There is a DEPTH of LOVE that it takes to be a TRUE FRIEND through EVERYTHING life throws at you. This is a message every person who wants to live a fruitful life should listen to. It shows how we can work together, serve together, while each one is walking into the destiny God has for us. If you believe in true Biblical Brotherly Love, and Mutuality you can walk together for a lifetime of fruitfulness.
This been amazing Celebration of Pastor Sammy’s life. Starting in a small village in the Philippines, God blessed him to pioneer and lead an International Church Multiplication Movement. He was my very good life-long friend.
1. At All Times: Is where true Character shows up. Where friendship is Tested. Where loyalty is Challenged.
"At All Times: Does not mean there were no mistakes in our relationship. Sammy and I came from two different countries, and cultures. There were a lot of misunderstandings, especially during the early days of our friendship.
Ours lasted to the end, "through all times".
The Apostle Paul wrote of a couple of men who were, “AT ALL TIMES” with him, Timothy and Epharadites. Paul was needing to send someone to the Philippian church and for some reason Timothy could not go, so Paul decides to send Epaphroditus.
"I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, . . . 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel" (Philippians 2:19-22 ESV).
“I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, Welcome him with Christian love and with great joy, and be sure to honor people like him.” (Philippians 2:28-28 ESV).
Paul used words that describe an, “AT ALL TIMES” friend and true brother in the faith. You earn those kind of words being said about you.
Paul is probably in prison and many followers have deserted him. The Philippian church sent Epaphroditus to him with some type of provisions. Apparently Epaphroditus nearly died bringing the help to Paul.
“For he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me" (Philippines 2:30 ESV).
He’s my BROTHER. He is my FELLOW WORKER. He is my FELLOW SOLDIER. He is your MESSENGER & MINISTER.
That is an, “At all times” Man!
2. We can be “At All Times” people because we know the end of the story. We have an ETERNAL UNDERSTANDING.
This short life we each are given is the testing ground for our eternal life. Kingdom relationships you build here, service that you give, love that you extend to others does not end with death.
When Jesus rose from the dead, he told Mary, "Tell my disciples and Peter that I will meet them in Galilee." He wanted to see the men he had called "his friends" before died. He wanted to see after he resurrected. When he met them, he spoke with them, ate food with them, they touched him, and he commissioned them to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Those same friends sit on Thrones with him now in Kingdom of God.
Everything will come together when the Lord's prayer is completely fulfilled, "Your kingdom come and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." When Jesus returns as the King of kings, Lord of lords then we will all be united for eternity. All the Saints through-out time. We will then all spend eternity together doing God’s work in heaven and on earth.
Pastor Sammy did not get a HARP and WINGS to PLAY and SING.
When Sammy arrived Jesus had a job for him to do in His eternal kingdom. When we arrive we will work together in God's eternal kingdom.
That is the PROMISE. HOPE. and PURPOSE of LIFE.
In our eternal life that follows, what we have done in this short life matters. Things like Faith in God, Faithfulness, Holy living, Serving, Sacrificing, and living in Community is not in vain. Jesus promised REWARD and POSITION in His eternal Kingdom to all the faithful in this life.
3. The Legacy & Challenge.
If there is just one part of Pastor Sammy’s Legacy and Character that I pray each and everyone of you received from his life, ministry and example is "A friend loves at all times."
The foundation of this movement is, “AT ALL TIMES" friendship.
That is what kept Sammy and I together, “AT ALL TIMES.”
That is what will keep you together, ”AT ALL TIMES.”
No amount of organization. No amount of by-laws or rules can accomplish what has happened here. Sammy and I had no rules between us. There was never anything said like, you do this or that or we will not work together anymore.
We were friends, "AT ALL TIMES.”
We proved that if we would just love one another the way the Bible teaches.
The way God loves us, with all of our imperfections.
The way Jesus loved Peter, even after he failed.
We can be lifelong partners and friends and FINISH OUR COURSE.
In the years ahead, Victory Church Fellowship will be faced with the same challenges Sammy and I have faced for over 40 years. When you stand beside a brother's casket as I am tonight, the question will be, have you stood side by side at all times? Fought side by side “at all times?
I am proud to stand by this empty body of Sammy Mores and say:
He is my BROTHER.
He is my FELLOW WORKER.
He is my FELLOW SOLDIER.
He is your MESSENGER & MINISTER.
He was “A friend loved at all times”
Philippines 2:1-3 MEG, “If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends.”
God be with you.
At the end of the message we prayed over a young couple who will have their first service Sunday in the new church they are planting. A new generation is carrying the vision on the very next Sunday.
You are welcome to comment on any of these posts. Please share with a friend. Thank you, Larry