August 19, 2007

Be Inspired by the Testimonials

by Rev. Dr. Jim Carlson

Hebrews 11:29-12:2
 

Publishers Clearing House testimonials – “That’s what I used to say!”

If other people did something, they must have had a good reason.

Author of Hebrews wants to convince the readers not to give up on their Christian faith.

Author is worried they have lost sight of eternal reward. Suffering harassment – might think it isn’t worth the trouble.

Long history of people in Jewish history.

If they did so many brave things, the readers should make the same sacrifice.

Ch. 11: List of situations where people acted in faith. Conquest through Maccabean revolt in today’s passage.

Red Sea; Jericho; Rahab

Judges, King David, Prophets

Women received their resurrected sons. (Slide)

Suffering under Antiochus Epiphanes (Slide)

Martyrdom of Isaiah (Slide)

Suffering of the Maccabees (Slide)

Final Example is Jesus – saw eternal effects of his death.

These folks didn’t get the reward. God wants to reward everyone together.

These examples are meant to provide inspiration.

Who provides inspiration to us? Read Testimonials.

Bea Fluke – “I admire and am happy to be Bea’s friend. She inspires me with her pleasant attitude, smiling face, and care and concern for others. She has strong faith in God. I aspire to be just like her.” “Bea Fluke was an inspirational Sunday School teacher who spoke quietly but commanded attention and made the lessons interesting.”

Pete and Helen Altweis – Marcia Molsbee said “Helen and Pete Altweis are more than worthy of special recognition by the FBC congregation. Those of us that knew Pete loved and respected him for his honesty, dedication and warm, friendly personality. He was a deeply spiritual person who wasn't afraid to stand up in front of the congregation and speak of his love of Christ. He was also the first to get in line if there were sweet rolls before or after church.

His lovely wife, Helen is and has been a role model for everyone in FBC. Helen has given not just of her time to countless organizations in Alaska, Waukesha and the surrounding area.........she gives her love freely to all who meet her and all who meet and get to know her, admire and love her. She gives selflessly of her time and energy. She and Pete are two very special folks that have touched my life in countless ways. Be grateful for these two remarkable people.”

Ken Steele – “makes anyone he talks to feel welcome at this church. He can engage them in whatever is important to them. I try to be as welcoming as Ken was to me.” Kathy said “Although we lived some distance from Waukesha they always got us to church and to church activities such as bell choir, BYF, etc. so we grew up knowing that church was important. In spite of needing to get the milking and other farm chores done morning and evening we still got to church each week…I can picture my father seated in front with the other deacons when they served Communion, a very serious part of the service. He also helped with the installation of the organ. The physics teacher in him came out when he tuned the organ pipes by frequency and amplitude and length of pipe and those other physics-related things I have forgotten.”

Ken Jones – “is constantly helping others. Whether he is helping his wife Lois, his daughter Linda, or granddaughter Emily, or working with shut-ins, or setting up communion…the list goes on. I hope to be of service like Ken Jones. (Maybe I should change me name to Ken!”

Pauline Larson – “a member who died several years ago, was always smiling, pleasant and a joy to be around. Every time I talked to her I felt a lift. Our church library is called the Pearle Larson Library because of her.”

Theodore Olson – “was the assistant for a short time and then went off to demonstrate against nuclear testing at Rocky Flats.”

Doris Steele – Marcia Molsbee said “When I think of dedication, talent, warmth and genuine goodness I think of Doris Steele. She loved her family, friends, community and FBC. Her smile would light up as soon as she walked into church (usually a bit late as she was involved in SO many church activities). Doris shared her talents freely and found it hard to say no to anyone asking for help or willing to learn something new. Her kindness knew no bounds. I miss Doris to this day.”

Kathy said “It's nice to be able to see banners made by my mother. It's fun to use her puppets. I'm sure there are grown women somewhere in the world who remember getting a very nicely made, new dress from a mission box that came from the Mary Martha Circle at FBC. My mother always insisted that the sewing done for the mission box needed to be done as well as if it were for her own kids; no ugly fabric, no strange color combinations, nothing to say to the recipient that she was less valued than children who did not have to depend on the generosity of others for their wardrobes.

We are actually surrounded by a cloud of witnesses.

When you can’t draw on your own strength, think of people who came before you and did what you want to do.

Most of all remember Jesus, who willingly suffered for the good of other people.