The First Fruits and the Last Enemy Sermon for First Christian Church of Decatur, Georgia Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007 James L. Brewer-Calvert, Pastor
|
|
- Primrose Eaton
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 The First Fruits and the Last Enemy Sermon for First Christian Church of Decatur, Georgia Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007 James L. Brewer-Calvert, Pastor Texts: 1 Corinthians 15: If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. 21 For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; 22 for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. [Right before the sermon our Mass Choir will sing: Hallelujah from Mount of Olives by Beethoven.] Praise the Lord in holy songs of joy. Ludwig Van Beethoven s Hallelujah chorus is not as well known as Handel s. I know of no stories of kings being moved to stand throughout the chorus. Yet Beethoven s interpretation is as challenging spiritually as it is musically. Beethoven envisions angels and humans uniting, joining together in joy, forming an all universe mass choir to praise God s Almighty Son. The world may look at the cross and see only foolishness, grief, and death. Beethoven sees with the eyes of the faith of one who has encountered God. Beethoven invites us to gaze at the cross on Mount of Olives and sing to the Lord for what we encounter in Christ: joy, hope, new life. A few minutes ago we lifted up together en masse the 100 th Psalm: Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing. For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100, vs. 1-2, 5) Give yourself permission in your life to sing for joy because the Lord is faithful to all generations. God s steadfast love endures forever. The Lord is good.
2 We can count on this. On this you can trust: God is good, for the love of God endures forever. This is a spiritual, practical, and everlasting guarantee. Christ guarantees it. The good news of Easter is that Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. (v. 20) Paul said this. Paul s name used to be Saul, but on the road to Damascus he had an encounter, a revelation of Jesus Christ and his life was turned from one of hurting and persecuting to helping and healing. Paul changed his name and his ways of seeing and being. Life got so much better. Have an encounter with God, and you will see for yourself. Paul found joy as he got lost in wonder, love and praise. Paul says that the good news of Easter is that Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. (v. 20) He wrote this in a letter to his friends in Corinth. The year was 55 AD, and Paul was in Ephesus. He had helped to start the church in Corinth, pouring out his faith and love for two years there, building up the church before going to start churches elsewhere. But in Ephesus word came to him of troubles in Corinth. Soon three church members visited Paul and told him all about the goings on. You bet they did. He got an earful. What the Corinthians were going though wasn t so unique. It was similar to the challenges we encounter in human nature and Christian community. In First Corinthians, Paul addresses cliques, boasting, sex without commitment, lawsuits, marriage, divorce, idolatry, selfishness, and spirituality. So he wrote words of encouragement and counsel, sometimes speaking his mind, sometimes speaking for God. (You know, there is a difference.) First Corinthians reads like a collection of greatest hits of systematic theology. He reminds them and us that the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Cor. 1:18)
3 Paul wrote: For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. (1 Cor. 11: 23-24) Paul wrote: Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor. 13: 4-6, 13) And then Paul s letter to the church in Corinth shifts gears in Chapter 15, moving from a comfortable cruising third gear into overdrive. He changes from talking about the here and now and starts to look ahead, boldly visioning a future when bodies are laid in cold tombs and voices of friends cease to be heard. Paul draws upon a metaphor in his use of first fruits. The good news of Easter is that Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. (v. 20) First fruits is harvest imagery. Hmmmm harvest imagery. I always need to be very careful when talking about farming and harvesting. You see, one autumn in the mid-1990s Union Christian Church in western Tennessee invited me to preach in a Sunday evening service. As I drove by corn farm after farm along the way I realized that the corn stalks were a nice golden brown. The fields looked ripe and ready for harvesting. I rewrote the sermon as I drove and was raring to go when I stepped into the pulpit. The fields are ready! One can see the corn is ready for plucking I proclaimed. The streets are ready, and the laborers are provided! Go out, my friends, and pull in the harvest God has prepared! I was surprised by their lack of enthusiasm for such an energetic and profound message. Afterward a kindly elder with calloused hands pulled me aside and said, Preacher, we ve had a bit of a drought this fall. We d like to have a harvest to pull in, but the corn is brown because it s all dried up.
