ONE LOVE A Sermon for Sunday, May 12, 2013 by Avena A. Ward St. Pauls United Church of Christ Chicago, Illinois

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "ONE LOVE A Sermon for Sunday, May 12, 2013 by Avena A. Ward St. Pauls United Church of Christ Chicago, Illinois"

Transcription

1 ONE LOVE A Sermon for Sunday, May 12, 2013 by Avena A. Ward St. Pauls United Church of Christ Chicago, Illinois Text: John 17:20-26 I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them. Sermon: Gosh, I really enjoy living today. One of the things I like most is how we can find connections to almost everything on the Internet. I like that almost any question I think of I can develop a search and follow the path to an answer. As I was reading the gospel passage for today Bob Marley s song One Love popped into my head. A few keystrokes and I was listening to it on YouTube. In another tab I pulled up the lyrics to read along: One Love, One heart, Let s get together and feel alright. Hear the children crying, Hear the children crying, Saying, give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel alright. Here we are in this beautiful sanctuary full of children, hearing them -- some crying, yes, and others singing and giving thanks and praising the Lord -- don t you feel alright? But following the lyrics a little further, that s not where the song leaves us. There s a place in Bob Marley s One Love, where those gentle rocking reggae feel-good challenge us with a

2 difficult question: Is there a place for the hopeless sinner who has hurt all mankind just to save his own beliefs? That disturbing question turned me around and pointed at some of the things that feel like jagged and broken edges in our world. While the news coverage is turning away from 24 hr coverage of the Boston bombings, I felt that question calling us to look at some things about our faith that don t always feel alright. With those words I was transported in my imagination to a very dark place, where hiding under that boat cover, surrounded by police, with guns trained on him, someone s child was huddled, shivering and in pain. I wondered, could he have been praying? Was he asking that question in his anguished hours before his capture? Our gospel reading for this morning finds Jesus in prayer, even as he was waiting for the authorities who would come and arrest him. Jesus hadn t done anything. We believe he was innocent. But that young man huddled in the boat in a Boston backyard, we re already convinced was not innocent. During the manhunt alone he d hurt many people. Without a trial we believe it was that young man in the boat who hurt Celeste and Sydney Corcoran, mother and daughter, with the bomb that he dropped at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. When NPR interviewed the pair this last week Celeste, the mother, was recovering from losing both her legs. She was with Sydney, her daughter, who was in good health, but who almost bled to death from a shrapnel wound to her leg. Celeste and Sydney were leaving the hospital when they were interviewed, moving to a rehab center for the next steps in their recovery. Celeste was just climbing out of the depths. She had almost given up on life at least three times already. But people wouldn t leave her alone.her family and even strangers kept urging her on. Recent visitors included two marines, each with amputations of their own. They stopped by to tell their storiesof what they ve been able to accomplish even with their injuries. They wanted to show Celeste that she wouldn t always be an invalid. But for Celeste, it had felt like she was buried in the dung heap of misfortune. For her, that new life could come fast enough. It was hardly a reality. She was still coping with the pain of what had happened to her. Hope was a seed that hadn t even germinated yet. But hope sometimes finds fertile soil in devastation. I saw that while traveling on the island of Crete 35 years ago.crete was a major battleground in World War II. When I visited in 1979 the landscape was still dotted with shells of buildings with no windows and no roofs. The space inside those building has now become overgrown with weeds, even trees.

3 Flocks of sheep and goats roam wild in the countryside. They live off the sparse vegetation and scavenge in the garbage outside of people s homes. And then they shelter in those abandoned buildings at night. What I noticed as I hiked around the island was that also dotted around the countryside, both inside those buildings and in the rubble outside there were cucumber vines and tomato bushes springing up. Fig trees grow in the most unlikely places. They ve grown up, I realized after being pooped out by those goats and sheep. Sometimes life asserts itself in spite of or in the midst of refuse and ruin. And love shows up more vividly against such a backdrop. On the night of his betrayal and arrest Jesus was in trouble. And so he was praying. He was praying that his work might not be in vain. He was praying, not just for those his closest friends whom he would leave behind, vulnerable. But, if we listen closely, we can hear that Jesus praying for us, as well. I ask not only on behalf of these [my disciples], but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word,... that they may all be one.... as we are one, I in them and you in me,... so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me... This gospel reading comes to us out of context, after we ve walked through Lent and re-read the passion stories. After Easter and the resurrection, it takes us back to the night he was betrayed. Even after Jesus has ascended into heaven it returns us to Jesus in the midst of deep crisis. And it is addressed to God for us especially when we find ourselves deep in the crises of our lives. We have these verses to remind us that Jesus fervent prayer at a time like that was that his disciples and we might be given strength and courage to carry on as his body in the world. He prays that we should know Jesus loves us, and through the mystery of the indwelling Trinity, God does too. This is the kind of love that we have just baptized our children into, right? This is a transforming love. A love that can make all things new. But it can leave us struggling with more questions than it answers. Questions like those that popped into my head as I was imagining what the world would look like if we took Jesus prayer to heart. I like to think that if Jesus prayer were answered, by those of us who ve been baptized into Jesus baptism and taken on being his body, if we were to really feel and act as if we were One, and to have that be the truth of our lives, there would be no bombings in Boston. Or Syria or Afghanistan. There would be no people still

