Written Sermons

SERMON BY THE REVEREND AMOS MCCARTHY

1ST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 27, 2020.

Title: “God’s Grace for a New year”

Text: “And the angel of the God which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face and stood behind them: and it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night” (Exodus 14:19-20).

Scripture Reading: Exodus 14:10-20.

As we meet to worship in this final service of the year 2020, I am not as concerned with an appraisal of the year past or with predictions about the year to come as I am with our attitudes as we look both ways. So much depends on the way we view things. How shall we come by truths that will fashion right attitudes within us? 

This Exodus record will help us. The Israelites had reached the Red Sea, which blocked their path, when suddenly, as if to make a bad situation worse, they saw the Egyptians in hot pursuit.  They were literally between the devil and the deep Red Sea.

Friday of this week will be the last day of this year. The year’s last day reminds us that we too are on a journey “hastening stormfully across the astonished earth,” as Carlyle once put it. Like the Israelites, we too often are caught between the Red Sea before us, blocking our advance, and the army of the Egyptians behind. What happened in this emergency reveals three great truths shining through this vivid record.

First, in our text, we see that some of our greatest enemies are not those that confront us, but those that pursue us. It was not so much the Red Sea in front of the Israelites as the Egyptian army behind them that created panic in the camp. This is a parable of our situation tonight. We think we have escaped these ghosts of yesteryear, when suddenly we hear the clatter of their horses’ hooves and see the dust of their chariot wheels.  Think of the realms which this truth applies to.

Some of us are pursued by fears, complexes, frustrations, and phobias that psychologists solemnly tell us are the fruition of the seeds sown in childhood experiences.  We leave our childhood days behind, but these ghosts out of our past pursue us. 

Some of us are pursued by grief. It may be that during the past year sorrow has laid a heavy hand on us and our families. It is not some possible future grief we fear, but a past one that pursues us.

Still others are pursued by some old sin, some old temptation to which we once gave in. Like the Israelites, we have thrown off the yoke and started toward the Promised Land, but now that old temptation follows us on and on.

This is our first truth here.  The Israelites left Egypt but not the Egyptians. The hindrance to our progress toward maturity of Christian character in 2021 may spring not from something out in the future, but from some carryover from 2020.

The second truth in our text is that God not only goes before us, he is also our rear guard. God’s angel, who had been out in front as their guide, now came behind them as their defense and stood between them and their pursuers.  

As we begin a new year, we think of God out there behind the veil of the future.  In faith and praise we sing, “He Leadeth me! O Blessed Tho’t!” This thought is true.

But it also is true that we need a God who is not only before us but behinds us as well. How profound was the insight of the psalmist as he said, “Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me” (Psalms 139:5). It is almost certain that the prophet had the Exodus in mind as he wrote, “For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard” (Isaiah 52:12 RSV).  These words would also apply to the return from exile. 

F. W. Borchman tells of a man in his congregation who was always poised and serene, wasting no time on the fruitless exercise of worry.  When asked how he could do this, he replied, “I have always made it a rule of my life that when I’ve shut the door, I have shut the door.” He had set the Lord not only before him but also behind . Since he is our rear guard, let us close the door on 2020. Let us trust in God, who can shut the door on the hosts who pursue us. 

Finally, the third truth in our text is that every experience of life has a double meaning depending on to whom the experience comes.  The pillar of cloud that stood between the Israelites and the Egyptians caused darkness upon the Egyptians and gave light by night to the Hebrews. With faith our experiences mean one thing, without faith another. The same fire that melts wax hardens clay. The Egyptians saw only a dark cloud, but to the Israelites it gave light.

Consider this truth as it applies to the world situation. Surely it is dark enough. To take it at face value, Egyptian-like, is to see nothing but darkness, confusion, danger, and chaos-a black cloud.  But to people of faith, the cloud is not all darkness, because we see the reason for the darkness, and that releases a flood of light. The presence of God in history means darkness to some but light to others. People of faith know that God is at work in history. The revolutionary periods have always been the most creative. God often does more when the waters are stirred.

Again consider the afflictions, disappointments, and tragedies that come to us. They mean darkness to the Egyptians who cry out, as did Job’s wife, “Curse God, and die” (Job 2:9).  But to people of faith, there is light shining in these dark experiences.

Or consider the cross. Unbelievers cannot understand it: “Unto the Jews [the cross is] a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:23). “But,” Paul said, “unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (v. 18). The light of the Resurrection streams across the darkness of the cross.

On this last Sunday of the year worship service, let us close the door on 2020, on all the Egyptians of temptations and evil habits and old grudges and sins.  God can shut that door if we trust him. Let us take courage and go on. The past is God’s, the future is God’s, and his power is greater than all. Stay safe. God bless you all!   

SERMON BY THE REVEREND AMOS MCCARTHY

24th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

NOVEMBER 15, 2020.

Title: “Seeking God’s Guidance”

Text: “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:9-10).

Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:9-14.

God’s guidance is available, and we ought to trust it.  However, as with other ready resources from God, we need to ask, seek, and knock.  To do so clarifies and confirms our openness to do God’s will.  It sharpens and quickens our desires. Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

There are many good reasons why believers ought to seek God’s guidance.  However, the one that claimed the apostle Paul’s attention as he evaluated the church at Colossae is sufficient reason to seek God’s guidance.  Doctrinal compromise and weak Christian conduct would be the result without God’s guidance. Pagan philosophy and Jewish legalism were being mixed with Christian beliefs by some religious teachers at Colossae. The result was supposed to be a superior Christianity.  Instead, it was inferior.