4 Well, ever since I ve been careful with harvest imagery. We re safe with this one, though. There is a guarantee. When you see the first daffodil of spring, you know that more daffodils will follow. First fruits are a signal that it s almost harvest time; the full harvest can be relied on to follow. Having been raised from the dead as the first fruit, the first example, Jesus Christ is a divine guarantee that the entire harvest will follow. Paul presents Christ as a down payment in which we will all share. The gospel of the resurrection is the guarantee of the believer s own resurrection. The good news of Easter is that all generations will be made alive in Christ Jesus. It s like having a permanent Post-It Note stuck on your heart that reads: Gone to our Creator s house to prepare your place; will be back soon to pick you up. Signed, Jesus Another imagery Paul lifts up in First Corinthians is the divine order of God s salvation. Jesus resurrection is a critical chapter in an ever unfolding story of love. Our story goes back to Adam and Eve, back to the Garden, back the start of Creation and the human family. The story goes forward, advancing onward to the 2 nd Advent, the final triumph of God. God will win. God will win in God s own time. Rest assured that the final victory is assured. Although the final victory is assured, that final victory has not taken place. What Easter continues to promise is that not all battles have been fought and won, but that God s power has assured that the final victory will be God s. (Beverly Gaventa, p. 272) We can join with John of Patmos and celebrate the vision of the final victory over the last enemy and all the enemies of good and righteousness. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them;
5 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away. 5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, See, I am making all things new. (Revelation 21:1-5) The Book of Revelation is well named..christianity is a revealed religion. You can t see it until it is revealed, given to you, until one has experienced the gift of the presence of the Risen Christ, and then one s eyes get into focus. That is Easter. The good news of Easter wasn t just that Jesus was raised from the dead. It was that he was raised for us. He returned to his friends, revealed himself to them, and enabled them to see and believe. (Will Willimon, Pulpit Resource, p. 15) I believe that deep life changing Christian belief is based not on arguments and reasons but upon encounter with the Risen Christ. (Willimon, p. 16) One beautiful day there is a knock on St. Peter s door. He looks out and sees a woman standing there. St. Peter is about to welcome her to heaven when she suddenly disappears. A short time later there is another knock. St. Peter opens the door and sees the same woman. Again, just as he is about to welcome her she begins to fade away. Wait a minute! said St. Peter. Are you playing games with me? Noooooo! her distant voice replies. I m in a hospital and they keep resuscitating me! As Christians, we can laugh at death. For us, death is not the joyless end of our lives. Death is the beginning of endless joy. Our final exit here will be our grandest entrance there. (Barbara Johnson, pp ) Our last breath on earth is followed immediately by our first breath in heaven. The promise of heaven, the assurance of life everlasting, the gospel guarantee of the resurrection, is what empowers us to face with courage the everyday, here and now, anything that comes our way on earth.
6 Live in confidence of the salvation that awaits us all. With this confidence you can live fully and completely in the moment. We should not arrive at death s door all prim and proper in a pretty and well-preserved body. Instead we ought to arrive breathlessly, skidding broadside through the pearly gates, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, Wow! What a ride! All power be to the Creator, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Scripture Readings. For. The Burial Office. and A Celebration of Life. As suggested in the Book of Common Prayer
Scripture Readings For The Burial Office and A Celebration of Life As suggested in the Book of Common Prayer One or more of the following passages from Holy Scripture is read. If there is to be a Communion,
More informationTHE WORD IS VERY NEAR YOU
THE WORD IS VERY NEAR YOU 2016-2017 BIBLE MEMORIZATION CHALLENGE WEEK of SOURCE VERSE Sept. 18 Deuteronomy 30:14 The word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.
More informationFirst if possible, contact the clergy near or immediately after the death.
