{"id":189,"date":"2018-11-07T11:23:01","date_gmt":"2018-11-07T19:23:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/migrate.bettersermons.org\/?p=189"},"modified":"2020-06-01T11:40:42","modified_gmt":"2020-06-01T18:40:42","slug":"mr-rogers-and-god","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/mr-rogers-and-god\/","title":{"rendered":"Mr. Rogers and God"},"content":{"rendered":"
Mr. Rogers and God<\/span><\/div>\n

\".\"
\nText:<\/strong>\u00a0John 3:16<\/p>\n

Note:<\/strong>\u00a0I begin this sermon with a performance of the classic Mr. Rogers’\u00a0It\u2019s a Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood<\/em>.\u00a0I sing the song while putting on a cardigan sweater and sneakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
A.<\/td>\nSeveral years ago Mr. Rogers was invited to give the invocation at the graduation exercises on the campus of Boston University.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nThe somber faced deans and regally dressed academics ere ill-prepared for what happened when the 64 year old Presbyterian clergyman stepped to the podium.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nThe 5,400 graduates leaped to their feet,\u00a0threw their caps into the air, and shouted, “Mr. Rogers! Yeah!”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nThe red-robed graduates broke into a wave\u00a0shouting louder and louder, “Mr. Rogers!\u00a0 Mr. Rogers!\u00a0 Mr. Rogers!”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nRogers simply stood there smiling shyly\u00a0wondering how he was going to get these wild kids to settle down for prayer.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nAnd then with the tiniest voice he leaned into the microphone and said, “Will you sing with me?”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n6.<\/td>\nThe graduates locked arms and swayed together\u00a0as they sang\u00a0It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood<\/em>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
B.<\/td>\nFred Rogers lived his life in the city of Pittsburg\u00a0where\u00a0Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood<\/em>\u00a0was produced.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nThe life he led was disciplined, deliberate, and gentle.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nEvery morning at 6:30, he was in the pool swimming laps.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nHe didn’t smoke or drink,\u00a0he rarely went to parties,\u00a0and he was in bed by 9:30 every night.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nIn every show he took off his shoes and put on his sneakers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nThere was this simple ritual that let you know\u00a0that this was a safe and comfortable place to be.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n6.<\/td>\nWith happy songs and simple puppetry and grandfatherly conversation\u00a0Mr. Rogers found a new way each day to get his message\u00a0into the hearts of kids across America.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n7.<\/td>\nAnd what was that message?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n8.<\/td>\nThat you are special.\u00a0That you are worthwhile, no matter what you are like on the outside.\u00a0That it’s what’s inside you that matters most.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
C.<\/td>\nIn the familiar lines of John 3:16, we can see that that is God’s message to us today.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nYou are special.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nYou are loved.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nYou are so special and you are so loved that God gave all of heaven for you\u00a0in the precious gift of Jesus Christ.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nLet’s say those familiar lines together:<\/p>\n

For God so loved the world
\nThat He gave His only begotten Son,
\nThat whosoever believeth in Him,
\nShould not perish,
\nBut have everlasting life.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

For God So Loved the World<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
A.<\/td>\nNow let’s face it –<\/p>\n

All of us have these pictures of God in our heads and a lot of these pictures are badly out of focus.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nFor some of us God is like a Disneyland dad\u2013<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nAn easy sort of fellow who promises a magic kingdom day, everyday.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nNo heartaches.\u00a0No hard times.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nJust one big thrill ride after another.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nFor some of us God is like a Las Vegas slot machine\u2013
\nPut your good-deeder quarter in the slot and hope for the jackpot.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nFor some of us God is like a Duchesne cop.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nLet me explain.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nFor three years I pastored a little church in Vernal, Utah.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nIt took me three hours each way to get there.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nd.<\/td>\nAnd every time I drove there I had to go through the town of Duchesne.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\ne.<\/td>\nNow the cops in Duchesne are ticket happy guys.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nf.<\/td>\nI think that’s how they funded the whole department.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\ng.<\/td>\nAnd one Sabbath afternoon I went flying through town\u00a0and they nailed me.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nh.<\/td>\nWhen got to church I complained about how I had gotten a ticket\u00a0and they laughed at me.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\ni.<\/td>\nThey said, “That’s nothing.\u00a0Pastor Jones came over here one Sabbath from Salt Lake City\u00a0and he got a ticket on his way to church\u00a0and another one on his way home.”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nj.<\/td>\nSome people think God is like a Duchesne cop \u2013 Someone who is out to get you.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nFor some of us God is like Ebenezer Scrooge\u2013<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nSomeone who is a genuine bore.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nSomeone who drains the very joy out of life.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nA lot of people see God as the original tightwad\u00a0who wants His people to mindlessly adhere\u00a0to a bunch of arbitrary rules.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
