Sermon for 04/06/08

Explore our opportunities for...

Sermon for 04/06/08
(First time visitors: Please read the notes HERE about these sermons first!)

Easter Wk 3, Heartburn or Burning Heart?
Luke 24:13-35, (RW02)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, AMEN

Main Theme: So… is that internal burning sensation just “heartburn” needing an antacid? Or is it the same “burning in our hearts” that the two disciples experienced on the road to Emmaus? God wants us to set us on fire in hopes that others will turn aside (like Moses with the burning bush) to listen to God speak. It’s only in the presence of Christ, (and it is He who comes to us), and in the hearing His Word, that the Holy Spirit is enabled to set our hearts on fire.

I was once attending a pastor’s text-study, when someone asked “Anyone know why, after encountering the risen Christ, the two disciples on the road to Emmaus went back to Jerusalem?” “Sure” said an intern, “there wasn’t a 7-11 store where they were, and they needed to get some antacid for their heartburn.” Seeing only puzzled looks, he continued, “Well, re-read verse 32 with me: “They said to each other, ‘were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’” See! Burning hearts! Hence the need for antacid!” Obviously the attempted humor flopped big time, but the silliness did lead one pastor to wonder out loud what there was more of in the modern church: heartburn or burning hearts. Obviously this verse in our lesson isn’t talking about heartburn, it’s talking about a burning heart! But it does beg us to ask ourselves: Does my life clearly demonstrate an understanding of what a burning heart is all about?

2) FRESH FUEL! Let me ask you a blunt and tough question: is your heart on fire? And if so, what kind of fire is it? Is it a smoldering coal or a blazing bonfire? Any of you who have ever attempted to build a wood fire, have observed: a wood fire is either increasing or decreasing in intensity. And it’s the same for Christians – your faith fire is either growing or decreasing, depending on what? The amount of fresh fuel available and how often you add another spiritual log to the flames. If your spiritual fire is to increase in intensity, fresh fuel (spiritual fuel) must be available, and added often to the fire.

3) LIVING WORD! So what is spiritual fuel? Well, look at the two men on the road to Emmaus? What caused their hearts to burn brightly? The first sparks began when Jesus came and began to talk to them. The flames grew higher as He opened the scriptures to them! What was it that Jesus used as fuel? The living Word of God! Which is what Jesus was – the living Word of God embodied in flesh and blood. God Himself is the fuel.

4) Transformed! Notice, the closer Christ got to these two men, the longer they lingered in the Word, …the more their hearts began to burn brighter and brighter. And when that happens - the Spirit of God begins to transform you. Remember God wants to transform you, not destroy you. The flames purify you – burning away your selfishness and sin. The flames free you to be pure – in the same way the intense heat of a smelter releases silver and gold from the bondage of worthless rock. And the flames of God make you durable – like a clay pot which only becomes sturdy and useful after it has been in the kiln. No, a “Holy fire” does not destroy you or consume you, but instead engulfs you and transforms you to be Christ-like and Holy.

5) BURN! Could it be that when Jesus came into your life and made His presence and fiery love known to you – that His sparks ignited your tinderboxes? Could it be… that the longer you stay in His presence, letting Him add the fuel of God’s Word to your life, the brighter and hotter you will burn? You KNOW the answer to those questions don’t you! Jesus’ presence and the fuel of God’s life-giving Word – they’re the ingredients that help us catch fire and burn brightly! So why then, do many of us treat God’s fire like heartburn?

6) HEARTBURN! Ironically heartburn, has nothing to do with the heart at all. It’s has to do with stomach acid coming back into the esophagus because the little trap door between the two isn’t doing it’s job. Therefore we buy antacids to neutralize the acid and reduce the burning. Friends, believe me, there are times when the sparks and flames of Jesus and His Word make us feel… weird, strange, uncomfortable, …and the threat of change and transformation scares us and we reach for the antacids of life to help put out the burning. We treat the gift of God like heartburn. We try to neutralize it.

