CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM. Isaiah 11:1-10 Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12. Second Sunday in Advent, 8 th December 2013

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM. Isaiah 11:1-10 Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12. Second Sunday in Advent, 8 th December 2013"

Transcription

1 CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM Isaiah 11:1-10 Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12 Second Sunday in Advent, 8 th December 2013 John the Baptist bursts onto the scene in Chapter Three of Matthew s Gospel. He appears in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming: repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Matthew uses the term the Kingdom of Heaven to avoid offending Jewish sensibilities; Luke and Mark use the Kingdom of God. The terms are interchangeable. This is potent language, whichever term is used. There grew up in the intertestamental period, between the ending of the Old Testament and the start of the New, an expectation of the future which involved the decisive intervention of God to restore His people s fortunes and liberate them from the oppression of their enemies. The way for this event would be paved by the coming of the Messiah. This was the long-awaited, divine turning point in history. Matthew does not explain who John was to his readers: clearly John was sufficiently well known that this was unnecessary. He does however describe him as wearing clothes made of camel hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and living on locusts and wild honey. In other words he was a man who had adopted the simplest of lifestyles, which gave him great freedom of speech and action. Matthew s readers would have been alert to the similarity with Elijah, who is described early in 2 Kings as wearing the same distinctive clothes, which made him instantly recognisable. Matthew is drawing a deliberate comparison, suggesting that John had similar authority so, when John baptises Jesus, Matthew is saying that Jesus begins his ministry with the blessing and endorsement of the prophets. At the start of Jesus s own ministry, after his baptism and his sojourn in the wilderness, his primary message was the same as John s: Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. How should we understand this? What does the Kingdom of Heaven mean today? 1

2 Let s keep this simple. The Kingdom of Heaven implies a King. A King means authority. A Kingdom is a situation of one man, one vote: the King is the man, and he has the vote. John is very direct: before the coming King arrives, get your act together and repent, because He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire: the Holy Spirit to cleanse within, the fire to cleanse without, so that you may be made pure, fit for purpose. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire. The implication of John s question is stark: are you wheat, or chaff? How easy it is to play this down, especially at warm fuzzy Christmastide. We sing of little Jesus meek and mild, infant holy and lowly, and this is part of Christian truth, but as we know from the Narnia stories, Aslan is not a tame Lion. The King is coming. We cannot stand aside from the need for judgement, and repentance, and action. Proclaiming the Kingdom is not always easy, and living as a citizen of Heaven is hard to do without compromise. It is no accident that John the Baptist did not depend on a wealthy merchant for sponsorship, or on the Romans for food. His simplicity left him free. Similarly, Jesus had, as he put it, nowhere to lay his head, but this also meant that he had no debt to finance, no leaking roof to fix, no quinquennial review to struggle with. Simplicity brings freedom. Freedom allows space not only to discern the signs of the time, but also to comment upon them. So what does the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven mean for us? It means, at the very least, a profound reordering of priorities. If Christ is King, we are his subjects. We are citizens of the Kingdom. We do not march to the beat of this world. We acknowledge a different authority. We cannot always obey the State. Sometimes we will need to act, to stand up for what is right, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer was willing to do, or indeed as Nelson Mandela was willing to do. Christians should always be in the vanguard of any move towards justice. While the Kingdom of Heaven certainly has political and social implications, these are expressions of something altogether deeper. When the Pharisees asked Jesus, as recorded in Luke 17, when the Kingdom of God would come, he responded The Kingdom of God is among you some 2

3 translations have within you. He spoke of this in the highest terms, comparing it to the pearl of great price. He was clear that this was no earthly kingdom, observing that you cannot serve both God and Mammon, and telling Pilate that while he was a King, his Kingdom is not of this world. The Kingdom of Heaven is where Jesus rules. The Kingdom of Heaven is a place of shalom, of peace, of reconciliation and forgiveness, where the eyes of the soul are cleansed, where cynicism which acts like a cataract, obscuring the inner vision is lifted away, where hope and innocence are restored. The Kingdom of Heaven is where we are able to choose to be honest, vulnerable, faithful, kind, making ourselves conduits for the restoration of those around us. The Kingdom of Heaven is where Jesus work of healing continues, day and night, restoring balance and unity. The Kingdom of Heaven is where accumulations of sin and its debris, of mammon and its rubbish, of hatred and its horrid legacy, are all cleared away. Every time we come to the foot of the cross in repentance, every time we ask forgiveness, every time we accept with a believing heart the bread and wine, the Kingdom of Heaven is working within us. The linked events of Jesus birth and death, the incarnation and the cross, demonstrate both the process and cost of reconciliation of God and man, man and man, man and woman, man and woman and child. And all of this the corporate expression of shalom is a force for evangelism, born of unity, because as we are knit together into one body so we have something to offer to the world. Without shalom we are like an empty wine bottle, a sign that wine exists, but otherwise useless. With shalom we can offer the true wine of the Kingdom. Last week Pen and I heard Justin Welby setting out his vision for the Church, and I believe he was expressing some key building blocks of the Kingdom. Justin has called the Church to focus on three core themes: prayer, and reconciliation, and evangelism. These are immediate outworkings of today s Gospel reading. 3