B.<\/td>\nWhen it comes to getting a clear picture of God\u00a0the Bible tells us that the very heart and soul \u2013 the very quintessence of God is love.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nAnd that love is so deep, so wide, so high\u00a0we can’t totally get our feeble minds around it.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nAnd so God says, “Let me show you some pictures\u00a0from my family picture album.”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
C.<\/td>\nThe first snap shot takes us clear back to the beginning of our world.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nThe love of God can be seen in the creation of the human race.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nThe companionship of men and women\u00a0was something that God wanted to enjoy\u00a0so He did something He had never done before\u2013<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nFrom the very elements of the earth He fashioned the first man and woman\u00a0and He breathed into them the breath of life.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nAdam and Eve were more than mere puppets. They were given the ability to choose love for God in response.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nEvery single day God fellowshipped with Adam and Eve.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n6.<\/td>\nThe laughter and love they shared created unforgettable moments together.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
D.<\/td>\nAnd then one day Adam and Eve began to doubt that love\u00a0and they acted upon those doubts by eating the forbidden fruit.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nIn that moment the entire course of the human race was altered.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nSelfishness, hatred, bitterness, cynicism, sorrow and death\u00a0penetrated the whole human experience.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
E.<\/td>\nDuring the Vietnam War\u00a0David Roever was given the assignment\u00a0to clear a path through the jungle for the other soldiers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nHe stood on the bow of his boat and reached for a hand grenade.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nHe drew his arm back and started to hurl the grenade into the thicket ahead\u00a0when all of a sudden a hidden enemy shot the grenade right in his hand.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nThe whole thing exploded a mere 6 inches from his face\u00a0spraying white phosphorus all over his body.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nIn an instant he became a human torch.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nEven the water in the swamp could not put out the flames.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n6.<\/td>\nFinally the medics were able to spray him with copper sulfate\u00a0and get him to the hospital to begin the healing process.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n7.<\/td>\nTwo weeks later they decided to do surgery\u00a0and when the doctors made the incision\u00a0Roever’s internal organs burst into flame.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n8.<\/td>\nEvidently some of the white phosphorus had been ingested\u00a0and when the phosphorus was ignited by the oxygen in the operating room\u00a0it set the man on fire all over again.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n9.<\/td>\nThat’s the way it is with sin\u2013<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nIt has penetrated the whole human race.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nIt is a systemic kind of thing that burns deep within us.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nAnd it is fatal.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
F.<\/td>\nNow God could have been like a Duchsene cop and nailed us to the wall.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nHe could have said, “That’s it! I’m through with you!”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nHe could have zapped us clear out of existence\u00a0with the sweep of a finger-tip laser beam.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nBut \u2013 God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
That He Gave His Only Begotten Son<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
A.<\/td>\nWithin moments of Adam and Eve’s fall\u00a0the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit met together in a holy conclave\u00a0to confirm the contingency plans that had always been there\u00a0should the human race fail.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nWith broken hearts and tear streaked faces\u00a0they determined that love would find a way to save the human race.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nIn a mystery that we will never fully understand,\u00a0it was decided that Jesus, the Son of God\u00a0would come to this earth and pay the penalty for our sin.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nIt was the only way.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nOnly He who fully knew the height and depth and width of God’s love. Only He\u00a0could make it fully known on earth.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nOnly He whose holy character is reflected in the law of God\u00a0could make atonement for its violation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n6.<\/td>\nAnd so Jesus came to this earth to live and die \u2013\u00a0to show us what love is all about.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