4 living in tent cities in Haiti so many years after the devastating earthquakes. There would be no school shootings and no violence between gangs on the West side or the South side. There would be fewer people pushed out of homes and jobs and mental institutions... Here s the uncomfortable question that bugged me: If we re the answer to Jesus prayer and have taken on loving as God has loved us, why is there still tragedy and death in the world? Matt said last Sunday that God s peace is a mystery, that sometimes we only know it when we see it. Well, this One unifying Love is a mystery, too. Like God s peace, we only occasionally get glimpses of it in action. When we do it is often in flashes of light, reflecting off shards of broken glass. It it is in tendrils of vines growing from the dung in refuse heaps. It is in the lives of people who ve been torn apart and put back together again after tragic and difficult events. Celeste -- that mother who lost both her legs in the Boston bombing, she says she s ready to believe now that in time, with prostheses she will be able to resume her role of caring for her family. In his time among us, Jesus prayed to God for us that we would come to trust in God who would not let even death stand between us and her love. God so loved the world that God became human and dwelt among us as the Light of the World. And those who follow Jesus are called to carry that light in the world. But do we have to carry the light to that young man hiding in the boat? Do we have to acknowledge our one-ness with him as well? Jesus said: Love your enemies. Love them and pray for them, even if they hurt you. That s the kind of love we ve just baptized these three children into. It s a demanding love and it doesn t always leave us feeling alright. In real life it leaves us with some uncomfortable questions, and some difficult decisions to make. When the NPR reporter interviewed Celeste and Sydney, the mother and daughter victims of the Marathon bombing, he asked how they thought that boy in the boat should be judged. Did he deserve the death penalty? If that s what a judge and jury decides. That s what Celester, the mother, said. No, not death, said the daughter. He should live long and have plenty of time to contemplate the harm he has done. Which is the right answer? Jesus urged us to leave the judgement to God. The mandate he left for us in his prayer is to love. To love with the kind of love of a mother for an only child. To love with a love that gives life to seeds of hope, even seeds found buried in the dung heap.

5 If we re going to love like Jesus taught us, it s never going to be easy to know the answers. We re going to be confronted and challenged to live that love. But for now, along with our children who have sung so beautifully of Jesus love, let s praise and thank the Lord and then we ll feel alright. Amen.

Genesis. Lesson 4: Cain and Abel

Genesis. Lesson 4: Cain and Abel As you study this lesson, take the time to look up the highlighted scripture references and also read through Genesis 4. This will increase your understanding and help you prove this material for yourself.

More information

Sermon for Easter 2 Year B 2015 Before and After, Doubt and Faith

Sermon for Easter 2 Year B 2015 Before and After, Doubt and Faith Sermon for Easter 2 Year B 2015 Before and After, Doubt and Faith The big Easter celebration has come... and gone. Perhaps you are asking yourself, what now? What s next? Is there life... after Easter?

More information

Lent 1 Feb 22, 2015 Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15

Lent 1 Feb 22, 2015 Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15 Lent 1 Feb 22, 2015 Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15 Meet me in the Wilderness And so our Lenten journey begins again, joining with Jesus in his preparation for his ministry, a work that will heal many lives,

More information

Grief Interrupted Luke 24: Sunday, April 19, 2015 Rev. Heike Werder The Congregational Church of Needham

Grief Interrupted Luke 24: Sunday, April 19, 2015 Rev. Heike Werder The Congregational Church of Needham Page 1 Grief Interrupted Luke 24: 36 48 Sunday, April 19, 2015 Rev. Heike Werder The Congregational Church of Needham I don t know about you, but I cherish my morning routine. I am taking a guess that

More information

Abide John 15:1-12 Sermon by Associate Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church 6/5/2016

Abide John 15:1-12 Sermon by Associate Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church 6/5/2016 Abide John 15:1-12 Sermon by Associate Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church 6/5/2016 I. INTRODUCTION Good morning, family! Summer has definitely arrived in a big way, hasn t it? Well, I m glad you took

More information

As I was walking out of the bedroom door, one of the kids said, dad, how come God never says anything to me?

As I was walking out of the bedroom door, one of the kids said, dad, how come God never says anything to me? SERMON TITLE: My Lord and My God TEXT: John 20:24-31 PREACHED AT: Neighbourhood Church BY: Ryan Dueck DATE: May 1, 2011/2 nd Sunday of Easter One day, I can t remember how many years ago, a familiar scene

More information

God On The Cross: PRECIOUS LAMB

God On The Cross: PRECIOUS LAMB God On The Cross: PRECIOUS LAMB Leviticus 16:6-15, 20-22 Hebrews 9:11-22 Jesus death on the cross was a sacrificial atonement. A sermon preached by Rev. Dr. William O. (Bud) Reeves First United Methodist

More information

Maundy Th T ursd s a d y A p A r p i r l i l

Maundy Th T ursd s a d y A p A r p i r l i l Maundy Thursday 18 April 2019 MAUNDY THURSDAY April 18, 2019 MAUNDY THURSDAY 7:00 P.M. Holy Communion Reflection Before Worship Join Him at the welcome table. Take off your shoes, dusty with worry and

More information

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright 2000; 2001 by Crossway

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright 2000; 2001 by Crossway All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright 2000; 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.

More information

Luke 13:1-9. In our gospel reading, we are reminded that most people in. Jesus day believed in a cause and effect relationship between

Luke 13:1-9. In our gospel reading, we are reminded that most people in. Jesus day believed in a cause and effect relationship between 1 St. Bartholomew 3 rd Sunday in Lent March 7, 2010 Luke 13:1-9 In our gospel reading, we are reminded that most people in Jesus day believed in a cause and effect relationship between sin, and suffering.