4 First, you cannot pray, really pray, unless you find space for your spirit, as John the Baptist did. Out of the wilderness comes wisdom. If you fill your life with noise you cannot hear the silence. You cannot hear the voice of God. Second, prayer leads directly to reconciliation. Prayer that is, standing in the presence of the Most High leads to clear-sightedness, to a recognition of what is true, and so to repentance. Once we see a situation clearly, we can distinguish between what is true and lasting, and what is error, and of the moment. As a consequence we can see beyond what divides us, one Christian from another. We can be reconciled before the throne of heaven, and come together in worship. Third: Reconciliation leads directly to evangelism. In John 17 Jesus prays for the church: May they be brought to complete unity, to let the world know that you sent me. As we become reconciled to one another as we get past the rows about homosexuals, or women bishops, and all the other issues large and small that put sand into the works we can start to speak truth more clearly to the world. As Paul expresses it in the passage from Romans that we heard just now: May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Evangelism is an awkward word for many people, but at its heart the idea is that you should be willing to share the good news of Christ the healer, Christ the servant King, with the world. And the world remains hungry for truth. Yesterday the journalist and priest George Pitcher spoke to the Big Boys Breakfast, and gave us examples of how, in the wake of the 2008 financial meltdown and the scandals over bankers bonuses, men and women in the City of London are coming to recognise that ethical business, and frequent specifically Christian-based business, is what is missing. The world badly needs what we have to offer. At the most basic, fundamental level, our friends and neighbours need us to be true to our faith. This is not about social action, important though that is. As Justin Welby put it, the church is not the Rotary Club with a pointy roof. We do not change the world by being nice. We have to offer our neighbours and our nation a vision, a clear understanding of what it means to belong to the Kingdom. 4

5 Here is an example. We live in an ageing society, one that is struggling to come to terms with an increasing life span. With the chancellor s autumn statement this week, which spoke of the need to raise the retirement age, there have been a lot of comments which imply that if you are not economically active you present a problem. I see no reason why people should not continue to work while they have health and opportunity. But that is a long way away from perceiving older people as essentially a burden on society. People are never redundant in the economy of heaven. God doesn t make rubbish, and He has work for us to do whatever our age. I quote to you from Psalm 92: The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, there is no wickedness in him. This is just one example where the world gets it wrong, and where the Kingdom has different values. Whatever your age, here are three things you can do to be part of the coming Kingdom. Keep things simple. We don t have to impress anyone with presents, or what we wear, or outdo our neighbours with our Christmas lights. By all means celebrate, but stay focused on what really matters. Allow space for silence and prayer, so that we can discern what is good, and what is ephemeral. Ask God collectively, and as individuals, to give us a vision for the future for St John s, and the part we should play in this community, for the next year and the next decade. Without a vision the people perish: Hastings needs us to be true to our King. 5

Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a

Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. (Isaiah 11:6) Second Sunday

More information

the Lamb of God John 1:19-34

the Lamb of God John 1:19-34 John 1:19-34 John 1:19-22 19 Now this was John s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, I am

More information

Baptism, the Spirit and the Kingdom of God

Baptism, the Spirit and the Kingdom of God Baptism, the Spirit and the Kingdom of God By Wayne Conrad Good Shepherd Community Church Dallas, Texas In our efforts to understand the biblical doctrines of baptism, both water baptism and Spirit baptism,

More information

The most common statement rendered as a definition for water baptism is that this act is an outward expression of an inward experience.

