Bulletins - Saint Paul's UMC

Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Wonderful Merciful Savior
Doxology
- - John 9:1–41NIV2011
Lead On O King Eternal
He was born into a world of darkness. His condition brought disappointment and hardship to the ones who were supposed to love and nurture him no matter what. As he learned to move through life by sound and touch, every stumble, every bump and every dish that crashed to the floor was met with a tone of annoyance and growls. The dark silent voice he heard was clear and made its deep impression: “you are not loved.”
In the marketplace as a child, holding onto the hem of his mother’s dress, he would listen as she conversed with others - the expressions of pity, the embarrassment, the difficulty of it all. As the years past by, there was no need to talk of it anymore, it was if he wasn’t even there. The dark silent voice spoke clearly “you do not matter.”
At a time when young boys were learning the trade of their fathers, his father sent him out to find his own way of survival. His only tool was an empty hand, and so he sat, day after day, month after month, year after year, begging for whatever scraps fell his way. The dark silent voice repeatedly spoke, “you are all alone.”
There were times when he would dream of what it would be like to see. Of course, being born blind, he had no way of really knowing what it was like, but he knew that being able to see meant freedom. Freedom to move about and recognize things for what they really are. To be able to see would enable him to fully experience the beauty of the world and to know when danger is approaching. But his days were spent in darkness and it was best not to dwell on such thoughts.
Occasionally, somebody would take pity and toss a few coins his way, most stepped around him. One day, some men approached nearby and he heard them ask “Rabbi, is he blind because his parents sinned or because of his own sin?”
He had asked God that same question many a time. Why must I suffer like this? What have I done to deserve it? Of course, he knew what the rabbi would say, there had been many ‘holy men’ who passed him by throughout his life, carefully avoiding contact, reminding their companions that all suffering is the result of sin - so someone had to have sinned, therefore make sure you stay to the law.
The rabbi responded, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over. For as long as I am in the world, there is plenty of light. I am the Light of the World.”
Wait…what? Who is this man? What does he mean “look for what God can do?”
He hears the man approach and kneel down in front of him, he is close. Hands rest on his shoulders. Kind hands. Gentle hands.
The man speaks. “What do you say, shall we turn on the light? Enough of this darkness.”
He hears the man spit on the dust of the ground, and the sound of dirt being rolled around his hands. A thought came to mind, from something he heard in his childhood from his people.
Genesis 2:7 ESV
then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
He felt the cool, wet mud applied to his eyelids and felt warmth in the vacant holes where eyes should have been.
“My friend, go and wash in the pool of Siloam. Peter, John, lead him there and then the two of you return to me.”
What is this? What is happening? His heart is racing and his step is filled with expectation as he is led through the crowds and to the pool.
“Brother, are you ready for your new life?” one of his guides say, he can hear their excitement.
He is brought to the pool, he steps right in. The hands let go of him and hears them say, “wash your eyes and see.”
As the water splashes across his face a sudden brightness comes upon him. Darkness retreats and light floods in. He begins to blink and colors - beautiful colors - take shape. He sees people, beautiful people, staring at him in wonder, he sees sparrows darting across the sky, he sees the sun’s reflection off the surface of the water, he sees his own hands, his legs, and as he looks down in the water, he sees himself looking back up. He can see!
How is this possible?
“Look instead for what God can do.”
Thank you Lord! Praise you Lord! Thank you Lord! The man exclaims.
He shouts his praise and dances in the water. People gather around - asking him what has happened.
I was blind and now I see!
[pause]
How is your sight this morning?