More information

I was a Stranger. For use on World Refugee Sabbath June 16, 2018

I was a Stranger. For use on World Refugee Sabbath June 16, 2018 I was a Stranger For use on World Refugee Sabbath June 16, 2018 After a long famine, the rains had finally returned to the land of Judea. The crops of barley and wheat were growing again and it was harvest

More information

PARISH STUDY RESOURCE

PARISH STUDY RESOURCE PARISH STUDY RESOURCE October 2018 Study resources can be download at www.stpetersbribie.org.au This resource has been created for use in the Anglican Church Bribie Island for the use of individuals and

More information

Psalm 35:15-22 Matthew 26:36-46

Psalm 35:15-22 Matthew 26:36-46 Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church Asheville, North Carolina August 26, 2018 Sermon: Questions for God: Stay Awake and Pray Rev. Samantha Gonzalez-Block Psalm 35:15-22 Matthew 26:36-46 Questions for God:

More information

Message: Facing Tragedy Together Where were you? That s the question people ask one another after a major crisis occurs. Where were you on Wednesday,

Message: Facing Tragedy Together Where were you? That s the question people ask one another after a major crisis occurs. Where were you on Wednesday, Message: Facing Tragedy Together Where were you? That s the question people ask one another after a major crisis occurs. Where were you on Wednesday, Dec. 2 nd at 10:59 a.m. when Syed Farook and Tashfeen

More information

Week 1. Number of candles lit prior to service: 6. Introduction: Scripture reading: Matthew Reflection: Prayer:

Week 1. Number of candles lit prior to service: 6. Introduction: Scripture reading: Matthew Reflection: Prayer: Week 1 Number of candles lit prior to service: 6 Scripture reading: Matthew 4.-11 We extinguish the first candle (EXTINGUISH CANDLE), as we remember Jesus lonely trial in the desert. This account reveals

More information

Overcoming Evil With Good Pastor Joe Oakley GFC

Overcoming Evil With Good Pastor Joe Oakley GFC 1 Overcoming Evil With Good Pastor Joe Oakley GFC 7-9-16 We are in a sermon series on hearing God called The Voice. I had a sermon all prepared for today on that and then I heard the Voice! I felt the

More information

THE SHEEP AND THE SHEPHERD Sylvester Onyemalechi

THE SHEEP AND THE SHEPHERD Sylvester Onyemalechi THE SHEEP AND THE SHEPHERD Sylvester Onyemalechi THE SHEEP The sheep is an interesting animal. Its nature and behavior is so interesting that the Lord uses it to describe His relationship with His followers.

More information

Lost and Found Luke 15: Rev. Liz Miller September 15, 2013

Lost and Found Luke 15: Rev. Liz Miller September 15, 2013 Lost and Found Luke 15: 1-10 Rev. Liz Miller September 15, 2013 One of the things I enjoy doing on vacation or when I have a free day is to go for a hike. Hiking is not something that comes naturally to

More information

Series: Who is Who. Lesson 3 The Sheep and the Shepherd. Consider what the idea of a God being a Shepherd means.

Series: Who is Who. Lesson 3 The Sheep and the Shepherd. Consider what the idea of a God being a Shepherd means. Series: Who is Who Lesson 3 The Sheep and the Shepherd OVERVIEW Bible Passages: Psalm 23 Key Verse: John10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. BEFORE CLASS Preparation:

More information

Calvary United Methodist Church April 1, EASTER CANTATA Rise Up! Rejoice! Rev. Dr. S. Ronald Parks

Calvary United Methodist Church April 1, EASTER CANTATA Rise Up! Rejoice! Rev. Dr. S. Ronald Parks Calvary United Methodist Church April 1, 2018 EASTER CANTATA Rise Up! Rejoice! Rev. Dr. S. Ronald Parks Children s Sermon: Matthew 28:1-8 The Kingdom, the power and the glory for each of us, regardless

More information

THE SILENCE OF GOD Job 23:1-9, October 11 th, 2015 As I was working on this sermon, I came across a meditation in a book titled A Season of

THE SILENCE OF GOD Job 23:1-9, October 11 th, 2015 As I was working on this sermon, I came across a meditation in a book titled A Season of THE SILENCE OF GOD Job 23:1-9, 16-17 October 11 th, 2015 As I was working on this sermon, I came across a meditation in a book titled A Season of Grace, by Elizabeth M. Hoekstra. Some weeks it s a struggle

More information

Written Sermon: Luke 18:1-8 Homiletics I - Ken Chitwood November 11, 2010

Written Sermon: Luke 18:1-8 Homiletics I - Ken Chitwood November 11, 2010 Written Sermon: Luke 18:1-8 Homiletics I - Ken Chitwood November 11, 2010 Iʼll be the Judge, Iʼll be the Jury. (Total time with movie clip 12-15 minutes) *Pre-sermon movie clip from Disneyʼs Alice in Wonderland,

More information

SERMON. The Baptism of Our Lord. January 9, 2005

SERMON. The Baptism of Our Lord. January 9, 2005 SERMON The Baptism of Our Lord January 9, 2005 Brothers and sisters in Christ, grace to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus, who is the Christ. Amen. There is a story

More information

I was reminded recently that Fredrick Buechner once said in an interview on National Public Radio:

I was reminded recently that Fredrick Buechner once said in an interview on National Public Radio: Text: John 20: 19-31 Title: Easter for Grown-ups Date: 04.15.12 Roger Allen Nelson I was reminded recently that Fredrick Buechner once said in an interview on National Public Radio: I don t go to church