7) Neutralizing God. How? How do we neutralize it? Easy, we just stay away from the source of the sparks and the fuel. We keep prayer down to emergency only situations. We attend church sporadically. We avoid bible studies, growth groups, and Sunday School. We never pick up the bible off the coffee table except to dust it once in a while. We get our name on the membership list, sign up for “Faith and Care” groups to help around the church once every 5 months, but we cautiously avoid the people, the places, and the opportunities to catch fire. We carefully tip toe around Jesus and the Word – keeping a careful distance between us… (lest…)

- lest Jesus transform us and change us…

- lest God should shake up our comfortable world,

- lest Christ should ask us to pick up a bigger cross,

- lest we should be called to walk into the darkness of a hurting world,… - lest we should have to let “self” get burned up and stop chasing the “lesser gods” of this world that promise us so much joy and happiness.

It is those lesser gods that tempt us to want to neutralize the burning.

8) “lesser gods”. What “lesser gods” are we talking about? Anything we have been relying on to bring us hope, comfort, security, and happiness. You know the obvious lesser gods – money, fame, human acceptance, entertainment, materialism, alcohol, drugs, sex, and so forth. They promise so much… and give so little, don’t they? Don’t they leave us so… very empty? Yet, their faces are familiar, like old friends. And there are other lesser gods: we chase after and enjoy at times gossip, criticism, revenge, consumerism, even conflict. Careful! Getting too close to Jesus risks catching fire from a divine spark. Adding the fuel of God’s Word to those sparks, threatens to burn away these lesser gods. Can’t have that, …can we?

9) IT ISN’T ENOUGH! Strange: when Easter comes, it causes us to ponder: is this “heartburn”, or a “burning heart”? Some of us squirm defensively and protest: “Hey, I’m here listening to this sermon aren’t I? That’s getting closer to Jesus isn’t it? If the preacher is preaching God’s Word – I’m “cook’in” right?” Maybe. No doubt, one hour with Jesus on a Sunday morning is a good start, but it isn’t enough. The log that God throws on the fire during a 20 minute sermon can add to the flames, but it won’t last all week. And remember, a fire is either growing …or it is decreasing in intensity. How can Sunday’s fuel, last all week long? Could you talk to your spouse only once a week and build a healthy marriage? One fuel log on Sunday doesn’t keep the fire burning all week! It isn’t enough!

10) Bonefires! Have you ever wondered why some churches are growing and other’s dying? A church, is simply the combined spiritual energy and heat of all the smaller fires burning in the hearts of it’s members. And individually, we fall into 3 groups of fires. The first group are bonfire Christians, blazing on fire for God! Constantly fueled by Christ, their hearts are burning so hot that sparks keep popping off them and landing in the lives of others. At work, school, in their neighborhoods, wherever they go, mini fires break out. People are attracted to these bonfires. The bigger the bonfire, the more people are attracted to it. Bonfire Christians project the abundant light and warmth of Christ’s love and Spirit to others in everything they say and do. The “movers and shakers” in this church can’t help what they are doing; they are on fire! How many bonfires do we have in this church? Are you one of them?

11) Small campfires! The second group of folks have definitely gotten close enough to Jesus that small campfires have broken out. But generally the only fuel thrown on their fire, comes on Sunday morning. Weekly, the time spent in prayer with Jesus face to face is marginal. They’re “too busy” for bible study or devotions. The “lesser gods” in their lives, while initially threatened in the fire of Sunday’s worship, begin to feel less disturbed as Monday arrives, for already the flames are starting to diminish. By the later part of the week, the lesser gods cause them to ignore the dwindling spiritual flame altogether. It’s not that the small faith fire isn’t a blessing, (it’s life-giving), but only in a limited fashion to the individual. It stays a “private” faith fire. It’s just not big or bright enough to attract others to the flames. Which is sad, because there is dry tinder all around them, but the sparks are not flying. New fires are not starting. So tell me, how many small private campfires are burning here at ASLC? Are you one of them?

