Reconcile, Reconcile, Reconcile!!!

Pastor Rocklyn Clarke - Sunday February 28, 2010

© 2010 Life Church Ministries, Inc.

http://www.LifeChurchMinistries.org/

Notes Introduction Bible Reading 2/28 - 3/6: Lev 22:17 - Num 7:89; Mark 9:30 - 13:13; Psalm 44 - 49; Proverbs 10:19-28 Review Seasoning, Sustaining, Shining Preparation - Matthew 5:13-16 Salt Seawater - 3.5% salt. Salting Food - 20% salt content required to kill most bacteria. "salted with fire" - Mark 9:49-50 Newborn children were rubbed with salt - Ezekiel 16:4 Select the Passage - Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Study the Passage NIV Hebrew Study Bible KJV The Message NASB RSV Discover the Exegetical Idea Jesus' disciples are the earth's preservative and the light by which people see God's glory on earth. Analyze the Exegetical Idea Explain It: What does this mean? Jesus is speaking to disciples - not mere churchgoers. He presents to them the attributes he values generally - Mat 5:1-10 He personally affirms their mismatch with the world - Mat 5:11-12 These attributes and this mismatch are central to the purpose of disciples: being salt and light. The persecution and mismatch that we experience are a direct result of our "saltiness". If we stop being "salty" Salt doesn't preserve anything unless it gets out of the salt shaker. A single grain won't work - it takes a collection. Light doesn't do any good unless it's where people can see it. Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it? The Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. Alcoholics Anonymous etc. What difference does it make? So What? The Church doesn't always seem like salt and light to me. We fail because: We aren't real disciples (i.e. followers of Jesus) - just religious. We stay bottled up in the church world. We try to engage the world by ourselves. We can succeed by: Recognizing the difference between discipleship and mere church-going. Seeing the world as the place where we do God's work. Making a firm commitment to partnership with other disciples. Formulate the Homiletical Idea Season, sustain, and shine Determine the Purpose of the Sermon (what listeners should do) Be disciples (like the audience for this passage). Act collectively Season Sustain Shine Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose Outline the Sermon Standing Issues From a word Bishop gave me: Make sure people do something with God's message. Make it plain: Use accessible language. Use modern day parables based on every day occurrences: Sitting at a stop light Driving through a green light Approaching a yellow light Being cut off in traffic Going shopping Going to a mall Going to school; sitting in class Going to work; sitting in your office; Keep it simple. Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience. Impart faith to obey the Word and receive God's promises. Introduction - Importance of Corporate Worship We had another party for God this morning! Were you there? Did God enjoy your contribution to our worship today? There is no substitute for your individual experience with God! There is no substitute for your corporate experience with God! Would you turn down an invitation to a party for your parents? God is your Father - don't miss his party! We are called to worship together! Acts 2:42-47 Hebrews 13:15 1Peter 2:4-10 Introduction - Announcement Clarify "spiritual beggars" - Rev. 3:14-22 Prayer Workshop - Today at 12N Transition Prayer can lower your blood pressure. I have high blood pressure. High blood pressure - sodium content of food KFC Chicken Thighs Original Recipe - 220 Cal, 620 mg NA Extra Crisply - 340 Cal, 780 mg NA Spicy Crispy - 360 Cal, 1010 mg NA Grilled - 150 Cal, 350 mg NA "Speaking of salt . . ." Read the Passage (as a group) - Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Exegetical Idea Jesus' disciples are the earth's preservative and the light by which people see God's glory on earth. What does this mean? Jesus is speaking to disciples - not mere churchgoers. He lists the attributes he values generally - Matthew 5:1-10 He personally affirms their mismatch with the world - Matthew 5:11-12 These attributes and this mismatch are central to the purpose of disciples: being salt and light. The persecution and mismatch that we experience are a direct result of our "saltiness". If we stop being "salty" we stop being useful. Salt Seawater - 3.5% salt. Used in grain offerings - Leviticus 2:11-13 Elisha uses salt to heal a spring - 2Kings 2:19-22 Newborn children were rubbed with salt - Ezekiel 16:1-6 "salted with fire" - Mark 9:49-50 Salt acts as a preservative. Salting Food - 20% salt content required to kill most bacteria. Read "How to Preserve Meat With Salt" http://www.ehow.com/how_2121012_preserve-meat-salt.html Salt doesn't preserve anything unless it gets out of the salt shaker. A single grain won't work - it takes a collection. Light doesn't do any good unless it's where people can see it. Is it True? Do I believe it? - What are some examples? The Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. Alcoholics Anonymous etc. - Founders Bill Wilson & Bob Smith were strongly influenced by the Christian organization the Oxford Group. In 2006 AA reported 1,867,212 members and 106,202 AA groups worldwide.