More information

6/25/2017 Does Jesus Care? 1

6/25/2017 Does Jesus Care? 1 "Does Jesus Care?" Life can suddenly become harsh, causing us to question whether the Lord cares about us. Hello, I m Phil Sanders and this is a Bible study in search of the Lord s Way. When I m hurting,

More information

Individual Devotional Study Guides Week #3

Individual Devotional Study Guides Week #3 Individual Devotional Study Guides Week #3 Using the Devotional Each week is designed to help you focus on the 7 final statements of Jesus on the cross. For seven weeks starting on February 12th, you will

More information

You have this power John 20:19-23

You have this power John 20:19-23 You have this power John 20:19-23 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to

More information

THE CENTURION AND THE SOLDIERS

THE CENTURION AND THE SOLDIERS THE HIGH PRIEST PILATE S WIFE PETER JUDAS THE CENTURION AND THE SOLDIERS Introduction This year, the account of Jesus arrest, trial and Passion, read in full on Palm Sunday, comes from St Matthew s Gospel.

More information

2/16/18. Liturgical Suggestions

2/16/18. Liturgical Suggestions Liturgical Reflections for the first Sunday of Lent, in the aftermath of the Ash Wednesday shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL The Rev. Dr. Laurie Kraus, Director, Presbyterian

More information

Gaza and Israel, justice and peace

Gaza and Israel, justice and peace Gaza and Israel, justice and peace T. Michael Hartfield, Sermon at St Hilda s, 10 August 2014 Psalm 16 :1-11 and Romans 8: 18-25 and 31-39 In Matthew s Gospel (10:29-31) Jesus says this: Do not be afraid

More information

The Old Testament Day of the Lord

The Old Testament Day of the Lord Zephaniah Get Ready Let s open our road map to the Old Testament book of Zephaniah. For several years, my wife and I had the privilege of attending the Pastors Conference at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville,

More information

details from that fateful night when Lot took the two heavenly visitors into his

details from that fateful night when Lot took the two heavenly visitors into his Genesis 19:17-25 Small Town You will have noticed that the scripture lesson doesn t include many of the familiar details from that fateful night when Lot took the two heavenly visitors into his home; and

More information

Isaiah 44:14 He cuts down cedars; he selects the cypress and the oak; he plants the cedar in the forest to be nourished by the rain.

Isaiah 44:14 He cuts down cedars; he selects the cypress and the oak; he plants the cedar in the forest to be nourished by the rain. Isaiah 44:14 He cuts down cedars; he selects the cypress and the oak; he plants the cedar in the forest to be nourished by the rain. 1 Psalm 1:3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,

More information

DO YOU KNOW WHAT REALLY HAPPENED?

DO YOU KNOW WHAT REALLY HAPPENED? Two other men were crucified with Jesus that day. They were thieves. One of them asked Jesus to save him. Jesus promised that they would be in heaven together that same day. Three hours later Jesus died.

More information

Small Group Newsletter St. Mary of the Visitation Parish Cambridge, (H) ONT. FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER May 11 th, 2014

Small Group Newsletter St. Mary of the Visitation Parish Cambridge, (H) ONT. FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER May 11 th, 2014 Introduction to the Word: FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER May 11 th, 2014 Today, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, is known as Good Shepherd Sunday. This day also has two other important titles World Day of Prayer

More information

Fifth Sunday of Lent John 11:1-45. April 2, Dear Friend,

Fifth Sunday of Lent John 11:1-45. April 2, Dear Friend, Fifth Sunday of Lent John 11:1-45 April 2, 2017 If we look up the meaning of the word Bethany we will discover that it means house of song, and/or the house of affliction' and the name Lazarus means God

More information

Psalm 42:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16 Sermon Title: For I will yet give you praise

Psalm 42:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16 Sermon Title: For I will yet give you praise Sermon, The Church V: Formed in Worship & Celebration October 9, 2016 HPMF Psalm 42:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16 Sermon Title: For I will yet give you praise Psalm 42:1-5 1 As a deer longs for flowing streams,

More information

The Way of the Cross Through the Voice of Victims Supporting Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse

The Way of the Cross Through the Voice of Victims Supporting Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse The Way of the Cross Through the Voice of Victims Supporting Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse -1- Archbishop s Message: Thank you for coming to this way of the cross service. A special welcome to those of

More information

Jesus Mission and Ours

Jesus Mission and Ours Isaiah 61 :1-2; Luke 4: 14-21 Jesus Mission and Ours The text from Isaiah 61 that we read this morning speaks of a new and better world: good news to the poor, release of captives, liberty for the oppressed:

More information

Sermon Outline - June 19, 2016 Psalm 32 - The Honest Soul. Text: Psalm 32 (ESV) Sermon Text - June 19, 2016 Psalm 32 - The Honest Soul

Sermon Outline - June 19, 2016 Psalm 32 - The Honest Soul. Text: Psalm 32 (ESV) Sermon Text - June 19, 2016 Psalm 32 - The Honest Soul J Sermon Outline - June 19, 2016 Psalm 32 - The Honest Soul Text: Psalm 32 (ESV) Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts

More information

This event thrusts Jesus into the final week of his ministry, propelling him relentlessly towards the cross.