Our text is Paul’s prayer of concern that the church avoid doctrinal compromise by seeking God’s guidance and strengthening Christian practices. Our text features three major requests. Learn with me this morning Paul’s request in seeking God’s guidance.  

The first request Paul makes in his prayer of concern is that the church “be filled with the knowledge of God’s will.”  Religious knowledge and knowledge of God’s will are not necessarily the same. Much religious knowledge is not only in conflict with God’s will but can destroy God’s work in the world. We have seen that happen in some of the cults of our day.  Paul’s prayer request confirms a need for a particular religious knowledge, the knowledge of God’s will.  Let’s remember that such knowledge can be divided into three categories: God’s ultimate will, God’s intentional will, and God’s permissive will.

God’s ultimate will is the will of God that is irresistible, unconditional, and inevitable.  Regardless of human responses, his plan will unfold.  We need the knowledge that God is sovereign over the universe and that his goal will prevail.  Those who do his will voluntarily will live with him eternally.  Those who disobey will spend eternity separated from him. This portion of our knowledge of God’s will may be labeled his “ultimate will.”  

God’s intentional will. God’s plan for our lives is determined by our choices.  He grants us the right to say yes or no in the doing of his will.  Not only do we choose whether we receive Christ as Savior and Lord, but we choose the degree of our development. God’s desire is that all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Further, he desires for his people to be sanctified (1 Thess. 4:3).  He intends that we know his will and do it.  This knowledge of his will is marked “intentional will.”

God’s permissive will. We can choose to disregard God’s will or to follow it.  God permits events or circumstances to occur that may serve as discipline.  Also, experiences or circumstances not of our own personal making work to test our faith.  This is referred to as God’s “permissive will.” 

We must be filled with the knowledge of God’s will so that we can avoid doctrinal compromise and strengthen our Christian walk.

The second prayer of Paul was that the church function in the practice of God’s will “in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” The knowledge of God should always lead to “wisdom” or insight, to the perception of spiritual values and of goals that make the doing of his will primary. That knowledge also leads to “spiritual understanding,” or the ability to apply the principles we receive.

The result is that we “walk worthy of the Lord.” Our conduct is not only freed from practices of wrongdoing but is filled with the exercise of right-doing.  A three year old son was proudly wearing one of his father’s World War II ribbons of honor when mealtime came.  The dad noticed it and said to his son, “What act of bravery did you perform to get that?” The little boy said, I didn’t get into trouble for thirty minutes.” The smiling mother explained that she offered the ribbon as a reward if the boy would stay out of the kitchen while she worked on the new recipe.  So the father hugged his son and said, “Good job!” The boy put on his best grin and replied, “ I am a good boy; I stayed out of trouble.” But staying out of trouble is not enough for those who seek and discover the knowledge of God’s will. We are to stay in the truth as the way of life.

Many of the practices of God’s will do not seem to have a chapter and verse from the Bible as a point of reference.  Rather, we stay in the truth by applying biblical principles that express wisdom and spiritual understanding.

As I always point out to all of us, we will have to make some decisions in our lives that have to do with godly wisdom. Some answers to life’s situations will not be found in scripture. We have to raise questions regarding those situations. Will it bring glory to God? Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” Will it enslave me? Will it defile my body?” Will it damage my influence on others? Does it create doubt about doing the will of God in my life? 

Paul’s last prayer was that the church focus on fully pleasing the Lord by “being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”  Pleasing people is important, especially when we love them. Pleasing the Lord is important, but doing so is difficult when there is competition between pleasing people and pleasing God.

We talk about peer pressure on young people. Who can blame them for wanting to be acceptable to their associates? Adults want to be acceptable too. They are strongly tempted to make compromises of Christian principles in the presence of pressure from employers and from friends, as well as from an uncommitted spouse.  Seeking God’s guidance means striving to please God regardless of the cost to business, friendship, and even family relationships. It is the only way to increase knowledge of God.

I was asked by a friend “Why do you want to go to Kansas when you could stay here and be useful in pastoral ministry as you would be there?” It was true that many of my friends would be closer. It was true that the distance for thanksgiving or Christmas would be short. But usefulness and place of service were not my biggest priorities. God’s will for me was the most important issue in my life as it is now. I believed God wanted me in Kansas. 

The commitment to seek God’s guidance is as important as seeking to be saved. Has this prayer been answered in your life? The missionary apostle prayed it for a church trouble over its understanding of God’s will. We, too, need to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, function in the practice of his will, and focus on fully pleasing the Lord in doing his will.  Perhaps the most important decision to be made in response to this prayer is to decide to please God above all others. To do so will make you a student wanting to know his will and a servant desiring to obey his will. God bless you all.   

SERMON​ BY THE REVEREND AMOS MCCARTHY

23rd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST/Walton UMC, Walton, Kansas.

November 8, 2020.