[11] The Twelve Traditions informally guide how AA groups function, and the Twelve Concepts for World Service guide how AA is structured globally.[12] What difference does it make? So What? The Church doesn't always seem like salt and light to me. We fail because: We aren't real disciples (i.e. followers of Jesus) - just religious. We stay bottled up in the church world. We try to engage the world by ourselves. We can succeed by: Know the difference between discipleship and mere church-going. Seeing the world as the place where we do God's work. Making a firm commitment to partnership with other disciples. Homiletical Idea: Season, sustain, and shine - BIG IDEA!!! Purpose of the Sermon (what listeners should do) Be disciples (like the audience for this passage). Season Sustain Shine Act collectively Be disciples (like the audience for this passage). It's about more than going to church. Do you want to be like Jesus? If so, what are you doing about it? Whatever stands in the way of you being a disciple is also standing in the way of you being salt and light. You have to do something about it! Remember the seed that fell among thorns - Matthew 13:22 Season You can't season anything from within the walls of the church building. Season compatible foods. Illustration - Pepper On My Cereal Several years ago I made my self a bowl of cold cereal. I sprinkled on some sugar substitute and then reached for the cinnamon and finished it off with milk. When I started to eat it I noticed that it had an unusual kick to it. A few days later I came downstairs to once again make myself a bowl of cereal. I sprinkled on some sugar substitute and, once again, reached for what I thought was the cinnamon. As it turned out, what I grabbed was pepper - I caught my mistake just before I was about to pour pepper on my cereal. It was then that I realized that this must have been what happened the previous time when I ate my cereal with that extra “kick”. What interests do you have outside of church? Give God a chance to use you as seasoning among people with whom you have shared interests. This is the type of setting where you can be most yourself - hence, most natural and relaxed. Sustain Food is always "trying" to go bad. Our environment is full of bacteria - both beneficial and harmful. In a live person, the immune system fights off harmful bacteria. When we die, the bacteria in our bodies no longer have any opposition, so they start to digest us. Many bacteria behave differently depending on whether they are alone or in a group. Bacterial signaling., quorum sensing Biofilms, dental plaque Salt creates an environment that inhibits bacterial growth. Osmosis Because of their alienation from God, people are constantly under the negative influence of sinful thoughts and habits. This can obviously be spiritually fatal. We are the preservative that keeps the bacteria from taking over. Shine You can't shine properly inside the walls of the church building. You need to get outside! Expect to be used somewhere where there is opposition. We salt food to prevent destruction by bacteria that are already there. Act collectively Like bacteria, grasshoppers exhibit group behavior. Grasshoppers respond to overcrowding. Increased tactile stimulation of the hind legs (several contacts per minute for 4 hours) causes an increase in levels of serotonin. This causes the grasshopper to change color, eat much more, and breed much more easily. It becomes a locust. It is estimated that the largest swarms have covered hundreds of square miles and consisted of many billions of locusts. Stop thinking as individuals and grab a partner. Conclusion Be disciples Season the places where God plants you. Sustain the people to whom God connects you. Shine so that others can see what God is doing and praise him. Act collectively New Material Preparation Expository Preaching Expository preaching is the communication of a biblical concept, derived from and transmitted through a historical, grammatical, and literary study of a passage in its context, which the Holy Spirit first applies to the personality and experience of the preacher, then through the preacher, applies to the hearers. Select the Passage Study the Passage NIV Hebrew Study Bible KJV The Message NASB RSV Discover the Exegetical Idea Subject Tools: How, Who, What, When, Where, Why Complement Analyze the Exegetical Idea Explain It: What does this mean? Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it? Apply It: What difference does it make? So What? Formulate the Homiletical Idea Determine the Purpose of the Sermon Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose Make it plain Use accessible language and modern parables. Make sure people do something with God's message. Keep it simple. Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience. Impart faith to obey the Word and receive God's promises. Outline the Sermon Reconcile, Reconcile, Reconcile! Preparation - Matthew 5:21-26 Select the Passage - Matthew 5:13-16 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. Study the Passage NIV Hebrew Study Bible KJV The Message NASB RSV Discover the Exegetical Idea Anger puts you at risk for God's judgment. Overcome it by pursuing reconciliation. Analyze the Exegetical Idea Explain It: What does this mean? Jesus is fulfilling the law - enabling it to serve it's purpose by making its true meaning accessible. God cares about more than murder (Exodus 20:13). He cares about the anger that leads to murder. We need to avoid being angry with others. We need to remove reasons for others to be angry with us. Reconciling with others helps to do this. Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it? In your anger do not sin - Ephesians 4:22-27 Rid yourselves of anger - Colossians 3:8-14 Be slow to anger - James 1:19-21 What difference does it make? So What? The potential judgment that follows anger is the same judgment that follows murder. You don't want to go to hell! What you say to other people matters. Things that cause anger are bound to come. If you don't pursue reconciliation you aren't serious about dealing with your anger. Formulate the Homiletical Idea Reconcile, reconcile, reconcile! Determine the Purpose of the Sermon (what listeners should do) Repent from your anger. Forgive those who have angered you. Develop a lifestyle of reconciliation. Decide How to Accomplish This Purpose Outline the Sermon Standing Issues From a word Bishop gave me: Make sure people do something with God's message. Make it plain: Use accessible language. Use modern day parables based on every day occurrences: Sitting at a stop light Driving through a green light Approaching a yellow light Being cut off in traffic Going shopping Going to a mall Going to school; sitting in class Going to work; sitting in your office; Keep it simple. Use illustrations of truth out of my own experience. Impart faith to obey the Word and receive God's promises. Introduction - Importance of Corporate Worship We had another party for God this morning! Were you there? Did God enjoy your contribution to our worship today? There is no substitute for your individual experience with God! There is no substitute for your corporate experience with God! Would you turn down an invitation to a party for your parents? God is your Father - don't miss his party! We are called to worship together! Acts 2:42-47 Hebrews 13:15 1Peter 2:4-10 Announcement Prayer Workshop - Last Sunday at 12N Introduction Jesus shares his yoke with his disciples. Read Introductory Passage - Matthew 5:17-20 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Transition Jesus is fulfilling the Law - enabling it to serve it's purpose by making its true meaning accessible. Jesus is revealing God's original intent behind the Law. Let's take a look at the first law that he fulfills. Read the Passage - Matthew 5:21-26 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. Exegetical Idea Anger puts you at risk for God's judgment. Overcome it by pursuing reconciliation. Homiletical Idea: Reconcile, reconcile, reconcile!! Explain It: What does this mean? Jesus is fulfilling the law - enabling it to serve it's purpose by making its true meaning accessible. God cares about more than murder (Exodus 20:13). He cares about the anger that leads to murder. We need to avoid being angry with others. We need to remove reasons for others to be angry with us. Reconciling with others helps to do this. Prove It: Is it True? Do I believe it? In your anger do not sin - Ephesians 4:22-27 Rid yourselves of anger - Colossians 3:8-14 Be slow to anger - James 1:19-21 What difference does it make? So What? The potential judgment that follows anger is the same judgment that follows murder. You don't want to go to hell! What you say to other people matters. Things that cause anger are bound to come. If you don't pursue reconciliation you aren't serious about dealing with your anger. Homiletical Idea: Reconcile, reconcile, reconcile!! Purpose of the Sermon (what listeners should do) Repent from your anger. Forgive those who have angered you. Develop a lifestyle of reconciliation. Repent from your anger. Cut others some slack: No one else can block God's will for your life! Cut yourself some slack: You are human, flawed, and dependent on God. You will make mistakes, but God