which  is  supposedly  to  be 
sung  by  all  of  the  world  to  make  the  world  what  it  should  be.   The  song  is 
entitled,  "  e  'v  orld . "   To  berin  with,  we  must  ask,  "who  is  the  aut 

of  Uhi  the  answer  is,  lichael  Jackson,   Ind  who  is  Tichaai.  Jack- 

son?  Ee  is  a  de        Jehova]      "ness.   This  man  writing  a  son,'-  which 
calls  for  all  of  our  allegiances  to  everyone  in  the  world,  is  dedicated  to 
not  pl<       allegiance  to  the  flag  of  the  country  that  has  made  him  a  mill- 
ionaire.  Pact  o^  the  first  ver~e  says:  ""herp  comes  a   time  when  we  heed 
certain  call, 

bhe  world  must  come  together  as  one." 


-3- 

The   Title   tells  us  that   in  the   latter  days  there  will  come  fori  move- 

ment to  r_e  world;    one  world  ~r^9rv>  world   leader,   the    tafcl- 

Christ. 

'.nether  portion  of  the  ■■    are   all  a   nart   of   God's    great  big  familj 

and  the  truth,   you  know,    love   is  all  we   need.* 

7^  that  true,   that  everyone  in  the  world    is    -     ;  irt   of   L'"-7-  family  of  God? 

No  it   isn't!      The   trttth    is,    bhat  "nl^r    one   is  born  spiritually   into  the  fami- 

>f   God   by  accept  in -*■   Jesus   Christ  as      ^  ~    and        viour,  that   person  is   not 

a  child   of   God.      3S,at  doesn't   mean  he  ±KE±t  wasn't   created  by  r-od.      It    just 

means   that  until  that    r«  ]     : ■■'-• ,  Lde   of    bh  Lly. 

-nt   it  that  way,   but   that   is  how  man  has   changed  what  God  wanted. 

is    "Hove   all  that  we   need"  to  change   the  world':      ho,    it  will    take  the    love 

of   God   shed    into  every  heart,   hearing  the   Gospel   and    accepting  the    salvation 

God  ro  freely   offers   to  change   the  world   and   nothing   short   of  that  will  do  it 

The    sonr  also  :    Vend    them  your  heart    so   they'll   know  that   someone   cares 

and   their   lives  will  be   stronger   and   free. 

:od  has    shown  us  by  turninr   stone    into  bre<   i  , 
■■    ill  must   lend  a  hslpi  \ , " 

"ere   is   the   humanistic   philosophy  that   each  day  we   will   set   better   and  better 

:        sre  human  efforts.       \nd  did   God  turn  stone  to  bread?      No!      The  devil 

told    Jesus   to    ;urn  the  bo  bread   3      ing  ''!•;    t  imptation.      Had    Jesus  done 

that,   He  would  have  been  acknowledging   Satan  as   God  and  He  would  have  been 

worshiping  him  instead   of   God. 

"We   are   the  world,"   identifies  them  as  being  of  the  world  and   not   of  God. 

Jesus   said  we  were   either  for  Him  or  against  Him,  we   can't  be  both.      It's 

either  the   world,    or   God, 

"We   are   the   children,"   that   may  be   true,   but   children  of  whom?      Of   God?      Or 

of   Satan? 

"We  are  saving  our  own  lives."  Can  we  save  ourselves?   No!   There  is  no 

salvation  in  any  other  name  than  Jesus  Christ . 

"Wm  make  better  days."   Can  we  make  anything?   Jesus  said,  "without  Me  ye  can 

do  nothing." 

I  think  we  can  see  by  this  that  we  must  wake  up  to  what  it  is  we  believe.   If 

we  are  singing  this  song,  <   e  need  to  stop  and  inst<=      in  singing  "'mazing 

Grace,  how  sweet  the  sound  that  saved  a  wretch  like  me."   e  need  to  wake  up 

and  begin  looking  for  the  hidden  meanings  that  our  humanistic,  ungodly  society 

is  nuietly  and  secretly  imposing  on  us. 

(Illustration  of  the  yellow,  bead  ,            ort  legged  do  ' 

little  boy  and  his  f^-i]--  moved  "rnr  g  small  southern  town  to  a  I 

city  in  the  north.   The  -  with  the  move,  but  he  was  able 

to  take  hi      'ith  him,  an  sne  brig]   spot  1;  '  is  life, 

ifter  they  had  moved,  the  boy  and  '               went  for  a  walk  to  looi     fc]  eir 

new  neighborhood,  \s   they  walked  across  a  school  yard  they  were  suddenly 

confronted  with  a  local  gan  ,   he   m  leader  look*  uhe  boy  and  said, 


,:   o  you're  the  new  kid    in  town.       'ell    if   you   plan  to  live  here  yc  ta   join 

a    gang  -  and   it  better  be  nine."      The   boy    said,    "  'her-    I  come    from  we   don"*t 

a   and    it  wouldn't  he  right  for  me  to   join,"      "listen,"  the  bully  re- 
spondi     .      pou  don't  have   much   choice.      Either  you    Join  msxaBii  or  ne   and  the 

boys   are   going    to  make    a  habit   of  beating  you   to   a   pulp."      Then  fir  the    first 
time   he   noticed   the  boy'^   pet   and  began  to   laugh,      "look  at  that  ugly  dor. 
That's  the  ugliest  dog:   I've  ever   seen,      '.hat  kind    is   it?     look  at   that  yellow 
beady  eyed,   long  nosed,    Bhort-legged    ugly  dog.      I'll  tell  you  what    I'm  going 
to  do.      If  you  don't    join  ray  ran^  by  tomorrow  night,    I'm  going   to  have  my 
Killer  rip  up  that   us;ly  ±wk  yellow,   beady  eyed,    lon<?   nosed,    short-legged  - 
short-tailed   dog   of   yours.      You  be  here   tomorrow  night    or   else."      The  bov 
answered,    "I'll  be  here,   but   I  don't   think   I  can   join  your   pang.      It    just 
isn't  right."     The  next   night   the  boy  and  his   pet  were   at  the   school  yard. 
Here  came  the   ganr  down  the   street   and   it   looked    like  all  of  them  were  hold- 
ing the   chain   on  a  huge   perman  shepherd  dos;.      Killer  was   pulling   them  along 
and  they   stopped   him  as   they  were    near   the"boy  and  his   pet.      The   leader   asked, 
"Are  you  croin"-  to   Join  my  rrang  or  do   I  turn  Killer   loose   on  your  uply  dop;?" 
The  boy  answered,    "I  can't    join  your  ran-,    it    isn't  right."     The   gann:   leader 
released   the   chain   on  Killer   and   said,    "Go   get  him  Kilier."      Killer   circled 
around   a   couple   times   and   then  he    jumped   in  on  the   boy's   pet.      In  the   middle 
of   Killer's    leap   the   boy's   pet   opened    the    larre^t   mouth   filled   with  teeth 
the   ranp-  had  ever  seen  and    in  one  bite  killed   Killer.  ang  waxxxkHKiffit 

and  their  gang  leader  was  shocked,  horrified,  they  were  speechless. 
Finally,  the  gang  leader  turned  to  the  hoy  and  said,  "What  kind  of  dor  is  that 
ugly  yellow,  beady-eyed,  short-tailed,  long-nosed,  ahort-lei — ed  thing  anyway?' 
"  ell,"  the  boy  replied,  "before  we  cut  off  his  tail  and  painted  him  yellow, 
he  was   an  alligator." 

I  think  this    is   the   truth  we   need   to   see    in  real   life!     Looks   many  times    are 
.    deceiving.      W*1  may  not   always   see  the   true   picture,      '^erefore   we   must  di^- 
beneath  the  surface  to  get   at  the   truth.      '    -ood  example   of  this   is   to  be 
found   in  the    16th  verse   of  the   *rd  ©Hap*»s   of   this   letter.      Paul  spells   it 
out   in   this   way: "And   without   controversy   great   is    the   mystery   of   God."        hat 
is   that   mystery?      "  Q    manifest   in  the   flesh."      Paul   is   saying  that   God 

was    seen  in  the   flesh.      How?      Iii  the   person   of    Jesus    Christ  J      He  was,    "Justi- 
fied   in  the   r'ririt."      The   Holy      pirit  was    evident   in  His   life  and    the    Spirit 
of   God   said,    "This    is   my  beloved    Son   in   whom   I  am  well  pleased.      TIe 
of  angels."     The   angels   proclaimed    Hia   birth,    1  itnessed  of   Him  to  man- 

kind, was    "Preached   unto  the   Sentil»s."      The   mesas   e   that  was   meant  for 

the    Jews,    God's   chosen   people,  was   proclaimed  by   Jesus    Christ   Himself   to   the 
outsiders,   the   "entiles.      He  was,    "Believed   on  in  the  world."      Those  wl  *    c 
under  the  conviction  of  God's   Soly  "pirit  believed    on  Him  and   received  the 

lvation    He  brought   from    >od,        od    He   was,    "deceived   up  into  rlory."     He   as- 
cended   into   \  .  "re    in   •  ell   is   the   doctrine   of    Jesus    Ohris 
God "with   us"      God    "Incarnate,"    in    the   Flesh. 

ow  all  of  that   isn't  too  hard  to  understand    -  houlc    make  us    see   that  we 

should  know  what   it   is  we  believe.      It   s]  c  i]  "    teach  us  that  we   must   look  and 
searc         -1  's     ford    for  the   Truth  that   He   "  -re   for  us,    lying    just  beneath 

the   surface.  we    can  find  th"4:    Truth    and    know      octrine.       But    not   only 

Doctrine  as   such,  but  sound  doctrine.      T,  e  word    "   ound  ul  uses   it   in 


_-_ 
letter  to  Timothy  in  referrir."  to  Doctrine  simply  means,  ""   ' 
Wholesome,  fundamental.   And  so  the  word  "found"  for  us  should  mean  more  that 
just  Noise.   It  should  remind  us  of  what  we  believe  and  why.   We  should  lister 
to  the  advice  of  Paul  to  Timothy  and  take  it  for  ourselves,  ""Take  heed  unto 
thyself,  and  unto  the  doctrine;  continue  in  them:  for  in  dtoinr  this  thou  shait 
aaxa  both  save  thyself,  and  them  that  hear  thee." 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 

Butler ,  Pennsylvania 

Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  September  22,  1985 

Mr*  Dale  Ricet  Minister  of  Music 

Mr*  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 

Kelly  Mangel,  Acolyte 

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  ++  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  + 

QEHKR   OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude  "Sanctuary  Echoes'1'1 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements. 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
*Hymn  No*  71  "Faith  is  the  Victory" 
•Ascription 
•Exhortation 

♦Confession  (In  Unison)  "Loving  Father,  who  gives  completely 
of  His  love  to  usT  forgive  our  selfishness.   We  aren't 
intentionally  indifferent  to  others.   It's  just  that  we 
are  so  caught  up  in  our  own  lives,  our  jobs,  our 
families,  we  look  at  the  world  around  us  from  down  deep 
in  our  own  little  worlds,   we  do  care,  but  we  don't 
take  the  time  or  the  trouble  to  respond  in  love  to  the 
needs  around  us*   Strengthen  us  to  assume  the  burden 
of  caring.   Enrich  our  lives  so  we  can  know  the  joy  of 
others.  Forgive  us  our  short-sightednesa  so  we  can  try 
again.   In  Jesus*  name."     Amen. 
*Kyrie 

♦Assurance  of  Pardon 
♦Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name  forever. 
•Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No.  91  "Tis  So  Sweet  to  Trust  in  Jesus" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offer tory  " Chanson" 
•Doxology  -  page  382 
Scripture;   2  Chronicles  20:  1-13 
Sermon:   "What's  It  All  About?" 
•Closing  Hymn  No.  96  "I  Know  Who  Holds  Tomorrow" 
♦Eenedietion 

-ng  Chimes 
•Postluoe 


•Congregation  standing 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mrs.  Genevieve  Nohach  in  memory  of  loved  ones. 
Mr.  &  Mrs.  Lloyd  Link  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 

door  this  morning • 
Ushers  for  today  are  Dick  Mangel,  Don  Kingsley,  Ed  Walker, 

and  Dick  Dally. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Sue  Gamble* 
Carl  Vinroe  and  Art  Carney  will  be  visiting  the  hospital 

this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  127  with  13  visitors. 

TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 

THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-8   Choir  Practice  at  7:00  P.M. 
X  Basketball  3-10 

-~*FftIDAY  -  making  apple  sauce  9:00  a.m.  bring  a  sack  lunch 

>and  plan  to  stay  and  help. 
ATURDAY  -  cooking  apple  butter  outside,  beginning  at 

6:30  a*m*   We  need  firemen,  stirrers,  and  ail 
kind  of  helpers.   We  will  have  lunch,  but  those 
coming  and  helping  may  bring  something  to  add 
to  our  dinner.   See  you  there. 
SOUP  &  SALAD  1b  fast  approaching.   Tickets  are  now  on  sale 

>by  contacting  the  circle  chairmen  or  Evie  Kennedy. 
CONGREGATIONAL  DINNER  will  be  held  next  Sunday  evening  at 
5j30*   We  encourage  your  attendance  because  of  the  short 
business  that  will  be  taken  care  of.   Also  the  enter- 
tainment for  the  evening  will  be  Dan  Sehall*  Bring  a 
tureen,  table  service,  and  a  friend.   Dessert,  meat  and 
-     beverage  will  be  provided. 

_J>> In  the  near  future  we  will  be  taking  in  new  members.   If 
ycu  know  of  anyone  wishing  to  join,  please  make  Contact 
with  the  office. 
The  Butler  Memorial  Hospital  would  like  to  notify  all 
senior  citizens  of  their  program  for  flu  shots.  If  you 
are  interested,  take  time  to  read  the  poster  in  the 
Narthex.   The  schedules  are  listed. 
October  19-24  the  movie  hhCry  From  the  Mountain"  will  be 
showing  in  Butler  at  the  Plaza  Theatre.   We  will  be 
getting  tickets  through  the  office.   If  you  are  interest- 
ed in  getting  advanced  sale  tickets  at  $3.00  each  please 
^    let  the  office  know.   Tickets  at  the  door  will  be  $3*75. 
_-*-*!  he  family  of  Mr.  &  Mrs.  Hoy  Frazier  are  honoring  their 

parents  with  a  50th  anniversary  Celebration.   The  family 
is  asking  for  memories  or  experiences  that  were  shared 
with  them.   If  you  have  any  of  this  please  write  it  dorfT. 
and  forward  it  to  Mrs,  Robert  Shimek  Box  107  Sarver,  Pa. 
I  .  - it) i.   This  is  for  the  making  of   Yemory 


I    ''crip:    2   Chron.    20:1-13 

liJevrl  .  it:   all  abi  k   sercl 

questin  lp]  te  :.  out    life 

4-ea  us   tiler   many  auests  bout   lif,part 
la   tier   mean/purp  4-thez  liv" 

ldoua   : uxley ,  English  author) 
short  eBay  can  C  basichhindranc  Pnanv  peor  hav 
any  t-  that   is«may   inter fer  w/watevr   fredurc 

thay  H  f olo 

tap  much  tl  >        xpres  story  2women 

aufr  4   liefs=size  5  shoe  try  fit  7  foot) 
A  miatakn  ■'-lief   of  oorse=      Id  things   we      del 

4thoz   no  sp   Blie#a   lif  Bay  wel" 
thoz   peop  go  thru  motins    of   liv 

■?vn  4thoz  do  hav  sp  fn&atin  sum  sort, lif   atil 
hold   nany    quests 

This   why  pt   out   las   wk  mus   b  'an  on/wat  Bliei 

All  this  cum  undr  head-Doctr-  nctrii 

as  time   f;o  on  5c  trus   wil  hav  underst  wat   Doctrin   is 
2day  11;  v  octrii        '""  i  t   is-   ats 

•rer".  need  our   ] 
Anser   ly   !'•      crir  t-tbis   morn: 
Jehosh  on  thron   Judah:suceed   fathr    lsa,bo1 

tak  plac  aprox=8%   BC:Jea08l    -' ■     18t1    yr  of   25 
yr  reign:Very  relig, godly  kin|  ;i  tin  public 

gtvn  re  lis;   instrucjpr/levite-  re-lar  circuit!?   thruoul 
■   2teach  peop=Bk  of  Law; 
'    lrg  stand   army-chap   1"  say»lMil,260  thousand 
Moab ,  , 

1st  thin,     iid=seek  lord 
no  read   absolutly  unafraid,insted=he   fear, but  w/feaj 
t   2only    '-ores   cud   help   at    this    time 
B  had  wel  ovr   mil  men,ica--in  wat   they  had 
vs  4=notic  wat  hapnstbis   tel   Jehosh  dun  frud   job   as   K 
not   only  was   ldr   seek  G 's  directin,but   peop  wer  folt 
his    ldr  ship 
had  taut  ritely  Sfc  wel        the:-  do  wat   need  tak  pre- 
cedenc   ovr   all  els=^   seel;  G  at   thir    time  of   need 
vss  6-7=E  &  peop  in  Tenip,Jehos  pray=recal  wat   G  dun 

in  past  iv  His   peop 
vse   E-9=recal  bild  magnif   structur   in  wh  ^worship  G 

&  how  wen  need, cur  here        s^e*:  "■  'a  help 
ve  10>E  'n  past  hiatry   "-  how  G  no  per 

mit   Isites  2destry  thess   same   peop  wen  cum  fr 
vss   11-12-urgent  reoues   of   K  H-  G  'a  help 

at   >::  its  read   secret  wil  riv  victry=»Eys  uponS 

evn  mid  dire   cireu  '3  on  G 

;'■  i      '  ist- 

&  pruf   fnd  vs    13=READ 


Hot    jut.    sum  them/or  part   them/or  f»w  then  f£LL  them  c  ' 

rf*,ey  dua  wel  hav  stud  rnd   Si  shrug  shold      ,  as k» 'vats 
All   About?   Wat  duz  all  this   mean? 
Insted,no   trus   army, own  3tr;they  trust    in  GOD 

&  wat  do  we  cal   this  basic   trust?     FAITH 
In  Ecrip  wat  we  cal   Dootrin  is  cal=The  Faith 
Jo  very  1st   thing  mus  hav   is  FAITH 

ordr  2do  so  mus   analyst  faith   §  34o  so  wil  reiuii    we 
Ik  6  things  wh  makup  faith 
2day  wil  Ik  3,6   nex  wk  Ik  3 
Faith  urns   1st  B  Docttinl  Faith 

.sk  many  times/complain  dont  hav  enuf  ffaith  & 
wud   lik  hav  mor 
fact,   many  peop  pray-GIv  me  mor  faith, but   no  set 
that  way 
list  way  2hav  faith   is   2hav  Hoctrir.1    "    i  '         hO« 
ED   nicely      om   10:17+ 
if   want   faith, or   nor   faith    BUS  ord    of    G 

-'  os  dislik  hear  this     cuz  no  want  tak 
1        ord;or  sun  use  excua   no  !;no 

read  ;  d.but  truth   is=±±  Rod  provid  us 

ord  ^r  mak  efort  read  daily/'  wil  bles  thoz 
e forts  by  increas  knowledg  of  II im  "  ^iv  mor  Faith  as 
read 

loctrin  use   intrchanrbly;    en  Faith  has 
artiel  preoeed=  the  Faith.it   means=T'ae   statment   of 

2hav  corec  faith  mus   hav  acurot   statmen   of   wat      lie-s 
Cllus   lady  w/littl  faith  in  a   ?rrt  God) 
,0  can  onl.  3  by  undpi--''   T:ir      ord  ° 

fr   Ilia      ord  wil  hav  statmen  of  f,or   jus  wat  actul  Blit 

'aith 
can  hav  all  sorts   of   -faiths  bout   lot   of   tfcii   l  . 
but  sen  tali  '"   '        ,cai    onl  '       -v       provi 

£pfr  2:8=G  provid   His   "rac/fres   rift  wh  wat  Grac  mean, 
thru  deth   Js   on  cros 

,     t  deth  bot  4anyl  who  acpts   it- Salvation 
But  Ik  wat   j    add»2:8B«We  oanot   sav  selvs   only  thru  Xp 
mus  read  vs   9=dusnt  mean  can  work  4salv^tin;.ii^t  time 
spent   oong  ushr,sinr-  choir, serv  bords/oomits  hav 
nothin  do  tf/salvatin 
Only  thru   acptanc    Js   as  ravior  receiv  salvatin  5   that 
cum  bj'  faith  alone 

,'e  cum  2plac  wher  say=I  Bliev   in  Ja   £p   S  '-hat--,    av 
3rd  thin-  bout  F  it   is   a   Justifyinr  ?aith 
Here  wber  ?   actul  cum  in2  play  Bcua  too  we  hav  sin 
! 
That  mean  theris   not   1  persn  who  cum   in2  worl.otnr 
than   Jb   Xp,   who  entr  worl  w/out   sin 

re-.tl        3trugl  w/this   as  we   may , we    P.  born  slnr 
wil  dy  unjustly   sinrs   unles   cum   " 


wen  flo  cum   2   >'p  can  say=I  am   Justify, or,    I  am  made 
rite  w/<".od 

ritusnes,or  thisB  made    Just   w/God    onl 
1      cub    Js   paid   price   4-our   sins 
-lao  tel   this   Sal  2:2 

at   snd  vs  sum  up«He  ayed   <U1  .He    dyed  *evrl 
1   just  or   jjuetifyed  who 

(Ilus   H(>v,   .ioberston, train, priest   "         of 
Miie   in  esenc   13  wat 
3 ]      bout? 
Faith  wh/we  can  only   lern  thru       '  r  this 

-  ith 
it   is    Faith  wh/we  can  thru   salvatin  hot 

ivn  thru   ,  a  La  is  Saving  "filth 

&  it   is   faith  wh/make   u=  rt  w/Goa,OfU*  being   Just   or 
Justified    "-  thiF   curas  thru   Js  saorific   or  our 


IN  NT.FAITK/DOCmN   USD  OTTERCHSOBLT 
?HAV  GOREC   FAm.KDS  HAV   ACuHA?  KT4TKEN   CF  WAT  WE   BLTEV 
(ILUS  WOMN  COMPLIMENT  ON   HEP  GRT  FAITH 
GET  KNC  G   THW   HIS  WORD  B-  FR/VCRD  VIL  ERO  WAT  WF.  BLIEV 

SAVING  FAITH-WEN   TALK   BOUT  FAITH  IN  G.CAN  ONLTB  BAV  FAITH   AS 

PROVID  BY  KIH 
I      i  2:8 


XXMXHMXSKmXKXJIIfitH 


EXPL  WAT  THIS  VS  MEAN 

BCDH  THIS   MPS   READ  NEX  VS   AS  WELL  .READ  VS  9 
(^XPL  MO  WORK   IN  CH, CHOIR, FSHH .PREACH  ETC) 

«rs  cm  spue  wheh  gan  sat.i  bliev  in  js  xp  -that  sav  faith 

JUSTIFYING  FAITH.EXPL  ALL  HINNRS  CUM  INTO  WORL 

BORN   Simms.WIL   DY   SIHNH8  DNI.ES   CUM  TO  XP 

„  ™,    *  "^   "^  SD  '"^  CAR   SAT  W  "  JDSTIFTD  OR   MADF  RTTf  tt/nnn 
P  TEL  HE  GALAATIANS   Z-20  '  A        HITE  W'00I) 


Community  Bible  Church   -  Sagamore,    ra.    _  October  18,   iqq? 

Prelude 

JoyB/GreetinesAnnouncements/Prever  Reauests 


ascription 

Call  to  Wo* ship: 

PFAIfiE  YE  THE  LORD.      PRAISE  YE  THE  NAME  OF  THE   LORD: 
PRAISE  HIM,    YE   SERVANTS   OF  Tff1    LORD. 
TE  THAT  STAND  IN  THE  HOUSE  CF  THE  LORD,    IN   THE  CODRTS 
OF  THE   HOUSE  OF  CUB  GOD, 
PRAISE  THE   LOUD:    FOR   IXXIS   THE  LORD  IS  GOOD: 
SING  PRAISES  UNTO  EKXXKKK  HIS  NAME: 
,„  TOR  IT  IS  PLEASANT.  PSALM  135:1-? 

C  f  f eri  nfi/Prayer 
■Doxolngy 
Pastoral  Prayer 
Hymn 
Scripture:  mrttaxItxXiJhOtkiiKlilC 

2  ChBoniclee  2Q»1-1J 
Sermon:  "What's  It  All  About?"   St.  Paul's  Butler  9/22/85 

'"■      ) 

*Postlude 


'■ 


/ji/ 


jrjk      c.^     tfEzj?^ 


i-Atsi-o 


wTf?*-- 


TH/WORD  -FOR  END  VS  SUMS  IT  ALL  UP 

Jf  ^   "F°R"  KE  "  HE  DIED  "F0R"  TOD  -  HE  DIED  "FOR"  EVRONF 
&  THAT  MAKS  ANYONE  JUST  OR  JUSTFYD  Bk   GOD  WHO  CUM  2  mf 

(IMS  DR.  ROBERTSON  i  PRIEST  ON  TRAIN  S,  WORD  CF  GOD) 

IS  IN  ESENC  WAT  FAITH  XXIXMEKIX  IS 
*ATS  IT  ALL  ABOUT??? 
IT  IS  FAITH  WH/CAN  ONLY  LERN  THRU  GOD'S  WORD 
THIS  IS  WHER  WE  IZJOf  FORM  DOCTPIN  OF  FAITH 

thrJ  S  Sm  WS  CAK  °NLY  HAV  THBU  Th/sal^  bot  &  GIVM 
onTlySoSsIT?hrTJsT  US  BITE  °P  JtJSTFTD  *  G0D  *  rs 


Scrip:  2  Chron  20:1-13:  -  "What's  It  All  About?" 

POP  SONG  SVRL  TRS  AGO  -  WAT'S  IT  ALL  ABOUT"  ALPHIE-" 
QUESTS  OF  LIF  S:  THEP  MEAN 
*  EA  US  ,KANY  QUESTS  BOUT  LIF  S,  WAT  WE  BLIEV  -IS  THEP  Mean  *. 
"URP  <*  THEZ  LIVS  WE  LIV???  *  MEAN  * 

(   'S  ALDOUS  HUXLY  K   9U0TE  F3/Bmr) 

r™iH0RT  ESAY  CAK  C  BASTC  HTNDRANC  MANY  PEO  HAV  w/ANY  TYP  nm 
*  ™f  JS  IT  KTTO  INTERFERE  W/VATEVH  FREDUM  THEY  R  FOLO 
MIS  FREDUM  MAYB  EXPRES  IN  STORY  2W0MN  CONVERSE  ILUS  SUE  t  Tatt 
MISTAKN  BLIEF  OF  CORSE  l   LIF  MADUP  THING  VE  3LIOT  " 

WE  MUS  KNO  WAT  STAN  ON  &  WAT  BLIEV  g.  THIS  CAL  DOCTRTN 
DOCTRINE  -  WATS  IT  ALL  ABOUT???  DOCTRIN 

JEHOSH  SUCEED  FATHR-ASA  *  GUD  KING  LIK  FATHR 

^SlP  T/K  ?LAC  l8TH  YR  JEHOSH  REIGN  OF  P5YRS  f,   YR  896  BC  APROX 
HL^LIBf CDLY  KIN(3:INSTITUT  SYSTM  PUBLIC  GIVN  RELIG  INsSuST 
SENT  PR/LEVITES  THRUCUT  K  TEACH  PEO  -BUK  OF  TH/LAW  INS™UCS 
LRG  STAN  ARMY  1MIL,  260THOUS 
VS  1-ARMYS  LINBffP  AGIN  JUDAH 
VS  2.ADVIS  LRG  FORC  AGIN  THEM 
VS  3.  1ST  THING  JEHOSH  DID-SEEK  LORD 

HE  FEAR  BUT  w/FEAR  WENT  ONLY  SORCE  CUD  HELP  THIS  TIM 
VS  V.NOT  ONLY  WAS  K  SEEK  LORD, BUT  PEC  AS  WEL 

HE  HAD  TAUT  THEM  WEL 
VSS  5-7-K  K   PEO  STUD  TEMPL  &  RECAL  PAS  DEEDS  OF  GOD 
VSS  #-9wRECAL  BILD  THIS  MAGNIF  STRUCTtJR 
VS  10-PAST  HTSTRY  FCLO  G'S  INSTRUCS 
VSS  11-12-UHEGENT  REQUES  OF  K  FOR  G'S  HELP 
VS  12-AT  END  VS  LERN  SECRET  WIL  GIV  VTCTRT 
t  PRUF  THIS  FND  VS  13-ALL  JUDAH 
WA1"  CALL  THIS  TYP  TRUST??  IT  CALLED  «  FAITH 

IN  -pCRIP  WAT  CAL  DOCTRINE  IS  CALLED  -THE  FAITH 

i  LK  AT  THREE  THING  THIS  WK,MAKUP  FAITH 
DOCTRINAL  FAITH*  pray  not  hav  enuf  faith, I  need  aore.riv  me 
ROMANS  10:17-MUS  READ,GET  INTO  WORD  OF  G 


Scripture:  2  Chronicles  20:1-15 

Jeveral  years  ago  there  was  a  popular  song  entitle :' ,  "hat's  It  All  About?" 
It  asked  this  searching  question  of  a  person  named  "Alphie."   4hd  the  first 
line  was,  '".hat's  It  All  About,  Alphie?"   It  spoke  of  the  auestions  of  life 
and  their  meaning.  For  each  of  us  there  are  many  nuestions  about  life  and  in 
particular,  questions  about  what  we  believe.   Is  there  meaning  and  purpose  foi 
these  lives  we  are  living? 

(Illustration  of  Aldous  Huxley,  English  author) 

Huxley  was  almost  blind  but  yet  wrote  many  novels,   Tn  his  book,  "Ends  And 

Means,"  he  says  somethinr  that  every  agnostic  will  find  worth  contemplating. 

Re  writes:  I  had  motives  for  not  wanting  the  world  to  have  a  meaning;  con- 
aently  assumed  that  it  had  none,  and  was  able  without  any  difficulty  to 
find  satisfying  reasons  for  this  assumtion.   Most  ignorance  is  vincible.... 
will  that  decides  how  and  upon  what  subjects  we  shall  use  our  intelligence. 
Those  who  detect  no  meaning  in  the  world  generally  do  so  because,  for  one 
reason  ox   iotl  ■',  '".   1     tl  L  took  ti  b  the  voy-X"  meaningless 

....  We  objects  to  the  morality  because  it  interfered  with  our  sexual  free- 
dom. 

In  this  short  essay  we  can  see  the  basic  hindrance  to  many  people  having  any 
type  of  belief,  and  that  is,  it  may  interfere  with  whatever  freedom  they  are 
following.  Perhaps  much  of  this  freedom  is  somewhat  expressed  in  the  story 
of  two  women  involved  in  a  conversation.   The  one  said  to  the  other,  "Sue  has 
suffered  much  for  her  belief."   The  other  girl  asked,  "Is  tjrat  so?   What  is 
her  belief?"   And  the  first  girl  replied,  "That  she  is  able  to  wear  a  size 
five  shoe  on  a  number  seven  foot." 

A  mistaken  belief  of  course!   ''nd  life  is  made  up  of  things  we  believe.  "For 
those  who  have  no  spiritual  beliefs  life  may  well  be  a  complete  mystery  and 
those  people  HZEkaixx  go  through  the  motions  of  living.  But  even  for  those 
who  do  have  Q  spiritual  foundation  of  some  ort ,  life  still  holds  many  quest- 
ions.  This  is  why  as  we  pointed  out  last  week  we  must  know  what  it  is  we 
st?nd  on  and  just  what  it  is  we  believe.   All  of  this  copies  under  the  headi 
of  "Doctrine"  as  we  also  said.   'e  will  be  looking  at  these  doctrines  as  ti 
goes  on  and  I  trust  that  we  will  have  an  understanding  about  doctrine. 
Today,  we  are  lookinr  at  the  very  beginning  of  "Doctrine"  and  that  is,  just 

at  it  it  all  about?   What  is  the  first  ineredient  we  need  in  our  lives? 
T,  e  answer  lies  within  our  cripture  for  this  mornj 

Jehoshaphat  was  on  the  throne  of  Judah.   He  had  succeeded  his  father  Asa  as 
king.   Asa  before  hira  was  a  rood  king  and  so  was  Jehoshaphat.   Our  "cripture 
takes  place  in  approximately  the  year  696  B.C.   \t  this  time  Jehoshaphat  was 
in  the  18th  year  of  his  25  year  reign  in  Judah.   Jehoshaphat  was  a  very  re- 
ligious and  podly  kins-.   He  had  instituted  a  system  whereby  the  public  was 

SSMT 
given  religious  instruction,   He^priests  and  levites  on  regular  circuits 

throughout  the  kingdom  to  teach  the  people  the  "book  of  the  Law." 


-3- 

Now  in  -cripture,  what  we  call  "Doctrine"  is  called,  "The  Faith,1'   o  the 
very  first  thing  we  ra      -is  "Faith."   And  in  order  to  do  so  we  must  ana- 
lyse faitht  and  to  do  so  will  require  that  we  look  at  the  six  things  which 
make  up  faith.   Today  we  will  look  at  three  of  them  and  next  week  we  will  look 
at  the  other  three. 

The  first  thing  about  faith  is  that  it  must  be  "Doctrinal  Faith."  People  ask 
many  times,  or  complain  that  they  don't  have  enough  faith  and  they  would  like 
to  have  more.   In  fact,  many  people  pray  to  God,  "Give  me  more  faith."  But 
we  don't  ret  faith  that  way.   The  first  way  to  have  faith  is  to  have  "Doctrin- 
al Faith."   And  how  do  we  ret  that?   Paul  sums  this  up  rather  nicely  in  his 

letter  to  the  Romans.   In  the  10th  chapter,  verse  17  we  read,  "  '>o  then  faith 
cometh  by  hearin~,  and  hearing  by  the  .ord  of  God." 

If  we  want  faith,  or  more  faith  than  we  already  have,  we  must  get  into  the 

or-"'  of  Sod.   " -•  I  know  there  are  those  who  dislike  hearin-  this  because 

they  don't  want  to  t  ke  time  to  read  Cod'-  'ord;  or  sone  people  use  the  excuse 

of  not  having  time,  or  not  bein<?  able  to  rear1,  or  not  likinr"  to  read.   But  the 

truth  of  the  matter  is ,  that  '"od  has  provided  us  with  His  Word  and  if  we  make 

the  effort  to  read  it  re^ulaily,  3od  will  bless  those  efforts  by  increasi 

our  knowledge  of  T~im,  and  by  giving  us  more  faith  as  we  read.   In  the  New 

Testament  Faith  and  Doctrine  are  used  interchangeably.   -hen  faith  has  ±3bm 

an  article  proceeding  it  as  in  "tjie  faith,"  it  means,  "the  statement  of  faith. 

To  have  correct  faith  we  must  have  an  accurate  statement  of  what  we  believe. 

(Illustration  of  lady  complimented  on  her  rreat  faith) 

lady  of  strong  fatih  was  complimented  about  her  "great"  faith.   'he  re- 
sponded by  saying,  l,T"  have  a  little  faith  in  a  great  ^od." 

;.'e  can  only  ret  to  know  this  Great  God  by  understanding  His  ,'ord  and  it  is 

from  His  Word  that  we  will  have  a  statement  of  faith,  or  just  what  it  is  we 

actually  believe. 

The  second  thin'-  about  faith  is  it  must  be  a  "laving  Faith."   Wfl  can  have  all 

sorts  of  faiths  about  a  lot  of  things.   But  when  we  are  talking  about  faith 

in  God  it  ca:n  only  be  a"  "saving  faith"  as  provided  by  Him.   In  "^phesians  2:8 

1 aul  writes,  "For  by  Grace  are  ye  saved  through  faith."   God  provided  His 

Grace,  or  His  free  gift  which  If   what  Grace  means,  through  Jesus'  death  on 

the  cross.  That  death  bought  for  anyone  who  accepts  it,  Salvation.   But  look 

what  Paul  adds  to  this:  " 'nd  that  not  of  yourselves:  it  is  the  gift  of  God." 

We  cannot  save  ourselves.   :e  can  only  be  saved  throurh  Jesus  Christ.   And  we 

must  read  the  next  verse  as  well  to  completely  understand  this.   "Hot  of  works 

lest  any  man  should  boast."  That  means  it  doesn't  come  about  by  working  for 

it.  The  amount  of  time        s] /end  in  a  congregation  serving  the  Lord  in 

ushering,  singing  in  the  choir,  serving  on  boards  or  committeess  has  notb.ii 

'<o   with  salvation.   It  is  merely  theourht  the  acceptance  of  Christ  that 
we  receive  salvation  and  that  comes  about  by  faith  alone.  jm    co-.:  to  the 


-4_ 
place   where    ]  ,    "I  believe    in   -asus    Christ,"   and   that   is  "Saving   !?aith." 

The  third  thing  about  faith  is   it   is   a    "Justifying  Faith,"      Now  here   is  where 
our  faith  actual  1-  comes   into     lay  because  we   'new  that   all  "  Inned  and 

come    short   of  the   '-lory  of   Sod.  t   means    there   is    not   one   person  who  ever 

came    into  this    world,    (other  than   Jesus    Christ),   who   entered  this   world  with- 
out  sin.  restle,    and  struggle  with  this   as  we   may,   we   are  born  sinners 
we  will  die   unjustified  sinners  unless   we   come   to   Christ.        n     when  we  do  cone 
to   salvation  through   Christ   we   can  say,    "I  am   .justified,"   or, "I  am  made   r: 

Lth  God."      And   this  righteousness 1    or  this  beinc  made    "Just"  with   God   only 
is    possible  because    Jesus   paid   the   price    for   sur   sins.        ncl    once   again      aul 
tells  this    in  Galatians  2:20,    (read  this),      rhe  word    "~'or"   at  the   end  of  the 
verse   sums    it   all  up.      Jesus   died    "?or"    me;    He  died    "For"  T^ou;    ~Te  died  "For" 
everyone,   and  that   makes   anyone    "Just"   or    "Justified"  MhsunxJikgy  before  r-od 
who  come  to   I  im. 
(Illustration   of    Dp,      obertson  and  priest   on  train   and     '    ore"    of    jod") 

his   in  essence   is   what    "faitb,:    is.      "  'list's    It      11    Lbout?"      It    is    'ai- 
which  we  c  y   learn  of  through   Sod's      ord;  AJuuta    ind  j  where  we 

form  our  "Doctrine"  of  faith;  it  is  faith  which  we  can  only  have  through  the 
salvation  bought  and  given  through  Jesus  Christ;  and  this  is  "Caving  Faith"; 
and    it   is  :  nakes  us  right  before  God,    our  beinp   Just,    or   Justified 

and    this   comes   through   Jesus'   sacrifice   on  our  behalf. 


-2- 

He  had  a  large  standing  army  which  is  numbered  in  the  17th  chapter  of  this 

book  and  relates  that  array  as  isKxinc  consisting  of  1j  million,  260  thousand 

men.   But  the  Ivloabites,  the  Ammonites,  and  the  Somites  came  to  do  battle 

against  Judah.   Jehoshaphat  was  adviser3  that  these  foreign  armies  were  coming 

against  them  and  we  read  in  the  3rd  verse,  "And  Jehoshaphat  feared,  and  set 
himself  to  seek  the  Lord,  and  proclaimed  a  fast  throughout  all  Judah." 

The  very  first  thing  that  Jehoshaphat  did  was  to  seek  the  lord.   f   don't 

read  that  he  was  absolutely  unafraid.   Instead,  we  read  2He  feared,"  but 

along  with  that  fear  he  went  to  the  only  source  which  cculd  help  him  at  this 

time.   If  he  had  exh  well  over  a  million  troops,  you  can  well  imagine  that 

Moab,  'rrnon,  and  Edom  had  as  large  b    force,  or  even  larger/ 

But  notice  also  as  we  read  in  verse  4-  what  happens,  "And  Judah  gathered  them- 
selves together,  to  ask  help  of  the  Lord:  even  out  of  all  the  cities  of 
Judah  ^hey  came  to  seek  the  lord." 

This  tells  us  that  Jehoshaphat  had  done  his  Job  well  as  -heir  king.   Tot  only 

was  he  the  leader  seeking  God's  direction,  but  his  people  were  iollowing  his 

leading.  He  had  taught  them  rightly  and  well  and  they  were  doing  the  thinr 

ich  reeded  to  take  precedence  over  all  else,  and  th     j,  to  seek  God  at 

i  time. 

The  king  and  the  people  are  assembled  in  the  Temple  and  we  read,  xeeshs  that 

JeAoshaphat  prayed,  verses  5  A  7}  (read  these).  He  is  recalling  the  past 

deeds  which  God  had  performed  for  His  people. 

en  we  read  in  verses  8  A.  9  that  he  recalls  the  building  of  this  magnificent 

structure  in  which  to  worship  "^d  and  how  when  they  had  a  need  they  were  to 

come  here  and  seek  God's  help/ 

In  verse  10  the  king  speaks  to  "od  concerning  the  past  history  in  which  God 

did  not  permit  the  Israelites  to  destroy  these  people  when  they  passed  their 

land  on  the  way  out  of  Egypt . 

'.nd  in  the  11th  '  12th  verses  we  XEKX*teB  read  the  urgent  request  of  the  king 

for  God  '.-■  help. 

ut    at   the  very  end   of  the   12th  verse  we  read   of  the   secret  which  will  ^ive 
them  the  victory.      Jehoshaphat  pr-  out   eyes   are   upon  The",1'      "  ven  in 

the   midst    of   these  dire    circumstance?,    Judah  had   their   eyes   upo-  '    hty   Sod, 

It  wasn't   in  their  own  strength  or  might   the-  were   trusting.      It  was    in  God. 

nd  the   proof   of    bhis    Ls    found   in  the   13th  verse,    'nd  AIL  Judah  stood  before 

the   Lord,    with  their   little    ones,   their  wives,    and  their  children."      It  was 

not    Just    some   of   them;    or   part   of   them;    or  s   few  of   them;    it   was    'XI   of   them. 

^     The   king   and    the   people   may  well  have    stood   around   shrugging  their   shoulders 

and  asking  each  other,    "What's   It    '11     .bout?"      "That  does   all  of   this   mean?" 

Instead,    they  didn't  tru   t    in  their    army;    they  didn't   trust   in  their   own 

strength*   they  trusted  in  God.      *.nd  what  do  we  cell  this  type    of  trust? 
It    is   called    "FAITH." 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  September  29,  1985 

Mrs.  Kitty  Feder,  Organist 
Mr,  Roland  Thompson,,  Saxophonist 
Kelly  Mangel,  Acolyte 
Robin  Kaiser,  Acolyte 
+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +++  +  +  ++  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
*Hymn  No.  98  "Great  Is  Thy  Faithfulness" 
■"Ascription 
•Exhortation 

•Confession  (In  Unison)  "Gracious  God,  Creator  and  Father, 
we  come  before  you  a  rebellious  people.   We  have 
preferred  our  way  to  Christ's  way;  we  have  disobeyed 
your  commandments;  and  we  have  worshipped  ourselves  and 
the  things  we  have  made.   Forgive  us,  restore  in  us  the 
knowledge  of  who  we  are*  and  make  us  alive  to  serve  you 
in  faith,  obedience,  and  joy,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 
*Kyrie 

■"♦Assurance  of  Pardon 
♦Praise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name  forever. 
•Gloria  Patri  -  age  142 
Hymn  No,  77   "Be  Still  My  Soul" 
Call  to  Prayer;  Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 

.__  Offertory  "Tn  The  Garden^ 

♦Doxology  -  page  3S2    <  f&i*     /ffff/J^/U 
'^Scripture:   Romans  12:  1-8 

Sermon:   "More  On  Faith11 
•■Closing  Hymn  No.  S4  "My  Faith  Looks  Up  to  Thee'h 
*Benediction 
•Closing  Chimes 
1  p_ide 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mr.  &  Mrs.  Earl  Kennedy  in  memory  of  Robert  Tait. 
Mr.  &  Mrs.  Ralph  Meier  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 

door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Alvin  Tait,  Mike  Nazaruk,  Got t lob 

Kradel,  and  James  McClymond3, 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Sue  Gamble. 
Mary  Lou  Davis  and  Marilyn  Snyder  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  t  his  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  116  with  7  visitors. 
^^Hospitalized:   Frank  Crawford  at  the  VA  Hospital. 

Mrs*  Alma  Rex  -  St*  Margaret's  in  Pittsburgh 

MONDAY  -  Volleyball  6:30  -  9:30 
TUESDAY  -Aerobics  6-7 

WEDNESDAY  -  Council  meeting  at  7:00  P.M. 

THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-8       Choir  Practice  at  7:00  P.M. 
Basketball  3-10 

BENEVOLENCE  COMMITTEE  meeting  September  3G  at  7:00  P.M. 

^CONGREGATIONAL  DINNER  will  be  held  tonight  at  5:30  P.M. 

We  encourage  your  attendance  for  the  short  business  meet- 
ing regarding  the  roof  of  the  church.   Bring  a  tureen, 
table  service,  and  a  friend.   Meat  dessert*  and  beverage 
will  be  provided.   Dan  Schall  will  be  the  entertainment. 
Also  immediately  following  the  service  we  need  some  help 
in  the  hall  to  set  up  tables  and  chairs. 

^>Tickets  are  now  on  sale  for  the  Soup  and  Salad  Day.   You  may 
purchase  them  from  Evie  Kennedy  or  any  of  the  Circle  chr;:. 

We  need  flowers  for  the  month  of  October.   Take  a  minute  and 
sign  up  now  or  call  Ginny  in  the  office. 

All  articles  for  the  newsletter  are  due  into  the  office  by 
Wednesday. 

Today  we  are  welcoming  the  following  as  new  members  into 
the  congregation.  Take  time  to  welcome  them. 
Mr.  &  Mrs.  Frank  Crawford 
Mrs.  Esther  Fair 
Mrs.  Sharon  Gonzalez 
Lisa  Penrod 

^'ReFiirider:   Next  Sunday  is  World  Vide  Communion  (pew) 


♦Congregation  Standing 


Community  Bible  Church   -  Safcamore,   Fa.    -  October  25,    1992 

Prelude 

jojs/Greetin?a/Announcements/prayer  Requests 

Eongregotional  dieetin*  &  dinner  after  church  on  Sunday 
iVovember  15, 


Ascription 

Call  to  Worship: 

CHEAT  IS  THE  LORD,  AND  GREATLY  TO  BE  PRAISED: 
AND  HIS  GREATNESS  IS  UNSEARCHABLE. 
THE  LORD  IS  GRACIOUS,  AND  FULL  OF  COMPASSION: 
SLOW  TO  ANQER,  AND  OF  GREAT  MERCY. 


THE  LORE  IS  GOOD  TO  ALL: 
ARE  OVER  ALL  HIS  WORKS. 


•Hymn 

Of ferine /Prayer 
*Doxolo^y 

Pastoral  Prayer 

Hymn 

Seritpure:     Romans  12:1-8 

Sermon:      "More  On  Faith" 

•Benediction 
•Postlude 


AND  HIS  TENDER  MERCIES 
PSALM  l*5l3,   8-9 


St.   Paul's  Sutler,  9/29/8") 


"MORE  ON  FATTH"   -  Scrip:  Romans  12:1-0 

AuthrKEB.CHAF  11:1  "NOW  FAITH  IS  TH/SUBSTANC  OF  THINGS  HOPED  *, 
TH/EVIDENC  OF  THINGS  NOT  SEEN. 

HE  SAY  FAITH   IS  BLIEV  SUMTH   CAN    HAPN.OR  B  DUN  WEN   TH/EVIDENC 
CONTRADICTS  THAT  BLIEF 
"       JUKI   SAYS    "I    3LIEV   0   CAN   DO  TH/IMPOSIBL" 
T.„(TI.'BLIEVING   ASK.    DO  D  REALT  BLIEV  G  CAN  WORK   MIRACLS? 
2DAY  WE  R   LOOKING   AT  -   WORK  ON   FAITH 
THIS  ACTUM  CUDB  PLAY  ON   WORDS   AS   LK   AT  BY  WORLD 
TH/UNBLIEVRS  PF  TH/VORL  WUD  TEL  US  2BLIEV  G  CAN  DO  THINGS  WH/WE 
CANC1T   EXPL.OH  WH/LAK    DEE  PRLT  IS  2PSACTIC   -MORON  FAITH 
TH/FATTK  OF   A    BLIEVH    IS   LUK  ON  AS   SUMONE  WHO  IS   MENTALY   DEFICISN' 
BUT  THIS   MORN  WE  R  GOING   TO  LUK   AT  '  MORE  ON   FAITH 
LAS   WK   LK   AT  FAITH  AS   B.DOCTRINAL  FAITH, SAV  FAITH  t.  JUSTIFY   FAITH 

THIS   WK    LK   jTOTHF   ELMENTS   OF  FAITH 

FIPST:      INDWELLING   FAITH 
MK    llll2-lWj   CURS   FTGTREE 

2Q-22.IIT  TRANS-HAV   TH/FAITH  GF  GOD   -   secret    OF  SP  POWS, 
NOT  DBS   FATTH, BUT  3'S   FAITH  N/lN"   B8 
SAME  LITE  HAB  RECORD  2:4  TH/JUST  SHAL  LIV  BY  HIS  FATTH 

WHOS  FAITH?  NOT  MAN'S,   BUT  G'S   -  INDWELLING  FAITH 
P  WRIT  GAL  2;l£«TH/FAITH  OF  JS  XP  MUSE  PLANTD  OUR  HARTS.INDWEL  T 
JS  SEE-APART  FE/HIM  CAN  DO  NI'TH   Jffl  REED  HIS  INDWEL  2SXESCTS  F 

SECOND:      DAILY  FAITH 
WE  SEE  MUS  READ/USE  G'S  WORD  -BIBLE,   MUS  SEEK  3 
MUS  ASK.AK  I  LET  G  INDWEL  ME?   IS  JS  IN  CONTROL  KY  LIF? 
THIS   WAT   DAILY  FAITH  ALL  BCL'T 
THIS  WAT   P  S*Y  VS  1  OUR   SCRIP   -  READ  THIS 
OUR   "HEASNBL  SEHVIC   IS   DAILT  LIV  t,  EXERCIZ   DAILY  FAITH 

TV      E    :      TH/GIFT  OF  FAITH 

VS     -FROFH  USED  FOR   PREACHING 

BUT  GRACE  IS  GIFT  t  THCZ  CUM  2  XP  HAV  FAITH  rS/THEN  ON 
BUT  SUM  HOfi.SSV   LXS  FAITH  I,   DIE  IS  MATTR  OF  DEVELOP  FAITK  AS  LIV 
[ILIffl    ^HUS   HUGHES  %   FATHR   t  JFERY   FALWELL) 

OUT  OF  CRD?   OF  CORE, BUT  FAITH   ALL  CAN   HAV   IF  TRULY   SEEK   2HAV 
(TI1IR   LADY  TRADE  SMAL  CAR  S.  GOT  BIGGR  5-   THEN   PARK) 
THIS  JS   SED  2TCMA5 
FAITH   SUMTH  WE  EXRCIZ  BKUK  F.NO  G   CAN  S-  WTL  DC  WAT  SAYS 

MUS  TAK  AT  HIS  WORD 
[IMS  LITTL  BCY  I  LOST  HIS  FAITH  IN  GOD) 

ALL  HAV  ELEMENTS  OF  FAITH  OUR  LIVE,  BUT  MT1S  SEEK  DEVELOP  THAT  F 
VS   1.KUF   HEED   ADVIC   fF  P 

THEN  FAITH  CAN  GRO/DEVELCF  BCUZ  WE  WILB  INDWELT  BY  ONLY  ONE 

CAN  GIV  PURPCS  I   MEANING  TO  LIF 
THAT  SUMONE  IS  JESUS  CHRIST 


n     'Bun- 
i'.crip:    2omans    l':l-' 

oped 
■'•  t  .   ■   11:1 
uit  Hi-^pl  aay=F  la  or    7  dun 

wen  evidenc   oontradie   v' 

r  say»I   Bjiev  r  cai  lbl 

_  )c   '    r?;.  --,,.1.    -ir.-,ole'?' 

titl   this  lay   or;  -»ords 

llvrs    of     fori   vrad    fcal   US  can  do  wat   we 

no   expl    is   def   pruf  we   exerC'--   ■ 
F  of    dievr   Ik  upon   as   mental*?  sural  raentl  deficent 
But  this   morn   no  11-  boa   mentl  Jer~icis>nt ,"  ul 

iit] 
Las  wk  share   3  elements     '.this   wk  ghire   3   othrs 
=  JOCtrinl   F,'  avin^    ?  ,  Justif y : 
■Ik  1st  'aith 

curs    "i  i,  no  uaderst  rowr  0 

they  afci  bout  tree-ietr;-  Kk  12s22) 

Tth   trans lat    i  cud  resd-'-avg    The   F   of 
othr  wopd,Js   tel  disc  dps   this   typ  result  posi1-  with 
anyl  had  G  indwel  them 

aayl  who  in  clo-   oomun  '      t  within  them 

ecret   of  sp  powr  not  our  F,but   G 's  F  within  us 

:  ■  =        r!ust   shal  liv  by  :'ic   F   '    this  F  refr 
' -        not   men  ' 
Indwel   F  is    iual   alse  's    F  at  v/o^k  4us 

n  la   no*    .juatf y  by  work3   of 
Law  1  i  i  '"   .T"   £p 

F  of   •  plant   our  harts        this    indwel  F 

Js   s<  j  fr  Hia  ca'i  do  I 

><av   :  '       '  .         I  "    this    indwel  F 

»d   in  ordr   exercise   Faith 
Dally  Faith=sed   las  wk  1  majr  way  hav  F-Read   S'a   Word 
very  vitl,but   lour  with  read/kno  r,'s   '.,'ord  ther  mur3 
seeking  of  God 
Hot   2nany  peo   involv  truly  seek  J,  as   shud   8c  prob  fex 
hav  stem  fr  install  society  wh   liv 
instan  fuds,instan  meals, TV  by  stlite  etc 

we    Bcum  lazy   8s  want  info  fed   without  efort 
Ther  thoz  tret   all   knowl  bou*  G  thru  semnar  aft   semnar 
i    hear   Dr  sumbody   interp  G'a     'ord;tlioz   listn  progr 
aftr  procr   Bib  preachr   say  bout   G  &  nevr  seek  li  rn 
wat   3  say  2them   in  person 

hez   actin  not  wrone  as   sucb|but   creat   lazy  peo  who 
absorb   othrs  thots/thini   '    »o   seek    i   them^elvs 
but  seek    i   slso  mean  sell-serch   livs        nuest   if   all 
laid    I 

I       pr   lay  anmal  altr  -'<-  peopjffl   Js  ovos   our   altr    "•  we 
bius   lay  our  sins   ther 


ei   Individ    ?are   own  souj. 


2/ 


v   "  let       tai  ovr  my  hart    "    indw«l 

! 
our  reanbl  se  exerc   s«  ally 

■     ..-'..■ 

no  oft  thi 

in   act   of  F        this 
:v   3u;;    !    we   apropriat   Bin  as 

<f  1/4 

ord«Erophcy  us<  fr  va  liL  othr 

■Ft 

-ran  cur  2  lord  has  F  fr 
but  sum  hav  nor  than  othr  .eui  less 
■  dif  in  amt  F  if  a]: 

liv  livs 
(Ilus  i  ell) 

of   corse   it  is 
but   sho  ther   sura  peo  whos   F  strnrr   than  othrs 
'her  duz   lv   u 

1  erhaps   nei  !*    lady       r?r!:  oax 
(Ilus   eldrly  lady  trad   c  ,  lrgr   model 

vhis  ■•  ".oras  aftr  resurectin   if  rer^embr 

nee     not   11;  upon  "-'   as 
in.-ted,surathin  exercis   F0Uz  kao   ":   can/wil  do  wat 
mus    tak  1'im   at    HiB      ord    r'    liv    our 
(llua  1  in  Ccd) 

lent   this  tru? 
ill   us   hav   elnents    of   F   '4-our    livs 
''ut  unles  real  erae;  8   oft  no  bothr  use   F  in 

Js   help  "■  try  solv  w/ou- 
Then  v/e   quest   or  marvl  3uinl  els  hav  mor  F  than  we   do 

e   need  heed  advic  I  as  read   vs   1-BEAB 
If   we  wil  2do   this   then   F  wil   ~ro  'devel     cuz  we  wil 
2B  indwelt  by  only  One  who  can  p-iv  purpos  /meaninc 

2  life   6  that'  is    Js   Xp 


cri^ture:   smans  l9:l-8 

Tile  author  of  Hebrews  writes  in  the  11th  chapter  versel,  "Now  faith  is  the 

substance  of  t  ing  hoped  for,  the  evidence  of  things  nrJ  -peri.1' 

'  uite  simply  he  is  saying  that  faith  is  believing  that  something  can  happen, 

or  be  done  when  the  evidence  contradicts  that  belief.   "he  believer  says,  "I 

believe  that  "od  can  do  the  impossible."   The  unbelieving  ask,  "Do  you  really 

believe  God  can  work  miracles'':"   ".nd  in  the  eyes  of  the  world  ,  our  Sermon  tit] 

this  morning  is  a  play  on  words.   The  xrcr±±  unbelievers  of  the  world  would 

tell  us  that  to  believe  God  can  do  things  which  we  cannot  explain  or  which 

lack  definite  proof  is  to  exercise  "MORON  Faith."   T,  e  faith  of  a  believer 

is  looked  upon  as  having  the  mentality  of  someone  who  is  mentally  deficient. 

But  this  morning  we  are  not  going  to  look  upon  the  faith  of  those  who  are 

mentally  deficient.   "J3ut  we  are  going  to  look  at  'Tore  On  Faith, " 

Last  week  we  had  looked  at  three  of  the  elements  of  faith  which  were, 

"Doctrinal  Faith,  avir   'aith,  and  Justifying  'aith." 

This  week  we  are  goin  to  look  at  three  other  elements  of  faith.   ind  the 

first  of  these  is  what  is  called,  "Indwelling  Faith"  Mark  records  that  Jesus 

was  on  :L-    w  y  to  the  Temple  and  He  passed  a  fig  tree  and  <;ince  it  didn't  have 

figs  on  it,  He  spoke  a  curse  to  it  and  they  went  or.   Eajrer,  the  next  morning 

thi       to  the  tree  and  it  had  withered  and  died.   "he  disciples  didn't 

understand  xkxx  the  power  of  God,  and  Peter  asked  Jesus  how  this  wis  possible, 

This  is  recorded  in  the  11th  chapter  of  Mark,  and  in  the  22nd  verse  we  rend: 
nd  Jesus  answering  saith  unto  them,  'Have  faith  in  Sod,'" 

in  is  a  ver'      t  has  lost  something  in  its  translation.   Although 

this  is  the  literal  translation  from  Greek,  because  of  its  context  and.  what 

Jesus  was  trying  to  tench,  it  could  be  translated,  "Have  the  faith  of  (Sod." 

In  other  words,  Jesus  was  trying  to  tell  T'l-    followers  that  this  type  of 

result  was  possible  with  an-one  who  had  "o-"1  indwell     hem.   nyone  who 
is 

in  close  communion  with  "ed  had  God  's  faith  within  them/  x±  The  secret 


of  spiritual  power  is  not  our  faith,  but  Jatd  '   faith  within  us.   In  the  Cld 

one  of  the  foundational  truths  wMch  Habakkuk  among  others  points 

out  is,  "the  just     ]  live  by  his  faith."   This  faith  is  feferrin-  to  God's 

faith,  not  men's  faith.   Indwelling  faith  is  someone  else's  faith  at  work  for 

us.   Paul  says  in  Galatians  2:16,  "Knowing  that  a  man  is  not  justified  by  the 
works  of  the  law,  but  by  the  faith  of  Jesus  Christ.'1 

The  faith  of  Jesus  Thrist  must  be  planted  in  our  hearts  and  this  is  Indwelling 

hat  apart  from  Him  we  can  do  nothing  and  so  He  is  telld 

us  that  we  must  have  His  indwelling  in  order  to  accomplish  anything.   This  is 

the  "Indwelling  Faith"  which  we  need  in  or&er  to  exercise  faith. 

Another  element  of  faith  is  what  we  might  call  a  "Daily  '-ith."   ..'e  had  said 

last  week  that  one  of  the  manor  ways  to  have  faith  as  we  should  is  by  reading 


-2- 

the     ford   of   God.      This   is  very  vital  but  along  with  reading  and  knowing  the 
,,'ord   of   "od  there   must  be   a   seeking   of   the   lord.      Hot   too  many  people   are 
involved   in  trult   seeking  the   Lord    as     ;hey   should.      The   problem  we  have   is 
that  the  a^e   in  which  we   live  does    so  many  things    Cor  ua    Instantly.       fe  have 
all   3orta   of  i  i        '■-"  :.        •    can    >oo   a    ueal   in    m   sven  zx  and   in  a  matter 

of   minutes  KExx±±±xfcB   it    is  ready  to  eat;   we   push  a  button  and  we   can  be 
transported  to  a  foreign  country   vi 

All   of  MSxkHKxsi  this   has   made   us    lazy  to  the   extent   that  we  want   all  of   our 
information  fed  to  us  without  any  effort.      There   are   those  who  get   all   of 
their  knowledge   of  God  through  attending  seminar  after   seminar  and  hearing 
what   Dr.   somebody  or   other  has   to  say   about   God;    there   are   those   who   listen 
or  watch  program  after  program  of  Biblical  preachers   and  hear  what   they  have 
to   say  about   the   Bible   and   God.      These   actions?   are   not   wrong   in  ■  hemselves 
but  they  have  a  tendency  to  make   people   spiritually   lazy.      It   is   much  easier 
to   absorb  what   someone   else   think-    or   tells   us    ahout   a   certain  subject.      But 
the  real  value   is   to  e-lean  that  information  for   ourselves  by   seeking   Sod's 
answers  direct  from  Him, 

But   seeking  ro&  also  involves   a  self-searchir-  of    ^ur   lives   questioning  if 
we  have   laid  everyt]  I  altar.      In  the      ]        estament  the  priest 

lair  ifice    on  the    altar   for  the   people.      But    in  the    Mew  testament, 

the   cross   of    Jesus  became    the   altar   upon  which  we   must   lay   our   sins.      It   isn'1 
someone  doin-  this   for   us.      Instead,    it    is   each   of   us    individually  bar: 
our  very   souls   to   God   through  the  blood   of   Christ.      Gave    I  done   this,    or  am 
I  doing  this   and    letting  God  take   over    in  my  heart  to  indwell  me   with  His 
ith?      Is    Jesus   Christ    in  control   of   my   life   and  living   in  me':      T%  is    is 
lat    "ffiaily  Faith  is   all   about,      find   this    is  what  Paul  was  writing  about   in 
x±i±i:<3nBkhsx^jgxBmsxxxEXxxHitkx±KXKkakxxffXE^H3^ 

the    1st  verse   of    our    '  cripture   this    rorni-    .  aad    this).      Our  reasonable 

■/ice   is    our  daily   living   and   our   exercisinp   of    "Daily   Faith." 

Still  another  element   of   faith  is  what  we   could  call,    "The   gift   of  faith." 

e   don't   often  think   of   faith   as   bein"   a    gift.      Each   person  who   comes   to 

Christ  does    so   in  an  act   of   faith,      '"his   is   not   a  gift   in  itself.      Christ 

Himself    is   the   gift   ^-od    sives   to  us   and   we   can    only   appropriate   Him  as   our 

viour  by   faith.      So  then,   what    is   Paul  trying  to  tell  us   in  this   :"' cripture 

for   this    morning?      In  the   6th  verse  we  read,    "Having  then  gifts   differing 
according  to  the    grace   that   is   piven  to  us,  whether   prophecy,    let  us  pro- 
phesy according   to  the   proportion   of   faith." 

The  word    "prophecy"  here    is   used  for  preaching.      It    is   from  this   verse   that 

some   say  that   faith   is    like   the   other   gifts    from  God   and   is    just   that   -  a 

gift   and    can   only  be  received   that  way.      I  happen  to  believe  that   each  person 

who  comes   to  the    Lord   has   faith   from  that   point    on.      But   some  have   more 


-5- 

faith  and  some  have  less.   So  why  the  difference  if  we  all  have  faith?   It  is 

simply  a  matter  of  developing  that  faith  as  we  live  our  lives. 

(Illustration  of  Charles  Hughes ,  his  father  and  Jerry  Falwell) 

very  promising  student  at  liberty  Baptist  College  was  ±ess±xs±x±ji   a  young 
m  n  named  Charles  Hughes.   On  the  weekends  he  would  hold  meetings  wherever 
he  was  invited  in  seeking  to  become  an  efeangelist.   He  was  traveling  to  his 
home  In  1-ennsylvania  and  was  involved  in  a  head-on  crash  which  severely 
'ijred  him.   For  several  days  he  hung  between  life  and  death.   Because 
there  was  so  much  brain    age,  the  doctors  said  he  would  never  be  more 
than  a  vegetable  for  the  rest  of  his  life.   Be  had  to  go  thrc       eries 
of  emer  ency  surgies  and  finally  one  day  the  doctors  -  bis  father 

and  to"       that  he  was  clinically  dead  and  sought  permission  to  use  his 
organs  as  transplants.   lis  father  said,  "Ho.   God  gave  me  Charles  and  he 
is  t     icfa  the  Gospel  ...  I  will  not  rive  him  up."  He  believed  that  God 
to  spare  I-;  he  left  the  doctors  to  pray  in  the  hospital 

chapel.  '''  ■■  in  Thomas  Hoad  Baptist  Church,  Jerry  Falwell  announced 

to  the  coi      ion,*tait  "Next  year  Charles  Hughes  will  preach  the 
tion  sermc      fcfeg  liberty  Baptist       j,"    is  was  an  extraordinary 
tement  since  seminary  students  do  not  usually  deliver        ?on  sen 
much  less  one  who  was  not  expected  to  live.   But  in  May  of  1979,  Charles 
es  stood  before  a  packed  auditorium  and  delivered  a  powerful  sermon. 

of  the  ordinary?   Of  course  it  i:  .    ut  it  shows  that  there  are  some  peo- 

le  whose  faith  is  seemingly  much  stronger  than  others.   o  where  does  that 

leave  us?     uld  we  ^±ve   up?  Ho!   Perhaps  we  need  to  become  more  like  the 

elderly  lady  who  traded  In  her  compact  car  and  got  a  lar       ?1. 
lustration  of  this  lady) 
._     he  drove  it  downtown  to  do  some  shoppin-  but  the  onlv  parkin-  space 

coul?  find  was  a  parallel  place  on  the  main  street.   The  space  looked  a 
little  small,  but  she  decided  to  try  to  park  the  new  car.   She  started  to 

nto  the  space  and  saw  in  her  rearview  mirror  two  policemen  watch? 
her.   Undaunted,  she  continued  to  back  up  and  to  her  own  surprise  j 
the  car  perfectly.   She  got  out  walked  uo  to  the  meter  to  put  the       in 
and  there  was  one  of  the  policemen.   He  put  a  coin  it      lot  and  as  he 

Heed  away  he  said,  "I  lost."  n  bo  ralk  said, 

"Blessed  are  those  who  have  not  seen  and  yet  have  believed," 

Phis  is  what  Jesus  said  to  The  iple  if  you  remember  following  His 

resurrection.    "  need  not  look  upon  faith  as  a  gift.  Instead,  it  is  some- 
thing we  exercise  because        r  that  God  can       11  do  what  He  says.    e 
mu         in  at  His   ord  and  live  our  faith. 

(Illustration  of  little  boy  losir    '   faith  in  God) 

Tittle  boy  went  to  ]  for  the  first  time.   While  there  he 

heard  the  lesson  and  like  all  the  children  was  given  a  picture  card  wit?' 
the  -t  of  the  mroning's  lesson,  "Have  faith  in  Sod."   He 

down  the  street  and  waited  for  the  streetcar  and  when  it  came  along 
he  got  on.   But  as       r  moved  down  the  street,  the  little  boy  who  had 
been  he?  '      6  car  near  the  window,  lost  his  grasp  on  it  and  it  flew  out 
the       .       ;id,  "I've  lo£      H.ith  in  ''od,   'top  the  car!   ? lease 
stop  the  car!"   i  b  motorman  good  naturedly  stopped  the  car  and 
to  retrieve  the  little  boy's  picture  card.   "\.e  passengers  all  smiled  and 
one  of  them  said,  Wouldn't  life  for  al]  Ler  if  we  were 

wise  enough  to  cell  a.  ht  re  find  our       rushing  ahead  and  leav- 

ing; behind  our  faith  in  led?" 


And  isn't  thir  the  bru  ?    11  of  us  have  the  els  .,,  fop  our  l 


ives , 


But   unless   its   a  real  '     ancy    so  often  we  don't  bother  usin      our   faith  in 

God's  help   ■  i  olve   our  problems  without  Him,  then 

we   question,    or   marvel    that   someone   else   has   more   faith  re   do.       .e   need 

leed   the    advice    :  u]  re  -  verse,    (Head 

If   we   are   willing  to   do   this    then   our   faith  will   grow   and    develop   because 
:e   will  be    Ind  'elt      r-  the   only   One  who  can  give  3    and   meaning  to  life 

Christ. 


St*    Paul's   United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,    Pennsylvania 
v.   Ralph  Link.   Pastor  October  6, 

Kr.   Dale  Rice,    Minister  of  Music 
Mr-    Roland  Thompson*    Saxophonist 
Acolytes t    Becky  Hilliard   and  Kelly  Mangel 


+  +  + 


+  + 


ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 

Prelude  "Prelude  on  an  Early  American  Tune" 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 

Announcements 

Congregational  Greeting 

Joys 
*Kymn  Wo.  451   "  Jesusi  Thou  Joy  of  Loving  Hearts" 
*Ascription 

*Call  to  Commur.ion  and  Confession  (Communion  folder) 
*Prayer  of  Confession  (Communion  folder) 
♦Assurance  cf  Pardon 
*Fraise:   Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name  forever. 
♦Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 

Offering 

Offertory  "Autumn  Zephyrs" 
•Doxology  -  page  382 

Dedication  of  Altar  and  Chancel  Paraments 

Communion  Hymn  No.  30  "Break  Thou  the  Bread  of  Life"1 
*Service  of  Holy  Communion  (page  2  of  communion  folder) 

The  Lord's  Supper 

Distribution  of  the  Bread 
Distribution  of  the  Cup 
*Prayer  of  Thanksgiving 

Anthem:   "Morning  Has  Broken" 

Scripture :   Luke  5 :  17-26 

Sermon:   "Definition  of  a  Friend" 
♦Closing  Hymn  No.  223   "I  Stand  Amazed" 
♦Benediction 
♦Closing  Chimes 
♦Postlude  "March" 

+  +  +  +  +  +  *-      *Congregation  Standing      ++  +  +  +  + 


Eldersand  Deacons  will  be  serving  communicn  and  ushering 

for  the  service  this  morning* 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Sue  Gamble. 
Melissa  Kaiser  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the  door 

this  morning. 
Robert  Dellen  and  Harry  Fry  will  be  visiting  the  hospital 

this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  131  with  7  visitors. 
^Hospitalized:   Robert  Wickenhagen  BMH 

MONDAY  -  Preparation  for  Soup  &  Salad  Day 
TUE5DAY  -  Soup  &  Salad  Day 
THURSDAY  -  Choir  Practice  7:00  P.M. 

Aerobics  6—7 

Basketball  a-10 
FRIDAY  -  BFBC 

Mary  Frugh  Circle  will  cancel  the  meeting  on  October  7th 
because  of  Soup  &  Salad.   It  has  been  rescheduled  for 
October  14th. 

^^^oup  Sc   Salad  tickets  will  be  available  for  sale  today 
after  church*   You  may  see  the  ladies  in  the  Narthex 

or  at  the  Brugh  Avenue  door.   Price  is  $2*50, 

Blood  Drive  will  be  held  in  our  congregation  in  conjunctic 
with  the  Butler  Hospital.  We  are  looking  for  a  person 
to  take  charge  of  this  and  work  with  the  hospital.  If 
you  would  like  to  take  on  a  new  challenge  please  let 
the  office  know  as  soon  as  possible. 

Enclosed  In  the  bulletin  today  Is  the  commitment  card  for 
you  to  have  your  friend  sign.  These  are  to  be  brought 
back  to  church  and  displayed  on  the  board  on  October  ZOtl 
Let's  all  do  our  part  and  be  a  part  of  Friend  Day. 

Plea3e  let  Communion  Bulletins  on  seats  or  la  the 
pew  bjmn  racks* 


The   beautiful   flowers   on   the    altar   have   been  placed  by 
Mtq*    Anna  Zubik   in  memory   of  her   husband. 

The   floral  arrangement  on   fchfl  organ   waa   placed  by  Mrs. 
Horace!   Cooper,    Alvin  Shftkely*    and  Mrs.    Arlene  Johnson 
in  memory  of  Gerald   Sha&  Ly, 


"Definition  Of   A  Friend" 
Scrip:   Luke   5:17-26 

4  Sundys   Oct  wilB  Ik  dif  aspec=Frends  ,FrendRhip  culmi; 
Frend   Day   Oct    27  &  this   morn  Ik  at=Def   Of   a   Frend 

cud  ask=Wat    is   a   frend?   &  ther  all  sorts   ansers  givn 
(Examples   of  definitions    of   Friends) 
(7*  is   Herb  Hoovr  8t  honor  givn  K  &  Q  of   Belgium) 
Ji.-  wat   is   a  Frend?    I  Bliev  Scip  giv  us  def  &  exampl 

Famil  Scrip  &  no  talk  Faith, healing=insted   Ik  difway 
Js  v/as   in  Oapernin     hous  &  cudB  hous   of   Peter 

plac  pak  &  4men  bring  man  on  stretchr/bed  no  get   in 
tol  man  had  jritxay  palsy, cud  no  walk 
no   get   in, so  go  up  outsid  stair   &  remov  roof   tile  & 
let  dwn  in  front   of    Js 
Wat   is   a  Frend?«=A  Frend  is   1  who  knows   U 

Thez   men  knu  all  bout  frend=He   no  get  bettr,need  hel; 
prob  herd    of    Js,how  heal, may B  saw  Him    in  person 
&.  sine  hen  wat   frend  need  had   plan  get   it  4him 

they  no  sot   anyth  4-selvp:,sot    it  4  ther   frend 
W,t   is  a  Frend?=A  Frend   is    one  who  loves  U 

«6   no  kno  how  long/how  far  had  carry  frend ,but  watev: 

time   or  distanc,   they  did   it 
2opn  roof   let  dwn  frend    is   display  of    luv 
E^d  ha©  visit  home,spok  2, kept  compny,but  sot  to  hav 
him  heal 

They  want  best  4him  wh  cudB  givn 
(Ilus    Jehu  &   Jehonodab   as   frends=2   Ki   10:15a) 
A  frend    is    lwho   luvs  U   thru   thik/thin,thru  gud/bad  & 
that  frendshir>   isnt  depend  upon  evrthin  run  smoothly 
(Ilus    3am  Davis   &  no  betray  frend) 

Js   sed=Grtr   luv  hath  no  man  than  this, that  arman  lay 
dwn  his   lif  4   his    frends=5;    Js    eho  luv  by   giv   lif4all 

5  Frend  is   interest   in  Ur  Sp  wel-being 

if thez    men  knu   anth  bout    Js  ,knu   He   no    jus   minstr   to 
phys   needs,   but   ^p  needs   as   wel 

Thez   men  concern  bout  Sp  welB  of   frend  &  sot  4him 
(Ilus  Georg  &  frend  ful  self-impotance) 
A  fren  no  depend  on  1  or   othr   B  of  grt   importance 

Lk  men  suroun   Js  dur  lift ine; all  them  comon  ordnary 

men  &  yet   names  remem  2000  yrs   aftr  ther  livs   on  ert 
This   Bcuz    Js   sot  23  frend  by  Kno  them, Luv  them,&  lk 
out   4   Sp  wel-Being 

As  tak  inventry  of  Def  of  Frend, or   Wat   Is   Frend? 

we  mus  ask  quests  ::;/at  comon  intrest  do  I  shar  w/fr? 
Wud  my  frend  3  ofend  if  knu  wat  sed  Bhin  bak  las  wk, 
few  days   ago? 

Do  I  1 istn  wen  fren  cums  2me  w/problem? 
,'fn  was   las   time  pray  1-4  my   frend   needs? 
Am  I  cert  my  fren  knov/s   L  as  Sav?  Am  I  concern  bout? 

Wud  my  fren  say   I  kno  him, luv  him, concern  bout   Sp  wel 


Wat  is  Frend? 
Do  I  kno  Ecuz  I  am  one? 


"Definition  Of  A  Friend" 
Scripture:  Luke  5=17-26 

For  the  Sundays  of  this  month  we  will  he  looking  at  the  different  aspects 
of  "Friends"  and  "Friendship"  culminating  in  our  "Friend  Day"  on  October  27th, 
This  morning  we  are  looking  at  a  "Definition  Of  A  FRiend."  We  could  ask, 
"What  is  a  Friend?"  There  are  all  sorts  of  answers  which  have  been  given. 
Soma  of  them  are  humorous  but  mostly  they  speak  volumes  about  friendship. 
Here  are  some  I  have  gleaned  from  several  sources: 

"A  friend  is  one  who  dislikes  the  same  people  that  you  diplike" 

-  Anonymous  - 

"God  save  me  from  mv  friends,  I  can  protect  myself  from  my  enemies." 

-  Marshal  De  Villars  - 

"There  are  three  faithful  friends:  an  old  wife,  an  old  dog,  and  ready  money." 

-  Franklin  - 

Then  there  are  those  which  speak  seriously  about  friends: 

"The  proper  office  of  a  friend  is  to  side  with  you  when  you  are  in  the  wrong. 
Nearly  anybody  will  side  with  you  when  you  are  right." 

"He  is  willing  to  share  his  heart  with  you,  when  others  have  taken  your's  out; 
he  puts  a  warm  arm  around  your  shoulder  after  others  have  given  you  the  cold 
shoulder;  he  puts  you  back  on  your  toes  when  you're  down  at  the  heelA;  he 
still  says  hello  to  you  after  all  others  have  said  goodbye;  he  is  the  one 
who  is  never  quite  able  to  get  to  you  when  you  were  on  top,  but  manages  to 
get  to  you  when  you  are  down.   HE  is  your  FEIEHD." 

"A  friend  is  someone  who  knows  all  about  and  loves  you  anyway." 

(Ilustration  of  Kins:  and  Queen  of  Belgium  honoring  President  Hoover) 

At  the  end  of  the~first  World  War,  the  King  and  Queen  of  Belgium  wanted  to 
honor  President  Herbert  Hoover  for  the  aid  they  had  received  during  the  war 
from  the  United  States.   After  considering  what  honors  could  be  bestowed, 
the  King  offered  Hoover  his  choice  of  three  decorations.  He  rejected  them 
all  stating: 

"You  have  stood  at  the  gateway  of  civilization  and  held  back  the  tide  of 
a  egression,  while  we  have  only  shared  with  you  what  we  had  to  give. 
For 'that  one  does  not  ask  for  honors." 
The  King  and  Queen  responded: 

"He  is  our  very  great  friend." 
And  desiring  to  adequately  express  their  appreciation  for  his  efforts, 
they  created  a  new  order  to  which  Herbert  Hoover  belonged,  "Friend  of  the 
Belgian  people ." 

Just  what  is  a  Friend?   I  believe  our  Scripture  this  morning  gives  us  not- 
only  the  definition  but  a  good  example  as  well.  iSss-asxKsxxt-Ex&xipwiinwKK   T.  is 
incident  is  recorded  in  aix  Matthew  and  Mark's  Gospels  as  well.   It's  a  very 
often  repeated  illustration  of  the  healing  power  of  Jesus  and  the  faith  of 
some  men.  You  may  have  heard  this  passage  preached  on  on  different  occasions, 
But  this  morning  we  are  not  going  to  look  at  the  passage  concerning  the  heal- 
ing of  the  man;  nor  are  we  going  to  look  at  the  faith  involved.   Instead,  we 
are  going  to  focus  on  another  aspect  of  this  incident. 

Jesus  was  in  Capernaum  and  was  in  a  house  there.   The  house  *ay  well  have  beei 
the  residence  of  Peter.   The  house  was  packed  and  there  were  many  of  the  re- 
ligious leaders  present  at  this  time.  Four  men  brought  a  man  who  we  a^e  told 


-2- 

palsy.      Whatever  tie   may  have   had    ±'-   uncertrain,   but   what   is   known   is   that  he 
could  not  walk.      The  four  men  carried  him  on  a  bed  and  when  they  arrived  at 
the  house ,   there  were   so  many  people  gathered,   they  could   not  enter  the  house, 
So  they  went  up  the  outside   staircase   of  the   house   to  the  flat  roof,   removed 
the   tiling  of  the  roof   and  when  they  had  a  large   enough  opening,   they  let  the 
man  down  into  the   midst   of  the  people   and   in  the   presence   of   Jesus.      To  the 
question,    "What   Is   A  Friend??  we  see   in  this    incident   first  of  all  the   true 
"Definition  of   a  Friend"   is,    A  Friend   is   one  who  knows  .you.      These   men  knew 
their  friend  was  bedfast.      They  knew  he  wasn't  going  to  get  pny  better.     But 
they  had   probably  heard   of    Jesus;    or   perhaps   they  had   even  seen  Him  when  He 
passed  that  way  on  another   occasion.      And   since   they  knew  their  friend  and 
knew  what  his   needs  were,   they  oarae  up  with  a  plan  to  get  the   only  help  for 
him  they  believed  would   help  hin.      It  wasn't   a   question  of   these    men   seeking 
anything  for  themselves.      They  knew  wkHixife*±rx£exK»i  their  friend  and  they 
sought  to  get   the  help  he   needed. 

Then  a  Friend   is   one  who   loves  you.      Wa  don't   know  how  long  nor  how  far  these 
men  had   to   carry   their   friend.      But  whatever   the   time    or  distance   they  did   it. 
And  then  to  carry  him  to  the  roof  and  work  to  open  that  roof  to  lower  him  in- 
to the  presence   of   Jesus  was   an  outward  display  of   love.     They  could  have 
visited  him   at   his   house   and   talked   to  him   and   kept  him  company  daily  and 
frequently.      And  perhaps   they  did  thi?   until  they  hit  upon  the    idea   of  taking 
him  to   Jesus   to  be  healed.      But  the  whole  episode   speaks   of  their  desire   of 
wanting  the  very  mort  for  their  friend  which  could  be  had. 

(Illustration  of    Jehu  and  Behonadab  as   friends) 

There    is   an  illustration  found   in  the   Old    Testament    of   two  friends.      King 
Jehu  was   going  to  war  against  all   of   the   remaining  members   of  Ahab&s   family, 
On  the  way  he   saw   Jehonadab  a   firend   of  his   coming  toward  him.      So  we   read" 
in  2  Kings   10:15a.      Then  we  read  that,fc*xas&S!±   "he   saluted  him  and  said  to 
him,    'Is   thine   heart  right,   as  my  heart   is  with  thy  heart?'      And    Jehonadab 
answered,    'It   is."        As  proof   of  that   friendship   Jehu  said,    "If   it  be,   give 
me  thine  hand.'      And  he    :ave  him  his   hand;    and  he   took  him  u"D  to  him   into 
the   chariot." 

A  friend   is   one  who  loves  you  through  thick  and  thin,   through  good  and  bad 
and  that   friendship   isn't   dependent   upon  everything  always   running   smoothly. 
(Illustration  of   Sam  Davis   Confederate    spy) 

Sam  Davis  was  a  confederate   spy  who  was  captured  by  the  Union  Army.      When  he 
was   captured  he  had   in  hi?   possession  some   important  papers   and  immediately 
the   Union  officers  knew  that   someone  had  supplied  him  with  this   information. 
He  was  working  with  an  accomplice,   a  friend.      He  was   ordered    to  be   executed. 
So  he^was   led   out  to  face  the   f iring^squad.      He  was  blindfolded.      And  then 
the   officer   in  charge    said  to  him,    "If  you  will  give  us   the   name   of  the 
man  who  furnished   you  with  this   information,  you  can  go  free.      Without  any 
hesitation  at  all,   3am  Davis  replied,    "If   I  had  a  thousand   lives,    I  would 
gladly  give   them  all  before   I  would  betray   a   friend." 

Jesus  said,  "Greater  love  hath  no  man  than  this,  that  ■-■  isan  la;  down  his  life 
for  his  friends."  And  Jesus  showed  His  love  in  just  this  way,  by  giving  His 
life  for  mankind. 


-3- 

A  friend   is   one  who   is    interested  in  your  spiritual  well-being.      I?  these 

men  knew  anything  about   J-.:  us  they  were   aware  that  He   not   only  minister*!  to 

the  hhysical  needs   of  people,  but   also  ~K±ix±stwTs±  to  their  spiritual  needs. 

It  wasn't    just  a  matter   of  healing  the  body,  but  also  healing  the   soul. 

These   men  were    that   concerned    for  the    spiritual  well-being   of   their   friend 

that  they    §ave   of  themselves   to  ?<=e   that  he  received  physical  and   spiritual 

help  from   Jesus.        A  friend  wants   the  vary  best  for  his   friend  and  that 

involves  ±k*  meeting  the   needs   of  the   friend  whatever  those  needs  may  be. 

(Illustration  of   George   and  friend  with  inflated   opinion  of   self) 

Seorge   had  s   friend  who  an  inflated    opinion  of  himself  and  his   importance. 

eorge  he  3  ■'    '■  ■  1     "  i;    friend    1(  '  it   auirk.      in  a  conversa- 

tion one  day  he   mentioned  that  he  knew   Johnny  Carson.      His   friend  said, 
"Oh  yeah,   prove   it."     In  a  short  period   of   time   they  were   in  front   of  a 
large  house   near  the  beach,      leorge   knocked  on  the  door  and   Johnny  Carson 
opened   the   door  and  said,    "Come   on  in  George,   and  bring  your  friend."     On 
the  way  home  the  friend   said,    "OK  so  you  know   Johnny  Carson,"  and  obviously 
this  wasn't  enough,   so  George   said,    "Yes,   he  and   I  and  the  president  are 
good  friends."     The   friend   looked   in  the   air  and   said,    "This    is   too  much, 
I'll  pay  the  costs,   let's   go  to  D.C.   and  see."      At   the   White   House   George 
gave  his   name  to  the  guard  and   in  a  short   time  the   president  came   out   and 
said,    "Come   on  in  George,   and  bring  your  friend."     The  friend  now  looked 
at  George   and  said  sheepishly,    "I  guess    I  have   to  admit  you  do  know  the 
president."     But  George   sensed  that  his   friend  wasn't  actually  being  con- 
vinced that  George  was    just   as   important   as  him  so  he   said,    "The  president 
doesn't  have  as   nice   an  office  as   the   Pope."     His   friend  said,    "What?  You 
know  the  Fope?      I'll  bet  you   10,000  dollars  you  can't  even  get   in  to  see 
him."     So  in  a  few  days  they  were   in  Rome  knocking   on  a  door  at  the  Vatican 
A  cardinal  came   out   and  Mi^xfe  shaking  hands  with  George   said,    "You  can 
come   in  George,   but  your  firend  will  have  to  stay  outside."     About   an  hour 
went  by  and  then  the  Pope   stepped   out   on  the  balcony  with  his   arm  around 
George.      Later,   George   came   out   of  the  building  and  looked  around  for  his 
friend.      T,,ere  he  was   lying  on  the  pavement   out  cold.     George  rushed   over 
and  helped   his   friend  tp  and   apologized   for   shocking  him  so.      His   firend 
shook  his   head   and   mumbled,    "It's   not   that  you   knew  the   Fope .      It  was   the 
crowd.      They  kept  asking,    "Who's   the   guy  with  George?" 

A  friend   is   not  dependent   on  one   or  the   other  being   of  great   importance. 

Look  at  the   men  who  surrounded    Jesus.      All  of  them  were  common  ordinary  guys 

and   yet,    their  names    are    still   spoken  2000  years   after  ±iwy  their   lives   on 

this   earth.      This   is  because    Jesus   sought  to  be   their  friend  by  knowing  them, 

by  loving  them,    and  by   looking  out   for  their  spiritual  well-being.      As  we 

think  of  the    "Definition  Of  A  Friend"  we   need  to  take   inventory,   and  ask: 

What  common  interests  do   I  share  with  my  f±±end? 

Would  my  friend  be   offended   if  he  knew  what   I  said  behind  his  back  last  week 
or   a  few  days   ago? 

Do   I  listen  to  my  friend  when  he   comes   to  me  with  a  problem? 

When  was  the   last  time   T  prayed  for  my  friend's  needs? 

Am  I  certain  my  fdiend  knows   the   Lord  as  his  Savior?      Am  I  concerned  about 
that? 

Would  my  friend  say  that   I  know  him,   that   I  love  him,   and   that    I  am  concenne< 
about  his  spiritual  well-being? 

What   is  a  Friend?      Do   I  know, because    I  am  one? 


St*  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler*  Pennsylvania 
Rev*  Ralph  Link*  Pastor  Gctobsr  13,  1985 

for.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
John  Penrod  and  David  Andrews,  Acolytes 
+  ++  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  ++  +  -»-  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude  "At  The  Mercy  Seat" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
•Processional  Hymn  No.  377   "Joyful,  Joyful,  We  Adore  Thee" 
"Ascription 
*Exhcrtation 

•Confession  (In  Unison)  "Our  Heavenly  Father,  who  by  Thy 
lave  hast  made  us,  and  through  Thy  love  hast  kept  us, 
and  in  Thy  love  wouldst  make  us  perfect,  we  humbly  confess 
that  we  have  not  loved  Thee  with  all  our  heart  and  soul, 
and  mind  and  strength,  and  that  we  have  not  loved  one 
another  as  Christ  hath  loved  us.   Thy  love  is  in  us, 
but  our  selfishness  hath  hindered  Thee.   Forgive  what 
we  have  been;  help  us  to  amend  what  we  are;  and  in  Thy 
spirit  direct  what  we  shall  be;  that  Thy  image  may  cope 
into  full  glory  in  us  and  in  all  men,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 
*Kyrie 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 
*Praise:  Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  Glorious  name  forever. 
*Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No.  466  "What  a  Friend  We  Have  in  Jesus" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  —  Let  ug  Pray. 
Friend  Day  and  Pastoral  Prayer 
Offering 
fid  -i>  Offertory  "A  Quiet  Reverie" 


^ 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mr.  St   Mrs.  Paul  Riemer  in  memory  of  Mr.  &  Mrs.  William 

Hiemer  anc  Mr,  Gale  Leighton. 
Ushers  for  today  are:  Rob  Vinroe,  Bob  Dellen,  Randy 

Dellen,  and  Kevin  Snyder. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs,  Sue  Gamble. 
Mrs,  Alma  Klllean  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 

door  this  morning. 
Dick  Mangel  and  Paul  Riemer  will  be  visiting  the  Hospital 

this  week . 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  173  with  13  visitors* 

MONDAY  -  Women's  Mary  Prugh  Circle  meets  at  7:30. 

TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 

WEDNESDAY  -  Golden  Circle  meets  at  7:30 

THURSDAY  -  Mary  Martha  Circle  meets  at  10:30  a,m* 

Choir  Practice  at  7:00  p.m. 

Aerobics  —  6—7 

^*LL  USHERS  men  and  women  are  asked  to  be  present  at  a 
meeting  on  Wednesday  October  16th  at  7:30  p.m. 

-  ■ 

BLOOD  DRIVE  will  be  held  here  at  St.  Paul's  on  November 
20th  from  3-8  p,m.   This  is  being  held  in  conjunction 
with  the  Butler  hospital  and  only  for  the  congregation. 
If  there  are  any  questions  please  contact  Marge  Smiley 
who  is  in  charge  of  this  project.   We  hope  that  you 
will  make  every  effort  to  participate, i 

We  would  appreciate  when  you  return  any  unused  Improvement 
Fund  envelopes  that  you  deposit  them  In  the  box  in  the 
Narthex  and  not  in  the  back  of  the  pews* 

^-Friendly  Contracts  are  available  in  the  Narthex  if  you 

need  extras*   Please  pick  them  up  and  remember  to  have 

them  signed  and  bring  to  church  next  Sunday.   Let's 

all  help  to  make  Friend  Day  a  special  day  at  St*  Paul's. 

his  is  the  last  Sunday  to  purchase  tickets  for  the  movie 
HCry  From  the  Mountain".   They  are  S3. 00  each.   The 
movie  begins  October  18th  and  runs  through  the  24th  at 
the  Plaza  Theatre, 


^ 


VDcxology   -   page   382 
Scripture:      I   Samuel   19 1 
Sermon:       "How   To    Be   One11 

"■Closing   Hymn  No,    220      "I1 

*  Benediction 
•Closing  Chimes 

*  Pos  1 1 ude  " Rigaudon" 


1-7 


ve  Found  a  Friend,  0  Such  a  Friend" 


"Mow  to  a-,  una- 
loript    1  Fan  19;  1-7 
lus   Rhino  ft  Buffalo  Birds) 
ds  wat  go  2   Ik  at  2day 

.aa  wk  discus -Wat   Is   A  Frond"  &  this  wk=How  2B  1" 
ml  ask  ne=How  2E  1  wat?  ft  Ttil  cudB  play   on  words 
!-•*-  plainly   it   is*How  To  Be   A  Frend  St  gud  exanp  in 
!     h.  is   story:  David  &   Jonathan 

;kgr  both  men  mak  frendsbip  very  unlikly-  Jon,roylty 
lavid, shepherd, comon  ft  yet   tru/strontr  frendship 
iv  kil  Goliath  St  endear  self  2  Taul.takn  in?  court 
le   acpt   ft  liiv  by  evrl  &  Bcuz   poplarty ,Eaul   ;felus   8= 
)gin  try   2  kil  him 
;rip  pt   Paul  inetruc   Jon  ft  servs   wer  2  kil  Dav 

2a»Deti be-very  close   frends 
S  2B-32Jon  2   interoed  4   Dav 
s  4-5-oonvers   tween  Jon  8=  Fathr  King  Paul 
Jon  act   as  peacmakr  ....        „ 

sed=31esed  B  peacmakrs   4they  shalB  eal  childrn  b 
writ  wat  G  did  ft  record  Eph  2: 12-1 7- BEAU  &  EXFL 
re   15=Enmlty=Hatred,Is   ovrcum  &  replo  w/Peace 
Lnl  result   Peace=vs   18 

Is  peacmakr  twwn  G  ft  nan,Satn/(i;tween  sm/ritnes; 
;ween  hatred/luv 

jn  cud  stud  by   r.-  let  Fathr  do  wat  want   Bcuz  he   king 
But  tuk  extra  courag  2B  gud  f  rend,  interced,  seek  Feac 
Ilus   Chas   Kayo   ft  shoes   shined-kept   peace) 
s  chos  2B  peacmakr  ft  2do  so  requir  humilty 
3w  2B  l=Taks    jus  that   &  thip   examp  G  friv  lif/persnJs 
He  G  on  erth.G   in  flesh  &  no  Bneath  di^nty  Psettl 
acets   tween  G  ft  man  by   sacrlf  deth  on  cros, 

that  act   of   TTu  Irend 
a     plot  by  K  Paul   arid    self   of  Dav  no  cess   evn  tho 
-rj.p  sbo  he   cermit  bak  K 's  presenc  ft  S  awor  no  kil 
n  19th  chap  read  S's   desir  2kil   Dav  agin 
3o  Dav  cum  2e-ud  frend   Jon  ft  tol  of  S's   desir  2kil 
S:  this   in  20:1-9 
on  no  Bliev  but  agre  protec   Dav  til  chrg  cudB  prov 

thlf    in  vs   13=.READ 
s  51=here   is  pruf  4-   Jon  that   3  want  2kil  Dav 
s  J2=Jon  anser  his   fathr 
a  35=Sho  anger  of   B  &  wat  he   cspabl  of 
s   34=  Jon 'f    respons 
ft  now   Jon  had  made  plan  erlier  w/Dav 

Dav  2hide   self  whil   Jon  do  target  practie  ftyng  boy 

fetch  srowa  _^  ,    .      .   . 

icret  word   identfy  situatin  tween  Dav  ft  «sul  is  rna 
Jon's  words   2  boy 
Fay  arows   olos  by, Dav  safe 

If   say  Byon  boy,   unsafe  ft  Dav  2  flee 


va  «-S=Dav  cam  out  of  hiding  '4  3ho  Jon  had  helped        2/ 

his  frend   in  only  way  cud 
(Ilus   1st   grade   Kirl   in  school  ft  guidanc     counsler, 

Krs.   Edwards    jus    like  her  dop-) 
Ferhap  this   no  nuite   Ilk  J~rend  shudB,  but   pt  wel  takn 
wen  realiz  pet  dog  aroun  ft  wil   ?B  frend   in  all  eircum 

£    *-ru  human  frend  lik  that   2 
Pi     ■  18:24-The  frend  who  stiks  olosr  than  bros   is   L 
ft  Sav  whom  G  provid  2B  w/ua   ft  50  w/us   throut   lif 

oha     23  record    end   frendslili'  tween  Dav/Jon 

at   leas   la3  record   time  ?gethr  as   frend  P.   frend 
vs    16»phras-Strngthn  hand   In  Q  mean-Jon  encourag  him 
&  this   3rd   thin  of   +How  23  One 

evrl  no  matr  who  they  R  need  encourap 
(Ilus   Bart  Ctarr  ft  son?   eneourafiuent) 
thats   kind  encourag  all   our  frends   need 
A  litl  boost  along  way  2smooth   ovr  ruf  plac  wen 
lif  may  seem  2B  talt  toll   on  suml  v;e   luv 
(Ilus   Rufus    Jones   measur  up   to  sons   expectatin) 
Rufus    Jones   Beam  grt  man  of  G  Sem  partly  Bcuz   son 
Ik  up  ?  him 
Thats  way  a  frend   can  touch   our   livs   lik  no  othr 
persn 
Kow  2B  One    involve   get   involv  othr  persns   lif 
it   mean  23  ther  thru  thik  ft  thin, 
2B  ther,    jus  B  ther  1  showing  U  care 
it  means   offr  help  ft  encourag  211ft  that   frend  up 
wen  dwn  or  things   R  go  badly 
Vi'en  I   think  of   frends   I  nua   ask  self, DO  I  KNO  HOW 
TO    BE  OHE??????? 


"How  To  E2  One" 

Scripture:  1  Samuel  19:1-7 

(Illustration  of  Rhinocerus  and  Buffalo  Bird) 

In  East  Africa  some  of  the  world's  most  fascinating  animals  live.   One  of 
them  is  the  Rhinocerus.   This  animal  has  two  horns,  is  very  large,  but  has 
tremendous  speed,  great  agility,  and  If  feared  by  all  the  other  animals 
around  it.   The  Rhinocerus  is  one  of  the  most  dangerous  animals  in  the 
world.   Now  if  you  were  to  observe  this  animal  In  Its  natural  habitat  you 
would  notice  that  birds  perch  on  his  back  and  stay  there  for  extended 
periods  of  time.   In  fact,  you  would  frequently  see  these  biris  pecking 
into  his  back  and  sides  much  like  a  woodpecker  on  a  tree.  flfckKrxfcrists 
Tou  would  also  observe  other  birds  flying  about  his  head,  and  still  others 
lighting  on  his  ears  and  pecking  away.   But  the  surprising  thing  is,  the 
Rhino  dosen't  attack  these  birds  or  try  to  get  them  off  his  back.   Why? 
These  birds  are  called  "Buffalo  Birds"  and  they  are  on  the  Rhino  pecking 
away  at  a  parasite  which  he  cannot  control.  These  parasites  are  on  his 
body  like  barnacles  grow  on  the  underside  of  a  ship.   These  birds  are 
given  this  opportunity  to  be  of  help  to  the  Rhino  because  they  are  friends » 
The  Rhino  ix   has  very  poor  eyesight  from  birth.   So  while  these  birds  are 
perched  on  the  Rhino,  if  there  is  any  danger  in  the  area,  they  let  out  a 
shrill  call  warning  hin  of  what  he  cannot  see.  To  In  return  for  this 
service  they  are  protected  from  their  predators  by  the  Rhino.   In  a  sense, 
these  two  totally  different  creatures  en^oy  a  mutual  friendship. 

Tvis  is  what  we  are  going  to  look  at  today,   last  week  we  discussed  "What  Is 

A  Friend."  This  week  we  are  looking  at,  "vo-.-;  p,o  Be  Cne,"  '  omeone  asked  me 

"Ho./  To  Be  One  What?*   I'm  sure  this  particular  title  could  be  a  play  on 

words  in  many  respects.  But  quite  plainly  and  simply  it  is,  "Hoe  To  Be  A 

Friend."   A  very  good  example  is  the  friendship  as  set  forth  in  the  Biblical 

account  of  David  and  Jonathon.  This  friendship  was  one  of  the  most  unlikely 

perhaps  because  of  the  backgrounds  of  the  two  men.   Jonathon  was  the  son  of 

the  king.   He  was  of  royal  blood  and  like  all  royalty,  he  had  access  to  mote 

of  the  things  of  life  than  commoners  do.   Yet,  his  very  best  friend  was  one 

of  those  commoners,  nothing  more  than  a  lowly  Shepherd, 

David  had  killed  the  giant  Goliath  and  because  of  this  had  endeared  himeelf 

to  King  Gaul.  Saul  had  taken  David  into  his  court  end  he  was  accepted  and 

loved  by  everyone.  Because  of  his  popularity,  Saul  soon  became  jealous  of 

David  and  tried  to  kill  him.   Our  Scnaptrue  this  morning  points  out  that 

Saul  had  instructed  Jonathon  and  all  the  servants  that  they  were  to  kill 

David.   9b  Jonathon  knowing  thir  takes  steps  to  first  of  all  prevent  this 

and  we  read  in  the  ?nd  verse,  "But  Jonathon  Saul's  pon  delighted  himself 
much  in  David." 

This  means  they  were  very  close  friends.   "And  Jonathon  told  David,  saying, 
'Saill  my  father  seeketh  to  kill  thee:  now  therefore,  I  pray  thee,  take  heed 
to  thyself  until  the  morning,  and  abide  in  a  secret  place,  and  hide  thyself: 
And  I  will  go  out  and  stand  beside  my  father  in  the  field  where  thou  art, 
and  I  will  commune  with  my  father  of  thee;  and  what  I  see,  that  I  will  tell 
thee." 

Jonathon  was  going  to  intercede  for  David.   And  so  we  read  in  the  4th  and  Sth 

verses  the  conversation  Jonathon  had  with  his  father  the  king. 


-2- 

"And  Jonathon  spake  good  of  DawLd  unto  Paul  his  father,  and  said  unto  Mrs, 
'Let  not  the  king  sin  against  his  servant,  against  David;  because  he  hath 
not  sinned  against  thee,  and  because  his  works  have  been  to  thee-ward  very- 
good:  for  he  did  put  hi3  life  in  his  hand,  and  slew  the  Philistine,  and  the 
Lord  wrought  a  great  salvation  for  all  Israel:  thou  sawest  it,  and  didst 
rejoice:  wherefore  then  wilt  thou  sin  against  innocent  blood,  to  slay  David 
without  a  cause?'" 

At  this  point  Jonathon  is  acting  as  a  peacemaker.   Jesus  said,  "Blessed  are 
the  peacemakers  for  they  shall  be  called  the  children  of  God." 

Paul  writing  of  what  jod  did  tells  us  in  Ephesians  2:12-1?,  (read  these  verses 

and  explain).   In  the  15th  verse  Paul  points  out  Jesus  overcame  the  "enmity" 

and  this  is  hatred  and  He  replaced  it  with  His  "Peace."   And  the  final  result 

of  this  !'Feace"  is,  "Fir  through  Him  we  both  have  access  by  one  Soirit  unto 
the  Pather."  vs  18. 

Jesus  was  the  peacemaker  between  Satan  and  God,  between  sin  and  righteousness 

between  hatred  and  love.   Jonathon  could  have  stood  by  and  let  his  father 

do  what  he  desired.  But  it  took  extra  courage  to  be  a  good  friend  and  to 

intercede  on  hi?  behalf. 

(Illustration  of  Dr.  Charles  Mayo  polishing  shoes) 

D^.  0,  arles  Mayo  along  with  hir  father  ?nd  brother,  rounded  the  wor  Id  -fam- 
ous Mayo-Clinic.  A  group  of  Puropean  medical  experts  were  visiting  the 
clinic  and  were  staying  at  the  home  of  Charles  Mayo.   Tv,ey  had  all  retired 
for  the  night  and  later  when  Dr.  Mayo  went  to  his  room  he  noticed  that  these 
aen  had  placed  their  shoes  outsdie  of  their  doors.   In  Europe  it  was  the 
custom  to  do  this  and  a  servant  would  polish  them.  Fince  it  was  very  late 
and  all  of  the  Mayo  servants  were  in  bed,  Charles  Mayo  picked  up  the  shoes 
and  with  a  sigh,  took  them  to  the  kitchen  and  spent  half  the  night  polishini 
their  shoes.  He  could  have  summoned  his  servants  to  do  this.  Or  he  could 
have  neglected  the  chore  and  gone  to  bed  which  would  have  created  an  em- 
barrassment the  next  day.  And  he  couifed  have  informed  the  men  that  it  was. 
not  only  not  our  custom  to  do  in  this  country,  but  was  beneath  his  dignity 
and  created  ill-will. 

But  Dr.  Mayo  chose  to  be  a  "peace-maker"  in  this  situation.  To  do  so  takes 

humility  and  "How  To  Be  One,"  how  to  be  a  friend,  takes  just  that.   This  is 

the  example  God  givea  us  in  the  life  and  person  of  Jesus  Christ.  Although 

He  was  jod  in  the  flesh  here  on  earth,  it  wasn't  beneath  His  dignity  to 

settle  accounts  between  God  and  man  by  His  sacrificial  death  on  the  cross. 

That  was  the  act  of  a  true  friend. 

Tue  pilot  by  Kinp;  3aul  to  ri<5  hirmelf  of  David  didn't  cease  even  though  in  our 

Scripture  bhis  morning  David  w      Bitted  back  into  the  king's  presence  and 

faul  swore  that  he  would  not  kill  David.   In  another  portion  of  this  19th 

Chapter  we  read  of  Saul's  desire  to  kill  David  once  again.  So  David  came  to 

his  good  friend  and  son  of  the  king  Jonathan  and  told  him  of  Saul's  de3ire 

to  kill  him.   V/e  read  of  this  in  chapter  20:1-9.   Jonathan  didn't  believe 

David,  but  he  agreed  to  protect  David  until  the  charge  could  be  proven  and 

jtiixsxxaxtH  we  read  this  in  the  13th  verse.   "The  Lord  do  so  and  much  more  to 
Jonathan:  but  if  it  olease  my  father  to  do  thee  evil,  then  I  will  shew  it 
thee,  and  send  thee  away,  that  thou  mayest  go  in  peace:  and  the  Lord  be 
with  thee,  as  He  hath  been  with  my  father." 


-3- 

jO  then  we  read  in  this  chapter  Saul  talking  to  Jonathan  and  he  said,  "For 
aa  long  as  the  son  of  Jesse  liveth  upon  the  ground,  thou  shalt  not  be  ■  est- 
ablished, nor  thy  kingdom.  Wherefore  now,  send  and  fetch  him  unto  me,  for 
he   shall  surely  die."     vs  51. 

And   Jonathan  answered  his   fathe   -  read  vs   32. 

Then  we   see  the  results   of  Saul 's   anger   in  vs   33  -  read  this?. 

And   Jonathan's  response   in  vs  3*  -  read. this, 

Mdaade  a  earlier 

xex-'S  plan  with  David  jgifcdb&riifefedE4fti4'«     He   is  to  hide   himsffilf 

fhile    Jonathan  does   sone   practice    3hooting  with  his   bow,        &  you  '   If    to 

fetch  the  arrows    if  e      Jo  athan  ■■'  oo1  -    them.     The    3ecret   words    to  identify 

the   situation  between  D^vid        T     'aul   1     d      o  do  with   Jonathan's   conversation 

with  the   bey  when  he    ire  it    'or     I        :  tows.      If  ]  -      aid      he   arrows  were   cloBe 

,   ,       ?-vi'l    ■'      Id  -      -    could   return  ]     .  If   he     said    the       -  r    - 

;  ,   David  would  know  that  there  was   still  danger  for  his   life. 

So   David   came    out   of  hiding  and   in  the   42nd  v^rse   --re   read,    (read   this), 

Jonathan  had  helped  his  friend  in  the  only  way  he  could. 

(Illustration  of   little  girl   in  school  and  her  jfcuidance   counselor  Mrs.   Edward; 
Cheri  was  a  first   grader  a   Mrs.   Edwards  told  about.      This   little   girl  was 
having  problems   in  the  first   grade  r-ir    Mrs.   Edwards  "-ri";v.  her  ;  i  a 

guidance  counselor  thought   she  might  be   able  to  be]      her,   so  she   called 
Cheri  into  her  office,  said  to  her,    "Cheri,    I  want  to  be     our    Fr_±e 

I  will  nev«  -      owe  laomajy,    or  your  daddy,    or  your  teacher       ything  we 

talk  about   if  you  don't  want   me   to.      I  want  you  to  know  that  you   can  always 
trust   me."      With  tearful  eyes,    she   looked  up  and   said,    "Gee,   Mrs,   Edwards, 
you're    just   like   my  dog." 

!.  eli  perhaps  that  isn't   quite   like   a   friend   3hould  be,    >ut      he     ioint    is  well 

a  when    re  realize    that  a  pet   like   a  dog  is   around  and  willing  to  be   a 

friend  in  all  circumstances.      A  true  human  friend  is   like  that  also.      In 

Proverbs  we  read,    "A  man  that  hath  friends?must   chew  himself  friendly:   and 
there   is   a  friend  that   rticketh  closer  than  a  brother."     Erofoerba   18:24 

T>,e  Friend  who  sticks   closer  than  a  brother               :   J.n?(  and  raviour  whom  ■  od 
provided  to  be  with  us   and  go  with  us   throughout   all   of  life, 
The   end   of  the  friendship  between  David   and    Jonathan  is  bold   in  the    "'Ird  chap- 
ter,            le      -     ;his  is    fch      ]  i    -  reco:                               -  were  togetl  "    :o 

"i }.   nd.      In  -  !  ;i   verse    -     i     \d,    "And    Jo  il '  .     •■      ,      _r    ,remt 

'•    '  ■  '    Lnto     he  wc    "  ,      nd   sti  ;  .v  thene  1  "  . " 

,    "'  ne  3    his   '    .         I  d"  -■       _    ■     ■'  •  J 

'  '-       "  - '      '  he   ]  ■"    "How  To    3<a   One.''     Everyone, 

no    aa .-.    s  ?  who    bh  iy  aeed      icou  lent, 

1  -   ;ion  of  "  nd  his   on's  encou      at) 

;he  196p  football   Jason,     -  i  c     b  '     had  a 

little  game  going  with  his  oldest  son  Bart,  Jr.   For  every  perfect  paper 
he  brought  home  from  school  he  was  promised  a  dime.   After  a  particulalry 
rough  game  against  St.  Louis  in  which  he  thought  he  performed  very  poorly 
he  returned  home  weary  and  battered  after  a  long  plane  ride.  He  went  into 
the  bedroom  and  there  taped  on  his  pillow  was  a  note.  The  note  paid, 
"Dear  Dad.  I  thought  you  played  a  rasBixyasai  great  game,  Lofce,  Bart,"  And 
taped  to  the  note  were  two  dimes/ 


Tvat*s  the  kinri    of   encouragement  that  .all  of   our  friends   need.      A  little 

boost   slonp  the  way  to  smooth  over  the  rough  places  when  life  may  seem  to 

be   taking  its   toll  on  someone  we   love. 

(Illustration  of  Rufus    Jones   measuring  up  to  his   sons   thinking   of  him) 
The   late  Rufus    Jones   told  of   overhearing  his   son  and  some   of  his   friends 
talking  about  what  they  wanted  to  be  when  they  grew  up.      When  it  became 
Lowell's  turn  he   said,  iJfttEEXJbqacraeiaap   "I  want  to  grow  up  and  be  am  a  man 
like  my  daddy,"     Lowell  died  at  the   age   of   11.      But  Rufus    Jones   never 
forgot  those  words   of  his   son  and   it   is   said  that  he  spent  kaifxEf  his 
lifetime   measuring  up  to  what  his   son  thought   of  him.      He   said,    "Pew  things 
in  my  life  have   ever  touched  me   as   those  words  did,    or  have   given  me  a 
greater  impulse  to  dedication.      What   kind   of  man  was   I  going  to  be,    if   I 
was   to  be   the  pattern  for  my  boy!" 

A  friend  can  touch  our  lives   like   no  other  person  can.     ±xtx±xjA " How  To  Be 

One"   involves  getting  Involved   in  the  life   of  the   other  person.      It  means 

being  there   through  thick  and  thin}  ±txwSEXsxst±sx±mwpdDMi^xWB±xMissjmx7^&Juxxi&.Tf. 

it   means    just  being  there   and   showing  that  you  care;    and  it   means   offering  he] 

and  encouragement  to  lif#  that   friend  up  when  he   is  down  or  things   are   going 

badly.      When  I  think  of  Friends,    I  must   ask  myself,    "Do   I  know  How  To  Be   One?' 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  October  20,  1935 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
John  Penrod,  Acolyte 

+■+  +  +  +  ++  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +■  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude  "Ivory  Palaces" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
■■Processional  Hymn  No*  313  "Come,  Thou  Fount  of  Every 

Blessing" 
•Ascription 
♦Exhortation 

♦Confession  (In  Unison)  "0  God,  we  confess  to  you  our 
grevious  sins  as  members  of  your  church.   We  have  not 
led  a  life  worthy  of  the  calling;  we  have  been  over- 
protective  of  ourselves,  and  not  enough  concerned  for 
others.   We  have  used  your  Word  of  truth  to  accomplish 
our  own  ends,  and  not  to  fulfill  your  Will.   We  have 
been  noisy  when  we  should  have  been  silent.   We  have 
not  obeyed  your  Word  read  and  preached  to  us,   0 
Father,  Head  of  the  Church,  cleanse  us  and  keep  ua 
accountable  to  you.   Through  Jesus  Christ  of  Lord,  Amen. 
♦Kyrie 

♦Assurance  of  Pardon 
♦Praise;  Pastor . -  Blessed  he  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  glorious  name  forever. 
♦Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No*  399  "Jesus  Calls  Us  o'ver  the  Tumult" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray* 
Friend  Day  and  Pastoral  Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  -  Piano  Solo 
♦Doxology  -  page  3S2 
Anthem:  "Yesterday,  Today,  and  Tomorrow" 
Scripture:   Acts  15:  36-39 
Sermon:   "Bringing  Out  The  Best" 
•Closing,  Hymn  No,  244   "Jesus  1    What  a  Friend  for  Sinners11 
•Benediction 
♦Closing  Chimes 
"Postlude  "When  You  Pray" 
*■  +  *  *         Congregation  Standing      +  +  +  +  + 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Howard  McLaren  to  the  glory  of  God* 
Ushers  for  today  are  Rob  Vinroe,  Bob  Dellen,  Randy  Dellen, 

and  Kevin  Snyder* 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs,  Cathy  Sheppeck. 
Dan  Bosko  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the  door  this 

morning. 
Lloyd  Link  and  Marty  Henry  will  be  visiting  the  hospital 

this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  129  with  10  visitors. 
"■"^.Hospitalized:   Phyllis  Draxinger  BMH 

MONDAY  -  Volleyball  6:30  -  9:30 

Fidelity  Bible  Class  7:30 

TUESDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7 

THURSDAY  -  Aerobics  6-7   Choir  Practice  7:00  P.M. 

SATURDAY  NIGHT  remember  to  set  your  clocks  back  one  hour 
so  you  will  be  in  time  for  Sunday  School  and  Church  on 
Friend  Day,   Also  give  your  friend  a  call  and  remind 
them  about  Sunday  morning,  and  to  set  their  clocks* 

THANK  YOU  cards  for  sending  to  your  friends  were  mailed 
to  you  this  past  week.   Please  keep  them  so  you  can 
send  them  to  your  friend  after  the  Friend  Day  service. 
If  you  need  more  they  are  in  the  Narthex. 

^5*Cry  from  the  Mountain  will  be  showing  this  week  at  the 

Plaza  Theatre  through  the  24th,   Check  the  local  news- 
paper for  times. 


I  Scrip:  Acta  lS:J6-?9 


"Bringing  Out  The  Beat" 


.■U*>_  li-L"        Ul"1^::       UJUC  !■ 


Ullus   Jny  Cash  &  the  sheriff) 
Tha:'.ks   2unkno   frend  ,"herif  /jifccCaxi  very  bes    abl   2B 
brot   out    lif    Ja  Cash 
That  3rd  th  frend    is  wh  wil   Ik  this   morn 

t  read  man  nam  3arn  chap  4   Acts 
-nruoot  bk  &  all  we  kno   of   Barn  Ident=frend   of   Churc 
real  name    Joseph  or  as  Scrip  aay-Joses 
Apostls   nam-Barn  &.  thiir  no  acident   Bcuz   nam  mean=son 
of   consolatin,    or   son   of   encouraffinen 
very  erly    rpian  serv  recop  by  apostls   as   sorce   of 
encourag   3:  name    stuk  2him  res   of   lif 
Evr  Xpian  has   G  giim  responsbilty  SB  sorce  encourag 
2  thoz  aroun  theai 
Barn  1st   sho  knak  encaur  aftr  convert    of  3  of   Tarsus 
S  30t  deth  thoz   folo  wat  kno  as   The    Way 
Thez   peop  folowrs    Js   Xp  &.  avow  enmy   of   S 
But  wen  met  Xp  on  Damas   Rd  his    lif  4evr  turn  aroun 

Kow  HE  folowr  of  The   tfay,but  who  wud   Bliev  him? 
chap   9:26=READ=Nobody  trus   Bcuz  pas   ree  perscut  Xiian 
vs   27-Nobody  that   is,cept  man  nam  Barn 
(Ilus   boy  restaurant  &,  she  thinks   I'm  reiil) 
We  sed   las  wk  lthing:  bout  how  2B  frend  was  2B  encoura 
&.  this   aply   in  Bring  out   Bes   in  frend 
that   persn  need  2kno  he  4  real 
Js   stres   this   ovr  6   ovr   in  erthly  minstry, 
valu  thoz   considr  dre^s   of   society  wat   He  emphasiz 
Thoz  considr  sinrs  wat  He  rub   elbows  with 
The   pubs  , harlots  ,drun>s  ,s±k  St  diseas,all  the*  reoeiv 
His   encourag   that   they   wer  4  real 
"■  this   examp  wat   Barn  display  his  i.lif 
«Te   need   encourag  our  frends  &.  let  kno  we   think  th« 
they  4real  as  wel  &  bring  out  best   in  them 
Do  U  recal   1st   tine   evr  driv  oar?   cook  meal?  Or  1st 
tine   U  evr  did   sumthin  II  nevr  did  34? 
I  sur  thoz   1st   eforts  wer   awkwar   '•■  mayB  evn  hilarous 
lerhap  0  can  Ik  bak  &  laf   now, but   that  time   serius 
inxaxSkxtetK   Practic   oak  perf  &  this  how  Barn  &  P 
work  develop 
ll:25-26=read   Barn  went  2  Tarsu3   2get  S  &  they  in 

Antioeh  4  a  ji 
11: 29-30=  S  went   w/Barn  2   Jeru  with  an  offring 
13:1=S  continu   in  minstry  w^Barn  &  lern  chap  13  they 
form  1st   misnry  jurny  2frethr 

■■ilatship  devel   Bcum  apanant  wen  ?  cum  bak   Jeru 
4   Jeru  conI,he   1  of  key  ldrs   St  spkr  &  rscogniz   Idr 
of  Xpian  Church 
Also   Bcum  aparant     Barn  sort   of  fade    in?  bskgr 

Lesn  is   this=   pupil  shud  excel  teschr 


pupil   mor  efectiv  than  teachr 

C  in  this    that  2  bring  out  bes   in  frond     reouir   let 
frend   excel   whil   we  diai::" 

(Ilus  Sir   Salter  Scott   &,  Eobt.   Burns   enoourajment) 
i.'en   Jn  Bap  preach/baptia  B4   Js  cam  2plac  wher  knu  he 
on"      mesengr   prep  way  4  Lord  8-  so  cud   say  as  read   in 
Jn  ^;30=He   mus    increas,but   I  mus  decreas 
A3  gro  our  Xpian  livs.Js   mus   increas  &  our  persnl 
selvs   mus    Bcum   les  &  les   &  mor  in  tune  w/let  Him 
tak  precedent   in  our   live 
.'.a     eek  2B  frends  we   mus   let   our  frends   gro  &  Incrot 
in  ther  Tp  live   &   only  posib  wen  wil  2Iet  then  do 
this  by   seek  2  bring   out  best   in  them 
Barn  also   considr  as   encourapr  suml  considr  no  use 
Nephew   Jn  Mark  go  w/P  &  Barn  1st  misnry    .jurny.but  4 
sum  reaaii  quit  £  went   home   2   Jeru=Hl'AD/expl  SCRIP 
He   eonsidr  failur  by   P,but   Barn  Bliev  lad   need  nottu 
chanc  &  so  hav  fal   out  w/P 
E  refus  reconsidr  tak  Mark  &  he  •■■   silas   go  &  Hark  B 
Barn     went   own  way 

(But   1  use   this   2  hav  2   misinry   ,-iurnys   same   tirne,wh 
sho  pud  can  cum  fr  bad   &  L  directs) 
But    this    siding  w/Mark  cost  Barn  dearly   in  eys   of   Oh 
St  Barn  los   promlnenc    in  the    Ch 
Not   only  that, but  his   nam  nevr  mentin  aerin  in  bk  of 
Acts   folo  read  of  Scrip  this   morn 
iltho   Barn  considr  minor   charactr   NT, 2   of  Trends  xrc 
wrot  mos   of   NT  &  w/posibl  exceptin  Luk  evr  author 
of   HT  was   frend  of  his   at   1  time 
By  accp  Hk  -■-  deaons'terst   Mark  hav  valu  P  cum  2pt  wher 
I    hin 
'.  also  wrot   Ooepl   ISc  wh  may  no  bin  dun  had  not 
Barn  work  at   Bring  Ou 

(Ilus  Fparky,Chaa   schultz        -  >anuts   cartoon; 
this   v  ip]    of   Bring  out  Pest   ".  how  nay  ly  hid 

&  nevr  develop 
Deeu  within  ea  values   that   if  -Dermit 

I  ■    ..     ■  ■        "•     ,;--,  "■   no  1  worthleB   regardlee   of 

alud^eM   Is   wil   PV^7  prlc'Ph^lT   a  "frend  &  sumtim 

that  pric  cos   a  prt  deal 
pric  was   pd  4us   Bcuz  G  thot  we  had  valu  &  that  coat 
was  very  grt  &   as   seek  bring  out  beat   in  othrs  mus 
Ik  byon  selvs   2   sore  4  bring  out  lrest=J 

(Ilus   poem  by  Brenton  T.   Bradley) 

need   21k  2  Sav  &  C  complet  surendr  wh  made    our  Bhalf 

kesxX  ft  if  wasnt   suprem  demon  Br  out  bes, then  no  othr 

demon  cud  pruv  it  elthr 

As    Mr.    Bradley  pt   out  poem, dare  we   sho  hands/feet 


2  God? 
Wat  has  sacfific  of  Js  4us,cdun  2  bring  out  the  best 
in  us? 

&  in  return, R  we  ctriv  2bring  out  best  in  frends? 
Do  we  encourage? 
So   we  mak  peopl  feftl  they  Re aft? 
Can  we  C  valus  in  evrl  regardles  who  they  R  or  wat 
ther  circurastancs  of  lif  R? 
G  wants  us  2  bring  out  beet  in  othrs  &  also  in 
ourselvs  4-  him 


"Bringing  Out   The   Best" 

Scripture :    Acts   15:36-39 

(Illustration  of    Johnny  Cash  and  the   sheriff) 

During  the  mid-fifties,   a  young  man  was  ±mxtxxn&  a  country  and  western 
singin  ;  sensation.      TTs   was    featured   at  the  C-rand  Old   Opry'  and  was  fast 
making  a   name   for  himself.      But  what   the  public  didn't  know  was   that  this 
young  man  though  outwardly  appearing  successful  and   on  the  way  up,  was 
hooked   on  drugs  and   on  his  way  down.      One   night   after  a  concert  he  went 
berserk  and  began  smashing  the   stage   lights.     Following  this   he  was   told 
that  he   would   never   sing   at   the    CJpry   again .      His   use    of   drugs   not   only 
affected  his  career,  but  his  voice,   hi'   wife,   his    .jab,   and  his   sense   of 
dignity,     -For  seven  years    it  continued  resulting   in  seven  arrests   *or 
traffic    accidents,    alcohol   and   drugs.      One    night   he   was   arrested   and    3pent 
it   night   in  jail.      The   next  morning     he     ;he  'iff        >ived  ;he   jail  and 

it      3     he  cell  of  thi        >u  1     1    n  to  rel<  1  •-   him,  "  iioc 

1  do  r  "explained   that  he  was   a  fan  of  his.      He   told  him  that   lock- 
ing him  up  had  broken  his   heart.      And   as  he   opened  the  cell  to  release  him 
he   said,    "Do  with  your  life  what  you  want.      Just  remember,   you've   got  the 
free-will   either  to  kill  yourself   or   change   your   life, 

-hat  was   all  this  young  man  needed   to  hear,     luring  the  next   month  he    Tsnt 
bo    9   cabin  with   :-oas   close   friend's   to  dry  out    ind    b  .      ■hich 

was    lestroying  his   life;      After   that  tenth    ■  -  •   up]       said,    "I    lid    Lt     .     hum- 
bling myself  ing   I   couldn1      h    ndle     '        Li   v       ad      h    I    I 
needed  ay  friends,   my  loved    ones,     nd     od.      \       man        1    ro]  rh, 

,  ank         '  an  unknown  friend,   the    sheriff,   the  very  best    'as   able   to  be  brought 

out   in  the   life   of    Johnny  Gash.     That's   the  third  thing  a  friend   is  which  we 

will  be   looking  at   this    morning.      We  first  read  of  a  man  named   Barnabas    in 

the  4-th  chapter   of   the  book  of  Acts.      Throughout  this  book  and  all  we  know   of 

Barnatoas ,    is   that  he   was   a    friend    of  the    church.      Hie   real   name  was    Jasepl 

w  * 

or  as  .-    rinture   records    it,    "Hoses."     But  f'  named   hin  tbasv" 

This  was   not  accidental  bees  ;  m     means,    '  '  0  ■, ._  ion, "or, 

"Son  of  enc  . "  -Ly  in  hi  -    /  n 

by  the  A  lurce  of  e  acour      nent  and  thi       .  ■  z 

1   his   life  .     Svery   3hri  l-  >nsibility   to  b< 

of  i  him, 

Barnabas  first  showed  his  knack  of  encouragement  after  the  conversion  of  Faul 

of  Tarsus,  fix  Saul  had  sought  the  death  of  all  those  who  followed  in  what  was 

known  as  2the  Way."  These  people  who  were  followers  of  Jesus  Christ  were 

avowed  enemies  of  Saul.   But  then  he  met  Christ  on  the  road  to  Damascus  and 

his  life  was  forever  turned  around.   Now  HE  was  a  follower  of  "the  Way," 

But  who  would  believe  him?   'A/ho  would  trust  him?  We  read  in  the  9th  chapter 

of  Acts,  verse  26,  "And  when  Saul  was  come  to  fferusalem,  he  assayed  to  join 
himself  to  the  disciples:  but  they  were  all  afraid  of  him,  and  believed  not 
that  he  was  a  disciple." 

