[Propertalk] Fwd: Sermon Resources for November 30 - Part 2B

[Joe Parrish]

Jesus Is Coming!
One of my dearest friends applied for a position that required himto instruct and inspire younger people. His interviewer and evaluator askedhim, "Tell me about your walk with Jesus." My friend replied,"You know, everywhere I go, no matter where or when, I find that Jesus hasarrived there first. Wherever I go, Jesus is already there." The evaluatormade no reply; he had no idea what to say, and my friend was never offered thejob. Was his response too theologically subtle? Jesus is not the Lord whom wediscover or define or claim. Jesus comes to us. We do not summon Him by anyaction of our own. Jesus is God's gift. While we were yet sinners, he wasborn, died, and raised again for us that we might inherit n ew life. 

Advent announces that Jesus is coming and not through any action of our own. Wedo not deserve it. Advent happens. Advent means that Jesus comes again and forall time, at Christmas, this Christmas.
Edward S. Gleason, In the Time of This Mortal Life
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The Return of the King
John Phillips, in his book Exploring Revelation, tells about thereturn of Richard I, the Lionhearted, to England. It was during the time of thecrusades. While Richard was away doing battle in the Mideast, his kingdom fellon bad times. His brother, Prince John, justly vilified in the tales of RobinHood, usurped the kingdom and misruled the realm. The people of Englandsuffered under John’s rule and longed for the return of their rightful king.They prayed that it might be soon. Then one day Richard returned. He landed inEngland and marched straight for his throne. John’s castles tumbled beforeRichard like ninepins. Richard the Lionhearted laid claim to his throne, andnone dared stand in his path. The people shouted their delight. They rang pealafter peal on the bells. The Lion was back! Long live the king! 
John Phillips adds these hopeful words: “One day a King greaterthan Richard will lay claim to a realm greater than England. Those who haveabused the earth in His absence, seized His domains, and mismanaged His worldwill all be swept aside.” 

That day’s coming, friends, and it will be a grand and glorious day. Get ready.No one knows when it will be. But get ready. No one knows what shape it willtake, but we know this: God’s in charge and God can be trusted. What I say toyou, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

King Duncan, Collected Sermons, www.Sermons.com
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Second Coming – Readiness
While on a South Pole expedition, British explorer Sir ErnestShackleton left a few men on Elephant Island, promising that he would return. Later,when he tried to go back, huge icebergs blocked the way. But suddenly, as if bya miracle, an avenue opened in the ice and Shackleton was able to get through.His men, ready and waiting, quickly scrambled aboard. No sooner had the shipcleared the island than the ice crashed together behind them. Contemplatingtheir narrow escape, the explorer said to his men, "It was fortunate youwere all packed and ready to go!" They replied, "We never gave uphope. Whenever the sea was clear of ice, we rolled up our sleeping bags andreminded each other, 'He may come today.'"
Unknown
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Stay and Shine
Sue Monk Kidd tells about when her daughter was small and got thedubious part of the Bethlehem star in a Christmas play. After her firstrehearsal, she burst through the door with her costume, a five-pointed starlined in shiny gold tinsel designed to drape over her like a sandwich board."What exactly will you be doing in the play?" her mother asked her.
"I just stand there and shine," her daughter answered.Sue Monk Kidd says she has never forgotten that response…
Many additional illustrations, sermons, and commentary for thisweek, the rest of Advent, Christmas, and the whole church year can be accessedat www.Sermons.com.
 
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