A Christian Funeral in the Anglican Tradition Compiled at St. Augustine s Anglican Church, Edmonton, AB For family and individuals planning a funeral. With Reading and Hymn suggestions Revised January
More informationTrinity Evangelical Lutheran Church November 4, All Saints Day
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church November 4, 2018 All Saints Day Of all three years of the lectionary cycle, this year s All Saints readings have the most tears. Isaiah and Revelation look forward to
More informationTrinity Lutheran Church Contemporary Worship Service Fourth Sunday After Epiphany February 3, :45 a.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church Contemporary Worship Service Fourth Sunday After Epiphany February 3, 2013 10:45 a.m. WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP: Based on Psalm 71:1-6 In you, O God, we find a place
More informationAn Order for the Solemnization of Marriage
An Order for the Solemnization of Marriage (in contemporary form) When the people have assembled the service may begin with a processional hymn, such as Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven Joyful, joyful,
More informationCollect of the Day Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Psalm 90:1-6, 12-14
Song of Praise Celebrant People This is the Lord s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Almighty God, to you all hearts are open,
More information1 Cor Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It
1 Cor. 13 If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge,
More informationFIRST DAY: SECOND DAY: BSF Reading; Revelation #2. Revelation 1:4-8, 22:7; Revelation 2:9-10, 13:10b, 14:12; Question 3. Revelation 12:10-17, 13:5-7;
BSF Reading; Revelation #2 FIRST DAY: Read the lesson notes SECOND DAY: Question 3 Revelation 1:4-8, 22:7; [4] John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is,
More informationAs gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
1 st reading A reading from the Book of Wisdom The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away
More informationEmmanuel Church Texts for use with Funerals
Emmanuel Church Texts for use with Funerals Isaiah 5:6-9 6 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-matured wines, of rich food filled with marrow,
More informationChristian Education Step Program
Christian Education Step Program Updated 8/29/15 Contents Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Step One... 3 Jesus Loves Me... 3 First Grade Step Two... 4 The Gloria Patri... 4 Second Grade Step Three...
More information1 Corinthians 13:1-7. A Reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians
1 Corinthians 13:1-7 A Reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have
More informationThe B Attitudes. The B Attitudes. The B Attitudes. The B Attitudes. The B Attitudes. Matthew 5:3a (NIV) 3a Blessed are the poor in spirit
Matthew 5:a (NIV) a Blessed are the poor in spirit Matthew 5: (NIV) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:4a (NIV) 4a Blessed are those who mourn Matthew 5:4 (NIV)
More informationCitizens of the Kingdom The Kingdom of God and the Gospel # 3 The Glory of the Cross Colossians 1:13-14
Citizens of the Kingdom The Kingdom of God and the Gospel # 3 The Glory of the Cross Colossians 1:13-14 Introduction If you want to become a Canadian citizen, you must follow several steps: 1. Determine
More informationThe Final Act. Session REVELATION 21:1-7. God began the story of creation and will consummate it. He invites all to join Him.
Session 13 The Final Act God began the story of creation and will consummate it. He invites all to join Him. REVELATION 21:1-7 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first
More informationYOU GOTTA GET PREPARED!!!!