12) Smoldering coals. The third group are the “saved” who enjoy a nice little camp fire once in awhile – especially when the weather turns foul. But as long as the “lesser gods” continue to dominate their attention, the “faith fire” Jesus started long ago, gets fanned only enough to keep a few smoldering coals glowing red. Their name on the church roster …is deemed enough. But the last thing desired is a transformational blazing fire that threatens to destroy the lesser gods, eliminate self, and totally renovate their comfort zone. Christmas, Easter, once a month visits to the church – it’s enough to keep the coals smoldering, but sadly, the Kingdom of God will not benefit or grow because of it’s diminished heat or light. How many smoldering coal fires are there here at ASLC? And are you one of them?

13) BONFIRE CHRISTIANS! Friends, can you see any other way to fuel our faith fires without constantly being close to Jesus? …constantly catching the sparks from His divine flames? If you are not immersed in the Word daily, in order for the fire to have enough fuel to keep burning brightly throughout the week, how can you become a bonfire Christian that attract others long enough to let them hear the Word of God too? Try this: circle all the “bonfire Christians” in our church directory, and I’ll bet the vast majority are all worshipping regularly, attending bible classes or growth groups, and are involved in daily devotions! So, what am I suggesting? …everyone who isn’t yet a bonfire Christian needs to work harder? …that we can somehow clean up our act? No!

14) Jesus! See, faith fires don’t grow because of anything you can do. Only God can make the flame burn brighter in your heart. If you think “finding” Jesus to get closer to Him is the right idea, you are mistaken. You can’t find Jesus. But then you don’t have to. He finds you. As He came to the men on the road to Emmaus, He has come to you. Jesus, not you, provides the fuel – that is, the “Word of God”. But notice – as much as Jesus desires you to have these blessings and burn brighter, Jesus does not force upon you Himself or the spiritual fuel He offers.

15) Stay with us Jesus! When the men turned off for the night, Jesus made out like He was continuing on. But when they urged Him to “stay with us”, (vs. 29), He did so eagerly – ready to continue and build upon what He had started. “Stay with us Jesus”: He longs for those words of relationship. But… He will not force Himself upon you. He waits until you respond with, “stay with me Jesus”, and then He eagerly sets about opening your eyes, and setting your hearts on fire.

16) CHRIST BRINGS IT: How do we communicate we want Him to “Stay with us”?

- When we join together to worship Him regularly,

- when we seek His wisdom and Spirit in a bible study, growth group, or Sunday School Class,

- when we listen to His Word by opening our Bibles every day,

- when we set time aside to be alone with Him in constant prayer throughout our day, that’s how we make it clear we want Him to “Stay with us!” We don’t deserve for Him to stay with us. We don’t deserve to bask in the life-giving Word. We don’t deserve to break bread with Him, or have access to the fuel that provides an abundance of warmth and light. But Christ brings it – gladly, eagerly, graciously… to every one who says “Stay with me Jesus!”

17) BETTING ON THE HOLY SPIRIT! Will you catch fire and become a blazing bonfire that attracts and ignites the people you meet? I don’t know. Will this church catch fire and become a blazing bonfire - sending off sparks into our neighborhood, our places of work, our schools, and our homes? I don’t know. Will the empty seats in our pews be filled to overflowing someday? I don’t know. Will the hurting, bleeding, lost souls all around us have their broken dry tinder set ablaze by the warmth, light, and love of Jesus Christ? Will streams of seekers - cold, shaking, living in darkness - be attracted to our fire long enough to hear the Word of God and be saved, cleansed, forgiven, healed, and transformed? I don’t know. I pray for it – I pray for it with all my heart and soul. See, having felt the heat, I’m betting on the Holy Spirit, or I wouldn’t be here.

