A God who Knows my Name

10-19-08

Laity Sunday

Text: Ex. 33:12-23 and I Thess. 1:1-10

Theme: God knew Moses by name, called him to greatness, and even granted his demand that as he goes out to lead, God will go with him. God revealed himself to Moses then, but only his “back” and not his “face.”

In the I Thess. Passage, the believers Paul is writing to are also “chosen” by God and became examples to others in a gentile world. These Christians are not club members of a New Testament church. They are converts from idol worship, to the living and true God.

God knows my name, and calls to me personally.

God has my number, and knows my talents, and my limitations.

God delivers me from the wrath to come.

God equips me to call others by name, and begin the cycle again!

Intro.

As winter approaches we read all kinds of suggestions of utilizing fuel and making our dwelling places warm. Here are a few pointers for keeping warm in church:

* Rush to the front of the church to avoid the draft in the rear.

* Invite your neighbors and friends and sit 10 persons to the pew.

* Seat yourself near the pulpit; much hot air is emitted from that area.

* Fuss and fume when you don't like what the preacher says.

* Wear thermal underwear (in the appropriate liturgical colors).

* Wait for an unfamiliar hymn - then watch the sparks fly!

* Let the Holy Spirit fill you, it will warm your heart and body.

An inscription over a church door: This is the house of God. This is the gate of heaven. (This door is locked in the winter months).

Today’s readings reflect the call of God to a specific group of people: first, to Moses to lead the chosen ones out of Egypt; second, to Christians in Thessalonica, who are setting the example of what it is to be saved from the “wrath that is coming.” (vs. 10)

==

The church that asks for God’s ways to be shown to it, is on the right track. Moses said, “Show me your ways, so that I may know you and find favor in your sight; consider too that his nation is your people.”

(Ex. 33:13) Jesus said, “you have not because you ask not.” There is great spiritual blessing in simply asking, and expecting God to answer!

When we approach God like Moses did, we gain the edge in serving Him. We implore Him to go with us on our mission and we ask him to show us his mercy and his will. Moses somehow knew that he needed God present with the people. How then do you find the presence of God?

OR BETTER YET, HOW DOES THE PRESENCE OF GOD FIND YOU?

I. God knows my name, and calls to me personally.

I don’t know about you, but God found me; God broke through my pre – conceived notions about what he was like and simply overwhelmed me with God! Mine was not a burning bush; it was a beautiful lakefront view at Casowasco. The scales fell from my eyes that day, and I knew that I knew that I knew God is real. Have you been encountered by God?

Now, look at Paul’s letter to Thess. He states in verse 4 “For we know, brothers beloved by God, that he has chosen you.”

A dangerous statement for Paul. The Gentile world? The non – chosen ones? He better be right or else the gospel of God will suffer. And just how does Paul say he knows this? “because our gospel came to you not only in word but in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” What is the church made up of, if not people who have been met by God’s power and the Holy Spirit and who have been convicted of sin?

Those who have not heard the call of God may look like this: