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Creative Closing For Easter 4 - Year A
- George Hartwell -
Written by George Hartwell, 'Creative Closings' provide the preacher and liturgist with a way to lead the congregation to a deeper experience of the message of the selected Revised Common Lectionary text or texts for the day.   'Creative Closings' follow the sermon or homily and most often pick up on the theme of one of the sermons provided on the 'Sermons & Sermon - Lectionary Resources' site (as referenced in the 'the thematic background').   Each Creative Closing can also stand on it's own and might be used as well in a devotional or bible study session.

If this Creative Closing is of use to you please fell free to utilize it, but reproduction electronically or in print requires the author's authorization.   George Hartwell would also like to hear your response to this resource.   You may see George's web site at www.HealMyLife.com or write him at GHartwell@HealMyLife.com

THEMATIC BACKGROUND from: Coals and Cucumbers, Faith and Fellowship
   Very truly, I tell you,
   the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, 
   in fact, will do greater works than these, 
   because I am going to the Father. {John 10:13} 
   I will do whatever you ask in my name, 
   so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 

Jesus is giving his disciples words of encouragement.
"You've seen the blind recover their sight," he is saying. 
"You've seen the lame made whole.
Hey, You're going to do greater works than that!"

Jesus was talking to the church. He was talking about
the work of the Kingdom.  He was saying that when his disciples
decide to get into action doing the work God has called them to
do, and when they enlist God's help, nothing is impossible!  


CREATIVE CLOSING
I want you to think about those times when you have stepped out for Jesus.
I want you to remember what happened and what it felt like.
What are the things that you have done because that is what Jesus
would do in your situation? 
Was some courage necessary? 
Was there a sense that God was with you?
Did it turn out okay?
Was there joy and satisfaction in doing what you did?
Just what was this like?
Think about this for a moment. I will be silent for a moment to let you think. 

(brief pause)

Now I want you to realize that
these be the times when you have done the work of the kingdom.
These could be the times when you were acting in His name. 
 
It is good to remember these times
because sometimes we do the works of Jesus and don't reflect on the experience.
If you have experienced the joy and wonder of doing God's works
it is worth remembering.
Because you may have discovered how it can be a great adventure,
  a rewarding venture,
  a real joy,
to do the Lord's work.


copyright - George Hartwell, 2002, 2005
            Rev. Richard J. Fairchild - Spirit Networks, 2002 - 2006
            please acknowledge the appropriate author if citing these resources.


Further information on this ministry and the history of "Sermons & Sermon - Lectionary Resources" can be found at our Site FAQ.  This site is now associated with christianglobe.com

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