Admittedly, I have taken liberties in the telling of this story - but I want you to sense the magnitude of the shift - from blindness to sight. From an old, dead life to a new life full of wonder and possibilities.
In his gospel, John gives us the details of several acts and miracles Jesus performed that served as a ‘signs’, if you will. These signs held a deeper spiritual meaning than the act or miracle itself.
Every action, every miracle was a signpost pointing to the Kingdom of God.
In this passage, a man born blind is given new sight.
Now reflect on the full scripture passage that you heard a few moments ago and ask yourself -
Who was really blind in this story?
Yes, in a physical sense, of course it was the man born blind. And yet the broader story exposes the spiritual blindness of those who had the ability to see with their eyes, but who were blind to what God was revealing and doing right in front of them.
In a very real sense, we are all born blind. Sin blinds us to God’s presence, His truth and His love. Satan blinds us from receiving and believing what is revealed to us.
2 Corinthians 4:3–4 ESV
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Spiritually blind humans stumble through life - sometimes believing one or more of the lies that are whispered in our ears: that we are not loved, that we do not matter, and that we are all alone. And if we don’t feel this way, it is usually because we have put our faith in ourselves or other people and we work very heard to protect that sense of well being. At least until a life crisis comes along and we let ourselves down - or someone we built our life around lets us down.
Only Jesus offers real life - but first our eyes must be opened and darkness needs to be driven out.
John 1:4–5 ESV
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Consider the various characters in this drama. What prevented those with sight in this account from actually seeing?
For the religious leaders, it was their own self-righteousness which prevented them from seeing what God was doing right before their very eyes.
Jesus challenged the status quo. He did not operate as the world operates. The power and authority of the religious leaders was threatened by him. Their interpretation of the law was challenged by him. They were so sure that they were right and holy that their pride left them with no recourse but to dismiss the big “signpost” that declared ‘God is at work’ - a man born blind now sees. Some of them said of Jesus “this man is not from God because he doesn’t keep the Sabbath.” Others said “this man is a sinner.”
Self-righteousness will keep you in darkness.
And consider the second set of characters: the parents.
The parents of the formerly blind man feared people more than God.
Their own son could now see - and instead of rejoicing with him and praising God, they timidly acknowledged his identity and his former condition. As for how he can now see - they could not say. “Ask him, he is an adult.” They operated out of fear. Fear of losing their status in the community, of being ostracized by their peers. Fear is a reason the Apostle John gives in his gospel for many who choose not to believe.
John 5:44 ESV
How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
And later in John, after Jesus had performed many miracles, it was reported that the response of the people was mixed.
John 12:42–43 ESV
Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
This is a big warning that John provides…who do you fear? Who are you trying to please?
We live in a time of great spiritual blindness - just as Jesus experienced when walked the earth. People who have believed a lie. That they are not loved, that they do not matter, and that they are all alone. This spiritual blindness exist among unbelievers, but also among some in the church.
There is a reason some of the strongest criticism the Lord speaks in the Gospels is against religious people -and there is no reason to believe today is any different.
John 9:39 ESV
Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.”
Let us examine ourselves. That is the theme of Lent. Take the time to do a spiritual inventory. Examine yourself. Do you see what God is doing now in the world? Is the Light of Christ shining upon you and through you? Has irrepressible joy replaced sorrow? Are you living as a child of the light?
Examine yourself. Is self-righteousness preventing you from walking freely in grace and drawing closer to Jesus? Is fear of others keeping you from praising God boldly and passionately and forsaking all else to follow him?

