SERMON - BAD OR GOOD?
Philippians 1:12-14
November 26, 2023
Peace Lutheran Church, Selah, WA

Have you ever had anything good happen to you, and & then, perhaps years later, as
you looked back on the event, realized that what seemed so good at the time, had bad
results? Or have you ever had anything bad at the time, that was really good?
Sometimes it’s hard, while you’re going through the experience, to know whether the
ultimate consequences will be good or bad.
This morning let’s look for a few moments at a scene in the Word of God that seems like
a really bad situation. But the Apostle Paul says that it’s actually a good situation.
Listen to his words in Philippians 1:12-14:
( Read scripture. Then continue.)
Paul is saying, “I’m in prison. That’s bad. But the result is that more and more people
have heard about Jesus. In fact, the entire palace guard now knows about him. And
the brothers who are sharing with me in the ministry, are now more courageous in their
preaching, too.” Those are amazing words, aren’t they?
Now, it’s not always easy to know whether something is going to have good or bad
results, when it is happening. For instance:
Let’s say that you win the Publishing Clearing House sweepstakes, and suddenly start
receiving more than $30,000 a month for the rest of your life. That’s good, isn’t it?
Or how about this? Let’s suppose you’re a member of a large family and you have
several brothers and sisters. But your brothers really don’t like you very much, because
you are your father’s and mother’s favorite. At Christmas time they always buy you the
best presents. So they’re all jealous of you, because of the relationship you have with
them.

Finally, they get so angry, that they get you off alone, and beat up on you, and throw you
in a dry well. Now, that would be bad, wouldn’t it? Again, suppose that in our
congregation we have a nice young couple with sparkling eyes and cheery smiles. We

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enjoy coming to church and being in their company. They’ve been married 3 years, and
are expecting their first child.
But then one day, while they’re driving home from church, an 18 wheeler suddenly
swerves into their lane and knocks their car off the road, and both of them are killed.
Well, there’s no question in our minds about this one. We know that would be bad.
Now, all of these incidents are true. We have read stories about people who have won
large sums of money, whether through the Sweepstakes, or the Lottery or whatever.
Yet, when people unexpectedly receive a large amount of money, they’re often not sure
how best to deal with their new circumstances. Suddenly they’re celebrities, and so
many people are calling them asking for handouts or trying to get them to invest in
something, that they ended up having to get an unlisted telephone number. And other
problems arise, too. Oftentimes they discover that after their windfall, they’re less
happy than they were before. And what appeared to be so good, seems to be turning
out bad for them.
Or you may have recognized that the second story is a slightly altered and embellished
rendition of the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. Remember he had 10 older
brothers, all very jealous of him. In fact, one day, after he had received a coat of many
colors, Joseph’s brothers beat him up, and threw him into a well and eventually sold him
into slavery. That which appeared to be so bad, actually turned out good.
The last story was in Guidepost Magazine some years ago, a story about a young
couple in Fr. Worth, TX going home after church, one evening. The driver of the truck
did not see them, and he pulled over and hit their car, throwing them from the wreckage.
The young wife died instantly and her husband lived only a little while longer.
The church where they attended mourned their death. But a few weeks after the
accident, a man showed up in the church, and at the time of invitation came forward to
accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. When asked why, he said, “I witnessed an
accident on the highway a few weeks ago, and I stopped to see if there was anything I
could do. I went first to the young lady and it was obvious she was dead. But I could
hear sounds from the young man. So I turned to see if there was anything I could do to
help him.” As he looked up at me through eyes of terrible pain, he asked me a
question. ‘Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? I’m going to meet Him soon. If
you were in my place, would you be going to meet Jesus?”

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With tears in his eyes the man went on, “Since that night those words have never left
me, and that is why I’m here today, to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord, too.”
What was really truly bad, and there’s no question about that, resulted in that man’s
salvation, and that is good.
A few weeks ago a friend of mine and I attended a funeral in Beaverton, Oregon of
another friend’s daughter-in-law. Michelle was 41 years old and on the way to S.
America as she was in charge of S. American operations for the NIKE company.
While in the process of changing planes at the Atlanta, Georgia airport, she suddenly
and without warning had a serious stroke. She collapsed and even being rushed to the
hospital for quick surgery to relieve the pressure, she did not survive. Michelle left her
husband at home with 3 young sons.
Michelle was brought up in a Jewish household, but while attending the university she
met her future husband who was a Christian. Michelle then became a Christian.
At the funeral many of her Jewish family members were in attendance and they heard a
dramatic Christian message, that even in this sudden death, leaving a distraught
husband to care for 3 young sons, people were assured that Michelle was welcomed in
the arms of her loving Savior.
Yes, Michelle’s passing was bad, but her family heard the good news of Michelle being
welcomed into the realms of Heaven where she will enjoy eternity with her Lord forever.
Her Jewish family heard the good news, and whether anything will become of them also
looking to Jesus as their Messiah, we do not know. That is up to the Holy Spirit to work
on their hearts and minds. But at least her family has been exposed to Jesus’s
welcoming love. Yes, some things are bad, but the end result may turn out for the good.
It is sometimes hard to know what is really good, and what is really bad.
If you’re thrown in prison and you haven’t committed a crime, that’s bad. If you lose
your job, and the bank is foreclosing on your mortgage, that’s bad. If your child is
hooked on drugs that’s bad. If there is cancer, that is bad.
There are many things that appear to be bad, that really are bad. And just like the
action that is taking place in Israel right now with Hamas. Much of what is taking place
is bad by the actions of Hamas. But this past couple of weeks ago it was reported that