YOU GOTTA GET PREPARED!!!! 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (NIV) 26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not
More informationInspired to Follow: Art and the Bible Story Session 16: The Resurrection
Luke 24: 25-35 Session 16: The Resurrection 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some
More informationLove is. Love is Not. by Rev. Kathy Sides (Preached at Fort Des Moines UMC )
Love is. Love is Not. by Rev. Kathy Sides (Preached at Fort Des Moines UMC 1-31-2016) First Corinthians, chapter 13. It s easy to see why it is often referred to as the Love Chapter, because it s all about
More informationForgotten God. a study of the holy spirit
` Forgotten God a study of the holy spirit How does God provide His spirit? baptism with the holy spirit gift of the holy spirit (indwelling) Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? And they
More informationSacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry
Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Year B Focus: Sixth Sunday of Easter Scripture: John 15:9 17 NRSV Gathering Welcome Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light the
More informationThe Festival of the Resurrection
Trinity Lutheran Church & St. John s Lutheran Church The Festival of the Resurrection "This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." God has indeed raised from the dead the
More informationSecond Reading 1. The word of the Lord. A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans (6:3-4, 8-9)
Second Reading 1 A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans (6:3-4, 8-9) Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him
More informationRetreat based on 1 Corinthians 13 Leader s opening remarks:
Retreat based on 1 Corinthians 13 Leader s opening remarks: Welcome: Arrange in small groups: Logistics of day: We will be hearing some short talks and have some discussion and prayer time in your small
More informationAn Order for the Solemnization of Marriage
An Order for the Solemnization of Marriage When the people have assembled the service may begin with a processional hymn. Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven or another suitable hymn such as Praise to
More informationWestminster Presbyterian Church
Westminster Presbyterian Church Sunday, April 1, 2018 Easter Sunday WPC exists to develop in ourselves and others a passion for the glory of God and the preeminence of Christ in all of life and in all
More informationSermon for All Saints Day
1 Sermon for All Saints Day Text: Revelation 21:3-4 I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: Now God's home is with people! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will
More informationBiblical Integration
: Vision to Strengthen the Saints OIF Pastor Hugo 1. Creation 1. The Entire is One Grand Story of God s Redemptive Plan 4. Consummation 2. Fall 3. Redemption 1. The Entire is One Grand Story of God s Redemptive
More informationMartyn Lloyd-Jones, that great British preacher, was right when he said, "Salvation cannot stop at any point short of entire perfection or it is not
Guarantee of Glory Romans 8:17-18 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we
More informationToday is our last message in the series of The Basics of our Faith, and we are going to look at our ritual of communion.
SERMON: September 2, 2018 The Basics of our Faith: Communion TEXT: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 SUBJECT: Becoming the Body of Christ THEME: If we belong to Christ, we belong to each other. PURPOSE: For us to
More informationSunday, February 24, Epiphany Worship at 9:30 AM GATHERING
Sunday, February 24, 2019 Epiphany Worship at 9:30 AM GATHERING Gathering Songs Morning Has Broken Hymn #556 1 Morning has broken like the first morning; blackbird has spoken like the first bird. Praise
More informationST. BARTHOLOMEW S ANGLICAN PRO-CATHEDRAL IN THE TOWN OF TONAWANDA The Very Rev. Fr. Arthur W. Ward, Jr. + Dean. "The Newness of God (part 1)
ST. BARTHOLOMEW S ANGLICAN PRO-CATHEDRAL IN THE TOWN OF TONAWANDA The Very Rev. Fr. Arthur W. Ward, Jr. + Dean Scripture: Various HAPPY NEW YEAR! "The Newness of God (part 1) Literally on this first day
More informationSunday, May 5, 2019: Third Sunday of Easter
Sunday, May 5, 2019: Third Sunday of Easter Acts 9:1-20 Psalm 30 Revelation 5:11-14 A READING FROM ACTS 1 Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
More informationSurvey of the Bible Ezekiel 37:12-14
Survey of the Bible Ezekiel 37:12-14 Last week we ended with the proposition that the resurrection that Ezekiel addresses in the first part of chapter 37 is dealing with a resurrection that is intrinsically
More informationChrist's Limitless Love
Christ's Limitless Love Source: Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Chruch Love is patient and kind; Love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not
More informationWorship Service Theme: Love (Sunday near Valentine s Day)
Worship Service Theme: Love (Sunday near Valentine s Day) Helpful Elements: Green table covering (Ordinary Time) Potted, blooming hyacinth (which has a lovely scent) Welcome: Welcome! It s so good to be
More informationCommandment To Love. 1 John 2:7-14
Commandment To Love 1 John 2:7-14 7 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. 8 At the same
More informationDefrosting Your Spiritual Assets February 3, :15 and 10:50 a.m.