Nobody  trusted  him  because  of  his  past  record  of  persecuting  the  Christians. 

Nobody  that  is,  except  a  man  named  Barnabas.  To  we  readi  in  the  27th  verse* 

"But  Barnabas  took  him,  and  brought  him  to  the  apostles,  and  declared  unto 

tt-em  how  he  had  seen  the  Lord  in  the  way,  and  that  He  had  spoken  to  him. 

and  how  he  had  preached  boldly  at  Damascus  in  the  name  of  Jesus  " 


-2- 

(Illustration  of  boy  in  restaurant  and  "Phe  thinks  I'm  real!) 
A  family  went  into  a  restaurant  to  eat.   TV,e  mtoher  and  father  sat  „t  a  table 
with  their  young  son  and  one  of  those  waitresses  who  are  few  and  far  between, 
an  exceptional  person  at  the  job  was  taking  down  their  order.   She  took  the 
order  of  the  mother  and  father  and  then  turned  to  the  boy.  Somewhat  hesitat- 
ing because  he  knew  what  the  inevitable  would  be,  said,  "I  want  a  hot  dog." 
But  before  he  could  say  another  word,  both  parents  said,  "No  hot  dog."   And 
the  mother  went  on,  'Vring  him  the  roast  beef  with  mashed  potatoes  and  the 
two  vegetables."  But  the  waitress1  wasn't  even  listening.  When  the  mother  had 

finiihed  giving  her  instructions  the  waitress  said  to  the  boy,  "What  do  you 
want  on  your  hot  dog?"  He  flashed  and  amazed  smile  and  said,  "Ketchup,  lots 
of  ketchup,  and  -  and  bring  a  glass  of  milk  please."   "Coming  right  up," 
she  said  as  she  tunred  from  the  table,  leaving  behind  her  the  stunned 
silence  of  dumfounded  parents.   The  boy  watched  her  go  and  then  he  turned 
to  h±p   parents  and  happily  said,  "YOU  KNOW  WHAT?   She  thinks  I'm  real  I   She 
thinks  I'm  real," 

We  said  last  week  one  thing  about  How  To  Be  A  Friend  was  to  be  an  encourager, 
and  this  apllies  in  bringing  out  the  best  in  our  friend.  T^at  person  needs 
to  know  that  he  is  for  real,   Jesus  stressed  this  over  and  over  in  His  earthl3 
ministry.   T^e  value  of  those  who  were  considered  the  dregs  of  society  was 
what  He  emphasized.   It  was  these  considered  as  sinners  that  He  rubbed  elbows, 
It  was  the  publicans,  those  hated  tax-collectors,  the  harlots,  the  drunks, 
the  sick  and  diseased.   All  of  these  received  His  encouragement  that  they 
were  "Real."  And  this  example  is  what  Barnabas  displayed  in  his  life.  We 
need  to  encourage  our  friend?  to  let  them  know  we  think  they  are  "For  Real" 
as  well,  to  bring  out  the  best  in  them. 

Do  you  recall  the  first  time  you  ever  trie!  to  drive  a  car?  Or  the  first 
time  you  cooked  a  meal?  Or  the  first  time  you  ever  did  something  you  never 
did  before?   I'm  sure  those  first  efforts  were  awkward  and  maybe  even  hilar- 
ious now  that  you  can  look  back  and  laugh  at  them.  But  at  that  time  they 
were  the  most  serious  things  you  were  doing.   We  read  in  the  book  of  Acts 
of  the  ministry  F*ul  had  with  Barnabas.   In  11: 25-26  ■■  we  read  that  3arnabas 
went  to  Tarsus  to  get  Saul  and  they  were  in  Antioch  for  a  year;:  then  Paul 
went  with  Barnabas  to  Jerusalem  with  an  offering,  11:29-30;  Saul  continued  in 
the  ministry  with  Barnabas  as  pointed  out  in  13:1;  and  then  in  this  13th  chap- 
ter we  read  that  they  formed  the  first  missionary  journey  together.   As  this 
relationship  developed,  it  becomes  apparent  that  when  Paul  came  back  to  Jeru- 
salem for  the  Jerasalem  conference,  he  was  one  of  the  key  speakers  and  a  re- 
cognized leader  of  the  C,_hristian  Church.   And  it  also  becomes  apparent  that 
Barnabas  sort  of  fade;«s  into  the  background.   The  lesson  in  this  is  that  the 
pupil  should  excell  the  teacher.  What  the  teacher  teaches,  must  be  grasped 
by  the  pupil  and  make  the  pupil  more  effective  than  the  teacher.   In  this 
sense  we  sec  that  bringing  out  the  best  in  tsm     friend  requires  that  we  let 
that  friend  excel  while  we  diminish. 
(Illustration  of  Sir  Walter  Scott  and  Robert  Burns  words  of  encouragement) 


-3- 

When  Sir   Walter  Scott  was   a  boy  in  school  he  was   considered  a  dunce.      Juite 
frequently  hi?   place   in  the   classroom  was   sitting   in  the  corner  with   the 
dunce   cap  on  his   head.      When  he  was  about  12  or  14  he  was   in  a  house  where 
some  lieerary  guests  were  being  entertained.     Robert   Burns  the   Scottish 
poet  was   looking  at  a  picture  under  which  some   lines   of   poetry  were  written 
He  asked   if   anyone   knew  who  the   author  was  and   no   one   knew.      No   one   that 
is   except  3±r  young  Walter  Scott.      Timidly  he  crept  up  to  the   poet's   side, 
named  the   author  and  then  rectied  the  rest   of  the  ooem.      Burns   was  delight- 
ed and  surprised.      Re   put  his   hand   on  Scott's  head  and   said,    "Young  boy, 
you  will  be  a  great  man  in  Scotland   some  day.     From  that  day  on  Walter  Scot- 
was   a  changed  boy.      One  word  of  encouragement  pet  him  on  his   leterary 
career  which  made  him  world  famous. 

When   John  the   Baptist  was  preaching  and  baptizing  before    Jesus,   he   came   to 

the   place  where   he   knew  that  he  was   merely  the  mesaenrer  preparing  the  way  of 

the   Lord.      And  so  he  coul*  say  as  we  read   in   John  5:30, "He  must   increase,  but 
I  must  decrease . " 

A„   we   grow  in  our   lives,    Jesus   must   increase   and  our   personal  selves   must  be- 
come   less   and   less   and   more    in   tune   with   letting  Hin  ioaxs   take   precedence    in 
our   lives,      And    as  we   seek  to  be   friends   we   must    let    our   friends   grow   and   in- 
crease   in  their   spiritual   lives   and  this    is    only  possible   when  we   are  willing 
to   let   them   increase  bj  Bringing  Out   The    Best   in   them, 

Eut    Barnabas   was    also   an  encourager   of   ^oraeone  who  was   considered    of   no  use. 
His   nephew   John  Mark  nia±±  accompanied   Paul  and    Barnabas    on   the    first   mi  - 
__     journey  but  for  some  reason  he   qui-   and    vreni  to   Jerusalem,      He   was   con— 

-   failure.      But   Barnabas   believe1    the  jeedei    another   chance   and 

because   of  this  he   had  a  falling  out  with  Paul.      Psail  refused  to  reconsider 
taking  Mark  with  him  and   so  he   and  Silas  went   cut,   while   Mark  and  Barnabas 
went  their   own  way.      Tvis  siding  with   Mark  cost   Barnabas  dearly   in  the  eyes 
of   the   church   and   Barnabas    lost  his   prominence    in  the    church.      Not    only  that 
but  his   name    is    never  again  mentioned    in  the  book  af   Acts  following  the  read- 
ing of   our   3  ripture  from  this  morning,      (read  and   explain  verses   36-39  as 
you  go  through  the   atoove). 

Now  although  Barnaba3   is   considered  a  minor  character  of  the    New  Testament, 
two   of  his  friends  wrote   much  of  the   New  Testament   and  withvthe   possible   ex- 
ception of   Luke   every   author   of   a   New   Testament  book  was   a  friend   of  his    at 
one   time.      By  his   accpetance   of   Mark  and  demonstrating  to  Haul   that   Mark  did 
have  value,   Paul  came   to  the   point  where  he  renewed  his   friendship  with  him. 
And   Mark  elso  wrote   the   Sospel  of   Mark  which  may  not  have  been  done  had!  not 
Barnabas  worked  at    "Bringing  Out  The   Best"   in  him. 

(Illustration  of    "Sparky"   and  his  value   later  as  creator  of   Charley  Brown) 
rfhen  he  was   a  little  boy  the   other   children  called  him   "Sparky,"  after  a 
comic   strip  character  named  Sparkplug.      And  he  never  did   shake   that   nick- 
el       Sar-*7  wl3  t   failui>e   in  ^hool.      Tie   failed  every  subject   in  the   Sth 
grade.      He  received  a  flat   zero  for  the   course   and  distinguished  himself 
as  the  worst  physics   student  in  his    school's  history.      He   flunked  Latin 
Algebra   and   ^nglish.      Everything!      He    even   flunked    srorts   although  he  was 
*«b   on  me   golx   team.        ut  he   lost  the  oil:-   important   match    ;1        year    ia 


well  as   the   consolation  match.      lie  was   not  much   of   a  mixer   and   moE- b    of   the 
other   children  ignored"  him  outside    of   school.      He   wasn\   much  at  dating  either 
because  he  was  tco  afraid  to  speak  to  s   girl.      In  general,   Sparky  was   a  loser, 

Bat   there  was   one  f  ing  Sfcpnricywhich  was    in  iortant   to  :  pa  •] 
drawing.      He    Loved    bo  i   ■•■■  •/  >u     or  his  .  no   one    ipprecia^ 

it.      Ii  school  he    subnitt  editors   of     he  year 

book,   b        almo  iictgbl;     bbe1  |ec    i  very  one   ■  Ise 

believed  that  he  had   no  talent,   he  decided  to  become   a  professional"  artist . 
After  he   graduated    from  high  school  he  wrote  to  Walt   Disney  studios   telling 
them  of  his  desire   to  become   a  cartoonist  for  them/     He  received  an  asnwer 
asking  for  sorae   samples    of  his   artwork.      It  was   suggested  that  he   show  a  Dis- 
ney character  repairing  3   clock  by  shoveling  springs   and  gears  back  inside. 
He  drew  the   picture   and   sent   It   off  and  then  waited  anxiously  for  a  reply. 
Finally  he  received  a   letter  and  his   work  was  rejected.      He  was    loser  and  he 
accepted  that  fact.      But  do  you  know  what   E  -arky  did?     He  began  to  write  his 
autobiography   in  cartoons.      lie  described   his    childhood,   the    little   boy  loser, 
the   chronic   underachieve!    and   he   did    it   in  a    cartoon  form  everybody  now  knows, 
-.'  e  boy  who  failed  the   8th  grade,   the   young  artist  turned  d  own"  by  Disney, 
the   one  wv.&:-h   work  wasn't   good   enough    F    i    the   class  yearbook    '  >ther 

than      -  -'  nroe   Schultz    the   creator   1  ""        au    - ''      nd    bhe    little   1  harlej 

Brown  whose  kite  would  never  fly. 

This    is    a  vivid   example    of    "Bringing  Out   The    Best."      Deep  within  each  person 

there   is  and  are  values   that   If  permitted   to  come   forth  can  be  a  blessing  to 

mankind.      No  one   is  worthless  regardless   of  the  circumstances   of  their  lives. 

Sod  has   placed   in  each  person  qualities  which  need   to  be  brought    for  "-. . 

i  id    Friend   i-:   willing   to   pay    ;he   price   to  help    9    friend.        o.^  bime  :    that 

prisre    costs     -         »a1     Leal.      T]       price  t  said  for  f  us   becuase 

-  -      p    such  vali  very,   very   costly.      '■.-  to  bra 

bhe  best   in  others  and  '  'ail,   <  ,.-  rom 

&  we  feel  thif         fai]  •         ,  aeed  to 

rce  f  c 

-'."'.'       '  3  It h  us : 

Lord,   when  I'm  weary  with  toiling 
And  burdensome   seem  Thy  commands , 
-  F  ray   load   should    le  d    to  complaining, 
.  03  d      .  ho  ■■    ae    Thy  hand  -  , 
Thy  nail  pierced   hands, 
hy  crc  1       ] 

>ur  !      (  how   ns    T]  y    I 

Lst !    if  m;       ootst 

II  red  fi 

If  desert  and   thorn   c^v:    3    -        Lng, 
Lord  I      how  re    T]  y    F<  et , 

Thy  bleed  "         "    >t , 

' ']  y  nail-  feet . 

r  ":-■■}  0  ir  :      '  Feet . 

r   God j  '  ,      '    -.- 

We   need  to   look  to  the   Saviour  and  we   see  the   complete   surrender  which  7Te 
i-    d      on  our  behalf.      If  that  wasn't  the   supreme  ±m^±xwf.  demonstration  of 
"Brining  Out   The   Best"    then   no  other  demonstration  would  prove    it  either. 
As    Hp.   Bradley  points   out   in  his   poerc,   dare  we     '    r     va     '    Ms    and   feet   to 


j-od?     What  lias   the    sacrifice   of    'nrr    foi   us    Eona   to    "Bring  Ou     The   B 
in  us?     And   in  turn  how   are     --       ;riving    ;o  H„ing   Out     he   Best    in   aur    friend^? 
Jt    <re      icourage?     Do  we   make   them  feel   that   they  are  real?      Can  we   see  val- 
ues  in  everyone  regardless   of  who  they  are   or  what   their  circumstances  cf  life 
are?      Sod    wants   ua   to  ^:n±zx  be  Bring  9u  Jest    in  others,    and   in  our 

se'lv  II. 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  October  27,  1985 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
Mr.  Norman  Gour,  Trombonist 

Robin  Kaiser  and  John  Penrod,  Acolytes 
+  +  +  +  +  +  +■+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +■ 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude  "I've  Found  a  Friend,  0  Such  a  Friend" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
* Ascription 
*Call  to  Warship: 

Pastor  -  The  Lord  is  in  His  holy  temple: 

Let  all  the  earth  keep  silence  before  Hira. 
People  —  Surely  the  Lord  is  in  this  place , 

This  is  none  other  than  the  house  Of  God t 
and  this  is  the  gate  of  heaven. 
Pastor  -  God  is  a  Spirit,  and  they  that  worship  Him 
must  worship  Him  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 
Come,  let  us  worship  Himt 
*Kymn  No.  430  "Reach  Out  to  Jesus'1 
■"Invocation  -  Hymnal  page  103 
Responsive  Reading  -  Hymnal  page  438 
Hymn  No.  465   "Jesus,  the  Very  Thought  of  Thee" 
Pastoral  Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  "Abide  With  Me"  (Organ,  Sax,  and  Trombone  Trio) 
♦Doxology  -  page  382 
Anthem:   "Touch  a  Hand,  Make  A  Friend" 
Scripture:   I  John  4:  7-10 
Sermon:  "The  One  Who  Counts1' 
•Invitational  Hymn  Mo.  417  "Just  As  I  Am,  Without  One  Plea" 
•Benediction 

++++++  #Cangregation  Standing  ++++++ 


Hospitalized:  Mildred  Wiles  -  Community  Hosp.  Grove  City 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  130  with  12  visitors 

MONDAY   -   Volleyball 
TUESDAY   -   Aerobics  6-7 
THURSDAY  -   Aerobics  6-7 

Basketball   7:30-9:30 

November  is  our  month  to  push  wheelchair  patients  at  the 
VA  Hospital.   If  you  would  volunteer  to  help  now  it 
will  sure  help  out.   Contact  Art  Snyder  if  you  can  help. 
We  need  approximately  a  people  each  Sunday.        , 

The  movie  Cry  From  the  Mountain  has  been  held  over  for 

another  week.   See  the  local  paper  for  times  and  showings. 

The  adoption  of  the  budget  for  1986  and  the  Election  of 
Elders  and  Deacons  for  1986  will  be  held  on  November  10. 
This  will  be  held  immediately  following  the  worship  servic 
in  Rehoboth  Hall.  Those  running  for  election  will  be 
posted  on  the  bulletin  board  in  the  Narthex. 

3  ' 

service   m  Hehobotb  Hall. 

'I'hifi   is  a  chance  Tor-  some  fellowship  to^-ethei- 
_    and  we   invite   each  of  yoU  to  be   a   pLt   Sr  that. 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 
Mr.  it   Mrs.  Edi  Walker  in  memory  of  loved  ones. 

Ushers  for  today  are  Dick  Mangel,  Dick  Dally,  Don  Kingsley, 
and  Ed  Walker. 

Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Michelle  Henry   and 

Mrs.  Bonnie  Gannon. 
Bill  Thompson  and  Kevin  Snyder  will  be  visiting  the 

hosp:   1  this  week  * 


"Tt,e   one   vmo   uounts" 
■  Scrip:    1   Jn  4:7-10 
tllus   Arthur  &  Timmy) 

A  frend  is   1  who  can  say-I   luv  II  &  mean  it 
If  U  had   chanc   2Bcum  frends   w/suoil  worl  perhap   natin] 
import, intrnatinl  who  wud  U  ehooz?   Fres  US?   Movy  stai 
tfp*   infl  persn  wud  U  pik  2B  frend? 
1   U  chooz   2B   frend   of   G? 
In  Bit  man  mentin  3  time   do   ;jus   that- Abe»Frend  of  G 
Eut   2B  frend  of  G,work  both  way  &  lern  fr  Bib  G  desii 
2B  frend  ea  persn  Individ 
This  wat    Jn  say  Scrip-va   7-READ 
2  requirmen  of   B  frend  of  <3=lst   is   2  luv 

in  society  hav  distort  vu  luv- (boy  ft  luv  if  no  rain, 
Mow  there   luv   in  actin  £  this   lsnt  wat    Jn  writ  bout 
His   Btipulatin-vs   7B 
rs   8-add  defnitin  of   luv  ft  1st   Bib  vs    lern*  Jn  J:  16 

1st  step  2B  frend  of  0   is  2  kno  Him 
(Ilua   Mk  Twain  &  dottr  say  kno  evrl  eept  God) 
lsad  comtarys    lif  2kno  many  peop  &  yet   no  kno   1  who  Ci 
va   9-G  desir   2E  frend   evr   li*ivid  evr  walk  erth  ft  did 
thru  r  on   Ja   Xp 
Js   liv  same   lif  II  &   I  liv  &  read  Pcrip  no  sin 
same   tempts ,des irs , all  things   lur  fr/G  ft  no  sin 
He   sho  cud  faav  felship  w/G,a  nu  felship  wh  restor 
relat^hiu  B   ori=r  want  4mank  wen  plac   nan  Gardn  Edn 
man  sin.turn  fr/G  &  thlr  brok  eternl  relatship  wh 
G  want  2shar  w/man 

entir  OT  testmony  G'a   eforts  reator  relatphip:sent- 
iudfes ,Friestatpropha, kings   all  2no  avail 
man  simply   no  return  2him=do  so  4awhil,then  pin  agin 
only  way'  G  cud   ovrcum  was   2entr  worl  way  wh  man  cud 
ierst 
He  cud  no  cum  suprhuroan  Bcuz  man  wud   kno  he   cud  nevr 
atain  that   statur 
So  G  chos   cum  as   nothr  humn  B, sural  man  cud  relat   2 

So  cam  as    Js  Xp  5  this  wat   Jn  expl  vs   9B 
Js   sed=I  cim  2piv  II  lif   &  giv  mor   abundantly 

ft  wat   abundant   lif?   Lif  hav  snsers  wh  worl  no  caiiRii 
It   lif   liv   in  5-  thru  G  Himself 
vs   10-fancy  word   mean  atonement- (expl  Hay  Of     ,t , ) 

Jn  sav.blud   animls   no  4giv,tuk  blud    Ja  Xp  2do  that 
vs  14.bo  U  p-et   ful  meaning?    v'nd  II  rathr  B  frend   nothr 
mere   mortl,or  wud  U  lik  ?B  frend   of  Th  1   '■'ha   Count? 
CHus  revivl   in  Denver    Jan  ?0,    1905) 
This  revivl, but   notic   describ  Q  as-King  of   Univera . 
Cud  mer   erthly  monarch  atain  ?uch  statur?  _ 
MO  a  thousan  times   NO-G  the   Omnipotent  reiwieth. 


in    u»   -vp; 


|  nut   wny  aici   u   cum   trena    m   pei 
.  l"t=man  cud  hav  4frivnes,lk  vs   15 
'    a  relatship   estab  £  dun  t;ji)  faith 

That  wat    Jn  mean  conf ea=2conf es   sumthir.   Is  2say   I 
Bliev  it   5-.  2   Bliev  it    is   2  hav  faith 
£o  if  a  paern  say=I  Bliev    Ja   Xp  cam  in_2  worl  ?^sv 
"triors  Jc  pav  lif"  1   sinnrs,then  I  hav  4e:ivnes  thru  H 
I      Gospl    Jn   chap   1:12. HEAD 
Do  II  get   that?   Thoz  receiv  Kim  as   Sav  &  L,thoz  peop 
Beum   oona    of    Z 
I  That  mean  thev  lltrly  torn  in"1    Easily  of  God 

They  Bcusi  heirs   of  all  G  has   eternty  ^mank  &  the 
brokn  relatship  is  mended 
Kan  agin  hav   aces  2  G  2sfaar  His  riches    in  Glory 

He  heir   of   G   ft   jnt  heir  w/Xp 
"emem'cr  Arthur  prisonr  ppok   af?«(H*st  of   3tory; 

This  Gospl  mesag  of    Js  Xp 
"erhaps   hav  had  tranf ormatin  in  lif   ft  kno  wat   I  say 
MayB  U   nevr  surendr   lif  2    Js  Xp  4  acpt  ^giv  He   frel; 
offr  2any  &  all  who  wil  cum 
This  morn.G's   H  Sp  mayB  deal  w/Ur  hart  that  U  need 
2acpt  wat  G  fpely'wish  2giv  U  thru   Js  Xp 
I'm  go  ask  U  2t»ak  comit  B4   let  nothr  day  pass 
U  may  get  nothr   op, but   may  not  ,11  no  kno 
Lets   stan  &  bow  heds : 
U  mav  not   B  sur  U  hav  9'a  salvatin,4pivnes  thru  Xp 
U  may  made   comit  but  bakslid  &  need  reded.recomit 
Vat  evr   ciroumstane.if  G   spk  2Ur  hart,  if   G'a   3p,H  ^p 
spk,I  go  ask  2cum  4ward 

D0nt  let   anyl,anjthin  keep  V  fr  cum 
Ur  wifAusban  can  no  do  41), only  U  can  setl  wher  U 
wil  spend  eternty 

,thr  wilB  w/G   or  seprate   fr  Him 
this  mos   import  dec  lain  D  wil  evr  mak   in  Ur  lif 
1    Lets   pray  6  then  wil  sing  dor   hymn, during  wh  time 
I  urg  U  2respon  if  G  spk  2U 


"The   One   '//ho   Counts" 
Scripture i    1   John  4:7-10 

(Illustration  of   Arthur  and   little  Timmy) 

To  anyone   seeing  a   man  named    Arthur   stepping  off  the  bus    in  Kingston 
Ontario,   he   looked   like   any  other  man  in  his   suit  and  topcoat.      He 
could  have  passed  for   a  salesman  or  pimply  a  grandfather  coming  home 
to  visit  hi?   grandchildren.      He  was   53  years   old  and  the    incredible 
thing  about  that  age  was  that  he  had  spent  42   of   those  years  behind 
bars . 

His   prison  career  began  at  the  apce   of   11.      No  prison  seemed  capable    of 
holding  him;    and   no  prison  system   seemed    capable    of  breaking  his 
spirit    or  reforming  his  behaviour.      He   servei    24   of  those  years   in 
solitary  confinement.      For   17  months   he    sat    on  death  row.    He   took  part 
in  prison  riots;   broke   a  guard's   arm;    antoher's   collar  bone,   and  brough.1 
about  the   death   of   a  sherriff ,      In  a  orison  in  Indiana  he   stole  40  p 
pounds   of  cyanide  with  the    idea   of   poisoning  the   entire   prison  staff. 
He   spent   31  months   on  Devil's    Inland   in  a  5  x  7  cell,   chained  by  his 
neck.      Society  had  no  hope  for  him,    they   Just  tried  to  confine   him. 
But  something  happened    in  Arthur's   life   in  Leavenworth,   Hans as   that 

imatically  changed  his   life.      A   minister   and  his   son  visited   the 
prison  one   day.      A3   lit-  year -old    Timmy  followed   hip   Dad  down  the  row   of 
cells,    for  some  reason  he  paused  at   Arthur's   cell,   and  smiled  and  winkec 
Tnat  did    it.      Arthur  responded  by  callinsr  Timmy  back  to  his   cell   and 
he  began  to  verbally  abuse  him.      He   called  him  every  name  he  could,   and 
cursed  and   swore   at  him.      The  boy  stood  there  taking  what   Arthur  dished 
out  and  broke  down  in  tears,      "fihen  Arthur  had  finished  his   tirade,   Timnr 
said   to   Arthur,    "I   love  you."  all   of 

Arthur  ^aid   later,    "That's  the  first  time  in.mv  life  anyone   ever  told 
ne   that , "  A 

i  ^riend   is   one  who  can  say   "I  love  you"  and  mean  it.      If  you  had  the   chance 

to  become   friends  with  someone   in  this  world   who  perhapr  was   of   national 

fame  or  reputation,    or  known  world-vide ,   who  would  you  choose"      7ouId   it  be 

the  President  of  the  United   Spates?      A  nove   star?     Or  a  TV  personality? 

;Iho  would  be   the   rao~t   influential  person  you  could  pick  to  be  your   friend;'! 

lid  you  perhe         choose   to  be    a  friend  of   God?      In  the   Bible  a  man  named 

Abraham  is   mentioned  three   time  being:   just   that,    "A  friend   of  God." 

But   to  be   a   friend   of    "od   it   works   both  ways   and  we    learn  from  the   ^ible 

that  God  desires  to  be   a   friend   of  each  person  individually.      This    is  what 

John  is   sayiner  in  our  portion  of   Scripture  this  morning.      In  the    7th  verse 

he  writes,    "Beloved,"  and    that  word  means    "Dear  friends'."      lear   friends 
let   us   love    one   another:    for  love   is   of  C-od;    and  every  on  ]     is 

■n  of  God,   and  knoweth  God," 

ire  the  n       Lrem    i         if  t    ing    9  friend  of  r;nc ,      The  first   one   is   to 

love.      In  our  society  we  have  a  somewhat  distorted  view  of  love.      We  speak 

of   love  ssxfenzxag  very  loosely  and  hive   many  misconceptions   of   it. 

(Illustration  of  boy  writing  note  to  girlfriend) 

m       tan  wrote   a  not  girl  friend   and    said,    "I  love  you  so  much 

Id  swim  the  •.      •  -  you.    X»d    climt   t]       hj    -  ,.  . ;  • 

.    d   crosi    the-bu:  j  ,        z      .      ■  .,       .  ;-n> 

■  ----=,    Love  Tm     P.P.  .  -. 

Now  there's  real   love   in  action.      And  this   isn't  «w    t  u 

na  mis  isn  t  what   John  was  writing  about 


-2- 

His   stipulation  about   love    is   that,    "Every  one  that  loveth  is  born  of  God, 
and  knoweth  God," 

But  he   adds   in  verse   8^   "He   that   loveth  not  knoweth  not  God;    for  Gos   is   love 

There  is  the  true  definition  of  love  and  one   of   the  first  Bible  verses  almosl 

anyone   learns    is,    "God  so  loved  the  world  that  He   gave  His   only  begotten  Bon, 
that  whosoever  believeth  on  Him,   will  not  perish  but  have  everlasting  life. 

John  3 : 16 . 
The   first   step  to  being  a  friend  of  God   is  to   "Know  Him,n 

(Illustration  of  Hark  Twain  in  Europe   and   daughter's  remark) 
Mark  Twain  was  visiting  in  Europe  and  he  received   an  invitation  from  the 
Emperor   of  Germany  to  dine  with  him  and  the  royal  family.      His   little 
daughter  when  he  told  her   of  this   said.    "Daddy,  you  know  most   everybody  in 
the  whoie  world  don't  you?      Except  God!" 

One   of  the  sad  commentaries   of   life   is  to  know  many  people   of   all  walks   of 

life   and  yet   not  to  know   "The   One   Wao  Counts," 

John  goes   on  further  to  explain,    "In  this  was   manifested  the   love   of  God 
toward  us,  because  that  God  sent  His   only  Son  into  the  world,   that  we 
might  iaxEx±i*B   live   through  Him." 

God  desired   to  be   a  friend  of  each  and  every  individual  to  ever  walk  the 
face   of  the   earth  and  He  did   it  throurh  His  ron  Jesus   Christ.      Jesus   lived 
the   same   life   that  you  and   I  live   and  yet  we  read  ±±   in  Scripture   that  He 
did   it  without   sinning.      He  had  all  the   same   temptations,   all  the   same  de- 
sires,  all   of  the  things  which  seek  to  lure  us   from  God,   and  yet  He  was  able 
to   overcome   all  of  that  and  not  sin.      He  was  showing  us  that  we  could  have 
fellowship  with  God.      A  new  fellowship  which  retored  us   to  the  relationship 
God   originally  wanted  for  mankind  when  He  placed  man  in  the  Garden  of   Eden. 
Kan  sinned  and  turned  from  God  and  this  broke  the   eternal  relationship  which 
God  wanted   to   share   with   man.      The   entire   Old   Testament   is   a  testimony  of 
God's   efforts  to  restore  that  relationship.      He  sent    judges;   then  He  sent 
priests   and  prophets;    then  He   sent   Kings   and    all  to  no  avail.      Man  simply 
would  not  return  to  Him.      He  would  come   to- the  realization  that  he  was  a 
sinner,   repent,   be  restored  and  then  p;o  off   on  another  tangent   of  deeper 
and  worse   sin.      The   only  way  God  could   overcome  this  was   to  enter  this  world 
in  a  way   in  which  man  could  ixxsxfcix  understand.      He   couldn't   come    into  the 
world  in  the  form  of   a  super-human  because  man  would  know  that  he  himself 
could   never  attain  that   stature.      So  God   chose   to  come   into  the  world   in  the 
form   of  another  human  being,   someone   man  could  relate    to;    someone   man  could 
identify  with.      And   so   He   came    in  the   person  of    Jeaus    Christ.      This    ia  what 
John  is   explaining  when  he   says,    "That  we   might   live  through  Him."      Jesus 

showed  the  way,   he   lived  the  life.      He   said,    "I  come  to  give  you   life  more 
ahunadantly." 

And  what   is   the    "Abundant    life?"      It   ie    a  life  which  has   answers  which  the 
world  cannot  give.      It   is   a  life  that    is   lived   in  and  through  God  Himself. 


-3- 

John  tells  us  further,  "Herein  is  love,  not  that  we  loved  God,  hut  that  He 
loved  us,  and  sent  His  Son  to  be  the  propitiation  for  our  sins." 

That  fancy  word  simply  means  "the  atonement,"  for  our  -ins.  The  Jewa  in 

the  Old  Testament  days  celebrated  a  day  on  which  their  sins  were  supposedly 

forgiven  in  the  temple  and  that  day  was  called,  "The  Day  of  Atonement." 

On  that  day  the  high  priest  sprinkled  the  blood  on  the  mercy  seat  and  this 

was  to  forgive  men  of  their  sins.  That  day  is  still  celebrated  today  by 

Orthodox  Jews  around  the  world.   But  John  tells  us  that  the  blood  of  bulls 

and  goats  could  not  give  man  the  atonement  and  it  took  the  blood  of  Jesus 

Christ  to  do  that.   That  sacrifice  of  Jesus  was  the  "atonement"  for  our  pins, 

John  goes  on  to  tell  us  in  the  14th  verse,  "And  we  have  feen  and  tesitfy 
that  the  Father  sent  the  Con  bo  be  the  Saviour  of  '■   world," 

Do  you  get  the  full  meaning  of  what  John  is  saying?  Would  you  rather  be  a 

friend  of  another  mere  mortal,  or  would  you  like  to  be  a  friend  of  "The  One 

,vho  Counts?" 

(Illustration  of  revival  in  Denver,  Friday  January  20,  1905) 

For  two  hours  at  midday  all  Denver  was  held  in  a  spell... The  marts  of 
trade  were  deserted  between  noon  and  two-o'clock  thia  afternoon  and  all 
worldly  affairs  were  forgotten,  and  the  entire  city  was  given  over  to 
meditation  of  higher  things.  The  Spirit  of  the  Almighty  pervaded  every 
nook.  Going  to  and  coming  from  the  great  meetings,  the  thousands  of  men 
and  women  radiated  this  rpirit  which  filled  them,  and  the  clear  Colorado 
sunshine  was  made  brighter  by  the  reflected  glow  of  the  light  of  God 
shining  from  happy  faces,  ^ledom  has  such  a  remarkable  sight  been  wit- 
nessed-an  entire  E±iy  great  city,  in  the  middle  of  a  busy  week  day, 
bowing  before  the  throne  of  heaven  and  asking  and  receiving  the  blessing 
of  the  King  of  the  Universe." 

T^is  was  revival,  but  did  you  notice  how  it  describes  God?  "King  of  the 

Universe ','  Could  a  mere  earthly  monarch  ever  attain  such  stature?  No  a 

thousand  times  NO,  God  the  Omnipotent  reigneth! 

But  why  did  God  come  to  earth  in  the  person  of  Jesus  Christ?  First, that 

aan  could  have  forgiveness.  Look  at  what  John  says  in  the  15th  verse,  "Who- 
soever shall  confess  that  Jesus  is  the  r"on  of  God,  God  dwelleth  in  him  and 
he  in  God," 

A  relationship  is  established  and  it  if  done  through  faith.  T,  at  ia  what 

John  means  by  confess.  To  confess  something  is  to  say  I  believe  it  and  to 

believe  is  to  have  faith.  So  if  a  person  says  I  believe  that  Jesus  Christ 

came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners  and  He  ±±A   gave  His  life  for  sinners, 

then  I  have  forgiveness  through  Him.   And  back  in  the  Gospel  of  thif  same 

John  in  the  l?t  chapter  the  12th  verse  John  says,  "But  as  many  as  received 
Him,  to  them  gave  He  power  to  become  the  sons  of  God,  even  to  them  that 
Relieve  on  His  name." 

Do  you  get  that?,  To  those  who  receive  Him  as  Saviour  and  Lord,  thore  people 

become  Tons  of  God.  Tnat  means  they  are  born  into  the  family  of  God,  They 

become  the  heirs  of  all  that  God  has  in  eternity  for  mankind  and  the  broken 

relationship  is  mended.   Man  can  again  have  access  to  God  to  rhare  in  His 


-4- 

riches    in  Glory.      He   is   an  heir   of  God    and  a   Joint-heir  with  Christ. 

Do  you  remember  Arthur  the   prisoner  we  mentioned   at  the  beginning''     T,.ere   is 

more   to  his   story, 

(End   of   story  of  Timmy  and  Arthur) 
Timmy  began  to  write   letters   to   Arthur.      He  would  write   to  him  and    share   his 
concern.      Timmy  prayed   for  him.     For   seven  years   those   letters   kept  coming, 
and   correspondence  was   exchanged  between  them;   until    Arthur  finally  broke 
down  and  he   said,    "Every  letter  was   stained  with  his   tears.      I  couldn't 
take   it  anymore.      I  got   on  ray  knees   and  came  to  the   lord." 
But   God  did  two  miracles    in    Arthur's    life.      The   first   was   to  transform  a 
hate-filled, max  violent   man  into  a  man  of   love   and   with  the   ability  to 
care  for   others.      Then  God   saw  fit  to  have  him  released  from  prsion  in 
spite  of  his  background  and  record.     Theug  he  had  cancer,  he  set  about 
telling  others   about    Jesus   Christ  with  the  years  he  had   left. 

This   is  the   Gospel  message   of   Jesus   Christ.      Perhaps  you  have  had  this 

transformation  take  place   in  your  life   and  you  know  what    I'm  talking  about. 

But  maybe  you  have   never  surrendered   your  life  to   Jesus   Christ   and   accepted 

the   forgiveness   He   so  readily  offers   to  any  and  all  who  will  come.     This 

morning,    God's   Holy  Spirit   may  be   dealing  with  your  heart   that   you  need  to 

accept  what  Cod  has   so  freely  given  through   Jesus    Christ,      I'm  going  to  ask 

you  to   make   that   commitment   this  morning  before   you    let    another  day  pass 

without  doing  it.      You  may  get  another  opportunity,   but   again  you  may  not. 

You  don't   know  that, 

let's   stand  please   and  bow   our  heads.      You  may  not  be   sure   that  you  have 

God's   salvation,   His  forgiveness   through   Christ,      You  may  have  made   a   commit 

ment  sometime   ago,  but  you  need  to  re-dedicate,    or  re-commit   your   life  to 

Him.     ''  -  circumstances,   if  God   is  -  your  '  e   rt,   if  the 

Holy  Spirit,   God's  Holy  Spirit   is   speaking  to  your  heart,    I'm  going  to  ask 

you  to  come   forward.      Don't   let  anyone   or  anything  keep  ypu  from  coming. 

Your  wife   or  your  husband   can't  make   this   commitment   for  you.      Only  you  can 

settle  where  you  will  spend  eternity.      It  will  either  be  with  God,    or   it 

will  be   separate  from  God.      This    is   the   most   important  decision  you  will 

ever  make    in  your  life.      Let's   pray  and   then  we  will  sing  our  closing  hymn 

during  which  time    I  urge  you  to  respond   if  God   is    speaking  to  your  heart. 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler*  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  November  3,  1985 

Mr,  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr,  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
Acolytes:  Becky  Milliard  and  Megan  Hewis 
+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  ++  +  + 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude :  Autumn  Leaves 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
•Processional  Hymn  Mo.  32  "How  Firm  a  Foundation" 
♦Ascription 
•Exhortation 

"Confession  (In  Unison)  "0  Thou,  whose  tender  mercies  are 
over  all  thy  works,  humbly  and  sorrowfully  we  pray  for 
thy  forgiveness.   For  every  weakening  and  defiling 
thought  to  which  our  minds  have  given  harbor;  for  every 
word  spoken  hastily  or  in  dark  passion;  for  every 
failure  in  self-control;  for  every  opportunity  we 
have  lost  to  do  good;  and  for  loitering  feet  and 
procrastinating  wills,  grant  that  as  the  days  go  by, 
thy  Spirit  may  more  and  more  rule  in  our  hearts 
giving  us  victory  over  these  and  all  other  sinful  ways* 
This  we  ask  in  Jesus 's  name.      Amen, 
♦Kyrie 

♦Assurance  of  Pardon 
•Praises  Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  glorious  name  forever. 
"Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No.  607  "Where  Ha  Leads  Mefl 
Call  to  Prayer:  Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray, 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory   "The  Solemn  Prayer" 
♦Doxology  -  page  382 
Anthem:   "He'll  Take  The  Hurt  Away" 
Scripture:  Deuteronomy  11:  18-21 
Sermon:  "The  Word  Is:   Revelation" 
♦Closing  Hymn  No.  606   "He  Leadeth  Me,  0  Blessed  Thought" 
♦Benediction 


♦Closing  Chimes 
Postlude 


♦Congregation  Standing 


^ 


-^k, 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 
Mrs*  Ellen  Schildroth  in  memory  of  loved  o^es.. 

Ushers  for  today  are:  Dan  Bosko,  Karty  Henry,' John  Snow 

Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Jane  Snyder. 

Mr.  &  Mrs.  Marty  Henry  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 
door  this  morning. 

Bob  Dellen  and  Dan  Bosko  will  be  visiting  the  hospital 
this  week. 

Attendance  last  Sunday  was  200+  with  41  visitors. 

MONDAY  -  Volleyball  6:30  -  9:30 

Women "s   Mary  Prugh  -  7:30 
TUESDAY  -  Election  Day 

WEDNESDAY  -  Council  meeting  at  7.: 00  P.M. 
THURSDAY  -  Basketball  7-9 

FRIDAY  -  BFBC 

LECTION  DAY  AT  ST.  PAUL'S  is  November  10th.   This  will 
be  held  immediately  after  the  service  in  Rehoboth  Hall. 
At  this  time  we  will  have  the  election  of  Elders  and 
Deacons  as  well  as  the  adoption  of  the  1986  budget. 
Nominees  for  election  of  Elder  -  none 
Nominees  for  election  of  Deacon  -  Ray  Isherwood 
Rick  Vinroe  Herb  Shearer 

Bill  Pflugh  Ben  Vensel 

Marie  Henry 

The  beautiful  green  ferns  on  the  chancel  have  been  given 
by  Mr.  &  Mrs.  Charles  Fleeger  to  the  glory  of  God. 
ovember  is  the  month  for  our  church  to  push  wheelchair 
patients  at  the  VA  Hospital.   If  you  can  help  for  the 
next  few  Sundays,  please  contact  Art  Snyder, 


'REMINDER:  Did  you  send  a  thank  you  to  your  friend  who 
attended  with  you  last  Sunday?  If  not  please  take 
a  minute  and  do  so.  ^'X}fi'i      £  t-       7 A  */^*T  /l  a*.  TfyiT. if  _ 
J>  ,  *p   /tar  £Ma\t4>*t    *    #**» 

0*1     '^L«  <    ?     J' 


■*^r    &A^/£    t„Uj£, 


COTOTOHIW  BIBLE  CHURCH  -  SAGAMORE,   PA,    -  NCVFKHFR   *,   lqgfi 

PRELUDE 

nRFmrr.K/.lOYfi/AimTt'T'CEI^NTSARaYER   REQUESTS 

MEETING  H  FELIO  HER   WTER  CHURCH 


•mow 

PRAYER/OFFERING 
'D0X0LO3Y 

PASTORAL  PEAYER 

HYMN 

SCMPTUHE:      DEUTERONOMY  11:1^-21 

SERMON:      "THE  WORD  IS:    REVELAT!    N    " 

ST.   PAUL'S,   Rl'TLFR  -  ll/5/ft5 
•HYMN 
•BBfEDCmON 
•POSTB 


:    DT   ll;l8-21;    SEEM:    "TH/WORD  ISl    REVELATION" 
(ILUS  JOMAMN   A.    STRTHmrjy.  R-ELT.;   Ki-GAEJifua.TJl/BIBLK) 

tuns  sn  err  &  <JX3E  togs?) 

HEBE,  IS    eg'"ffAE"   AS    SEEN    IN    AM,  WALKS   OF  LIT 

"■    BIBLE  IS   LCOKEn   AT    kS   HKTim   MEANING   h   PURPOS   OR    IT  IS 
ECTD 
TE   TH/STBL  IS   ?HAV   ANY  MEANING   OR    PITRPOS    IfANYONES   IIP  MU.'IB  SEEK 
'•WAT  TT  IS 
TK/BTBL   rS  CAIiD  =   THE  WCRD  *    EH/OUR    SCRIP  WE  CAN  C  THAT  THAOp 

IS   FTljjST  OF  AfrT. "BEV^l.r- ! 

SO   IN   ORDR  3DNIWST  THIS  WE  BhTiST   DBDRST  TH/lMPOPTANC   OF  REVELA 
WAS  SPK  2TSRELTTES   TN  THIS   SCRIP 

HE  GTV  THEM  TNSTRUCK   VFHER   LIVfi  R-  TELLS   THEN VERSE  18 A 

Vgnffi=MT  WOUfi   —  HE  SPK  THEM, BUT  THEY  WER  &  R  G'S  WORDS 
THIS   THEN   IS  TH/WOHD  OF  GOD  — — 

•iOSB-CTSTOH  OF  TAK   it   SPECIHC  PCS   OF  SCKP.WT  CN   PARCHMENT, 
PLACE  W/IN   SMAL   LEATHB  ROXi  WEAR  ON    ARM  d,   ON   TH/FOi 
PHARS   SOTOSULI  WCR  ALL  TH/nME,BlIT  COMON   PEC  ONLY   AT  PRAYTIME 
TH/PUSPOSl!=TC_KE?:F  -N    FRONT  CF  THEM 

REMIND  THEM  WAT  G  RF'.Jin 

BUT  MOR  THAN  Till;:,   Host's  WROTE V1L2-1 

Vr.   1Q.HYTP  ONLY   IMPORT  HAV  G'S  WORf!  EVID  IN   UP   LIF.BUT  PTEACH   UP 

CHILDREN 
THATS  WEN  U  SIT  IN  UR  HOME 
?TFACH  t,  TALK  BOUT  IT  WEN  U  S   AT  UR   DAILY  CHORES 
2THTNK    BOUT  G'S  WORD  TK/LAET  THING  B^   UCLOS   UH  EYES    IN   SLEEP 

2THINK   BOUT  G'S   WORD  TH/EIRST  THING  WEN  S  WAK  UP 
IF  G'S  WORT)  TAKR   ON  THAT  IMPORT  IN   PERMS    t.IF,    G    JTL  CERTTNLY 
HAV  PRE-EHINENC   OVH   ALL  TH/WORLDLY  THING  WH/NORMI.Y   CREEP   IN2 
I       OUR   LIVS 


VE. P. NOT  ONLY  2KM       '  •     ,;j',;T  IMPERTIV  WE  TEACH  ODD  CfflXPRH** 

"II OJ2JEES. 

VSS  20-?l=MOSES   SAW   THIS    IN:'.THUCTTN   AS  GO   BYONPj  TALK/TEACH 
TT  WAS  2B   SEEN    IN   ALL  ASPECTS   OF  THER   LIVS 


AN   OT  3EKNARY   PROF  TAUT 


TH/FIRST  <tHUKS  OF  THJ( 


T  '  D  TTK   2SHAR  W/YOU   A  REEUTATIN   OF  WAT 
W"  I   WAS  THER 

.   THINKING  WAS   TEAT  MOSES    DIDNT  WIT 
OLD  TESTAMENT 

•■=HEjajULJllIJ)(BIT 

whzt;    bcj  no  evidenc  of  librarys  p«rin«  ins  time 

onjhel 
if  ie  knu  wat  he  was  talk  about  he  wit!)  hav  known  ther  was  an 
t'kttnct  cultos  ft  gpp  of  people  known  as  the  sdmebia] 
thez  pso  livd  jus  b'->  th/ttme  of  abraham 
ther  was  an  extensh  [jbrary  wh/they  had  a  archaeology  pruvs  i 
ther"  is  sc  of  egypttn  lth  .   paisd  as  an 

HSYEHAU 

THEN   THER  IS  TH/EVTWNC   FR/THE  BIBLE,    ROD'S   i/OHD 
KMIKgtiMKJIEXBXfHISv 

Exoms  ;4:P7-g8^iF  ggsxs  citdnt  writ  >;ir  wun  god  tel  him  jorsr  i 

'  ALSO  UR7  WIID  MOSES   TEL  TH/PEO  2WRIT  ON   THER    DOORPOST.';,    IF  HE 
DIDNT  KNO  HOW   TO  WRIT  ft   THER  WER  NO  WRITING   MATERIALS   ARNT  THFN 
WAT  HOSES    IS   SHAR   IS   TH/REVELATIN   OF  r,    THRU    HIS  WORD 

Ann  he  i-  to.  oe  Td/iY.KTktr,  i 

VS  gJaJHIS  IS  G'S  DESIR   Fl  .'.TIN 

r.'TF)  TO  GIV   MANKIND  A   HE1.ATJNSHIP   vJ/HIH   1   TTTS  WAT  HE  SAY 
V£_21B=HFAVEN    UPON   EARTH 
PHAV    HVN   DION    RRTII   WODB  2HAV   TH/ACTUL  PRESEHC   OF  G  IN   MUST  OF 
".IHD 

THEN  MOSES   WHOT  NOTHR  TIME   AS    END  IN    DEBT  ?£:29aREAD  THIS 
-th/tkings  HEVEALD  RLONG  TO  US  ft  OUR  CHILIiRN  <*ever 

ehh  words  g  wants  ds  ?hav  his  bevlattn  &  that  hevt.atin  can 
only  gum  fr/his  word 

fnttr  purp  of  g's  word  is  2reveal  htm  completly  ft  fully 
it  in  his  word  ft  nowher  els  we  lern  of  his  plan  4thi  saiv  of 
th/worlu 
he  has  rfveald  this  thru  js  xp 

HOW   PIP  OOP,  PEVEAI,  ffTMSEL|77   SAB   >:.<■. 
N  I  KBDM  floj 

THER  R   3EVRL  ANSRS   BUT  A   GUD  CONCRET   DFFINIT  ANSR  WH/CUMS   FR/GOD 
^    Hi:-  WORD  IS   TH/BFS? 

GUP.  EXAHPi,  IS   BIHTB  OF  JS  XP 
MATTTPEV  7:1-7  WE  FIND  A  Gilt)  EXAKPL 


KT  2:1-?  ^ 

THFZ   MEN   WER   AST! JLOORS/STABGAiiEHS 

I    MADE   THLB  LIV  BY   STUDY  STABS   ft  WAT  HOVHENTS  KENT 

StJMEOW  THEY  KND  THAT  AI  EAEANC  OF  SPECIL/UNKNOWN  NEVR  B*  SEEN 

STAR   MENT  BIRTH   OF  SPJSCIL  PFWSON 
T"   1   ASCERTAIN   IT  MEN?  TH/BIP^H  OF  ROYALTY 
^  WEN   SAW   STAR   IN  EAR",    THEY  BGAN   T^ER  QUEST  <tTH/ANSR 

THE;'  LERNED  MEN  WEB  DIPECTD  TO  JERUSALEM  ft  THER  TOEY  LERNB 

VSS   3-fi=SO  AFTR  HEARTH'-   THIS  SPBCII  REVELATIN  WE  READ 

VSS  ,2-11-.™  HK,rH  KAD  THER  FULEST  REVELATIN  ft  1»ALL  TIME  IT  RECORD 

BABY  BORN  THER  WAS  TH/KAVIOR   OF  TH/VOBLD 
FRAHTS  WE   LERN   G  USES   WATEVH  MEANS   R   AVAIEBL  2MAK   HIMSELF  KNOWN 

'/'■■■■■   'OS    OF  REVELATIN 
ON"-'  :v  ■:-  ■-•,;'  ^rfad  ?vpc«  rr  ■■:•:     km    2SOON  DISCOVS  v,;,!   [5  A 
SINHP  IN  NFED  OF  SALVATIN 
FROM  TH/BEGIN  MAN  SINND  ft  TURND  FR/GOD 
SO  THEN    PURPOS    OF  RF"EMTTN   CIR4S   'tTH   BOH/.  Q   REVEAL! 
TH!    0HI.T  Off'  WHO  CAN   SAV  MANKIND  FR/ETRNL   DAMNATIN 
THIS   THEN  GIVS   US   TH/REVEI.ATIN  OF  ETERNAL   LIF  &  TH/VICTRY 
WH/CANP  OCRS  OVR  SIN  J.  DFTII.TITRD  JS  XAP 
ft  THIS   IS   REVFAI.D  THRU  G'S  HOLY  WORD 
(ILCS.OF  JOHANN  STRINDBERO  ft  HIS  CONVFRSI M ) 

(ILirOFHJ '•  Ttf  GUIDE) 

r.nn'qjiOBn   -   -  TJE.  WORD   —  Tft  PEgf|rJTTnM 
"GOD  BEVE1LEP  HIMSELF  TO  US  COMPLETELY   Ti!RCUGH  JESUS   CHRIST 

APE  V7E  READING  ft  LERNING  ABOUT   HIM  BY  USING  GOD'S  WORD  ON    * 

REGULAR  BASIS 11 

.;'/   TIME  "4EI/RTHING   ELS   TNSTEDT'.  V'.' 
OOP  GRANT  WE   P    LEHNING   FR/HTS  WORD 


"The   Word   Is:    Revelation" 
I  Scripture:    Deut.    11:18-21 

Unex   sevrl  wks  R  go  2  Ik  Doct  fr  stanpt       Bibl 
w/Bibl  all   Doc  actul  start  &  apart   fr/Bibl  hav  no 
basis  4  Blief ,Bcuz   fr/Bibl   lern, kno  all  ther  is  2 
kno  of  &   about   G 
Tr    -ft, we   C  1st  of  All  the  Bibl-G's   Word   if   1st  or   all 
K./elatin  -   "The  Ward    Is:   Revelation." 
(Ilus   Johan  A.   STrindberg  &  regard   of  Bibl) 
(Ilus   of  Sir   Salter   Scott   &  The   Book) 
Here  contras   C  in  all   of  lif-eithr  Bibl  has   purp  S. 
meaninr  4indivld,or  has   nothin  2offr. 
So   if   Bibl  2hav  mean/purp  4anyl  lif   musB  6  ftwat   is   & 
1st    thing  we    C   is    it   -REVELATION 
&  in  ordr  2underst  this ,mus  underst   import  of   Revel 
2do  so  mus  go  bak  2  OT   6  Ik  wat  tug  plac   lif   Isites 
in  tine   of  Moses 

He   giv   instruc  4ther   livs  as  red   in  rcrip  5=  say— 
vs   18a-MY  WORDS«R  ftgo  things   spok  2thera  of   Lord 
they  his  words  fr/stanpt  he   spok  them  but   in  actul  f 
fact  they  words   of  Sod 
vs   iSb-custom  tak  specif   Scrip  writ  parch, out   strip 
S.plac  within  lethr  boz   &  wear  arrowhead 
Phars   suposed   wor  all  time, but   oomon  peop  prsyrtime 
purp  was   2keep  G'a   Word   in  ther  site   2remin  wat  G 
want   &  desir  of  them 
vs   l^-Moa  tel   import  not   only  hav  G'a   Word  , but  teach 
cbildrn-sit.teach/talk  wen  do  daily  work, think  of   G 
B4  clos  eyes  Asleep, think  G's    '.'ord  wen  open 
If  G'«     'ord   tak  on  that   import  persns   lif  G  wil 
certnly   hav  pre-em  ovr   all  worly  things   creep  livs 
we   not   only  2kno  G'a  word , but   impertiv  teach  othrs 
&     .specil  our  childrn.faralys 
But   go   Byon  teach, Moses   say-vss   20-21 
(Tak "time  refut  wat  taut    3emnary  bout    KoSes   no  write , 
<fat  Mos  shar   is   revlatin  G  thru   His    -ford, but   its 
import   is  wat  pt   out 
S   alway  wanted  ralatship  w/nan  &  wen  Mos   say  Q  want 
giv   them- as  days  hvn  upon  erth-he   stat  wat   G  s   desir 
is   ft   His   creatin 
2hav  hvn  upon  erth  wudU  2hav  actul  presenc   of  Ci   in 
midst  mank 
fcblf   Ik  chac  29,vs   ^9  C  Hos   Add  2  wat  .-ay  here 
"things  wh  reveal    "Ion:"   2us        Sour  enildrn  4evr,m 
othr  words-G  want   us   2hav  His   revelatin       that 
revelotin  can   only   oun  fr   His  Wart 
"ntir  purr    '  'a    '-,ri  ia  2revaal  Bin  conpletly/ruliy 

in  Hia    .;ord  &   nowher  els  we   lern  His  plan  salv 

of  worl 

-eveel  thet  thru  Js  Kp 


, u  u u    vc     w 


l'r  C's   Bard  no   only   lern  import   oi 

means   of  Rev  , 

How  did   G  actul  reveal  F„lf   is   guest  man  ask 

Tow  can  I  honesly  kno  G? 

Ther   H  sevrl  answers   of   corse, out   nothin  ansers   iik 
a  def  eonoret  anaer   &  gud  examp  fnd   in  birth  Js  in  tft 

I'       :l-2.Thaa  men  wer  astrologers  ,r.targazers  S  tney 

made    livhud   of   study  star   &  wat   movments  meat 
fumhow  they  kno  speoil   apear  of  unkno  star  ment 
birth  suml  specil  .,    ,,,. 

ascertain  ment  birth   of  roylty        ao  wen  saw   specil  st« 

east,  ,  ,   r 

-...,,   Stem   --    ther   they  l«n=vs   3-6 

5o  afi  •  id       -evlatln  rei  '-n 

In  Beth  had   ther  fules  revlatin  &  4-all  time   it  reoon 
Baby  born  in  Beth  was  nun  othr  than  3av  of   *orl 
ihia   »e   ^    :   uae  watevr  main  waiibl  2uw  c 

_■        ,rd  of  1,G   cor  '  al   9el* 

j  His  Word  :n   s«V?28 

revlatin  of "  Himself  ,wh  bring  us  2  third  pt  &  that  is: 

The  Purpose  of  Revelatin  

1  duznt  hav  2read  2much  of  G's  Word  2soon  discovr  1 
of  main  purps  of  Revlatin  is  2sho  man  is  sin^ 
Fr  Bgin  he  sin  &  turn  fr  G  &.   then  purp  of  rev  cum  4th 
Bcu/g  reveal  Js  as  only  1  who  can  sav  mank  fr  etrnl 

dTh?fthen  giv  us  Revlatin  of  Eternl  lif  &  victry  wh 
can  B  ours  ovr  sin  &   deth      _ 
(Ilus  Johan  rtrindbera-  &  conversing 
G's  revelatin  came  2him  thru  Hi?  "«ord 
(r  id  poem- Amazing  Grace  by  J.  Danson  BaiSBJ 

Vr^lli-SnS'S^tl,  in  Js  Xp  I  thru  Him  we 
do  indeed  hav  Amazing  Grace 


"The  Word  Is:  Revelation" 
Scripture:  Deuteronomy  11:18-21 

7or  the  next  several  weeks  we  are  going  "bo  be  looking  a":  Doctrine  from  the 

i   of  T'-   is  with  th  s  Bible    it  a .  '  ..   illy 

Jtarbsr.   Apart  from  ;he  *ible  we       i       isis  for  belie",  :n:au>3  i; 

is  from  tbe  Bible  that  we  learn  all  there  is  to  know  cf  and  about  3od. 

3b.<:&S£  Therefore,  we  see  that  the  Bible,  God's  Word,  is  first  of  all  "Revela 

tion."   "The  V/ord  Is:  Revelation." 

(Illustration  of  Johann  A.  Strindberg  and  his  regard  to  the  Bible) 

Johann  A,  Strindberg  was  a  brilliant   edj    aov<     who    -  burn  in  ' "" 9 

]  912   1  "T  im  apar   ■  ]  :  '   1      q 

a  very  gifted  writer,  Is  his  regard  for  the  Bible.  He  absolutely  hated  it. 
He  attacked  it  for  years  in  a  most  ruthless  and  visious  manner.   This  man 
received  many  of  the  world's  honors,  and  the  fringe  benefits  that  go  with 
them  but  like  Isaiah  prophesied,  "  here  is  no  p<  ic  ,  3aith  my  <od     t<  the 

-'."   Isaiah  57:21.   He  had  three  troubled  and  stormy  marriages  and 
his  life  was  filled  with  frustration  and  problems.   But  in  spite ^of  his 
hatred  and  hostility  to  the  Bible  he  had  never  read  and  studied  the  Pcrip- 
ture  to  find  out  what  it  eaid, 

(Illustration  of  Sir  Walter  Spott  and  "The  Book") 

Sir  Walter  S^ott  was  another  brilliant  writer  in  Scotland.   Just  before 
his  death  he  was  taken  into  his  library  and  seated  by  a  large  window  where 
he  could  look  at  the  scenerj.   As  he  sat  there,  he  called  to  his  son-in- 
law  to  s*txk±n  "Get  the  Book"  and  readr-to  him.  During  his  lifetime  he  had 
accumulated  one  of  the  largest  libraries  in  the  world  and  so  his  son-in- 
law  asked,  "Prom  what  book  shall  I  read?"  Scott  replied,  "There  is  but 
One."  He  son-in-law  read  from  the  14-th  chapter  of  John  and  Scott  listened' 
devotedly  and  then  said,  "This  is  a  great  comfort.   I  have  followed  you 
distinctly,  and  I  feel  as  if  I  was  to  be  myself  again." 

Here's  the  contrast  as  seen  in  all  of  life.  Either  the  Bible  has  purpose 
and  meaning  for  an  individual,  or  it  has  nothing  to  offer.  So  if  the  Bible 
is  to  have  any  meaning  or  purpose  for  anyone's  life,  it  must  be  seen  for 
what  it  is.   And  the  very  first  thing  that  we  see  that  "The  Word  Id,"   is 
that  it  is  "Revelation."  So  in  order  to  understand  this  we  must  understand 
first  of  all  the  "Importance  of  Revelation." 

To  understand  this  we  need  to  go  back  to  the  Old  Testament  and  look  at  what 
had  taken  place  in  the  life  of  the  Israelites  during  the  time  of  Moses. 
Hosesi  is  speaking  to  the  Israelites  as  we  read  in  our  Scripture  this  morning 
He  is  giving  them  instructions  for  their  lives  and  he  tells  them,  "Therefore 

shall  ye  lay  up  these  wraax  my  words  in  your  heart  and  in  your  soul." 
The  words  he  calls  "My  words,"  are  the  foregoing  things  he  has  spoken  to  then 
of  the  Lord.   They  are  his  words  from  the  standpoint  that  he  has  spoken  them, 
but  in  actual  fact  they  are  the  words  of  the  Lord. 

SLh^°Si2Ue;:,/And  bind  them  for  a  siPn  "P°n  ?°v*   handm  that  they  may  be 
as  frontlets  between  your  eyes,"  *         y        y   Le 

'What  Moses  is  talking  about  *as  the  custom  of  taking  four  specific  niece,  of 

."Cr1"*  """  " * striP  "  ParohMnt  M  then  *"*-«- 

small  leather  box  and  wearing  them  on  the  arm  and  on  the 


-2- 

forehead.      The   Pharisees   supposedly  wore   them  all  the   time,   but   the   common 
people   only  worecthem  at  prayertime.      But  the   purpose  was   to  keep  God's 
Word,    literally  in  front   of v them.      To  remind  them  of  what  God  wanted  and  de- 
sired  from  them.      But   more   than  this,    Moses   points    out,    "And  ye    shall  teach 
them  your  children,   speaking  of  them  when  thou   3ittest   in  thine  house1,    and 
when  thou   walkest  by  the  way;p  when  thou   liest  down,   and  when  thou  risest  up 

What   Moses   is   saying  is   that   it   is    important  to  not  only  have  God's   Word   in 
evidence    in  your  life,   but   to  teach  your  children  when  you  are   sitting  at  iuc 
home;    to  teach   it  and   talk  of  it  when  you   are   out  about  your  daily  chores; 
to  think  about  God  's   Word  the   last  thing  before  you  close  your  eyes   to  go  to 
sleep;    and  to  think  about   God's    Word   the   first   thin?:  when  you  wake   up. 
If  God's   Word  takes    on  that   importance   in  a  person's   life,   God  will  certain- 
ly have  pre-eminence   over   all  the  worldly  things  which  normally  creep    into 
our   lives.      W6  are   not  only  supposed  to  know  God's   Word,  but   it   is    imperative 
that  we   teach   it  to  our  children  and    others. 

But    Moses   saw  this  as    going  beyond    Just   talking   and    beaching  because  he  adds: 
"And  thou  shalt  write   them  upon  the  doorposts   of  thine  house,   and  upon  thy 
g^tes:   That  your  days   may  be   multiplied,   and  the  days   of  your  children, 
in  the   land  which  the  Lord   aware   unto  your  fathers   to  p;ive   them,    as   the 
days   of  heaven  upon  earth." 