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one of the sons of the leaders of Hamas suddenly had a change of heart, and seeing
what was happening and the way the Christians were responding to the Israelites, he
suddenly accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior too, and was able to escape the
consequences of Hamas.
But here is the promise of Scripture. “In all things, both good and bad things, God
works for the good of those who love Him.” The question is, “How? How does that
happen?” I’ve jotted some answers – not all the answers, just some.
#1 is, “The way you endure suffering can stimulate interest in Christ.” Paul says
“”Here I am in prison, and what’s happened? It has happened to advance the
gospel.” Paul is not complaining. Rather, he is rejoicing and sharing his faith with
others.
I can just see Paul sitting in his prison cell chained to a Roman soldier. Every 8 hours
this soldier will be attached to Paul by just a few feet of chain. And for 8 hours Paul has
a captive audience.
He tells him about Jesus and His miracles, and parables and teachings. He tells him
the difference Jesus has made in his life, and what Jesus can do for the soldier, too. I’m
confident that after spending 8 hours with the apostle Paul, no soldier could ever be
quite the same again. What a wonderful way to handle difficulties in life. And what a
wonderful way to turn those difficulties into something positive.
There have been times that I’ve visited church members in the hospital, and have had
nurses and doctors tell me, “I’m amazed at how well this patient seems to be handling
the pain so much better, than others who have gone through the same thing.”
I think I know the reason. Our faith in Christ makes a difference. And oftentimes the
way to endure suffering, can be a tremendous testimony to others. On a personal note,
when my sister was in the hospital in Everett some 4 years ago, she told the staff and
my daughter Shereen that it is such a blessing to know Jesus as your friend and savior.
She passed away a couple days later into the arms of her Savior.
Secondly, I think that the way you remain true, authentics your witness. Our world
is hungry for that which is genuine. There is so much phoniness around us that it is
really hard to know, isn’t it, who is telling the truth and who isn’t?

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We go through political campaigns where phony promises are made. We have
salesmen who lie to us. We live in a world where it is hard to find something real and
authentic. The world is hungry for someone who will stand up for truth, even if it’s an
unpopular truth and say, “I will not compromise what I believe, because I stand for those
things that are right.” That’s what Martin Luther did at the Diet of Worms. That’s
authenticity. And when you are an authentic person, then your witness is strengthened.
One of my great concerns about our present time is that many moral issues have
become political issues. And we have them confused. We think they are political when
in reality they are moral.
Abortion has become a political issue, and lines have been drawn. The media has
decided that if you’re a Democrat and you’re for it. And if you’re a Republican you’re
against it. But abortion is not Republican or Democrat. Abortion is a moral issue, and
God ruled on it centuries ago, and His law has not changed. It is not political. It is
moral.
Homosexuality has been made into a political issue. The media says if you’re a
Republican you’re against it, and if you’re a Democrat you’re for it. No! Homosexuality
is a moral issue. And because it’s a moral issue and God has ruled, then as Christians,
regardless of our politics, we must stand opposed to endorsing those things which are
immoral. And that gives authenticity to our faith. Are you an authentic Christian? Or are
you out there like a reed, being blown to and fro by the wind? Finally, I think the way you
live your life can encourage others for Christ. There are few things in this world that
are really worth dying for.
But when you see something worth dying for, and others being willing to give up their
lives for it, that is a tremendous witness and encouragement.
When I read about Corrie Ten Boom, and how she stood up for Jesus in the midst of a
Nazi concentration camp, I’m deeply challenged and encouraged, aren’t you?
When I read the list of heroes in Hebrews 11, and realize that they never saw the result
of their faith, but they kept on being faithful, in spite of persecution and suffering, I’m
encouraged to try to live a life of courage and faithfulness too.