18) Let it burn! Yes, I’m praying and betting today that you will look at the Easter miracle, and want to get closer to the divine fire.

I’m betting that the more time you spend with Him, the more you will stop looking for the antacid that neutralizes the Holy Spirit and instead allow the flames to transform you.

- I’m betting the closer you get to Him, the more He will open your eyes, and the more you will want to immerse yourself in His Word.

- I’m betting that the number of small groups and bible studies here will grow and you will be there - letting God add another log to the fire.

And I’m betting you will increasingly turn to Him and say, “Stay with me Jesus”, and your hearts will burn more brightly than ever before. Why do I bet this way? Because whether you meant it to happen or not, you’re listening to the Word of God, and basking in His love, and the Holy Spirit is at work igniting your hearts. I know how God works – relax, it’s not heart burn, it’s a burning heart fueled by God’s love. Let it burn! And praise God. AMEN

Sermon/Confessional Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we confess that we have reached for the antacid that neutralizes the flames of the Holy Spirit far too often. We still struggle to trust you to burn away the familiar and comfortable parts of ourselves. We still cling to the promise of the lesser gods of money, materialism, and so forth. Our fears and lack of understanding how you work keeps us from moving closer to you. Forgive us, and break down our resistance that we may experience the freedom, renewal, joy and peace that comes from a burning faith.

Lord, we confess our fires don’t attract those in darkness because they do not have enough fuel. Forgive us for not worshipping you regularly, for not seeking you in bible studies or growth groups, for not opening your life-giving Word during the week. Lord, we don’t have the discipline or strength to change our ways – so help us. Empower us with your Spirit, that we may seek you daily in prayer, read your Word, and worship you in a committed relationship. Add fuel to our private campfires until we become bonfires sharing your warmth and light with those around us.

And now Lord, although you know us better than we know ourselves, listen as we share in a moment of silence, those other parts of our lives that need to be forgiven, washed clean, healed, and made anew.

(Silence)

Lord, you are a roaring fire that purifies us, cleanses us, and makes us durable, sturdy, and useful to the Kingdom. Bring us closer to you, and transform us. Help us individually, and collectively to become bonfires that send sparks of divine love out into the community, and help us to nurture them with the fuel of your Word. AMEN

Assurance of Forgiveness:

Friends, listen to the good news: The Lord, who seeks you out and fuels the fires of faith, has mercifully heard your confession and eagerly forgives you all your sins. May the words “Stay with us Jesus” be forever on your lips. May you be daily fueled by God’s Word. And may those lost in darkness be attracted to your burning hearts. Amen

Opening prayer: Easter Week 3, Luke 24:13-35,

Dear Heavenly Father, two weeks ago your sanctuaries were full as we celebrated Easter. Already the winds of routine have returned, and we find ourselves distracted by the priorities of the world and the busyness of our culture. Our struggles and fears have begun again to sidetrack us from living a resurrection lifestyle. Your sacrifices, your love, your victory over sin, Satan, and death, seem to fade in the haze of our daily struggles to survive. Even as we recognize our condition, we are helpless to do anything about it. Only you can help us. Only you can fuel our fires of faith again. Only you can wash away the grim, heal our wounds, and refresh our spirits. And so we thank you Lord for calling us here this morning. We thank you for your compassion, mercy, forgiveness, and peace. We ask you would strengthen us, guide us, transform us, and live in our hearts, that we may shine before the world – reflecting your grace and love in everything we say and do. In Jesus Name we Pray! AMEN

1^st Lesson: Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Imagine the shock to the heart when the people listening to Peter’s sermon suddenly realized that they were guilty of crucifying the Son of God. “Is there anything we can do?” they ask in despair. And Peter’s answer is “Yes”. His prescription then is the same for us today when we awaken to discover we are not living according to God’s will. Listen - for his answer is not only good news to us, but for everyone who is lost and in darkness.

Return to Sermon Index & Intro Page