First   I'd   like   to  point    out   a  sidelight    on  these  verses   and  that    is   to  pub- 
licly refute   that  which    I  was  taught   in  seminary  about  ancient  writing.      My 
Old  Testament  professor  taught   that   Moses  did  not  know  how  to  write  because 
there  kexk   is   no  evidence    of  libraries   during  his  time   on  earth.      But  if  he 
didn't   know  how  to  write    or   there   -'/ere    no  written  materials    around   during  his 
lifetime,   fcnw  why  would  he   tell   anyone   to  write    something  Mnixiiwax   on  the 
doorposts   of   their  houses?      What   Moses    is   sharing  here    is   the  revelation  o£ 
God  through  "is     ,'ord.      But  he   is  telling  of  the   importance   of   it.      Sed  always 
wanted  a  relationship  with   man  and   so  when  Moses   says   that  God  wanted  to  give 
them,    "As   the   days   of  heaven  upon  the  earth,"  he    is   actually  stating  what 
God's   desire   for  His   creation  is.      To  have  heaven  upon  earth  would  be   to  have 
the   actual  presence   of  God   in  the  midst   of   mankind.      Moses   added  to  what  he 
was   saying  here   in  the   29th   chaster,   verse  29,  where  we  rpad:    "The   secret 
*    " ■"      ?lon^  unt°  *h-^   kori   our  God:   but  those  things  which  are  revealed 
belong  unto  us  and  to   our  children  forever,   that  we   may  do  all  the  words   of 
"C  n  is    xslw  * 

The  "Things  which  are  revealed  belong  into  us  and  to  our  children  forever." 
In  other  words,  God  wants  us  to  have  His  revelation  and  that  revelation  can 
only  come  from  Mis  Word,  rhe  entire  purpose  of  God's  Word  is  to  reveal  Him 
completely  and  fully.  And  it  is  in  His  ,/ord  and  no  where  else  that  we  learn 
of  His  plan  for  the  salvation  of  the  world.  He  revealed  that  through  Jesus 
Christ. 

30   it    is    from  Sod's    Word   that  we   not   only  1-rn  tho    im„,t 

wttij    i-rn  tne   importance    of  revelation 
ut  we   see   the    Means    of    Revelation.      How  did  God   actuallv  reveal  ^imslgf   is 


-3- 

the  question  man  repeatedly  asks.    "How  can  I  honestly  know  God?"      There   are 

several  answers   of  course,   but   nothing  answers   like   a  definite   concrete  ajtzxs 

answer.      God  answers   the   searching-  heart  and  a  good  example    is   found  in  the 

birth  of    Jesus.      In  the  G0spel   of   Katthew  chapter  ?,  verses   1  and  2,  we  read: 
"Now  when   Jesus   was   born   in  Bethlehem   of    Judea   in  the   day.3    of   Herod   the   kins 
behold,   there    ;o-i   wise   men  from  the  east   to    Jerusalem,   say ini  >    "Khere    is 
He    that   is  born  King  of   the    Jews'      "^r  we   bane   .-^en  His   star  in  the   east 
and   are   come   to  worship  Him." 

These   ™en  were   astrologers   and   stargazers,      ?.  ey  made   it  a   livlihood   of 

studying  the   stars   and  what   their  movement?    meant.      Somehow  they  knew  that 

the   appearance    of   a   special   unknown  or  jsnEixKKXustzx  before   unseen   star   meant 

the  birth  of   -one   special  per:fn.      They    -i^certainec1    that   it  ne 

of  "  oyalty.     So  when  they      iw     "  :    special  in  the  i  "  1 

their  quest  for  the  answer.  2»±xz2uca3S»xxxara*xxaxHiBXiafiifccg±ica3i-rt3iiEXHxxxHr^x 
ShExxiHaxHHcbctliai  These  learned  men  were  directed  bo  Jerusalem.  There  they, 
learned,    (read  verses   3   through   5).     fo -after  hearing  this   special  revelatio] 

read;,    (read  verses    a  through   11).      In  Bethlehem  they  had  their  fulls 
revelation  and   for  all  time    it   was  recc  'ded  ■'.■„     torn  in 

.*  i  ;    none    other    ;han  bhe         'iour    of    the   world.     Prom  this  we   see   that   God 
uses   iksxi8BX3flzX£Sx3i*2Z±az±an:::c-:x-<,::-c.:  ■:     •  --  vailable    bo   ma] 

Himself  known.      And  even  though  we  have   the  written  Word   of   Sod,   God  con- 
tinually reveals  Himself  to  mankind   in  many  ways   to  point  man  to  His   Word 
so  he  can  receive  the  revelation  of  Himself,      Which  bring  us   to  the  third 
point  and  that   is    "The   Purpose   of   Revelation,"     One  doesn't  have   to  read  too 
much   of  God's    Word  to  soon  discover  that   one   of  the   main  purposes   of   its 
Revelation  is  that  man  is   a  sinner.     Prom  the  beginning  he   sinned  and  turned 
from  God,      And  then  the  purpose   of  revelation  comes   forth  because  God  re- 
vealed  Jesus   as  the   only  One  who  can  save   mankind  from  eternal  damnation. 
This  then  gives  us  the  Revelation  of   Eternal  life  and  the  victory  which  can 
be  ours   over  sin,   and  death. 

(Illustration  of    Johann  A.   Strmndberffc  and   his   conversion) 

In  the   later  years   of   Johann  rtrindberg 's   life,   especially  during  his  fatal 
illness   God's  Holy  Spirit   continued  His   work  in  this   man's   life.      He  finally 
picked  up  the   Bible  and  began  to  carefully  read  and  study  its  pages.     On  the 

day  before -;his  death  he  called  his   family  to  his  bedside   and  taking  the   3ibl< 
in  his   hand  from  the  nighstand,   he   said,    "Every  personal  grudge   is   now  gone. 
I  have   settled  with  life,   my  accounts   are  closed,   the  Bible   is   the   only  ''true 
guide."     Then  he  requested  that   they  place   on  his   breast   in  the  casket   the 
book  that   he  had  fought  for  so  long,      kt  his   funeral  which  was   attended  by 
thousands,    they   pang   one   of   the   hymns  he   had   learned   to   love   after  his    late 
conversion,    "Nearer  My  God  To  T"ee." 

J.   Danson  Smith  wrote: 

Amazing  Grace   -  that    in  the  past 

Back   in  eternities   so  vast   - 
The   Father  God  His    Son  should  slay  - 

The   sin  of  unborn  man  to  pay  - 
1  wonder  much   -  how  could   it  be? 


-A- 

Amazing  Grace   -  that   He   the   Son, 

The   Biassed   and  Eternal   One, 
Should   leave   at   lengfeh  the  hallowed   bliss 

Of   Heaven's   -unsullied   righteousness 
And  come   to  earth   and  take   the  place 

Of  every  man  of  Adam's  race. 

.'eil  might  angelie  hosts  have  '.vert 

•/hen  Christ  to  God  His  promise  kept; 
And  heavenly  choirs  had  ceased  to  sing 

At  sight  of  Christ's  darv  suffering. 
Tis   all,    indeed,    too  deep  to  trace; 

We   can  but   say   -    "Amazing  Grace." 

"The  WorcE   Is:    Revelation."     God   rev  laelf   completely  in   Jesus    Christ 

and  through  TJim  we  do  indeed  have   Amazin-   5race. 


St.    Paul's    United    Church   of   Christ 
Butler ,   Pennsylvania 
Rev.    Ralph  Link,    Pastor  November  10, 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr*  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
Acolytes:      Megan   Hewis   and   Becky  Hilliard 


+  +    +   +  + 


+  +  +  +■ 


ORDEH  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A,M, 
Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
•Processional  Hymn  No.  608  "Guide  Me,  0  Thou  Great  Jehovah" 
•Ascription 
•Exhortation 

♦Confession  (In  Unison)  "Almighty  God,  we  thank  you  for 
the  Church.   But  we  know  that  as  members  of  this  body 
we  have  not  always  been  as  we  should  be.   We  have 
accepted  your  Word  and  it  has  not  moved  us.  We  have 
heard  your  message  preached,  and  it  was  always  meant 
for  another  person,  and  not  me.   We  have  partaken  of 
the  Lord's  Supper  and  have  not  really  wanted  to  give 
up  some  of  our  petty  little  sins.   We  have  asked  for 
forgiveness,  but  have  been  unwilling  to  give  it  to 
others.   O  God,  come  to  us  anew  today.   Cover  us  with 
your  love  and  forgive  our  wayward  acts  of  sin  and 
disobedience.   Through  Christ  our  Lord.   Amen. 
*Kyrle 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 
■"Praise:  Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  glorious  name  forever. 
•Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No.  601  "Savior,  Like  a  Shepherd  Lead  Us" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 
Offertory 
•Doxology  -  page  382 
Anthem:  (medley) 'Tor  Those  Tears  I  Died/Something  Beautiful 
Scripture:  2   Timothy  3:  15-17 
Sermon:   "The  Word  Is:   Ir.Fpiration11 
•Closing  Hymn  No.  595  "Lead  On,  0  King  Eternal" 
"■Benediction 
•Closing    imes 


+  +-  +  +   +  +       Congregation  Standing      +  +  +  +  +  + 

The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mrs.  Grace  Gillen  in  memory  of  loved  ones. 
Ushers  for  today  are:  Dutch  Bolam,  Alta  Kradel,  Lois 

Stokes  and  Marilyn  Snyder. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs,  Sue  Gamble. 
Mr.  &   Mrs.  James  Gannon  will  greet  the  congregation  at 

the  door  this  morning, 
Don  Kennedy  and  Don  Kingsley  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week* 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  122  with  11  visitors. 

MONDAY  -  Volleyball  6:30  -  9:30 
THURSDAY  -  Basketball  7-9 

Choir  Practice  7:00 

J^Ncvember  is  the  month  for  our  church  to  push  wheelchair 
S  patients  at  the  VA  Hospital.   If  you  can  help  for  the 

next  few  Sundays,  please  contact  Art  Snyder. 

"■-BLOOD  DRIVE  is  being  held  on  November  20th.   There  are 

sign  up  sheets  hanging  in  the  Narthex  and  ^   the  bulletin 
board  off  Brugh  Avenue.   Take  a  minute  and  sign  up  bo 
we  can  make  this  project  a  success.   Contact  Marge 
Smiley  for  more  information. 
•IMPORTANT  MEETING  TODAY  will  be  held  immediately  after  the 
service  in  Rehobcth  Hall.   This  will  be  the  election  of 
Elders  and  Deacons,  and  the  adoption  of  the  1986  budget. 
Please  do  your  part  in  the  operation  of  your  Church  by 
being  present. 

THANKOFFERING  SUNDAY  will  be  observed  on  November  24th. 
Our  guest  speaker  will  be  Rev.  Robert  Dain  assisted  by 
Rev.  Link.  This  is  also  the  day  we  will  be  having  our 
food  drive  collection. for  needy  families.   We  hope  you 
will  support  this  project. 

.  -PLEDGE  CARDS  AND  TALENT  SHEETS  are  due  into  the  office 

on  November  17th.   Take  time  and  fill  it  out  now.   This 
will  help  us  as  we  appoint  new  committees  for  1986  on 
December  9th.   We  request  the  presence  of  all  committee 

chairmen  and  all  council  members  at  this  meeting. 

POINSETTIA  time  is  fast  approaching.  The  price  for  the 
Christmas  flowers  are  $6,00  each.   If  you  would  like 
to  purchase  one  to  grace  the  chancel  for  Christmas  let 
Ginny  know,  or  drop  a  note  in  the  offering  plate. 


community  bible:  cmmcH  -  ,  pa.  -  November  10, 

PRELUDE 

QBEETI  NG  S/JOYS/ANNOUNC  EMEN  T?,/l"HAYER  REQUESTS 

ANf.'UAL  MEETING  NOTES; 

SIGMQP   SHEET  FOH  CHRISTMAS    -  HOLIDAY  CHOIR 
HAS   BEEN  POSTED,    NO  TAKERS 
KATHY   MOROAM  WILL  DIRECT 
CAROL  BAILEY   WILL  PLAY 

we  need  rtnPT.v  -  pt.kjbk  .qTP.MTTR^ 


199* 


edToitt 


NEEnToUTH   DIHBCTOR   -  PLEASE  VOLirflTEER 
HESE  KELP   IN   SS,    PLEASE  RESPOND 

SUP  JOANN  FAIRMAN,    ASST.    SDPT  HABEL   LOHENM),    THEY 
NEED  ALL  TH/ltELP  WE  CAN  GIVE  THEM. 
IF  YOU  ARE  ASKED  TO   SERVE  PLEASE   DON'T   DECLINE.    WE 
NEED  YOU 
WE  ARE  (WING  TO  HAVE   A   PICTORIAL  DIRECTORY    -  THIS   IS 
PRESENTLY  BFJW3    WORKED  ON 
YOU  WILL  3E  CONTACTED  TO  RAVE   YCT'R    FTCTUHE  TAKEN 
NO  OBLIGATION    -  WILL  GIVE   fTATLS   US    AVAILABLE      ' 

t#»»£*\j     sine     J7**y    /t£/A/ 


Xbfj>*.     z„u~C/f    ,A/„^ 


i  tUSgf 


•HYMN 

PRAYER/OFEERTNC. 
"DOXCLOGY 

'ASTORAL  PRAYER 

HYMN 

SCKPTURF.!?  TIMOTHY      J:^17 

.'SERMON:      "THE  WORE  IS  J    INSPIRATION" 

ST.    PAUL'S,    BITTLEH   11A0/8S 
•HYMN 

•BENEDICTION 
•PCSTLUDE 

Ar-r 


iitii-nur=meai]5  ,eonvxcT;in  ,reDUK,a.iSCipj.in    &  t;ne*  words?/ 
hav  2do   w/propr   conduc    Ch  menibr,as   a    Bl*-vr 
we  2B  convic   our  harts  wen  sin/err   in         privat  & 
ch   llvs   &  G  's     ,'ord  wil   do   this 
Moody  sed=Eithr   Bibl  wil   keep  0  fr/sin.or  sin  wil  keep 

U   fr/Bihl 
S.  if  think  of   that,realiz   wen  read/medtat   B'S  >rord   H 
co      1c   wat  may  do  that  wrong*;  &  R  led  2  corec   it 
But;   if  no  kno  wat   in  S  T   \'ord   tel  bout   liv  Xpian  lif 
nayB  involv   all   sort  worldly  th  &  think  nothin  boutit 
If  mak  comptween  wat  did   M   cum  2  Xp,ft  aftr   C  dif 
CORRECTIN-mean-resotr   improv   Sb  mean  is   Pplac   Elievr  on 
rt  path  &  intrest  2note°;Repruf  ,corectin   only  use  here 
in  all   of   HI  &  shud   sho   import   piac  upon  propr  knowle' 
of   Behaviour   of   Elievr   shudB 
F  wrap  up=Instruc   in  Ritnes   &  mean-Eduestin  thru   Disci 
underly  root   word- Instructing  in  1st   part   worddltl  in. 
boy  or  child 
So  P  say=Inspir   G's   '.'ord  2act   lik  teaohr  4Blievr,giv 
necesary  disciplin  41if ,much   lik   smal  hoy  ?B  taut 
&  ap*in  reasa  is  Strain  Bjievr   in  riteness 
Aftr   cum  2Xp  then  Bpin  baffle  train  in  how, wat , why, Of 
being  a  Xpian 
..>   striv  Sward  riteusnes   I-cuz    Js   Beam   our  ritnes   &  we 
R  made   ritus    B4   G  thru   Him 
E    all  this   P  soy-vs   17="&  mus   pt    out-Perf   no  mean  this 
lif   sinles,but   seek  aftr   Godlines  ,ritusnes    ■'■  thez    mak 
perf   G  's   site 
im  13  23- B  perf  a3  J   in  hvn  is   perfeJs   sed   "erm/Mt 

&  all  this   furnish  us  4  lif  of   Blievr 
(Ilus   preaehr/wonan  no   Bliev) 

U  C  this   is   the   pt-if  we   no  Eliev  Bit  1, we  cal   G  liar 
liev   Bibl  revelatin,1:    Inspired     "'ord    of  G,or   3 
liar    "    we    may   as   welB  atheistr 

=  Jn  17:17«3anctify  them  thru  thy   trutr  :mhy   "r.i-J 
■nth 
How   if    Js ,th   1   we   profes    2B   our   "sv   pray   that   C   wud 

ictfy.OT  set  apart   thos  cm  ,   hru  His  ''ord, 

"    gdd    &*a   ''"ord    is   truth, then  anyl  oal  G's  "ord  wrong 
is   nothing  but  a   liar 
3   no  kno  ^11   ins/  .     =:<•]      -"      1]     rhy    *■ 

iow  use  peo:  ord,  : 

^If  we  wil  Pread   G's      ord, Ik  4  His   enlitment.He  wil  opn 
His   Inapir  Word   2us   Sc  faith  wil3  expand, &  wil  gro   in 
our  Xpian  walk.      But  musB  wil  2eubmit   ?disciolin  of 
Read  G's    ,'iDDd,lk  2  author  &  finisher  of  our  faith  2 
opn  our  harts   R-  minds, &  eyes  2  Him 
THE   u'ORD   13:    INSPIRATION 


I 


» 


Is :    Inspiration" 
crip:    2   Timrthy   3:15-17  ) 

Las  wk  Ik  G's   V  as   B  Revlatilljthis   wk  fco  2   Ik  r  ' 
BS-Insplratln-or.The   "ord    Is:    Inspiration" 
(   uot  fcjoo&rxxisliSKxSuxtKr:*  Chair   6    'theist  Bibl) 
(~ur>t   by   J.   Tidlow  Baxter) 

Do      pf   Insp   of    Scrip  bin  oaus   divisin   moBg      !"-■ ' 
rwx  Wk  an  issu  bin  sores   controversy  evn  tnorao 
7her4, Bourn  very  critlol  wat   Bllevr      audi  I  !at 

ment  by   term=The   Word    Is:    Ibspiration" 
'.Veil  say  -  inspiration, wat  do  we   mean? 

Lets   Ik  wat  I   say   in   "„rip  4this   morn 
L  writ   2yng  frend  in  faith-Tim jthot  so  hily   of  him  he 
treat   lik  own  son,&  If  bakup  vs  M-,read-R5AI) 
Tin!  son  Gr  fathr,Jew   Kothr,no   kno   if   F    vpian.eut   Pi 
was=Eunice,&  Gr   Mothr   Lois , both  kno  4   Xpianfaith 
Tney   taut   thir    2  Tim  fr  boyhud   on  &  P  mentin  in 
1st   chap  v«  5 
Wat   Tim  was   taut  was    1  of  G   as   all   Jew  boys  wer  taut 
from   litl  on  xp  . 

aiKB  ur<-   Blov  frend  continu   liv   faith  as  taut 
but   also-vs   143-kno   of   whom  thou  hast   lerned  them 
He   ?renem  he   lern  fr  2  sorces-lst=f amly  upbring 
2nd.fr  F  himself  .but  thoz    instrues  cum  fr   inspired*/ 
Katrulv,™  no   complet  thir   time, but   Blievrs  erly  CI 
had  witnes  OT  wh  tol   of   G'S  inapir   ''lords   concern 
luv  £   futur  rederap  wud   provia  4  raank 
•■  thoz   Llievr  also  had  witnes    Apostla  w/Js   minstrj 
vs   15-Ther  is   entir  purp   of   Q  send  4th    .v'ord 
Ml  tied  up   in  Salvatin  He   offr  thru    Js   Xp 
So  hav   sed   preceed  remark,?  go  on  2elabrat  meaning 
p    IHSPUt  AT  10  N 
Vb   J5A-ALL  wen  use  w/out   articLAll   Kg  ■  cr ip  mean 
EVERT.&  this   mak  mor  def=Evry  r_ip,no  excepting, AIL 
Eow  wer  they  givn?-vs   16B=Inspiratin  of  Q 
Inspiratin-Gr   2words-THFOT^3TOS=Theo=G,TheolOFy 

PHEUSrOS-to  breathe-Ineumatio.expl-Ereath  of  b 
ALL  or  EV1Y  Scrip  is   G  Ereathed  8    this  set  apart  as 
sumthin  simply   inspir  lik  burst  of   speed-racer ,suml 
Get   fired  up  uiooentarly=Bsseball  .football 
Deepr  TheoloR-icl  mean  is.G  Breathe   in2  all     crip 
wat  He     fant  There 
Acts,ientcost»lik  rush  of   mitey  wind-G'-'  Breath- 

Go  hav  pean  of   In3pratin,lets   Ik  at  purpos   of   it 
vs    162we   hav  4benefit,or   thin?--;   wh    Inap   profitbl 
rrofitbl-mean  aJvantar , Jnspi  :na   ?Bli( 

- liter l»teaching,&  wat  shudB  taut   Blievra? 


It   is  ■■ 


it   is  wau   wo        lev,       i    j 

wh  giv  us   our  stand  aeih  world 


B3  lav   ir  ,  Boctrin 


iui    inoi'j^JilH" 


fITiW.   OK  KAREN  UNDERLINING  G'S   NAME   IN   HER   BOOK) 

lis  wk  LeatB  t?  S*s  wesa  &s  b  -  revelatin 

THIS  WK   LOOKG'S  WORD  AS    -   INSFIRATIN  % 

OR   SIMPLY   PUT   -   TH/WORE  IS:    INSHRATICM  . 

(<3"y  by  J.  riiiin-i  BAXTsgJ  g 

■     iTN   OF  INSPIR   OF  SCRIP  HAS  &   DHZ  CAUS    DIVISTN  AMONG  BLIEVRS. 


IT  THEPA   BCUMS  TORY  CRITICAL  THAT  WE  AC   BLIEVRS   UNDRKT  JUS 

wat  in  hent  by  bj/inspiratin  of  scrip 

P  WAS  WRIT  PTIW  WHO  LIK  SON  TO  HIM 

NO  KNO  IF  FATHH  WAS  XTTAN 

DO  KNO  MOTTO   EUNICE.  j^JJEEiafflggL-LCIS   R  KNOWN  FOR  SINCERE 
FAITH  HAD  TAUT  TIM  FR/BOYHUD  ON 
I     HgfWH  THIJ   CHAP  1.    VS   -i    -   (RKAll  THTSl 
IVHY   P  CAN  SAY    -  US  1!»=BEAD  AGAIN 

UN  "AS   2RFMEM   HB  FKCEIVE  THEi<  INSTRI1CS   FR/TTO  SOURCES 
FJR5T:    FB/FAMLY   tTPBRTNO    -  «6B»  «l  GBNMCTHR 

EECCTTOj   FR/PA1H    HIMSELF   -   P   LED  TIM  2CHRISJ  %  NOW  TIM  MINSTR 

V5_1S=NT  NOT  CCHPIOT  WIS  ^IHE  S,   SO  OT  SCRIPS   WER  TR/BOSKS 
TTM    LFPN   FROM 
BLOTKS   ERI.Y   CHtmCH  HAD  OT  BfXIBKS    AK  WITNES   ?WAT  G  WDD  DO 
IN  FUTUR 

■■0   MEN  LIK   PAUL  CUD  IMPART  WAT   HAD  HERlVSKEN/KNCT  OF  MINSTRY   OF 

J"  -p  SS  -HIJTCoT  THPg  TTIgpiRp  6T  books 


! 


VS    M=(BEAD  AfiATN) 

!'.'■;■ 


IS   TH/ENTIR   PURPOS   OF  (1   SESTJ   HIS   WORD 
IT   ALL  TIED  UP  TN   TH/SALV  GO!)  OI'TRK   THHD  JS   XP 
VJ_  --'^NOW   P  ELAHOFATES    ABOUT  SCRIPTURE 
Th.     XRST  THING   HE  SAYS   T»    — -  VS   16a   -  BMP 
WEN  WORn   "ALL"    IS  USED  LIK   THTS  W/OUT  TH/ARTICL  T-H-E,    IT 
MEANS    "E-V-E-K-Y"  


THIS  THEN   MAKK   IT  VERY   DEFTNIT  fc   TH/MEANING   IS   2/ 

"EVERY"   SCRIP,    NOT  JUS  SUM   -  BUT   "EVERY"  SCRIP  GIV  BY  SINSPIR 

OF  GOD 
NO  BCCEPTIKS   -  THEY  R  ALL/COMPLETLY  GIVN  BY  G*S. INSPIRATIN 
WORD   INSPIRATIN   IS-   TWO  GRK   WORDS    -   THROPNEUSTOS 
THEO=GOD  -  THEOLOGY-STUDY.  OF  G_CD 
P"EUSTOS*MEANS  TO  BREATHE   -  FR/tHIS   WORD  CUMS   ENG-PNEUMATIC 

3  bniz  pneumatic  ait;  -  tools. tibes.  etc 
rut  'p  spk  of  "breath  of  god" 
deepr  mean  of  word  "inspiratin"  is  mhat  all  scrip  is  gjjreathd 

wind  h  sp  -  g  breth) 

V5   -  BENEFITS   OF  INSPfRAT]  RE  PROFITABL 

PROFITABLB=MEANS   APAVANTAQ.SO  INSPIRATIN  IS   ADVANTAGUS  2BLIEVR 
J=DOCTRINT   WAT  WE  BLIEV  &  WHY   -  TEACHING 
TT  IS   DOCTRTN  FR/WHICH  WE   TAK   OUR  STAND  IN   CH  AGIN  WCRLAORLDL1 
RFPROCF-CONVICTIN^KBTJK ,  DISCI' 

'THE?;  HAV  2D0  W/PROPR  CONDUCES   A  BLIEVR   &   CH  MEMBR 
(ILUS   D.   L.   MOODY  &  SIN  h  BIBL) 

■V/BIBL  WE  R  CONVICTD  WHTHR   WAT  WE   DO  TS  WRONG   OR   RITE 

TF  LOT  WAT  DID  B't   CUM  2XP  X-  WAT  WE   DO  AFTP,WE  C   BIG   DIF  -RITE?? 
CCBRECTIN-2REST0R  &  IMPROV    -  INSPIRATIN   ADV  FOR  THIS 
BASIC  MEANING   IS   2PLAC   BLIEVR  ON  RITE  PATH 

REPROOF  fe  CORECTIN  ONLY  FND  NT  BEEE  fc  SHOWS   IMPORT  OF  PPOPR 

K'iC'WLEDG  &  BHAVIOR  ^BLIEVR' 
IK  Tir^rTTT5NKS-FjyCAJTO_gfflUJ)ISCTPI  \ 

:nftT*goo¥ word  fojTinstrhctin  is=child/littl  boy 

P  SAY  INSP  OF  G'S  WORD  IS   LIK  TSACHR   *t BLIEVR  MUCH  LI K  SMAL  BOY 
IS   TAUT 
"THTS~THEN     WEN  CUM  ?XP  WE  BGIN  BASIC   TRAINING  IN  BEING   XFIAN 

THRU  XP  WE.HAV   RITUSNES  &   STRIV  BCDM  MCR  R-ITPS  2EMUJLAT  HIM 
VS  1?=THIS   POTPOS    OF   ALL   OF   fl 

•DLAIN   PERFECT=NOT  PEPF  THIS  LIF,BUT   STRIV    FOR   IT 
"^  PERFECT   AS   YOUR   HEAVENLY   FATHER   IS  PERFECT" 
THIS   FURNISHES  US  2LIV   TK/LIE  OF  TH/BLIEVR 

(ILUS  WOMAN  WHO  NO  BLIEV  WAT  PREACHR  PREACH   ABOUT) 
Tilts'  IS  TH/POINT 

IF  WE   DON'T  BLIEV  TH/BIBL  WE  R   CAL  GOD  A  LIAR 
WE  EITHR   BLIP/   TIl/BIBI,   I.'    TH/REV   OF  GOD, 8,   INSPIRD  WORD  OF  GOD, 

JS  PRAYDJN  17;17=3ANCTIFY  THEM  THRT'   THY  TRUTH, TH1  i_TRin 

IF  JF   TH/ONE  WE  PROFES   AS    -AVIOR.PRAYQJLWJICJANCTIFY/SET 
APART  THOZ  WHO  BLIEV  FR/THE  WORLDLY   LIF  THRU  HIS  WORD, 
It'  THEN  ADD  G^S"  WORD  IS   TRUTH ^TffiW  ANYONE  WHO  CALS  G'S  WORD 

WRONG '  T~S~~N0TH7N  BUT  A  IT  AR 
WE   DQNtTnO   ALL  INs7cT1T.r'   C,c-    TNST-TPATTN   K-   ALL  HIS   PLANS 

BUm  THIS  WE   DO  KNOW=IF  WE  R  WILL  3READ  ff'S  WORD.LK   FOT- 

FNLITNMENT.HE  WIL  CPfl  HIS-  TNSP  WORD  TO  TTS.OUlTFfllTH  utl,R 

EXPAND  fr  WE  WTL  OROTN  OUR.  XMAN  WALK 
BUT  MUSB  WTL  2SEEK   &   SERCH   -  HI6  WORD, G'S  WORD  IS   INSPIRATIN 


"The   Word   IS:    -inspiration" 

Scripture:  2  Timothy  5:15-17 

Last  week  we  looked  at  God's  Word  as  being  "Revelation."  This  week  we  are 

going  to  look  at  God's  Word  as  "Inspiration,"  Or  putting  it  in  another 

way,  "$he  Word  Is:  Inspiration." 

(Quote  by  J,Sidlow  Baxter) 
"The  biggest  division  between  Christians  is  no  lone-er  between  one  denomi- 
nation and  another,  but  between  those  who  accept  the  Bible  as  the  inspir- 
ed Word  of  God  and  those  who  do  not." 

The  Doctrine  of  the  Inspiration  of  Fcripture  has  been  the  cause  of  division 
among  believers,  and  the  third  doctrine  we  will  be  looking  at  next  week  has 
caused  even  more  controversy  and  division.  Therefore,  it  becomes  very  criti- 
cal that  those  who  are  believers  understand  what  is  meant  by  the  term,  "The 
.Vord  Is:  Inspiration."  When  we  speak  of  "INSPIRATION",  just  what  do  we 
mean.   Let's  look  at  what  Paul  says  here,  in  our  Scripture  this  morning. 
Paul  was  writing  to  his  young  friend  in  the  Faith,  a  man  named  Timothy. 
Paul  thought  so  highly  of  him  he  treated  him  as  he  would  his  own  son. 

If  we  back  up  to  the  14th  verse  we  read,  "But  continue  thou  in  the  things 
which  thou  hast  learned  and  hast  been  assured  of." 

Timothy  was  the  son  of  a  Greek  father  and  a  Jewish  mother.   We  don't  know 

if  his  father  was  a  Christian  or  not.   But  we  do  know  that  his  mother  Eunice 

and  his  grandmother  Lois  were  known  for  their  sincere  faith  which  they  had 

tau~ht  to  Timothy  from  boyhood  on.   Paul  mention;  this  in  the  1st  chapter  of 

this  letter,  the  5th  verse.  What  Timothy  had  been  taught  was  the  Word  of 

God  as  all  Jewish  boys  were  taught  from  little  up.   So  Paul  is  uraring  his 

beloved  friend  to  continue  living  the  faith  as  he  had  it  taught  to  him,  but 

he  was  also  to  remember,  "Knowing  of  whom  thou  hast  learned  them." 

Timothy  was  to  remember  that  he  receive-  these  instructions  f  urces < 

First,  they  came  from  his  family  upbringing.   His  training  and  teaching  in 

the  faith  as  riven  by  his  godly  mother  and  grandmother.   But  he  also  received 

these  instruction-  iu  the  faith  from  Paul  hims --If.   But  those  instructions 

came  from  ana  were  rooted  in  the  "Inspired"  Words  of  Sod.   Now  naturally 

the  :-  •  'estament  was  not  com  .  But  the  believers  in  the 

early  Church  h  3        a  \    of  the  Old  Testament  which  told  them  of  God's 

Inspired  Words  concerning  His  love  *nd  future  redemption  BxxihEH  He  would 

provide  for  mankind.   And  those  believers  had  the  witness  of  the  A.postles 

who  had  been  with  Jesus  during  Eis  earthly  ministry  . 

And  then  Paul  pointr,  out  bo  Tj  icthy,  "And  that  from  a  chiiSE  thou  hast  known 
the  Holy  Scriptures  -      ire  able  to  make  thee  'vise  unto  salvation  ]  -oi  -1 
faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 

There  is  the  entire  purpose  of  God  sending  forth  His  Word.   It  is  all  tied 
up  in  the  salvation  He  offers  through  Je  U3  Sbrist, 

So  having  said  these  preceeding  remark.,  Paul  now  ^oes  on  tta  to  the  elabora- 
tion of  the  meaning  of  "INSPIRATION. " 


-2- 
In  the  15th  ver.se  he  begins:  "All  Scripture  is  given." 

Now  the  word.  for"all"  when  used  without  the  article,  or  in  other  words  when 
"all"  stand  by  itself  13    in  this  '_    tnce  md  loesn1  ;  say  "All  the  Ecriptur#J 
but  dimply  says,  "All  Scripture,"  then  it  actually  means  "Every.."   This  then 
makes  it  more  definite,   "Ev  y  "     ure"  nakea  ;. .  ;hat  absolutely  each  SSk 
Scripture,  all  of  them,  with  no  exceptions  "are  given."  But  hew  were  they 
given?  ;I''.     pe  "Given  by  Inspiration  of  Sod,"  Now  what  does  the  word 
"INS1IRAT0I0N"  mean?   It  is  made  up  of  two  Greek  words,  £»gx£±ixixxs[rdx±s 
The  word  is:  "THEOPNEUSrOS* .   The  first  word  is  "THEO."  You  may  recognize 
it  as  being  the  first  part  of  our  English  -/ord  "THEOLOGY."   "THEO"  means 
"God."   T,  e  second  word  is:  "PNEUSTOS"  which  mean?  "To  breathe."   You  may 
recognize  from  the  word  "Pneustos"  our  English  derivation  of  "Pneumatic" 
wkiEh  and  we  have  pneumatic  tools,  pneumatic  tires,  and  that  simply  "means 
air  is  used  in  those  products.   But  the  air  Paul  is  speaking  of  is  actually 
the  "Breath  of  God."   Into  each  and  every  3  ripture ,  ALL,  or  EVERY  Scrip- 
ture is  God  Breathed.   This  sets  them  apart  as  simply  being  something  in- 
spired cr   written  by  a    iden  burst  of  inspiration  such  as  may  motivate  a 
jongwriter,  o  ■   q   ;hlete  '.hen  he  is      ■  i-'iJi  and  gets  fired  up  for  the 
moment.   The  deeper  theological  meaning  of  this  word  "Inspiration"  is  that 
God's  Holy  Spirit  breathed  into  all  of  the  Bible  what  God  wanted  there." 
You  may  recall  from  the  book  of  Acts  at  Fentecost  the  disciples  were  all 
assembled  in  the  Upper  Room  and  there  came  like  the  "Rush  of  a  mighty  wind 
tongues  as  of  fire."  There  we  have  the  same  word  for  wind,  that  is,  "Pneumai 
That  was  God's  wind,  God's-  breath,  God's  Holy  Ppirit  revealed  for  the  start 
of  the  early  Cvurch. 

So  now  that  we  have  the  meaning  of  "Inspiration"  we  need  to  look  at  the 
purpose  of  "Inspiration."   As  we  continue  in  the  16th  verse  we  see  that 

Paul  tells  us,  "All  Scripture,  (or,  every  Scripture),  is  given  by  God,  smd 
is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in 
righteousness . " 

Now  here  we  have  four  benefits  or  four  things  which  the  "Inspiration"  by 

God  x±±±  is  profitable  for  the  believer,   The  word  "profitable"  interpreted 

correctly  means  "advantage".   So  Paul  is  saying  that  "Inspiration  is  advant- 

agous"  to  the  believer  and  he  then  gives  the  rixffs  four  different  ways. 

First,  ijr  is  advantageous  for  "doctrine."   "Doctrine"  is  literally  teaching. 

And  what  is  it  that  should  be  taught  in  the  church  for  believers?   It  is 

what  we  believe  and  why  we  believe  it.   It  is  doctrine  that  we  take  our 

stand  in  the  church  against  the  things  of  the  world. 

Then  Paul  states  that  "Inspiration"  is  advantageous  for  "reproof ,S  The  word 

for  "reproof"  here  is  one  that  suggests  "conviction,  rebuke,  and  discipline." 

Tuvzt  a11  havvv°  "ith  :h^  r*~  st1  t8  a  cbwh  -"*«. «  « 

^wj-iever.   .e  are  to  be  convicted  in  our  hearts  when  we  sin  and  err  in 


-2- 

In  the  16th  verse  he  begins:  "All  Scripture  is  given." 

Now  the  word  for"alI"  when  used  without  the  article,  or  in  other  words  when 
"all"  ^tani  by  itself  as  in  this  i         tnce  and  loesn't  3ay  "All  the  "cripture", 
but  dimply  says,  "AH  Scripture,11  then  it  actually  means  "Every.."  This  then 
makes  it  more  lefinite,   "Sv  ■-   "crip  ure"  nakes  :.   \   absolutely  each  Ste 
Scripture,  all  of  them,  with  no  exceptions  "are  given."  But  hew  were  they 
given?  T>,ey  were  "Given  by  Inspiration  of  jod,"  Now  what  does  the  word 
"INSPIRATOION"  mean?  It  is  made  up  of  two  Greek  words.  i?MKxxxxxixxGw±xi3 
The  word  is:  "THEOPNEUSTGS* .   The  first  word  is  "THEO."  You  may  recognize 
it  as  being  the  first  part  of  our  English  word  "THEOLOGY."   "THEO"  means 
"God."   T,"e  second  word  is:  "PNEUST08"  which  mean?  "To  breathe."   You  may 
recognize  from  the  word  "Pneustos"  our  English  derivation  of  "Pi   i   Lo" 
ukisk  and  we  have  pneumatic  tools,  pneumatic  tires,  and  that  simply  "means 
air  is  used  in  those  products.   But  the  air  Paul  is  speaking  of  is  actually 
the  "Breath  of  God."   Into  each  and  every  3  ripture ,  AIL,  or       Scrip- 
ture is  God  Breathed.   This  sets  them  apart  as  simply  being  something  in- 
spired cr  -  '  burst  of  inspiration  such  as  may  motivate  a 
igwriter,  or  an  athlete  vhen  he  is  competing,  and  gets  fired  up  for  the 
moment.   The  deeper  theological  meaning  of  this  word  "Inspiration"  is  that 
God's  Holy  Spirit  breathed  into  all  of  the  Bible  what  God  wanted  there." 
You  may  recall  from  the  book  of  Acts  at  Pentecost  the  disciples  were  all 
assembled  in  the  Upper  Room  and  there  came  like  the  "Rush  of  a  mighty  wind 
tongues  as  of  fire."  There  we  have  the  same  word  for  wind,  that  is,  "Pneumal 
T>,at  was  God's  wind,  God 's-  breath,  God's  Holy  Spirit  revealed  for  the  start 
of  the  early  Cvurch. 

So  now  that  we  have  the  meaning  of  "Inspiration"  we  need  to  look  at  the 
purpose  of  "Inspiration."   As  we  continue  in  the  16th  verse  we  see  that 

Paul  tells  us,  "All  Scripture,  (or,  every  Scripture),  is  given  by  God,  and 
is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in 
righteousness . " 

Now  here  we  have  four  benefits  or  four  thinr?  which  the  "Inspiration"  by 
God  s±±±  is  profitable  for  the  believer.   The  word  "profitable"  interpreted 
correctly  means  "advantage".   So  Paul  is  saying  that  "Inspiration  is  advant- 
agous"  to  the  believer  and  he  then  gives  the  rixf£a  four  different  ways. 
First,  ijr  is  advantageous  for  "doctrine."   "Doctrine"  is  literally  teaching. 
And  what  is  it  that  should  be  taught  in  the  church  for  believers?   It  is 
what  we  believe  and  why  we  believe  it.   It  is  doctrine  that  we  take  our 
stand  in  the  church  against  the  things  of  the  world. 

Then  Paul  states  that  "Inspiration"  is  advantareous  for  "reproof. S  The  word 
for  "reproof"  here  is  one  that  suggests  "conviction,  rebuke,  and  discipline." 
These  words  all  have  to  do  with  the  proper  conduct  as  a  church  member,  or  as 
c  iever.   .e  are  to  be  convicted  in  our  hearts  when  we  3in  and  err  in 


-3- 

our  private    lives   and    in  our  church   live-.      Sod'a    .'ord  will  do  this.      Dwi^ht 

L.    Moody   said,    "Zither  "telle    Bible   -.-/ill   keep  you   froa   sin,    or   sin  will   keen 

you   from  the   Bible,      And   if   we   think  rf   about   that   we   realize   that   when  we 

read   and  meditate    on    Sod's    Word    we    are   convicted   of   what  we    may  do   that    is 

wrong  and   we    are   led   to   correct    it.      But   if  we   con't   know    •  od's   Word 

tells  us   -bout   living  the    christian  life   we  involved  ix  all  sorts   of 

Idly  things    and  think   nothing  of   it.      And    if  we   make  the  comparison  of 

what  we    -lid  sjss±  before   we    came   to   know   the   Lord,   and  what   we   io   after  ±xz 

we   come  to  Him,    (providing  we    ire   '        :ing  a       rowin      in     he    "   ith),   we   can 

tig    iifference,   sran'l 

-■a  "°aul   says   that    "Inspiratic     '  'antageo    i    '.        "correction."     This 

word  means,    "To  restore    and    improve."      ""he   raeani.  o   place   the  believer 

on  the  right  path,     it   is   also  interesting  to    i  ]  he  e       «     ■ - 

"reproof   and    correction"   are    only   found   here    in  this    text;    in    'Pie     '-,-         tta- 

ment.      This   should  speak  to  us  ±kH   of  the    importance    that   is    placed    i    on 

proper   knowledge    of  behaviour   for   the   believer.      And   then  Paul  wraps*  this 

up  with   the   word?,    "For    instruction   in  ^i-Thteousness,  "      What   that   means    13, 

"Education  through   discipline."      Tve   underlying  root    of   the   word    "instructior 

in  the   first  part   of    bhe   word    is,    "child,"    or    "little   boy."      3o  what   Paul   is 

saying   is    bhat    the    Inspiration  of   3od  *8   '.'ord   is    fco   act    like    3.    ;eacher    Cor    1 

believer,    giving  him  for  his   life,    much  like  a  small 

boy   i3   to  be    taught .      And   again,    the   reason    ~or    it    is   to  train  a  believer    in 

ri  hteousae ,3 ,      After  we   come   to  Christ,   then  we  berin  basic    training   in  the 

how,  why,   and   what   of  being,  -i   Christian  Is.      !aT    strive  toward     dghteousness 

be   aU3e    '  ^   our    ■— "■      3usn  ■    "    "hrougl     "'  ■      --■  iade  righteous 

before   G"od. 

And  all  of  this   Paul  says    as   we  read   in  verse   1?  is,    "Thai;    bhe   nan  of     od 

may  be  perfect,   thoroughly  furnished  unto  good  works." 

V.'n    must   point   out   arain  that   the   word    "perfect"  does   not  mean  without   sin  in 
this  life,  but   it  mes-ns   that  if  we   seek   after  godliness    uil  righteousnet 
we   src   made    perfect   in    r od '        igh    ,   because   we   are    living  and  following  our 
Saviour.      Always,    our   aim   is   to   "Be   perfect,    even   as    our  Heavenly  Path#r   is 

perfect,"  as    Jesus   has   said  we   should   be   and  do   in  the   ^rann   on  the   liount. 
All   of  this   furnishes   us   for   the    life    of   a  believer. 

(Illustration  of  woman  who  didn't  believe   what   a   preacher   preached   about) 
A  preacher  was   in    leattle,    Washington  and    after  he   had   preached  on  night 
■;'         ~  :'"    bo   1  Lm,      I'm  a    oe  '  1    irn   "-  1    said,    "That's 

it.*        "But,"   she   said,    "I  don't   a^ree  with   somethi  said.      You" 

don't  believe    in   the    women's    liberation   movement,   do  you'7""      Tre    aaid      "I 
certainly  do  not."      -he   said,    "You   even   sound    like   you  believe   the  m 
husband   is  the  heed   of  the  wife,   and    ,he    is   to    submit   to  him."     He  said 
Yes,   God  and  I  do."      T,, en  she    3aid,    "  dc      c      find    that    "       Lnd  he    'n- 

,    "lat  Le   in  Paul's  letter  tc     !  .  :,  ?ter  5,"  and 

,uoted   the  verges.       \nl   ]  ld,    "And   further,    my  wife   wouldn't   have    it 


any  other  way,    and  most    Christian  wives   woul&n1  b  have    it  any      I      ■•         ■  ." 
She  said,    "Ell,    I  can't  accept  that."     He  said,    "I  thought  you  said  you 
were   a  Christian?'1     Vhe   said,    "I   an."     He  asked,    ''"ell,   |jeow  d  id   you 
saved?"      And  she   answered,    "I  heard   someone   preaching  the   Bible   and  I 
>■■■'.  b  d    Christ."      "How  did  you  know  what  he  was    preaching    ■'  -7" 

"Well,    it   came   from  the   Bible."      "How  do  you  know   the   Bible    is   true? 
if  How  do  you  know  the   part  you  heard    is  true?      If  God  would   lie   about  the 
Christian  home,   why  wouldn't   He    lie   about   ralvation?" 

And  you   see,   this   is   the  point!      If  we  don't  believe  the  Bible  we  are   call- 
ing God  a   liar.      V_    either  believe  the   Bible   is   the   Revelation  of  God,   and 
it   is  the    Inspired   Word   of   God,    or  then  God   is  a   liar  and  we   may  as  well  be 

atheists.      Jesus   said   in   John  17:1?,,    "Sanctify   them  through   Thy  truth;   Thy 
,;ord   is   truth," 

Now  if    Jesus   Christ  the  6ne  »e   profess   to  be   our    Saviour  prayed  that  God 
would   sanctify  those  who  come  to  Him,    or   in  other  words   set   them  apart  from 
the  worldly   life   through  His   Word,   Cod's   Word,   and  then  add   that   God's    Word 
is   truth,    then  xtaexix  what    is   anyone   who  calls   God's   Word  wrong,    anything 
but   a   liar? 

V,o  don't   know  all  of  the   ins  and   outs   of   God's    Inspiration  with  explanations 
of   how  and   why  He  used   certain  people.      But   this   we   do   know:    If   we   are   will- 
ing to  read  God's    Word,    looking   for  His   enlightenment,   He   will   open  His    in- 
spired   tford   to  us   and  wkxwxxx   our   faith  will  be   expanded  and  we   will    ;row 
in  our   Christian  walk.      But  we   must   be   willing  to   submit   to  the   discipline 
of   reading  God's   Word,    looking  to   the   author   and   finisher   of   our   faith  to 
open  our   minds,    our  hearts,    and   our  eyes    to  Him.      x^XKBXWBXiBHXxsxxxEEXXXK 

X|dXgdxfeSEBXXBXWBXJCXl£VX^gX±HX$±XXt±SZrX±BX±Z]xi£±^^ 

"The    .v'ard    Is:    Inspiration." 


St*  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Sutler  ,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  November  17,  1985 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 

Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
Acolytes:  Robin  Kaiser  and  John  Pen rod 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 

Prelude  "Hymn  Of  Thanksgiving" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
•Processional  Hymn  No-  29   "Wonderful  Words  of  Life" 
♦Ascription 
♦Exhortation 

•Confession  (In  Unison)  "Father  Almighty,  we  come  to  you 
asking  for  help.   Our  lives  reflect  the  lack  of  light 
in  them  by  the  very  gloom  around  us.   We  are  filled 
with  anxiety,  pessimism  and  doubt .   We  look  to  other 
humans  for  hope  and  fulfillment.   We  sefck  joy  in  all 
manner  of  things,  but  find  no  joy.   We  are  filled  with 
a  sense  of  need  and  yet,  are  not  ready  to  seek  help 
from  beyond  ourselves.   Kelp  us  to  know  that  we  are 
each  sinful,  and  our  need  is  always  you*   Forgive  us, 
and  grant  your  love  now  and  always.     Amen. 
•Kyrie 

♦Assurance  of  Pardon 
♦Praise:  Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  glorious  name  forever. 
♦Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No*  611  ^Precious  Lord,  Take  My  Hand" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  —  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  —  Let  us  Pr  ay  * 
Prayer 
Offering 
Offertory 
♦Doxology  -  page  382 
Anthem:  "You've  Got  To  Tell  It  Everywhere" 
Scripture:   Matthew  5:  17-19;  22:  23-33 
Sermon:   "The  Word  Is:  Inerranfc1" 
•Closing  Hymn  Ko.  2  "How  Great  Thou  Art" 
^Benediction 
•Closing  Chimes 

•Postlud-  flighty  is  the  Lord  of  Hosts" 


_ _      *Congregation  Standing —  - 

The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mrs.  Lois  Pennington  in  memory  of  loved  ones. 
Mrs*  Zethina  Thompson  will  greet  the  congregation  at 

the  doer  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are:   Rob  Vinroe,  Randy  Dellen,  Bob 

Dellen  and  Kevin  Snyder. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Sue  Davis, 
Sandy  Sheppeck  will  be  visiting  the  hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  122  with  5  visitors. 
MONDAY  -  Volleyball 

Fidelity  Bible  Class  meets  7:30 
WEDNESDAY  -  Golden  Circle  meets  at  7:30 

Blood  Drive  from  3-8  P.M. 
THURSDAY  -  Mary  Martha  Circle  meets  at  10; 30 
Basketball  7-9 
Choir  Practice  at  7:00  P.M. 

X"HELP  is  still  needed  to  push  wheelchairs  at  the  VA  on 

November  24th  and  26th.   If  you  can  help  with  either  or 
both  services  please  contact  Art  Snyder. 

^>BLGGD  DRIVE  for  the  Butler  Hospital  Blood  Bank  is  being 
held  on  Wednesday  from  3  to  8  P.M.   We  hope  you  will 
all  put  forth  a  special  effort  to  help  make  this 
project  a  success.   There  are  sign  up  charts  in  the 
Narthex  and  on  Brugh  Avenue  door.   Take  a  minute  and 
sign  up  now*   Marge  Smiley  is  in  charge  of  this  project. 

N.THANKOFFERING  SUNDAY  is  being  observed  next  Sunday  the  24th. 
We  will  be  having  our  food  drive  for  the  needy  families 
as  well.   Wa  hope  you  will  support  this  project  by  bring— 
food  stuffs*   Boxes  will  be  provided  sc  you  may  bring 
your  food  forward  to  put  in.   They  will  be  at  the  chancel 
rail .  Also  if  you  know  of  needy  families ,  please  contact 
the  office.  This  will  help  In  the  distribution  of  food. 

BUTLER  AREA  LAYMEN'S  DINNER  will  be  held  November  21st  at 
6:30^  P.M.  at  St.  John's  Reformed  Church  in  Meridian. 

See   Jake  Harmon   about   tickets* 

We   are   looking  for  a  few  more  people   ta  add  to  the  Prayer 
Chain.      If  you  would   like    to   be   a  part   of  it   please 
contact   the  office. 

POINSETTIAs  may  be  ordered  for   the  holiday  now*      If  you 
would  like  to  order  see  Ginny  or  put  a  note  in   the 
offering  plate.      The  price    Is   $6.00  each.      They  will 
grace  our  chancel   and   altar  on  December  22.      Order 
i  deadline    Is    December   8th. 


COMMUNITY   RinLH  CHirRCH   -  SAGAMORE,    PA.    -  NOVEPBO)  1?,    I996 

PPKLUDF 

^,p,FFrrIHr■,:■/l^cY^/1^'r^^'r•J':^''"^,;  ■"'/rrjAYTiP  REQI 

CTOTP  I RET    .  [CATHY    MORGAN   DIB.,    CAROL   FWUT.EY,    PTA 

YOIT'I  DIHBCTOH  - 
N6¥  2fc,   THANKSOIVIJK  FELLC*  -    flfi/j/t, 


sotic  wax;   %j  sayj  =  j.  .nn  j  01    abb, ±3,  uacoo 

;■  ■  =  *  wilB,or   I  '.'-■  -i  ihez  ne- 

Jow  cud   G  Bther   G   if   they  were  ded? 


long 


•HDffl 

PR AVER/OFFER I KG 

•dqxomgy     — g-Xcwre    c#it.a*e*>   /**-    j*-.   ojf-o**-* 

PASTORAL  PRAYER 
HYMN 

I  rcRiPTiiRT:     Matthew  r,:l7-20 

1PM0N:      "TFTF,  WORT)  rSi    INFIRRANT" 

ST.   PAUL'S,    SUTim   -  11/17/B^ 
•HYMN 

•RKNKnlCTTON 
'POBTLBDE 

J/F/f^    -    "  ffA-ftTJetl 

jr/o.  - 


prov  ther   lif   Byon  grav  "■■  eSrnty  ?B   Lin   w/G 

He   plac    teach   in  presen   tens   &   thez   men   3  liv  &  wer 

liv  w/G  i'f-     (  hi      ?     . 

Ja   ~pk   of  reliabilty  of  G's   W  B:  it  was  w/out  eror 

Iv       if   Js  Eliev  G's   '.;  2B  oonplet  aoorat/fcru  shudntwe 
aut  sine  liv  in  soientif  age,   eaptioa  wil  10  tak  3*a 
tee     'ilu   &  G  has   pruv  vain  of   Js  words  wen    >ei: 
73  sfaal  fio  ,kaok  p    ~:       halB  open  un?  " 
Lets    Ik  at    thez    lattr   day   pruf 5  : 
Job    i  aanry   no  Bliev  real  nan=othr  Bks  Bbil  tel  of 
chap  2&:7-thia   2B  laff   at   by   many jancient    auth   untru 

Egtptins   Bliev  rest   on  pillars;Grks   on  oak  Atlas 
But   Job  say=suspend   in  space, but  how  did  lie  kno? 
G  reveal  2him  £    theory   pruv  by   many   scientists 
since   then 
Wat   keeps  all  from  bump?    It   cudnot    jus  hapn,S  did   it 
&  He   gav  His     .ord  2   Job   liv   in  unscientif  age,3B  prov 
by  othrs   many  yrs    latr 

Tven  mus   Ik  at  prophetic   S.  historic   acuracy  of   Scrip 
Ezek  26  had  predic   fil   of  Tyre  5t  w/in  few  yr  cum  pass 

But  certin  part   no  cum  tru   &  Bliev  Ezek  wrong 
26:12«Thls   no  cum  2pass;but   334  BC   Alex  Grt   ordr   solds 

p-athr  ruins    old  coastlnd  city  Tyre   &  dump  in2  watr 
men  evn  scrape   grnd  dwn  bare  rok-  (vs  4) 
U3e   materile   bild  oausway  smal  ofshor   lslnd  2which 
inhabs   t led2   St  Grka  march  ovr  causway  &  oaptur  thoz 
who   liv   ther- Ezek  proph  cum  tru, fulfil   exactly 

Ther  R  ovr  300  prophs  bout    Ja  eithr  cum  tru   complete 

or  in  part   S>  itill  2cum  tru 
W,      H   odds    of   this   tak  plac?    Astronomicl 

L_-   this   snd   lik  G's   W  is    Inerrant?    Any  truly  think 

persn  shud   cum  2this   eonclusin  that   it   is 
A  final  pruf  that  G'r   W  was  protec   in  its  tranalatin 
fr  1  genratin  2  anothr   is  way   it  was  dun: 
Jew  scribs   transcrib   Scrips   B4  Xp  wer  very  exacting 
1st  wud  cnt  evr  word   St  letr   in  ea  portin  copy^S-  copy 

Aftr  dun  wud  cnt  agin  St  it   totls   no  taly,destroy  com 

plete  &  start   ovr  agin 
certin  kind   ink  use; on  specil  prep   skin*   animls-parch 

ea  word  pronunc   aloud  by  aorib  &  then  writ  dwn 
evr  time  G  writ, pen  wip  comp  dry, fresh  ink  use 

B4  record  name    Jehovah=l  do  copy  wash  entir  bod  watr 
Aftr  trans   compl,if   1  aiatak  entir  manu,it  destroyed 

Dua   that   aoun   lik   3'a     •'  csrlesly  handl?   Of  corse   not 
But  regarles   wat   we    Bliev   bout   Bibl,ell   means   nothin 
if  Pirn    -;  3   not  d 
Bibl   shud   n  ?  -idly 


'7  i3    rera    is  :  inerrant" 
,.  Scrip:    m.   5:17-19;   22:23-33 
'(Uua    Sir    fta    !amsey,&    !haa      iv;''-.niO 
Hav  talk  bout   G's  W  as   B-Hev,&  lss   wk= Inspired 
2day  Ik   3'b   V  as   B  Iir=:r>RANT=&  mean  w/out  error 

If   U  Bliev, U   in  smal  minorty,in  fac.lrs;  najor": 
*i      .    "Xpiaa   a;.  ,  rorkr    ,no   acpt   this    Blief 

many  wil   conced  S  giv  rev  thru  Bibl, 3:  part3  C  'a  W 
S   inopir,bu*   2   31iev  G 's   W  as  givn  orig  nanus  w/ou1 
error   is   sumthin   only   an   idiot  wud   Sliev 
So   if   U   31iev  as   I  do   that   Bibl    ia    INEHHANT,    let    me 
adres  U  as    "Fellow  Idiots." 

("■uot  by  Rich  W.     J"  'nan  &  James   Montgorary  3oica) 
'low  ■jat'both  thez   men  stat  bin  btot  horn  2me   in  min. 
circls   of  UCC 
Kajorty  TJCC  ninstrs  hav   had    oontac  wit 
who  Blievs   Bibl    Iner   W  of   3  is  an  idiot 
a  T've   Bin  called  acifew  of  taoz   naraea 
But   if  we   B  2atan  'iaxgt  upon  anyth.  it  DUa  :    "  '■ 
&  2atan  on  G's   W  we   mu3  Bliev  it  Hia-Rev, Inspired 
'j.  very  def  ,His   Inerrant   Word 

2Eliev   lat   2,8fc  deny  3rd   is  2«eny  them  all 
(Short  histry  3ib   <Jriticism-late   1800-1=130  &  worse) 
rum  gad  exampa   R.Abe,  Daniel, Jericho   !   arch  prov  tru 
3o  U  C,Eibl  prov   self   ovr  ft  ovr   6  thos   rpfns   Bliev 
Bibl   iner  end  up  w/egg   on  face 
But   lets   Ik  at  3ibl  2day  6c  try  2prov  *selvs 

In  G,»rip   thia  Tnorn   Js   had    auHrtain  2say  bout  this 
va   17-Hie   task  no  2do  away  w/G'b   W  had  thus  givn, 

lnated ,    Jb  was   2Bring   Ppas  wat  G  prom 
vs   18-Kere  was  G   in  hums  form  tel  Blank   not   1  litl 
r"nct  mark  wud  disapear     fr/G  'e   'tf 

jale-i   Heb  word=YOD, "-.  ''othr  letrs   simian     '.  only 
distinc=snjal  line   at  bottom  of  then 
Je  wayevn  smales  part   letr  wud   not3  chang  or   altered 
If    Slbl  bin  writn  Tine  Js  wud  hav   3 el- Hot   1  lot  ovr 
an  "I"   or  the   cros   of   "T"  wil   pas   fr/law  tilB   fulfi: 
V3   19=  Ja   atres    import   of  comandments 
?   Js    Lt    fa  ■•'  :-      >ersn  Bliev  had 

was  not  2E  tanprd  with 
lerhap  mor  viv  Ilus   is  wat  rsad   chap  ',2   Mt. 
Thisportin  read   rr?  eal«Sads,8    cu.-n   3    Js  'v/trik  quel 
but  bakfir   &   Js  taut   lesn  bout  G  &  Word 

Ther  H  sevrl   lessn  here, but   1   Ilk  pt   out^vss   32  &  35 
Now  wat   impao  hav  on  peop?  «ve   TA   pr   cut 

'■/fit  was   it   "e   taut    -;o  revolufeinary? 
lst-taut  bout   G'i   W,this  wat  spogn  ?them 
had  not   only  oral, but  writn  traditin  of  G  talk  & 
work  thru  Koses  &  this  writn  dwn,haad  dwn 
Ja  rafr  5time  G  apok  2   Moses   from  burning  bush 


L'-lbl       W  J.  i        ACCl        V 


sj.ii,  vj-     a  lii    vi  XI. 


keep  U  fr  the   Bible 

.'.'at  do  we   Bliev  bout  Bibl? 
How  is   it   affecting  our   lives? 
Mabatma   jhandi  was   man  who   seriusly  considr  convert 
2   Xpianty. 