can handle them. Serve where the grace is. Forgive those who have angered you. Develop a lifestyle of reconciliation. Check in with others. Act quickly - interrupt religious activity if necessary. Let your life group be part of your strategy. Conclusion Anger is the first issue Jesus deals with in the Sermon on the Mount! Take this seriously! Altar Call / Welcome Cards / Communion Welcome Cards - refer to script Benediction - Numbers 6:24-26 “‘“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ Men's Prayer Life Group Material Life Group Word Material These are sample discussion questions / topics. Your life group leaders may choose to adjust these questions, substitute new ones, or spend the Word section of the meeting in a different way altogether. Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Matthew 5:17-20 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Discussion Questions / Topics: Jesus came to fulfill the scriptures - making them understandable and accessible. Describe your experience when it comes to Jesus' teaching. Do you find it understandable and accessible? Discuss. What, if anything, have you observed about the "righteousness" of religious leaders? How does your righteousness compare? Matthew 5:21-26 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. Discussion Questions / Topics: Have you been angry with anyone in the church recently? Discuss. What other reasons have you had for being angry? Discuss. Are you aware of anyone who might be angry with you? If so, what are you going to do about it? Describe a time when you reconciled with someone. If there anyone with whom you need to be reconciled now? Discuss. Exodus 20:1-2, 13 And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. . . . “You shall not murder. Discussion Questions / Topics: Have you ever been at risk for actually murdering someone? Discuss. Ephesians 4:22-27 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Discussion Questions / Topics: How seriously have you worked on getting rid of anger in the past? How seriously are you working on it now? James 1:19-21 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Discussion Questions / Topics: Are you slow to become angry? Discuss. Are you relying on your anger to accomplish things for you? Discuss. Life Group Witnessing Activities Key Passage - Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Activities Pick a partner with whom you can work on being salt and light in the world around you for the next month. Tell your life group whom it is. Pray regularly with your partner for God to show the two of you some places and ways that you can use your gifts and resources to do good. Get together with your partner to act on what God shows you. Scriptures For 02/28/2010 Life Church Sermon Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Matthew 5:17-20 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:21-26 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. Exodus 20:1-17 And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand [generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments. “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. “You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Ephesians 4:22-27 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Colossians 3:8-14 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. James 1:19-21 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Reading American Gehenna Wikipedia contributors, "Centralia, Pennsylvania," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Centralia,_Pennsylvania&oldid=346549902 (accessed March 1, 2010). Mine fire “ This was a world where no human could live, hotter than the planet Mercury, its atmosphere as poisonous as Saturn's. At the heart of the fire, temperatures easily exceeded 1,000 degrees. Lethal clouds of carbon monoxide and other gases swirled through the rock chambers.[3] - David DeKok (1986) ” A small part of the Centralia mine fire as it appeared after being exposed during an excavation in 1969 It is not known for certain how the fire that made Centralia essentially unlivable was ignited. One theory asserts that in May 1962, the Centralia Borough Council hired five members of the volunteer fire company to clean up the town landfill, located in an abandoned strip-mine pit next to the Odd Fellows Cemetery. This had been done prior to Memorial Day in previous years, when the landfill was in a different location. The firefighters, as they had in the past, set the dump on fire and let it burn for a time. Unlike in previous years, however, the fire was not extinguished correctly. Other evidence supports this theory, as stated in Joan Quigley's 2007 missive, such as the fact that one of two trash haulers (Curly Stasulevich or Sam Devine) dumped hot ash and/or coal discarded from coal burners into the open trash pit. The borough, by law, was responsible for installing a fire-resistant clay barrier between each layer, but fell behind schedule, leaving the barrier partly incomplete. This allowed the hot coals to penetrate the vein of coal underneath the pit and light the subsequent subterranean fire. Quigley cites "interviews with volunteer firemen, the former fire chief, borough officials, and several eyewitnesses, as well as contemporaneous borough council minutes" as her sources for this explanation of the fire.