I Have Seen the Lord - 2
April 20, 2003
John 20:18
Easter Sunday 9:00 & 11:00 am
Galena-Warwick United Methodist Charge
Warwick & Galena, Maryland
Rev. Dr. Lawrence D. Jameson
larry@larryjameson.com
back to our church home page
Mary said,
“I have seen the Lord.”
Can you imagine what the disciples
must have thought
when she said those words?
But soon, all of them would see him too.
Jesus appeared to the disciples.
He proved to them,
even to doubting Thomas,
that he is alive.
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead
is at work
right now
in this room.
If we simply look
we can see the evidence of his presence.
I enjoy watching TV programs like
CSI, CSI Miami, Crossing Jordan,
Cold Case Files, Forensic Investigations.
In those programs the “good guys”
use advanced scientific techniques
to solve crimes.
We live in a time of great scientific advancement.
It is amazing what a trained eye can find.
We need to instruct our eyes
to see the evidence of God’s resurrection power.
There are miracles
that take place every day
and if we are not careful, we can miss them.
Here’s an example:
The Alpha Course.
Who would have thought that our two churches
could have a Bible study
that would average between 30 and 40 people
every Tuesday night
from September 17 to December 3rd last year?
At the Alpha Course
we saw evidence of the Lord’s presence.
There were answered prayers,
there were friendships made,
and we all learned a lot about the Bible.
I want to do that again!
In fact, offering the Alpha Course this fall
is one of our three top goals for 2003.
In Matthew 18:20 Jesus said,
“Where two or three have gathered together in my name,
there I am in their midst.”
That verse is based on resurrection power.
Have you noticed the way we record attendance
in our bulletin?
We always include a +1.
We do that because of the Lord’s promise in Matthew 18:20.
If the resurrection is true,
then Jesus is here in this room,
and if we look
we should see evidence of his presence.
Here is another example:
Our youth group.
One day Dawn Webb pulled me aside
and told me how she felt led
to give up her position as Sunday School Superintendent
so she could help lead a youth group.
God’s timing was in this
and just four months ago
we took a step of faith
and put together a trip to Ocean City
to attend our Conference Youth Rally.
What a special experience that was!
You know what I have noticed about both churches?
Every time we step out in faith
and try to do something for our youth
God gives us a blessing.
We had Easter Egg hunts at both Warwick and Galena
last week on Palm Sunday.
That was a big first for us.
Just look at the attendance figures in the bulletin.
God poured out a blessing.
That is evidence of God’s presence.
We decided to have a lock-in
on March 21st.
Twenty-five middle school
and three High School students attended.
The Lord was there in a mighty way.
We had a great time!
I know we should have had more adults there.
Poor Dawn stayed up all night long,
then the next day
she modeled in a fashion show at the Granary
for Ashton Starkey.
I bet Dawn is still sleepy from that experience.
Dear ones,
our churches are experiencing a series of blessings.
Have you noticed?
What about all the new members who have joined?
If you joined this church within the last two years
would you raise your hand?
We need to give God the praise
because he is quietly working miracles in this church.
There is evidence in this room
of the presence and the power of Jesus.
Here is another example:
The Walk to Emmaus
The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual retreat
that lasts four days.
Audrey Kulick, Nancy Hopkins, and I
went on the Walk to Emmaus
before we came to the Galena-Warwick Charge.
Ray Bann was the first one from our churches to attend.
He went on his walk last April 25-28, 2002.
Then on November 21 of last year
Dawn Webb & Monica Samans
attended the retreat.
(PRESENT WALK TO EMMAUS PINS)
Because of their testimony,
and the obvious blessings on their lives,
six more people have sent in their applications:
Carl Samans, Stephanie Edwards, Debbie Edwards,
Susan Jameson, April Elburn, Maryanne MacClelland.
Lord willing,
Carl Samans goes on his Walk to Emmaus
this coming Thursday.
Let’s say a prayer for him right now. (PRAY FOR CARL)
Dear ones,
God is working in our church
we can see the evidence of his presence.
All we have to do is look around and see.
Let us pray.
Dear Jesus,
you appeared to Mary Magdalene
to Peter, James, and John,
and best of all
you have revealed your presence to us.
Open our eyes
to see the evidence of your miracle power.
Make us grateful, and willing to serve.
Please continue to bless our church
one person at a time.
All glory and honor
belongs to you
risen Lord. Amen.