This event thrusts Jesus into the final week of his ministry, propelling him relentlessly towards the cross. The Raising of Lazarus Can you tell me the name of this bird? - the phoenix. It is the stuff of myth and legend. This spectacular bird is said to be born of fire and lives for more than 500 years. When

More information

UNSTOPPABLE C H A P T E R S I X

UNSTOPPABLE C H A P T E R S I X THE UNSTOPPABLE WORSHIPPER C H A P T E R S I X C H A P T E R S I X THE YEAR IS 1744. HYMN WRITER CHARLES WESLEY IS IN LEEDS, ENGLAND, HOLDING A PRAYER MEET- ING IN AN UPSTAIRS ROOM. SUDDENLY THERE IS A

More information

A PRAYER OF CONFESSION

A PRAYER OF CONFESSION 6 A PRAYER OF CONFESSION What makes it so hard to say, I m sorry? QUESTION #1 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 109 THE POINT God forgives when we come to Him in repentance. THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE He told me he hadn

More information

If you ve ever known a guy who said, Yeah, Honey, those pants do make you look fat. They are not with us anymore, may they rest in peace.

If you ve ever known a guy who said, Yeah, Honey, those pants do make you look fat. They are not with us anymore, may they rest in peace. Famous Last Words #1 Father, Forgive them Today, and for the next 4 weeks we are going to be looking at the words of Jesus on the cross and I pray that the Spirit of God, through His Word, will speak into

More information

LESSON FIVE THE GOOD SHEPHERD

LESSON FIVE THE GOOD SHEPHERD LESSON FIVE THE GOOD SHEPHERD KEY VERSE: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11 In research laboratories, biologists often base their studies on mice or

More information

SYMPATHY Sermon preached by Dr. Lester Start on September 30, 1979 at First Baptist Church 315 W. Michigan Ave. Kalamazoo, Michigan SYMPATHY

SYMPATHY Sermon preached by Dr. Lester Start on September 30, 1979 at First Baptist Church 315 W. Michigan Ave. Kalamazoo, Michigan SYMPATHY SYMPATHY Sermon preached by Dr. Lester Start on September 30, 1979 at First Baptist Church 315 W. Michigan Ave. Kalamazoo, Michigan SYMPATHY Surely one of the most poignant verses in all the Bible is our

More information

Vision Casting New Life Assembly of God March 15, 2009 AM

Vision Casting New Life Assembly of God March 15, 2009 AM Vision Casting New Life Assembly of God March 15, 2009 AM Introduction Turn with me in your Bibles to Matthew 28:18-20. It has been said that if you aim for nothing, you will hit nothing. My biggest problem

More information

Never once did we ever walk alone Never once did God leave us on our own You are faithful; God, You are faithful Matt & Beth Redman

Never once did we ever walk alone Never once did God leave us on our own You are faithful; God, You are faithful Matt & Beth Redman Page 1 1/3/2016 Communion: The Passionate Pursuit of God NWCC 1 Corinthians 11: 23-34 (message by Charlie Laughlin) Introduction: Good morning and Happy New Year! My name is Charlie Laughlin. It has been

More information

5 LENT 1 st MARSHALL. PSALM 146; John 19:1-16a Between a Rock and a Hard Place!

5 LENT 1 st MARSHALL. PSALM 146; John 19:1-16a Between a Rock and a Hard Place! 1 5 LENT 1 st MARSHALL MARCH 17/18, 2018 PASTOR SCOTT FULLER PSALM 146; John 19:1-16a Between a Rock and a Hard Place! Dear friends in Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus

More information

National Catholic Council of Women Address to Convention Thursday, August 30, 2018

National Catholic Council of Women Address to Convention Thursday, August 30, 2018 National Catholic Council of Women Address to Convention Thursday, August 30, 2018 I. Introduction: a. I wish to express my thanks for the opportunity to share faith with you this morning i. I am grateful

More information

Sermon (Peter and the Risen Christ) John 21: 1-19 April 10, 2016

Sermon (Peter and the Risen Christ) John 21: 1-19 April 10, 2016 Sermon (Peter and the Risen Christ) John 21: 1-19 April 10, 2016 After all these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and He showed Himself in this way. Gathered there

More information

Matthew 26: Day 1. In Gethsemane. Read Matthew 26:30-46

Matthew 26: Day 1. In Gethsemane. Read Matthew 26:30-46 Matthew 26:30-75 Jesus Predicts the Disciples Desertion Day 1 In Gethsemane. Read Matthew 26:30-46 1. Where did Jesus and the disciples go after the meal and what did Jesus tell them? 26:30,31 2. What

More information

"My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?"

My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? "My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?" Rev. W. Reid Hankins, M.Div. Psalm 22; Matthew 27:27-54 03/21/08 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? What words of anguish we hear in our Lord Jesus' cry

More information

BRINGING HOPE TO A HOPELESS HUMANITY

BRINGING HOPE TO A HOPELESS HUMANITY BRINGING HOPE TO A HOPELESS HUMANITY SERIES: HOW TO LIVE CHRIST-LIKE IN A POST-CHRISTIAN SOCIETY by Ron Ritchie Recently we were told that the California Highway Patrol was being trained in riot tactics

More information

Fierce Love aka Challenging the Powers Third Sunday of Easter April 10, 2016 Jill R. Russell

Fierce Love aka Challenging the Powers Third Sunday of Easter April 10, 2016 Jill R. Russell Fierce Love aka Challenging the Powers Third Sunday of Easter April 10, 2016 Jill R. Russell Texts: Acts 9.1-6(7-20); Psalm 30; Revelation 5.11-14; John 21.1-19 Last Sunday while chatting with some people

More information

St. Luke Ev. Lutheran Churh Sermon by Pastor Anthony Schultz 9 th Sunday aft Pentecost (WELS B.) August 6, Kings 6:8-17