John 9:35–38 ESV
Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
Believe in Jesus and worship Him. Walk in His light. Let nothing prevent you from doing so - for this is where real, true life is found.
And if you have experienced the fullness of His grace - then share it with others. Let his light shine through you into the darkness of our world.
Come Lord Jesus, open our eyes that we may see. Amen.
- - Genesis 2:7NIV2011
- - 2 Corinthians 4:3–4NIV2011
- - John 1:4–5NIV2011
- - John 5:44NIV2011
- - John 12:42–43NIV2011
- - John 9:39NIV2011
- - John 9:35–38NIV2011
He was born into a world of darkness. His condition brought disappointment and hardship to the ones who were supposed to love and nurture him no matter what. As he learned to move through life by sound and touch, every stumble, every bump and every dish that crashed to the floor was met with a tone of annoyance and growls. The dark silent voice he heard was clear and made its deep impression: “you are not loved.”
In the marketplace as a child, holding onto the hem of his mother’s dress, he would listen as she conversed with others - the expressions of pity, the embarrassment, the difficulty of it all. As the years past by, there was no need to talk of it anymore, it was if he wasn’t even there. The dark silent voice spoke clearly “you do not matter.”
At a time when young boys were learning the trade of their fathers, his father sent him out to find his own way of survival. His only tool was an empty hand, and so he sat, day after day, month after month, year after year, begging for whatever scraps fell his way. The dark silent voice repeatedly spoke, “you are all alone.”
There were times when he would dream of what it would be like to see. Of course, being born blind, he had no way of really knowing what it was like, but he knew that being able to see meant freedom. Freedom to move about and recognize things for what they really are. To be able to see would enable him to fully experience the beauty of the world and to know when danger is approaching. But his days were spent in darkness and it was best not to dwell on such thoughts.
Occasionally, somebody would take pity and toss a few coins his way, most stepped around him. One day, some men approached nearby and he heard them ask “Rabbi, is he blind because his parents sinned or because of his own sin?”
He had asked God that same question many a time. Why must I suffer like this? What have I done to deserve it? Of course, he knew what the rabbi would say, there had been many ‘holy men’ who passed him by throughout his life, carefully avoiding contact, reminding their companions that all suffering is the result of sin - so someone had to have sinned, therefore make sure you stay to the law.
The rabbi responded, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over. For as long as I am in the world, there is plenty of light. I am the Light of the World.”
Wait…what? Who is this man? What does he mean “look for what God can do?”
He hears the man approach and kneel down in front of him, he is close. Hands rest on his shoulders. Kind hands. Gentle hands.
The man speaks. “What do you say, shall we turn on the light? Enough of this darkness.”
He hears the man spit on the dust of the ground, and the sound of dirt being rolled around his hands. A thought came to mind, from something he heard in his childhood from his people.
Genesis 2:7 ESV
then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
He felt the cool, wet mud applied to his eyelids and felt warmth in the vacant holes where eyes should have been.
“My friend, go and wash in the pool of Siloam. Peter, John, lead him there and then the two of you return to me.”
What is this? What is happening? His heart is racing and his step is filled with expectation as he is led through the crowds and to the pool.
“Brother, are you ready for your new life?” one of his guides say, he can hear their excitement.
He is brought to the pool, he steps right in. The hands let go of him and hears them say, “wash your eyes and see.”
As the water splashes across his face a sudden brightness comes upon him. Darkness retreats and light floods in. He begins to blink and colors - beautiful colors - take shape. He sees people, beautiful people, staring at him in wonder, he sees sparrows darting across the sky, he sees the sun’s reflection off the surface of the water, he sees his own hands, his legs, and as he looks down in the water, he sees himself looking back up. He can see!
How is this possible?
“Look instead for what God can do.”
Thank you Lord! Praise you Lord! Thank you Lord! The man exclaims.
He shouts his praise and dances in the water. People gather around - asking him what has happened.
I was blind and now I see!
[pause]
How is your sight this morning?
Admittedly, I have taken liberties in the telling of this story - but I want you to sense the magnitude of the shift - from blindness to sight. From an old, dead life to a new life full of wonder and possibilities.
In his gospel, John gives us the details of several acts and miracles Jesus performed that served as a ‘signs’, if you will. These signs held a deeper spiritual meaning than the act or miracle itself.
