Churches With Heart

Moody-Leon United Methodist Church

1 Peter 2:2-10 (NRSV)

Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation– if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture:

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner,” and “A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

I was visiting the St. Luke Community United Methodist Church in Dallas some time ago. They used something we have used here on occasion. The Rev. Zan Holmes was preaching. Dr. Holmes taught at Perkins School of Theology and was featured in the videos that are a part of the Disciple Bible Study.

There was the typical feedback you find in an African-American church. I want you to use it this morning. Zan Holmes would reach a point in his sermon and he would say, “GOD IS GOOD.” The congregation would then respond, “All the time.” Let’s give it a try. “God is good!” …All the Time

As you know, Diana and I were in Nashville in July celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Upper Room Walk to Emmaus. We received all kinds of good information. It was inspiring. It reminded me of why we are here today.

Today’s text reminds us of why we are here today.

Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk,

if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

For me, the celebration in Nashville this summer was “pure, spiritual milk.” Spiritual milk that reminded me of why I am here.

On Saturday morning during our worship service, Scoofer Jordan spoke to us about his spiritual journey. In the middle of his inspiring message he said, “If you don’t think your light is bright enough, then maybe you need to take it where it’s a little darker.”

GOD IS GOOD        All the time

That same morning as we were receiving Holy Communion, the room was filled with song. Everyone was singing with great joy. Behind me there was a fellow singing with great gusto. That poor guy couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. Some time later this same “young man” was sitting in front of me. I had no trouble recognizing his voice as he sang. It was obvious that this young man was mentally challenged. It was also obvious how much he love the Lord. You know…his singing was beautiful! He was worshiping his awesome God. GOD IS GOOD

Yes, that time of worship was spiritual milk. It was spiritual milk that helped me to grow into salvation.

I like the way the New Revised Standard Version puts it, “Grow into salvation.” The Revised Standard Version says, “Grow up to salvation.” The New International Version reads, “Grow in salvation.” I like the image of “grow into salvation.”

As a child my mother would always buy my blue jeans way too big. They would be too large, so they would last longer. I could grow into them. When I got a new pair of blue jeans I would have to fold the cuffs way up. I would be running around with 4 inch deep cuffs.

Like those new jeans, our salvation comes to us and is bigger than we are. It is with time and spiritual nurturing that we grow into that salvation. Our entire spiritual journey is one of growing into our salvation.

There are those gathered here this morning who have tasted that the Lord is good. You long for the pure, spiritual milk, that you might grow into your salvation.

GOD IS GOOD          All the time

In a previous appointment, some of the people of that church made life difficult. I came to that church excited about the possibilities. I left that church feeling defeated.

I arrived at my next appointment physically, emotionally and psychologically drained. I needed a place to heal. By God’s grace I was in a place that allowed healing.

GOD IS GOOD           All the time

In February of 1998, I met with the Board of Ordained Ministry for what I hoped was the last time as I had completed work on Elder’s Orders, my final ordination. I met with my interview team. Following the interview their discussion with one another was lengthy. When I returned to their room, I was told that my theology was inadequate. They would recommend a one year delay and additional work. I was able to appeal this decision by my interview team to the entire board. The Holy Spirit moved in that room that night. I am ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church today, not by my brilliant work submitted to the Board., but BY THE GRACE OF GOD.

GOD IS GOOD    All the time

I was privileged to serve as the Spiritual Director of a Walk to Emmaus sometime back. I witnessed God’s grace is the lives of those men in powerful ways.

A young man was able to release his guilt over his brother’s decisions.

A fired Baptist pastor experienced a renewed sense of call to ministry.

A father was able to continue following the news that his daughter had been beaten that evening.

Three fathers witnessed to God’s grace in the midst of their lives after each lost a son.

The Holy Spirit was moving through the lives of those men. God’s grace was evident. I returned from that weekend on a spiritual high.

GOD IS GOOD       All the time

We have been searching for a youth director for over a year. The need was shared at Baylor, Mary Hardin Baylor, MCC, the Wesley Foundation at Baylor, and throughout our conference. For a year noone came forward. Then a few weeks ago I got that e-mail from Chris Ewell expressing interest in serving our youth. Chris met with 10-12 of our young people for the first time last Sunday night.

GOD IS GOOD     All the time

It hasn’t been that long ago that we would have 2 or 3 children in worship at First church. A few Sunday’s ago there were 20 children at our children’s time.

GOD IS GOOD     All the time

The first phone call came around 8:30 a.m. central time yesterday. Cheryl was in labor. She would be staying home a while longer. She didn’t want to get to the hospital and be sent back home. The next call came at 1:00 p.m. bringing the news of a birth. By the time Cheryl and Brian were headed to the hospital they realized they would never make it to the Nellis Air Force Base hospital. They went to the St. Rose Dominican Hospital (about 10 minutes from their home), and Samantha Kay was born almost immediately. For Cheryl and Brian it marked their first born. For Diana and I, it made grandchild number 4, just a special as numbers 1, 2, & 3.

GOD IS GOOD            All the time

Have you indeed tasted that the Lord is good? I have indeed tasted that the Lord is good!

Have you indeed tasted that the Lord is good? Then “proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

If not, long even harder of the pure, spiritual milk.