Rev. David Holwick ZC
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
September 30, 2001
Romans 12:6-18
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I. How will you handle the stress?
A. Experts predict high post-traumatic stress syndrome. (CBS, 26th)
1) Oklahoma bombing experience:
more alcoholism, divorce, addiction, suicide.
2) NYC is a far greater disaster, affecting millions.
3) Many are discouraged about future, meaning of life.
4) Fear is emptying aircraft, even highways.
B. Trauma can be conquered.
1) Many counseling services are offering help.
a) Talking about feelings can help.
b) But main issue is harsh reality of terrorism.
1> It is not something just in our head.
2) Community is the best help for this trauma.
a) We can be part of something that is bigger than our
fears.
b) We need to build up our faith, build up our love.
C. Wise words from Romans 12.
II. Use what you've been given by God.
A. Important Christian teaching - we all have a gift. Use it.
1) Prophesying, serving, teaching.
2) Encouraging, contributing, leading.
3) Showing mercy cheerfully.
B. Crisis has brought out the best in our leaders.
1) Mayor Giuliani was in the dumps a few weeks ago.
a) Now he is lionized for his leadership.
2) President Bush had a reputation as a light-weight.
a) Now we know how forceful he can be.
C. It can bring out the best in each of us.
1) We have opportunities to show our God-given gifts.
2) Get involved in relief effort.
3) Encourage those who are upset.
III. What you need in troubled times.
A. Love.
1) Sincere. Not hypocritical or sentimental.
2) Reject evil, choose good.
a) Words are even stronger - hate and cling.
b) Biblical love is never just sentimentality and
nice feelings. Hatred of sin goes hand-in-hand.
3) Brotherly devotion to others, putting them first.
a) Crisis times do not call for selfishness.
4) Verses 10-13 continue the depiction of "agape" love.
a) Each phrase beings, "in..."
B. Zeal.
1) Spiritual fervor.
a) Heart-felt love for God.
b) Desire to share with others.
c) Jesus was zealous for God.
d) Most Christians are not.
Evangelist Luis Palau was in Chicago for a rally and
took a taxi to a press conference.
The driver was a Muslim from Sudan.
He was very talkative and eager to make Palau a Muslim.
He was trying to convert him in the course of a
ten-minute drive.
Palau told him he was a Christian, which began a quick
discussion about Jesus Christ.
After a few minutes the driver said, "Islam is going to
win in America.
And we're going to win in the world.
You Christians do not really believe Jesus Christ is
the only answer and the only One."
Luis Palau said, "Of course we believe that."
The driver replied, "No, you don't.
I've been here for six years, and I've hardly met a
single American that believes Jesus is the only One
and the only way and the only answer."
#3670
2) Zeal does not mean fanaticism.
a) Proverbs 19:2 - zeal requires knowledge; hastiness
misses the road.
b) Flying an airplane into a building doesn't make your
religion superior.
1> Neither does beating up a foreigner because they
wear a turban.
c) A moral, loving, and spiritual life shows the strength
of our religion.
C. Joy, patience, faithfulness. 12:12
1) Joyful in hope.
a) Present situation may be tough, but future still good.
b) We know what to expect in the end.
2) Patient in affliction.
a) Current crisis - fast action could harm us in future.
b) Learn to take the long view in personal trauma.
3) Faithful in prayer.
a) People are said to be praying more.
b) Temporary due to crisis? Keep at it.
D. Sharing and hospitality. 12:13
1) People are generous like never before.
a) Half a billion dollars raised nationally.
b) $3,500 in Ledgewood alone in two weeks!
2) Volunteerism is up, even locally.
a) AB Men going into city to clean up apartments in area.
E. Bless rather than curse. 12:14
1) Terrorists can't make us negative.
a) If we go that way, they win.
2) What we give shows who we are.
In the early days of the Berlin Wall emotions were
still very much on edge and hostility was running high.
The communist side dumped truckloads of garbage over the
wall onto the western side.
Everyone in West Berlin was outraged at such a terrible
deed.
The topic of conversation on every street corner, in every
home, was how best to get revenge.
Then the word went out from Mayor Willie Brandt that every
flower, every petal, every bit of green that could be
gathered was to be brought to an appointed spot at
the wall.
Then all that beauty and fragrance was thrown over the wall
to the eastern sector.
And above the wall a great banner was hoisted.
As the banner was unfurled, these words were revealed:
"Each gives what he has."
The East German government had thrown garbage; the West
German people threw back flowers.
Moslem terrorists killed our civilians; American forces
will target criminals and soldiers.
#2208
F. Share emotions.
1) Rejoice.
a) Not wrong to enjoy life even in midst of tragedy.
b) Beautiful autumn before us.
2) Mourn.
a) Obituaries listing more and more WTC victims.
b) Many are my age.
c) Memorial service yesterday for Brian Thompson, brother
of friend of ours.
G. Promote peace.
1) Live in harmony.
2) Don't retaliate.
3) Live in peace with everyone.
a) Though it is not always possible.
IV. What we must remember.
A. As great as this disaster is, things have been worse in past.
1) 900 years ago, Crusades liquidated entire cities.
2) Black Death plague killed one-third of Europe.
a) 40% of religious workers died taking care of sick.
b) Our service pales in comparison.
B. Hardship and struggle are part of this world.
1) Jesus - you will have tribulation, but I have overcome
world.
2) Time is coming when cities around the world will fall.
C. Jesus is coming back. Titus 2:13
1) Evil cannot defeat him.
2) The world will be a better place.
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SOURCES FOR ILLUSTRATIONS USED IN THIS SERMON:
#2208 "Palm Branches, Beautiful Flowers And An Empty Tomb," Dynamic
Preaching (www.sermons.com), Winter 1992, a92cs.
#3670 "Conversations: Whatever Happened To Evangelism?" interview with
Luis Palau, by Helen Lee; Online Christianity Today (America
Online), April 8, 1996, page 38.
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