The following map image is what Pastor Kim referred to during her sermon.

Based on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians 1:9-10 “he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.“

Kim gives credit to Rob Bell and his book, “What is the Bible?” and his chapter 5 on the Greek word “anakephalaiossathai” for an interpretation of this scripture. Rob Bell’s book is available in print, Kindle and as an audiobook thru the link above – Ted’s opinion is that it is best to listen to it.

To be Pentecost Christians we (fill in the blanks as you listen, answers below that):

1. Make _____________________ a priority.

2. ____________to fellows Christians before and after__________.

3. Live our _______the rest of the week which includes _________ for and ____________people we know, to _______________________________.

Jesus lifted up the _ because they were ____________________to God not because the culture of the day ________________.

As faithful Christians, United Methodists take the Bible seriously __________. We look for how the biggest theme of all God’s ________________________ is lived out.

Pentecost sent the original disciples into _________________________just a few years earlier. Can we model that same kind of openness?

Answers:

worship, Reach out , worship, faith, praying for, inviting, try our church

outcast, human beings precious, valued them

but not literally, love for and welcome of all people

relationships they would never have imagined

Pastor Kim’s message is based on John 13:34. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.“

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Photos used by Pastor Kim to illustrate one of her stories. Dell and Sonya Curry as they arrived to watch their sons, Steph and Seth Curry, compete against each other in the Western Conference NBA Finals. They made special efforts to support both sons out of love.

Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.

Acts 9:36-42. New Revised Standard Version

To enter the world of our scriptures this morning we do not have to leave our minds at the door, but we do need to accept two assumptions:

1. God is still working through the Holy Spirit in the lives of people today.

2. God is in fact eager to transform brokenness into new life.

Knowing others care is very empowering.  And if our caring helps communicate that God cares—well that is often how God chooses to work in the world.

Rising with Jesus means to be open to people we might not otherwise be open to. See Matthew 18:15-17 for the steps of forgiveness!