He  report   lnce   2hav  sed.I  wud  B  a  Xpian  if   it  wer 

not  for  Xpiana . 
Wot  he   failed   to   see  was  the   grt  principles   of  the 
Bibl  being   lived    out   in  the   lives   of  Xpiana 

We   ahud   Bliev  God's   'v'ord   is+Revelation, 
that   it   is- Inspired 
and  that    it   is= Inerrant 
But  w/thez   Bliefa   about  the  Bibl  it  shud  aho  In  our 
daily   livs   Bcuz   G   is   using  It   to  transform  us   ln2 
His    image 


) 


r     HXXBXXY  LRO  MAJOPTY  SO  CAL   "XPIAN  LDRS  ?MINSTRS"  NO  BLIEV   INERANC 
MANY  COHCED  G'S  WORD,   PARTE  OF  IT  R  IN3PIRD, 
BUT  2BUEV  G'S   WORD  IS  W/GSUT  ERROR   IS   SUMTH   ONLY   IDIOT  WUD 

RLIEV 
SO  IF  TJ  BLIEV  AS  I   DC  TH/BIBL  IS  G'S   INERRANT  WORD  THEN  U  ft  I 
R   FELOW   IDIOTS.    &  I   SAY  THAT  PROUDLY"" 

(quotes  m  ra  haan  r  roii:k  on  inerrancy) 

WAf  THEZ  MEN  R  SAYING  BROT  HOM  2ME  TH/CCNTACS  HAV  HAD  W/DENOM 
MTNSTKS 
FIND  OUT  SOON  ENUF  WAT  OTHRS  THINK  OF  U  IF  STAT  BLIEF  INERANT 
WORD  OF  GOD 
BUT  IF  WE  2STAN  ON  ANYTH  IT  MUSB  G'S  WORD 
AND  PSTAN  ON  G'S  WORD  WE  MUS  BLIEV  Vir.   WORD  IS  REVELATIN, 
IT  IS  HIS  TNSPIRD  WCRD,  8r  THAT  WORD  IS  EKXX  INERRANT, 
w/OUT  ERROR" 
LATE  1800*8,"  erly  1900*  s   SCHORLY  APPROACH  2SCRIP 
IT  CUM  FP/GERMAN  THEOLOGINS  8,  WAS  CALLD  "BIBLICAL  CRITICISM" 
IT  ATAK  SCRIP  FR/5TANP0INT  WAT  BIN  LERN  TH 
BEXAMPLS  -  ABRAHAM,  JERICHO,  DANIEL  ) 

SO  WE  C  BIBL  PSUVS  ITSELF  OVR  8r  OVR  AGIN  &  IT  THOZ  WHO  REFUS 
2BLIEV  IT  IS  INERANT  END  UP  W/EGG  ON  FACE 

LETS  LK  WAT  JS  SED  IN  THIS  PORTTN  SERM  ON  MT 
VS  17= J S  MADE  KNOW  HE  NO  COM  ?PO  AWAY  W/WAT  §   HAD  THUS  EAR  GjyN 

IWSTFD,HE  2BRING  2PAS  WAT  G  HAD  PROMI 
VS  l8=HERE  G  IN  HDMN  FORM  TEL  MANK  MOT  ONE  LTTL  PUNCTUATIN  MARK 
WUD  DISAPFA"  ^/C 

TH/SMALEST  LETTR  OF  HER  ALPH  IS  =  Y-O-D 
20THR  LETTERS  SIMLAR  TO  IT  K   ONLY  DISTINCTTN  WEEN  THEM  IS 
SMAL  LTN  ^   BOTTOM 
WAT  JS  WAS  SAY  WAS  EVN  "MALE?  LITTL  ^ART_OJJiJ£TTR  WUDNT 
CHANG  OR  B  ALTffET)  rtm  „_  ^^  „.,„  ,N 

-   <TBLE'BIN  WRITTN  IN  ENGL  JS  WUD  HAV  SED  "NOT  ONE  DOT  OVR  AN 
rrt"   OT  TH/CROS  OF  A  "T"  WIL  PAS  m/fa/WH   B't  ITS  FULFILLD 


TO  JS  IT  IMPEATTV  TH/IMPORTANC  OF  SCRIP  UPHELD 

HE  SED  -K  19 

"FT  WAS  IMPORTANT  THAT  A  PERSON  BLIEV  WAT  G  HAD  WRITTN  &  IT 

WAS  NOT  ?B  TAMPERED  WITH 
A  MORE  VIVID  ILLTJS  IS  WAT  WE  READ  IN  PPND  CHAP  THIS_5QSPEIu 

HERE  A  GRP  OF  PEO  CALLD=SADDUCEES  WANTD  TO  TRIK  JS  WITH  A 

TRTK  QUESTIN 
BUT  THER  OUESTTN  BAKFTRD  ON  THEM  Rr  JS  TAUT  THEM  A  LESSON 
ABOUT  GOD  Re  HIS  WORD 
THra?  R  SEVRL  LESSNS   WAN  THIS  PORTTN  OF  SCRIP, BUT  C5NE  I  WUD  LI! 
TO  POTW  OUT  IS  END  IN  THE  2|*«  &  T&&   VSS 


JS   SED   -   (READ  VSS   31  &   52) 
WAT   IMFAC   DID  THIS   HAV  ON   TH/PEOPL???? 
VS   50  TELLS   US    -   (READ  T'HTS   ys) 
NOW  WAT  WAS   SO  REVOLUTIONARY  BOUT   HIS  TEACHING??? 
HE   TAUT  THEM  ABOUT  SCRIPTUR   -  VS   29   -   (READ) 
HE   LET  THEM  KNO  THEY   DIDNT  UNDR5TAND  IT 
2UNDRSTAN  G  WE  MUS  TRY  TO  UNDRSTfiN   HIS   WORD 
THEZ  PEO  HAD  TH/ORAL  OP   SPOKN  WORD  BY  PRIESTS   &   HAD  WRITTN   WORD 
WH/TOLD  OF  G'S   TALKING  f.  WORKING  THRU   MOSES   AS  RECORD  IN  LAW 
'•'AT  JS  WAS   REFERING   TO  WAS   FND  IN  THAT  LAW,    OR  TORAH 
(ILUS  JSSUS   AND  HIS   TEACHING   ABOUT  TH/BURMING   BUSH) 

,S "SPEAKING  OF  TH/RELIABILTY   OF  G'S   WORD  &  IT  WAS  W/OUT 
ERROR 
NOV/  IF  JS   HIMSELF  BLIEVD  G'S  WORD  2B  COMPLETLY  ACURAT  ft   TRU, 
SHUDNT  WE??? 
BUT  WE  LIV   SCIENTTF  AGE  ft   THER   R   SCEPTICS  WHO  WTL  NOT  TAK  EVN 
WORDS  OF  JS  AT  FACE  VALU 

2THEH  fi'HAR  PRUVP  VALU   OF  "SEEK  8-  YE  SHAL  FIND,KNOK  &  WILB   OPN 
LET'S   LK   AT  T'fKZ  LATTR   DAY   PRUFS :_ 
(HITS  JOB   26:7,   S  E7.EKIEL  ?&aW 
THER   rm  500  PROPHS  CONCERN  JS  WH/HAV  CUM  2PAS  EITHR   COWLETLY 

WAT  R  TH/ODDS  OF  '"■IT.1:  TAK  Pl,A^  JBEXXJJSTBGHQMICAl 

ANY  THINKING  PERSON   SH1JP  CUV   Tf   ™/OONCl 

CNF  poSfBE  PRW  tTO  5T§  i?c"RD  was  protectd  in  its  translattn 

TO  ASSUR  ACCURACY  IS  IN  TH/FACT  HOW  JEWISH  SCHOLARS  DID  SO 

(TLUS  OF  THER  FRECTSIN  ft  CONCERN  '"        ACT) 

B0T  REGARDLE  RTBL,IT  all  HEABS  nuthtn 

T^T  !  W.V§ 

'BIBL  THUD  MAX   A   CHANG   IN  US   INPIVTDULY 
~?AT"lDTP3r'gL1TV  B0lTT~^^m«JKW"l5IT  AFFECTING  COT   LIVS?? 

(ILUS  HAHATMA  QHANDI  &  HIS  DESIR  TO  BE  XPIAN  BUT  DIDNT) 

WE  SHUD  BLIEV  G'S 
T1TAT  TT   IS   INSPIRED. 
"AND  THAT  IT  IS  INERBANT 
BUT  W/THE'Z   7:  ^   I?  SHUD   £gD.   23   HOW   WE   LIV  OUR 

DAILY   LIVS   BCU7  G   IE   USING    Hli     rfORE   TO  TRANSFORM   US   INTO  HIS 

TTyf  A  PTT" 

~BUTTHAT  CANNOT  HAPPN.IF  WE  PONT  READ  IT,&_TRY_TO  MAK  IT  A 
PART  OF  OUR  EVRYDAY  LIVS 


SCRIP:    MT  5:17-20;   SERM:    "TH/WORD  IS:    INERRANT" 

(ILUS   SIR  WM  RAMSEY  &  CHARLES   WHITSHOLT) 

THEZ  TOO  EXAMPLS   SHO  OS  TH/TRUTH  WAT   SED  LAS  TOO  WKS 
Y  SHO FIRST  -  BEVELATIW  OF  ITS  TRUTH 

:;  rr     -  r   l'-:s.PTHfe^ffi!H"f<Ji JWRIT CIRCUMS, EVENTS  fc  SO  0  N, 
6.   fr/that  TJrsnrjJATIW,   2TNBPTR  otttrs  LIK  Pa'KPEY  o,  i  HTTCHOLT 

THUS.HAVIN  SPOKN  BOUT  REVELATIN  ft   IHSPIRATIH  OF  TH/WORD, 
2DAY  WE  WIL  LK   AT  TH/WORD   AS  BETNG   -   I-n-E-R*R-A-N-T 
THAT  WORD  "TNEPPANT"   STMFLY   M~,V 
AND  IF  U   BLIEV  TH/WORD,    G'S  WORD   IS   TNFRRANT,    OR  WITHOUT  ERROF 
U  R  IN  A  SMAL  MTNORTY 
IW ...FACT,    IF  U  BLIEV  THIS,   UR   FAITH  IS  GRTR   THAN   THAT  OF  THE 
POPE 
(IUTS  HIS   STATEMENT_ABOUT   MAN   ft   MONKEYS, &   CCNCLUSIN  ?B   DPAWN) 


"The  Word  la:  Inerrant" 

Scripture:  Matthew  5:17-19;  22:23-53 

(Illustrations  of  Sir  William  Ramsey  and  Charles  Whitsholt) 
Sir  William  Ramsey  was  one  of  the  intellectuals  of  his  day  who  believed  the 
Bible  was  absolutely  unreliable.   He  set  out  to  prove  it.   But  as  he  began 
to  gather  evidence  to  prove  his  point  by  dipping  in  the  ancient  ruins,  he 
doon  discovered  that  the  New  Testament  was  accurate  down  to  its  smallest 
detail.   Because  of  this  he  not  only  embraced  Christianity,  but  entered  the 
ministry.   Ke  went  on  to  become  one  of  the  most  important  contributors  to 
Biblical  Archaeology. 

Standard  Oil  Company  wanted  to  discover  oil  in  the  Kiddle  East.   But  they 
hae.  no  knowledge  that  oil  was  ;  re  i  at  in  the      l.   One  of  the  d-rectors 
of  the  company  who  was  a  Christian  was  reading  the  Bible  one  day.   He  was 
reading  from  Exodus  and  one  verse  in  particular  stood,  out.   He  was  reading 
from  Exodus  ?,  and  the  3rd  verse  struck  a  responsive  chord.   He  read,  " 
when  she  could  not  longer  hide  1  im,  she  took  for  him  an  ark  of  bulrushes, 
and  daubed  it  with  slime  and  with  pitch,  and  put  the  child  therin;  and  she 
laid  it  in  the  flags  by  the  river's  brink."  Beinfc  an  oil  man,  his  mind 
perked  up  at  the  word  "pitch."  He  knew  that  pitch  was   bypr  luct  of  oil, 
and  if  a  slave  could  find  pitch  in  Egypt,  there  must  be  oil  somewhere  near- 
by.  .Ind  so  on  the  basis  of  one  word  in  one  verse,  Charles  Whitsholt  was 
sent  to  Bgypt  by  Standard  Oil  to  find  oil.   And  he  did. 

We  have  talked  about  God's  "'orri  as  being  Revelation,  and  last  week  of  it 
being-  Inspired.   Today,  we  are  jroins  to  look  at  God's  Word  as  being  "In- 
errant."   The  word  "Inerrant"  means  simply,  "without  error."   And  if  you 
believe  this,  you  are  in  a  small  minority.   In  fact,  the  largest  majority 
of  so  called  "Chrlatian  ministers  ind  workers"  do  not  kxx  accept  this  be- 
lief.  Many  of  them  will  condede  that  God  has  givenn  His  revelation  through 
the  Bible,  and  many  of  them  will  concede  that  par:  :  sf   &•'   :  >rd  is  in- 
spired.  But  to  believe  that  God's  Word  is  without  error  as  it  was  given  in 
the  original  manuscripts  is  something  nib:  an  idiot  would  believe.   So  if 
you  this  morning  believe  the  Bible  i3  Inerrant,  then  let  me  address  you  as 
"Fellow  Idiots." 

(~uote  by  Richard-  ..'.  Deliaan  teacher  of  the  Radio  Bible  Class) 

Some  people  think  of  me  as  a  relic  from  the  ancient  past  because  I  be- 
lieve the  Bible  was  riven  as  the  inspired,  inerrant  Word  of  "   Living 
God,   One  man,  for  example  told  me  he  could  hardly  believe  his  ears  when 
he  heard  our  pre  gram.   He  then  went  on  to  xxx  accuse  me  of  be  ins-  a  nean- 
derthal, and  a  hopeless  simpleton  to  accept  as  fact  the  "tall  tales"  (as 
he  put) it  recorded  in  ^exxxiars  the  "_riptures. 

(Quote  by  Br,  James     ;omery  Boice) 

Triting  in  ":Tpd i  ;e  ,   public  Cou  oil  en  Biblical 

Inerrancy,  James  Montgoemery  Boice  shared  some  advice  he  gives  -when 
speaking  to  students,  especially  to  seminarians.   He  says  to  them: 
If  you  want  to  have  a  reputation  for  being  very  wise  today  and  iro   wall- 
ing to  risk  looking  like  a  fool  20  years  from  now,  point  out  the  "errors" 
in  the  Bible.  But  if  like  Charles  TTaddon  Spurgeon,  you  are  willing  to 
be  thought  =  fool  now,  knowing  that  in  20  or  30  years  your  position  will 
be  vindicated,  than  take  your  stand  on  the  inerra  icy  of  this  Book. 

Now  what  both  of  these  men  are  stating  has  been  brought  home  to  me  in  the 
ministerial  circles  of  the  United  Church  of  Christ.   The  majority  of  the 
U.C.O.  ministers  that  I  have  had  contact  with  think  anyone  who  believe   .." 


Bible   ia  the    Inerrant   Word   of  God   is   an  idiot.      And    I've  been  called  a  few 
of  those   names.     But   If  we   are   to  stand    .iron  anything,   it  raua  God's 

Word.      And  to  stand   on  God's   Word  we   must  believe   that   it   is   His   Revelation. 
that   it   is   "ria    Inspired   Word,   and  very  definitely  it   is   Sis    Inerrant   Word. 
To  believe   the   first  two  and  deny  the   third   is   to  deny  them  all. 
In  the  late    1800's    and         >ly    L900'i     new  scholarly  approaches  began  to  be 
used  to  .study  the   Bible.      Tv,is   scholarly  approach  came   to  U8   from  Germany 

ly.      It  was   called    "Biblical  Criticism."     What   it  did  was   to  attack  Scril 
ture   from  the   stnadpoint    oJ  what  has   been  learned   through  science   and   hmstorj 
in  particular.      A:qcrafeKxajn?i±B-cofcctli±sriwaH   that>:*iKxiiBM*xsy»JcHnxBf :c±nxthK 
bEok  Df   GsnesixxwaxxHBtxaBxifeK^xsrlitKXxxxxxKiraxxxtoBx^^ 

EBJ^^OIBiDCfaXXXXtoBBBXraWEXili^ihsx:*^ 

*XBX^X±tXXSKXKX»l±HK*X*BXHXXKKX^X]rai4XXKXaXXXX^H^feHXK*X*hKiKX±±K*l3^SXBS 

KkjlXXXXI^XXKMXiKXSBBliaraK^XKlBXiBXthxiXXBi^ 

Some  good  examples   of  these  beliefs   concern  Abraham,    Jericho,   and   Daniel. 
The   Biblical   scholar-   wf xtwexxfrattHir   those    "^orm    Criticism"  echolars   said 
that   Abraham  was   noTa  real  man,   he   never  existed.      Then  archaeology  dug  up 
some   evidence   that   Abraham  was   not   only  a  real  man,  but  every  town  and  city 
spoken  of  about  him  did   indeed  exist.      T^e  theory  was   advanced^that  the  walls 
surrounding   Jericho  never  fell  flat  after  the   Israelites  xxiks  marahed  aroune 
it   seven  times.      Archaeology   proved   that   the   walls    all  around  the   ancient 
town  were   flattened  as   though  an  explosion  had   suddenly  occurred.      They  said 
there  never  was   a  man  named  Daniel,    and  discoveries   after  that   proclamation 
not  only  prove!  there  was    such   a  man,  but  that  he  was   everything  written 
about   him  in  ancient   Babylon.      So  you   see,    the    Bible   proves    itself   over   and 
over  and   it   i?   those  who  refuse   to  believe   it   is    Inerrant  who  end  up  with 
on  their   faces  . 

But   let  'ee  look  at  the   Bible   today  and   try  to  prove   this  for   ourselves. 
First,   what  did    Jesus    say  about   God'a   Word.      In  our   "cripture   this   morning 
we  read  first:    from  His   Sermon  on  the    Mount.      He  told   His  disciple3   and  list- 
eners,   "T"ink  not  that    I  am  come   to  destroy  the   law,    or  the   prophets!    I  am 
not  come  to  destroy, but  to  fulfill." 

Jesus  made   it   known  that   His   task  was   not   tc  do   away  with  what   God  had   thus 

far  given.      Instead,    Jesus   was   to  bring  to  pass  what  God  had  promised. 

Then  He    added,    "For  verily   I  say  unto   you,     '"ill  heaven  and   earth  pass,    nne 
jot   or   one   tittle    shall   in  no  wise   pass   fror-  the    law,   ti]1    all  be   ful- 
filled.1" 

Here   was  xkx  G~>d   in  human  form  telling  mankind    that   not   one   little   punctua- 
tion mark  would  disappear  from  God's    'Word.      T"e   smallest   letter   of  the   Heb- 
rew alphabet   is   the   letter    "Yod."      There   are   two   other   letters   which  are 
similar  to  it  and  the   only  distinction  is   a  small   line   at  the  bottom  on  them, 
What    Jesus  was   saying  was    that   even  the    smallest    little  nart   of   a  leter 

pw         per  c  fasrf:         a*.     -Hj,ft*,       g*   Ai-7E*jO 


-3- 

If  the  Bible  had  originally  been  written  in  English  Jesi      1     --■  been 

saying,  "Not  one  dot  over  an  "I"  or  the  crossing  of  a  "T"  will  pass  from  the 

law  before  it  is  fulfilled.   And  then  Jesus  goes  on  to  stress  the  importance 

of  the  commandments  by  saying,  ""'.hosoever  therefore  shall  break  one  of  these 
least  commandments,  and  shall  teach  men  so,  he  shall  be  called"  the  lea3t 
in  the  kingdom  of  heaven:  but  whosoever  shall  do  and  teach  them,  the  same 
-:hall  be  called  ?re      the  ]  ::■!:  Ion  of  heaven." 

To  Jesus  it  was  imperative  that  a  person  believe  whal  G   "  d    ittea  and  it 

was  not  to  be  tempered  with. 

Perhaps  a  more  vivid  illustration  is  wl    ■  d     he  ?2ad  ol lapter  of 

this  same  Gospel.   T,_ere  we  read  of  a  group  of  people  called  Sadducees  who 

wanted  to  trick  Jesus  with  a  trick  question.      bheir  ouestion  backfired 

on  them  end  Jeans  taught  them  a  lesson  about  God  and  His  Word,   There  are 

several  lessons  within  this  portion  of  Scripture,  but  the  one  1   would  like 

oint  out  is  found  in  the  3f  &*  and  3%$t&   verses.   Jesus  said,  "But  as 
touching  the  resurrection  of  the  dead,  have  ye  not  read      which  was 
spoken  unto  you  by  God,  saying,  'I  am  the  God  of  Abraham,  and  the  God  of 
Isaac,  and  the  Cod  of  Jacob1:  '   God  is  not  the  God  of  the  dead,  but  of  the 
living." 

Now  what  impact  did  that  have  on  the  people?  In  the  34-th  verse  we  read, 
"And  when  the  multitude  heard  this,  they  were  astonished  at  His  doctrine." 

Now  what  was  it  He  taught  that  was  so  revolutionary?   First  He  taught  them 
about  God1-  tford.  This  was  wh  t  w     oken  to  them  by  God.  They  had  not 
only  the  oral,  but  the  written  tradition  of  God  talking  and  working  through 
Moses.   Jesus  was  referring  to  the  time  when  God  spoke  to  -£k   Moses  from  the 
burning  bush.   Notice  what  God  said,   "I  am  the  God  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and 
Jasrob.  He  didn'B  say,  "I  was  the  God  of  Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob;  now,  I 
will  be  the  God  of  A.raham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob;  and  the  strange  thing  about 
this  is  that  these  men  were  long  since  dead.   Now  how  could  God  be  their 
God  if  they  were  dead?   Jesus  was  proving  that  there  is  life  beyond  the 
grave,  that  there  is  an  eternity  to  be  lived  with  God.  Se  placed  His  teach- 
ing in  the  present  tense,  these  men  were  alive  and  living  with  God  when  God 
aaid  that  to  Hoses.   Jesus  was  speaking  of  the  reliability  of  God's  Word , 
and  that  it  was  xxt   without  error.   Now  if  Jesus  Himself  believed  God's  Word 
to  be  completely  accurate  and  true,  shouldn't  we? 

But  since  we  live  in  a  scientific  age,  there  are  sceptics  who  will  not  take 
even  the  words  of  Jesus  at  face  value.  To  them  God  has  proved  the  value  of 

Jesus'  words  when  He  said,  "SEek  and  ye  shall  find,  knoark  and  it  shall  be 
opened  unto  you." 

Let's  look  at  these  latter  day  proofs.   Job  said  as  we  read  in  chapter  26:7: 
He  stretcheth  out  the  north  over  the  empty  place  and  hangeth  the  earth 
upon  nothing, " 

A  statement  like  this  was  laughed  at  by  ancient  authorities.   The  Egyptians 
believed  that  the  earth  rested  on  pillars,  and  the  Greeks  believed  it  rested 
on  the  back  of  A* las.   But  Job  said  the  earth  was  suspended  in  space.   How 


«. 


did  he  know?   God  revealed  it  to  him  and  this  theory  has  been  proved  by 

many  scientists  since.   '.i',.at  keeps  all  of  the  universe  from  bumping  into 

one  another  as  each  star,  or  planet,  or  sun,  or  earth  keeps  its  appointed 

orbit.   It  couldn't  have  Just  happened.   God  pave  His  Word  to  Job  living  in 

an  unscientific  are  to  prove  what  would  only  be  discovered  centuries  later 

by  people  on  scientific  nuests. 

T  en  we  can  see  the  prophetic  and  hostoric  accuracy  of  ^ripture .   In  Ezek- 

iel  chapter  26,  azekiel  had  predicted  the  downfall  of  tyre  and  within  a  few 

years  it  had  corn  tc  p  -,    .      But  there  was  e  part  of  the  prophecy  which  did 

not  come  true  and  therefore,  Ezekiel  was  thought  ;o  be     tig.   Ee  wrote  in 

the  12th  verse  of  that  chapter,  "And  they  shall  make  a  spoil  of  thy  riches, 
and  make  a  prey  of  thy  merchandise:  and  they  shall  break  down  thy" walls, 
and  destroy  thy  pleasant  xxjcem  houses:  and"  they  shall  lay  thy  stones  and 
thy  timber  and  thy  dust  in  the  midst  of  the  wa  jr." 

This  did  not  come  to  pass.   But  in  334-  B.C.  Alexander  the  Great  ordered  hia 
soldiers  to  gather  the  ruins  of  the  old  coastland  city  of  Tyre  and  dump  them 
into  the  water.   His  men  even  scraped  the  texxExxask  ground  down  bo  the   bare 
rock.   They  used  these  materials  to  build  a  causeway  to  a  small  offshore  is- 
land which  was  one  of  tho  inlands  the  former  inhabi   it   of  Pyre  had  fled  to, 
The  Greeks  then  marched  over  onto  the  island  u'  ;  .     '  these 

who  had  fled  there.   Ezekiel's  prophecy  '.   fulfilled  exact]  -. 
There  are  over  300  prophecies  concerning  J     nich  have  come  to  pass  eithei 
completely  or  in  part.  ioawxtsxit^pcssiHle-that  Jdtfcts  asms   What  are  the  odds 
of  this  taking  place?  They  are  astronomical,   Now  does  this  sound  like  God's 
Word  is  Inerrant7  rtaxmm  &ny  truly  thinking  person  should  come  to  the  con- 
clusion that  it  is. 
One  further  proof  that  God's  Word  was  protected  In  its  translation  from  one 
generation  to  the  other  is  in  the  -"act  how  Jewish  scholars  did  so. 
The  Jwwish  scribes  in  transcribing  the  "kx±  "criptures  before  Christ  were 
very  exacting.  First,  they  would  count  every  word,  and  every  lettervin  each 
portion  they  were  copying.   After  the  work  was  completed,  every  word 
letter  were  counte         nd  \±   the  totals  did  not  tally,  the  entire  trans- 
cript whs  destroyed,  and  the  work  started  all  over  again.   A  certain  kind 
of  ink  was  used  and  the  wril  Lng     Lone  on   -  ji  illy  prep      :  ns  of 
mala  called  "parchment."  Each  word  was  pronounced  aloud  by  the  -scribe  and 
then  written  lown.   Every  time  the  term  "God"  was  written,  the  pen  was  wiped 
completely  dry  and  fresh  ink  was  used.   Before  recording  the  name  Jehovah, 
the  one  doing  the  copying  would  wash  his  entire  body  with  water.   After  the 
translation  was  completer!  ,  $f  one  mistake  was  found  the  entire  manuscript  was 
destroyed.   Joes  that  sound  like  Gcd's  Word  was  carelessly  handled i  Of  course 
not . 


But  regardless   of  what  we  may  believe   about  the  Bible,   all  of   it   means 
nothing  if  the  Bible   is   not  demonstrated   in  our   lives.     TJie   Bible   should 
make   a  change    in  each   of   us    individually.      Moody   said,    "Bither   the   Bible 
will  keep  you  from  sin,    or  sin  will  keep  you    £h?on    the    Bible.      What  do  we 
believe   about  the  Bible?      How   is   it  affecting  our    lives?     Mahatma  Ghandi 
was   a  man  who  had   seriously  eonsidr-r^c"    converting    to    3,.rlstianity,      He    is 
reported  to  have  once   said,    "I  would  be   a   Christian,    if   it  were   not  for 
Christians.."     What  he   failed  to  see  was   the   great   principles    of   the   Bible 
being  lived  oit    in  the    lives    of   Christians ,      W^   should  believe   that   God's    v/orc 
is    "Revelation;"      that    it    is    "Inspired;"   and   that   it   Is    "Inerrant."      But 
with  ttie.~s   beliefs   ■about    fe^e    Bible    it   should   show   in  how  we    live    in  our 
daily  lives  because   God    is   using  it  to  transform  us   intc    I         image. 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  November  24,  1995 

Rev.  Robert  Dain,  Guest  Minister 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
Acolytes:   John  Penrod  and  Robin  Kaiser 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  He 00  A.M. 
Prelude   "Thanksgiving  Prayer" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
♦Processional  Hymn  No.  389  "Let  All  Things  Now  Living" 
^Ascription 
*The  Call  to  Worship 

Pastor  -  0  Lord,  how  manifold  are  Thy  works*  In 

wisdom  Thou  hast  made  them  all;  the  earth  is 
full  of  Thy  creatures. 
People  -  Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul,   and  forget  not 

all  His  benefits . 
Pastor  —  I  will  pay  my  vows  to  the  Lord  in  the  presence 
of  all  His  people,  in  the  courts  of  the  house 
of  the  Lord . 
People  -  I  will  offer  to  Thee  the  sacrifice  of  thanks- 
giving and  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
•The  Invocation:  (In  Unison)   Almighty  God,  our  Heavenly 
Father,  the  fountain  of  all  goodness,  who  satisfies 
the  needs  of  every  living  thing;  we  give  Thee  thanks 
that  thy  kind  mercy  has  brought  us  through  the  circuit 
of  another  year,  and  that  the  provision  of  seedtime 
and  harvest  has  been  experienced  once  again.  We  praise 
Thee  that  the  year  has  been  crowned  with  mercy  and  that 
Thou  has  bestowed  upon  us  the  abundance  of  the  fruits 
of  earth*   Grant  us  grace  that  we  may  receive  them 
gratefully  and  use  them  worthily  for  our  own  needs,  for 
the  relief  of  the  less  fortunate,  and  for  Thy  glory. 
Teach  us  to  remember  that  it  is  net  by  bread  alone  man 
lives;  and  lead  us  to  feed  upon  the  true  bread  of  life* 
according  to  Thy  Holy  Word.     Amen. 
Hymn  Ho.  370  "0  God,  Our  Help  in  Ages  Past" 
Thanksgiving  Prayer 

Offering  -  (All  offerings,  envelopes,  loose  change,  food 
stuff,  are  to  be  brought  forward  at  this  time 
and  placed  in  the  collection  plates  and  contain- 
ers provided  for  this.  The  Ushers  will  assist 
you  at  the  chancel  rail.) 


Offertory  -  Piano  Solo 
*Doxoiogy  -  page  382 

•Thanksgiving  Prayer  of  Dedication  {In  Unison  page  391} 
Anthem  "There  Is  A  Bain,  in  Giliad1' 
Scripture:   Luke  17:  11-19 
Sermon:   "Are  We  Really  Thankful? 
♦Closing  Hymn  No.  3S7  '''We  Gather  Together" 
*Benediction 
"Closing  Chimes 
*Postlude  "Alleluia" 

- "Congregation  Standing       

The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mrs.  Ann  Williams  in  memory  of  Loved  Ones. 
Mr.  h   Mrs.  Donald  Kennedy  will  greet  the  congregation 

at  the  door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are;  Dick  Mangel,  Dick  Dally,  Ed  Walker 

and  Don  Kingsley, 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Michelle  Henry. 
Howard  Jaillet  and  Carl  Vinroe  will  be  visiting  the  hospital 

this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  125  with  7  visitors. 
MONDAY  -  Volleyball 

THURSDAY  -  HAPPY  THANKSGIVING  DAY! I ! 

ELECTION  RESULTS  -  November  10th  was  .election  day  here  at 
St.  Paul's,  Those  elected  as  Deacons  were  Herb  Shearer, 
Marie  Henry,  Rick  Vinroe,  and  Bill  Pflugh. 

BLOOD  DRIVE  for  the  hospital  was  held  this  past  week.   We 
need  to  thank  those  who  did  make  an  effort  to  support 
this  community  service ■ 


> 


IMPROVEMENT  FUND  ENVELOPES  are  coming  in  without  a  name  or 
an  envelope  number.   This  would  help  us  out  so  you  get 
credit  on  your  quaterly  statements  for  your  contribution 
to  this  fund.   Please  put  your  name  en  the  envelope. 

We  extend  a  warm  welcome  to  Rev.  Robert  Dain  for  being 
with  us  today  as  part  of  our  Thanksgiving  service. 

.  Hospitalized^   Mrs.  Jane  Massart  t'H^--       F---^u  f    if"/-/*'  / 

POINSETTIA  time  is  here.   If  you  wish  to  purchase  one  far 
the  Christmas  holidays,  please  fill  out  the  bottom  of 
the  bulletin  and  drop  in  the  offering  plate.   The  price 
is  $6.00  each. 

Name 

In  Memory  of  ^_^ 

Order  deadline  is  '  ■   ■  ■ 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler t    Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Relph  Link,  Pastor  December  1,  1985 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
Acolytes:   Doug  Vensel  and  David  Andrews 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude  "Nativity  Scene" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 

Lighting  of  the  Advent  Wreath  and  Nativity  Scene 
•Processional  Hymn  No.  168  "Come,  Thou  Long-Expected  Jesus" 
•Ascription 
•Exhortation 

•Confession  (In  Unison)  "Our  Heavenly  Father,  our  spirits 
turn  at  this  season  not  only  to  the  coming  of  thy  Son 
into   history  in  the  form  of  a  babe,  but  also  to  thy 
coming  in  thy  spirit.  We  beseech  thee,  0  Lord,  to  pour 
thy  spirit  upon  all  who  walk  in  darkness.   Grant  thy 
power  to  the  weak;  thy  love  to  those  who  hate;  and  thy 
peace  to  those  who  know  only  the  ugliness  of  strife, 
struggle,  and  turmoil.  If  it  be  thy  will,  make  us 
instruments  of  thy  power  and  love  and  peace  for  those 
who  know  thee  not.  Hear  us  as  we  pray,  in  Jesus' 
name  *         Amen  * 
*Kyrie 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 
•Praise:   Pastor-  Blessed  he  the  Lord  God 

People-  And  Blessed  be  His  glorious  name  forever. 
•Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No.  192  "Angels  We  Have  Heard  on  High" 
Call  to  Prayer:  Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray. 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  "The  Peace  Within" 
•Doxology  -  page  3&2 
Anthem:   "Carol  of  the  Children" 
Scripture:   Luke  1:  5-25 
Sermon:   "Fear  Nott  Zacharias" 
•Closing  Hymn  No.  169   "0  Come,  0  Come,  Emmanuel" 
•Benediction 
•Closin   jhimes 


•Postlude   "Trumpet  Tune  in  F" 
""Congregation  Standing 

The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mr.  &   Mrs.  Paul  Riemer  in  memory  of  Mr.  4  Mrs.  William 

Rieuter  and  Mr.  Gale  Leighton. 
Mr-  &   Mrs,  Coyle  Fowler  will  greet  the  congregation  at 

the  door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Marty  Henry,  Dan  Bosko,  John  Snow 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs*  Sue  Gamble. 
Mary  Lou  Davis  and  Marilyn  Snyder  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week,. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  135  with  8  visitors. 
MONDAY  -  Somen's  Mary  Prugh  Christmas  Dinner  in  the  hall. 
WEDNESDAY  -  Council  at  7:00  P.M. 
THURSDAY  -  Basketball  7-9 

Choir  practice  at  7:00 
FRIDAY  -  BFBC 

December  9th  is  Committee  Appointment  night.  We  will  meet 
at  7:00  P.M.  All  council  members  and  committee  chairmen 
are  to  attend* 

> December  15th  is  the  Family  Christmas  Program  at  the  church. 
It  will  be  held  at  7:00  P.M.  in  Rehobcth  Hall.   We  urge 
all  of  you  to  attend,  and  bring  a  friend.   All  of  the 
Sunday  School  classes  have  been  asked  to  participate  in 
the  program.   We  hope  you  will  see  that  the  children 
are  present  for  this  fun  occasion. 

December  22nd  we  will  observing  the  Lord's  Supper. 

December  22nd  we  will  also  be  taking  in  new  members.   If 
you  know  anyone  wishing  to  join  the  church  please  let 
the  office  know. 


/"^  £«*<'•.*   '^HA:..  _  u  £*r     F#* 


Poinsettias  may  be  ordered.   Please  fill  in  this  slip  and 
deposit  it  in  the  offering  plate  or  drop  it  in  the  office, 

NAME 


In  Memory  of 

Price  is  $6,00  each.  Order  deadline  is  December  8th. 


first  sundat  or  advent  -  i99f 


GREEN     : 


ADVENT  IN   THE  CHURCH   IS   A  TIME  OF  SEPARATION  AND  ANTICI- 
PATION . 
'■IF.  PREKRRF  OUR    SELVES   FOP  THE  COMING   INTO  TFIE  WORLD  OF 
m  SAVIOR  JESCS  CUT-  T. 

WE  ANTICIPATE  THAT  ONCE  AGAIN  THE  BIRTH  OF  JESUS  WILL 
IK   TO  OUR   'USAHTS   ANEW. 

WE  AWAIT  THE  MESSAGE  EVER  OLD  HOT  ALWAYS  NEW  THAT, 
"UNTO  US   IS   BORN  THIS   DAT  IN   THE   HITY   OF   DAVID  A   SAVIOR, 
WHICH  IS  CHRIST  THE  LORD." 
THIS  YEAR  INSTEAD  OF  THE  INDIVIDUAL  CAUDLES  SYMBOLIZING 
A   DIFFEf  f    HS'S  MINISTRY  np  LIFE,   EACH  CANDLE 

WILL  SYMBOLIZE  THE  PERSONS  INVOLVED  IN  THE  EVENTS  PPIOR  TO 
HIS  BIRTH  AND  AT  HIS   BIRTH. 

THE  FIRST  CANDLE  WE  LIGHT,  ON  TUT:    FIRST  SUNDAY  OF  ADVENT  IS 
THE  CANDLE  OF  GREEN. 
THIS  CANDLE  WILL  SYMBOLIZE  FOR   US    EACH  WEEK   THE    PRIEST 
1ACHARIAS  AND  HI;    WOT  ELI ZABETH  AS  KM  WILL  NOTE  IN  OUR 
HORNING  MESSAGE, 
GREEN   IS   THE  COLOR   THAT  COMES  FORTH  FROM   PLANTING. 
SEEDS   ABE   POINTED  AND  IF   ALL  GOES  WELL  THEY  GERMINATE  AND 
IN   A   HATTER   OF  TIKE  WE  SEE  GREEN  SHOOTS   SPRINGING  FORTH. 
'  LASTED  IN  THE  LIVES  OF   MCHARIAS   AND   HIS   WIFE 
FLI7ABETH  FROM  WHICH  A  SON  NAMED  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST  CAME  FORTH. 
THAT  SON   IN   TURN   PLANTED  SEEDS   IN  THE   LIVES  OF  PEOPLE  WHICH 
POINTED  THEM  TO  THE  ONE   HE  CALLED,    "THE   LAMB  OF  GOD  WHO 
TAKETH   AWAY  THE  SINS  OF  THE:  WORLD." 
TO  THOSE  WITH  OPEN   HEARTS,    THE  GOOD  SOIL,    THOSE  SEEDS 
SPRUNG  FORTH  ENABLING  TltEK  TO  BEOME  CHILDREN  OF  GOD  AND 
HAVE  TH!:   SALVATION  WHICH  GOD  PROVIDED  THROUGH  JESUS 
CHRIST. 
MAY  THE  COLOR  GREEN  REMIND  US  THIS   YEAP   OF   HOW  GOD'S  PLAN 
BEGAN    IN   THE  LTVES  OF  TWO  COMMON   ORDINARY  PEOPLE   LIKE 
CHABIAS   AND  ELIZABETH. 

PRAYER; 

FATHER,    WE  ARE   MINDFUL  OF  THE  F/IHTS   WHICH  TOOK  PLACE 
AS   YOU   HAD  PLANNED,    WHICH  UNFOLD  FOR   It:'   THE  WONPITRFUL 

SALVATION   THROUGH  THE  CHRISTCHTLD.      WE  THANK 
YOU   THAT  "WHOSOEVER   BELIEVETH    IN   HTM  SHALL  NOT   PERISH 
TNG  LITE."  '  . 


SECOND  SUNDAY  OF   ADVENT    -   ln9f    -  YELLOW  CANDLE 
ON   THIS    SECOND   SUNDAY   OF   ADVENT  WE  WILL  LIGHT  THE  SECOND 
1  RELIGHT  THE  FIRST  CANDLE 

SO  WE  PELIGHT  THr  FIR.rT   CANDLE   OF  GREEN  WHICH  WE   SAID  SYMBOLIZ* 
■       THE  PRIEST   ZACHARIAS   FRO"  WHOM   CAME   THE  SEED  OF  JOHN   THE 
BmiTIST  WHO  TN  TO1  SEEDS   OF  RELIEF  IN   THE 

MESSIAH  JESUS  CHRIST. 

IHT  THE:  SECOND  HANDLE  OF  YELLOW  WHICH  WILL  SYMK 
TROTH  MARY. 

I    VFT.L-BEING 
THIS   IS  WHAT  MAI  I  tN    HER   LIFE   AFTER   SHE    LEARNED  SHE 

ORLD 
V?  SLOW    IN   HFR   LIFE  IN   HER   WORDS   AS  THE 
.   IKE  WRO^F  THEM   -  READ  CHAP  1;46-B5 

PERHAPS  WHEN   WE  THINK    OF  THE  COLOR   YFT.LOW,    OH   A   YELLOW  CANDLE 

'  :    THINK  OF  Tl  I  SSANT  GIRL  KAKY ,   WO 

WAS  THE    INSTUBMENT  SOD  CHOSE   TO  BFAR   OUR    SAVIOR  JESUS   CHRIST. 


FATHER,    WE  THAN  K  YOU  THAT  YOU  CHO  E   PEOPLE  CF  THE 

WORLD  TO  REVEAL   YOUR   PT.AN  OF   SALVATION.      WE  THANK  YOU   THAT    IN 
ALL  0!>-  THE;  JOYS   OF  THIS   SEASON   '.IE   CAN   ONCE   AGAIN   AWAIT  YOUR 
COMING  INTO  OUR   LIVES   IN   ALL   OF  OUR   FESTIVITIES. 
FAY   ALL  WE   DO   ANP   SAY   BE   TO   YOUR   HONOR   AND  GLORY,      AMEN. 


SS 


1 

I 


NT  -  ligf  -  Blue  Candle 

ON  THIS  THIRD  SUNDAY  r^    IDVENT  H] "; 

'  :GHT  THF   FIRST  CAJTOLI1   OF  GREEN   WTTCl  !    SYMBOLIC 

T  PLANTING   AND  GROWING, 

-.    ■  OF  JOHN  TIF,  BAPTIST   -If 

TN    TirRN   PLANTED  THE  SEED  Of  JESUS   AG   THE  MESSIAH. 

j'-'TT    rHv  sHjofH    CAKDLE  of  YK.LOW  WHICH  HE  USE  AG   SYMBOLIC 
[HE  GLOW   OF  THE   VIRGIN   MARY. 
SHE  GLOWED  WITH  THE  JOY  OF  BEING  CHOSEH  AS  GOD'S  SERVANT  FROM 
WHCM  THE  SAVIOR  JESUS  CHI1IST  WOULD  COME  FORTH. 
OH   THIS   TURTD  SUNDAY   OP  ADVENT  WE   LIGHT  THF  THIRD  CANDLE   OF 
BUTE  AS  SYMBOLIC  OF  JOSEPH  THF  EARTHLY  FATHER  01'  JESUS . 
FROM  EARLIER   TIKES    W    HAVE   AN  EXPRESSION  IKS   OF  THAT 

WHICH   IS   TRUE  A3   OPPOSED  TO   THAT  WHICH  IS   FALSE.      T 
SATING    IS   "TKUF   BLUE."      "TRUF,   BLUE,"    SIGNIFIED  A   '-'  I 
OR   COLOR  WHICH   IF   IT  WAS   THE   SEAL  THTHG    DID  HO™   FADE  &  REHAINEI 
vrKHEJV   THE   "TRUE"   COLOR    IT  START 
JOSEPH  WAS    "TRUE  BLUE,"  WHICH  HAS   ALSO  COME  TO  MEAN    A   T    I 
WHO  REMAINS  THF  SAME  AND  DOESN'T  DEVIATE  FROM   BEING  LOYAL, 
OP  STANCH. 

aBMacKxmxxKiiwuYxiiajrxHsramxixmxKMifliEKx 

DURING  THE  ENGAGEMENT  OF  JOSEPH  TO  HIS  FIANCEE  MAHY,  IT  WAS 
DISCOVERED  THA™  MARY  WAS  GOING  TO  HAVE  A  CHILD. 
JOSEPH  WASTED  TO  BREAK  THEIR  ENGAGEMENT,  BHT  HE  WANTED  TO  DO 
THE  RIGHT  THINGS 
AND  ONE  NIGHT  IN  A  DREAM  AN  XBXKK  ANGEL  SPOKE  TO  HIM  AND  TOLD 
HIM  THIS  WAS  FROM  GOD. 
FROM  THAT  POTNT  ON,  JOSEPH  NEVER  DOUBTED  AND  SCRIPTURE  TELLS 
US,  "then  JOSEPH  BEIN   RAISED  FROM  SLEEP  DID  AS  THE  ANC^T,  OF 
THF  L<  RD  HAD  HIDDEN  HIM  AND  TOOK  UNTO  HIM  HIS  WIFE." 
JOSEPH  WAS  AND  REMAINED  "TRITE  BLUE,"  TO   HIS  WIFE,  TO  HIS 
NTED  OF  HTM. 

PRAYER : 
FATHER,  HE  THANK  YOU  THAT  YOUR  PLAN  FOH  OUR  SALVATION  CAME 
FORTH  TN  THE  LIVES  OF  PEOPLE  JUST  LIKl  US  -  THOSE  OF  NO  NOTE 
OH  FAME,  WIT  AND  BECAUSE  OF  THIS  WF  CAN  DRAW  NEAR  TO  TOD 
FIND  THAT  THROUGH  A  BABY  BORN  IN  AN  ANIMAL  STALL  WE  CAN  HAVE 

.  ,  AND  ETERNAL  LIFE  WITH  YCU. 
THANK  YCU  FATHER,  THROUGH  JESUS  CHRIST  CUM  LORD.   AMEN. 


SUNDAY  OF  HDVENT  199^  -  Jed  Candle 

ON  HHIE  FOURTH  SUNDAY  OK  ADVENT  WE: 

RELIGHT  THE  FIRST  CAHDLE  OF  GREEN  SYMBOLIC  OK  GROWTH  1TROM 
F'tNTING   IN  THE  LIFE  OF  ZACHARIAS, 

LIGHT  THE   SECOND  CANDLE  OF   YELLOW  WHICH  WE  USE  AS  SYMBOLIC 

of  the  oi.r  f*gik  mary, 

RELIGHT  THE   THIRD  CANDLE   0J    HLUEESTMBCLIC   OF  JOSEPH   THE 
EAR-IILY   STEP-FATHER   OF  JESUS 
AND  WE  NO'.)  LIGHT  THE  CANDLE  OF  RET  AS   TYMBOLIC  OF  THE  SHEPHERDS 
RDS   E'ERE  ON   DUTY   DOING   THEIR  V'ORK    OF  CARING  FOB   THE 
SHEEP  ENTRUSTED  TO  THEK. 
rfRTLE  THD  .    IK  ANGEL  APPEARED  TO  THEM  ANT*  WE  RFAD: 

"THE  GLOPY  Ov  TB  '  HE  ROUND  ABOUT  THE  I    WERE 

ROBE  AFRAID.      AND  TFE   ANGEL   SATD  IWTO  THEH    'FEAR   NOT:    FOR 

:    I  ■:,    T    BRING  YOtl  GOOD  TIDINGS    OF  GREAT  JOY,    WHICH  SHALL 
Rv    •  -:-.     ptjj  ,if:m  job  j     goSH  THIS  MT  TN  THE  GIT 

OF   DAVID   A    SAVIOirR,    WHTCH   IS  CHRIST  THE    LORD." 
THIS  ANWOTJNCEHENT  WAS  THE  MESSAGE  OF  SALVATION  TO  COME    PHROUGH 
IILD, 

TAKE  PLACE  THROUGH  HIS   -'WTFTCF.  AND  DEATH. 
RED  IS   THE  COLOR    OF   BLOOD  AND  THIS  WAS   THE   PURPOSE  OF  THE 
COMTNG   OF  THIS   CHILD. 

NCR  THAT  HESSAOl    tfA  IPHERDS,  RED  MAY  WELL 

symbolize  for  be  hat  was  tci.d  to  thesi 

humble  caretakers  these  antmals , 

father,  once  again  we  must  thank  yob  for  the  completion  of 
your  flah  through  jesus,    but  all  of  it  was  revealed  not  to 
"hose  of  weans,  but  to  the  ordinary  people  in  ordinary  walks 
)  life.    thank  you  that  tn  all  of  this  we  know  the  complete 
stoby  and  '  ialvatios  through  jesus  christ  our  lord. 

AM  N  . 


LIGHTING  OF  THE  CHRISTMAS  WREATH CHRISTMAS  EVE  199f 

m  mis  emintiyie  ivs  we  light  oirp  Christmas  wreath 

ADVENT   ENDS   TONIGHT  AND  WE  CELEBRATE  THE   WHTH  OF  OTO   SAVIOR 
OS  CHRIST. 

RELIGHT  THE  CANDLE  OF  GREEN   SYMBOLIC   OF  GROWTH  FROM 
!  t.JmilG   IN   THE  LIFE   OF   7ACHARTAS 
WE  RELIGHT  THE  CANDLE  OF  YELLOW   SYMBOLIC  OF  THE  GLOW  FROM  THE 
LIFE  OF  THE.   VrRGIN  MARY 
WE  RELIGHT  THE  CANDLE   OF  BLDF  SYMBOLIC  OF  JOSEPH   THE  STEP- 
FATH!K   OF  JESDS   BEING   "TRUE   BLUE"   THROUGH  ALL  OF  THIS 
WE  RELIGHT  THE  GAMBLE  0]    REE   SYMBOLIC   OF   THE   SHEPHERDS  TO 
WHOM  THE  NEKS    Qf  SALVATION   THROUGH  CHRIST  WAS   POSSIBLE. 
WE  NOW   LIGHT  THE  CANDLE  OF  WHITE  SYMBOLIC  Cv  THE  LORD  J 
CHRIST. 
WHITE  STANDS   FOR  PURITY  WHICH   IS  WHAT  HE   WAS   .AND  IS 

THE  PEOPLE  THAT  WALKED  IN   DARKNESS   HAVE  SEES   A  GREAT  LIGHT- 

HAT   WELL  IN   THE    LAND  OF  THE   SHADOW  OF  DEATH,    UPON  THEM 
HATH  THE  LIGHT  "PITHED. 

FOP  UNTO  UP  A  CHILD  IS  BORN,  UNTO  US  A  SON  IS  GIVEN-  AND  m'U 
GOVERNMENT  SHALL  BE  II PON  HIS  SHOULDER:  ANT  HIS  NAME  .'.HALT  BE 
CALr  °  WONDER,  .  prTY  GOP,    THE  EVERLASTING   F 

FATHER,  ■'■    OF  PEACE. 

THIS  IS  THE  FULFILLMENT  WHICH  TOOK  PLACE  ON  THAT  FIRST  CHRTST- 
V       MIGHT  WHICH  THE  ANGEL  TOLD  SB 

WBKXHMBXYmXKXKMTEIKIEXIieHJIXIJtxrjreXttinxgrxraOriBX* 

F0R  UKW  "!  ID  A  "AVTOR 

"HE  LORD. 

0  COME,  LET  ID  APOR^  HIM,  CHRIST  THE  LORD. 

,  WE  THANK  YCU  FOR  COMING  INTO  OUR  WORLD  TO  MAKE  IT 
IBLE  "HAT  WE  CAN  HAVE  LIGHT  ANP  LIEF  THROUGH  OUR  DAVIOR 
CHR  ST.  AH  N. 


F.  CHURCH  %  SAQAMOE 


t»kembmr  1,  i«?9f 


pRBLUOB 
GREETINOS/JOTS/AHHOTNCBJtBHTS/PRAYER  RE  I 

■      in.     /  -f     *<*.    <?a~      />>?£  -/£ 


HAL  j^5-*"  R'lAl?  tkez  verses 

from  tht:  tike  or  th/pfoph  of  halachi  until  titescbiptokb  we  are 

READING  TH^RF:  WAS   A   SPAH   OF  WO  YEARS. 

TKE2   YEAUS  WERE  CALLED  TO/SILENT  YEARS  BECAUSE   THERE  WAS   NO 
JTHER  WORD  FROM  GOD. 

NO     THAT  MIGHTY   SILENCE  HAS   BEEN   HSOKEN  f  AND  GOD  IS   SAYING  HE  I£ 
IS   GOING  TO   TNTFRVENE  IN   TRAlF  OF  ONE  OF  HIS   SERVANTS 

THAT  /ACHARIAS   HAE    FIERI")  THT;:   HERAG   HE  (JDESTINS   TH/ANGEL 
t,   SO  WE  READ  IN  VS   l&rTURN   TO   LI!KE  ft   HEAD  THIS) 


ITCFTTNf:   OF  THE   ADVENT  VREATH 
•HYKN 

PRAYER/OFFER  I  US        __ 
■  DCTtOLOGY        J  *-     C/4  . 

PASTORAL  PRAYER 

SCRIPTORE:     LUKE  ls5-*5 

":     "FEAP  NOT,    SACHARIAS" 
ST.    PAUL'.';,    Bl'TLKP 
•HYMN 

•BENEDICTION 
' POKTLDDE 


13/1/85 


[ 


± 

FEAR  NOT  ZACHAHIAS: 

IT  STIL  PITCH  BLAK  ERLY  MORN  OF   DAY  IN  1ST  WK   OCT,    YR   7^8,    ft   W/IN  TH/TEMPL,    TH/SUPRINTEND  PR 
MADE  SUR  ALL  WAS   PRE]  <ORN   WORSHIP 

ABOUT  50  PRS    ON    DUTY   ft   WER   BIVID  IN2   2GRPS    -  THEY  WENT  THRUOUT  TEMPL  BY   TORCHLITE   INSPEC   TEH 
WEN  HAD  GOMPLET  TASK  TH/TWO  GRPS   MET   AT  CERT   PLAC   ft  MARCH   2TH/HAL  OF  HEWN  POLISHD  STCN  2 
RECIV   ASINMENTS   4TH/DAY 
TWIC   B4  ft   TWIC   AFTR   TH/TEMPL  GATES  WER   OPND  'tTH/DAY  TH/LOT  OR  TH/SACRD  DICE  WER  USD  2 
DESIGNAT  WHO  WUD  SSRV  WHER 
TH/FIRST  LOT  WAS   CAST  ft   THOZ  PRTS  WENT  BOUT  TEMPL  MAK  TH  ,PffEPS   WORKIN   IN  TH/DRKNES   W/ONLY   THE 
FITFUL  GLO  OF  TH/FLAK  WH/STIL  GLOWD  ON  TH/ALTR   OF  BURNT  OFFRS 
JUS  B4   DAYLI'TE   TH/LOT  2ND  TIME   2DESIGNAT  THOZ  WHO  WER   2TRIM  TH/GOLDN  CANDLSTIK  ft 

PPEP  TH/ALTR   OF   INCFNS   './IN   TH/HOLY   FLAC 
A   PR  STATIOND  IN  TH/HIEST  PINACL  OF  TH/TEMPL  CALLS  OUT  THAT  TH/DAWN  HAD  JUS   BROKN  &  TH/HUGE 
TEMPL  GATES  WER  NOT  SWING   OPN  ON   THER   HINGES, WHIL  A   3F0LD  BLASTS   FR/THE  SILVR   PRUMPTS  WAS 
3LPWN   BY   STIL,  OTHR  PRTS 
IT  NOV,'  TIML  4TH/M0RN  SACRIF  2B   PREPARD.      TH/LAM  WAS   BROT  **TH  ft   TYD  ON  TH/ALTR   AS   TBADITIN 
HAD  SED  ISAAC   WAS   BND,ft  THAT  WAS   ON   TH/NORTH   SIDE  W/THE  HED  FACING  WEST 
WHIL  TH/SACRIF  'CAS   B  PREPPD  TU/PRSTS    WHO/'   LOT   IT  WAS  HAD  PREPPD  TH/HOLY  FLAC   <+TH/M0S   SOLEM 
PART  OF  TH/SERVIC   ft   THAT  WAS   TH/OFIT?   OF   TH/INCENS 
ALL  TH/PRSTS   WER   GATHRD  2GETHR   WH]  ST   IN  CHRG   SPRINKLD  TH/BLUD  FR   A   GO:  DN   BOV/L  ON   ALTR 

NOW  A    3RD  LPT   '  ■'.    THIS    DETERM  WHO  WUDB  TH/CH07N  ONE  TO  CFFR   TH/INCENS 

™.E    gpN"R  >^L  TO  A    PRSm   ONLY   CNC?:    IN    HIS.  TJFTTKF.   ft   NEVP    AGIN 
ONE  OF  THUZ  ppg^   WAS  MAN  Mm   7iACHARIAS  &   gg  WAfi  ^  ^ 

HIS   WIFE   "WERE  NOW  WELL  STRICKN   IN  YEARS."   ft  THIS  MENT  60   OR  OLDR. 


7ACHARIAS   WAS   DIF  FR/OTHR   PRSTS  BCUZ   DIDNT  RESID  IN  JERU  OR  JERICHO  WHER   OTHR   PRSTS   LIVD  WEN 
NOT  ON   DUTY.      INSTED  HE  LTV   SMAL  TrfN  SOUTH  OF  JERU.      HE  WAS   CONSIDRD  2B  AN   IDIOT  BY  TH/LERND 
PRS TSJ3CUZ  HE  WAS  UN   LERND 
TH/TERM'sUGGSTD  SUMONE  WHO  WAS   ILITERAT/IGNORANT/  OR  VER  COMON  ft  ALL  THIS   SUPOSDLY  MARRD 
TH/FRSTLY.  FIFNCTIN 
SO  IT  WAS  27.ACHARIAS   TH/HONOR   OF  OFFRINC  "ELL 

HE  HAD  2CH0C3  2SPECIL  FRENffiT  OR  RELTIVS  2ASIST~HTM   IN   HIS   DtJTYS 
ONE  WUD  REMOV   TH/REMAINS   FR/THE  ALTR   FR/THE   SERVIC  OF  TH/NITE  B'+  £  then  retir  movin  back- 

::!>S   AWAY  FR/THE   ALTR 
"TH/SECOND  ONE  WUD  TAK   TH/COALS   FR/THF   ALTR   OF  TH/BURNT  OFFRIN  ft   SPRET)  THOZ  COALS   ON   THE 
A I ,TR   OF  TNCENS,   ft  THEN  RETIR  MOVIN  BAKWARDS 
THEN  TH/ORGAN   SOUNDED  ft  THIS  WAS   TH/SIGNAL  'fTHAORSHIPRS  2B0W  PRDSTRAT  B*t   TH/LORD  ft   OFFR  THER 
SILENT  WORSHIP 
AT  A   SPECIL  SIGNAL  TH/PRST  SELECTD  TO   OFFR   TH/INCENS   THEN   APROACHD  TH/ALTR   OF  TNCENS    IN  THE 
HOLY  PLACE  2SPRED  TH/INCENS   ON  TH/ALTR 
THIS  WAS  TH/MOST  SOLEM  PART  OF  TH/WoRS HIP 
TH/INCENS  REPRESENTD  ISRAEL'S   ACCEPTD  PRAYRS 
THOZ  PRAYRS   WER   IN  A   SENS   ASCENDIN   TO  GOD   IN   TH/SMCK   FROM  TH/INCENS 
ZACHARIAS   WAS   2WAIT  UNTIL  TH/lNCENS   WAS   KINDLD  ft   THEN   HT    SHUD  HAV  MOVD     BAKWARDS   OUT   OF 
THE  HOLY  PLACE. 
ANE  SO  WE  READ:    "AND  THERE  APPEARED  UNTO  HIM  AN   ANGEL. OF  THE  LORD  STANDING  CM   THE  RIGHT  SIDE 
OF  THE  ALTAR  0F~ INCENSE."     VERSE  11, 


THIS   YF   WIL  LK   kVSJ  EVENTS  WH/STJRODH  G'S   PLAN   ^BIRTH  OF  SAVIOB 

U  WIL  NOTE  TITO   I;:   COUCH   TOO  WOR])  PHFAS    INVOLV   EA   THRZ   INCIDENTS 
? -V.Y   LK    AT    ^ACl!AHIAS,/ELIZ;    TO  HI   LK   AT  MARY   AS   SORTP  nfWTTKr   IJ(I 
I ! : T  CHAP  LK:    THEN  WIL  LK   AT  JOSEPH  JR/SCRIP  MT  J,,    ft  FT M-Y 
"  W      K  AT  SHEPK  FR/SCRIP  OF  LK  a. 

!>   U  READ  TX.F.7.  EVENTS    AHED  OF  TIME  LK  FOR   THAT 

{RELATE  TH/INCIDENTS    OF    KARHARIAS    ft    OTHR    FHTFSgS    SEWTNPl 

VS  11»LIK    ANTOHE  WHO  WTO  ENCOIPITR   AN   ANGL  WE  REAP 

VS12=BUT  ZACHARIAS    Finn  NI'THTN  TO  FEAR  &   WE  READ 

TS"T^THBBK   IT  IS--  TH/ONGOING   PHRASE   IN   AT.L  AOOUNTJS 
"FEAR   NOT"   -  HERE   IT   IS    "FRAP,    HOT,    7ACHARIAS" 
■  </ELl7,   HAD  f'RAYD  OVH  "ft   OVR   1*A   CHILD  BCD7   IT  WAS    SUIT!!   A 
PRIEST  WAS   TO  HAV 
THER   WEB   PRSTS   WHO  DIVORCD  THER  V.TVS    BCUZ  WIVS   NO  BFAR   SONS 
R1TT  ZACHALIZ  RFMAINP  MARRYD  I  PROB  RESOLVE  SPEKD  LIVS  METfffi 
CHILPLFS 

BUT  NOW  ZACH  TOL  THIS WHO  WIDHT  B  AFRAID?"':? 

VSS  1**-15=AKGL  NOW   ADD  THIS      *-  THTr    BOY   WAS    ?B   LIK    SAMSON  WHO 
WAS  A   NASARTTE    -  I   ft?.  './AS   ?B  FTLLD  W/H   SP  KVN  B<1  HE  WAS  BORN 
VSS  16-17.HALACHI  EN!)  HIS  PROPH  W/THEZ  WORDS  CHAPJ^3-6=READ 

VS_1;  ,',T,EL 

VSS   19-gO.BY  QUEST  HOW   THIS   CIIDB.XACH  IS   SHOWING   DOUBT 
NOW  ALTHO  HE  NO  ASK    FOH    A    SIGN   OF  THIS   POSIBILTY   IT  5IMLAR   TO 
THAT  REQUEST 
SO  TH/ANGL  GAV    RBI    A   SIQM  &   THIS    'ION  WAS  HIS   INABILTY   TO 
SPK  UNTIL  HIS   SON   IS   BORN 

SO  NOW  WE  HEAD  — VS  gl=",ACH  IN  H  PLAC  A  LNG  TIME 

PEWL  WEfl  WAIT  "*HIM  TO  CUM  OPT  ft   PRONCPNC    BENDICTIN 
1   DELAY  MKNT  SOKTH  HAPPN  2HTM 
?P=UE  APEAR  &   UNABL  ^SPK  SHO   WAT  THBI  HAD  THOT 


HE  PPCNOtTNC    BENDTOTTN  W/ttAND  MOTTNS   R  TH/PEO  WER  CONVTNC   HE 

HAD  SEEN    A  VTSIN 
VS   g-VTOim  OF  DUTY   IN  T^MPT.   OVR  &   VENT  BAK    HOME  TO  HIS  WIFE 
./:--  ?'4^fTT^  CCHOETV  IN  HER  OT  r  AGF  8-  BOTH  IN  SFCIJTHIN 

ELI?  BAYS    -   VS   P4b-?^ 
T?VHEPROAi':H  VAS   THAT   SHE  WAS    CHTLDLES  ,BUT   MORSO  BCD:'     i 

tha'if  of  a  !  ■  ■  ey  were  suposd  to  hav  chtldrn 

"h  tugs  we  c  tn  tut."  fv  ' 
th'/age"  factor 


HI 


A  I. MOS    ANYONE  WUP  SAY   — 


.     BUT  WAT  3    KTZ  THRU    BACH/ELIZ   PRUVS    AGE  I 
BARRIER  Wjfcnri 
TF  WE  LK  WAT   EACH   DID  WE  C   IT  SAKE   A, 
MY  WIFE  HI  gQLl)  PHAV  CHILDRN" 
IT  MAYB  CEPTINTY   G  TAKE    AWAY  CHTLDRFARTHG    AT  BERTH)   ACE,    BgJ 
HE  STIL  WANTr   Ct'R   SESVIC   BYQW   OUR   RETIRMENT  YR*. 

/• 


I  "VE  HERJTHAlXCDSEr.    IN  FVPY   CHURCH   I  "VE   SERVD 
"I'K  TOO  OLD,    I'VE   »ERVT1  HY   TIME,    I'M   RETIRED, LET  TliAOUNOR 

CNF.r.   DO  TT,    ETC,    FTC. 