Title:​ ​“The Poison of​ ​Unforgiveness”

Text:​ ​Matthew​ ​18:21-35

21.​ ​Then​ ​Peter​ ​came​ ​to​ ​Jesus​ ​and​ ​asked,​ ​“Lord,​ ​how​ ​many​ ​times​ ​shall​ ​I​ ​forgave​ ​my brother​ ​or​ ​sister​ ​who​ ​has​ ​sins​ ​against​ ​me?​ ​Up​ ​to​ ​seven​ ​times?”​ ​22.​ ​Jesus​ ​answered,​ ​“I tell​ ​you,​ ​not​ ​seven​ ​times​ ​but​ ​seventy​ ​times.​ ​23.​ ​Therefore,​ ​the​ ​kingdom​ ​of​ ​heaven​ ​is​ ​like a​ ​king​ ​who​ ​wanted​ ​to​ ​settle​ ​accounts​ ​with​ ​his​ ​servants.​ ​​ ​24.​ ​As​ ​he​ ​began​ ​the​ ​settlement, a​ ​man​ ​who​ ​owed​ ​him​ ​ten​ ​thousand​ ​bags​ ​of​ ​gold​ ​was​ ​brought​ ​to​ ​him.​ ​​ ​25.​ ​Since​ ​he​ ​was not​ ​able​ ​to​ ​pay,​ ​the​ ​master​ ​ordered​ ​that​ ​he​ ​and​ ​his​ ​wife​ ​and​ ​his​ ​children​ ​and​ ​all​ ​that​ ​he had​ ​be​ ​sold​ ​to​ ​repay​ ​the​ ​debt.​ ​​ ​26.​ ​“At​ ​this​ ​the​ ​servant​ ​fell​ ​on​ ​his​ ​knees​ ​before​ ​him.​ ​‘Be patient​ ​with​ ​me,’​ ​he​ ​begged,’and​ ​i​ ​will​ ​pay​ ​back​ ​everything.’​ ​​ ​27.​ ​​ ​The​ ​servant’s​ ​master took​ ​pity​ ​on​ ​him,​ ​cancelled​ ​the​ ​debt​ ​and​ ​let​ ​him​ ​go.​ ​28.​ ​“But​ ​when​ ​that​ ​servant​ ​went​ ​out, he​ ​found​ ​one​ ​of​ ​his​ ​fellow​ ​servant​ ​who​ ​owed​ ​him​ ​a​ ​hundred​ ​silver​ ​coins.​ ​​ ​He​ ​grabbed him​ ​and​ ​began​ ​to​ ​choke​ ​him.​ ​‘Pay​ ​back​ ​what​ ​you​ ​owe​ ​me!’​ ​he​ ​demanded.​ ​29.​ ​“His fellow​ ​servant​ ​fell​ ​to​ ​his​ ​knees​ ​and​ ​begged​ ​him,​ ​‘Be​ ​patient​ ​with​ ​me,​ ​and​ ​I​ ​will​ ​pay​ ​it back.’​ ​30.​ ​“But​ ​he​ ​refused.​ ​​ ​Instead,​ ​he​ ​went​ ​off​ ​and​ ​had​ ​the​ ​man​ ​thrown​ ​into​ ​prison until​ ​he​ ​could​ ​pay​ ​the​ ​debt.​ ​​ ​31.​ ​​ ​When​ ​the​ ​other​ ​servant​ ​saw​ ​what​ ​had​ ​happened,​ ​they were​ ​outraged​ ​and​ ​went​ ​and​ ​told​ ​their​ ​master​ ​everything​ ​that​ ​had​ ​happened.​ ​32.​ ​​ ​“Then the​ ​master​ ​called​ ​the​ ​servant​ ​in.​ ​‘You​ ​wicked​ ​servant,’​ ​he​ ​said,​ ​‘I​ ​cancelled​ ​all​ ​that​ ​debt of​ ​yours​ ​because​ ​you​ ​begged​ ​me​ ​to.​ ​33.​ ​​ ​Shouldn’t​ ​you​ ​have​ ​had​ ​mercy​ ​on​ ​your​ ​fellow servant​ ​just​ ​as​ ​I​ ​had​ ​on​ ​you?​ ​​ ​34.​ ​In​ ​anger​ ​his​ ​master​ ​handed​ ​him​ ​over​ ​to​ ​the​ ​jailers​ ​to be​ ​tortured,​ ​until​ ​he​ ​should​ ​pay​ ​back​ ​all​ ​he​ ​owed.​ ​​ ​35.​ ​​ ​“This​ ​is​ ​how​ ​my​ ​heavenly​ ​father will​ ​treat​ ​each​ ​of​ ​you​ ​unless​ ​you​ ​forgive​ ​your​ ​brother​ ​or​ ​sister​ ​from​ ​your​ ​heart.”