B.<\/td>\nDuring the Spanish Civil War of 1936 to 1939\u00a0the old fort in Toledo was held under bombardment for 72 days\u00a0by the communist dominated loyalist forces.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nSome how the enemy captured the general’s son.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nThey called the general and said,\u00a0\u00a0“We’ve got your son. You must surrender the fort.”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nThey put the young man on the phone and he cried out,\u00a0“Father, unless you surrender the fort they will kill me.”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nIt was a heart wrenching moment.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nThe father struggled to make a decision.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n6.<\/td>\nShould he sacrifice his country’s interests because of his deep love for his son?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n7.<\/td>\nFinally the anguished words came,<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\n“My son, commend your soul to God.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nCry\u00a0Viva la Espana\/Long live Spain<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nAnd die like a patriot.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\nd.<\/td>\nGood-bye, my son.”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n8.<\/td>\nThe father then went to the back corner of the fort\u00a0and fell on his knees to cry and pray.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n9.<\/td>\nAnd as the tears streamed through his fingers\u00a0he heard the shot at the bottom of the hill that took his son’s life.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n10.<\/td>\nThis father made the supreme sacrifice for his country \u2013\u00a0He gave up his son.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
C.<\/td>\nListen my friend \u2013 you will never find a love that is greater\u00a0than the love God has for you.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nIn Jesus Christ He made the supreme sacrifice for you.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nHe gave all of heaven for you.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
D.<\/td>\nIn a mystery that defies full human comprehension\u00a0Jesus laid aside His royal robes and came to this earth.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nThe King of glory became the babe of Bethlehem.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nThe Creator of the universe\u00a0learned to craft wood into fine pieces of furniture\u00a0in the Nazarene’s carpenter shop.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nIn His ministry Jesus worked to widen our apertures and sharpen our focus \u2013\u00a0to deliver a good, crisp, clear picture of God’s love for us.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nHe gathered the children in His arms.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nHe healed the sick and raised the dead.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n6.<\/td>\nHe treated women with respect and dignity.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n7.<\/td>\nWith a twinkle in His eyes and humorous wit\u00a0He spoke words of hope to men and women and children.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n8.<\/td>\nHe did not flinch in the face of oppression.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n9.<\/td>\nEven when He called the religious power brokers of His days\u00a0a bunch of snakes and white-washed sepulchers\u00a0there were tears in His eyes.\u00a0Tough love in His voice.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
E.<\/td>\nAnd to top it all off, He died on the cross for you and me.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nChrist was treated as we deserve\u00a0that we might be treated as He deserves.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nHe was condemned for our sins\u00a0in which He had no share\u00a0that we might be justified by His righteousness\u00a0in which we had no share.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nHe suffered the death that was ours,\u00a0that we might receive the life which is His. –\u00a0Desire of Ages<\/em>\u00a025<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
That whosoever believeth in Him Should not perish, but have everlasting life<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
A.<\/td>\nThe future is bright for those who embrace that love \u2013<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nJesus tells us that whoever believes in Him\u00a0will not perish, but have everlasting life.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nOur Savior who lived and died and rose again\u00a0and ascended into heavenly places\u00a0has promised to come again\u00a0and take us to heaven where we will live forever.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nNever again will terrorists knock down World Trade Center\u00a0and snuff out thousands of lives in an instant.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nNever again will a tsunami sweep across Asia.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nNever again will a hurricane blow through the gulf states.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n6.<\/td>\nNever again will the centers for disease control\u00a0have to grapple with cancer and AIDS.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n7.<\/td>\nNever again will gangs and drug cartels take control of our streets.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n8.<\/td>\nFor we will live in a city whose builder and maker is God.\u00a0 Hebrew 11:10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
B.<\/td>\nSo what does it take to get all that?\u00a0\u00a0What does it take to get the gift of eternal life?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nJesus gives us the answer right here in John 3:16 \u2013<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nWhoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
C.<\/td>\nThe story is told of a woman who was driving alone late at night\u00a0and plunged into a guard rail.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nFor two and a half hours this woman writhed in excruciating pain\u00a0and her car dangled from the overpass by its left rear wheel.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nTwenty-five people pulled over and tried to steady the wreckage with ropes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nFire fighters extended a ladder from below to stabilize the vehicle\u00a0while cables and chains were tied to tow trucks up above.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nAnd through the entire ordeal the trapped woman screamed out her pain \u2013\u00a0“I’ll do it myself! I’ll do it myself!”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