OUP   ATITHD  SHUDB   LIK   "W   YR  OLD  MAN 
( T-- :•  90YR  OLD  MAN  i.'/KNEE  PROBLEM) 

(  NLY  A  BARRIER  TF  WE  R  WILING  TO  MAK   IT  THAT 
G  WANTS  TO  nsE  ALL  OP  BS   REGAPDLES  OP  AGE 

NOTHB    LESSN  IS   CDS    APPROACH   TO  WATEVR   Tt!/SITI'ATIN   MITFB 

T-M  rlrC  WW  vliilBLV  ilSAKT  TiV'WmUT  ffl  wAS  TWVW.TO  IN 
BUT  DON'T  YOU  THINK   *ACH  COMPI-AIND  MANY  TIME:;  BCUI  THEY  DIDNT 
HAV  CHIUJRH  LIK  EVROOT'   ELSE?? 
T    HLIFV   KACH  WAS   EXACTLY   I  IK    ANY   ( 

HAD  TH/SAMF  DESIRS  FEELINGS  LIK  US  &  TH/SAME  THINGS  THAT 
UP'.FT  BS  DPSTT  HIM  AS  WELL. 
AND  FACE   IT,    DONT  WE  ALL  GET   IMPATIENT  HKHXTKIKBX   w/LIFf:   WEN   IT 
GTTTr^fl7TJFTTVT.  KW'K'L'K^I-:  JJAHW.'VVVV ' 


,  AIL  30Y,    ICE   CREAM  ANP  WAITRESS) 

THIS  EXACTLY  WAT  i  Ht  ITfflWAPTAS 

HE  WAS  A  LITTL  MAN  IB  TH/SITP  OF  HIS  FELLOV,'  WORKERS 
HE  WAS   A  NOBODY, CONSIDERED   AN   ILLITERATE. 
HOT  CCr;   TOOK    T"A"  NOBODY  b  BROT  TH/FOHHUNNR   OF  TH/MESSIAH 
FROM   HIM 
TH/VOfiLD  LKS  DP  TO  TH/SOWBODYS  H  IGNORES  TH/NOBODYS 

THE?   Dli-TU/SAME  W/JS,   BUT  RE  TCLDTHEM 
"■TH//F.RY    STONE   Wll/THE  BILOBS    REJECTS  HAS   NOW   BCITM  TH/HED  OF  THE 

oopnct'I       ■        lf  ' 

•■IT  MAY  THINK  WE'RE  TOO   OLD, OR   HAV  NUTH  TO  OFFR   2  GOD  W/QUR 

fti!Bt  IJtTI  lTV5,    -' ■"■" 

?  a  WIL  TAK  EA  OF  US  f.   USE  UK  FOH  HIS  PURPOSES  WATEVR   THEY 
MAYB  ft.   USE  OS  FOR  HIS  GLORY 
BUT  WE  KUSB  WIL  8.   ABL  TO   IET  HI1.  HE  WANTS 

WF  MDS   WANT  TO  SERV  HIM   HCU7   WF  I.UV  HIM  fc  WE  SHUD  LUV  HIM   FOR 
ALL   HP   DDZ   FOR   US   &  GIVS   US 
TH/MFSAn    I:',   FTTI.  TH/SAME   TODAY   -  FFAP  NOT   -- —  WATKVER   UR   NAME 

T<-,  r.  '.'W'"1  'I'O  \t''  A  WW  'TTfttr  Vol!'  if  t;  wil  letTtth 


Workshop  Leaders  -  Page  2 

Mr.  John  Kohlenberger 

"How  to  Develop  a  Pastor's  Library" 

44-51 

Mrs.  Arloa  Sutter 

"The  Church  in  Urban  Ministry" 

52-53 

Mrs.  Joni  Eareckson  Tada 

"Accidents,  Injuries  and  Bad  Medical  Reports: 
What's  A  Pastor  to  Do?" 

54-56 

Dr.  William  Thrasher 

"The  Discipline  and  Dynamics  of  Prayer" 

57-58 

Dr.  Warren  Wiersbe 

"Expository  Preaching  -  Hints,  Helps  and  Hazards" 

59-60 

1 

Dr.  Bruce  Wilkinson 
"CoMission 

61-62 

2 2ND  ANNUM.  PASTORS'  CONFERENCE 

GENERAL  SESSION  SPEAKERS 

PAGE 

Rev.  James  Cymbal a 

1 

- 

Dr.  Joseph  St owe 11 

2 

Dr.  Bruce  Wilkinson 

3 

Dr.  Warren  Wiersbe 

4 

Rev.  Tom  Mahairas 

5 

Mrs.  Joni  Eareckson  Tada 

6 

Dr.  Richard  Farmer 

7 

Rev.  Phillip  Davis 

8 

1 

Dr.  Warren  Wiersbe 

9 

Dr.  Harold  Foos 

10 

Dr.  Ravi  Zacharias 

11 

Dr.  George  Sweeting 

12 

Dr.  Kent  Hughes 

13 

rettx"     iiuu, 


/iHUiitiriiif} 


Scrips  Lk  1:5-25 

it  waa  pitch  blak  erly   irorn  of  day  1st  wk  9ct=748 

rl-esid   pr   insid  tempi  made   sur  all  prep  4morn  worship 
bout  50pr  on  duty  divid  2grps-by  torcblite   inspec,cum 
ba      Jc;ethr, march  8  Hall  Hewn  Polish  stone  4   asirns 
twj.c  b4   tempi  gates   opn.twic   aftr  lot   cast  4  duties 
1st   lot   cast  &  pr 's  went  bout  duties , work  by  fitful 
lite  flame   glo  altar  "burnt  off 
jus   B4  daylite   2nd  lot  &  thoz   trim  goldn  candlstik  & 
prep  altr  incense  w/in  Holy  Flace 
pr  statin  hi  pinicl  tempi  cal   out  daws  Jus  brok, 
Jblast  silvr  trunps   %  |arg  eates   swing,  opn  on  nines 
Kow  it   time  4temp  sac   2B  prep; lamb  brot,bnd    lik  Isaac 
on  N  side  with  hed  face   W 
.■.'nil   temp  sac   B  prep,pr's  whos   lot  was  2prep  Holy  PI 
did  so  2B  redy  4mos  solem  part   srv*Offr  of   Incens 
ip   in  chg   sprinkl   blud    on  altr   from  goldn  bowl 
3rd  lot  cast   I  defcerm  who  wudB  chosn  2offr  incens 
honor  fel  2  pr  only  lnce   in  liftime   &  nevr  - 
1   of   pr's    at   leas   SOyr   ol'l.nam   Zacharias 
50  ape  wen  start  aredness  Bgin,or  so  thot 
Zach  dif   othr   pr.rio   llv    Jeru,Jercho  as  they  did 
liv  litl  twn  S  of    Jeru 
He  considr   idiot  by  lerned  pr;meati-ilitrat  ,ienorant , 
very  common        this   roar  priestly   f"  notion 
ich  this  honor   now  fell 
had   2  choos   2frend^/reltivs   Pasist   In  duties 
l=remov  remain  fr  altr   nite   W   serv,mov  bakward   fr/alt 
2nd   tak  coal  altr  burnt   off   J;  plac   altr   incense 
or",  bakward, get   out 

:nd,thi3   sifrnl  worshiprs  bow  prostrat  B4  L   5: 
offr   silent  wors  : 
Nothr  ,spacil    sirnl   pr    'burn   incens    aproach   altr 
spred   incens 
Incens  rep    Jews, Israels    accptoc 
Thoz   prayr  wer  in  sens  ascend   ?  S  in  snok  fr/incens 
Zaeh   2wait  til   incens   kindl  then  esov 
vs   ll=he  visit  by  an^l 
vssl2"WOrry/trouol  Ilk  anyl 
vs    13-Zach/Eliz    prcb    pray    ovr 

sum  pr  divorc  wif   ?cuz   no  babT,Zach/Eliz    itik  out 
vss    11— 15-boy  23  lik  ramson-a   Nazrite    "■.  '3  'ill 

fr  raothr  womb 
vss   16-17* Mai  4:5-5  tel    t    1  T    ;ilanc 

now  brokn 
vs   lP=ask  how  cudB? 


^33   19-20-by   Zacfc  oueat.sho  dbt   '-  ask  4     2/ 

-■"      : :   '  i  ■  bora 
in  H  ;  -    \  ■■  wher  at  Bcuz  he 

2giv   Bendictln 
™  'iz  delay,kmi   sumth  hapn  2him  &  wen  cum  out, no  cud 
v.jt  &  this   pruv   saw  visin 
He  pro   Eendictin  by  sign?   watevr 

Tour  duty   ovr, wif  Bcum   preg,seclusin  5mos 
Gevrl   things   this   £tory: 
1-G  thru   Zach/Eliz   pruv  a^e   no  barler 
We   lik  2think  ao  =I'm   2old.    I'm  retir.etc   mak  excus 
Lk  wat   Zaeh  did.      Same  as   evrl  els=M-   wif   1  I  H  2old 
2hav  childrn 
It   nayB  certnty  G  tak  way  ehildbear  certin  are, but   He 
stil  want    our   serf  no   raatr  wat  ape 
Our  atitud   shudB  lik  man  in  90  's  "went  2doctor 
(Ilus  man  nineties  &  doctor!} 

Age   only  barler   if  want  2B  that=G  want  use  us  regardl 
Kothr  lessn  story  teach, our  aproech  2watevr  situ  may? 
I  sur   Zach  visibl  shakn  event   involv  in 
But  dont  U  think  many, many  time  as   lif  went   on  &  no 
kids ,  -rip, complain   Pcuz    things    not   rt   4them,no   kids';'' 
I   wud   Bliev   Zach  no  dif   fr/any  us   w/same  desir,same 
feelings , same  things  upset  us 
&.  face   it, dont  we  all  pet  impatient  w/lif  wen  no  giv 
us   desir  efect   we   want? 
(Ilus   boy  Icecream, waitress) 

This  wat  G  did   w/Zach=he   litl   man   in  site   of   othr  pr'i 
he  considr  nobody, ilit 

But  G  tuk  that  nobody  &  brot  4runnr   of   Mess  fr/him 
:ic        Iks  ud  2  surabodyr    '■  ignors   nobodys  ,did  same    Js 
Js    .  ed=VERY  STON  WH/BILDRS   REJEC   HOW   BOTH  HED   CCHNH 
We   may   think  we   2old,or   hav   nothin   offr   2Z7Dd   w/our 
feebl   littl   livs 
But  G  wil  tak  ea  us   &  use   us  4   His   purps  watevr  they 
mayB  &  use   us  4  His  glory 

But  we   musB  wil  &  abl  21et  Him  do  that  w/us 
That   raesaf  was   ?   Zach-Fear   not,wh  nent   Dont   B  sfraitf 
wat  G  wants   Pdo  thru  U 

stil   same  2day  fr/1od=7e?r   not , what B' 
,  wil   let  Him, 


"Pear  Not,  Zacharias11 

Jcripture:  Luke  l:5-?5 

It  was  still  pitch  black  early  in  the  morning  of  a  day  in  the  first  week  of 
October  in  the  year  748  and  within  the  temple  the  superintending  priest 
made  sure  that  all  was  prepared  for  the  morning  worship.   About  50  priests 
were  on  duty  and  were  divided  Into  two  groups.  They  went  throughout  the 
temple  by  torchlight  inspecting  the  temple.   When  they  had  completed  this 
task,  the  two  groups  met  at  a  certain  place  and  marched  to  the  Hall  of  Hewn 
Polished  Ft ones  to  receive  their  assignments  for  the  day.  Twice  before 
and  twice  after  the  temple  gates  were  opened  for  the  day,  the  lot  was  used 
to  designate  who  would  serve  where. 

The  first  lot  was  cast  and  those  priests  went  about  the  temple  making  the 
preparations  working  in  the  darkness  with  only  the  fitful  glow  of  the  flame 
which  still  glowed  on  the  altar  of  burnt  offering.   Just  before  daybreak 
the  lot  was  cast  a  second  time  to  designate  those  who  were  to  trim  the  gold- 
en candlestick  and  prepare  the  altar  of  incense  within  the  Holy  Place. 
A  priest  stationed  on  the  highest  pinnacle  of  the  temple  called  out  that  the 
dawn  had  just  broken  and  the  huge  temple  gates  were  now  swune  open  on  their 
hinges,  while  a  threefold  blast  from  the  silver  trumpets  was  blown  by  still 
other  priests. 

It  was  now  time  for  the  morning  sacrifice  to  be  prepared.   The  lamb  was  broug 
forth  and  tied  on  the  altar  as  tradition  had  said  Isaac  was  bound  and  that 
was  on  the  north  side  with  the  head  facing  west.  *2£xtira*x*xx±xxxKZKx±kKzz 

MkafciRxthe:-:pxiaxSxKRX±xikiK<±xjsha>^^ 

XKBxexxEisstBXBBxatufcyxfejjcxlot  OCTomx|aeBjMtti,jBK  tteexxxxxxxx 
While  the  sacrifice  was  being  prepared  the  priests  whore  lot  it  was  had 
-repared  the  Holy  Ilace  for  the  most  solemn  part  of  the  service  and  bhat  - 
the  offering  of  the  incense.   All  the  priests  were  g  thered  to  gether  while 
the  priest  in  charge  sprinkled  the  blood  from  a  golden  bowl  on  the  altar. 
Now  a  third  lot  was  cast  and  this  determined  who  would  be  the  chosen  one  to 
offer  the  incense,   ^his  honor  fell  to  a  priest  only  once  in  his  lifetime, 
and  never  again.   One  of  those  priests  was  man  named  Zacharias.   He  was  at 
least  60  years  old  because  si  age  50  was  considered  the  start  of  agedness. 
Zacharias  was  different  from  the  other  priests  because  he  didn't  'esid   in 
Jerusalem  or  Jericho  where  the  other  priests  lived  when  not  on  duty.   Instead 
he  lived  in  a  smal]  town  south  of  Jerusalem.   He  was  considered  an  idiot  bv 
the  learned  priests  because  he  was  unlearned.   T^e  term  suggested  one  who  was 
illiterate,  ignorant,  or  very  common,  and  all  this  marred  the  priestly  func- 
tion, supposedly.   And  SO  it  was  to  Tacharias  thi-:  \— .0:-  now  r-ll.   He  had  to 
choose  two  special  friends  or  relatives  to  assist  him  in  his  dutil*   n 
would  remove  the  remains  ^^  "        dUt—   *■ 

bhe  altar  fr^  ^e  3ervice  of  the  night 


before,    and   then  retire   movinr  backwards   away    From  the   altar.      T_ e    second 
one  was   to  x^Kx^EKtocxfesr^sBxia^iacj-ciziKx  from  the   altar  of  the  burnt   offer- 
ing  and   to  spread   those    coal-:   on  the   altar   of    incense,    and   then  retire   moving 
b  a  ok  wards  . 

Then  the  organ  .sounded   and  this   was   the   signal  for  the  worsl  ipera   to 
prostrate  before  the   Lord  and  offer  their  silent  worship.      At   a  special  sig- 
nal,  the   priest   selected  to   offer  the   incense   then  approached    bhe   altar  of 
i  icense    in  the   Holy  Place   to  spread  the   incense   on  the  altar.      This  was   the 
most  solemn  part   of  the  worship.      The   incense  represented   Israel's  accepted 
prayers.      Those   prayers     were    in  a  sense   ascending  to  God   in  the   smoke   from 
the    incense,      uacharias   was    to  ^ra±±k  wait   until   the    incense   was   kindled,   and 

then  he    should   have   ir.ovecl    backwards    out    of    the    Holy   Place.      So  we   read, 
"And  there    appeared   unto  him   an  annel   Of   the    '..  ord  standing;   on  the   right 
side    of  the   altar  of   incense."     vs    11. 

And  like   anyone   who  would  encounter  an  angel  we  read,    "And  when  Zacharias 
saw  him,   he  was   troubled,    and    fear   fell   upon  him." 

But    Zacharias   had    nothing   to   "ear   and   we  read,    "But   the   angel   said  unto  him, 
"Fear   not,    Zacharias:   for      h;     >rayer   is   heard;       id    ;hy      ife   Elizabeth  .shall 
bear  thee    a  son,   and   thou    ahalt  call  his  name    John." 

Zachari     i  and  Eli  had  probably  prayer/  over   and   over  for   a  child.      JX 

was   something  that   priests   were   to  have.      There  were   priests   who  divorced 

their  wives    and   married    others  because    their  wives   didn't  bear     rona    to  them. 

But    Zacharias   and  Elizabeth  remained  married   and  had  probably  resolved  to 

spend  their  days   together   childless*      But  now  Zacharias  was   told  this.      Who 

wouldn't  be   afraid  I 

The  angel  added,    "And  thou   shalt  have    joy  an!     jladness;    and  many  shall  re- 
joice  at _ his  birth.      For  he   shall  be   great   in  the   sight   of  the   Lord,   and 
shall  drink  neither  x±xxmxx!fe±xx     wine   nor   stro^-'     bink;    and  he   shall  be 
filled  wit  ihost,   even  from  his   mo  to  ■'.  . "  --is 

This  boy  was   to  be   like   "amson  who  was   a   Nazarite.      And  he  was   to  be   filled 

with  the  Holy  Spirit   even  before  he  was  born. 

A?d_^hr\  ar}?°}  added,"  ny   of  the   children  of   Israel  shall  he   turn  to  the 

i- 
nt 

Malachi  ended  hia      :-:r-\~z;?  with  the  words  found   in  the  4th  chapter,   verses 
5    and  6,    (read   these).      Now  the   angle  was   not  saying  that    John  would  be 
the  prophet   Elijah,   be  wa£    merely  Baying  that  he  would  have  the  spirit  and 
power    of   Elijah.      The   silence    of   over  400  years   was    now  being  broken  with 
the    message    that    Sod   wag    going  to   intervene   in  the   life   of   one   of  his   serv- 
ants . 

Now  that   Zacharias   has   heard    this  he    questions    the    angel  and   we   read   in  verse 
L?i    "l?dm^Ch^^al_sa^   untc^the    angel,     '.thereby   shall   I  know   this"?   for    I  am 


an  old   man,    and    my  wife   well   stricken   in  years." 

aid,    unto  hira,    I  am  Gabriel,   that  stand  in  the 


"And  the  ang^l   answf 


-3- 

presence  cf  God;  and  am  sent  to  Bpeak  unto  then,  an".  these  glad 

tidings.  And,  behold,  thou  shalt  be  dumb  and  not   able  to  speak,  until  the 

day  that  these  things  shall  be  performed,  because  thou  believest  not  my 
words,  which  shall  be  fulfilled  in  their  season*" 

By  Zacharias  questioning  how  this  could  happen  he  was  showing  doubt.   And 

although  he  didn't  ask  for  a  sign  of  this  possibility,  it  i$  similar  to  that 

request.  So  because  of  this,  tha  angel  cave  him  a  sign  and  that  sign  was 

his  inability  to  speak  until  the  child  would  be  born. 

But  Zacharias  had  been  inside  the  Holy  nlacR  for  a  long  period  of  time  and 

the  people  were  waiting  for  him  to  come  out  and  pronounce  the  benediction. 

His  delay  meant  that  something  had  happened  to  him.   And  when  he  did  come  out 

the  evidence  was  that  he  could  no4-  speak.   He  pronounced  the  benediction 

with  motions  and  the  people  were  convinced  that  he  had  seen  a  vision. 

Then  we  are  told  that  when  his  tour  of  duty  in  the  temple  was  over  he  went 

back  home  to  his  wife  who  had  conceived  and  now  they  were  both  in  seclusion. 

There  are  several  things  we  can  see  in  this  event.   One  of  the  glaring  truths 

concerns  age.   '.'hat  God  did  through  Zacharias  and  Elizabeth  proves  that  age 

is  no  barrier  with  Cod.   tfe  like  to  think  that  we  can  say,  "I 'is  too  old  to 

do  that.   I'm  retired,"  etc,  and  we  make  excuses.   Look  at  what  Zacharias 

did.  Exactly  the  same  as  anyone  would.   "My  wife  and  I  are  too  old  to  have 

children.   Now  it  may  be  a  certainty  that  God  does  take  away  childbearing  at 

a  certain  age,  but  He  still  wants  our  service  far  beyond  our  retirement  ye.rs 

Our  attitude  should  be  like  the  90  year  old  man  who  went  to  the  doctor. 

(Illustration  of  90  year-old  man  and  doctor's  advice), 

A  man  in  his  nineties  went  to  the  doctor  with  kneew  trouble.   The  doctor 

said,  "At  your  age,  what  do  you  expect?"   "I  expect  you  to  fix  my  knee," 

was  the  reply;  "my  other  knee's  the  same  ape  and  it  works  fine." 

An-e  is  only  a  barrier  if  we  are  willing  to  let  it  be  that,   "od  wants  to  use 
all  of  us  regardless  of  are. 

I  think  another  lesson  this  story  teaches  us  involves  our  approach  to  what- 
ever the  situation  may  be.   I'm  sure  that  Zacharias  was  visibly  jhaken  by 
the  event  he  was  involved  in.   But  don't  you  think  that  many,  many  times  as 
life  went  on  and  there  was  no  evidence  that  they  would  ever  be  parents  that 
he  griped  and  complained  that  things  weren't  just  as  they  could  be,  or  ought 
to  be?   I  would  believe  that  Zacharias  was  no  different  than  any  of  us  with 
the  same  desires,  the  same  feelings  and  the  same  things  that  upset  us.   And 
face  it,  don't  we  all  get  impatient  with  life  when  It  doesn't  give  us  the 
desired  effects  we  want? 

(Illustration  of  boy,  ice  cream,  and  waitress) 

•  small  boy  about  ten  years  old  or  so,  came  into  the  restaurant  and  sat  at 
the  counter.   The  waitress  came  over,  put  a  rlass  of  water  h  front  of  him, 
and  asked  what  he  wanted.   "How  much  is  an  ice  cream  sundae,"   He  as>ei. 
"Fifty  cent,"  replied  the  waitress.   The  little  fellow  pulled  his  hand  out 
of  his  pocket  and  studied  a  number  of  coin-  ]   had  clutched  in  it. 


"How  much  is  a  dish  of  plain  ice  cream?"  he  asked.   There  were  a  lot  of 
people  at  the  counter  and  the  waitress  was  retting  inpatient.   "Thirty 
five  cent,"  she  said  brusnuely.   Again,  he  counted  the  coins  while  the 
waitress  stood  drumming  on  the  counter.   "I'll  have  the  plain  ice  cream 
please,"  he  said.   T>,e  waitress  took  the  money,  brought  the  ice  cream  and 
w  ilked  away.   When  she  came  back  in  a  few  minutes  the  boy  was  rone  and 
theempty  dish  sat  on  the  counter.   She  stared  \    that  empty  dish  and  zhnn 
swallowed  hard  at  what   3     .     re,  placed  neatly  beside  the  dish 
were  two  nickels  and  five  pennies  -  her  tip.   The  boy  had  the  fifty  cents 
for  the  sundae,  but  she  wouldn't  have  rotten  a  tip. 
He  had  sacrificed  on  himself  to  reward  her  nor  her  service. 
That  waitress  kept  those  coins  as  a  reminder  that  the  little  person  is 
just  as  important  as  the  bif  one. 

This  is  what  God  did  with  Zacharias .   He  was  a  little  man  in  the  sight  of  the 

other  i-riests;  a  nobody;  considered  an  il]  Iterate.   3ut  Cod  took  that  nobody 

and  brought  the  forerunner  to  the  M      .  from  him,  T^e  world  looks  up  to 

the  MEfcaist  somebodys  and  ignores:cthe  nobodys.   T,  ey  did  the  3ame  with  Jesu:j. 

3ut  He  told  them, "the  very  stone  which  the  builders  rejected  has  now  become 

the  head  of  the  corner." 

'.*.'„    may  think  we  're   too   old,    or   have   nothing  to   offer   to  "od  with   our   feeble 

little    lives.      But    Sod  will   take   each   of  us   and   u'--:e   us    for   His   purpoa 

■    they  may  be  and  use  us   for  His  glory,      ~3ut  we   must  be  willing  and   able 

to  let  :Tin  do  that  with  us.      That   message  ±x  was   to   iacharias ,    "Fear   Not," 

which  meant,    " Don '  lid  of     'ha         od         it         3  ough   you.W 

That  message  i?  still  the  same  today  to  us  from  God.   "Pear  Not,"  whatever 

your  name  is,  God  wants  to  do  a  work  through  you  if  you  will  let  Him. 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Chri3t 
Butler  t    Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  December  8>  1985 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
Acolytes:   David  Andrews  and  Doug  Vensel 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11^00  A.M. 
Prelude   "Song  of  Christmas" 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements  -  Elder  Paul  Ri enter 
Congregational  Greeting  . 
Joys 

Lighting  of  the  Advent  Wreath 
♦Processional  Hymn  No.  166  "Let  All  Mortal  Flesh  Keep  Silence" 
*  Ascription 
■"Exhortation 

"Confession  (In  Unison)  "Our  Father,  ve  are  aware  that  at 
this  time  of  the  year  our  lives  seem  at  times  to  be  so 
void  of  meaning.   We  know  the  joy  that  should  be  ours, 
but  it  is  difficult  to  separate  ourselves  from  our  sins 
which  so  easily  beset  us .   Take  from  us  the  thoughts  of 
anger  and  hatred  we  may  feel,  and  replace  them  with 
love  and  concern  for  all  of  mankind.   Let  our  peace 
flow  into  our  hearts  and  lives,,  and  let  us  have  that 
Light,  even  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord* .  ..** .Amen. 
♦Kyrie 

♦Assurance  of  Pardon 
*Praise:  Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  glorious  name  forever. 
♦Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No,  ISO  "What  Child  Is  This,  Who,  Laid  to  Rest?" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  —  Let  us  Pray . 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory  "Mary1 s  Child" 
*DoKology  -  page  382 
Anthem:  "Once  Upon  a  Christmas" 
Scripture:   Luke  1;  26-38 
Sermon i      ,1Fear  Mot,  Mary" 
♦Closing  Hymn  No.  193   "0  Come,  AH  Ye  Faithful" 
♦Benediction 
•Closing  Chimes 
♦Postlude  -The  King  is  Coming" 


I 


♦Congregation  Standing 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mr.  4  Mrs*  Alvin  Tait  and  Pam  in  memory  of  Ralph  Tait 

and  Mr.  &  Mrs.  John  Sweeney. 
Mrs*  Betty  Tressler  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 

door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Sandy  Sheppeck,  Mary  Lou  Davis, 

Peg  Nazaruk  and  Gloria  Walker. 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Sue  Gamble. 
Robert  Dellen  and  Harry  Fry  will  be  visiting  the  hospital 

this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  133  with  11  visitors. 
Hospitalized:   Eleanor  Sandbach  in  West  Penn  Hosp*  in 

Pittsburgh  and  Marcia  Forsberg  in  BMH, 
MONDAY  -  Volleyball 

Committee  appointment  meeting  at  7:00  P.M. 
(All  Council  members  and  committee  chairmen) 
WEDNESDAY  -  Special  Olympics  in  the  hall  7-9 
THURSDAY  -  Choir  practice  7:00 
Basketball  7-9 

December  15th  is  our  Family  Christmas  Program  in  Rehoboth 
Hall  at  7:00  P,M*   We  will  be  decorating  the  tree  and 
having  entertainment  from  the  Sunday  School  classes. 
Please  bring  the  kids  out  and  enjoy  an  evening  of  fun 
and  fellowship.   We  will  have  refreshments  and  a  visit 
from  the  Jolly  Santa. 

Cookies  are  needed  for  the  Family  Christmas  Program.   If 
you  would  like  to  donate  cookies  for  this  evening, 
bring  them  to  church  or  with  you  when  you  come  for  the 
program.   You  may  sign  up  in  the  office. 

December  20th  is  the  night  we  go  caroling  from  the  church. 
We  will  meet  at  the  church  at  6; 30  and  proceed  to  the 
Butler  Arbors  apartments.   Afterwards  we  have  been  in- 
vited to  the  Mangel's  for  refreshments.  Come  along  and 
join  in  the  fun  and  fellowship. 

Today  is  the  last  day  to 'order  your  Poinsettia  for  the 
holidays*   Drop  a  note  in  the  offering  plate  or  see 
Ginny  in  the  office.   The  price  is  $6.00  each. 

December  22nd  we  will  be  taking  in  new  members.   If  you 
know  of  anyone  interested  in  joining  the  church  please 
contact  the  office*   If  you  are  a  visitor  and  would 
like  to  join,  please  contact  the  office  or  pastor* 

The  new  Yearbook  will  be  published  in  January.   If  you 
or  any  family  members  have  any  changes  in  a  phone 
number  or  address,  please  notify  the  office  as  soon  as 
possible. 


COMMUNITY   Bit  ...    -  '•  ,    1'ior 

PRELUDE 

GRF.ETIN  S/JOYS/ANNOHNCEMENTS/PRAYI 

CHRISTMAS   CAROLING   DECEMBER      /Vj      /? '  %>      ~   /-'/ '  P  n 
,  LORD'S   SUPPER    -  CHRISTMAS  COMMUNION    DECEFR; 

/      CHRISTMAS  EVE   CANDLELIGHT  SERVICE   DECEMBER   2<4,    7:00   P.M. 


' 


)\l  r-  f-  Cfi- 


-fif**'*-      T&V/S    l^ss. 


/)/Et-  a  /i-  *y~Sij 


T.IIHTING  CV  ADVENT  WREATH  I  OF  ADVENT  C? 

•HYMN  *"* 

PRAYER/OFFERING 
•DOXOLOGY 

(DISMISSAL  FOR  JBNICS  CBURCB  -  HOES  klndergmrten  thru  11) 

PASTORAL  PRAYER 

HYMN 
; SCRIPTURE:    LHKF  1:26-38 

SERMON:    "FEAR   NOT,    MARY" 

ST.   PAUL'S,    BUTLER    -  lZ/S/S^, 
"HYMN 

'P0STIA7DE 


SCRIP:   LK  ls26-38»  SRRMi    "FEAR  NOT,   KASf" 

T   REM- 1  :    COUNTRY   BY  FRTITC   PHIL  &  PRINCES   DIANE 

TV  STATIN1,    TDK    TIME  2PREP   AMERICANS   ON    HOW  2ADRE    THEM   IF  EN- 
COUHTRINa  THEM  IN  N  TH/KTKEE7 

TH/RESON   -  WE  NOT  ACBSTOM  2GREET   POYLTY  %   STAND  IN  AWE  OF  THEM 
TOW   KOCH   HDS  THEN   DO  HE    STAND   IN   AWE   OE  GOP???? 

(    .  r-~  PPOFra.lOR  OF  PSYCHOLOGY  %  CHILDREN) 

'   WE  think   OE  G  UK  THTS    -  HE   T.UVS    vr    ABSTRACTEDLY 
1CL  SI'MTH   NO  CAN   EXIL 
RUT  TO  BLIEV  0   L1JVS   US   IN    A   TANGTBI./REAL  WAY   PIF  ?EXPL  9R    T AKI 
-'RED  RUN  THRU  OOSPLS    PIPEC .  FR/Spi)  Wq/WIHS   n  Cims   ?f!fl¥.F . K 
HELP"~~MANK  fr   IS   NOT  ?B   FEARED 
SO  MEAN  G   TS   PBIKD  UPON   A  '    "BIO   BUPI'Y."   "OLD  FAL.""MAN  IH 


;_KY 


ETC 


SOT  2DRAW  CLOSR      2MANK 
BUT  f.\U   3UTTF.   07TN   SOT  2WTTHPRAW  FH/fiOP    -  IIISTRY   OF  JEWS 
G'S  INTRVENTXN   IN   LIVS   OF  BIB  PEOFL  IS  SEEN  IN  WORDS   -  "FEAR  NOT 
THI.V  OUR   ADVENT  TfrEMF:  THIS   YR 
"LAS  WK    LK   AT   ANGEL  t, 
THI':   WK   LK   &  ME. 

END   SCRIP  LAST  WK   W/VSS   2W^>RE,nn  THKM) 

VS  26-HEAMS   IN   fiTH   H0N1H  ELXZ  PREG   MARY  VISIT   BY    SAME   ANGL  GABRI 
LAS    WK    WTERM  EVENT  W/ELI?,  S.    5ACHARIAS   OCHR  1ST  WK   OCT, 
FLIZ  BCIW   PRBB   TN   OCT  &   HIMSELF  5M0NTK5 
VS   PfeTEL   If.;   fipos    OF  KLIZ  PP.KG   -   (COUNT  ON   FTHGRS) 
f  TH   MONTH   =KARCH   MARY   CONFR.  BY   AI1GL  GABRIEL 

VS  2S=THIS    IS   STUNG   PRONOUNCHENT  TO  A   YNG   GIRL  fi.   SO  WE  READ 

VS  B9="SHE  WAS  TROUBLED"    -  COHPAP   TO  VS   1?=HE,AP  ■THIS 
LIK   ZACHARTAS    -  SAME  FEELING/SAME  FEAR   %  WHO  WUDNT??? 
HERE  WAS   MESEIWH   OF  MOST  HIGH  GOD  PAY  VISIT  2MERE  MORTAL 
VSS  30-33-ALTaO  MARY  HAD  SAME  HEELS  A3  "ACH  NO  ASK  '(SIGN 

SHE  JUST  ASKS    A    PRACTICAL   JI1EPTTN    

'?..    ^=MARY  WAS  CNLGY  EUGAGD  TO  JCSEPH  &  WtTDB  GET   MARRYD  NEAP   FIJI 

off 

VSS    ^-'?=TTIS    IS  TH/ANGEL'S   EXPUNATIN  Ti 


VSS    Vt-T7=SIWMATTN   OF  ALL  OF  THIS   ISVS37 


JAIAY3  Tl^OOtl  OF  TH/lOTPSTBL 
"'IK   OHIWARY   PHIEST-LIK    ZACH.S   MADE   FATHR  JR   BAP  4BIWNR   OF 

to/me 

tut?  ?n  tbtot.bct^  imLFHKn/tmLFTTRn.noMnw  as  T1TRT1 
,,         ..'•  *tt"W!!f  WiMfiN/opn  peb'sn  6  bt.es  w/cjitlp  in  old  age 

J/TMP0::flI3L  FP/OOP 
WOW   H!'    GO   ?TAK    YNG  OOMPN  GIRL  8-   LET  HER   BCITM  MOTTO   OF  KES.'iTAH 
KEKD  OH   BAK   TP  VH    *£=KFAD  AGAT11 
THIS  ODD  PUCE  1/   A'"  DATE  OF  JS  BTFTH 

M'r,   ?•=,    AF    PA"1"  1   COSTROVER  ;Y    '.J/rAGAN   CFLHRAHN) 
1  T'J-T    1""0   POT  REGARD  TNG  COPn    PARRY  roryi'-CTSDLT   -   EXAMFL  CPL) 

wf~coJinT  (fN~TTft(iKmSlT>  OtTOIM  !.-;  TTf AST  baby1  avrcuM  at'a"nt 

TTME,    ALL  OTIC!.1:   TAK   NTNF   PCTTHS 
LET'S   COUNT  WHAHV    -  CONCKIV    IN   MARCH    -   (COUT.T  ON   FINGERS) 

SO  THFfi    PPtlHII.TT  JE   WA.-   BORN   LA"?!   DECEMBER 
IT  HAKS   NO   DIT  WFN   HE  HORN, HIIT  IT  NTCE   PT'iTNK   HE  CELBRAT  CLOSE 

TP  Tin:  time 
SO  AFTF  MART   IS  SIVN  INTO  BY  VS  38«BEAE 

SHE   ACFPT  WAT  Q   r>P  2B0  IB    HER 

THIS  SCRIP  PT  OPT 
TTBST?    HI-    TUP  Tff/TMTr-'ilHI, 
-HVEACH  HCRMAL  COWCEPTIH.NORML  BIRTH 


EXC KPT  IN  OLD  APE 


© 

■/OOPMHTY   MARY   IK   UPON  AS   B    TM«un..HAV    TM.F.r.TT  CKTI.l) 
(THIS   WHY  JEHfi   NO  BLIEV  J!    MR3IAH.30D  NO.  STOOP  ?B   HITHAM  FOPMl 
(VHY  ~UE  GHUfi  RLIEV   TN  VIRGIN  3IHTH-JF  WUI]   HAV   BIB  .ORp.NQRML _CHI1 


G'S   MTEACLFS=F,LT"/:VtCH    TW   OLD  AGE.    HAPY   BY   H  EP. 
;T¥"BLlFV   TH/ONv-FLIr/ZAOH,    SHtlDNT  HAV   TRUBL  BIJEV   OTHR 

5EU0ND:    0   WD  ALL  THIS   USIWO  CERTIN   C^AJS   OF  PEOPLE 
ClLUS  WOMAN   SPEN"XMAr    TAW  FBAN.fr   TRAVEL  ON   XMAB    DAY) 

G  TUK  THAOWLIEST  fc  GAV   TfAlORLD  ITS   1ST  XMAS   PRESENT 
'THAT  rHRSWf  CAW   1?!  W/J-'UHH  I 'I-    AN  IH'J  JAN'l'll  BaWT  " 
-■r*  gll'lf.B  VJls  WNs'IpTO  JLEOTTIHAT 
THAT  CHILD  "AS    RPRW   TN    A    PIRTY   S^ABL  f.   CHANGE  TH/-' 

PAUL  INSPIRED  TO  UPTTF,   1    COR   1  ;P7-?S   -    [HEAD    ' 

W AT    I"   MO;<   t'rri.T';   T"^   ^l.Tffll^    TN   H'RACI.'a??? 

wat  is  pen  wfak  thin  a  RAW-Tr? 

BTTT  GOT)  CHOSE   THE/   WANS   TO  BRING  .IS    TWTO  TH/JPBLD 
WEH  WE   STAWP  IN  TW/PWFSENC   OF    -,11CH  MAJESTY  CAN  WE   DO  ANYTHING 
BUT  FEAR???? 


^"TV""i  BEACHES  OOT    Q    fH/fflpiJl  ft  SE     -  'TEAR  HOT" 

HE  SSZ  "FEAR  N<  JAWTS  HAV  persnt   RET.ATSHTI    '.'/EACH 

OF  E  f.  OfTLT  roSTBLTHgil    BABV    8CUM   XP  CAM  ' 

F  E  A 


:ieeai  ync  ieio/.  .  .  -  , 

i      ;;   &  3ur  enuf  4-yrs    latr  had  bab        boy. 
Po  lets  count   aoord  °?crip:Eliz  Dot   &  hid 

5mos  =  that   March;f!ary  visit   6th  mo, April   to  Deo,&  now 
do  U  C  poslblty   Js  born  late   Dec?      Dec   ?5  no  far  fete] 
It  duznt   mak  any  dif,but  nic   Ptbink  hav  rt  day/mo 
Vr*-      Mary   pivn  info  read  =  Vs    3 8=  READ 
1.    4   spin  as   las  wk, Scrip  pt  ^things  wh/G  did 
lst=He   did    imposibljwen  compar  ^incident    C   ^liz/Zach 
marry  many  yre  &  childles:G  made  poaibl  Fliz   cud  con 
ceiv   old  are  &  ahe  did 
But   Marys   case  G  tuk  ynp;  pirl  only  enrap  6  she   Beam 
prep  thru    H   Sp 
Import-Ja   no  conceiv,born  thru  actins   man 
in  eyes  comunty  Hary  pilty  of  B   immoral, hav  lie  pit 
Son 
This  reasn  many   Jew  then/now  no  acpt   Js   as   Messiah 
Can  no  Bliev  ilepit  child   cudB   Saviour 
Thez   peop  no  Bliev   H  Sp  can  do  this 
It    import   whethr  we   Bliev   or    not 
much  late3   Bib   scholrship  pt  2not   tru  &  prob   no  acpt 
as   Doctrin  is   that    Js   then  no  dif   fr/anyl   of  us 
If    Ja    conceiv/born   norml   wat   mak  Him  dif/specil    in 
all  of   mank? 
'•i!hj  cant  1   of  U  men  here   E   Js  Xp? 
If  evrth  bout    Js  same   as   cthr  men, He   cudnt  posibly 
B   saviour   of  worl 
G   used  a  miracl  2produc    Jn   Ba-=4runnr 
6   use   specil   miracl  4Messiah  23  born 
No  easier  SBliev  bout  Eliz/Zach,than   I'ary   /Js 

No  Bliev  l,no  Eliev   othr 
2nd-This   part    of   story  similar   to   Eliz/Zach 
(I     ^  faal;  'mas   Day,reatraunt|ljT  old  £  bum) 

G   njk   lowliest   &  pav  worl   1st   Xma^   gift 
That   rift   c-;re   form  unwant  baby,considr   ilepit  child 
born  dirty  stable   S    He   ohanp  who!  worl 
r  writ-l  Cor   1:27-£S-BE4D 
Wat  mor  foftlish  than  Bliev  miracls? 
Wat  mor  weak  than  baby? 
But   G  chos   thez   means   .?brinp   Js   into  worl 
'..'en  stan  presenc  msjesty   can  we  do   anyth  but   fear? 
Tet,G   reach   out   ?worl  8    says=Fear   Kot,Ecuz   He  wants 
2hav  perenl  relat^hip  w/ea  us 
That  only  posibl  thru   miracl   of  baby   B  born  St  Bcum 
Xp   the    Lord . 
He    came  4   U   St   Me,      "FEAR   HOT." 


tr 


"Fear  Not,    Mary" 
Fcripture:        Lute   ls26-38 

(Expl  royl  vistors   &  rub   elbows   oomon  peop  &   need,   of 
TV  expl   how  adres   &   greet=Frinc   Pb.il/Trinces   Tiiane) 

many  peop   stan  bak  in  aw   of   them, how  much  mor   of   G? 
(ITus   prof   &  no  spank  child, luv  him  &  cement=I  do   Iut 
h.       in  the   abstract , but   not    in  the  concrete) 
Sumhow  we   pictur   G  this   way, think  Him   luv  us   abstract 

Sura  myttic  th/can  no  expl, but  real   8e  can  acpt    it 
But  2Bliev  G  actul   luvs  us  real/tangibl  way  dif  2tak 

That  why   I  Bliev  thred   run  thru  Gospls   direc   fr/G 

wh/ther   2sho  G  cums   2comf/help  mank   8s  no  23  fear 
Duznt  mean  treat  G   lik?Big  Buddy "or "Old  Pal" 

G   sot   thruout   histry  2draw  closr   2mank  evn  tho  man 


ouit   oft   sot   2withdraw  fr/G 
'Thus,G's   interventin  in2   lii 


Livs    Bib   peop   is   seen  in 
words=Fear    Not. 
Thir    theme   use   this   Adv  khhhb  series 
Las   wk  Ik  angl   Gab   cum  2    Zach   &.  tel=;Fear   Not    Zacharit 

This   wk   Ik  Virg-n  Mary   &  mesag   is   =Eear    Not,    Mary 
Scrip   B?in  Lk  1:26= READ 
Now  wat  duz   mean?    If  remem  vs   21  underst,lets  bakup 
&   read 
31  iz   was   cusin   of   Mary   8e  6th  month  pregnancy 
las   wk  sed   ?remem   5nionths  vs   24- 
Evidenc   suport   1st   wk  Oct   as   time    Zach  serv  morn  sen 
&  confr  by  Gabriel 
Lets   count=(on  f infers   &   this  brine;  ?   March) 
Elia  hid  until   March  of   nex  yr,so  6th  month- April 
Gabriel   sent=vs   2?-(READ) 
vs   28=Angl   spok  2her 

-  ictin  same  as  pr  Zach=vs  12-READ 
v^29="She  troubled"=same  feel, same  fear  &  who  wudnt 

Here  mesengr  mos  Hi  G  pay  visit  2raere  mortl 
vss  30-55=Altho  Mary  had  sam  reactin  as  Zach, no  ask 
4  sign  this  wudB  so 
Rathr,ask  practicl  nuest-vs  34=READ 
Mary  only'engag  2  Jos  &   wud  ret  marry  near  futur 
vss  55-57«Angl  expl  &  need  pt  out  5=  stres=With  G 
nothin  shalB  imposibl 
G  is  always=The  G  of  the  inpossibl 
Tuk  ord  pr  lik  Zach  5e  made  Fathr  of  4runnr=Jn  Bap 
Sed  las  wk  Zach  considr  lik= Idiot  Bcuz  unlern,un- 
lettred,as  comon  as  dirt 
But  G  saw  fit  no  only  use , but  2bles  wif  w/chil  old 
Now, was  2tak  comon  girl  St  letB  mothr  of  Messiah 
Mus  ^o  back  vs  3S  8e  read  .":;i=re3d  end  vs 

3ud  plac  2sok  of  birth  of  Js 
Expl  celbrat" pagan  festivl  25  Dec, etc  but  lets  play 
game  used  wen  ynp;  coupl  sret  marry  in  hurry 


"Fear  Not,  Nary" 
Scripture:  Luke  1:26-58 

Recently  we  had  two  visitors  in  our  country  who  caused  quite  a  stir.   They 
were  going  to  be  traveling  among  us  and  rubbing  elbows  with  the  most  com- 
mon Americans  which  caused  a  few  controversies.   T^is  type  of  visit  by  them 
prompted  TV  stations  to  devote  special  time  to  advise  Americans  how  to  add- 
ress them  if  they  happened  to  meet  them  on  the  street  or  in  a  store.   The 
couple  of  course  were  rrince  Phillip  and  Princess  Diane  of  Great  Eritain. 
Americans  are  not  accustomed  to  meeting  royalty  and  so  their  visit  was  some- 
thing which  made  many  people  stand  back  in  awe  of  them.   Hnw  much  more  then 
do  we  stand  in  awe  of  God? 

(Illustration  of  professor  of  r   tychology  and  children.) 

A  professor  of  psycholory  had  no  cildren  of  his  own,  but  when  he  saw  one 
cf  the  neighbors  scolding  or  punishing  s  cl  ild  he  would  say,  "You  should 
love  your  child  not  punish  him."  One  hot  summer  day  the  proffessor  was 
working  on  his  driveway.   He  had  fresh  concrete  poured  in  a  certain  area 
and  had  it  smoothed  and  troweled  just  right.   He  decided  to  go  into  the 
house  to  take  a  break.   He  walked  toward^ the  house  and  just  as  he  was 
ready  to  go  in  the  door,  out  of  the  corner  of  his  eye  he  saw  a  neighbor 
boy  run  up  the  driveway  and  step  into  the  fresh  cement.   Ke  yelled  at  the 
boy  and  pulled  him  out  of  the  cement  and  turned  him  over  his  knee  to  pad- 
dle him.   A  neighbor  was  trimming  his  hedges  and  when  he  saw  this  he  said 
to  the  professor,  "v:Qtch  it,  professor!   Don't  you  remember?   You  must 
love  the  child,  not  punish  him."   At  this  the  professor  yelled  back  anrri- 
ly,  "I  do  love  him  in  the  abstract,  but  not  in  the  concrete." 

Somehow  we  picture  God  in  this  manner.   W.  think  of  Kim  loving  us  abstracted- 
ly.  It  is  some  sort  of  mystical  something  we  cannot  explain,  but  it  is  real 
and  we  can  aEcept  it.   But  to  believe  that  God  actually  loves  us  in  a  real  hi 
and  tangible  way  is  difficult  to  take,  or  explain.  That  is  why  I  believe 
there  is  a  thread  running  through  the  Gospels  directly  from  God  which  is 
there  to  show  that  God  comes  to  comfort  and  help  mankind  and  is  not  to  be 
feared,   "his  doesn't  mean  that  we  treat  God  as  a  "Big  Buddy"  or  "Old  Pal." 
God  sought  throughout  all  of  history  to  drs  w  closer  to  mankind  even  though 
man  auite  often  sought  to  withdraw  from  God.   Thus  God's  intervention  Into 
the  lives  of  Biblical  people  is  seen  in  the  words,  "Pear  Hot."   This  is  the 
theme  we  are  using  in  our  Advent  series.   Lat  week  we  looked  the  angel  Gab- 
riel coming  to  Zacharias  and  telling  him,  "Pear  Not,  %acharias."  This  week 
we  are  looking  at  the  Virgin  Nary  and  the  message  is,  "Pear  not,  Kary." 
Our  Scripture  for  this  morning  begins  with  the  26th  verse  of  Luke  1.   There 

we  read,  "And  in  the  sixth  month  the  anerel  Gabriel  was  sent  from  God  unto  a 
city  of  Galilee,  named  Nazareth." 

Now  what  does  that  mean?   7/»ll,  if  we  remember  the  preceeding  events  ending 

in  the  24th  verse,  we  understand  the  meaning.   Backing  up  to  that  verse  we 

read,  "And  after  those  days  his  wife  Elizabeth  conceived  and  hid  herself 
five  months." 

Elizabeth  was  a  cousin  of  Mary  and  in  the  sixth  month  of  her  pregnancy,  Nary 
was  visited  by  this  same  angel  Gabriel.   Last  week  we  had  said  to  remember 


-2- 

what  this  24th  verse  said  about  "five  months."  we  had  also  said  that  there 

is  much  evidence  that  the  time  of  the  rcornine:  service  in  which  Zacharias  was 

confronted  by  Gabpiel  was  probably  in  the  1st  week  of  October.   Mow  if  we 

count  from  October,  (on  hand,  count  five  f infers,  and  this  brings  us  to 

March.)  Elizabeth  hid  herself  until  March  of  the  following  year.  !bkx±e± 

So,  in  the  sixth  month,  April,  Mary  is  ±xtincjtm£x±}ix±xxtoMxix   confronted  by  the 

same  angel  Gabriel  and  we  read  he  was  sent,  read  verse  27.   Then  the  anrrel 

spoke  to  her,  read  verse  28. 

The  reaction  of  Mary  was  exactly  the  same  as  that  of  the  priest  Zacharias. 

— achar las 
fe   read  in  versel2,  "And  when  ke  saw  him,  he  was  troubled,  and  fear  fell 

upon  him."   When  saw  him,  "She  was  troubled."  The  same  feeling,  the  same 

fear.   And  who  wouldn't  have  fear?  Here  was  a  messenger  of  the  Most  Hj  ] 

God  paying  a  visit  to  a  mere  mortal.  Tv,en  we  read,  "And  the  angel  said  unto 
her,  "Fear  Not,  Mary:  for  thou  hast  found  favor  with  God.   And,  behold, 
thou  shalt  conceive  in  thy  womb,  and  bring  forth  a  son,  and  shalt  call  His 
name  Jesus.   He  shall  be  great,  and  shall 'be  called  the  Son  of  the  Highest: 
and  the  Lord  God  shall  give  unto  Him  the  throne  of  Hia  Father  Bavid:  "And 
He  shall  reign  over  the  house  of  Jacob  for  ever;  and  of  His  kingdom  there 
shall  be  no  end."  verses  30-33, 

But  although  Mary  had  the  same  feeling  as  Zacharias  she  did  not  ask  for  a 

sign  that  this  would  be  so.   Rather,  she  asked  a  practical  Question.   In 

verse  34  we  read,  "Then  said  Mary  unto  the  angel,  'How  shall  this  be   .  Being 
I  know  not  a  man: "  ' 

M-'T  was  only  engage      Josep]   nd  they  would  be     Lng  m  rri 

near  future.   So  the  angel  explains  to  her,  verses  35-37.  The  main  thing 

which  is  pointed  out  here  and  which  should  be  stressed  is  that,  "With  God 
nothing  shall  be  impossible." 

God  is  always,  the  God  of  the  impossible.   He  took  an  ordinary  priest  like 
lacharias  and  made  him  the  father  of  John  the  Baptist  the  forerunner  of  the 
Messiah.  As  we  said  last  week,  Zacharias  was  considered  as  an  "idiot"  be- 
cause he  was  unlearned,  unlettered,  and  as  common  as  dirt.   But  God  saw  fit 
not  only  to  use  this  common  person,  but  to  bless  he  and  his  wife  with  a  child 
in  their  old  age. 
Now,  He  was  going  to  take  a  common  youne-  girl  and  let  her  be  the  mother  of 

the  Messiah.   tf«  need  to  go  back  to  the  end  of  the  35th  verse  and  read  again, 
"And  this  is  the  sixth  month  with  her,  who  was  called  barren." 

Here  is  a  good  place  to  speak  about  the  date  concerning  the  birth  of  Jesus. 

I 'm  sure  that  most  of  you  have  read  and  heard  that  the  date  of  December  25th 

couldn't  possibly  be  the  date  of  Jesus'  birth.   There  is  the  story  that  the 

25th  of  December  was  a  pascan  festival  which  actually  started  around  the  22nd 

of  December  celebrating  the  lengthening  of  the  days  leading  toward  the  end 

of  winter.   This  festival  was  chosen  as  the  birth  of  Jesus  to  placate  the 

pagan^heathens   who  had  been  taken   into   the    early   Christian  church  and    gave   them 

and  Christians  a  reason  to  celebrate.   Well,  that  may  be,  but  we  have  a 


-3- 

little  game  many  people  play  when  a  young  couple  ret  married.  Especially , 
if  they  ret  married  in  a  hurry.   I  recall  a  young  fellow  coming  home  on  leave 
from  the  army  for  a  short  period  of  time  and  he  and  his  e-irlfriend  getting 
married  right  away.   Many  people  knew  for  certain  the  girl  was  pregnant  and 
they  ha*  to  get  married.   And  sure  enough,  4  years  later  she  gave  birth  to 
a  baby  boy.   Well  using  that  manner  of  counting  as  we  do  for  some  couples 
getting  married,  let's  count  concerning  this  Scripture.  Elizabeth  xxxx±B±£ 
became  pregnant  in  October  and  hidfor  5  months,  then  the  angel  came  to  Mary 
in  Elizabeth's  six  month  to  announce  she  was  to  become  pregnant.  So  that's, 
(count  on  fingers,  October,  November,  December,  Fanuary,  February,  March, 
April).  So  Axrxxxwxx  between  March  and  April  Mary  became  pregnant  and  then 
it  is,  May,  June,  July,  August  September,  October,  November,  December.  Do 
you  see  the  possibility  that  it  may  well  have  been  in  late  December  that  xoc 
Jesus  was  born?   It  doesn't  really  make  any  difference,  but  it's  nice  to 
think  that  we  are  so  very  close  to  the  actuall  time  of  Jesus'  birth  in  late 
December. 

So  after  Mary  is  given  the  information  about  this  event  by  Gabriel  we  read, 
"And  Mary  said,  "'Behold  the  handmaid  of  the  Lord;  be  it  unto  me  according 
to  thy  word,'   And  the  angel  departed  from  her." 

Once  again  frfttr  frirrf  as  last  week,  this  Fcripture  roints  out  two  things 
^_   which  God  did.   The  first  is  that  He  did  the  impossible.   When  we  compare 
the  two  incidents  we  see  that  Zacharias  and  Elizabeth  were  married  for  many 
years  and  were  childless.   God  made  it  possible  that  Elizabeth  could  con- 
ceivecin  her  old  age  and  this  she  did.   But  in  Mary's  case,  God  took  a  young 
girl  who  was  only  engaged,  and  she  became  pregnant  through  the  Holy  Spirit. 
This  is  important  from  the  standpoint  that  the  i)±x±  conception  and  birth  of 
Jesus  were  not  the  result  of  anything  done  by  man.   In  the  eyes  of  the  com- 
munity Mary  was  guilty  of  being  immoral  and  guilty  of  having  an  illegitimate 
child.   This  is  one  reason  the  Jews  could  not  then,  nor  up  to  this  time  ac- 
cept Jesus  as  the  Messiah.   He  was  considered  to  be  illegitimate  and  no 
amount  of  reasoning  wixixsuxxxxiKE  could  or  can  convince  certain  Jews  that 
God's  Holy  Spirit  was  responsible  for  Mary's  conception. 
The  importance  of  this  point  is  that  it  makes  a  great  deal  of  difference 
whether  we  believe  that  Jesus  was  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary.   Much  of  the 
latest  Biblical  scholarship  deals  with  disproving  this  doctrine.   fcnd  the 

oroblem  with  not  accepting  this  as  the  doctrine  we  should  have  is  that  Jeans 

*  r  conceived 

becomes   no  different   than  any   one   of  us.       _o   if   Jesus   was  fanxx  in  a  normal 

manner,  and  born  in  a  normal  manner,  why  is  He  30  special  among  all  mankind? 

■Ahy  can't   one    of  you   men  here   this   morning  claim  to  be    Jesus   Christ9      If 

everything   about    Jesus  ad    ;.       'Xactly    the       use  iny  ether    man,    .hen 

He    couldn't   possibly  b<     ;he    '  r/iour    }o&   ~ent   into   the   world.      God  used  a 


_4- 

miracle  to  have  the  forerunner  of  the  Messiah  come  to  earth  and  He  used  a 

special  miracle  for  the  Messiah  to  be  conceived  and  born.   It  is  not  easier 

to  accept  that  Elizabeth  could  have  a  child  after  the  childbearlng  ape,  than 

it  is  to  accept  the  Virgin  Birth  of  Jesus.   If  you  believe  the  one,  you  steEMi 

shouldn't  have  trouble  believing  the  other. 

The  second  thine-  that  God  did  In  this  incident  is  much  like  the  miracle  He 

performed  in  the  ±±±v   lives  of  Elizabeth  and  ^acharias. 

(Illustration  of  woman  spending  Christmas  In  San   ?ran  &  traveling  on  Christ- 
mas Day,  (Sunday),  in  order  to  be  back  to  work  on  Monday) 

^bSm^na^n-e^efd^im?  J^nk  and  bu™  i£.re^ur?n*  \,  **ic  h?ld  out  self 

?Take  care  of  this  baby  lady"  bum  said.   ARound 

lump  in  throat  said,  "I  will."   Bum  pry  Eric  loose,  but  Eric  hang  on. 

"Tuank  you  and  God  bless  you  Ma'am.   You've  £iven  me  my  Christmas  gift." 

God  took  the  lowliest  and  gave  the  world  its  first  Christmas  present.   That 
present  came  in  the  fcrm  of  an  unwanted  baby,  considered -an  illegitimate 
child,  born  in  a  dirty  stable  and  He  changed  the  whole  world. 
Paul  was  inspired  to  write,  1  Cor.  1:27-28,  (read  there).   V/hat  is  more 
forlish  than  believing  in  miracles?   '.tfhat  is  more  weak  than  a  baby?   But  God 
chose  these  means  to  brinr  Jesus  into  the  world.   .'.',  en  we  stand  in  the  pre- 
sence of  such  majesty  can  we  do  anything  el~e  but  fear?   Yet,  Cod  reaches 
out  to  the  world  and  says,  "Fear  Not,"  because  lie  wants  to  have  a  personal 
relationship  with  each  one   of  us.   And  that  is  only  possible  through  the 
miracle  of  a  baby  being  born  and  becoming  "Christ  the  Lord.  He  came  for 
you  and  me.  "Fear  not!" 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  December  15,  1985 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson*  Saxophonist 
Acolytes:  David  Andrews  and  Doug  Vensel 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 

Prelude  "0  Holy  Night" 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 

Anno  uncements 

Congregational  Greeting 

Joys 

Lighting  of  the  Advent  Wreath 
♦Processional  Hymn  No.  178  "0  Little  Town  of  Bethlehem" 
•Ascription 
•Exhortation 

•Confession  ( In  Unison)  "Father ,  forgive  our  excesses  at 
this  beautiful  and  expectant  time  of  the  year.   We  are 
too  loud,  too  selfish,  too  concerned  about  what  we 
want,  and  little  concerned  with  those  about  us.   Tear 
away  our  guilt.   Open  our  hearts  to  the  joy  of  your 
promise.   Give  us  the  happiness  which  the  birth  of 
Thy  Son  would  bring,  and  help  us  to  sustain  it  for  the 
future.   We  ask  thest  things  in  His  name. ... .Amen. 
*Kyrie 

♦Assurance  of  Pardon 
*Praise;  Pastor  -  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God 

People  —  And  Blessed  be  His  glorious  name  foever. 
•Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No.  177   "Good  Christian  Hen,  Rejoice" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray* 
Prayer 
Offering 

Offertory   ''Christmas  Medley" 
•Doxology  -  page  382 
Infant  Baptism 
Anthem;   "Christmas" 
Scripture:   Matthew  1:  18-25 
Sermon:   "Fear  Not,  Joseph" 
"•Closing  Hymn  No*  190  "Angels  from  the  Realms  of  Glory" 
•Benediction 
*Cl0*ing  Chimes 
•Postlud* 


♦Congregation  Standing 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 

Mr*  &  Mrs.  Charles  Fleeger  in  memory  of  loved  ones. 
Mrs.  Florence  MacKinney  will  greet  the  congregation  at 

the  door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are  Rob  Vinroe,  Handy  Dellen,  Bob 

Dellen,  and  Kevin  Snyder* 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Mrs.  Jane  Snyder. 
Richard  Mangel  and  Paul  Riemer  will  be  visiting  the 

hospital  this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  132  with  10  visitors. 
The  beautiful  Christmas  greens  on  the  front  doors  have 
been  place  by  the  Women's  Fellowship  of  St.  Paul's. 
^^Hospitalized:   Velma  Collins,  Marcia  Forsberg  BMH 
MONDAY  -  Volleyball 
WEDNESDAY  -  Golden  Circle  7:30 

Special  Olympics  in  Rehoboth  Hall  7-9 
THURSDAY  -  Choir  Practice  7:O0  P.M, 
Basketball  7-9 

Mary  Martha  Circle  10:30  sum. 
FRIDAY  -  Christmas  Caroling  -  meet  at  the  church  at  6:30 
followed  by  refreshments  at  the  Mangel's.   Come 
one  and  all  for  some  fun  and  fellowship*   The 
little  singers  can  come  too.   See  you  here!! 
^^FAMILY  CHRISTMAS  PROGRAM  tonight  at  7:00  P,M*   Come  and 
join  in  the  fun  of  the  evening.   Refreshments  served, 
along  with  a  visit  from  Santa,   All  of  the  Sunday  School 
will  hopefully  be  participating.   Come  and  bring  a  friend, 
COOKIES  are  needed  for  tonights  program  in  the  hall.   You 
can  sign  up  in  the  office  or  let  Shirley  Link  know. 
^December  22nd  we  will  be  taking  in  new  members.   If  you 
or  someone  you  know  is  interested  please  inform  the 
office  or  the  pastor.  Ar*f       L"  c  *■?+■/(.  w*s, 
The  new  Yearbook  will  be  published  in  January  *   If  you 
or  any  family  member  have  any  changes  in  a  phone  number 
or  address,  please  notify  the  office  as  soon  as  possible, 
Mrs.  Beryl  Cook  is  now  residing  in  Hillside  Boarding  Home 
R*D.#3  Schiebel  Road  Butler,  Pa.   I'm  sure  she  would 
enjoy  some  cards  and  notes  from  the  congregation  at  this 
holiday  season. 
JANUARY  COUNCIL  MEETING  WILL  BE  HELD  January  8th  beacuse 
^^^    of  the  new  year. 
7^ The  Poinsettias  will  grace  our  chancel  next  Sunday.   We 
would  like  to  have  them  remain  for  our  Christmas  Eve 
Service.   However  if  you  must  take  them  do  so  after  the 
Sunday  Service* 


COMMUNITY  BIBLE  CHURCH  -  SAGAMORE,    PA.    -  DECEMBER  1..,    L99I 


PRELUDE 

GHKETINOS/jOYS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/PtAYFR  REQUESTS 

this  week,  v*vwmcs'.  mast  7-q,  Christmas  caroling 

NEXT  SUNDAY:  THE  LOSS'S  SUPPER  -  CRRISTMA"  CCWfUNTON 

TMAS  FELLOWSHIP  DINNER  AFTER  CHURCH 


LIGHTING  OF  ADVENT  WREATH  -  THIRD  SUNDAY  OF  Al 
■HYMN 

PRAYER/OFFERING 
•DOXOLOGY     -  DISMISS     CHILDREN  KINBEBGARDEN  THRU  11 

KXtOI   PASTORAL  PRAYER 

HYMN 

FCHI1TURE:     MATTHEW     1:18-25 

SERMON:   "FEAR  NCT  JOSEPH" 

ST.    PAUL'S,    BUTLER   -  12/15/8^ 
'HTOR 

•BENEDICTION 
•POETLUDI 


,    m    iiiu-ri;    or.Kn:    'TEftH    NOT,    JOSEPH" 
|     fILU:  HAKOR  GFNEOLOGY  OF  JS.T   RU  JOS   '.   THRU   MARY) 

RITEFUL  KTNG   MB   PEI/JAT  PSOL   SIMPL  Oi»RP   TN  ££ 
I  K    ANGL  VIS    SACH.^N  MARY  &    SAY.FEAP  MPT.    ft  NOW  WII.  CUM  2JCH 
•Y   GIVN   HEP   NEWS, GO  VISIT  COUSIN   ELI;:, WOE   CU"  H0»  TEl"j5s 

la_UB-E5rai5-EJWAGB  *expl  seriosnes  this  iyr  period        '     ' 

VS   jBCsBlt    LEGIT  HUSB/W1F  ft   HAV  THAT  RFLATSHTd  ' 
VS_lS]>P!?OH  NO  TEI,  JOS   HOT  TKT'J   CAME   ABOUT  ft   SO  JO! 


