"A Sort of Homecoming"

Last Sunday, I preached a sermon entitled "A Sort of Homecoming." It was strange because as I preached, I noticed more people crying. I don't think that I have ever noticed that much emotion when I was preaching before (of course, it's perfectly possible that I am not paying close enough attention). The text of the sermon was John 14:1-14, Jesus' farewell discourse to the disciples. He tells them, "I go to prepare a place for you." The timing of Jesus' words is significant. He said these words the night before the crucifixion. I take that to mean that, on the cross, Jesus took upon himself the sin and hurt of the world so that we might be free to live in the light of His love and grace. The "dwelling place" that Jesus mentions is not on a map; it is not a location. It is a way of living, living in Christ. It is a powerful experience.

I think that one of the reasons that people were emotional yesterday was that I showed a clip called "Cardboard Testimonies." If you have not seen this, you have to check it out (www.youtube.com). It is powerful stuff. It is a very powerful demonstration of how finding our home in Christ has impacted people's lives. After you watch it, take some time to think about what your cardboard testimony might be. Mine is, "Angry Yound Man - Middle-Aged (Crazy) Happy." It will make sense after you watch the clip.