Sermon Notes 8/26/07

From the Sermon "Coals and Cucumbers"

One of the primary keys to effective church ministry was spelled out for us on the Day of Pentecost; the congregation has to function in One Accord (Acts 2:1)...we need to be spiritually connected to the Vine, Jesus Christ...

Analogy of Watermelons and Cucumbers...including some facts about cucumbers:

Cucumbers lying in the sun on a hot day are cooler on the inside than on the outside. Its core temperature can be ten degrees cooler than its outside, as long as it’s connected to the vine…

Even without a thermometer, its temperature can be easily detected by the touch.

Once the cucumber is severed from the vine – it loses its ability to keep its cool.

Jesus said, in John 15:5, “I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who abide in me, and I in the them, will bear much fruit. But apart from me, you can do nothing.”

In Acts 2:40-47, we see the other keys to effective church ministry displayed for us:

40 And [on the Day of Pentecost, Peter] with many other words, he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation!” 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

In verse 40, sermons being preached from the Word of God produced results…

In verse 41, we see that public baptism was of significance as a public declaration of faith.

In verse 42, the fellowship continued steadfastly in Biblical doctrine and – again – fellowship, Holy Communion and casual meals, and prayer.

In verse 43, the fellowship maintained a healthy respect for the Lord. (They practiced Micah 6:8 as a way of life).

In verse 44, all the believers in the fellowship came together, and were spiritually unified.

In verse 45, they were in ministry to those in need.

In verse 46, again, they fellowshipped together regularly, and with sincerity and gladness.

In verse 47, the fellowship of believers praised God, and looked up others with favor…

And the Lord added to their number, day by day, those who were being saved…

This can happen in ANY church that follows this example.

Also referenced in the sermon: The story of 'The Shadow of the Cross,' wherein a stubborn soul slipped into Eternity, despite the fact that he lived next door to a church - and he was never witnessed to by any of the church members...

The story of 'The Coals on the Hearth,' in which a man who withdrew from his church was visited by his minister, who pulled a single coal from a clump of glowing coals, to silently offer up an analogy of what happens when we fall out of fellowship with other believers...to keep the fire going, we must be unified, be in one accord, and let the Holy Spirit lead us as individuals, and as a church...

A great future lies ahead for Zion UMC if we follow the leadership of the Lord!