„  ,    T"TrTpT  y    TTinRT  T 
V|  W^NO WANT  K4RY  STOND,GIV  UIVORC   PHIVATLY=ENCAGMFNT  LIK 

,.u?m     S         °T     AnTtVtr"  M«?  THY  Win   -EWGAG  CCNSIDR  BIHDI(fi~ 
DURING  THIS   PERIOD  JOE  BLD  OH  PREP'  Ufmlfe.MfflBiJBC 

01  TIME  ^YNG  COUPL.NOW  5POILD  BY  HER  HAV  BABY  ' 

^-|OS|EXPL  TO  JOS  PKNO  THIS  WAS   OF  SOD  ft  NOT  MARY'S   TNDI5CRETIN 
Vq   PUFUL   FXPI.  THAT   PLAIN, STMPL  MARY  ?B   IN/TliUMR.T  OF  GOD 
VSS2P-2>MT  WRIT  PJEWS  GIV  ED  COMENT  WFROPti  FH/tsA"7o7j  YRS   B<* 
MTft   LK    BOTH   STBES  J?'    VTRfiTN   HJCTH   ft   KAK    POfIS~G  CAK   IMP  MIDST 
THIS   WAT   "EMANUEL"   MEANS-  G  W/IJS  |   WE  CAN   ft   SHOD  BLIFV  THIS 
'■.'UP  MESIAH  CUM   LIK   THIS??   JEWS   NO   BI.TKV  SO 

fihst.fr/mary  :T:git:  second, she  comon  peasant.*  sn  he 

MESIAH  ?B  KING .CONCUR   El 
_VS_2't=HERE  IMPORT  OF  DREAMS   2PE0  OF   ISR   SHOWN 
tlLUS   ALFRED  EPFHSHEIM  ft   IMPORT  OF   DREAMS   PEOPLE  OF  ISRAEL) 

^iNas'MA^'lJ  HarK*  CPU'S  FAVOR: ' 

A  go: 

*l"5eNDUR  SHAM, NO  WATT  lYH'PMARRY.BDT  JOS  ALSO  FUIJII 
G'S  PLAN 
JOS   &   MARY  CUD  NOT  HAV  TRAVLD  2BETH   <!CENSUS   IF  UNMARRIED 

SO  WE  C  GOP  TDK   CARE   DETAILS   ONE   M   ONE 
VS    25="KWEtf  HER  NOT" -KNEW   IN  QHK   HAS   SEXIfl,  CONOTATTN 

l'-^ly  mM"mm  HAV1  sEXm  belATTTIs'  EA  Jfl  wA.*  bm-n 

i    HONOSBL  HAN.WIL  TAK   SHAM/HUMIL  ft   MARRY   HARY,&   DO  WAT  GOD 

UTI 

THIS   UBIBBWT   TN   JOS    LIE  MV   OS    TKFORT  TNSITE  OF   LIFE 
(IL1TS   COUGH   .""UDFfr  PAUL  ft   NEW  CAR   FROM  RFC"  | 
OLDR  BROS   NO  THTNK    Or   SELF, RUT   MAK    BROS    RAFFT 

BeetJF11™  :m-  tlS-CflSCEBB-S-J^S  FJAq  hat  jos  bid  tk  aftr  mar- 

CUD  HAV  WALK    AWAY   FR/STTU   ANSI,  OP  NO  ANGL  ft   SEP  -  NOT  ME.   FIND 
SftMOOTJ  ELSE,    I   DPNT  iJANT  TH/PFSroNSBILfY 

"HTTT   W    DJfflT  I   PROVIb  4NEF.D5   OF  tHAlOMAN  HE   LUVD.ENDIIR  TH/SHAME 
Tj/THHEPENT   UPON    III"   ACTINS 

!  A1L|i?fag^  THIS  pPSTOATIVr,WJ!p'„G,.HIE.TilRU  JS   XP  UMAMKTIffl 
HEB  1?:5  WE  READ READ  THIS 


Hkr  1?:* pf/io 


V 


HERE  WAS  GOt)  GO  THRU   HUMILIATIM/SHAMF.   OF   DYTNG 
ANT,  DOING   IT   IN   TH/RFPULSIV  HANNH   OF  ITXECtlTTN   HI.",  CHQS2H    I 

ECTI  AS  B  LBGITIMAT  FOR  TH/XESIAH  JENDURE 
TBK  WEP   TIIAFPY   PEOPL  JS  CAM  2SAVE 
THAIESAG   CUHING   FH/WF  SACBTFTC   OF  JS   TO  THEK  8,   TI[/VHl  I E   -ORLD 

','fl.n FFAB   NOT 

TH/ANGEL  BED  TO  JOSEPH   -  FEAR  NOT,    JOSEPH,    TO  TAK   UNTO   TTrFE  MI 

MAW  'WT'VtTF —  " 

°  IS  ^M^"^...'™1'  JS   """  ™"  M0T  M™K  *  EVEBYOPg  TO.  TAK 


urn 


IT':'   SAVIOR 


G   RKACHD  DW  TNTO  TH/WORLD  TO   PIK   MANK    OUT  OF  TO/DEPTHS   I   HTS 
MESSAGE  IS, 

-FEAR  HOT,    FOR   I   HAV   LPV1>  THEF,  W/AN   EVERLASTING   IJV,    FEAR   NOT!* 


ear  not;,    joseprr 
■■     ;    ..    .    L:    3-25 

iv    ;un"<   lowna   depth   6  man  rein  01.     thron  as   K 
of   Is  was  not  riteful  monarch 
Sum  mannr  subtrfup;,famly  Herod  Claire  thron  4-selvs 
ft  ther  ancestrs 
f     record  propr   line   sucesin  chap  1-vs   6-REAB 

on   it  reads   thru  histry   til   Kt   record  vs    16=R2AD 
Riteful    K  of    Is   relesat   rol  vilae   carpentr 
«e    Ik  anounc   2   Eliz/Zach  wud   hav   child   old   ape    ft  he 
2E   Jn  Bap  as  4runnr   of  Hos.=  iah,delivr   Is 
Then  Ik  anounc   7   Pfery  2B  mothr  of   Messiah 
In  ea   instanc    they   tol*F«ar    Kot 
Mary  went   2visit  cousin  Eliz   6  read  Lk  l,aaty  Jmos 
If  figur  as    las  wk:Eliz  hide   5mos  ,P'"ary_visit  6mos 
then   Mary  visit  4   three   mos.it  time  1  j=,liz  hav  baby 
B*  tak  plac   Mary  cum  home  P.    fez  &  prob   tol   Jes  bout 
baby  ?B  born  2  her 
dont  kno  whethr   tol  bin  baby  of  H  3p,but  do  kno  bit 
of  news   mus  hav  troubl  him  deeply   ft  Ptt  explain: 
vs   18=In  Is,marae  takn  seriuslyjnot   only  work  keep 

marap  sacred, but  time   3*  wed   Just  as    import  2  them 
Koa   marap.  arenir  by  fomly;this   no  rul   out   lov 
But  famlys  try  2mak  bes  mate  4  son/dottr 
,.'3t»vr  aranjr  made  by   Mary/ Jos   famlys   nokno 
But  do   kno   involv  enpape   period  ft  Mary  return  horn  Er 
period  B  espous/enraFe=lyr  ft  aftr  lyr,Br  r>r  tuk  her 
home   2his   houa   as  bride 
Jos  prob   Ik  4ward   2  marap  2   Hary-mak  f urn, etc. 
U  can  »el   irapin  how   felt  wen  Mary, whom  luv  very  mud 
Ik  upon  aa   claen, decent  ,sudnly  turn  up  rpepnsnt 
vs   18=ihras=34   cum  2gethr=mear_  no  sexual  contact 

t  wait  period  as  bind   as   narar  itself, but  no  sex 
vs   19a-How  cudB  hus?   oonsidr  hus/wif   ft,  serius   as  rea. 
vs   19-lst   G   Jos    just   nan  ft  mean  acord    J  In  keep   it 
means  he  honorabl   Si  do  wat  rite  ft   no  want   mak  examp 
of  Mary, perhaps  she   wudB  stone   4-  adultry 
decid'  2divorc   ft  this   only  way  brk  enpat-ement 
Jos  mus  hav  thot   lonr/hard  &  Mt   tel  us-vs    20-REAE 
Altho  tol   only  dream, mus  bin  mor  real  than  othrs 
Angl  gav   Jos   same  mesae-   B-av»z.ach,Mary-FEAB   NOT 
Kbtlc  anil  refr   ?him  as-Thou   3  of   Dav  6  mean  in  roy 
line  ft   in   line   of  sucesin 
He  had  rite   2thron,but   sine    line  pervert   cud    lay  no 
claim  2it,but  an*l  remin  wat  ritefuly  his 
The  dream  alway  was  riteful   sucesor  wud   cum  ft  asert 
rite   2sit   on  thron  £  rul  4evr  ft  that  persn  "'B  Messia 
ft  all  rud    Jews  knu  that 
So   2   Jos   this  miteB  that   son  of  his  was   2B  that   kinr 
But  can  underst    Jos   confusin  wen,  realiz   son  of   Mary 
wudB  llecit   ft  no  acpt  as  JJJPT  J  of  Ts,Sr  not   Mess   ah 


'Aftr  angi  remm   Jos   or  ancestri   lineage   ne   tol   not  2/~ 
2B  afraid   2marry   Mary  Bcuz   baby   of   H   Sp 

He  2  legitimiz   birth  of  this   child 
vs   21=nothr  rev   2    Jos,&  all    Jew  find  hard   swalow 

T'esiah  acord    traditin  was   not   2hav  as   main  role 
A]tho  redemptin/atonment   spokn  by  G  thru  ~crip,Messia 
wa      2B  more   politicl;asum  rol   as   K  &  ovrthro  enmys 

EnJ   G   tel  them  of   Mesiah   p-  redenrotin   fr/sin=Jer  31+5' 
Jer   31:34=Here   G   expl   nu  cov  w/Is=&.  wil  4eiv,etc 
vss  22-25= Ft  add  edtorial  coment   spokn  by  Isa  700yr 

fulfil  this   proph  mak   Js  birth  unioue   &  Kt/Xk  stres 

this    import  doctrin  4us   5  reasn»Js  birth  set  Him  apa 

apart  &  miracl   Js   Birth  G  cam  in2  midst  man  &  liv 
Emanuel=means   G  with  us 
vs   24=Here    C   import  dreams    in  livs   peop   of   Is 

in  sum  writs  tol  if  persn  sleep  ?day  &  no  dream=wick 
(Ilua  Alfred  Edersheim  from  Eook=Lif /Time  Js  th  Kess ) 
3things   marks    of  G's   favr=rud  king,frutfl  yr,gud  drea 

T~ic   sho  signif   of  dreams    &  thus    Jos  ros   fr/sleep  6 

did   as   anpl   tol   in  dream 
Joe   so  convinc   complet   fr/G   imed   tuk   Mary  as  wife 
this  brok  all  customs   of  day   Bcuz   lyr  wait   no  ovr 

but    Jos   wil   sufr   shame   alonff  w/Kary  that   she   go   °hav 

baby  conceiv   B4   marry 
Also  by   marry   Mary,  Jos   set   stae:  4-  travl   2Beth   latr 
as  husb  &  wife 
all  thez  futur  event  wer   of   cors  unknown  2   tfary/Joa 
vs   25=here  final  pt  &.  in  word=KNEV/=SGINOSKO 

this   mean  no  sexual  rrelations   tween  Mary/Jos 
Jos   honrbl  man  chosn  by  G   2B  1  claim  as   erthly  F   of  Js 

he  wil  ?tak  sham/humil  thro  his   way  that  had  2get 

marry   Bcuz   fiancee   preg   B4-   legl   marry 

i  marry   Mary   in  spite   probs   knu  wud   cum  ther  way 
•—Bcuz  he  want  do  want   G   want   from  him 

£"o  trus   G  all  way   Jos  name   son   Js   as  angl  tel 
Incident    in  lif    Jos    giv   import    insite    of   life 

(Ilus  coleg  stud  Paul  5   nu  car, little   boy/bros) 
oldr  bros   no   think  self , but    of   mak  bros   happy 

his  we  If  ar, his  concern  &  this  exac  wat  Jos  did  4Mary 
cud  easly  hav  walk  away   St  sed,Not  me, find   °uml   else 

But   no  did   &  provid  4woman  he    luv,endur   shame   heap 

upon  them 
this    in  smal  measur  ilus   wat   G  did    in  lrg  measur  tnri 

Js=tol   Scrip=He  endur  shame   of  cross   2redeem  mank 

Here  was  G  go  thru  humiliation  &  shame  of  dying  in 

mannr  repulsiv  2  His   own  chosen  reopl   Is 
thez  -eery  peop   Js   cam  2sav 
&  me sar  cum   fr/sac   of    Js-?ear   Kct;anrl   sed   2Jos=vs 
vs   20B-G   say   ?mank  thru    Js=?Par   Not   anyl/S:  evrl,2tak 
un2   thee   thy    Sav=G  reach  dwn   in2  worl,pik  mank  out    oJ 

f  a^i^   |  me^a,g  is=Fear   Not  ,4-   I  hav  luv  thee  w/evrlas 


"Fear  Not,  Joseph" 
Scripture:  Matthew  1:18-25 

The  House  of  David  had  sunk  to  its  lowest  depths  and  the  man  who  reigned  on 
the  throne  as  Kin?:  of  Israel  was  not  the  rightful  monarch,   In  some  manner  of 
subterfuge  the  family  of  Herod's  claimed  the  throne  for  themselves  and  their 
ancestors.   Matthew  records  for  us  the  proper  line  of  succession  in  the  first 

chapter  of  his  Gospel,   If  we  look  at  the  Sth  verse  we  read,  "And  Jesse  he- 
pat  David  the  king;  and  David  the  king  begat  Solomon  of  her  that  had  been 
the  wife  of  Urias;  and  Solomon  begat  H*hoboam;  and  Rehoboam  begat  Abia; 
and  Abia  begat  Asa;" 

And  on  it  reads  down  through  history  until  Matthew  records  in  the  16th  verse, 
"And  Jacob  begat  Joseph  the  husband  of  Mary,  of  whom  was  born  Jesus  who  is 
called  Christ." 

Tfie  rightful  king  of  Israel  was  relegated  to  the  role  of  being  a  simple 
ExxginaiKX  village  carpenter  in  Nazareth.   We  don't  know  how  old  Joseph  was 
only  that  he  must  have  been  older  than  Mary.  ±txtiw  W#  first  looked  at  the 
announcement  to  Zacharias  that  he  and  his  wife  would  be  able  to  have  a  child 
in  their  old  age  and  that  child  was  to  be  John  the  Baptist,  the  one  who 
would  go  before,  or  preceed  the  Messiah.   John  was  to  prepare  the  way  fibr 
the  deliverer  of  Israel.   Then  we  looked  at  the  announcement  to  Mary  that 
she  was  being  honored  by  God  with  the  privilege  of  bearing  the  Messiah. 
In  each  of  these  instances  Zacharias  and  Mary  were  told  to  "Fear  Not." 
Mary  went  to  visit  her  cousin  Elizabeth  and  we  read  in  the  1st  chapter  of 
Luke  that  she  stayed  with  her  for  3   months.   Now  if  we  figure  again  as  we  did 
last  week  we  come  to  the  conclusion;  Elizabeth  became  pregnant  and  went  into 
hiding  for  5  months;  then  Mary  was  visited  by  the  ang-el  in  the  6th  month  of 
Elizabeth's  pregnancy;  and  then  Mary  went  ot  visit  her  and  stayed  with  her 
for  3months.   Added  together  that  makes  nine  months  and  time  for  Elizabeth 
to  give  birth  to  her  son.   So  before  this  took  place,  Mary  left  to  go  home 
to  Nazareth.   Arriving  back  home  she  probably  told  Joseph  the  events  which 

king  place  in  her  life.   Whether  she  confided  to  Joseph  that  the  baby 
she  was  going  to  have  was  the  result  of  Sod's  Hnly  Spirit  or  not,  we  do  not 
know.   But  we  do  know  that  this  bit  of  news  from  Mary  must  have  troubled  him 
deeply.   Matthew  tries  to  explain  it  in  thi»  way,  "N0w  the  birth  of  Jesus 
Christ  was  on  this  wise:  When  as  His  mother  Mary    i  ■.  pou  ted  bo  Joseph  be-J 
"ore    they  came  tog  ]   ,   ]       found  with  child  of  the  H  ly   pirit."  : 

In  Israel,  marriage  was  taken  very  seriously.   T*ey  not  only  worked  at  keep- 
ing the  marriage  sacred,  but  the  time  before  the  wedding  was  just  as  importan 
to  them.   Most  marriages  were  arranged  by  the  families.   This  didn't  rule  out 
a  fellow  and  girl  falling  in  love  and  seeking  to  get  married.   But  it  was  a 
means  for  the  families  to  get  the  best  possible  mate  for  their  sons  or  dau- 
ghters.  Whatever  arrangements  had  been  made  by  Mary's  family  and  Joseph's 
we  do  not  know.   But  we  do  know  they  were  involved  in  an  engagement  period 
when  Mary  suddenly  returned  home,  very  obviously  pregnant.  The  period  of 


-2- 

being  espoused,  or  engaged  as  the  word  meant  was  for  one  year.   After  the  one 
year  waiting  period  the  bridegroom  appeared  at  the  family  residence  of  his 
bride  to  be  and  they  were  married  and  he  took  her  to  the  home  he  had  prepared 
for  them.  Fo  Joseph  was  looking  forward  to  claiming  his  bride.   In  all  proba 
bility  he  had  prepared  a  humble  house  for  them  to  live  in.   He  was  perhaps 
spending  that  year  making  furniture  and  eouipping  that  house  with  everything 
he  possibly  could  provide  to  make  his  bride  happy.  Each  thing  that  he  did 
was  not  work,,  or  a  chore,  but  was  done  with  love  and  devotion.   So  you  can 
well  ira^-ine  what  he  must  have  felt  when  he  learned  that  the  girl  he  loved 
so  very  much,  the  girl  he  had  looked  u-oon  as  pure  and  clean  and  decent,  sud- 
denly turned  up  pregnant,   ""he  phrase  that  Matthew  uses  in   this  18th  verse, 
"Before  they  came  together,"  simply  means  that  there  was  no  physical  relatior 
ship  between  Mary  and  Joseph.   The  one  year  waiting  period  was  as  binding  as 
the  subsequent  marriare  itpelf ,  yet,  it  involve  no  physical  relationship 
during  that  time. 

So  Matthew  then  explains,  "Then  Jospeh  her  husband,"  Now  how  could  he  be 
considered  her  husband?   The  engagement  period  was  so  binding  that  the  en- 
gaged couple  were  called  husband  and  wife  even  before  ±kact  their  marriage  was 
actually  soleminxed.   \nd  we  see  the  seriousness  of  this  as  we  read  on  in 

this  19th  verse.   "Tven  Joseph  herhjsband,  being  a  ^ust  man,  and  not  willing 
to  make  her  a  public  example,  was  minded  to  put  her  away  privately." 

First  we  learn  that  Joseph  was  a  "Just  man."  That  means  that  according  to 
to  the  Jewish  law  he  observed  it  as  any  ^oodt  Jew  should.   It  means  that  Jo- 
seph was  an  honorable  man  and  he  wanted  to  do  what  was  right.  He  didn't 
want  to  declare  Mary  publicly  as  being  an  immoral  woman  and  perhaps  see  her 
stoned  for  committing  adultery,  and  so  he  decided  that  he  would  quietly  di- 
vorce her.   That  meant  he  would  draw  up  a  divorce  paper  and  before  two  wit- 
nesses he  would  declare  he  was  divorcing  her  and  then  she  could  hatfe  her 
illegitimate  child  and  ruffer  the  disgrace  and  embarrassment  involved  in 
this  situation.   When  we  consider  that  even  though  he  was  only  engaged  to 
Mary  that  it  required  a  divorce  to  sever  the  relationship,  we  can  see  the 
serious  intent  the  Jews  place  1  on  the  engagement.   It  was  as  binding  as  the 
marr iage  it  s e If . 
Joseph  must  have  thought  long  and  hard  nbout  this  situation  and  Matthew  tells 

us,  "But  while  he  thought  on  these  things,  behold,  the  angel  of  the  lord  ap- 
peared unto  him  in  a  dream,  saying, 'Joseph,  thou  son  of  D„vid,  fear  not  to 
take  unto  thee  Mary  thy  wife:  for  that  which  is  conceived  in  her  is  of  the 
Holy  Spirit.'"  verse  20. 

Although  Matthew  tells  that  this  is  a  dream,  it  must  have  been  more  real  thar 
any  dream  that  Joseph  ever  had.   The  ano:el  mast  e-ave  Joreph  the  eery  same 
message  he  had  given  to  Z„charias  and  Mary.   T,_at  message  was,  "Fear  Wot." 
But  notice  that  the  ancel  refers  to  him  as  "Thou  son  of  David."   Tvat  meant 
that  Joseph  was  the  successor  to  the  throne  of  D'Virl   H 


-3- 

He  had  a  right  to  that  throne,  but  since  it  had  been  perverted  through  the 
years  and  the  wrong  people  were  on  that  throne,  Joseph  could  lav  no  claim  to 
it.  But  here  the  angel  was  reminding  him  of  what  was  rightfully  his.  The 
dream  always  was  that  the  rightful  successor  would  come  alonfr  and  assert  his 

"TtfAT 

right  to  sit  orMthrone  and  to  rule  forever,  Tv,at  person  was  to  be  the  Mess- 
iah and  all  good  Jews  vnew  that .  r  o  for  Joseph  this  just  m ight  be  that  a 
son  of  his  was  to  be  that  king,   Bffe  we  can  understnad  Joseph's  confusion 
when  he  knew  that  if  Mary  were  to  have  a  son  it  would  be  illegitimate  and 
not  be  ikKxHEBpKtet  accepted  as  the  proper  King  of  Israel,  much  less 
he  1  ;1   Me  isia]  , 

So  now  the  ane-el  has  reminded  him  of  his  ancestral  lineage  and  he  says, 

"Fear  not  to  take  unto  thee  Mary  thy  wife:  for  that  which  is  conceived  in 
her  is  of  the  Holy  Ghost." 

Joseph  is  being  told  to  marry  Mary  and  legitimize  the  birth  of  her  child. 

He  is  also  beinp;  told  that  =.11  of  this  is  from  God.   T,„en  the  angel  goes  on, 
"And  she  shall  bring  forth  a  son,  and  thou  shalt  call  "his  name,  JESUSj  for 
he  shall  save  his  people  from  their  sins," 

Now  there  is  another  revelation  that  Joseph  and.  all  Jews  for  that  matter 
would  find  hard  to  swallow.  The  Messiah  according  fcovtheir  expectations 
was  not  to  have  this  role.   Although  this  redemption,  or  atonement  v, 

en  of  by  Jod  ;hroughout  '"'   revelati       '       le,  the  principle 
role  of  the  Messiah  was  conceived  as  being  more  political.   The  Messiah  was 
going  to  come  as  a  conouerinr  hero.  He  would  assume  the  role  of  their  king 
much  like  David,  who  would  overthrow  their  enemies.   But  God  had  told  the  if 
over  and  over  that  the  Messiah  would  "save  them  from  their  sins."  One  ex- 
ample of  this  is  to  be  found  in  Jeremiah  31=34,  (read  this).   Here  God  is 
explaining  in  this  chapter  His  new  covenant  with  Israel  and  as  the  verse 

points  out,  He  will  "forgive  their  iniouity,  and  will  remember  their  sin  no 
more  . " 

Then  Matthew  adds  his  editorial  comment  which  is  typical  for  him  throughout 

his  Gospel  by  saying,  "Kow  all  this  was  done,  that  it  might  be  fulfilled 
which  was  spoken  of  the  lord  by  the  prophet,  saying,  'Behold,  a  virgin  shall 
bring  forth  a  son,  and  they  shall  call  his  name  Emmanuel,  which  being  inter- 
preted  is,  God  with  us.'" 

The  prophet  Isaiah  had  given  the  prophecy  over  §*00  years  before  that  God 
would  come  to  earth  and  be  born  through  a  virgin.   The  fulfillment  of  this 
prophecy  in  this  manner  is  what  makes  the  birth  of  Jesus  so  unique,   Matt- 
hew and  Luke  both  stress  this  important  doctrine  for  us  and  the  reason  was 
that  in  this  manner  God  sets  the  birth  of  Jesus  apart  from  all  mankind.  The 
miracle  of  Jesus'  virgin  birth  makes  it  possible  to  believe  that  God  actual- 
ly came  into  our  midst  and  lived  among  us.   T^at  is  what  Emmanuel  means, 
"God  with  us , " 

And  so  because  of  this  dream,  Matthew  adds,  "Then  Joseph  be  ins  raised  from 
sleep  did  as  the  gnfrel  of  the  lord  had  bidden  hmm,  and  took  unto  him  his 
wif%." 


Here  we  see  the  importance  of  dreams  in  the  lives  of  the  people  of  Israel. 

In  some  of  their  writings  it  is  rointed  out  that  if  a  person  sleeps  for  7 

days  and  does  not  dream  he  was  to  be  called  wicked.   Alfred  Edersheim  in  his 

book,  "The  Life  And  Times  Bf  Jesus  The  Messiah,"  states:  "A  eood  dream  was 
one  of  three  things  popularly  regarded  as  marks  of  God's  favor;  and  so  gen- 
eral was  the  belief  in  their  significance,  as  to  have  passed  into  thi»  pop- 
ular saying:  'If  any  one  sleeps  reven  days  without  dreaming  (  or  rather, 
remembering  his  dream  for  interpretation),  call  him  wicked  (  as  being  un- 
remembered  by  God)." 

T>,e  three  things  which  were  marks  of  God'S  favor  were:  A  good  king,  a  fruitSi 
ful  year,  and  a  rood  dream."  To  we  can  see  the  significance  placed  upon 
dreams.  Thus  Joseph  arose  fron  his  sleep  and  did  as  the  angel  had  told  him 
in  this  dream.   Joseph  was  so  convinced  thir  was  Eompletely  of  God  that  he 
immediately  took  Mary  as  his  wife.  Thip  broke  all  of  the  customs  of  the  day 
since  the  one  year  waiting  period  had  not  elapsed.   But  Joseph  was  willing 
to  suffer  the  shame  along  with  Nary  that  she  was  going  to  have  a  baby  which 
was  conceived  before  she  was  married.   By  marrying  Mary,  Joseph  also  set  the 
stage  for  their  future  departure  to  Bethlehem  to  observe  the  census,  at 
which  time  Je3U3  was  born.   All  of  these  future  events  were  of  course  un- 
known to  Joseph  and  Mary.   *Sirtx±±>citar3rxka*x*ss]tE2sSxwith:cJKiHapii:<:witkeM*xk^x3l| 
BgrrlgabxtBxfclB   Mary  and  Joseph  could  not  have  traveled  together  to  Bethle- 
hem without  being  married.  So  we  see  that  God  took  care  of  all  of  the  details 
o  ne  by"  one"7 
Then  there  is  one  final  point  that  Matthew  gives  us  in  this  Scripture  and  we 

read  in  the  25th  verse :  "And  knew  her  not  till  she  had  brought  forth  her 
first-born  son:  and  he  called  his  name  JESUS . " 

The  Greek  word  here  for  "knew"  is  EBIHOSKD  which  has  a  sexual  connotation. 
It  literally  means  that  Hoseph  did  not  have  sexual  relations  with  Mary 
until  after  Jesus  was  born.   Joseph  was  an  honorable  man  chosen  by  God  to 
be  the  one  claimed  as  the  earthly  father  of  Jesus.   He  was  willing  to  take 
the  shame  and  humiliation  thrown  his  way  that  he  had  to  get  married  because 
his  fiancee  was  going  to  have  a  baby  before  they  were  legally  married.   Jo- 
seph married  Mary  in  spite  of  the  problems  he  knew  would  come  their  way  be- 
cause he  wanted  to  do  what  God  mantel  from  him.   So  trusting  God  all  the  way, 
Joseph  named  this  son  of  Mary's,  JESUS  as  the  angel  had  instructed. 
This  incident  in  the  life  of  Joseph  gives^  us  an  important  insight  ±e±»  of 
life. 

(Illustration  of  college  student  Paul,  his  new  car  given  by  his  brother) 
It  was  Christmas  Eve  and  Paul  a  college  student  came  out" of  the  house  in 
which  he  was  living  at  the  time.  As  he  stepped  out  the  door  he  saw  a 
street  urchin  walking  around  his  shiny  new  car  end  admiring  it.   "Is  this 
your  car  mister?"  he  asked.   Paul  nodded,  "My  brother  ^\ve  ~H;  bo  me  "or" 
"yjaiisimajpT"  THe  boy  looked  astonished.   "You  niean  your  brother  Rave  i~t  to 

you  and_it  didn't  cost  you  nothin?   Boy.  I  wish  ....."   He  hesitated  and 

Paul  knew  what  Tie  was  goins  to  wish.   ~Tfl  .,.„.  ,.    ,    .  ,  ,   ,  , 

ne  rfas  going  to  wish  he  had  a 


-5- 

lv other  like   that.      But  what  the  boy  wished  startled  Paul  completely. 
"I  wish,"  the  boy  went   on,    "Tvat   I  could  be   a  brother   like   that."     Paul 
fooTced  at   the  boy  in  aptonishiint  and "then  asiced,    "Would  you   like   to  go 
for  a  ride    in  my  new  car?"      "Oh,    I'd   love   that,"   the  boy  said. 
After  a  short   ride   the  boy   asked,    "Mister,   would   you   mind  driving   in  front 
of  my  house?"     Paul  smiled  because  he   thought  he  knew  that  the  boy  wanted 
%o  show  off  to  the   nieghbors  that  he   was  riding  in  a  new  car.      But   Paul 
was  wrong  again.      "Will  you  stop  right  where  those_two  steps  are,   and  stay 
t    there   til   I  come  back  out ^"~heasked.      He  ran  into  the  house.      In  a  little 
while   Paul  heard  him  coming  back,    but   he  wasn't   coming  fast.      He  was   carry- 
ing  his    little   polio-crippled  brother.     He  sat  him  down  on  the  bottom 
step,    squeezed  up  against  him  and  pointed   to  the   car.      "There   she   is  bud- 
4Xj^_just.  like    I  said.      His   brother__gave    it  to  him  for   Christmas   and    it 
d_idn't   cost  him   a   cenTT      And   someday,    I'm   gonna   give   you   one~~jfi]atTjjfe_jit , 
Tfren  you  can  see   ior  yourseIf~aTl  the  pretty  Christmas  windows _that I  Lve 

been  telling  yo1£^abo-ut .  "  jjg«  y  ■ ~ 

Paul  got   out   and  lifted:  the   little^to  the   front   seat   of  the   car.      Ike  xkisa 
shiney  eyed   older  brother  climbed  in  beside  him  and   the  three    of  them 
began  a   memorable   holiday  ride.      That    Christmas   Eve    Paul   learned  what    Jesus 
meant  when  Hg   said,    'It    i?    more   blessed    to  give,    than  to  receive."1 

Tv,e    older  'grother  was   thinking   not    of   himself,   but    of   making  his   brother 
happy.      Hip   welfare  was   his   concern.      This    is   exactly  what    Joseph  did   in 
looking  after   Mary's   needs.      He  could  easily  have  walked  away  from  this   situ- 
ation,  angel  or   no  angel  visitation,   and   said,    "NAt   me  I     Hind  someone  else. 
I  don't  want   the  responsibility."     But  he  didn't   and   so  he  provided    for  the 
needs   of   the  woman  he    loved   endurine:  the    shame   which  was    inherent   upon  his 
actions.     This    in  small  measure    is   illustrative   of  what  God  did  through 
Jesus   for  mankind.      W$  are  told   in  rcripture   that  He  endured  the   shame   of 
the   cross    in  order  to  redeem  mankind.      Here   was   God  going  through  the  humil- 
iation and  shame   of  dying   in  a  manner  that  was  repulsive   to  His   chosen  peo- 
ple.Israel.      The  very  people    Jesus   came  to  save.      And  the  message   coming 
from  the   sacrifice  of    Jesus  was    "Fear   Not,"     The  angel  said  to   Joseph,    "Fear 
not    Joseph,   to  take  unto  thee   Mary  thy  wife."     Sod   is    saying  to  mankind 
through   Jesus,    "Fear   not   anyone   and  everyone,    to  take   unto  thee    Jesus   thy 
Saviour."     God  reached   down  into  the  world' pick  mankind  out   of  the  Aepths 
and   His   message    is,    "Fear   Not,   for   I  have    loved    thee   with   an  everlasting 
love .      Fear  not ! " 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler ,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  December  22,  1985 

Mr*  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
Acolytes:  Kelly  Mangel  and  Megan  Hewis 

Prelude  "Silent  Night11 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 

Lighting  of  the  Advent  Wreath 
♦Processional  Hymn  No.  175  "While  Shepherds  Watched 

Their  Flocks  by  Night" 
■•Ascription 
•Call  to  Worship: 

Pastor:   The  voice  of  him  that  crieth  in  the  wild- 
erness, "Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord, 
make  straight  in  the  desert  a  highway  for 
our  God." 
People:   Every  valley  shall  be  exalted,  and  every 
mountain  and  hill  shall  be  made  low:  and 
the  crooked  shall  be  made  straight,  and 
the  rough  places  plain. 
All:     And  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shall  be  reveal- 
ed, and  all  flesh  shall  see  it  together:  for 
the  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 
Pastor:   Let  us  Pray! 
•Prayer  of  Confession  (In  Unison)  f' Almighty  and  Merciful 
Father,  the  fountain  of  all  goodness,  who  knowest  the 
thoughts  of  our  hearts,  we  confess  to  You  that  we 
have  sinned  against  You,  and  have  done  evil  in  Your 
sight.   Wash  us,  we  beseech  You,  from  the  stains  of 
our  past  sins,  and  give  us  grace  and  power  to  put 
away  all  hurtful  things;  so  that,  being  delivered 
from  the  bondage  of  sin,  we  may  bring  forth  worthy 
fruits  of  repentence .   Remove  from  us  the  shadows 
that  we  might  stand  in  the  radiance  of  Him  who  is 
the  Light  of  the  world,  our  Saviour,  Redeemer  and 

Lord,  Jesus  Christ Ame. 

•Assurance  of  Pardon 
Offering 

Offertory  "Away  in  the  Hanger" 
*Doxology  -  page  142 
Reception  of  New  Members 
Communis   lymn  No.  202  "As  With  Gladness  Men  of  Old" 


"The  Institution  and  Consecration  of  the  Elements 
Distribtion  of  the  Bread 
Distribution  of  the  Cup 
*The  Prayer  of  Thanksgiving 
Anthem:   "Gentle  Mary  Laid  Her  Child'1 
Scripture:  Luke  2:  8-20 
Sermon:   "Fear  Not,  Shepherds" 
"Closing  Hymn  No.  184  "Hark!  the  Herald  Angels  Sing" 
* Benediction 

*Postlude  "Joy  to  the  World'1 

-----      *Congregation  Standing     -  -  -  -  - 
Mrs.  Sandy  Sheppeck  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 

door  this  morning. 
Ushers  for  today  are:   Dick  Mangel,  Don  Kingsley,  Ed  Walker 

and  Dick  Dally, 
Nursery  will  be  provided  today  by  Janet  Bowser. 
Lloyd  Link  and  Marty  Henry  will  be  visiting  the  hospital 

this  week. 
Attendance  last  Sunday  was  139  with  19  visitors. 
^Hospitalized:  Velma  Collins  and  Marcia  Forsberg  in  BMH. 
■?>TUfc;3DAY  -  11:00  P.M.  Christmas  Eve  Service  of  Carols, 
Communion  and  Candlelight. 
NEW  MEMBERS  that  we  are  taking  into  our  "Family"  today  are 
Mrs.  Frances  Atwell  ^. 

Ben  and  Isabel  Hockenberry  A-Otf    /,  ■  ^>  l 

Jeffery  L.  and  Shelley  Hockenberry 

Elma  Clay  '"*" 

The  New  Yearbook  will  be  published  in  January*   If  you  or 
any  family  member  have  any  changes  in  a  phone  number  or 
address,  please  notify  the  office  as  soon  as  possible, 
Mrs.  Beryl  Cook  is  now  residing  in  Hillside  Boarding  Home 
R,Dt#3  Sehiebel  Road  Butler.   Take  some  time  during  this 
holiday  season  to  drop  her  a  card. 
Mrs*  Eleanor  Sandbach  is  now  in  the  Sugar  Creek  Nursing 

Home.   We  hope  this  is  a  temporary  visit  only, 
JANUARY  COUNCIL  MEETING  WILL  BE  HELD  JANUARY  8th  at  7:00  P.M. 
We  are  asking  that  the  Poinsettias  be  left  to  beautify  our 
chancel  for  the  Christmas  Eve  Service,   However,  if  you 
must  take  it  today  you  may  do  so,  the  Ushers  will  assist 
you  after  the  service. 
We  are  still  seeking  new  volunteers  to  add  to  the  Prayer 
Chain  for  1936.   If  you  would  like  added  please  contact 
Ginny ♦ 
^■Communion  cards  in  the  backs  of  the  Pews.   Please  sign 
them.   If  you  are  a  visitor  and  would  like  this  record 
forwarded  to  your  church  please  put  the  name  or?  the  back 
J       of  the  card* 

_  S   *f Sit  U    *£  *S    **i       ■   ^  ->    I 


.  -  .    SKR  SZ,   1996 

■  NOS/JOYS/ANNOUNCE 

"  INVITE  Alt 

UJNCH/EE1  I  "1  church 

CAROLING  T'TIS    ATI'.RNOON 
CANriLELTG'fT  SERVICE   "; 


T.T".HTTEG   OF   ADVENT  WPEATH   -   FOURTH   SUNDAY   OF   ADVENT 
*HYMN 

I.CX3Y   -   DISMT5T   CKHESEN   K    TO   AGE   11    -  JUNTOS   C 

HYMN 

SCRIPTURE:     LUKE  2:8-20 

:   "FEAE  NOT,   SHhP'tERDS" 

ST.    PAUL'.'.;,    BUTLER    -   1?/? 2/8-3 
.^■LORD'S  supper 

■hymn 

•benedicton 

•pcstlttde 

7&  *  -J     1  ■  TTre-*.  -  feints 


■  ■     ,  'IERBS" 

,-[,„■   r    ■  !.,Y  ft  THE   ACTORS    REIMS,   FT-SKVHEBE) 

FObTWIAT  'HH>,'WliMUI'i   "^  HW  KLsMffl.BTll1  WW;  A'l1  't'HFP  JOBS  i 
THEM 
W  -   HORN   LK   THEZ  WATCHHS  OF  SHEEP   AS   LAS   2HERR   'TEAR   NOT" 
IAME   IWNTOY    -   BETHLEHEM  WH/IS  WAT  KENT   HERE 
T  FJIB  U/"i  O'CLOK'  WI5TL.RMD  CLOK  JOB  THEZ  SHEPS  VERY  SPECT 
:       2B   PI. VEAL  FB/VAT  .  CAL.TH/tpU'B   OF  T!I1 

THIS  2B  NW  JttS  ORENATCHTOWR   ^OHD  FLOKS  BND  BE*H,BUT  FR/FLOKS 
CLQS   2T0WN 
THEZ  FLPK  fffl!)  BY  SPECIE  SHE!  S  BOTE  THEY  2R  USED  IN  TEMPI i  SACS 

sheep  i  sheps  had  2b  very  si  boil  fc  thez  sheps  exempt  fr/legal 

observ  i:h  relicts  core 

steps  wef  rout"''!'  ep  whj^b  usd  tfkf  wore 

i  .,     bph  vis  by  angel  but  hc-  :        -  '■'    ss-rttad  vs 

nj  [usTRv   -  ,  ,",Ii  '■   TTHPL 

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G  'S  GuW^EPARTtTfrTtSRAEL  S    WOW  TT  RETURN  IN   '' ' 

YRK   OF  WAIT  ANGF-I.  TELLS    -   VSS   lf)-ll=READ  V5S 
VS  12-THl      '  PLACE  2LK  i  EXPI  LOGIC!  TJEnDCTTNS 

|   P-1A.ALL  RVN  KESIAH  CITK  2ERTH.HVNS  RANG  W/MUSIC 

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SILLY  ORAHAM_TP1/lBOC«=ANnja£)  SUHHCV 

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VS   17-WAT  WA!     SaY^NG?    I   BLTEV   TT  VS    U'gf-*" ,  y5!™     . 

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VS   18-TI1/*EWS  WAS   2MUCH   **AVG    PEBSN   2COKPREKEND  2GUI)  ?B  TRITE 

ARY  KWII   KHTRUS   tf/STECIT.  TASK  &  NOW   THOT  WAT  HAB  ?00   IN 

CANH  CERT  SHE  TTJK   NHFND  ROL  VERY   SBI1 

THTrrWAT~iriiiT)-GAV  HANK  TH/RIGHT  NOTE  llEACH   ITF 
m    PBI'TfrnjEFflXWLY   HARTS  W/BIBTll   UF  ,' 
WAT  PEOP  HAD  WAS~OWlY  A  HOPE  OF  ITS  COMlOT.Hr  LOWLY  SHEPS  WER 

TT-'JA'R  PComon  ordna^  thst  g  mr   th/KESAQ,   WHY   MP  HE  ™JHU>-  !  ' 
£ TTJI.rRAMrJN~HAINE  PAPER, TWO  PICTURES  &  RCTEJ^LnjAPTIOWSJ 
TSnJT^fAK.THEP  MOB   TWITH  THAN'lflN-TJtTJNAL 

""liiSSmL.!!-^'^'^  J'J  l*KED  0F  A  BHg'7 

J       nrpEnPLLOST  W/CIIT   A   SAVIOR??? 

vrTrWAM   S,   SO  TO  FULFIL  TTfEZ  TTEEDS  THRU   XP 
■"I  fitifil  §BRs  THIS  IIP  IN  1  COR  l:27-?8. 


IDNT  HAV  BIN  AS  ACPTABL 
G  TOX  COHON  CTNAPTf  PBOEL,   Tf-'  '"<  WW  CBDWAI'T  WATS  &  U."K  THE*  ? 
I  K>  TH/WOSLD  BIS  n.AN  Or  HALVATIN 
,'.   COMOIJ   ITiTMT.A  COHON   nBTTNARY   PHTFRTV,  TrfTFF 
A   COM"1   gADTCHTB 
ft    CPKOW   FEASANT  OIRL  EfTOAGTJ  Tf  '  NT? 

A  FEEDING   TROUGH  FOR   ft   CRADLft,    ft    E 

ta/ukld  looks  at  great  acohplrshhehts.o  1n5s.  hojcs, 

etc. 

i  [  looks  hi  so  called  "great  htm  fr  wcmem11 
ion  look;;  at  th/comon  okdinary  »  sb?,  I  caw  uf.fi  tho:'.  TuiNnr.  to 
tv  romjPE  M  Uff  EBB  EBEB 

■    MANKIND   IN   STTHH  A   SIMPL  WAT   It  HIS   KESAO  IS 
BCU7  OF  BE   XP   "FEAT)  NOT*1 


"Fear   wot, 
Lk  2s 8-20 


"heptlerd-:" 


) 


'-crip: 
1  (Ex.    of    Xmas   play   Sc   actrs   sumwher   elf>ej 
fortunat  4us-lst  sheps  wer   not  hocky  practic  or   othr 
form  entrtain  6  wer  at    jobs   &  G  abl  use   them 
"his  morn  lk  individs  who  wer  las  ?hear  fr/angl  bout 
]   birth 
vs   8-Lk  expl  grp  shepfe  same   area   near   Beth  £  they  do 
work  which  was  theirs 
Job   no  8-5   &  end  w/whistl  blow=rnd  clok  Job 
mor   import  thez  shens   prob  ^ery  spec  11  peop     4   Jews 
that   Mesiah  2B  born  Beth  kno  fan   thru  proph   Micah, 
also   Bliev  He   2B  reveal  fr/wat    Jew  cal=Towr  of   Flok^ 
This  was   no  2B   Jus    ordnary  watchtowr  4ord   floks  rnd 
Beth, but  2B  fr/floks   lay  clos   2  town/no  outskirts 
Thez   floks   tend  speoil   sheps   Bcuz  sheep  2B  use  t-  temp 
sacrifics,p    sheen    r-    nheps   had   2B   specil 
olnc  aheps  wer   specil  had    specil  privs  exempt   from 
legl   ''■   strio    observ   of   Jew 

\P   sheps  wer  bout   task  tend   sheep  wh/cudB  use   temp 
worsb,at  very  plae  wher   Mes   ?E  born.read-vs   9 
1  prob  vs   is   main  part  vs  dwnplay/ovrlk 
study   Zach.Kary ,  Jos  ,r    no  read  wat  fnd  vs   9 
Lk  carfly-It  say=Glory  of   L  shon  rnd  bout  then 
nowher   else   read   this-Here    Lite    of   S   talk  bout 
thruout  histry    Jews  G'a   Lite  play  Import  rol   live 
lillr  of   Fire/Cloud ;apear  'Tab  shin  Mercy  seatjGlory 
fil  tempi   in   Jeru  8=  all   instanc  we   talk-?T'EKINAH  GLOR 

This   G's    suprnatrl  presenc  apear  as   LIT] 
Isnt   ironic   G  shud  anounc  w/own  Lite, lite    of    '/or id. 
™vl]s   C  why   sheps  wer=3„re    ■,fraid,knu    in  presenc   of  Q 

10- Ma  sag   same  as   othrs=Zach,  Mary,  Jos-FEAE  &0T 
-r.-i    ,-iob   ?alay  all   fear, convey  G's   neaag   Sc  meaaf  was 
vs   ll=city   Dav-Beth   S*  anounc   gsv   asuranc  wat  bin 
proph  bout   Kes   now  cum  2pas,aftr  yrs    of  wait  Fe   cum 
vs   12-here   clu  wher  21k=nanpx  not   in  homes, naro  2 

atables .places  wher  eattl  H  hous 
vs   13«B*  cud   so  serch,All  G's   domain   Join  in   Joy   Mes 

cum  2erth  '•■  hvna   raj*  w/song   of  prals 
vs    15- Jus   as   luik  visit  by  hvnly  host, fnd   *elva   alone 
now  their  turn  ?do  sun-thin  bout  wat   herd/seen 
Song  ovr.Lite   B<m,&  rras   Bgin  serch  t^   Js   in  Beth 
Eo  kno  how  fnd  Him, but   I  Bliev  angls  guld  them  Pexac 
spot   wher   He   ?B  fnd 
but   our  acientlf  mindset   no  want  2Bllev  thez   things 
(Ilus   B.   Graham  &  Korean  incident   of  angel) 
.fas  he   an  angl  G  sent  Pdelivr  fr/enmys?  Who  fenws"? 
I'm  sur  evrl  hav  opinion, but    I  persnly   Bliev  G  duz 
indeed   send   sngls  many  times   during   out   llvs   2direct 
Also  Bliev  pt   of  deth  G  send   engl   escort   Blievr  home 


"Aftr  sheps   cam  2stabl   lern=vss   15-17  2/~ 

Wat   was   saying:   tol  them  concern  th/chilr5" 
It  was   mesag  angl  gav=vs    11 
Mesiah  had   cum, no  longr   2B  Ik  4,anticipat ,it   no  lonj 
"Sumday  He  wil  cum" "Sumday  1  wll  apear"=it  was    moment 
in  histry   &  sheps  wer   ovrcum  by   lit 
B'       lern=vsl8=This    news    ?much  4avg  persn  comprehend 
Tzt&y  amaz,they  marvl,they  wondr  wat    tol  them 
It   2   gud   2B  tru   8e  Lk  tel  us-vd   19 
Mary  knu  wat   bin  tol  by  angl  &   how   she   2B  entrust  by 
G  w/specil   task  8   now   thot   bout   futur   days   2rais   this 
child  4  God 

She   tuk  her   nufnd  rol    of   mothr   seriusly 
Lk  add=vs   20=thez   men  privileg  2C  &  hear  hvnly  Jrhings 
&  4this   prais   &  glorify  G 
No  read  in  Scrip  but   auite   prob   thez   men  ask  same 
cuest   ask  by   Zach, Mary ,Jos- How  this    posibl?   Why   Me? 
(Ilus   shepherd   in  Montana   &  riv  him   en   "A") 
this   exac   wat   G  did=He   provid   ansr  4evr   lonly  hart 
w /birth  of    Js    Xp 
only  thing  many  peop  had   was   Hope    Of    Sav   ?cum 
21only  sheps   G  gav  them  1  things  wh/need,He   tun 
ther   livs   2Himself  by  send    lonr  await, long  lk  4 
delivrer 
It  waa  2comon,ordnary  G   gav  mesag   Ss  why  G  do  this? 
(Ilus    Camden, Maine   paper   &  2p ic ture s  , wrong  captions) 
Evn  tho  that  was   mis-.   k,ther   mor   truth   ~V     ';han  posib 
if  had  bin  intentinal 
Isnt  evr  persn  this  worl   lik  sheep  in  need  of   shep? 
Arnt   all   peop   lost  without   Tav? 
And   U  C,this   precisly  wat   G   saw   in  mank 

PMs    was    need   He   was    fulfil    in   Js  Xp 
I      ^iev  thir   why  all  cam  bout/thru  comon  men,comn 
means 

Had  hapn  any  othr  way  wud   no  Bin  acptbl 
P  sum  up   in  lettr   2  Cor   l:"3? 
G  has  visit   mank  in  such   sirrral  way  &  mesas'  is=Bcuz 
of   this,    FEAR    NOT" 


"Fear  Not,  Shepherds" 

Scripture:  Luke  ?:ffi-20 

(Illustration  of  Christmas  play  and  actors  elsewhere) 

A  man  tells  that  his  daughter  was  selected  to  portray  :iary  in  a  Christmas 
pageant.   On  the  morning  cf  the  first  rehearsal  they  overslept  and  he  got 
his  daughter  there  late.   The  director  listened  to  their  apologies  and 
then  wearily  said,  "It  doesn't  matter.   Joseph  went  ice-fishing  and  the 
shepherds  have  hockey  practice." 

Well  fortunately  for  us  the  first  shepherds  weren't  »f±xBx  at  hockey  prac- 
tice or  some  other  jarsuit  of  entertainment.   Tvey  were  at  their  jobs  and 
God  was  able  to  use. them.   This  morning  we  are  ]  oo:  :'  ■  _     *   last  individ- 
uals to  hear  from  the  Angel  about  the  birth  of  Jesus, 
Our  3cripture  begins  with  the  8th  verse  of  the  2nd  chapter  of  Luke.   It  is 

there  that  we  read,  "And  there  were  in  the  same  country  shepherds  abiding  in 
the  field,  keeping  watch  over  their  flock  by  night." 

Luke  explains  that  a  eroup  of  shepherds  were  in  the  same  area  near  Bethlehem 
which  is  what  he  means  by  being"in  the  same  country."   These  shepherds  were 
doine:  the  work  which  was  theirs.  Their  job  didn't  end  with  the  five-o'clock 
whistle.  Theirs  was  an  around  the  clock  job.   But  more  importantly,  these 
shepherds  were  probably  very  special  people  for  the  Jews.   That  the  Messiah 
was  to  be  born  in  Bethlehem  was  a  known  fact  as  prophesied  in  the  book  of 
Micah.   It  was  also  believed  that  the  Messiah  was  to  be  revealed  from  what 
the  Jews  called,  "The  tower  of  the  flock."  mhis  was  not  to  be  just  the  ordi- 
nary watchtower  for  the  ordinary  flocks  around  Bethlehem,  but  was  to  be  from 
the  flocks  which  lay  very  close  to  town.   T,.ese  flocks  were  tended  by  special 
shepherds  because  these  sheep  were  destined  for  the  temple  sacrifices.  The 
sheep  as  well  as  the  shepherds  had  to  be  special.   And  since  the  shepherds 
were  special,  they  had  special  privileges  that  exempted  them  from  the  legal 
observance  of  the  Jewish  religious  code. 

'■s  there  shepherds  were  about  the  ta~k  of  tend  in  ich  i<y   Id  ^p 

az   tne  very  place .where,  the  Messiah  was  to  be  born, 

-   ;empl9  sacrxFioeskwe  read,   ■  i:. ,  lo,  tEe  angel  of  the  Lord  came  updr 
them  and  the  c~lory  of  the*  Lord  shone  round  about  them:  and  they  were  sore 
afraid." 

One  of  the  problems  with  this  verse  has  always  been  that  the  main  portion  of 
it  has  always  been  downplayed.   Ws  studied  about  Zacharias,  and  Mary,  and 
Joseph  each  being  visited  by  the  angel  of  the  Lord,   But  in  none  of  those 
instances  did  we  read  what  is  found  in  this  9th  verse.   Look  at  it  carefully, 
it  says,  "And,  lo,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  came  upon  them."  But  then  Luke  adds, 
"And  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shone  round  about  them."   Nowhere  else  do  we  read 
of  this  taking  place  in  the  lives  of  Zacharias,  Mary,  or  Joseph.   In  those  ±x 
instances  it  iust  says  the  anrel  appeared  to  them.   But  here  vsxxzz  the  Li^ht 
of  God  is  being  talked  about.  Throughout  the  history  of  the  Jews  God's  Li-ht 
played  an  important  role  in  their  lives.   God  went  before  them  in  the  promise 
land  as  a  "Pillar.  n*   im*.-  n 

mar  of  Fire,"  and  as  a  "Cloud."  Tven  He  appeared  in  the 


-2- 
Tabernacle  shining  on  the  Mercy  Seat.   His  Glory  filled  the  temple  in  Jeru- 
salem, later  on.   In  all  of  these  instances  we  are  talking  about  what  was 
called  the  "Shekinah  Glory."   It  was  God's  supernatural  presence  which  »£±an 
appeared  as  Light.  And  isn't  it  ironic  that  at  the  announcement  cf  the  birtl 
of  Jesuf  the  Light  of  the  world,  God  should  announce  it  with  Eis  own  Light 
of  Glory?   Thus  we  can  readily  see  why  the  shepherds  were,  "Sore  afraid," 
They  knew  they  were  in  the  presence  of  Almighty  Godf)*and  not  just  an  angel. 

"And  the  angel  said  unto  them,  '"ear  not:  for  behold,  I  brin^  you  good  tid- 
ings of  great  joy,  which  shall  be  to  all  people." 

The  message  is  the  same  as  the  angle  Gabriel  had  delivered  to  the  others. 

"Fear  not,  f  hepherds . "   The  duty  of  Gabriel  was  to  convey  £od's  message  and 

to  allay  any  fears  the  receiving  people  may  have  because  of  this. 

tge  was,  "For  unto  you  is  born  this  day  in  the  city  of  David  a  Sav- 
iour, which  is  Christ  the  lord." 

The  city  or   David  was  Bethlehem  as  the  shepherds  well  knew,  and  the  announce- 

ment  pave  them  the  assurance  h±  that  wa  b  had  1  een  prop]  ssi    bo   thi 

iah  was  now  come  to  pass.   After  all  the  years  of  waiting  God  had  Beat  Him. 

This  news  was  to  be  for  all  people  which  made  the  shepherds  aware  that  this 

announcement  was  not  just  to  them. 

They  were  told,  "And  this  shall  be  a  sign  unto  you;  Ye   shall  find  the  babe 
wrapped  in  twaddling  clothes,  lying  in  a  manger*" 

—   This  narrowed  the  field  quite  a  bit  for  them.   If  this  baby  were  born  in  a 

regular  house,  He  certainly  wouldn't  be  found  in  a  manger.   And  where  was  a 

manger  found?   Someplace  where  there  wen*  animals  to  be  fed.   So  they  knew 

they  had  to  look  for  a  barn  or  stable  to  find  this  baby.   But  before  they 

could  go  in  search  of  this  child,  "And  suddenly  there  was  with  the  anrel  a 

multitude  of  the  heavenly  host  praising  God  and  saying;,  "Glory  to  God  in 

the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  prood  will  toward  men." 

All  of  God's  domain  was  joined  in  the  joy  that  the  Messiah  had  come  to  earth, 
and  the  very  heavens  ran?  with  that  rong  of  praise.   And  just  as  auickly  as 
they  had  come,  "It  came  to  pass  as  the  angels  were  gone  away  from  them  into 
heaven,  the  shepherds  said  one  to  another,  'Let  us  now  ro  even  unto  Bethlee 
hem,  and  see  this  thine  which  ±ias  is  come  to  pass,  which  the  lord  has  made 
known  unto  us." 

And  so  they  pet  off  for  the  town  of  ^ethlehem.   The  sonr  was  ended,  the  light 
was  gone  and  they  were  alone.   Ve  don't  know  how  much  trouble  these  common 
shepherds  had  finding  the  stable  in  which  Jesus  was  to  be  found,  but  I  be- 
lieve we  can  be  certain  that  God  directed  them  in  some  way  that  they  didn't 
have  a  difficult  search  for  Him.   Just  as  sure  as  the  angel  appeared  to  them, 
I  believe  the  angel  directed  them  to  the  exact  spot  where  Jesus  was  in  Beth 
lehem.   But  with  our  scientific  thinking  we  discount  things  like  ministering 


angels . 

(Illustration  of  example   Billy  Graham  wrote    in  his  book,    - 


Angels.") 


-3- 

In  his  book  "Angels,  God's  Secret  Agents,"  Billy  Graham  relates  an  incid- 
ent about  some  Marines  during  the  Korean  War.   A  group  of  Marines  were 
trapped  up  North.  The  temperature  was  around  ?0  degrees  below  zero. 
They  were  close  to  freezing  to  death  and  had  not  had  anything  to  eat  for 
six  days.  Surrender  to  the  Chinese  seemed  to  be  their  only  hope.   One  of 
the  men  was  a  Christian  and  he  talked  to  the  men  about  the  ^ible  and  told 
them  of  Gcriptures  of  hope.  He  even  taught  them  a  song  of  praise  to  God, 
""hortly  after  this  they  heard  a  crashing  sound  in  the  brush  and  they  saw 
a  wild  boar  charging  toward  them.   They "all  moved  to  get  out  of  his  way, 
and  one  of  them  raised  his  rifle  to  shoot,  but  before  he  could  the  boar 
dropped  over  dead.   That  night  they  had  roasted  meat.  The  next  morning 
at  daybreak  they  heard  another  noise  and  they  thought  a  Chinese  patrol  had 
found  them.   But  it  turned  out  to  be  a  Korean  who  spoke  english  and  he 
said,  "I'll  show  you  the  way  out."   He  led  them  through  the  foret  and  the 
mountains  to  safety  behind  their  own  lines.   When  they  looked  around  to 
thank  him,  he  had  vanished. 

Was  he  an  angel  God  had  sent  to  deliver  them  from  their  enemies?  Who  knows? 
I'm  sure  everyone  may  form  an  opinion  of  something  like  this.   But  I  per- 
sonally believe  that  God  does  indeed  send  angels  at  many  times  during  our 
lives  to  direct  us . 

After  the  shepherds  came  to  the  stable  we  learn,  "And  when  they  had  seen  it 
they  made  known  abroad  the  ;  ; ■;.:  g  which  was  told  thei  c   c<  :  "'. '    ■'  is  child, 

lb  ;t  was  the  saying  which  was  told  them  concerning  this  child?   It  was  the 

message  the  angel  gave  them,  "?or  unto  you  is  born  this  dav  in  the  city  of 
David,  a  Saviour  which  is  Christ  the  Lord." 

Tv>e  Messiah  had  come.   He  was  no  longer  to  be  looked  for  or  anticipated.   It 

was  no  longer,  "oomeday  the  lord  will  come."   That  moment  had  arrived  and 

the  shepherds  were  overcome  by  it.   But  more  so  we  learn,  "And  all  they  that 
heard  it  wondered  at  those  things  which  were  tcld  them  by  the  hspeherds." 

This  news  was  too  much  for  the  average  person.   Tvey  were  amazed,  they  mar- 
velled, they  wondered  at  what  was  told  them.   It  was  too  good  to  be  true, 
Luke  tells  us,  "But  Mary  kept  all  these  things  and  pondered  them  in  her  hearl 
Mary  knew  what  she  had  been  told  by  the  angel  and  how  she  had  bean  entrusted 
by  God  with  this  special  task.   Now  she  thousrht  about  what  she  had  to  do  in 
future  days  to  brinp-  this  Messiah  to  adulthood.   We  can  be  certain  that  she 
took  her  newfound  role  of  a  mother  very  seriously, 

Luke  adds,  "And  the  shepherds  returned,  glorifying  and  praising  God  for  all 
the  things  they  had  heard  and  seen  as  it  was  told  them." 

These  men  had  been  privileged  to  see  and  hear  heavenly  things  and  for  this 
they  praised  and  glorified  God.   We  don't  read  of  it  in  Scripture,  but  quite 
probably  these  men  asked  the  same  ouestion  that  Mary  asked,  and  Zacharias 
asked,  and  Joseph  asked,  "How  is  this  possible?   Why  me?'1 
(Illustration  of  shepherd  in  Montana  and  giving  him  an  "'■") 

■-.   Montana  sheepherder  wrote  to  a  radio-  station  in  Chicago  with  a  strange 
request.   He  said  he  lived  alone  with  his  dog,  4660  sheep,  a  battery  radio 

tune.   He  asked,  "Sometime  before  you  start  the  next  program  would  ySu  hav 
will  now  play  "A"  for  a  sheepherder  in  Montana,"  e  or"cnestra 


ave 


This    is   exactly  what   God   did.      He   provided   the   answer   ofr   every   lonely  heart 
with  the  birth   of    Jesus   Christ,      ^he   only  thing-  kKBFfcaJocraaxxsrapxexxxfcH?; 
many  people  had  was   the  hope   of  a  S„viour  to  come.      To  the   lonely  shephhrds 
God  save   them  the    one    thins:   they  needed.      He   tuned   their   lives   to   Himself 
by  rending  their   long  looked  for   and   awaited  deliverer.      It  was   to  the   com- 
mon,  the   ordinary  that   God   God  gave   the  messace.      Why  did   God  do  this? 

(Illustration  of   Camden,    Maine   paper  and   two  pictures,   reversed   captions) 
In  Camden,    Maine    the   newspaper  ran  two  pictures    onvthe   same   page.      One  was 
of  the  town  officials   and   the  other   of   a   flock  of   sheen.      Unintentionally 
the   captions   were  reversed.      Under   the   picture    of   the   sheep   the    caption  " 
identified  them  ax   left   to  right  as   town  officials.      While   the  beee  caption 
under   the    photo   of   the   town  fathers   grouped   around    -i    table   read,    "The 
sheep   Fold   -  naive   and  vulnerable,    they  huddle   for   security   asainst    the 
uncertainties    of   the    outside   world." 

Now  even  though  that  was   a   mistake,    there    is    more   truth  to   it   than  nossible 
1"    Lt   had   been   int  tal.      Isn't  every  person  in  this   life   like   a  sheep  in 

need   of   a   shepherd?      Aren't    all   people    lost   without   a   Saviour?      And  you   see, 
this   is   precisely  what  God   saw  in  mankind,      This  tl         eed    He   was    ful- 

filling  in  Jeus   Christ.      I  believe   this   is  why  all  of   it   came   about   and 
through  common  men  and  commen  means.      Had    it  happened   any  other   way,    it 
would   not   have   been  as   acceptable.     *M±xfl»d   Paul   sums    it  up   in  his   letter   to 
the   church   in  Corinth  where   he    states    in   the   first   chapter   of  his   first 

letter,    "But  God  hath  chosen  the  foolish  things   of  the  world  to  confound  the 
wise;    and   ^od  hath  choren  the  weak  thinss   of  the  world  to  confound   the 
things   that   are   mighty."      vs   27. 

