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Cheer up in God’s love (Matthew 14:22-33). Storm and salvation from the pews. The funeral service for our dear sister, Edith Witham She was one of the best friends to all of us who had been deeply dedicated to serving many people in our community.
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Storm and salvation from the pews • The funeral service for our dear sister, Edith Witham • She was one of the best friends to all of us who had been deeply dedicated to serving many people in our community. • A confident to lead the whole service/ A sense of fear for a moment. • When I got out of my office and stood on the pulpit to begin the service, I just felt like I was suddenly thrown into the storm. • Jesus Christ came and saved me out of fear. • Where was Jesus and who was Jesus in this storm? • You sent me lovely smiles and twinkling eyes and spoke to my heart, “Pastor Cheol, don’t be afraid? Just be yourself. We are here to support you.”
The Faith’s Journey Jumped out of the boat: • Peter said, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” • Jesus said, “Come on!” • Peter got out of the boat. • When he saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink, • Peter cried out, “Lord, save me.” • Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.
Water Walkers: • John Ortberg : Christians are the water-walkers. • “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Mt. 8:19-20). • Jesus says, “If you decide to follow me, you should know that there will be difficult and discouraging times.”
The race of faith: • Hebrews 12:1-2: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” • Our Christian life is not compared to a sprint race but a marathon. • We should gather together, work together, and serve and cheer up one another. • Companionship is the critical factor for our faith’s journey.
A great cloud of witnesses: • We are surrounded by “such a great cloud of witnesses” to inspire and encourage our race of faith. • Ex) Noah spent 120 years of his life only building an ark. I may feel anxious and complain, “Why is this taking so long?” Noah whispers in my ear, “Son, how long do you say you have been waiting?” • “What more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about all the prophets who conquered the nations (the storms) through faith” (v. 33). • “Stand firm! Fight a good fight! March on in light of God!” • “Beloved, don’t give up. Don’t lose heart. I was there also. Learn from my mistake. You can always do it again.” • They don’t ridicule, blame, or judge our vulnerability, for they know how difficult our Christian journey can be. • They are cheering us on.
The saint in our lives: • The men and women of God who have had an impact on our lives, who have served our communities and found all of our ministries in our church. I can also see lots of servants in our church, who know how to support and cheer people. When I first came to • our church in July, we were both full of curiosity and expectation towards each other. Although I was new to you, you did truly welcome me as your pastor. Whenever I think about our fellowship and partnership, I am always thankful to be here at Worcester Church.
Not only of the great saints of the Scriptures but also the men and women of God who have had an impact on our lives. • Lots of servants in our church, who know how to support and cheer people. • Whenever I think about our fellowship and partnership, I am always thankful to be here at Worcester Church.
Laity Sunday – Team ministry • Tom gave us a wonderful message about our Christian journey; Norma led the service as a worship leader; Sarah preached to children; Marcy read her own poem as a prayer. • We sent invitation letters to our neighbors a week before. That’s why we could have visitors and friends in our service. • Tom: “Pastor Cheol, we should continue to find a way to invite people to our service.” • Cheol: “Yes, Tom, we have to continue to invite people. Our goal is to grow! What can we do? How can we work out? That should be our question and our mission. Let us come and talk about it more” • How can we support each other? How can we cheer people? How can we shape our partnership and team ministry? • “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (v. 2). • If we focus on Jesus Christ as our Lord and leader, we can unite our minds and powers and work together for the sake of Jesus’ salvation ministry.
Cheerleaders or storm • When we jump out of the boat, we will meet two types of people: Jesus or storm. • We are bold enough to get out of the boat because we love Jesus and we want to follow him. • How do we want to meet others who get out of the boat to follow Jesus? To cheer them or discourage them? • Jesus Christ calls us to run together on a marathon of faith. • We are all companions and partners in ministry who are called to gather together, work together, and serve and cheer one another • When we run and finish this race well, we must fix our eyes on Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
