St. John United Church of Christ
Arlington Hts.,
Rev. Jeffrey L. Phillips, pastor
September 27, 2009
2 Corinthians 2:14-17
What revival is and what it is not
What revival is: living with Christ in your heart.
You become “the aroma of Christ.” Smell, scent, fragrance.
The life of faith has a certain fragrance to it, commending itself to others.
Origen: “Put an altar of incense in your innermost heart.”
As ancient sacrifices cast off smells and as Christ’s sacrifice wafted up to God (E&R Book of Worship)
Ambrosiaster: “To unbelievers the cross has the smell of death, but to believers it is the fragrance of life.”
What revival is: taking faith seriously, earnestly, “sincerely,” as Paul says.
Hannah Waters – I could tell it was true for her.
Confirmation mentors
Revival is living with joy - all the time.
Heidelberg Catechism Question One again.
People in recession: loss of work, loss of value in investments.
Revival is knowing that you are surrounded by God’s love: Sherri’s funeral
Pastors, too: spiritual directors and my sabbatical in India
Paul “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection.”
But I cannot grow spiritually for you. I cannot do your praying for you.
Fall Spiritual Retreat
What revival is not – religious bigotry or “going off the deep end,” if that means hurting yourself or others or your relationships with others.
What revival is not – an escape from the world
What revival is: a spring board for action - Henri Nouwen
Last two Fridays rallies and hearing.
Marching Christians, happy Christians, militant Christians, confident Christians, aromatic Christians….
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