John 6:56-69

Did you notice whose doing the complaining in this morning's text from John?

It's no longer just those of the religious establishment---the skeptics---the

opposition. Now, even Jesus' followers are starting to react to his claims

and promises.

"This teaching is difficult! (they say) Who can accept it?"

Well, many of those same followers got around to answering their own question

fairly quickly. They decided it was time to walk away.

More books have been written about why people drop out of churches than you

might imagine.

Folks drop out because the music at worship is either too contemporary, or

not contemporary enough. That's true! Not here at St. James, but certainly

elsewhere.

Others drop out because the church doesn't offer programs that meet their

needs. That's also true!

You probably don't need a book to complete the list of those who drop out

because of:

. . .stepped-on toes

. . .hurt feelings over not being fully appreciated

. . .power struggles lost

. . .controversial stands taken by the church's denomination, or

. . .just plain dislike of the pastor or the person in the next pew.

Hardly anyone talks about the main reason for so many dropouts. Quite

frankly, most people drop out of the church simply because they don't believe

the "Story." The teachings are too difficult! They can't accept Christ's

claims any more than could those who turned away from Jesus long ago. On the

other hand, if they and others since did truly accept and believe the Story,

none of the reasons listed above would be sufficient to make people turn away

from the Church.

By the way, this turning away problem is not entirely the fault of the

"disenchanted unbeliever!" The way the Church often presents the "gospel

message" only serves to further undermine people's belief in Christ. For

example: the preachers who step into the pulpit suggesting miracles are

available simply for the asking. They need to be reminded that for every

miracle they preach about, there's someone in the pew who did not receive one

when they needed one most.

A daughter or son, husband or wife was not healed in the aftermath of a

terrible accident, a heart attack, or when ravaged by a terminal illness.

Being told that God, in Christ, performed miracles and still does, makes them

resentful that he didn't do it for them.

The Church does not always succeed in its attempts at getting the

disappointed, disillusioned, and desperate to hear the rest of the Story.

Followers of Christ who are trying to work through their questions and doubts

and who are struggling to stay within the Church need to be told (before

walking away) that indeed the "Body of Christ" and all its members do care!

And, to cut yourself off from a community that can empower you is to diminish

your ability to experience the wholeness of life.

It is the meaning behind the Parable of The Lost Sheep, as well as that of

The Lost Coin, and The Lost (Prodigal) Son. Every single, solitary, person is

immeasurably important to God; every person has an eternal place under the

umbrella of God's love, whether they realize it or not. While that truth

might be hard to swallow, especially when we realize it means someone we

don't like is important to God, it is in fact at the very heart of the

Christian Faith. Why? Because it means that we are important to God! You and

I are important to God!

In many churches, the Apostles' Creed is spoken almost every Sunday. Every

time I say this historical creed, it brings before me the names, faces and

lives of those who have, over the years, said it with me, at worship:

Those who have lost a good job. . ."I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

creator of heaven and earth." Their sorrow has not taken their belief away.

Those who have lost a spouse through divorce. . . " I believe in Jesus Christ

his only Son, our Lord."  Their sorrow has not taken their belief away.

And, those who have lost a loved one to untimely death. . . "I believe in the

Holy Spirit."  Their sorrow has not taken their belief away.

I'm sure you can recall your own parade of saints who have here, in this very

place, affirmed their faith in the words of the Apostles' Creed. Think on

them for a moment. Realize that their affirmation is indeed a "staying with

Christ" ---a refusal to turn away in spite of heartache and burdens almost

too heavy to bear.

It has been said that "character" is defined by the decisions we make when

the choices are not obvious. In times of deep loss and terrible hardship,

staying within the Faith is not an easy choice. It is far easier to give in

to despair, anger, and frustration. On the other hand, whether we consider

times past, present or future, the worst of times or the best of times, they

are the only times we have to work in and through.

19th century poet, Edwin Hatch, knew that there are two kinds of strength

which are needed to live life that way. He made sure he named them in his

three-verse hymn, "Breathe On Me, Breath Of God." There's the strength to do,

and there's the strength to endure. God supplies them both to those who keep

listening and don't turn away.

Please turn right now to hymn number 488 and sing with me the three short

verses that tell the rest of the story.  A little Baptist religion won't

hurt! I've asked Ann to play the older, more familiar Methodist setting of

this hymn:

Breathe on me, breath of God;

Fill me with life anew,

That I may love all that you love

And do what you would do.

Breathe on me, breath of God,

Until my heart is pure,

Until with you I will one will

To do and to endure.

Breathe on me breath of God;

So shall I never die,

But live with you the perfect life

Of your eternity.