St. Luke Ev. Lutheran Churh Sermon by Pastor Anthony Schultz 9 th Sunday aft Pentecost (WELS B.) August 6, Kings 6:8-17 St. Luke Ev. Lutheran Churh Sermon by Pastor Anthony Schultz 9 th Sunday aft Pentecost (WELS B.) August 6, 2017 2 Kings 6:8-17 8 Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers,

More information

Being the Church - Part 10 by Rev. Robert Griffith

Being the Church - Part 10 by Rev. Robert Griffith L I S MOR E UNITING CHURCH Sermon Manuscript 22 July 2018 Being the Church - Part 10 by Rev. Robert Griffith In our last message we began to explore the central role of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus

More information

Creation Series. Day 4: God s Curse and Promise (Genesis 3)

Creation Series. Day 4: God s Curse and Promise (Genesis 3) Creation Series Day 4: God s Curse and Promise (Genesis 3) Note: When you see typing in CAPS and bold like this, make sure you are drawing on the sketchboard as you teach Main ideas! Sin separates us from

More information

2 nd Sunday of Easter April 23, 2017 St. James, Wheat Ridge. By the Rev. Becky Jones

2 nd Sunday of Easter April 23, 2017 St. James, Wheat Ridge. By the Rev. Becky Jones 1 2 nd Sunday of Easter April 23, 2017 St. James, Wheat Ridge By the Rev. Becky Jones They say that one way you can tell you re truly an Episcopalian is if you watch the movie Star Wars, and you hear one

More information

John 14:23-29 May the Peace of Christ be with you all by Vicar Albert Romkema

John 14:23-29 May the Peace of Christ be with you all by Vicar Albert Romkema May 1, 2016 6 th Sunday of Easter John 14:23-29 May the Peace of Christ be with you all by Vicar Albert Romkema Introduction A few weeks ago we were having a discussion in our Thursday morning bible study

More information

Abandonment Issues: Did God the Father Really Forsake Jesus on the Cross?

Abandonment Issues: Did God the Father Really Forsake Jesus on the Cross? Abandonment Issues: Did God the Father Really Forsake Jesus on the Cross? Today is the Friday before Easter. Known as Good Friday across the world, it is the day on which Jesus of Nazareth was crucified

More information

WHY DO GOOD PEOPLE SUFFER? Habakkuk 1:2-4; 2:4; 3:17-19 Chapel Message, September 12, 2001, Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks INTRODUCTION:

WHY DO GOOD PEOPLE SUFFER? Habakkuk 1:2-4; 2:4; 3:17-19 Chapel Message, September 12, 2001, Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks INTRODUCTION: WHY DO GOOD PEOPLE SUFFER? Habakkuk 1:2-4; 2:4; 3:17-19 Chapel Message, September 12, 2001, Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks INTRODUCTION: 1. As Christians, we are forced periodically to ask questions and seek

More information

Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our father, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our father, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Vicar Caleb Weight Hope Lutheran Church January 7, 2018 Just Water Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our father, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Water is something astonishing to me. How much of

More information

Mark 14:32-42 The Final 24 Hours of Jesus: Agony in the Garden March 4, 2012

Mark 14:32-42 The Final 24 Hours of Jesus: Agony in the Garden March 4, 2012 Mark 14:32-42 The Final 24 Hours of Jesus: Agony in the Garden March 4, 2012 The weather is tempting us to think Spring is here to stay. I was walking Sandy out in the yard on Tuesday and saw some bees

More information

HE ROSE, IS REIGNING, AND WILL RETURN (Acts 2:29-33)

HE ROSE, IS REIGNING, AND WILL RETURN (Acts 2:29-33) HE ROSE, IS REIGNING, AND WILL RETURN (Acts 2:29-33) INTRODUCTION: The Apostles Creed is a rich summary of the essentials of what Christians believe about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is called

More information

Lent 4 - Saturday Ad Limina Visit

Lent 4 - Saturday Ad Limina Visit Lent 4 - Saturday Ad Limina Visit Santa Maria Maggiore 1 April 2017 Dear brother bishops, and brothers and sisters in Christ: Introduction This morning the Lord gathers us in this magnificent basilica

More information

R e v SOMETIMES WE HEAR QUESTIONS THAT SEEM TO COME FROM OUT OF NO WHERE. THE REV. REPRESENTS OUR SPIRITUAL SIDE SEEKING SPIRITUAL ANSWERS.

R e v SOMETIMES WE HEAR QUESTIONS THAT SEEM TO COME FROM OUT OF NO WHERE. THE REV. REPRESENTS OUR SPIRITUAL SIDE SEEKING SPIRITUAL ANSWERS. R e v THE REV. REPRESENTS OUR SPIRITUAL SIDE SEEKING SPIRITUAL ANSWERS. OUR INNER VOICES. PEACE BE WITH YOU. SOMETIMES WE HEAR QUESTIONS THAT SEEM TO COME FROM OUT OF NO WHERE. For Proper s 1-2-3- use

More information

RESURRECTED HOPE. Text: John 20:19-31

RESURRECTED HOPE. Text: John 20:19-31 RESURRECTED HOPE Text: John 20:19-31 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and

More information

10John The Plan. The Goals. Lesson

10John The Plan. The Goals. Lesson 106 Lesson 10John 18 19 The Plan A. The Arrest of Jesus B. Peter Denies Jesus Twice C. Jesus Before Pilate D. Jesus Nailed to the Cross E. The Burial of Jesus The Goals 1. Explain how the arrest of Jesus