Defrosting Your Spiritual Assets February 3, 2019 8:15 and 10:50 a.m. PRE-SERVICE MUSIC..............................................Carla Barrows, Organ WORDS OF WELCOME...................................................Krystle
More informationThe Third Week of End Time
The Third Week of End Time Saints Triumphant November 15, 2010 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing
More informationanastasis nekros Questions & Answers 1 Corinthians 13: 9-10 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect
anastasis nekros Questions & Answers 1 Corinthians 13: 9-10 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. Question: If this refers to Christ s second
More informationPrelude. Welcome. Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Prelude Welcome Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets
More informationIS HEAVEN A REAL PLACE? John 14:2-3
INTRODUCTION: Is heaven an actual location or simply a state of mind? If heaven is a physical destination, where is it located and what will it be like? Today we will turn to both the Old and New Testaments
More informationWorship Service: New Year s Sunday. Helpful Elements: Christmas hymnal Advent stand and electric candles Advent banner
Worship Service: New Year s Sunday Helpful Elements: Christmas hymnal Advent stand and electric candles Advent banner Welcome: Welcome! Thank you for being here today to share in our time of worship and
More informationSending Song: TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH Contemporary Easter Service March 31, :45 A.M.
Sending Song: Your Love Is Everlasting (Chorus) Since time began, through centuries, God s love is everlasting. To distant unknown galaxies, God s love is everlasting. For the Splendor springs forth cross
More informationThe Gift of Fellowship 1 Corinthians 1:9. The text for this sermon, the theme of which is, The Gift of Fellowship,
Epiphany 2 A The Gift of Fellowship 1 Corinthians 1:9 The text for this sermon, the theme of which is, The Gift of Fellowship, is 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by Whom you were called into the fellowship
More informationSunday, October 21, 2018 Sermon Series: UNSELFIE- Serving in a Selfie World Love Like Me I Corinthians 13:1-8a
Sunday, October 21, 2018 Sermon Series: UNSELFIE- Serving in a Selfie World Love Like Me I Corinthians 13:1-8a Each of the messages in this series (Unselfie: Serving in a Selfie World) represent God s
More informationNaturalism/Atheism- There is no ultimate meaning and purpose; life sucks and then you die
You asked for it! Why does God allow so much suffering and evil in the world? 1. Why is there evil and suffering in first place? Naturalism/Atheism- There is no ultimate meaning and purpose; life sucks
More informationADVENT SEASON. November 23, 2014
November 23, 2014 Here are some interesting facts about the Season of Advent: The traditional color of Advent is purple or violet, which symbolizes the penitential spirit. You will see this in wall hangings
More informationLove is a Choice and an Action and an Affection
Dr. Scott Mehl Pastor, Cornerstone Church of West LA scott@cornerstonewla.org The Centrality of Love for Life Matthew 22:35-40 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. Teacher, which
More informationHow to Prepare your heart for easter. from
How to Prepare your heart for easter from We reveal to ourselves and others what is important to us by the way we celebrate. Is the season before Easter mainly a hassle to get to the mall and a strain
More informationMorning and Evening Prayers
Morning and Evening Prayers Seasonal Introduction Ordinary Time Following Pentecost Sunday, we enter into Ordinary Time. In the Church liturgical year it is the longest season, taking us through until
More informationPCPC DAILY PRAYER GUIDE
PCPC DAILY PRAYER GUIDE SUMMER 2018 Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find
More informationA. Basis of Covenant. B. Basis of Deliverance
Lamb of God Communion with Success! I. The Basis of All Success is Freedom John 1:29 ESV The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
More informationThe Habits of Your Heart 1 Corinthians 13:13 Rev. Min J. Chung (New Year s Eve Service, January 31, 2018)
The Habits of Your Heart 1 Corinthians 13:13 Rev. Min J. Chung (New Year s Eve Service, January 31, 2018) 1 Corinthians 13:13 13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these