D.<\/td>\nListen my friend, when it comes to crawling out of the wreckage of sin and death, you can’t do it yourself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nYou need outside help.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nYou need Jesus.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nAnd the way you connect with Him is through faith.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nBy trusting Him to do for you what you are not able to do for yourself.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
E.<\/td>\nMany years ago a woman found her life ebbing away.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nEvery day found her a little more drained.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nThe diagnosis was easy\u2013<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nAny doctor could see that this woman was suffering from internal bleeding.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nOne doctor told her to carry the ashes of an ostrich egg in a linen rag.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nAnother told her to carry in her hand some barley corn\u00a0that had been found in the fecal matter of a white donkey.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n6.<\/td>\nShe went to dozens of doctors\u00a0and everyone of them had some hair-brained cure to suggest.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n7.<\/td>\nWith her strength almost gone and her life savings spent\u00a0she ventured one day into a jostling crowd.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n8.<\/td>\nJesus was her only hope\u00a0and she was convinced that if only she could slip down low,\u00a0reach through the legs of that crowd\u00a0and touch the hem of Jesus’ robe \u2013\u00a0she would be healed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n9.<\/td>\nWith her last ounce of energy she crouched down low and reached out her hand and brushed her finger tips across the hem of Jesus’ robe.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n10.<\/td>\nInstantly, she was healed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n11.<\/td>\nJesus stopped and asked, “Who touched me?”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n12.<\/td>\nThe crowd was incredulous \u2013\u00a0in a busy bunch like that it could have been anyone.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n13.<\/td>\nBut Jesus recognized the difference\u00a0between a casual touch and the touch of faith.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
F.<\/td>\nThere is a difference between a casual contact\u00a0and faith that truly takes hold.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nTo believe that Jesus is a historical personality\u00a0just like Abraham Lincoln or Margaret Thatcher\u00a0is not enough.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nTo intellectually embrace a certain body of doctrinal beliefs is not enough.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nTo accept that fact that Jesus is the Savior of the world\u00a0and not to personally stake your claim to that salvation\u00a0is not enough.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nYou must accept, you must receive Jesus as your personal Savior.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nYou must embrace that love and love Him in return.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
G.<\/td>\nOne day little Brian Campbell traveled all the way\u00a0from his home in Arlington, Texas to Pittsburg to visit Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood set.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nPlump and awkward, Brian had William’s syndrome \u2013\u00a0a condition that causes mild mental retardation\u00a0and congenital heart defects.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nAs he walked through studio A, he spotted his hero.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\n“Hey, you’re the real Mr. Rogers,” he cried out.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nMr. Rogers bent down to shake little Brian’s hand and said,\u00a0\u00a0“And you are the real you.\u00a0You’re so brave to shake my hand.”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\n“I’m special, aren’t I, Mr. Rogers?” Brian asked.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n6.<\/td>\n“Yes, you are.”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n7.<\/td>\n“You know what, Mr. Rogers? You are my friend!”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n8.<\/td>\nAnd with that he began to sing one of the neighborhood songs.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n9.<\/td>\nAs the last words were lisped, little Brian’s eyes got big\u00a0and he said, “Mr. Rogers, can I give you a big hug?”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n10.<\/td>\nDown on his knees, Fred Rogers opened his arms out wide\u00a0and little Brian fell into that warm embrace.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n11.<\/td>\n“I love you, Mr. Rogers,” he whispered.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
H.<\/td>\nRight now God is bending down to take you into His arms.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nAnd I wonder, will you fall into that embrace?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nWill you say, “I love you Jesus”?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nDo want to spend eternity basking in the wonder of his love?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n


\nSubmitted by Dan Martella. Better Sermons \u00a9 2005-2007. Click here for\u00a0usage guidelines<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Mr. Rogers and God Text:\u00a0John 3:16 Note:\u00a0I begin this sermon with a performance of the classic Mr. Rogers’\u00a0It\u2019s a Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood.\u00a0I sing the song while putting on …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/189"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=189"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/189\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":190,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/189\/revisions\/190"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=189"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=189"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=189"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}