More information

Second Chances John 21:1-19

Second Chances John 21:1-19 Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015 Pastor Mark Toone Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church Sermon Notes 1 Second Chances John 21:1-19 Good morning! I m so glad you chose to celebrate this joyous day with us. But fair

More information

4/1/2018 Why Jesus Died 1

4/1/2018 Why Jesus Died 1 "Why Jesus Died" Was it really necessary for Jesus to be crucified? Hello, I m Phil Sanders, and this is a Bible study In Search of the Lord s Way. Jesus suffered and was crucified, and today we ll see

More information

Kingdom Living: Mindfulness. Luke 10: 1-12

Kingdom Living: Mindfulness. Luke 10: 1-12 Kingdom Living: Mindfulness Luke 10: 1-12 As we continue our Lenten series by talking about awareness and being mindful, I kept coming back to a part of our Scripture today that has bothered me and many

More information

How God Redeems our Pain

How God Redeems our Pain 1 How God Redeems our Pain Imagine looking out over the landscape of your life. As you view the story of your life, you see areas where there has been pain, and you see areas where there has been healing.

More information

Feed My Sheep John 21: 1-19 Sunday, April 24, 2016 Rev. Heike Werder The Congregational Church of Needham

Feed My Sheep John 21: 1-19 Sunday, April 24, 2016 Rev. Heike Werder The Congregational Church of Needham Feed My Sheep John 21: 1-19 Sunday, April 24, 2016 Rev. Heike Werder The Congregational Church of Needham Biblical scholars are unanimous in their opinion that chapter 21 of the gospel of John was not

More information

Series: Building the Bridge April 22, 2018

Series: Building the Bridge April 22, 2018 1 Series: Building the Bridge April 22, 2018 Title: Lord and Christ [Slide 1] Text: Acts 2:25-36 David the King (Acts 2:25-30) Peter s Challenge: How do you get from King David to King Jesus? This was

More information

Crumbs from the Master s Table. Matthew 15: 21-28

Crumbs from the Master s Table. Matthew 15: 21-28 Crumbs from the Master s Table Matthew 15: 21-28 Today is a special day for us. It is a day that has been set aside to honor our mothers. I am thankful for the mother that God has blessed me with. I am

More information

Blurred by Tears (Part 2) 28 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Job 23: 1-9, Hebrews 4: Oct. 14, 2018 Rev. Rob Carter.

Blurred by Tears (Part 2) 28 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Job 23: 1-9, Hebrews 4: Oct. 14, 2018 Rev. Rob Carter. 1 Blurred by Tears (Part 2) 28 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Job 23: 1-9, 16-17 Hebrews 4: 12-16 Oct. 14, 2018 Rev. Rob Carter Blurred by Tears Last week we began exploring Job. This uncomfortable, painful

More information

WHY DOES GOD LET IT HAPPEN? By BRUCE HENDERSON READ ONLINE

WHY DOES GOD LET IT HAPPEN? By BRUCE HENDERSON READ ONLINE WHY DOES GOD LET IT HAPPEN? By BRUCE HENDERSON READ ONLINE If looking for a ebook by BRUCE HENDERSON WHY DOES GOD LET IT HAPPEN? in pdf form, then you have come on to the loyal website. We present the

More information

But the father is willing to shoulder the disgrace. Actually, the father is pictured here as One who is letting a sinner go his way.

But the father is willing to shoulder the disgrace. Actually, the father is pictured here as One who is letting a sinner go his way. A Family Reunion Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 2: The Gift of Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of April 24, 2016 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Luke 15: 11-32 The parable before us

More information

Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross Fourteenth Station JESUS IS PLACED IN THE TOMB Consider how the disciples, accompanied by his holy Mother, carried the body of Jesus to bury it. They closed the tomb and all came away full of sorrow. Mary

More information

Sermon preached in Christ Church, Grosse Pointe, Michigan by The Rev d Areeta Bridgemohan, Curate. Good Friday (Year A) April

Sermon preached in Christ Church, Grosse Pointe, Michigan by The Rev d Areeta Bridgemohan, Curate. Good Friday (Year A) April Sermon preached in Christ Church, Grosse Pointe, Michigan by The Rev d Areeta Bridgemohan, Curate Good Friday (Year A) April 14 2017 Even the darkness is not dark to You, the night is as bright as the

More information

Jesus Called Go Deep 3/5/17. -Chapter 8 in this book is highly important to the life of the church.

Jesus Called Go Deep 3/5/17. -Chapter 8 in this book is highly important to the life of the church. Jesus Called Go Deep 3/5/17 -Series: Jesus Called: He wants His Church back -Chapter 8 in this book is highly important to the life of the church. -Ray Johnston opens the chapter by saying this: There

More information

Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church 8:00 am and 10:45 am Easter Sunday April 21, 2019

Oak Creek Community United Methodist Church 8:00 am and 10:45 am Easter Sunday April 21, 2019 8:00 am and 10:45 am Easter Sunday April 21, 2019 *You are welcome to stand as you are able. Congregational parts in bold. PRELUDE Todd A., Organist WELCOME Liturgists:8:00 am-jessie G., Pastoral Intern

More information

Trichotillomania and Me

Trichotillomania and Me Trichotillomania and Me By Carmel Pardy I can t really remember when I started pulling my eyelashes out but I know that when I first began to do it,(primary school age) it was just something I discovered

More information

My Story: The Emmaus Road Luke 24:13-36 January 15, 2017 Rev. David Williams Scripture: Luke 24:13-36 Sermon: Introduction Have you ever had an aha

My Story: The Emmaus Road Luke 24:13-36 January 15, 2017 Rev. David Williams Scripture: Luke 24:13-36 Sermon: Introduction Have you ever had an aha My Story: The Emmaus Road Luke 24:13-36 January 15, 2017 Rev. David Williams Scripture: Luke 24:13-36 Sermon: Introduction Have you ever had an aha moment? Have you ever had one of those moments when all

More information

February 22, 2015 Genesis 9:8-17 Psalm 25: Peter 3:18-22

February 22, 2015 Genesis 9:8-17 Psalm 25: Peter 3:18-22 February 22, 2015 Genesis 9:8-17 8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 "As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature

More information

When Philip found Nathanael to tell him about Jesus, John tells us that he said:!