[5] Another theory of note is the Bast Theory. It states that the fire was burning long before the alleged trash dump fire. However, due to overwhelmingly contrary evidence, few hold this position and give it little credibility.[5] The fire remained burning underground and spread through a hole in the rock pit into the abandoned coal mines beneath Centralia. Attempts to extinguish the fire were unsuccessful, and it continued to burn throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Adverse health effects were reported by several people due to the byproducts of the fire, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and a lack of healthy oxygen levels. In 1979, locals became aware of the scale of the problem when a gas-station owner and then mayor, John Coddington, inserted a stick into one of his underground tanks to check the fuel level. When he withdrew it, it seemed hot, so he lowered a thermometer down on a string and was shocked to discover that the temperature of the gasoline in the tank was 172 °F (77.8 °C). Statewide attention to the fire began to increase, culminating in 1981 when 12-year-old resident Todd Domboski almost fell into a sinkhole four feet wide by 150 feet (46 m) deep that suddenly opened beneath his feet in a backyard. In 1984, the U.S. Congress allocated more than $42 million for relocation efforts. Most of the residents accepted buyout offers and moved to the nearby communities of Mount Carmel and Ashland. A few families opted to stay despite warnings from Pennsylvania officials. In 1992, Pennsylvania claimed eminent domain on all properties in the borough, condemning all the buildings within. A subsequent legal effort by residents to have the decision reversed failed. In 2002, the U.S. Postal Service revoked Centralia's ZIP code, 17927.[1][6] [edit] Today Very few homes remain standing in Centralia; most of the abandoned buildings have been demolished by humans or nature. At a casual glance, the area now appears to be a field with many paved streets running through it. Some areas are being filled with new-growth forest. Most of Centralia's roads and sidewalks are overgrown with brush, although some areas appear to be mowed.[7] The remaining church in the borough, St. Mary's, holds weekly services on Sunday and is unaffected by the fire. The town's four cemeteries—including one on the hilltop that has smoke rising around and out of it—are maintained in good condition and now have a far greater population than the town. The only indications of the fire, which underlies some 400 acres (1.6 km²) spreading along four fronts, are low round metal steam vents in the south of the borough and several signs warning of underground fire, unstable ground, and carbon monoxide. Additional smoke and steam can be seen coming from an abandoned portion of Pennsylvania Route 61, the area just behind the hilltop cemetery, and other cracks in the ground scattered about the area. Route 61 was repaired several times until its final closing. The current route was a detour around the damaged portion during the repairs and became a permanent route in the mid-1990s; mounds of dirt were placed at both ends of the former route, effectively blocking the road. Pedestrian traffic is still possible due to a small opening about two feet wide at the north side of the road, but this is muddy and not accessible to the disabled. The underground fire is still burning and will continue to do so for a predicted 250 more years.[citation needed] Prior to its demolition in September 2007, the last remaining house on Locust Avenue was notable for the five chimney-like support buttresses along each of two opposite sides of the house, where the house was previously supported by a row of adjacent buildings before it was demolished. Another house with similar buttresses is visible from the northern side of the cemetery, just north of the burning, partially subsumed hillside.[8] The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania did not renew the relocation contract at the end of 2005, and the fate of the remaining residents is uncertain.[9] In 2010, only five homes remain as state officials try to vacate the remaining residents and demolish what's left of the town.[10] It is expected that many former residents will return in 2016 to open a time capsule buried in 1966 next to the veterans' memorial.[1]