The​ ​story​ ​is​ ​told​ ​of​ ​a​ ​Christian​ ​lawyer​ ​who​ ​reads​ ​his​ ​bible​ ​on​ ​a​ ​regular​ ​basis.​ ​​ ​After reading​ ​some​ ​scriptures​ ​that​ ​talk​ ​about​ ​forgiveness,​ ​he​ ​decided​ ​to​ ​forgive​ ​seventeen​ ​of his​ ​clients​ ​who​ ​owed​ ​him​ ​some​ ​money.​ ​The​ ​lawyer​ ​drafted​ ​the​ ​letters​ ​and​ ​explained​ ​the biblical​ ​basis,​ ​for​ ​sending​ ​out​ ​the​ ​letters,​ ​for​ ​the​ ​cancellation​ ​of​ ​the​ ​debts​ ​of​ ​the​ ​clients. The​ ​lawyer​ ​sent​ ​out​ ​certified​ ​letters​ ​to​ ​his​ ​clients,​ ​forgiving​ ​them​ ​of​ ​all​ ​their​ ​debts. Sixteen​ ​of​ ​the​ ​clients​ ​refused​ ​to​ ​signed​ ​the​ ​letter,​ ​fearing​ ​that​ ​the​ ​lawyer​ ​was​ ​suing​ ​them for​ ​the​ ​money​ ​they​ ​owed.​ ​One​ ​by​ ​one,​ ​the​ ​letters​ ​were​ ​returned​ ​by​ ​the​ ​postal​ ​service, unsigned,​ ​undelivered.​ ​One​ ​of​ ​them​ ​opened​ ​the​ ​letter​ ​and​ ​signed​ ​it​ ​and​ ​received​ ​the debt​ ​cancellation​ ​with​ ​great​ ​relief.​ ​​ ​In​ ​our​ ​world​ ​today,​ ​many​ ​Christians​ ​are​ ​faced​ ​with the​ ​painful​ ​decision​ ​of​ ​forgiving​ ​others​ ​who​ ​have​ ​offended​ ​them.​ ​​ ​Why​ ​is​ ​that​ ​so?​ ​​ ​Is​ ​it that​ ​forgiveness​ ​is​ ​a​ ​difficult​ ​thing​ ​to​ ​accomplish?​ ​​ ​Is​ ​there​ ​fear​ ​of​ ​reprisal​ ​from​ ​others? Do​ ​we​ ​comprise​ ​justice​ ​when​ ​we​ ​forgive?​ ​​ ​What​ ​does​ ​it​ ​mean​ ​for​ ​a​ ​person​ ​to​ ​forgive​ ​the man​ ​who​ ​took​ ​the​ ​live​ ​of​ ​a​ ​family​ ​member?​ ​Are​ ​we​ ​compromising​ ​justice​ ​and accountability?​ ​​ ​Is​ ​it​ ​because​ ​of​ ​fear,​ ​or​ ​hurt,​ ​or​ ​pain?​ ​Or​ ​are​ ​we​ ​too​ ​prideful​ ​to​ ​ask​ ​for forgiveness,​ ​when​ ​we​ ​hurt​ ​others? 

Forgiveness​ ​is​ ​a​ ​difficult​ ​deed​ ​to​ ​accomplish.​ ​​ ​Sometimes​, ​people​ ​who​ ​offend​ ​us​ ​have no​ ​remorse,​ ​for​ ​the​ ​hurt​ ​that​ ​they​ ​caused​ ​us.​ ​​ ​Sometimes​ ​we​ ​are​ ​fearful​ ​of​ ​the​ ​fact​ ​that people​ ​who​ ​hurt​ ​us​ ​will​ ​come​ ​again​ ​to​ ​hurt​ ​us.​ ​​ ​Pride​ ​is​ ​also​ ​a​ ​factor​ ​in​ ​people​ ​not asking​ ​for​ ​forgiveness.​ ​​ ​Give​ ​and​ ​take,​ ​God​ ​has​ ​called​ ​us​ ​to​ ​forgive​ ​those​ ​who​ ​hurt​ ​us. It​ ​is​ ​a​ ​divine​ ​command.​ ​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​important​ ​for​ ​us​ ​to​ ​listen​ ​to​ ​God’s​ ​word,​ ​and​ ​what​ ​He​ ​says about​ ​forgiving​ ​others.​ ​God​ ​is​ ​willing​ ​to​ ​cancel​ ​every​ ​debt​ ​we​ ​owe.​ ​But​ ​we​ ​refused​, ​to open​ ​the​ ​letters​ ​of​ ​scripture​ ​to​ ​us on forgiveness. ​ ​We​ ​continue​ ​to​ ​ride​ ​with​ ​the​ ​sin​ ​of​ ​unforgiveness. Let​ ​us​ ​consider​ ​this​ ​divine​ ​summon​ ​from​ ​God,​ ​to​ ​forgive,​ ​so​ ​that​ ​we​ ​can​ ​receive forgiveness​ ​ourselves.​ ​​ ​We​ ​will​ ​look​ ​at​ ​what​ ​forgiveness​ ​is,​ ​the​ ​origin​ ​of​ ​forgiveness, and​ ​the​ ​consequences​ ​of​ ​not​ ​forgiving​ ​others.

In the​ ​first​ ​few​ ​chapters​ ​of​ ​the​ ​book​ ​of​ ​Amos,​ ​one​ ​can​ ​see​ ​that​ ​Jewish​ ​culture​ ​demanded that​ ​a​ ​person​ ​forgive​ ​three​ ​times.​ ​​ ​On​ ​the​ ​fourth​ ​count,​ ​a​ ​person​ ​was​ ​not​ ​forgiven.​ ​​ ​It was​ ​Rabbinic​ ​teachings,​ ​glean​ ​from​ ​the​ ​8th​ ​century​ ​prophet​ Amos, ​that​ ​a​ ​person​ ​be​ ​forgiven three​ ​times.​ ​​ ​So​ ​in​ ​the​ ​passage​ ​of​ ​scripture,​ ​Peter​ ​gets​ ​the​ ​confidence,​ ​that​ ​he​ ​would​ ​be commended,​ ​if​ ​he​ ​made​ ​that​ ​seven​ ​times.​ ​​ ​But​ ​Jesus​ ​in​ ​his​ ​answer,​ ​demanded​ ​that​ ​a person​ ​be​ ​forgiven​ ​seventy​ ​times​ ​seven.​ ​​ ​This​ ​simply​ ​tells​ ​us​ ​that​ ​there​ ​should​ ​be​ ​no limited​ ​to​ ​forgiveness.​ ​​ ​In​ ​essence,​ ​forgiveness​ ​is​ ​a​ ​big​ ​deal.​ ​​ ​What​ ​is​ ​forgiveness?