When Philip found Nathanael to tell him about Jesus, John tells us that he said:! Sin, Guilt, and the Forgiveness of God! Zechariah 3:1-10! Let me begin by saying how grateful to God I am for these students who have participated in our Radiate weekend. They have been together the last

More information

... Daily Devotions. Devotions January 31 February 6, 2016 By Pastor Amanda Kossow Messiah Lutheran Church, Marquette, MI

... Daily Devotions. Devotions January 31 February 6, 2016 By Pastor Amanda Kossow Messiah Lutheran Church, Marquette, MI ... Daily Devotions Devotions January 31 February 6, 2016 By Pastor Amanda Kossow Messiah Lutheran Church, Marquette, MI Sunday, January 31, 2016 Text: Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, and keep it

More information

It s a hard question because how do we adequately describe in language, the Son of God.

It s a hard question because how do we adequately describe in language, the Son of God. Page 1 of 8 One of the most important questions we will ever answer is the question, who is Jesus? Our answer is important because what we say and believe about Jesus along with the intensity of our belief

More information

Message: El Roi God Who Sees Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16 Given at Searchlight Ministries, Jamestown, MI: September 14, 2014 Pastor Stan Drenth

Message: El Roi God Who Sees Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16 Given at Searchlight Ministries, Jamestown, MI: September 14, 2014 Pastor Stan Drenth Message: El Roi God Who Sees Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16 Given at Searchlight Ministries, Jamestown, MI: September 14, 2014 Pastor Stan Drenth INTRODUCTION: How appropriate that on this week when we are

More information

This isn t just a social media thing though, is it?

This isn t just a social media thing though, is it? Main Text: Psalm 88, Psalm 22 Main Idea: Jesus frees you from hiding and gives you a language of lament. INTRODUCTION On the television show Portlandia a satirical comedy centered on hipster culture in

More information

Sermon: From Enemy to Evangelist Dr. Frank Allen First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee 4/14/13

Sermon: From Enemy to Evangelist Dr. Frank Allen First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee 4/14/13 1 Sermon: From Enemy to Evangelist Dr. Frank Allen First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee 4/14/13 Acts 9:1 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to

More information

A Letter to My Murderer

A Letter to My Murderer A Letter to My Murderer A sermon offered by Reverend Nate Walker on behalf of the Joseph Priestley District of the Unitarian Universalist Association on Saturday, February 27, 2009 at the General Assembly

More information

Things Aren t Always as They Seem Luke 13:1-9

Things Aren t Always as They Seem Luke 13:1-9 Things Aren t Always as They Seem Luke 13:1-9 I was truly honored when Pastor John asked if I would like to preach at Caldwell. I ve been ready (so to speak) to face this challenge and have been really

More information

Last Class: Review & Finalize 24th Confirmation Class Lesson

Last Class: Review & Finalize 24th Confirmation Class Lesson Last Class: Review & Finalize 24th Confirmation Class Lesson Lesson #1 Mark 2:1-12 Story: Friends carry a paralytic to Jesus. Crowd gets in the way. Friends go to the roof top and lower friend through

More information

Can These Bones Live? Faith & Mental Health, Part 4 Ezekiel 37:1 14 Rev. Abigail Henderson November 22, 2015

Can These Bones Live? Faith & Mental Health, Part 4 Ezekiel 37:1 14 Rev. Abigail Henderson November 22, 2015 Can These Bones Live? Faith & Mental Health, Part 4 Ezekiel 37:1 14 Rev. Abigail Henderson November 22, 2015 The valley is full of dry bones, and the bones are crying that they are clean cut off, and God

More information

Living Lent As People of the Resurrection Good Friday Passion Peace Lutheran Church

Living Lent As People of the Resurrection Good Friday Passion Peace Lutheran Church Living Lent As People of the Resurrection Good Friday Passion Peace Lutheran Church March 25, 2016 Welcome to Peace Lutheran Church a special welcome to our guests! This evening we remember a holy night

More information

Part 20: Build Your Dream Live the Life You've Always Wanted!

Part 20: Build Your Dream Live the Life You've Always Wanted! Part 20: Build Your Dream Live the Life You've Always Wanted! Texts: James 4:14 (NKJV) - For what is your life? Philippians 3:13-15 (NKJV) - Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one

More information

Acts. Our Teacher. Acts 1:8 LESSON

Acts. Our Teacher. Acts 1:8 LESSON Bible Study Series Acts A Study of Acts 1 DAY ONE Our Teacher Read Acts 1:1-3 and Luke 24. LESSON 1 4. In Luke 24, what was Jesus doing when the two who met Him on the road to Emmaus finally recognized

More information

Session 1 Judas the Betrayer

Session 1 Judas the Betrayer Session 1 Judas the Betrayer Mark 14:43-52 To Begin Spend some time sharing something good or new from your past week. When was the last time you were nervous or fearful the night before a big event or

More information