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And what an impact the way we live can have on others! Jesus describes it in a number
of ways: “Returning good for evil....turning the other cheek....going the extra
mile....doing good to those who hate us...loving our enemies.”
By living a life of real love we accomplish a two-fold objective:
#1, we put an end to bitterness, and #2, we prove the truth of the age-old axiom, “Love
conquers all.”
Listen to this true story. Rabbi Michael Weisser lived in Lincoln, NB. And for more than
3 years, Larry Trapp, a self-proclaimed Nazi and Ku Klux Klansman, directed a torrent
of hate-filled mailings and phone calls toward him. Trapp promoted white supremacy,
anti-semitism, and other messages of prejudice, declaring his apartment, the KKK state
headquarters, and himself the grand dragon.
His whole purpose in life seemed to be to spew out hate-ridden racial slurs, and
obscene remarks against Weisser, and all those like him.
At first, the Weissers were so afraid they locked their doors and worried themselves
almost sick over the safety of their family. But one day Rabbi Weisser found out that
Trapp was a 42-year-old clinically blind, double amputee. And he became convinced
that Trapp’s own physical helplessness was a source of the bitterness he expressed.
So Rabbi Weisser decided to do the unexpected. He left a message on Trapp’s
answering machine, telling him of another side of life, .. a life free of hatred and racism.
Rabbi Weisser said, “I probably called 10 times and left messages before he finally
picked the phone and asked me why I was harassing him. I said that I’d like to help
him. I offered him a ride to the grocery store or to the mall.”
Trapp was stunned. Disarmed with kindness and courtesy, he started thinking, He later
admitted, through tears, that he heard in the rabbi’s voice, “something I hadn’t
experienced in years. It was love.”
Slowly the bitter man began to soften. One night he called the Weissers and said he
wanted out, but didn’t know how. The Weissers grabbed a bucket of fried chicken and
took him dinner. Before long they made a trade: in return for their love, he gave them
his swastika rings, hate tracts, and Klan robes.

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That same day Trapp gave up his Ku Klux Klan recruiting job and dumped the rest of his
propaganda in the trash. “They showed me so much love, that I couldn’t help but love
them back,” he finally confessed.
Folks, if that could happen in Lincoln, Nebraska, what could happen here in our
community, in our neighborhoods, if we truly began to live lives that showed the life of
Jesus to those around us? Not only here, but wherever we travel and come into contact
with people around the world. You see, there is a reward for faithfulness, and we need
to encourage each other with that fact.
A few weeks ago we took time to honor and observe Veterans Day. On PBS that
evening there was a program to honor veterans. One of the stories was about a young
soldier that I will tell you about now. I had written this story prior to seeing the program.
Maybe some of you saw it on PBS.
Lt. John Glandharde was stationed in Florida during WW2. One day he wandered into
the base library and found a book to read. As he worked his way through the book he
became impressed, not so much with the book, but with the notes penciled in the
margin. The feminine handwriting showed insight and understanding, as well as a bit of
tenderness.
He flipped to the front of the book and found the name of the previous owner of the
book, the one who had donated it to the USO. Her name was Miss Alice Minell.
Blanchard made some inquiries and found her address in New York state. He wrote her
a letter, and the following day he was shipped overseas. But her answering letter found
its way to him overseas.
For 13 months they corresponded. They opened their hearts to each other, and
realized that they were on the verge of falling in love. In one of his letters he requested
her picture, but she refused by saying, “If you love me, it won’t make any difference
what I look like.”
Finally he was shipped back to the states, and they made plans to meet. The place
would be Grand Central Station, and the time was to be 7 p.m. She would carry a rose.
He would be in uniform, carrying a copy of the book that started the whole thing.

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Finally it was 1 minute to 7:00. He straightened his uniform, his heart pumping
anxiously. Now what I’me telling you this morning is a true story, and from here on I’m
going to let Blanchard tell it in his own words.
“A young woman came toward me. Her figure was long and slim. Her hair was blond
with curls. You could see a glimpse of her delicate ears, and her eyes were bluish
black. Her lips and chin had a gentle firmness, and she wore a pale green suit. She
looked like spring came alive.
“I started towards her, entirely forgetting to notice that she was not carrying a rose. As
she passed me, a small provocative smile curled on her lips and she said, ‘Going my
way, soldier?’ Almost uncontrollably I made a step in her direction, and then I saw the
other woman, with a rose.
“There she stood, past the age of 40, gray hair tucked under and a worn hat, more than
plump. Her thick ankles were thrust deep into low heeled shoes. But she had a rose.
But the other girl in the green suit walked on quickly, and I felt like I was going to split in
two. Which of the two was the one?
I had a keen desire to follow that beautiful woman who had just passed. But I also had
a deep longing for the woman whose spirit had truly companioned me in her letters
during the war. And she was holding the rose.
“There she stood. Her pale plump face was gentle, sensible. Her gray eyes were warm
and had a twinkle. I did not hesitate any longer. My fingers gripped the small worn
book that was to identify me. I thought, ‘This may not be love, but it will be something
precious.’
“I squared my shoulders, held out the book to the woman and said, ‘I’m Lt. John
Blanchard, and you must be Miss Minell. I’m so glad to finally meet you. May I take
you to dinner?”
“The woman’s face broadened into a smile. She said, ‘I don’t know what this is all
about, soldier. But that young lady in green who just went by begged me to carry this
rose. She said that if you were to ask me out to dinner, that I should tell you that she is
waiting for you in the restaurant across the street.’ Then she asked, “Is this some kind
of a test?”

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“I thanked her. Told her to keep the rose and then I rushed to the restaurant. And there
was the woman I was wanting to meet. What moments ago seemed disappointing
turned out good. What seemed disappointing turned into joy.” Almighty God leads and
directs our life for our good. And what may seem a little disappointing at first may turn
into real joy.
They were married a short time later and lived a long loving married life. Yes, Lt.
Blanchard passed the test. Will you?
Jesus said, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen!

Sermon From Glenn Stocker