More informationSunday, November 4, 2018: All Saints Sunday
Sunday, November 4, 2018: All Saints Sunday Isaiah 25:6-9 Psalm 24 Revelation 21:1-6a A READING FROM ISAIAH 6 On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast
More informationHoly Communion & Prayer for Christian Healing
Holy Communion & Prayer for Christian Healing Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest! (Matthew Chapter 21:9) Leader: Hosanna! Blessed is he
More informationA reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
Romans 6:3-4, 8-9 A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through
More informationI Peter 5:5-7 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God
I Peter 5:5-7 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. (6) Humble
More informationYea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Worship Service: TRANSFORMATION Transfiguration Sunday (near Valentine s Day) Helpful Elements: White table cover Potted, blooming hyacinth (which has a lovely scent) Hyacinth bulbs or other dried flower
More informationNEW TESTAMENT READINGS
NEW TESTAMENT READINGS A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 10:34 43 Peter addressed Cornelius and his household: The truth I have now come to realise, he said, is that God does not have favourites,
More informationRich Young Ruler Matthew 19:16-30 Mark 10:17-31 Luke 18:18-30
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.org 1 Rich Young Ruler Matthew 19:16-30 Mark 10:17-31 Luke 18:18-30 http://www.biblestudyworkshop.org 2 Texts: Matthew 19:16-30, The Rich Young Ruler 16. Now a man came up
More informationFuneral Masses and Readings
Funeral Masses and Readings Dear Parishioners, Our Parish family extends it s deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your loved ones at this time of your loss. This booklet is to assist you in the planning
More informationRev. 21:1, Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.
Rev. 21:1, Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Isa. 65:17, For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and
More informationSunday, November 4 th, All Saints Sunday Holy Communion
Sunday, November 4 th, 2018 All Saints Sunday Holy Communion CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who calls us into an everlasting hope, who guides us to springs of the water
More informationWorship Celebration: April 1, 2018, 11:15 a.m. (TRADITIONAL) EPWORTH: a United Methodist Church Easter Sunday
Worship Celebration: April 1, 2018, 11:15 a.m. (TRADITIONAL) EPWORTH: a United Methodist Church Easter Sunday *Hymn of Resurrection Christ the Lord is Risen Today 1. Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
More informationSunday School Lesson for May 16, Released on: May 14, Study Revelation 5:1-12. The Lamb as Shepherd Questions and answers below.
Sunday School Lesson for May 16, 2004. Released on: May 14, 2004. Study Revelation 5:1-12. The Lamb as Shepherd Questions and answers below. TIME: A.D. 96 PLACE: from Patmos Revelation 7:1-3, 9, 10, 13-17
More informationSecond Reading. Funerals
Funerals Acts 10:34-43... Page 1 Revelation 14:13... Page2 Revelation 20:11-21:1... Page 3 Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7... Page 4 Romans 1:8-17... Page 5 Romans 5:5-11... Page 6 Romans 5:17-21... Page 7 Romans
More informationTHE NEW LIFE to THE NEXT LIFE:
THE NEW LIFE to THE NEXT LIFE: Your Most Important Appointment II 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this (to face) judgment Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) Confusion Overview Jesus and eternal
More informationAffect/Emotion. Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope? Job 4: 6 RSV
Affect/Emotion Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope? Job 4: 6 RSV You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand
More informationWelcome to Bethany Lutheran Church! 320 N. Main, Lindsborg, Kansas The Rev. Loren D.
Welcome to Bethany Lutheran Church! 320 N. Main, Lindsborg, Kansas 67456 785-227-2167 www.blclindsborg.org The Rev. Loren D. Mai, Pastor Sunday, January 31, 2016 GLOBAL MISSION SUNDAY Fourth Sunday after
More informationPonder: What does it mean to be a member of a church? How is it different from being a member of a civic organization or the country club?