God  has  visited  mankind   in  such  a   simple  way  and   His  message    is,    "Because   of 

this,    Pear    Not." 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev.  Ralph  Link,  Pastor  December  2A,    1985 

ftr.  Dale  Ricet  Minister  of  Music 
Acolytes;   Kelly  Mangel  and  David  Andrews 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  P.M. 
Prelude  "Christmas"  (sung  by  the  choir) 
Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 

Lighting  of  the  Christmas  Wreath 
^Processional  Hymn  No.  171   "Joy  to  the  World!*1 
*Ascription 

*Prayer  of  Confession  (In  Unison)   "We  confess,  Almighty 
God,  that  we  have  erred  and  strayed  from  Your  ways  like 
lost  sheep.  We  have  followed  too  much  the  desires  of 
our  own  hearts.   We  have  offended  against  Your  laws. 
We  have  left  undone  the  things  which  we  ought  to  have 
done ;  we  have  done  those  things  which  we  ought  not  to 
have  done.   There  is  not  health  in  us,   0  Lord,  have 
mercy  upon  us,  through  Your  Son,  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

Amen. 
'Assurance  of  Pardon 

Communion  Carol  No,  193  "0  Come,  All  Ye  Faithful" 
*Call  to>  Communion  -  Pastor 

*The  Institution  and  Consecration  of  the  Elements 
Distribution  of  the  Bread 
Distribution  of  the  Cup 
*Prayer  of  Thanksgiving 
Anthem:   "Once  Upon  a  Christinas" 
Christmas  Scripture  and  Carols 
A  Prophecy:   Isaiah  9:2-7 
Carol  No.  206  {first  verse) 
Prophecy  in  Retrospect:   Titus  2:  11-14 
Carol  No.  179  (first  verse) 
Prophecy  Fulfilled:   Luke  2:1-20 
Carol  No.  197  (first  verse) 
The  Offering  of  Our  Gifts 
Offertory 
*Doxology  -  page  382 
Anthem:   "Song  of  Bethlehem" 

Christmas  Meditation:   "Who  Would  Have  Thought?" 
The  Candlelighting 

The  Candlelight  Carol  "Silent  Nighthh  (printed  on  the 
bul   rin)  (congregation  standing  on  the  last  verse} 


Silent  Wight,  Holy  night, 

All  is  calm,  all  is  bright 

Round  yon  virgin  mother  and  child. 

Holy  infant  so  tender  and  mild, 

Sleep  in  heavenly  peace, 

Sleep  in  heavenly  peace. 

Silent  night,  Holy  night, 
Shepherds  quake  at  the  sight , 
Glories  stream  from  heaven  afar, 
Heavenly  hosts  sing  alleluia, 
Christ  the  Savior,  is  born! 
Christ  the  Savior t  is  born! 

Silent  night,  Holy  night, 
Son  of  God,  love's  pure  light 
Radiant  beams  from  Thy  holy  face , 
With  the  dawn  of  redeeming  grace, 
Jesus,  Lord,  at  Thy  birth, 
Jesus,  Lord,  at  Thy  birth. 


♦Benediction 

*Postlude 


^Congregation  Standing 


Elders  and  Deacons  will  be  Ushering  as  well  as  serving 
communion  this  evening. 

Mr.  &  Mrs.  Paul  Riemer  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 
door  this  evening. 

Nursery  will  be  provided  tonight  by  Michelle  Henry. 

Communion  Cards  are  in  the  Pews.   Please  sign  them  and 

deposit  them  in  the  offering  plate.   If  you  are  visiting 
this  evening  and  would  like  it  forwarded  to  your  church 
please  put  the  church's  name  and  address  on  the  back. 

There  are  covers  for  your  Poinsettias  in  the  office.   The 
Ushers  will  assist  you  with  your  flower  after  the  service. 

CANDLELIGHTING  -  when  receiving  the  light  from  the  candle- 
lighter,  please  tilt  your  unlit  candle  toward  the  one 
that  is  already  lit. 

Please  remain  seated  until  the  last  verse  of  Silent  Night  I 

Thank  you  goes  to  Dick  Mangel  for  assisting  with  the 
service  tonight. 

December  30th  at  7:00  P.M.  the  Benevolence  Committee  will 

hold  a  brief  meeting. 
When  leaving  tonight,  please  take  your  candle  with  you. 

MERRY   CHRISTMAS  ! I ! 


Uurwumi  ft    nioijr    i,nuin.n 
7:^0   r.M. 


j«u*minp.,    tfl*   -  arfjtmatM  f"*t   r^r 


PHFUlnF, 

[NGS/JCTS/ANNOONCI  '■ 

'AJJKS  TOR  GIFT  FHOH  COWGREGATION ,    CARDS   WELL  "' 
./HIRFLY,   DOS  FnKTLY  MID  I,  WISH  TOTJ   A  MEBRS 

NEXT  SUNPAY,    DEC  ?9,  SS  9:*a,   CH  11:00  END  OF  YEAR  SERVICE 

TN5TRHETCNS   FOB   LIGHTING   OF  CANDLES 


CJtnPHPI'S   CHRISTMAS   nROSRAM 

lighting  o!    !        ■      ■  ream 

phayeh/offering 
vcxplcoy 
christmas  prayer 

••iv,'N((OP  SPECIAL  MUSIC) 

.      L0K1  2:1-20 
CHRISTMAS  MONOLOGUE:      "VfflO  WOULD  HAVF,  THOUGHT?" 
JtgHRIXMJUiXalAMRIXXISKIIXOiXIUBXKYIOaXIMMrXKISMT 

LIGHTING   OF  CANDLES 
::ANnLF,UGHT  HYKN  STI.FNT  NIGHT 


CHRIST!  -    I 

SETTING:    A   WINTER   EVENING   IN  JKRIV  . 

pLACF,TAT3iA'Lt  awm  timr 

"PEOPLE  INVOLVED:    AN   ELDERLY   CAN   APPROACHES   A  TABLE   AT  WHICH  IX- 
OTHER1  Hftrf' Ts'.SEAfEP; 

HI,    KIND  IF   I    .'  IT   DOWN ? 
ALL  THE  OTHER  TAflLES    .  HI    THIS  CHAIR  IS  THF,  OUT 

NOT  BEING   SAT  ON, 

SKS,  IT'S  MICE  TO  FIND  SOME  ME  WHO  IS  A  LITTLE  CONGEH 

MY  NAME'."  ■'   MEET  YOU  JOHN. 

1  IT  SO  EVENTFL? 

DO  U  REALY~WANT  ?KMO?      DCNT   SAY    I  .DXfflT  WARN  U   IF  U  GET 

i  strop  pror  5T*.Rr  .         "-m.  B  SO  MANY  LOOS  ENDS 

1       AS  A    SHEPHERD. BUT   I'M  KEELED  NOW.      OK  YOU'RE  B.FTTRD  TOO? 

r  ''in  yoh  to?    a  fisherman,  that  was  but  work  compare  to 

"PIT) 
how  bo?  wbl  I  '  TCHD  TH/TEM 

WS  HAS "?HO"K 


wiwHewcia;  ve  cm 


W/KUCH  OF  TH/STRICT 


lie  i 
■ 

I  CAM  5JHKIJ1  >r.y.l 


'  -JSHTP  ft   FEAST  DAYS 
VEP   AW  ELITE  GBP, SO  AFTF     '      " 


I   WIL  TP 


MY   LIF 


a  : : 


■ 


IJTLI  PACKD 

ore-  "■  "■■'■■;,. 
i  r-  kj.  'i  ''•  i.n  i 

I  GA7FASTN 
NAK  JS  ,8,  'OTTO'lH'OMAN'WCy 1 

PUK  KE',BOTlH"lMftN  SEEM  BOUT  SAKE   AGE,    ONLY   DIE  HAHWB  OF  TBESi 
~JS  DBFS  SIMPL.PILAIL  IN  JUEICIL  GARB 

I   HERB  BOOT  THIS  ROMAN  WHTL  TEND  SHEEP   -  USUI,  STDF,WHO   ![■:    .       . 
WHER  OAM  FR,   WAT~HF.    SWOS   £fi   LIK  8-  SO  ON 

CTE  ffEAP.  TKX    •  ■■'^:    1;;'"   CTJM 

MARCH  IH2JBT 
vi.it-  -,(  lb;  iv. ,: 

THls  FOE  DETTi 


KC1FT  HTV~StrTEOL5 ABABKT ' 

jgg  WfflBsWs  complain, w    g 

PILAT  ONCF   A1TBCUN    I 

Kit,  THKH.W 


"GARY   STNDRDS 

"WAirrrrfrs.  he"  knu  it, it  violat  bosaj 


iLT!TLTS,TAK   COMPLAINT 


¥    ON 
r  NERV 
'    HOMI. 


~  KKCEIV  WPRraiTJtOin5TTn)B'K 

"HEY  1KMAIN  PNTIL'NOW    -  SO  JEWS   WON    S.'"'" 


BUT  NO  WIN   WAR  W/PILAT  &  ROMAN   WHO  OCUPY   T  ?/ 

THIS  ENGKNDRD  IN   PILAT  A   DEEPR   HATRD  ^THEM  THAN  HE   HAD  B^ 
but  pilat^had   2B  CAREFUL  HOV;   HE  HAKDI.fi  THIS  BITU'u/JS 
SO  THBR  WA  '    SEEK   ?PAS   GPRECT  JTIDGMEN 

AND  THER  WAS  JS , BDRASLD/VORN   VR/"TS    TRIAL  &   BETING   LKING   MCR 
_LT"  A  KING  THAW  PILAT 

nESTWS   WEP   WARP  fr  2TH/POINT,WHIL  JS   WKN  Ot'IET  P, 

SUBD1 
VAT  HE  SEP  WAS_W/OUT  FORC/IHFAC   &  YET, WAS  EASY   2C  WHO  WAS  THE 
REAL  'MASTS   OF  TH/3TT1T     "  ' 

BUT  SINC   HE  CONTROL   DESTNY  EVRY  PRI5NR,&  CUDNT  TAK  CHANG   OF  BXJ 
OFFEND  EMP, PILAT  BND  JS  OVR   2R0MN   SOLDIERS   2B  EXECTJTD 
INTRSTING  2N0TE  GPS  'TWEHWS  ft.  WU9  -'  THE?  fiTOT  .TN~TrONTRASTS 
ROMN.BORN   £  EDUCATD  IN  ROMN   SKULS,SHO  PROMIS  &   SINGL  OUT 
'tLDRSHTP:: iTART   BOTOMjJWORK  UP  &  REACH  PINACL   AS   GOVEPNCP   &    HAT 
AT.]    ADBANTAGS  ROMN  CITIZNSHIP  ENTTTL  HIM  TO 

■ '   -»/"-"       :tp--:    .      MIS'  las  yr  so  intoestim 

I  LOS  TRAK  OF  SUM  EVENTS  TPK  _PLAC  MA'       GO 
I  WAS  W/OTHR  SHKPS~TEND  SHEEP  OUTBID  BETH , 
OF'.'SUS  BIN  CAL  BY  THEN  GOV  CYRENIUS  gGET  MOR.  TAXES  "  <»ROME 
BET'!  ^KD.&  TH]  Q    F.  WIS  COLD  & 

ION: 

ONLY  "   &   THAT  WAS   BRTL  STAI 

-r-PBDY   STAR5~NOTTCP   IT  Sr   LET  GO   AT  THAT  WE  SPEC- 

/r.-..T.  ,  .„,.,    .,,.,..  KN0 

OUR   SILENT  WATCH   INTERIM  3Y  BRIL   T  US   &""  APEAR   0^   ANGEL 

'  '  V    AT   EA':   BY   TEL  US 
WE   '  F  GOOD  NEWS 

!   DT0.Pg_  W/COMING   OF  MBSSI  :  HAD  PROPHS  OF  &  KNU 

HORN  STSSL 
THIS  NO  ADD  IIP  2WAT   Ev  TH^UM  OOTth/MESSIAH 

:nc  )Kj>wnrw^y7fm^'  Rkwh  wa  imttd  ^iiwlttt'iuat  &  aftr 

ANGL  l-EPARTtmnfEfTITK "50^ OUT, HVNLT'UHt 'J  K  HUH  Wli  TCT  CffLWSELVS 
ft  MA'K  'SENS  ALL 'THIS  ~" 

2SAY  WE  FRITEND  WUDB  PUT  IT  MILDLY   BUT  THOT  NEED  LK   INTO  THIS 
WE  SEEM  DRAWN  CERT  PART jFTH_ft  WEN   ARIV   INQIQR   RND  S-   DIREC   PINN 

'CRN  BABY  IN  MANGR,fl5TffP,   MACT.FA'l'Hk  JOS   CARF 

■  T"  WER  FR/NAZARETH  " 

IF  THIS   MESIAHWE  BOWD,&  ACPTD  HIM  ON  THAT   BASIS  &   LATR   LERN 

rra  tLy  wme  k  fl  sp  place  hih  w/ra  th/virgin  mary 

ONE  DAY  FOLO  ANOTHR  &  YRS  ROL  BY  &  NTJTH  SEEM  2B"DIF  VaNY  OT  US 
THEH,BOUT  3YR  AGO  BGAN  HEAR  SUMOHE  GO  TWN  2TWN,VILAG  2VILAG 
-.'G  WOMDRPS  THINGS  " 

. i ,R , MAGICIN, SORCERER  &  ALL  SORTS  THINGS 
ONE  THING  CERT  HE  WAS  PERFORM  MIRACLS  &  TH        LFKTY  OF 
PEOPL  2PRUV  IT 
IT  WAS  THEN  I  LERND  NAM  WAS  JS  &  HE  WAS  FR/NAZARETH 


ETJBT  TTGATTN    T^-'-.A!    !U-     /■,;.     ;w/BVV 

ybs  W*  xxwxiafxxxittxx  "anv  we  wer  there 

-RQg:  I  WATCHD  W/INTBEST  AS  HIS  CAREER  UNFOLDED  IN  TIME 

FR/TIME  TO  TIME  HAD  2GO  JER  DKLIVR  LAMS  S-  ON  SEVRL  OCASINS  T 
SAW  g,  HERD  HIM  PR/TEACH  IN  TEMPL  THER,"  ""'  " 
HE  CEBTNLY  WAS  AUTHENTIC  APKARING 
BCUZ  OF  HIS  CLAIM  ZMfiSlAHSHlfHlE  GOT  IN2DIFCULTYS  W/JEWISt, -rtUTH- 
ORITIES  &  THIS  LED  TO  HIS  DETH 
THAT  WAS  TH/TRIAL  OR  EXAKINATTN  I  SAW  TAK  PLAC  B^PILAT  &   ! 
HTM  LED  AWAY  TO  HIS  EXECUTIN  Sr  DETH 
'  BUT  MPS  STARTL  EVENT  TTJK  PLAC  FOLO  HIS  DETH  &  THAT  WAS  HE  LITRLY 
CUM  BAK  TO  LIFE 

"I  SAW/HERD  HIM  &  THIS  REMOVD  ANY  EOUBT: :  I  KAY  HAV  HAD  ABOUT  HIS 
BEING  THE  ME.":  j 
AND  ALL  OF  THIS  DREW  HE  BAK  2TH/DAY  OE  HIS  HIRTH 

i  cfjpNT  help  but  mat  ct's'TymrTmrji 

NOW  I  NEVR   SAW  T3/bABY  PILAT,   BUT  I   DID  SEE  TH/BA3Y JS 
I'M  SUP   AS  BABYS   THEY  WER  VERY   STMLAR   AS   ALL  BABYS"  £ 
I   THOT  BAK   HOW   I  HELD  ttt/LlVL  H~AN~D  IN   MINE  R   "wTgTPtnrmiV   THOT" 
THAT  LITL  HAND  CtJfT'fOtlTO  DlSEAB.OR   lLTIE5~SniM3Y~irTP/rmT  PERSIA 
OR   "WHO  WUD  HAV  THOT"  HE  WUD  STRETCH  THAT  HAND  OUT  TO  BRING  SUM- 
BAK   TO  LIF? 


OR   "WHO  WUD  HAV  THOT"   THAT  BABY  WUD  DY   ON  BHALF  OF  OTHRE? 
OR   "WO  WUD  HAV   THOT"   THAT  A   SIMILAR  PUDGY   LITTL  HAND  W1TD  ONE 
DAY   B  USED  gPAS   SENTENC   ON  of  ''ATtoTBtTHiPr  PTTaTTTTK  TUT  p 

2  DETH?      AN   TNOCENT  MAN   NO   '  C 

:Q  YOTT  SEE  JOHN  THIS   HAS  BIN  SUM  YR   FOR  .ME 
BUT  U   SAY   ITS  BIN   SUM  YB   FOB  YOtT   TOO?" 
YOU  WEP   '.-.'/HIM  AS   ONE  OF  HIS  FOLLOWERS 
AND  HERE  I   m  TELLING  YOU  ABOUT  HIM~~ 

j7THAN'.i;Anr'wwiro''i?nn  hav  thot"  that  we  hav  bi_n_  abl 

TO  SHA~P~  THIS   GUP  NEWS   St  TOY  TO  "fAS5   TT  "DTI 
TH/MESAG  OF  TH/aNGEI/ HAS  iraJEED  CUM'tO  PASS.    "FOR  UNTO  US   BOHN 
THIS   DAY  IN  TH/CITY   OF  DAVO  A   SAVIOR,    WHICH  IS   CHRIST  THE  LORD. 


"  Who  V'ou  Id  Have  Thought  ?  " 

Scripture:   Luke  2s7A 

Picture  if  you  will,  an  elderly  man  approaching  a  table  of  a  small  sidewalk 
cafe  in  Jerusalem.   At  the  table  is  another  man  and  the  conversation  begins. 

Hi,  mind  if  I  sit  down?   It's  nice  to  find  someone  who  is  a  little  congenial 
which  is  a  rare  commodity  these  days.   My  name's  Samuel.   I'm  clad  to  meet 
you  John.   This  year  has  certainly  been  an  eventful  one  for  me  and  it  is  one 
which  I  shall  not  forget  too  easily.   What  makKSxtixxE  has  made  it  so  event- 
ful? Do  you  really  want  to  know?   Don't  say  I  didn't  warn  you  in  case  you 
get  bored.   I  suppose  I  should  3tart  at  the  beginning,  but  there  are  so  many 
loose  ends.   Let  me  begin  by  paying  that  I'm  a  retired  shepherd.   The  years 
I  spent  watching  sheep  were  years  I  enjoyed.   One  reason  was  that  7  had  the 
privilege  of  tending  the  sheep  which  were  used  for  the  temple  sacrifices. 
Tve  priests  and  -     bbi's  weren't  ';oo  difficult  to  deal  with  as  long  as 
we  made  sure  the  sheep  remained  unblemished  while  in  our  care.   And  nuite 
truthfully,  we  had  it  made  because  we  could  dispense  with  much  of  the  strict 
observance  of  the  Law.   Our  hours  were  such  that  it  was  impossible  to  attend 
Sabbath  worship  and  the  feast  days.   So  we  were  granted  the  privilege  en- 
joyed by  very  few.   W«  were  an  elite  group  in  that  respect. 

after  watching  sheep  all  of  my  life  I  have  had  the  distinction  of  being 
v-   able  to  retire  just  as  the  priests  and  Rabbis  do.   But  my  experiences  are 

memories  I  will  treasure  for  years  to  come.  But  back  to  what  made  this  year 
so  special.   This  past  Sp±ing  is  where  it  all  started.   I  came  to  Jerusalem 
to  celebrate  the  Iassover.   This  town  was  absolutely  packed  and  to  make  mat- 
ters worse,  the  Jewish  authorities  were  having  some  sort  of  dispute  with  the 
Romans  oversome  criminals.   I  had  eaten  my  breakfast  and  was  wandering  around 
enjoyin.fr  the  sights  and  sounds  of  the  -rowded  city  when  I  was  drawn  to  the 
Temple  area  by  the  large  crowd  gathered  there.   Upon  closer  inspection  I  dis- 
covered that  some  sort  of  trial  was  being  held  in  the  souare  in  front  of  the 
judgement  seat  of  the  Roman  Procurator.   I  elbowed  my  way  to  the  front  as  far 
as  I  could  go  and  it  was  then  that  my  gaze  became  fastened  upon  two  men. 
One  of  the  men  was  the  prisoner  a  man  named  Jesus.   The  other,  was  the  Roman 
-:rocurator  a  man  named  Pontius  Pilate.   ,'vat  struck  me  was  that  both  men 
were  about  the  same  age.   The  only  distinction  between  them  was  naturally 
their  manner  of  dress,  but  also  their  demeanore  as  they  both  portrayed  their 
individual  roles.   Perhaps  the  word  "Role"  is  not  ouite  right,  since  neither 
of  them  were  playacting. 

I  had  heard  some  things  prior  to  my  retirement  as  I  watched  and  tended  the 
sheep  just  on  the  outskirts  of  Bethlehem  about  this  Roman.   You  know,  the 
usual  stuff  about  who  he  was,  where  he  came  from,  what  he  was  supposed  to  be 
like.    "   had  come  to  Jerusalem  and  within  a  short  period  of  time  he  had  en 
gendered  the  wrath  of  the  Jewish  populace.   ,Ven  he  marched  into  Jerusalem 


-2- 

he  had  done  so  with  each  legion  carrying  the  standards  on  which  were  em- 
blazoned the  image  of  Caesar  Augustus.   Atop  the  standards  was  the  golden 
eae-le  of  Rome.  He  had  to  know  full  well  that  this  was  in  complete  defiance 
of  all  Jewish  tradition  and  particulary  it  was  an  insult  because  of  the 
Kosaic  Code  which  stressed  not  having  idols  or  images.   The  Jewish  authori- 
ties complained  to  him  and  when  they  received  no  results,  they  aired  their 
complaint  to  Rome.   In  the  meantime,  relate  had  surrounded  a  large  group  of 
the  more  militant  Jews  and  when  he  tbeeatened  to  kill  all  of  them,  they 
simply  laid  on  the  ground  baring  their  necks,  so  the  Roman  soldiers  could 
slash  their  throats.   Talk  about  zezex  nerve!   Pilate  didn't  dare  kill  all 
of  them  or  he  would  have  had  a  mass  insurrection  on  his  hands.  Fo  he  told 
them  to  disperse  which  they  did.   Shortly  thereafter  he  received  word  that 
he  was  to  remove  the  Roman  standards  from  Jerusalem  and  the  Temple  area  and 
take  them  to  his  summer  residence  at  Ceasaria  where  they  were  to  remain. 

o  the  Jews  had  won  a  battle  of  sorts,  but  not  the  war  because  it  engendered 
in  Pilate  a  deeper  hatred  for  them  than  he  had  before.   Pilate  had  been  a 
protege  of  Tgjanus  who  was  one  of  the  most  ardent  anti- Jewish  men  to  arrive 
in  Jerusalem.   But  just  as  he  was  at  his  highest  point  of  power,  Tiberias 
had  him  slain  and  many  of  his  followers  with  him.   " ince  Pilate  was  one  of 
these  followers,  his  situation  became  a  little  precarious.   Thi~  was  one 
reason  he  handled  the  situation  with  Jesus  in  such  a  gingerly  fashion. 
ro  it  became  an  interesting  observation  to  see  the  manuvering  taking  place 
between  Pilate  and  this  Jesus.   Or  at  least,  Pilate  thought  it  was  maneuver- 
ing. 

But  there  was  Pilate,  the  Roman  Governor  in  his  most  pplendid  attire  seeking 
to  pass  correct  judgement  on  this  Jew.   And  there  was  Jesus  bedraggled  and 
worn  from  his  rodeal  cf  a  trial  and  beating,  but  looking  more  like  a  King 
than  Pilate.   Pilte *s  questions  were  sharp  and  to  the  point.    While  the 
answers  of  Jesus  were  ouiet  and  subdued,   '.'.'hat  he  said  was  without  force  or 
impact  and  yet,  it  was  easy  to  see  who  was  the  real  master  of  the  situation. 
But  since  he  controlled  the  destiny  of  every  prisoner,  and  since  he  could  not 
take  the  chance  of  offendinr  the  Emperor,  Pilate  bound  Jesus  over  to  the 
Roman  soldiers  to  be  executed. 

It  was  interesting  for  me  to  make  comparisons  because  I  knew  much  about  this 
Jesus  and  had  gathered  much  about  Pilate.   T,.ey  were  a  study  in  contrasts. 
T,  eir  apes  were  very  close  to  being  the  same.   B^t  there  the  similarities 
ceased.   lilate  had  been  born  a  Roman  and  educated  in  the  Roman  schools. 
He  had  shown  promise  so  that  he  was  sine-led  out  for  a  role  of  leadership. 
He  had  started  at  the  bottom  gradually  working  his  way  up  until  he  had  reachj 
ed  this  pinnacle  as  governor.   He  had  had  all  of  the  advantages  which  being 


-3- 
a  Roman  citizen  entitled  him  to. 

Jesus  on  the  other  hand  had  cone  from  very  simple  circumstances  and  this  is 
the  uninue  thing  which  made  this  past  year  so  interesting.   I  had  lost  track 
of  some  events  which  took  place  many  years  asco.   It  was  in  the  winter  near 
the  end  of  December  and  I  was  with  a  rroup  of  shepherds  tending  sheep  very 
close  to  the  town  of  Bethlehem.   A  census  had  been  called  by  Cyrenius  the 
governor  in  order  to  get  more  taxes  for  Rome.   Bethlehem,  like  all  towns  was 
packed  with  people.   This  one  particular  night  was  cold  and  crisp  and  we 
welcomed  the  warnth  of  a  fire.   Only  one  thing  had  stood  out  from  all  the 
other  events  and  that  was  one  brilliant  star  had  Ifeen  shining  in  the  eastern 
sky  for  sometime.   But  since  we  didn't  study  the  stars  too  much  we  Just  ob- 
served it  being  there  and  let  it  go  at  that.   We  speculated  that  it  probably 
had  some  significance  but  other  than  that  we  didn't  know. 

Our  silent  watch  was  interrupted  by  a  brilliant  light  around  us  and  the  ap- 
pearance of  an  angel  in  our  midst.   Naturally  we  were  completely  terrified. 
The  angel  tried  to  rut  us  at  ease  by  telling  us  that  we  were  the  recipients 
of  good  news.  His  message  had  to  do  with  the  coming  of  the  Messiah.   '.Ve  had 
all  heard  of  the  prophecies  of  His  coming,  but  no  one  ever  thought  He  would 
come  in  this  manner,   T-uat  manner  as  it  turned  out  was  that  He  was  born  in 
a  stable  somewhere  in  Bethlehem.   Naturally,  all  of  this  didn't  add  up  to 
what  was  expected  of  this  Messiah's  coming.   But  since  we  were  singled  out 
for  this  news  we  decided  it  was  worth  investigating.   After  the  angel  depart- 
ed from  us  and  the  heavenly  light  had  gone  out,  and  the  heavenly  choir  was 
gone,  we  tried  to  calm  ourselves  and  make  some  sense  of  this  news.   To  say 
we  were  frightened ,  would  be  to  put  it  mildly.   After  some  time  we  decided 
we  should  investigate,  which  we  did. 

if  seemed  to  be  drawn  to  a  certain  part  of  Bethlehem  and  when  we  arrived, 
after  futher  inouiry  we  were  directed  to  a  stable  in  back  of  an  inn.   There 
we  found  a  newborn  baby  had  been  laid  to  rest  in  a  manger.   The  mother's 
name  was  Mary  we  learned  and  her  hisband  was  named  Joseph,  a  oarpeneer.   They 
were  from  Nazareth.  So  if  this  was  the  Messiah,  we  saw  Hin  firsthand  and 
we  bowed  before  Hire  and  accepted  Him  on  that  basis.   later  we  heard  that  He 
was  born  completely  of  God  through  God's  Holy   irit  placing  Him  wi     bhis 
virgin,  r-'ary. 

W  11,  one  day  followed  another  and  the  years  rolled  by  and  nothing  seemed  to 
be  different  for  any  of  us.   Then,  about  three  years  aro  we  be^an  tc  hear  of 
s  someone  going  from  town  L:o  town  and  villag   o  village  loin        sndrous 
things.  He  was  called  a  faith  healer,  a  mar-ician,  a  sorcerer  and  all  sorts 
of  things.   But  one  thing  was  certain,  ~'r   was  performing  miracles  and  there 
were  plenty  of  people  to  prove  it.   It  was  then  I  learned  Kis  name  was  Jesus 


I 

-4- 
and  upon  further  inve  iti  ,o  he  1         "  been  told 

about  and  had  visited  in  Bethlehem.   This  made  it  all  the  more  interesting 
for  me.   Go  I  watched  with  interest  as  His  career  unfolded  in  time.   From 
time  to  time  I  had  to  etc  to  Jerusalem  to  deliver  sheep  and  on  several  occas- 
ions I  saw  Him  and  heard  Him  preachinr  and  teaching  there.  He  certainly 
was  authentic  appearing.   And  it  was  because  of  His  claim  to  the  Messiahs hip 
that  He  got  Into  difficulties  with  the  Jewish  authorities ,.  which  culminated 
in  His  death. 

But  the  most  startling  event  took  place  following  His  death  and  that .was  He 
literally  came  back  to  life.   I  saw  Kim  and  heard  Him  and  this  removed  any 
doubts  I  may  have  had  about  His  being  the  Messiah.   And  all  of  this  drew  me 
back  to  the  day  of  His  birth.   I  couldn't  help  but  make  the  comparison  be- 
tween Him  and  Pilate.   Now,  I  never  saw  the  baby  Pilate,  but  I  did  see  the 
baby  Jesus.   And  I'm  sure  as  babies  they  were  very  similar  as  all  babie  are. 
I  thought  back  of  how  I  had  held  the  little  hand  in  mine  and  "  ,vho  would  have 
thought"  that  little  hand  could  touch  disease,  or  illness  and  remove  it  from 
that  person;  or  who  would  have  thought  He  would  stretch  forth  that  hand  to 
brim-  someone  back  to  life;  or  who  have  thought  that  baby  woulddie  on  behalf 
of  others?  Or  who  would  have  thought  that  a  similar  pudgy  little  hand  would 
be  used  to  pass  sentence  en  the  life  of  another  man  to  have  him  put  to  death' 
And  so  you  see  John,  this  has  teen  -one  year  for  me.   But  you  say  it  has 
also  been  Quite  a  year  for  you?   You  were  with  Him  as  one  of  Hie  followers? 
And  here  I  am  telling  you  about  Him.   Wgll,  who  would  have  thought  that  we 
could  phare  this  good  news  and  with  the  telling  pars  it  on?   The  message  of 
the  angel  has  come  to  pass,  "Hor  unto  you  is  born  this  day  in  the  city  of 
David  a  Saviour,  which  is  Christ  the  Lord," 


St.  Paul's  United  Church  of  Christ 
Butler,  Pennsylvania 
Rev*  Ralph  Link*  Pastor  December  29,  1985 

Mr.  Dale  Rice,  Minister  of  Music 
Mr.  Roland  Thompson,  Saxophonist 
Acolytes:   Megan  Hewis  and  Kelly  Mangel 

ORDER  OF  WORSHIP  11:00  A.M. 
Prelude 

Chiming  of  the  Hour 
Announcements 
Congregational  Greeting 
Joys 
*Processional  Hymn  No.  179  "The  First  Noel" 
•Ascription 
•^Exhortation 

•Confession  (In  Unison)  "Almighty  Father,  kings  came 
forth  to  bow  the  knee  before  an  infant  king;  people 
knew  Him  to  be  something  other  than  a  baby;  we  know 
Him  as  Jesus  the  Saviour.   Yet  too  often  we  do  our 
own  will;  we  do  the  things  we  know  are  wrong;  we 
submit  to  the  lures  and  enticements  of  the  world. 
But  we  know  also  that  we  can  have  forgiveness,  and 
this  we  seak  at  this  time,  through  Jesus  Christ. 

Amen . 
*Kyrie 

♦Assurance  of  Pardon 
♦Praise:   Pastor  -  Bless  be  the  Lord  God 

People  -  And  Blessed  be  His  glorious  name  forever. 
•Gloria  Patri  -  page  142 
Hymn  No*  175  "While  Shepherds  Watched  Their  Flocks 

by  Night" 
Call  to  Prayer:   Pastor  -  The  Lord  be  with  You 
People  -  And  with  Thy  Spirit 
Pastor  -  Let  us  Pray 
Prayer 
Offering 
Offertory 
*Doxology  -  page  382 
Infant  Baptism 

Installation  of  Council  Members  and  Officers 
Anthem:   "Let  the  Lights  be  Burning"  (Organ  &  Sax) 
Scripture:   James  4:  13-17 
Sernon:   "Winding  Down" 
*Closing  Hymn  No.  170  *'Thou  Didst  Leave  Thy  Throne11 
•Benedict  on 
*Closint_   limes 


•Congregation  Standing 


> 


The  beautiful  flowers  on  the  altar  have  been  placed  by 
Mr,  ft   Mrs*  Wally  Feder  in  memory  of  Loved  Ones, 

Mr.  St   Mrs.  Wally  Feder  will  greet  the  congregation  at  the 
door  this  morning. 

Ushers  for  today  are:  Alvln  Tait,  James  McClymondsT  Mike 
Nazaruk  and  Gottlob  Kradel. 

Nursery  will  be  provided  today. 

Bill  Thompson  and  Kevin  Snyder  will  be  visiting  the  hosp- 
ital this  week. 

Attendance  last  Sunday  was  157  with  12  visitors. 

Hospitalized:   Velma  Collins  in  BMH. 

THURSDAY  -  Basketball 

WEDNESDAY  -  Special  Olympics  in  Rehoboth  Hall  7-9 

CHOIR  PRACTICE  will  be  Thursday  January  2nd  at  7:00  P.M. 
We  are  still  looking  for  a  few  more  voices.   Come 
and  join  in  the  fellowship  and  singing  for  the  Lord. 

JANUARY  3th   COUNCIL  MEETING  AT  7:00  P.M.   because  of  the 
holidays. 

JANUARY  9th  all  books  will  be  audited.   We  ask  that  you 
have  all  your  books  in  order.   Audit  will  begin  at 
7:00  P.M.   Please  bring  all  bank  statements,  deposit 
slips  and  books  for  the  audit.   Each  treasurer  will  be 
contacted  with  a  time  to  come.   If  for  any  reason  the 
weather  does  not  cooperate  and  we  must  cancel,  it  will 
be  held  January  11th  at  9:30  a.m.  We  wish  to  have  pre- 
sent the  Treasurer  who  holds  the  books. 

We  are  asking  that  all  committees  for  1986  please  meet  and 
EeleCt  their  Chairman  before  December  31st,  and  report 
the  results  to  the  office. 

DECEMBER  30th  at  7:00  P.M.  the  Benevolence  committee  will 
have  a  brief  meeting. 

The  FLOWER  CHART  FOR  1966  is  hanging  in  the  Narthex.  Take 
a  minute  and  sign  up  now  for  the  date  you  wish. 


-    -7/ IT. 


.-'.    .'-_:    /V    ^~_G    !.'  s;  _      ■■ 


I 


coMMwmr  bible  cmmcff  -  sagamore,  pa.  -  wcmmt  29,  ie9fi 


FHKLUUE 

GREETINGS/JOYS  A  NNOI IHCEME  N  TS  /PHA  IB) 

I    'tVLtM*       /t£*r   Jon.       i>M.t.     P£,-*/ 

UK 

0  rg.1     r*    A  Li- 


'**     /-, 


PRAJ15R/C 

an 


JA       C* 


/ 


RAYEB 

-      .'  IMS   •'<  ilj-l? 

SERMON:      "WINDING   DOWN" 
yMN  PAUL'S,    SUTLtR    -  l?/2o/fi5 

•BENEDIGTK  N 
•POSTUIDE 

fitLL 

t?n*ftt  - 


"v,rindin      Down" 
crip:    James  4:15-17  \ 

/lIU8   tine    lik   footbl    (ran   firur   on  yr«l?-  vO   start   ?m 
Finl  2minut   85  start  8t  clok  wind  dwn 
(Ilus   V   Eor^    ...    tine    telling  piano) 
I  oem  anon  writ   bout   clok  of   lif  wnd    only   lnce 
Regard   who  we    R,tlrae    of    ensesnoe 
'     ,ttr   by    Jean  Doerinp   2   father) 
How  do  we   spen  it? 
it  seem  ther   nevr   enuf   time   ?do  things  want  do 
how   oft   mak  plans   apart  fr/G?   How  oft   includ   Him? 
This    isu    Janes   deal  wAcrip  portin   Ik  this    morn 
Janes   spi  2busnesawn,prob  .{pain  Bcuz  v3   l?x££*fi 

this   imply  knu  rt   fr/wronp;  8   TH5R4  sum  up  wat  sed  B4 
HEAD  vs    17 
th  busnesman  or  men  war  typicl  persns  do  wat  think 
inuaB  dun  without   thot    rjvn   2   " 08    at   all 
vs   13=Go  to  now=Row  Lirten 

I  i-ient    this   usul   procedur?   dont   we    say=i   ^0   2do  th 
this/that?    &  all  without  thot  I.  may  hav   othr  plans? 
vs    14-James  adds   ther   is  no   ?ruarant«;e    ^orro  prom  ?us 
we  can  mak  all  plans  want  ,but  Ptnorro  nay   nevr  cum 
(Remem  parbl   Js   tol  man    !    '  ir-rr/bettr  barn.1;'  5 
thot  cud  tok  lif  easy  ft  Js   sed=?nite   thy   bouI  reiuir 
James   say-vs   15 
raus   add   2plans=G  willlinr 
ther  nuthi  awrong   plans/mak  plans   as   lonf  aa   this   isnt 
-11  "o,or   livs   consist    of 

Js  knu  cudnt   liv   jus  4   preser.  tire        we  hav  nee-' 
. ut  w/sum  peop  "morro  is   an  ob=essin   r    gll   lif   spent 
mak  futur   rsecur  Bcuz-Wat   If? 
vs  16=James   pt  out  busnesmen  prid   selvs   plan/planing 
i>"y   plan/execut   3hrewd   deals    &   brag  bout 

ittin  wren     a&k     ud       al  ;,'  u '  )  'irewd 

wheeler/dealer   is  2rlory  in  -=elf,.     that   is   sin 
If   persn  kno  rt/fr   wrong  Si  do- it   sin  ?■■.  no  exues   B4  G 
-.   rondr  mesa,-    3  try   impart   thru   Janes, I  Bliev   it 
self-evident   that  how  we   .^pend   tine   all  important 

1 '  ne  .  hud   hav  vn  by 

3ut   how  do  we   trus   G  w/time? 

(Ilu     :pian  workr    &  money   nee4/rivn  but   doubt-Isr    65j24 
1  kno  circumstanc,wil  provid  all  need, but  rausB  wil  2 
;rua   Him  4  that   provide nc    8t  His  providenc  cum  acord 
is    time, not   ours 

Aa   think  time   mtis   think  all  G   dun  &us   &  £iv  as  ^'r 
.  almcs   end 

t   hap   this   yr  4U  from   M 
^Ilus   unknown  writr   '..'at    Dun  4U) 


I  '    1  Rt  '   ■ 

'■  HAS   ALL  PLANS  KANT  <4T0M0Kpn,BUT  TOMORFn  HAY  NEVB  CUM 

■    '  v   r.v   q^'IBTI.DER  ft   HIS    -SOUL  TAKN   FR/HIH   -   m   JPll^ff) 
VBTWAKES    IS  TEL  US   WF  SHUD  SAY   A.".  MAK   PLANS    -  GfT  WILLING 
NUTHTN  WRONG  MAK   PLANS    AS    U3K5    AS    MIS    ISNT  ALL  OUR    LIVS   CON- 
"9 

j,    \.    we  cant  jus  t.tv  this  howsnt  *  we  mus  mak  sum  flans  for 

RtnVsDM   PEO  ?MOHRO  BCUMS    AN   OBSESIN  &  ALL  OF  LIF   IS   SPENT 
MAK   TH/FUTUR   SECUH   BCU7.  OF   "WAT  IF?" 
VS   lS=JAMES    ARC  THEZ  BUSNESKEN   FRID  SELVS   ON   TOTS    PLANINGS   8. 

PLANS 
THEY  PLAUND.EXECUTD  SHREWD  OTA1S  ft  THEN  HRACn  ROUT  THEH 

".NUTHTN   WSONG  MAK    DEALS, BUT  TO  GLORY    IN   B  WHEKLB/TJEALR 
8,   HW   SHHEWD  ONK   IS, IS    TC  GLORY   IN  SELF  ft  THAT  IS   KIN 
THIS   EXACLY  WAT  JAMES   WAS   SATOR)  "UTS   CHP=VS17 

if  b  perfin  knows  rt   fr  WRONG  ft  PERSIS  IN  DOTH/VRONG  IT  IS  SIN 
ft  THER  IS  NO  EXCUSE  Bit  GOD 
AC  PONDR   MEKAG  G  TKPAP.T  THHU  JAMES   I    HLIEV   GELF-EVIP  HOW  WE 

HE  time  is  import 

Tlf",   SHUH  HAV   SPECIE  HEAN   BCU7,  IT  IT  GIVN   BY  GOD 
BUT   HO'.,'   DO  WE   TRUST  G  WITH   TIKE?? 
(ILUS  G'S    PROVIDFNCE   31IFETI0NED) 

G   KNOWS   OUR  CTRCTJHS    -   HE  WIL  PROVID  '«ALL  NEEDS   BUT  WE  MUSB 
wi't  TRTTg^TTH  'tTH'AT'HTCTIEENC 
hts  pgnyTnENC'CllflS'  V/lffS  TIKIHG  NOT  CURS 

■•  MUS  THINK  ALL  G  DTJH  ME  ft  GIVN  US  IN 

(ILUS  WAT  HAS  HAPPND  THIS  YEAR  FOB  IT  FR/GOD?) 

WW  rwrffStnA  eVgod  in  hie  time 

HO    DO  VJE,  ,ffF,Mp  TU/TTft,  HE  HAS  gtvn  US ! 
18'.  '  -MPS  TIK  AWAY, WAT  CUE 

WE  HAV   DUN   BUT   DIDNT? 
"  WHO  CUP  VJE   HAV   HELPD?? 
(CONCTilSIN   OF  JEANNE  DOEPTNG   ft   LE-TEP  TO   Hffl    PATHKin 
WAT  HAV  WE   DETAYT)  TWTMG   THAT   SHUDH   Dim? 

HAV  WE  NEGLECTD  TELLING   "I  LOW:  YOU"?; 
IAV  WE  NEBLECTD  TO  SHO  TO/SAVIOR'S  LOVF.?? 
TIKE  I      WINDING   TOWN   AS  EACH   EEOCND  IS   TIcffT)  OFF  TU/CLOK 
BOT  T'(AT  TIME  CANB  WELSFENT  IF  WE  USE  IT  AS  GOD  IN7ENDFD. 
AND  NEX  YR  CANB  BETTR   IF  WE   SEEK  2SPEND  G'S   TIHE   AS   WE  SHUD 


i 


11   thez   gifts   fr  G   in  His   time 

"ow  do  we   spend   time  Exjc  l!e   -iv   u ' 

r    :.;ind   Dwn   '■  finl   seconds   tik  way  wat  cud  we  h 
hav  dun  we  didnt? 

cud   we  hav  helped' 
TBitmcTTnt-Bfxiirgaitatxigttr 
rsclusin  of  clok  writrs  poets) 
Concluain  of    Jesn's   lettr) 
..at  hav  we   delay  do,shud  hav  bin  dun? 
Who  hav  we   nerlec  tell   of   our   luv? 
./ho  hav   we    nep"lec   tel    of     'av  's    luv" 
Time   is   Winding  Dwn  as   ea  ?nd   is   tik  off  clok 
But  that  time   canl  wel   spent   if   use   as   G   intended 


:   JAMES  '*:13-17;   SE8M:   "WINDING  DOWN" 


(ilus  of  "'ihf.lik 
(this  victo;.'  bong:-: 


FOOTML  GAME-    FTGURT)  IN    A   YR1 

■.  \i.\w  ",:,'im  "r:m  time) 


REQARBLBS  WHO  WE  R  T 

F  JEANNE   POEHTKG  IAD) 


n. 


END  IT? 


Seems  this  HSvh  etjtte  tthf  ?do  Tii/nams  we  want  to  do 

BUT  HOW  OETH  .W  >;E  HAK,  OUR  FLANS  A.FAPT  FR/GOD?? 
IN  FAfff;"ROW  OETN  DO  WE  INCLL'f)  GOT)  IN  THAUNS  WE  KAK?? 
-   "  TfiTrSEUE  JAKES   t&   WJAL  mililLULJf"  JP"™"*" 

";Ah  spk/AH  SBTjsTBBhHnmnng^SB  xpians 

'■''TBETKMU   U't  j-'HAKCHB    -  READ  VERSE 
VS   17=THEREFORE   -"  SUNS   UP   ALL  GON   B<t 


TH/BUSNEKMAN ,    OR   MEN   IS   TYFTOL   PERSN    1X3  WAT  THINKS   MUSB   DirN 
■/OI'T  ANY  TOOT  GIVN  TC  GOD  AT  ALL 

VS    1  J.TMINE   WITH    "GO   TO  NOW" 


THIS    MEA'IS,    "NOW   LISTFN 
VS    l^BEAi)  AGAIN 
TSNT  THIS  IH/*STJ1  PROCEDTJR7 
DONT  WF  SAY   "I'K  GO   TO  TKIS/TflAT"W/OBT   ANY   TOOT  GOD  MAY   HAV 
OTHER   FTJSNS   FOP   DBS 


"Winding  Down" 

Scripture:  James  4-:13~17 

(Illustration  of  time  like  a  football  pame,  figured  in  a  year) 
I'm  sure  we  are  all  familiar  with  the  pane  of  football  and  how  the  clock 
is  used  to  prolong  time.   Not  too  many  years  ago  it  took  approximately 
five  minutes  to  run  off  the  last  two  minutes  of  play.   But  professional 
teams  have  perfected  this  to  a  science  and  It  takes"  approximately  twenty- 
five  minutes  to  run  the  last  two  minutes  off  the  clock. 

How  if  we  figured  the  year  in  a  sixty  minute  cycle,  each  minute  would  take 
about  six  days  and  that  would  mean  that  we  are  now  living  in  the  last  two 
minutes.  Tne  final  two  minutes  of  1985  started  on  the  ?Oth  and  the  clock 
is  slowly  winding  down. 

£KX!KBJIKX3«XB*8XX 

SxaXKXBBXXHXXiiXKXiXXKKKK&XfcBJEXBMSg'X 
XKiiXXffilXTOHMXlttKSXthKXpBWar 

ffBxsayx^MStxwksn^thexiiands  "wi2rr<stȣ^ 
it  <:lxiEx-Bx-x«xrxxx 

(Illustration   of   Victor  Borge    and  piano  which  tells    time) 

A  friend   was   visiting   Victor    Borge    and   it   got  very   late.      Mr.    'or'-e   told 
the   man  his   piano  could   tell   time,      The   man  expressed  disbelief  and   asked 
for  proof.      Victor  Borge    sat   down  at   the   oiano   and   beran  to  play  a   march 
as    loudly  as   he   could,      xxKxxxfcHrxxjtxxJCKxxKxxjsawxxxxxXMxxiCHxxkxxxicxxxxx 
Xxxxxxxxxjcxxxdcx  Very   shortly   there   was   a   pounding   on  the  wall   of   the   apart 
ment   and   a  voice   shouted,    ""top  that   you   idiot,    it's    1:50   in  the   morning." 
Someone   has   anonymously  written: 

The   clock  of   life    is   wound  but    once, 

And   no   man  has   the   power 
To   say  when  the   hands   will    -top; 
\t   late   or  early  hour. 

Regardless    of   who  we   are,    time    ofr  each   of   us    is    of   the   essence. 

(Illustration   of    Jeanne    Doerinp,    and   letter   to  her  dad) 

A  Firl   named    Jeanne    ^oering  tells  haw   about  her   father.      Her  mother   had  re- 
cently died   leaving  him  alone  and  she  was   scheduled  to  start   graduate 
school   in  the   fall,   which  would   leave  him  all  alone.      She   told   he-  he  *ad 
given  up.  a  very   secure    Job   to   move   his   wife   to   California   so   her   asthmatic 
condition  would   be  helped  by  the  warm   climate   and   how  he   had    tended  his 
wife   through   all  of   her    illnesses   until   she  died.      Now  he   would   be    all 
alone,   but    Jeanne  had   to   go   on  with   her   life.      She   felt   the   need   to  write 
mm  a   letter   and   tell  him   her   inner   most   thoughts    and   f^elin^s        -o   she 

5?W+^S    DaTd7'   Akn°WJhiS   WJX1   be    a  ver^   lonely   September   29  for   you 
without   Mom.      I  wish    I  could  be   there    to  comfort   you.      I   -reatlv  miss   her 
too,    and   as    I  write   this   the   tears   are  cominn-  so  fast   I  h£re  to  blot  m7 
face   every  few  words.      I  don't   know  what   it's    like   to  celebrate   an  anni- 
versary with   one   you   love.      Though   I  would   iixs  desire    tc   be   married      God 
has   not   granted   that   priteilere.      Hut   He   did   grant    it   to  you   and   Lorn    'and 

EfleSUtid   JS."*   '^   3°rrOWS    "-    *<**   th8t   Bt~tChe"  *».   ref°inedanyou, 

(T"en  she   wrote   some   personal   things   about   the   family),    ana   then  added- 
"While   we  wait-either   for  the   hope   of  His   calling  or  tie  hope   of   Eif  com- 
ing -  we   can  wait   confidently   that   neither  death   nor   life ... .things   pre- 
sent  or   things   to   come.... anything;.... in  fact,    nothing  .hall  be   able   to 
separate   us  from  the   love    of  nod,  "which  Is    in'chri.^su     our  lord 
I   love   you    in  a  deep  way.... and    God    loves   you   infinitely.      Jeanne    " 
Time!      Eow  do  we   spend    it?      It   seems   that  there   is   never  enough  time  'to  do 
the   things   we   want   to   do.     ifee«to«IraKtmtanx±i1IB   But  how  often  do  we 
.*•  our  plans   apart   fro,   the   will   of   God?      In  fact,   how  often  do  we    include 

portion  of   P  <™   make?      ThlS    i3    the   iSSUe    Jaffies   wa*  baling  with   in   the 

portion  of   Scripture   we   are    looking  at   this   morninr,  e 


"Winding  Down" 
Scripture:    James  4:14— 17 

^£2±MEtratiEKx^x3fij£±Brx:£i!rKHXHBiixfcisxftamfflyfeKxa!KXKte3:BX±KxtHa:ix*iicH^x 

If   the   year   were   reckoned    in   time    like   the   prams   of   football  reckons    time, 

we   would   be   working  and    livinr   in  the   tWBxxzmsiK   last   two   minutes    of   the 

rases.      In  fact,    the   final   two   minutes    .started   on   the   ?Oth 


-?- 

James  was  speaking  to  businessmen,  who  were  probably  Christians  because  the 

words  in  verse  17,  imply  thejr  knew  right  from  wrong,  when  he  writes,  "Therein 

fore,"  which  means  all  that  has  prone  before  is  now  summed  up  here,   "There- 
fore tt>  him  that  knoweth  to  do  pood,  and  doeth  it  not,  to  him  it  is  sin." 

Tve  businessman,  or  men,  is  a  typical  person  doinr  what  he  thinks  must  be 

done  without  any  thought  riven  to  Cod  at  all,   James  begin?  th«  13th  verse 

with  the  words,  "Go  to  now,"  which  actually  means,  *£iz±EaxHBX  "Now  listen." 

"Now  listen,  ye  that  say,  'Today  or  tomorrow  we  will  so  into  such  a  city  and 
and  continue  there  a  year,  and  buy  and  sell,  and  get  gain.'" 

Isn't  this  the  usual  procedure?   Don't  we  say,  "I'm  going  to  do  this  or  bhatj 

b ho  ■   iny  thought  that  the  Lord  may  have  other  plans  fcr  us? 

James  adds^  "Whereas  ye  know  not  wi  t   "-ill  be  on  the  morrow.   For  what  is 
your  life:   It  is  even  a  vapour,  that  appeareth  for  a  little  time,  and  then 
vanisheth  away." 

T,_ere  are  no  guarantees  that  tomorrow  is  promised  tc  US.   We  can  make  ell 

the  plans  we  want  to  for  tomorrow,  but  tomorrow  may  never  come.   Remember  the 

1  arable  Jesus  told  of  the  man  who  tore  down  his  barns  and  built  bi-*rer  and 

better  ones  and  then  thought  that  he  could  relax  and  take  life  easy?   Jesus 

said  of  him,  "Tonight,  thy  soul  shall  be  required  of  bhee, 

i   be?"   James  said,  "For  that  ye  ouccht  to  say.  'If  the  Lord  will,  we 
shall  live,  and  do  this,  or  that." 

need  to  add  to  our  olans,  "God  willing,"  is  what  James  is  saying.   There 

is  nothing  wrong  with  plans  or  making  plans  as  long  as  this  isn't  all  that 

our  lives  consist  of.   Jesus  knew  that  we  cannot  just  live  for  this  present 

moment  that  we  must  make  some  provisions  for  later.   But  with  some  people 

tomorrow  becomes  an  obsession  and  all  of  life  is  -rent  making  the  future 

secure  because  of  "What  if?" 

Tven  James  adds  that  these  businessmen  prided  themselves  on  their  plannir: 

and  plans  and  he  says,  "But  now  ye  rejoice  in  your  boastings:  all  such  re- 
joicing is  evil." 

They  planned  and  executed  shrewd  deals  and  then  they  bragged  about  them. 

Again,  there  is  nothing  wrong  with  making  p-ood  deals,  but  to  glory  in  how 

shrewd  a  wheeler-dealer  one  can  be  is  to  glory  in  self  and  this  is  sin. 

And  this  is  exactly  what  James  was  saying  as  he  ends  this  chapter,  "Therefoe 
to  him  that  knoweth  to  do  good,  and  doeth  it  not,  to  him  it  is  sin." 

If  a  person  knows  right  from  wron^  and  persists  in  doing  the  wrong,  it  is 
sin  and  there  is  not  escuse  before  God. 

we  ponder  the  meqsap-e  Hod  was  trying  to  impart  throurh  James  I  believe  it 
is  self-evident  that  how  we  spend  xmxx  our  tine  is  all  important.   Time 
should  have  special  meaning  because  it  is  given  by  God.   But  how  do  we  trust 
God  with  time • 

(Illustration  of  God's  providence  ouestioned) 

\   young  man  who  needed  Hr±p   f  inanr-ini  ui„  „i,n„ 

_  c  jo**is  iinanciai  help  while  preparing  to  ?o  into 

christian  service  prayed  that  the  lord  would  help  him. 


-3- 

Tt,e  next  day  he  received  a  larsre  check  in  the  mail  which  helped  him  to 
further  his  studies.   He  was  very  happy  that  God  had  answered  his  prayer. 
But  then  he  looked  at  the  postmark  on  the  letter  and  saw  that  it  had  been 
written  several  days  before  his  prayer  and  he  was  disappointed.   But  he 
was  reading  Isaiah  65  a  short  time  afterward  and  in  the  24th  verse  read, 
"And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  before  they  call,  I  will  answer;  and 
while  they  are  yet  speaking,  I  will  hear," 

God  knows  our  circumstances.   He  will  provide  for  all  of  our  needs,  but  we 

must  be  willing  to  trust  Him  for  that  providence.   Eis  providence  msxi  also 

comes  according  to  His  timing,  not  ourr . 

As  we  think  of  time,  we  must  think  of  all  that  God  has  done  for  us  and  given 

us  this  year  almost  ended.   What  has  happened  this  year  for  you  from  God? 

An  unknown  writer  puts  it  this  way:  .hat  do  you  have  this  year  you  didn't 

have  last  year?   A  bill  paid  off?  Pood  in  the  freezer?   A  job?  You  reached 

a  goal?   A  savings  account?  k   new  baby?   Who  did  you  thank  for  it?   God? 

xdtxxBxxiftKXHxifcixLxxxxrE  Or  Master  Char 

All  of  these  things  are  gifts  from  God  ir_  His  hire.   And  how  do  we  spend  the 

time  He  rives  us?   £3  the  year  is  ""indin"  Down"  and  yEXKSxsxxnia  the  final 

seconds  are  tidking  away,  what  could  we  have  done  that  we  didn't?   Who  could 

we  have  helped? 

(Conclusion  of  illustration  of  Jeanne  Eoering  and  letter  to  her  father) 
?e  had  shared  a  letter  a  girl  named  Jeanne  Doering  wrote  to  her  father. 
After  she  had  mailed  it,  she  wondered  if  her  father  had  read  it.   About 
ten  weeks  after  he  rot  it  he  died  of  a   heart  attack.   Come  friends  told 
her  he  had  shared  it  with  them  and  he  had  cried.  3ut  she  wondered  if  it 
meant  anythin™  to  him.   Cve  had  to  rruit  graduate  school  to  come  home  and 
straighten  out  the  affairs  at  home.   She  began  sorting  through  everything 
and  disposing  of  things  little  by  little.   Is  she  moved  among  her  mother 
and  father's  possessions,  she  didn't  run  across  the  letter.   Had  he  de- 
stroyed it  because  it  upset  him  so  much?   January  went  past,  then  February, 
and  in  March  she  began  to  clean  out  the  closet  in  which  the  lu"ra~re  was 
stored.   Che  took  down  a  battered  old  suitcase  her  father  always  used. 
In  fact,  he  had  used  it  on  a  short  trip  just  a  week  before  his  death. 
Che  opened  it  and  in  the  pocket  of  the  -uitcase  was  her  letter.   He  had 
taken  it  with  him  and  had  read  it  over  and  over  because  it  was  dog  eared 
from  use.   Gv,e  said  she  cried  ae-ain,  but  this  time  it  was  tears  of  thanks 
that  Fhe  had  written  and  told  her  father  of  her  love  -  in  time. 

h9t  have  we  delayed  doing  that  should  be  done?   '/ho  have  we  neglected  tell- 
ing of  our  love?   Wtto  have  we  neglected  to  tell  of  the  Saviour's  love? 
Time  is  "Winding  Down"  as  each  second  if  ticked  off  the  clock.   But  that 
time  can  be  weil  rpent  if  we  use  it  as  God  intended. 


Ralph  C.  Link 
153  Keck  Road 
Sarver,  Pa.   16055 
(412)  352-1103 


Born:    April  9,  1929,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 
Married:    December  15,  1951 
Wife:    Shirley  Margaret  Neill 

Born:  December  8,  1930,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Children:   Ralph  Dale  Link,  born  May  11,  1955,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 
Lloyd  Alan  Link,  born  May  28,  1958,  Pittsburgh,  Pa 
Nancy  Lynn  Link,  born  March  15,  1961,  Butler,  Pa. 


SCHOOLING: 


Graduated  from  Perry  High  School,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 
June  19  4  7 

Lay  Ministry  School,  Penn  West  Conference  of  United 
Church  of  Christ,  September  1965  to  May  1969 

Commissioned  Lay  Minister  June  1969 

Lancaster  Theological  Seminary,  Lancaster,  Pa., 
September  1970 

Graduated  from  Lancaster  Theological  Seminary  May  197' 

Ordained  to  Christian  Ministry  March  10,  1974 


PASTORATES: 


As  Lay  Minister:   short  term,  1  month  or  less  in 
various  churches  1965  to  1967 

Emlenton  Lamartine  Charge  of  United  Church  of  Christ 
1967  to  1969 

Short  term  in  various  churches  1970   until  Seminary 
entrance  July  1970 

July  1970  to  December  1973  Student  Pastor  at  Trinity 
Charge,  New  Bloomfield,  Duncannon,  Pa.,  Penn  Central 
Conference,  United  Church  of  Christ 

December  1973  to  present,  St.  Paul's  United  Church  of 
Christ,  Butler,  Pa.,  Penn  West  Conference,  United 
Church  of  Christ 


PERSONAL  TESTIMONY 
OF 

Ralph  C.  Link 


I  am  the  youngest  of  five  children.   I  was  born  just  prior  to 
the  onset  of  the  Depression.   Our  family  was  very  poor.   My  father 
was  an  alcoholic  and  my  mother  was  a  very  religious  person  who  was 
searching  for  the  Lord.   During  my  childhood  she  did  her  best  to 
teach  me  the  things  of  the  Lord.   Later  in  life  she  came  to  a 
personal  relationship  with  Him. 

I  grew  up  in  the  Evangelical  and  Reformed  Church  where 
salvation  by  grace  alone  was  not  preached  nor  taught.   I  knew  all 
about  Jesus,  what  He  did,  how  He  lived,  His  miracles,  His  death 
and  resurrection,  but  I  didn't  know  Him  personally. 

My  life  had  many  ups  and  downs  and  all  the  while  I  was 
attending  church  and  striving  with  my  good  works  to  please  God. 
At  a  very  low  point  in  my  life  when  we  were  deeply  in  debt  and  my 
wife  and  three  children  were  all  ill,  I  came  to  the  crossroads.   I 
watched  a  Billy  Graham  Crusade  on  television  from  some  distant 
city  and  the  message  he  preached  seemed  to  be  directed  right  at 
me.   I  wrestled  with  making  that  commitment  to  Christ,  but  didn't. 
The  next  afternoon  and  evening  at  work  on  the  4  to  12  shift  I  came 
to  the  conclusion  that  I  needed  to  make  that  commitment  to  Christ. 
It  seemed  like  there  was  no  other  choice  if  life  was  to  have  any 
meaning.   That  night  when  I  came  home  from  work  at  1:00  A.M.,  I 
laid  face  down  on  the  living  room  floor  and  told  God  that  I 
couldn't  live  my  life  in  my  own  strength  and  I  accepted  the  gift 
of  salvation  from  my  Savior  Jesus  Christ.   My  life  has  never  been 
the  same. 

Through  several  meaningful  circumstances  I  was  called  by  God 
to  serve  Him  in  the  Christian  Ministry  and  to  help  spread  that 
wonderful  message  of  salvation  through  the  shed  blood  of  Jesus 
Christ.   What  a  wonderful  and  rewarding  time  it  has  been  and  I 
give  Him  all  the  praise  for  my  salvation  and  the  opportunity  to 
serve  Him. 


STATEMENT  OF  FAITH 

OF 

Ralph  C.  Link 


I  believe  the  Bible,  both  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  to  be 
the  inspired  inerrant  Word  of  God.   I  believe  the  Bible  is  the 
complete  revelation  of  His  will  for  the  salvation  of  men  and  it 
is  the  final  authority  for  the  Christian  faith  and  life. 


I  believe  in  one  God,  who  is  eternally  existent  in  three 
persons:   Father,  Son  and  Holy  Spirit. 

I  believe  in  the  Diety  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  that  He  is 
true  God  and  true  man.   I  believe  that  He  was  born  of  the 
Virgin  Mary,  that  He  lived  in  sinless  life,  that  He  performed 
the  miracles  recorded  in  Scripture,  that  He  died  on  the  cross 
as  a  sacrifice  for  our  sins,  that  He  bodily  arose  from  the 
dead,  that  He  ascended  on  high  where  He  is  at  the  right  had  of 
Almighty  God  as  our  intercessor. 


I  believe  in  the  Holy  Spirit  and  that  He  comes  and  indwells 
each  believer  at  the  time  of  conversion.   I  believe  that  He 
lives  in  each  believer  to  lead,  to  instruct,  and  to  convict  so 
that  a  believe  may  live  a  more  godly  life. 

I  believe  that  through  the  shed  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  and 
through  His  resurrection,  this  is  the  only  ground  for 
justification  and  salvation  for  all  who  receive  Him  A  Lord  and 
Savior  and  to  such  as  receive  Him,  they  are  born  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  and  become  children  of  God. 


I  believe  water  baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper  are 
ordinances  of  the  Church  but  are  not  means  of  salvation 


I  believe  in  the  personal  and  premillennial  and  imminent 
coming  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 


I  believe  in  the  resurrection  of  the  dead,  for  the  believer 
to  resurrection  of  life  and  joy  with  the  Lord,  for  the 
unbeliever  to  resurrection  of  judgement  and  everlasting 
punishment .