I​ ​want​ ​you​ ​to​ ​forget​ ​about​ ​every​ ​other​ ​word​ ​on​ ​your​ ​mind​ ​this​ ​morning​ ​and​ ​reflect​ ​on​ ​the word​ ​forgiveness.​ ​​ ​When​ ​we​ ​understand​ ​what​ ​forgiveness​ ​is,​ ​then​ ​we​ ​will​ ​understand what​ ​unforgiveness​ ​is. According​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Greater​ ​Good​ ​Magazine,​ ​psychologist​ ​generally​ ​define​ ​forgiveness​ ​as “a​ ​conscious,​ ​deliberate attempt,​ ​to​ ​release​ ​feelings​ ​of​ ​resentment​ ​or​ ​vengeance​ ​toward​ ​a person,​ ​or​ ​group​ ​who​ ​has​ ​harmed​ ​you,​ ​regardless​ ​of​ ​whether​ ​they​ ​actually​ ​deserve​ ​your forgiveness.”​ ​​ ​If​ ​this​ ​is​ ​true,​ ​then​ ​forgiveness​ ​means​ ​to​ ​allow​ ​ourselves​ ​to​ ​let​ ​go​ ​negative thoughts​ ​of​ ​bitterness,​ ​and​ ​resentment​ ​toward​ ​another​ ​person.​ ​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​to​ ​let​ ​go​ ​the​ ​thought to do​ ​something​ ​to​ ​someone,​ ​for​ ​what​ ​that​ ​person​ ​did​ ​to​ ​us.​ ​​ ​It​ ​does​ ​not​ ​mean​ ​to​ ​forget about​ ​what​ ​someone​ ​did​ ​to​ ​us.​ ​​ ​It​ ​does​ ​not​ ​mean​ ​that​ ​we​ ​condone​ ​it​, ​when​ ​people​ ​hurt us.​ ​​ ​As​ ​humans,​ ​we​ ​will​ ​always​ ​recall​ ​what​ ​a​ ​person​ ​did​ ​to​ ​us,​ ​but​ ​when​ ​we​ ​forgive them,​ ​we​ ​let​ ​go​ ​the​ ​bitterness.​ ​We​ ​also​ ​let​ ​go​ ​the​ ​mindset​ ​to​ ​harm​ ​the​ ​person​ ​in​ ​words, thoughts​ ​or​ ​deeds.​ ​​ ​The​ ​Greek​ ​word​ ​for​ ​forgiveness​ ​is​ ​aphesis,​ ​in​ ​English​ ​is​ ​release​ ​or let​ ​go. 

In​ ​1​ ​Samuel​ ​24:1-15,​ ​the​ ​record​ ​tells​ ​us​ ​that​ ​David​ ​had​ ​the​ ​opportunity​ ​to​ ​revenge, against​ ​all​ ​the​ ​wrong​ ​King​ ​Saul​ ​did​ to ​him.​ ​​ ​Saul​ ​sought​ ​to​ ​kill​ ​David,​ ​by​ ​taking​ ​three thousand​ ​of​ ​his​ ​young​ ​men.​ ​​ ​As​ ​Saul​ ​went​ ​into​ ​a​ ​cave​ ​near​ ​the​ ​sheep​ ​pens​ ​to​ ​ease himself,​ ​David​ ​had​ ​the​ ​opportunity​ ​to​ ​kill​ ​him.​ ​​ ​David​ ​did​ ​not​ ​kill​ ​Saul,​ ​but​ ​cut​ ​a​ ​piece​ ​of cloth​ ​from​ ​Saul’s​ ​robe.​ ​​ ​In​ ​verse​ ​12​ ​of​ ​1​ ​Samuel​ ​24,​ ​David​ ​told​ ​Saul,​ ​“May​ ​the​ ​Lord judge​ ​between​ ​you​ ​and​ ​me.​ ​​ ​And​ ​may​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​avenge​ ​the​ ​wrongs​ ​you​ ​have​ ​done​ ​to me,​ ​but​ ​my​ ​hands​ ​will​ ​not​ ​touch​ ​you.”​ ​​ ​David​ ​had​ ​the​ ​chance​ ​to​ ​kill​ ​Saul,​ ​for​ ​the​ ​hurt​ ​he caused​ ​him,​ ​but​ ​David​ ​forgave​ ​Saul.​ ​​ ​David​ ​let​ ​go​ ​the​ ​bitterness,​ ​resentment,​ ​and release​ ​Saul.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​important​ ​for​ ​us​ ​Christians​ ​to​ ​learn​ ​that​ ​forgiveness​ ​is​ ​just,​ ​when​ ​we leave​ ​those​ ​who​ ​hurt​ ​us​ ​with​ ​God.​ ​​ ​David​ ​made​ ​an​ ​oath​ ​not​ ​to​ ​touch​ ​the​ ​descendants of​ ​Saul,​ ​as​ ​a​ ​sign​ ​of​ ​forgiveness.​ ​​ ​Here​ ​David​ ​realised​ ​that​ ​forgiveness​ ​comes​ ​from​ ​God, that​ ​forgiveness​ ​is​ ​a​ ​divine. In​ ​our​ ​the​ ​passage​ ​under​ ​consideration,​ ​one​ ​can​ ​see​ ​that​ ​forgiveness​ ​is​ ​divine.​ ​​