I Am A Church Member ~Session/Chapter 1: I Will Be A Functioning Church Member ~ Eph. 2: 19 22 Opening Illustration & Introduction A man was coming out of church one day and the preacher was standing at
More informationA Prayer for the Fullness of God
A Prayer for the Fullness of God Ephesians 3:14-20 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his
More informationAPPENDIX V EXAMPLE OF FORMULARIES FOR THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER
APPENDIX V EXAMPLE OF FORMULARIES FOR THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER 1. GENERAL FORMULA I To God the Father almighty, dear brothers and sisters, may every prayer of our heart be directed, for his will it is that
More informationWhere Two or Three Are Gathered: Worship for Small Assemblies Epiphany and Time After Epiphany Year C January 6 - February 24, 2019
Where Two or Three Are Gathered: Worship for Small Assemblies Epiphany and Time After Epiphany Year C January 6 - February 24, 2019 Planning Notes for Leaders The Feast of Epiphany is older than the Feast
More informationSt. Bartholomew s Episcopal Church Poway, California
St. Bartholomew s Episcopal Church Poway, California A Celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the Celtic Tradition for All Saints Day: A Celebration of the Baptismal Fellowship of the Saints Saturday, November
More informationNOT AUTHORIZED FOR LITURGICAL USE GS 1493A
NOT AUTHORIZED FOR LITURGICAL USE GS A ADDITIONAL COLLECTS As revised in Committee May 00 0 0 0 0 0 TEXTS FOR AUTHORIZATION Note A number of Collects are designated (**). In each season, the designated
More informationLOOK, HE IS COMING. Revelation 1:1-20 Key Verse: 1:7
LOOK, HE IS COMING Revelation 1:1-20 Key Verse: 1:7 Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him.
More informationWELCOME TO THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ROYERSFORD, PA
THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY FEBRUARY 3 RD, 2019 WELCOME TO THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY ROYERSFORD, PA A friendly welcome to all! If you are visiting, please fill out a visitor s card and place it in
More informationGeorge Frederic Händel. Messiah. (1742) A Sacred Oratorio Words by Charles Jennens
George Frederic Händel Messiah (1742) A Sacred Oratorio Words by Charles Jennens PART ONE Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her
More informationChris Altrock - Oct. 28, 2018
1 Hush: How to Tell if God s Speaking Chris Altrock - Oct. 28, 2018 I remember my first few years in my job. I felt like I was constantly calling people who knew more than I did, asking for advice. I d
More information10 Ways to Love": Trust Without Wavering. 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 INTRO:
10 Ways to Love": Trust Without Wavering 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 INTRO: We are learning to love well. I sure could have used this information a long time ago! How about you? Loving is something that we learn
More informationBEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS - New Year s Eve 4 p.m. St. Paul s Anglican Cathedral, Kamloops BC
BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS - New Year s Eve 2016 @ 4 p.m. St. Paul s Anglican Cathedral, Kamloops BC We extend a warm greeting to all who have gathered to share this service of light and hope for the New Year.
More informationLIVING HOPE FILLED or BEING HOPEFUL
LIVING HOPE FILLED or BEING HOPEFUL December 3, 2017 Today is the first Sunday of the season we know as Advent, representing the four Sunday s prior Christmas, which of course is the celebration of the
More informationCONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER SERVICE
CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER SERVICE INSPIRED BY THE TAIZÉ COMMUNITY SUNDAY, JULY 24, 2016 BE RECONCILED ALL YOU WHO ENTER HERE Parents, children, partners, friends, enemies; Believers and those who cannot believe;
More informationJohn the Baptist cried out and made ready for the Lord. Who will promote the gospel in our community? (Luke 3:1-6)
YEAR C 2018/2019 December 2, 2018: 1st Sunday of Advent Be on the watch! Allow God to lead you in the ways of truth and justice. How is God calling you to serve? (Jeremiah 33:14-16) December 9, 2018: 2nd
More informationWelcome. Albright United Methodist Church. April 2, 2017 Rev. Steven Lamb Donna Fosbrink: Choir Director Pianist/Organist: Jeanne Meyers
Welcome to Albright United Methodist Church April 2, 2017 Rev. Steven Lamb Donna Fosbrink: Choir Director Pianist/Organist: Jeanne Meyers Bringing forth the Light The Old Rugged Cross Made the Difference
More informationCharacters of the Bible: Jeremiah
Characters of the Bible: Jeremiah February 3 rd, 2019 Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod 2001 Jackson Street Pastor Luke John Willitz Mosinee, WI 54455 (321) 465-2077
More informationHe is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Christ is arisen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! The Festival of the Resurrection of Our Lord Seminary Chapel April 27, 2017 HYMN Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain CW 142 Stand for the final stanza.
