TOSSING THE JUNK (2 OF 7)
by Roger Thomas
Scripture: PHILIPPIANS 1:9-11, I THESSALONIANS 5:21-22, ROMANS 12:9
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Tossing the Junk (2 of 7)
Series: Family-Raising the Future
Roger Thomas
Philippians 1:9-11; I Thessalonians 5:21-22; Romans 12:9
Introduction: It was one of those scenes you only see on television. For Rick's sake, I was glad no cameras showed up. I knew Rick had some problems. But I had no idea. Someone had called me early that morning and told me that I might want to get over to his house.
Rick Parker was a member of a church I once pastored. None of you would know him. He lived a few hundred miles from here. In fact, he passed away a couple of years ago. Despite the fact that you wouldn't know him, I have changed his name for what I am going to tell you. I think you will understand why. I assure you that what I am going to tell you is absolutely true.
Rick was in his late fifties at the time. Rick had lived alone for years. He had been married once years before. But that marriage ended after only a few years. At one time he had worked in a factory. But he developed health problems and eventually went on disability. All of that was long before I knew him.
The church was a big part of Rick's life. He had grown up there. His mother was one of the oldest members for a long time. I had her funeral while I was there. Because he had a lot of free time on his hands, Rick would stop by the church office two or three times a week just to visit and share a cup of coffee. Rick was also a very good singer. He sang in the choir. People often requested him to sing for funerals or other special occasions. "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" was his specialty.
As I said, I knew he had problems. In addition to his health problems, Rick battled bouts of depression. More than once, some of us had to convince him that he did have something to live for. We would tell him he had plenty of friends and family who cared about him. Those talks became more frequent after his mother died.
Rick also had financial problems. Obviously, trying to ...
Series: Family-Raising the Future
Roger Thomas
Philippians 1:9-11; I Thessalonians 5:21-22; Romans 12:9
Introduction: It was one of those scenes you only see on television. For Rick's sake, I was glad no cameras showed up. I knew Rick had some problems. But I had no idea. Someone had called me early that morning and told me that I might want to get over to his house.
Rick Parker was a member of a church I once pastored. None of you would know him. He lived a few hundred miles from here. In fact, he passed away a couple of years ago. Despite the fact that you wouldn't know him, I have changed his name for what I am going to tell you. I think you will understand why. I assure you that what I am going to tell you is absolutely true.
Rick was in his late fifties at the time. Rick had lived alone for years. He had been married once years before. But that marriage ended after only a few years. At one time he had worked in a factory. But he developed health problems and eventually went on disability. All of that was long before I knew him.
The church was a big part of Rick's life. He had grown up there. His mother was one of the oldest members for a long time. I had her funeral while I was there. Because he had a lot of free time on his hands, Rick would stop by the church office two or three times a week just to visit and share a cup of coffee. Rick was also a very good singer. He sang in the choir. People often requested him to sing for funerals or other special occasions. "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" was his specialty.
As I said, I knew he had problems. In addition to his health problems, Rick battled bouts of depression. More than once, some of us had to convince him that he did have something to live for. We would tell him he had plenty of friends and family who cared about him. Those talks became more frequent after his mother died.
Rick also had financial problems. Obviously, trying to ...
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