 ​In​ ​this parable​ ​of​ ​the​ ​unmerciful​ ​servant,​ ​Jesus​ ​clearly​ ​points​ ​out​ ​that​ ​forgiveness​ ​is​ ​a​ ​must.​ ​​ ​In this​ ​parable,​ ​Jesus​ ​metaphorically​ ​talks​ ​about​ ​the​ ​kingdom​ ​of​ ​heaven​ ​being​ ​like​ ​a​ ​king who​ ​settles​ ​account​ ​with​ ​his​ ​servant.​ ​​ ​Forgiveness​ ​is​ ​an​ ​issue​ ​between​ ​Christian​ ​and God.​ ​​ ​God​ ​commands​ ​us​ ​to​ ​forgive​ ​because​ ​He​ ​forgave​ ​us.​ ​In​ ​verse​ ​22,​ ​Jesus​ ​tells Peter​ ​that​ ​forgiveness​ ​has​ ​no​ ​limit.​ ​​ ​In​ ​Matthew​ ​5:46,​ ​God​ ​urges​ ​us​ ​to​ ​love​ ​our​ ​enemies, and​ ​pray​ ​for​ ​those​ ​who​ ​do​ ​harm​ ​to​ ​us​.​ ​​ ​Doctor​ ​Luke​ ​says​ ​the​ ​same thing​ ​in​ ​Luke​ ​6:27-28,​ ​​ ​He​ ​urges​ ​us​ ​to​ ​love​ ​those​ ​who​ ​curse​ ​us.​ ​​ ​This​ ​is​ ​a​ ​very​ ​hard thing​ ​for​ ​us,​ ​I​ ​must​ ​assume.​ ​​ ​The​ ​core​ ​of​ ​the​ ​matter​ ​is​ ​our​ ​love​ ​for​ ​God.​ ​​ ​If​ ​we​ ​love​ ​God, we​ ​ought​ ​to​ ​do​ ​exactly​ ​what​ ​God​ ​wants​ ​us​ ​to​ ​do.​ ​​ ​God​ ​does​ ​not​ ​give​ ​us​ ​an​ ​option,​ ​when it​ ​comes​ ​to​ ​forgiving​ ​people​ ​who​ ​hurt​ ​us.​ ​​ ​God​ ​is​ ​clear​ ​on​ ​this​ ​subject.​ ​​ ​No​ ​Christian​ ​is allowed​ ​the​ ​luxury​ ​to​ ​keep​ ​grudge​ ​in​ ​his​ ​or​ ​her​ ​heart​ ​for​ ​others.​ ​​ ​God​ ​does​ ​not​ ​want​ ​us to​ ​even​ ​be​ ​angry,​ ​with​ ​the​ ​person​ ​who​ ​hurt​ ​us​ ​for​ ​a​ ​day.​ ​​ ​God​ ​does​ ​not​ ​want​ ​us​ ​to​ ​even speak​ ​evil​ ​or​ ​slander the​ ​name​ ​of​ ​the​ ​person​ ​who​ ​hurts​ ​us.​ ​​ ​Seriously?​ ​Yes,​ ​God​ ​wants us​ ​to​ ​even​ ​initiate​ ​the​ ​process​ ​of​ ​restoring​ ​all​ ​relationships​ ​that​ ​has​ ​been​ ​broken.​ ​​ ​If​ ​you will​ ​take​ ​a​ ​ride​ ​with​ ​unforgiveness,​ ​there​ ​would​ ​be​ ​consequences.​ ​​ 