More informationPRE-SERVICE DEVOTION. Psalm 98
Reformation 500 1517 2017 October 29, 2017 PRE-SERVICE DEVOTION Psalm 98 Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.
More informationHis steadfast love endures forever. Open the gates of righteousness; we shall enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.
An Ancient-Future Faith Community Liturgy March 27, 2016 (Resurrection of the Lord) CALL TO WORSHIP The Easter Song Anne Herring, 1974 Latter Rain Music GATHERING c Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord
More information.. Daily Devotions February 11-17, 2018 By Pastor Diane Srutowski Bethany Lutheran Church, Perkins Trinity Lutheran Church, Stonington
.. Daily Devotions February 11-17, 2018 By Pastor Diane Srutowski Bethany Lutheran Church, Perkins Trinity Lutheran Church, Stonington Sunday, February 11, 2018 Text: John 3:16 (NRSV) For God so loved
More informationWIC WEEKLY 28 January 2018
Warsaw International Church Mobile +48 601 331 032 Worship every Sunday at ul. Miodowa 21 (near Old Town) at 11:00 AM Entrance from Schillera Street Email: pastor@wic.org.pl Website: http://www.wic.org.pl
More informationThe Nature, Marks, and Purpose of The Church
The Nature, Marks, and Purpose of The Church INTRODUCE MYSELF Lets read God s word and then we will pray. Acts 2:41 47 (ESV) 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day
More informationThe Burial of the Dead: Rite Two
The Burial of the Dead: Rite Two All stand while one or more of the following anthems are sung or said. A hymn, psalm, or some other suitable anthem may be sung instead. I am Resurrection and I am Life,
More informationThe Second Week of Easter
The Second Week of Easter April 4, 2016 Seminary Chapel HYMN At the Lamb s High Feast We Sing Christian Worship 141 Stand to sing the hymn. EASTER DIALOGUE M: Christ is risen! C: He is risen indeed! M:
More information... Daily Devotions. God is Love
... Daily Devotions Devotions February 1-7, 2015 By Pastor Diane Cloutier Srutowski Trinity Lutheran Church, Stonington, MI and Bethany Lutheran Church, Perkins, MI Sunday, February 1 Two for One Text:
More informationI Corinthians 13:1-7
I Corinthians 13:1-7 God s explanation of what Love is. Love is a word that is often used in our society but is seldom truly understood. Many people claim to love others but their actions deny it. Its
More informationMessy Grace - Part August 2017 Love That Lasts BBC AM and PM
Messy Grace - Part 27 27 August 2017 Love That Lasts BBC AM and PM Proposition Statement: Christians are supernaturally loved by God, which enables them to supernaturally love each other. Intro: 1 Corinthians
More informationA reading from the book of Isaiah
1 Isaiah 60:19 A reading from the book of Isaiah No Longer shall the sun be your light by day, Nor the brightness of the moon shine upon you at night; The Lord shall be your light forever, Your God shall
More informationSt. Thomas' Episcopal Church
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church 207 Bob O Link Lane Wharton, Texas 77488 Office phone: (979) 532 1723 Please, Enter in Silence and Meditation The Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany February 3, 2019 This service
More information