Every action, every miracle was a signpost pointing to the Kingdom of God.
In this passage, a man born blind is given new sight.
Now reflect on the full scripture passage that you heard a few moments ago and ask yourself -
Who was really blind in this story?
Yes, in a physical sense, of course it was the man born blind. And yet the broader story exposes the spiritual blindness of those who had the ability to see with their eyes, but who were blind to what God was revealing and doing right in front of them.
In a very real sense, we are all born blind. Sin blinds us to God’s presence, His truth and His love. Satan blinds us from receiving and believing what is revealed to us.
2 Corinthians 4:3–4 ESV
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Spiritually blind humans stumble through life - sometimes believing one or more of the lies that are whispered in our ears: that we are not loved, that we do not matter, and that we are all alone. And if we don’t feel this way, it is usually because we have put our faith in ourselves or other people and we work very heard to protect that sense of well being. At least until a life crisis comes along and we let ourselves down - or someone we built our life around lets us down.
Only Jesus offers real life - but first our eyes must be opened and darkness needs to be driven out.
John 1:4–5 ESV
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Consider the various characters in this drama. What prevented those with sight in this account from actually seeing?
For the religious leaders, it was their own self-righteousness which prevented them from seeing what God was doing right before their very eyes.
Jesus challenged the status quo. He did not operate as the world operates. The power and authority of the religious leaders was threatened by him. Their interpretation of the law was challenged by him. They were so sure that they were right and holy that their pride left them with no recourse but to dismiss the big “signpost” that declared ‘God is at work’ - a man born blind now sees. Some of them said of Jesus “this man is not from God because he doesn’t keep the Sabbath.” Others said “this man is a sinner.”
Self-righteousness will keep you in darkness.
And consider the second set of characters: the parents.
The parents of the formerly blind man feared people more than God.
Their own son could now see - and instead of rejoicing with him and praising God, they timidly acknowledged his identity and his former condition. As for how he can now see - they could not say. “Ask him, he is an adult.” They operated out of fear. Fear of losing their status in the community, of being ostracized by their peers. Fear is a reason the Apostle John gives in his gospel for many who choose not to believe.
John 5:44 ESV
How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
And later in John, after Jesus had performed many miracles, it was reported that the response of the people was mixed.
John 12:42–43 ESV
Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
This is a big warning that John provides…who do you fear? Who are you trying to please?
We live in a time of great spiritual blindness - just as Jesus experienced when walked the earth. People who have believed a lie. That they are not loved, that they do not matter, and that they are all alone. This spiritual blindness exist among unbelievers, but also among some in the church.
There is a reason some of the strongest criticism the Lord speaks in the Gospels is against religious people -and there is no reason to believe today is any different.
John 9:39 ESV
Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.”
Let us examine ourselves. That is the theme of Lent. Take the time to do a spiritual inventory. Examine yourself. Do you see what God is doing now in the world? Is the Light of Christ shining upon you and through you? Has irrepressible joy replaced sorrow? Are you living as a child of the light?
Examine yourself. Is self-righteousness preventing you from walking freely in grace and drawing closer to Jesus? Is fear of others keeping you from praising God boldly and passionately and forsaking all else to follow him?

John 9:35–38 ESV
Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
Believe in Jesus and worship Him. Walk in His light. Let nothing prevent you from doing so - for this is where real, true life is found.
And if you have experienced the fullness of His grace - then share it with others. Let his light shine through you into the darkness of our world.
Come Lord Jesus, open our eyes that we may see. Amen.
- - Genesis 2:7NIV2011
- - 2 Corinthians 4:3–4NIV2011
- - John 1:4–5NIV2011
- - John 5:44NIV2011
- - John 12:42–43NIV2011
- - John 9:39NIV2011
- - John 9:35–38NIV2011

John 9:1–41NIV2011

Genesis 2:7NIV2011

2 Corinthians 4:3–4NIV2011

John 1:4–5NIV2011

John 5:44NIV2011

John 12:42–43NIV2011

John 9:39NIV2011

John 9:35–38NIV2011

Genesis 2:7NIV2011

2 Corinthians 4:3–4NIV2011

John 1:4–5NIV2011

John 5:44NIV2011

John 12:42–43NIV2011

John 9:39NIV2011

John 9:35–38NIV2011