​In​ ​Genesis​ ​45:4-8, Joseph​ ​having​ ​endure​ ​prison​ ​and​ ​a​ ​life​ ​of​ ​slavery,​ ​forgave​ ​his​ ​brothers​, ​who​ ​had​ ​come to​ ​beg​ ​for​ ​food.​ ​​ ​How​ ​many​ ​of​ ​us​ ​today​ ​will​ ​pardon​ ​a​ ​human​ ​trafficker,​ ​who​ ​sold​ ​us​ ​into sexual​ ​slavery​ ​or​ ​forced​ ​labor?​ ​How​ ​many​ ​of​ ​us​ ​will​ ​forgive​ ​a​ ​person​ ​who​ ​took​ ​the​ ​life​ ​of our​ ​love​ ​one?​ ​​ ​But​ ​I​ ​tell​ ​you​ ​the​ ​truth,​ ​God​ ​knows​ ​who​ ​molested​ ​you,​ ​God​ ​knows​ ​who rape​ ​you,​ ​God​ ​knows​ ​who​ ​stabbed​ ​you​ ​in​ ​the​ ​back,​ ​gossip​ ​about​ ​you,​ ​robbed​ ​you.​ ​​ ​He God​ ​said​ ​in​ ​his​ ​word,​ ​that​ ​vengeance​ ​is​ ​His​ ​to​ ​repay​ ​and​ ​not​ ​ours.​ ​​ ​All​ ​God​ ​is​ ​telling us here​ ​is,​ ​“In​ ​anger​ ​do​ ​not​ ​sin.​ ​Do​ ​not​ ​let​ ​the​ ​sun​ ​go​ ​down​ ​on​ ​your​ ​wrath.”​ ​Ephesian​ ​4:26 Our​ ​inability​ ​to​ ​forgive​ ​has​ ​consequences. In​ ​verse​ ​32-35,​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ​ ​informs​ ​us,​ ​that​ ​the​ ​unmerciful​ ​servant​ ​was​ ​turned​ ​over​ ​to the​ ​jailers,​ ​who​ ​tortured​ ​him​ ​till​ ​he​ ​paid​ ​his​ ​debt.​ ​​ ​Christ​ ​likened​ ​this​ ​to​ ​how​ ​God​ ​is​ ​going to​ ​treat​ ​people​, ​who​ ​refused​ ​to​ ​forgive​ ​from​ ​their​ ​heart.​ ​​ ​In​ ​the​ ​Beatitudes,​ ​Jesus​ ​says, “Blessed​ ​are​ ​the​ ​merciful,​ ​for​ ​they​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​shown​ ​mercy.​ ​​ ​Matthew​ ​6:14-15​ ​repeats​ ​the same​ ​command​ ​from​ ​God:​ ​“For​ ​if​ ​you​ ​forgive​ ​other​ ​people​ ​when​ ​they​ ​sin​ ​against​ ​you, your​ ​heavenly​ ​father​ ​will​ ​also​ ​forgive​ ​you.​ ​​ ​But​ ​if​ ​you​ ​do​ ​not​ ​forgive​ ​others​ ​their​ ​sins,​ ​your father​ ​will​ ​not​ ​forgive​ ​your​ ​sins.”​ ​​ ​The​ consequences​ ​for​ ​our​ ​inability​ ​to​ ​forgive​ ​is​ ​that God​ ​is​ ​not​ ​going​ ​to forgive​ ​us.​ ​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​even​ ​mentioned​ ​in​ ​scripture​ ​that​ ​before​ ​you​ ​bring​ ​your offerings​ ​to​ ​God,​ ​you​ ​must​ ​consider​ ​reconciling​ ​with​ ​people​ ​who​ ​you​ ​have​ ​quarreled​ ​with. It​ ​spells​ ​it​ ​out​ that ​people​ ​must​ ​make​ ​peace,​ ​with​ ​those​ ​with​ ​whom​ ​there​ ​is​ ​a​ ​problem,​ ​before you​ ​come​ ​to​ ​the​ ​altar.​ ​​ ​It​ ​does​ ​not​ ​only​ ​involve​ ​bring​ ​your​ ​offering,​ ​but​ ​praying​ ​to​ ​God.​ ​​ ​If we​ ​do​ ​not​ ​forgive​ ​and​ ​keep​ ​malice​ ​in​ ​our​ ​heart​ ​for​ ​someone​ ​else,​ ​God​ ​will​ ​not​ ​answer our​ ​prayers.​ ​​ 

​In​ ​the​ ​resurrection​ ​narrative,​ ​Jesus​ ​Christ​ ​on​ ​the​ ​day​ ​he​ ​died​ ​on​ ​the​ ​cross, asked​ ​God​ ​to​ ​forgive​ ​the​ ​folks​ ​who were​ ​killing​ ​him.​ ​​ ​They​ ​were​ ​casting​ ​lots​ ​for​ ​Jesus’​ ​garment, while​ ​Jesus​ ​was​ ​praying​ ​for​ ​them.​ ​John​ ​23:33-34​ ​​ ​Stephen​ ​prayed​ ​for​ ​those​ ​who stoning​ ​him.​ ​He prayed, even​ ​as​ ​they​ ​were​ ​stoning​ ​him.​ ​​ ​Acts​ ​7:58-60​ ​​ ​All​ ​of​ ​these​ ​actions,​ ​shows the​ ​significance​ ​attached​ ​by​ ​Christ​ ​and​ ​the​ ​apostles,​ ​on​ ​forgiving​ ​those​ ​who​ ​hurt​ ​us. This​ ​is​ ​important​ ​because​ our ​inability​ ​to​ ​forgive​ ​can​ ​cause​ ​health​ ​issues. This​ ​is​ ​not​ ​a​ ​professional​ ​advice.​ ​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​an​ ​opinion​ ​of​ ​mine​ ​based​ ​on​ ​reading​ ​reports​ ​from researchers.​ ​​ ​According​ ​the​ ​Forgiveness​ ​Project,​ ​researchers​ ​have​ ​proven,​ ​that​ ​continue anger​ ​and​ ​hatred​ ​can​ ​cause​ ​chronic​ ​anxiety.​ ​It​ ​further​ ​explains​ ​that​ ​chronic​ ​anxiety​ ​can produce​ ​more​ ​adrenaline​ ​and​ ​cortisol​ ​the​ ​body​ ​needs.​ ​​ ​These​ ​things​ ​can​ ​deplete​ ​the natural​ ​killer​ ​cells​ ​the​ ​body​ ​needs​ ​to​ ​fight​ ​cancers.​ ​​ ​We​ ​will​ ​all​ ​agree​ ​that​ ​anger​ ​causes our​ ​blood​ ​pressure​ ​to​ ​rise.​ ​​ ​This​ ​is​ ​not​ ​healthy.​ ​​ ​It​ ​is​ ​important​ ​for​ ​us,​ ​to​ ​do​ ​away​ ​with bitterness,​ ​resentment,​ ​malice,​ ​as​ ​these​ ​things​ ​will​ ​prove​ ​bad​ ​for​ ​our​ ​health.​ ​​ ​Our inability​ ​to​ ​forgive​ ​will​ ​deprive​ ​us​ ​of​ ​blessing​ ​from​ ​God.   Church, let us be a church of forgiveness.

