SO THEY WENT…AND SPENT THAT DAY WITH HIM

By Dr. Eric C. Stumpf, Senior Pastor

St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church – Munster, IN

13 Jan 2008 + Small Group Ministry Emphasis + John 1:39a

            My wife and I have returned from Florida where we visited my son and daughter-in-law.  He is interning at Bethel Lutheran Church – Clearwater.  We have a number of connections I found with that congregation.  The Retzlaff family, parents of our Kathy Bergin belong there.  In fact the last Sunday of 2007, they were here at St. Paul’s, and the first Sunday of 2008, my wife and I were down at their church and they sat next to us.  It’s a small world.  Then we met Bob Navta’s brother, Bob ushers at the 8:00 service, another person who is part of the family.  It also turns out that Pastor Parsch at Bethel was my roommate for a semester when we went to school in Milwaukee   When family members get together, they spend time reconnecting, talking about what’s happening, etc.,  It’s important to keep the family alive.  This reminds me of our theme for this year is “You’re part of the family – Your part of the family.” 

            This morning I am struck by the phrase in our text – so they went…and spent that day with him.  Who wouldn’t like to be with Jesus?  Oh, the questions we would have, the desire to hear the very Word of God speak the words of God.  What comfort and joy for those who are dying or children who are growing in their faith and are excited to learn about Jesus.

            This morning I would like us to lift up three things.  First, how can we grow in that closeness to Christ?  Second, how can we enjoy fellowship with others more warmly?  And, third, how can we share this good gift with others?

 Small Groups – Introduction

            For the past year the Board of Deacons and a sub-committee of the Board chaired by Ron Millies have been looking at, studying, and working through a plan for small group ministry.  In a nutshell small group ministry is gathering people to do three important things – grow in the word, encourage one another in prayer, and be intentional in inviting others to join their fellowship.  Why? 

            Small group ministry enables people through Bible study to be closer to Jesus.  I know a lot of people think its to be knowledgeable in Scripture, to be able to answer trivia questions about the Bible.  That is secondary to the more important goal, to be with our Lord.  St. Paul’s has done similar things in the past.  Cottage Groups gathered to study the word in the past.  Small Group Ministry also includes other important things.  In a time were the amount of socializing is diminishing, leaving people feeling more and more isolated, it’s a good opportunity to encourage one another in our life, especially through the power of God’s Word.  SGM also has the built in encouragement to reach out and include other who need to heart the Word.  John 1:39 shows us clearly it is Jesus’ intent that we invite others to know the comforts and joys we have in him.  Andrew knew this was good and got his brother Peter to come and enjoy the same.  SMG has a very important history in our church.

            One of the most influential light in our church was C. F. W. Walther, first president of the LCMS, and many would agree saved the fledgling church in America.  In his book, Law and Gospel, he admits that when he went to the University, he was ignorant of God’s Word, didn’t know the 10 Commandments or the order of the Books of the Bible.  It was through his association, upon the invitation of an older brother, to a small group of students who fellowshipped and studied God’s word that turn things around for him.  At first, he admits, he came for the fellowship, but through the word God turned his heart closer to him. (p. 141)

 Small Groups

            The SGM that is planned for St. Paul’s is to focus on three things.  First, the solid foundation must be God’s Word.  Just as John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God, we do the same – behold Jesus the Savior, his salvation for us.  This is not a substitute for worship on Sundays, but an informal gathering around the Word as we are strengthened by the renewing power of the Holy Spirit.

            Second, Christian fellowship encourages one another in Word and prayer.  There is a big difference between a meal eaten alone, generally in a fast food restaurant, and a meal eaten with family and friends, perhaps to mark a special occasion.  The first is done quickly with little thought about what is eaten, much less its taste and enjoyment.  Dinner with family and friends is done more leisurely, lots of talking and fellowship, remembrance of other great meals enjoyed.  My wife Linda likes to take pictures of the meals we have on special occasions.  To the best of my knowledge she has never taken a picture of an ordinary fast food restaurant meal, its not special, it will not evoke good memories.  So it is with SGM enjoyment of the Word in fellowship with others – a time to encourage one another.

            Third, we are mindful to share the gifts we enjoy with others.  A young boy was staring at a church stain glass window one day.  The usher asked him if he knew what the picture meant.  “Yes,” replied the boy,” it is St. Paul on the Road to Damascus, Jesus is calling him.”  The usher said he was right.  Then he asked, do you know what a saint is?  “Yes,” the boy replied,” it is a person through whom God shines his light.”  God desires to shine his light of salvation in Jesus through you so others might see.  Inviting a friend to come and hear the words of eternal life is the greatest gift you can give.

 An Invitation

            God is a God of promise.  Promises are great when they are kept.  If some one borrowed money from you and gave you an IOU, it’s a promise to pay.  You wouldn’t lend money to just anyone, especially a stranger.  How would you know if they would pay you back?  You would lend to someone you trusted, someone you have a relationship with, someone whose word is sure.  God has shown he keeps his promises.  Daily he answers your prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread.”  We see in Scripture how he kept his word to individuals like Abraham, Sarah, David, etc., to his people as a whole, by sending the Savior.  God has given you a promise in your baptism and one day we know that promise will come true.

            How can I be part of that promise?  You are invited along with others already committed to attend a workshop February 2 on small group ministry called “Getting Started.”  Scott Boeckman has written up an invitation with details for you to see and pray about.  Speak to Scott if you are interested.

            Our goal is through SGM to develop Christ-like relationships by feeding on God’s Word, responding to his love through fellowship, praying, caring, encouraging, and inviting others to come.

            How can we grow closer to Christ?  We grow closer by spending time in his Word.  How can we enjoy fellowship with others?  We come together and encourage one another in Christ.  How can we share this good gift?  We can invite others to enjoy our fellowship and growth in Christ.  Amen.

SDG