Heaven's New Song
Jill Briscoe's sermon reflects on the legacy of Bishop Festo and the power of song in worship and community.
Jill Briscoe delivers a sermon on the impact of Bishop Festo, a courageous hero of the King, who spread messages of love and forgiveness worldwide. Festo's legacy of writing books, receiving international recognition, and touching countless lives with the Gospel is a testament to his faithfulness and dedication to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Through the story of Festo and the revival song shared by Hark, the importance of living a life that glorifies God and spreads His message of redemption is highlighted.
Text
"Well," said C.D., welcoming Hark. "How did it go?" He was eager to see Hark's report.
"Wonderful!" said Hark. He put away his leather sandals and showed C.D. a little bit of purple cloth.
"What's that?" asked C.D. with interest.
"It's a piece of Bishop Festo's shirt. When he was escaping over the mountain, it snagged on a thorn. I brought it back as a reminder of a wonderful man. He was very brave -- a real hero of the King!" Hark replied, smiling.
"You'd better hurry," C.D. said, taking Hark's report. "Choir practice is starting."
Soon C.D. would add Hark's report to the other facts in Festo's record. C.D. already knew this about Festo:
1. He wrote several books about his experiences. One of them was called I Love Idi Amin.
2. He had been honored by Christian groups all over the world for his work in helping others and telling them about Jesus.
3. In 1977 he was awarded the International Freedom Prize in Norway.
4. He went all over the world preaching his messages of love and forgiveness.
5. Bishop Festo died May 18, 1988, of leukemia. More than 20,000 people attended the services held in his memory.20
"I've got a new song to teach you," said Hark as he arrived at choir practice. "I'll sing it to you. I learned it from Festo and his friends in Uganda."
Then Hark the Herald Angel sang his version of a revival song:
Glory, glory, hallelujah.
Glory, glory to the Lamb,
For His cleansing blood has washed us.
Glory, glory to the Lamb!
Listening to Hark's beautiful voice drifting across heaven, C.D. smiled. "That's wonderful Hark," he murmured as he worked. "I'll learn it, too."
And he did.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to Bishop Festo's legacy - The significance of his bravery - Impact on the Christian community
- II points: - Hark's personal connection to Festo - The importance of remembrance - Lessons learned from Festo's life
- III points: - The new song as a symbol of hope - The power of music in worship - Sharing the message of love and forgiveness
- IV points: - The role of choir in community - Encouragement to participate in worship - Continuing Festo's mission through song
Key Quotes
“He was very brave -- a real hero of the King!” — Jill Briscoe
“Glory, glory, hallelujah. Glory, glory to the Lamb, For His cleansing blood has washed us.” — Jill Briscoe
“I'll sing it to you. I learned it from Festo and his friends in Uganda.” — Jill Briscoe
Application Points
- Reflect on the legacy of influential Christian leaders in your life.
- Engage in worship through music and community participation.
- Share messages of love and forgiveness in your daily interactions.