SERMON BY THE REVEREND AMOS MCCARTHY

22ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

NOVEMBER 1, 2020.

Title: “Who shall separate us from God’s love?”

Text: 35 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword” 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35,37-38, ASV).  

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:31-39.

When I first came to the United States for school, I met a friend who took me to his house.  He showed me around and introduced me to his beautiful wife. He took me to the daycare they both owned.  His wife displayed a great amount of love for him. Two years later, I ran into this friend at the neighborhood Walmart. His countenance was different. I inquired about how he was doing? He informed me that his wife left him and his wife had taken everything. She told him she did not want him anymore.

Many of us remember the story of the hymn writer, George Matheson. He was engaged to be married when it was discovered that he was going blind. The woman he was to marry broke the engagement because she did not want to be married to a blind man. It was then that he wrote that hymn, O Love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee; I give Thee back the life l owe, That in thine ocean depths its flow May richer fuller be.

On the other hand we often hear amazing stories of love – the love of a husband for his wife, or of a wife’s love for her husband; the love of some parent for his child, or the love of some person who has stood by his friend in some special time of need. Military history gives us heroic instances where one soldier will risk his life, or actually give his life, in order to save a comrade.

But wherever we find outstanding illustrations of love, there is nothing that can begin to compare with the love that God has for His people, and this is the same love that our Lord manifested when He died for us. The Apostle Paul expressed this in Romans 8 as he was carefully explaining the bond of love between the believers and Christ. It’s the usual portion for you and I, as followers of Christ, in the carrying out of our gospel duties to run into many troubles. But that none of these troubles are able to dissolve the union between them and Christ. (v35-36). And though the troubles are many, they will not slip but will overcome, yes more than overcome. (v37). So Paul is asking, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 

Like a mountain climber ascending a dangerous precipice behind his guide, secured only by a rope, the Christian walks through life secured by the stout cord of God’s love. Because the way is treacherous, any believer may often slip and fall. But a disciple of Jesus Christ is secure, because every Christian is bound to God by a gracious, unchanging, eternal, and indestructible love.  Who shall separate us from this love of Christ?

Paul was not speaking here about our love for Christ, but about Christ’s love for us. Our love can fluctuate, and if we look at ourselves, we can find little ground for peace. It is Christ’s love for us in which we find peace regarding our salvation. 

The word “separate” is found in verse 35, and we will see it again in verse 39. It is the verb used by Paul in I Cor. 7:10, II, and in connection with divorce. So the implication here is: What can cause Christ to depart from us so that our relationship would be broken and He would love us no longer? 

Paul then mentioned several things which often perplex the people of God when they may have expected different experiences when they first were saved. Paul lists about ten things that would interfere with our love for Christ. Paul asked, “Shall tribulation, anguish, or persecution, death,…?  For the sake of time, let us consider one of these things, tribulation. “Tribulation” is really pressure, pressure that is caused by affliction of any kind. It may be in the circumstances of our lives, or some special trial that comes to us. 

I listened to the story of a COVID 19 survival. She spent 91 days in the hospital after contracting COVID 19 on a flight from Atlanta. She had to be intubated. She was on a ventilator for 65 of those 91 days. After her release from the hospital, she is struggling with scarred lungs, liver damage, weakened muscles, and significant hair loss. She said, “I can’t even recognize myself, but I thanked Christ who died for me  and I love the Lord.”

Tribulation could not separate this lady from the love of Christ because she knows the depth of Christ’s love for her and what it cost Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2). It did not cost him a few bruises, but his life. Tribulation could not separate her because she knew she did nothing to deserve it.

Perhaps you or your family member have gone through or experienced a similar situation. Perhaps you have been abused as a child, or lost your job, deprived of a husband or a wife, or other family members. It may be that you have gone through severe illness. Whatever the issues have been, Paul tells us that nothing so severe shall separate us from the love of God.

Chuck Colson told the story of a group of American prisoners of war during World War II, who were made to do hard labor in a prison camp. Each had a shovel and would dig all day, then come in and give an account of his tool in the evening. One evening 20 prisoners were lined up by the guard and the shovels were counted. The guard counted nineteen shovels and turned in rage on the 20 prisoners demanding to know which one did not bring his shovel back. No one responded. The guard took out his gun and said that he would shoot five men if the guilty prisoner did not step forward. After a moment of tense silence, a 19-year-old soldier almost the age of my daughter stepped forward with his head bowed down. The guard grabbed him, took him to the side and shot him in the head, and turned to warn the others that they better be more careful than he was. When he left, the men counted the shovels and there were 20. The guard had miscounted. And the boy had given his life for his friends.

Can you imagine the emotions that must have filled their hearts as they knelt down over his body? In the five or ten seconds of silence, the boy had weighed his whole future in the balance, a future wife, an education, a new truck, children, a career, fishing with his dad, and he chose death so that others might live. Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” To love is to choose suffering for the sake of another.

Paul wrote our text to a church that would soon go through persecution.  This hypothetical situation Paul was speaking about would soon turn into painful realities.  This text confirms God’s profound love for us all.  No matter what happens to us, no matter where we are, we can never be lost to God’s love.  Our suffering or uncertainties should not drive us away from God, but help us to identify with him further.  It should allow his love to reach us and heal us. God bless you all.