The most common statement rendered as a definition for water baptism is that this act is an outward expression of an inward experience. Believers Baptism Vine s Expository Dictionary gives dual meaning to the term baptism. To submerge totally underwater the physical act or outward expression. To be overwhelmed. The spiritual result or

More information

Second Sunday of Epiphany January 13, 2019 Sunday Worship at 10:30am NO SWIMMING.

Second Sunday of Epiphany January 13, 2019 Sunday Worship at 10:30am NO SWIMMING. Bummer seat Bulletin and/or Music-Reader Bulletin: This seat is NOT reserved. Go ahead sit here! You may have a partially blocked seat, so use this bulletin if you can t see the screen. You re welcome.

More information

Believer s Baptism. I. Obedience: Jesus set the example for us to follow even He was baptized.

Believer s Baptism. I. Obedience: Jesus set the example for us to follow even He was baptized. Dear Parents: We are excited to give your children an opportunity to take this important step in their relationship with Christ. Here is information for you to discuss with your child before the baptism

More information

Advent. Wreath. Prayers and Readings. for Lighting your. with children

Advent. Wreath. Prayers and Readings. for Lighting your. with children Advent Prayers and Readings Wreath for Lighting your with children The Story of the Advent Wreath Advent wreaths were originally part of folk traditions of Northern Europe. Wreaths of evergreens were decorated

More information

Matthew 3: The Ministry of John the Baptist, and our Lord s Baptism

Matthew 3: The Ministry of John the Baptist, and our Lord s Baptism TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS TRANSCRIPT Matthew 3: The Ministry of John the Baptist, and our Lord s Baptism Matthew 3:1-17 - In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2

More information

His reign has begun Mt 3:1-12

His reign has begun Mt 3:1-12 His reign has begun Mt 3:1-12 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah

More information

Intergenerational Worship

Intergenerational Worship Intergenerational Worship Bible Reading - Matthew 3:1-12 Year A Advent 2 Dec 4 2016 Matthew 3:1-12 What is this: Intergenerational Bible Reading, Skit and Art Observation Where it s used: In any intergenerational

More information

Daily Morning Prayer: Rite Two

Daily Morning Prayer: Rite Two Daily Morning Prayer: Rite Two Sunday, December 8, 2013 In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3 Let us confess our sins against God

More information

The Relevance of Repentance

The Relevance of Repentance May 10, 2009 College Park Church The Relevance of Repentance Matthew 3:1-12 Mark Vroegop 3 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven

More information

Introduction. Greatest Prophet of the OT

Introduction. Greatest Prophet of the OT Matt. 3:112 True Repentance Sunday, 04 January 2009 18:45 Introduction Greatest Prophet of the OT Who was the greatest prophet in the Old Testament? God said Moses was greater than other prophets because

More information

Hymn: O Come, O Come Emmanuel (36) Stanza 1 and 7 Only. Lest We Forget: 30 th Anniversary of the Deaths of Martyrs (left to right)

Hymn: O Come, O Come Emmanuel (36) Stanza 1 and 7 Only. Lest We Forget: 30 th Anniversary of the Deaths of Martyrs (left to right) Second Sunday of Advent December 4/5, 2010 (A) Tony and Veronica Nitko Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your

More information

Immanuel Lutheran Church Love Live Give. it s all about the relationships

Immanuel Lutheran Church Love Live Give. it s all about the relationships Immanuel Lutheran Church Love Live Give it s all about the relationships Warm Christian greetings to all who chose to worship together today. May the Lord accept our worship. May each of us find our burdens

More information

Now let me ask you a question should that be our attitude? Is baptism really that important? Should we say, Oh well to each his on

Now let me ask you a question should that be our attitude? Is baptism really that important? Should we say, Oh well to each his on Baptism Mat. 3:13-17 JOKE - Son of a Baptist Pastor was watching his dad baptize some people and he decided he wanted to be a preacher also. So he went home and decided to practice. He found an old tom

More information

Immanuel Lutheran Church Love Live Give. it s all about the relationships

Immanuel Lutheran Church Love Live Give. it s all about the relationships Immanuel Lutheran Church Love Live Give it s all about the relationships Warm Christian greetings to all who chose to worship together today. May the Lord accept our worship. May each of us find our burdens

More information

Christ Church C of E. Sunday 4 th December 2016

Christ Church C of E. Sunday 4 th December 2016 Christ Church C of E Ireton Road Colchester 01206 542307 christ-church-vestry@btconnect.com www.colchesterchristchurch.org.uk Sunday 4 th December 2016 Welcome to Christ Church We extend a very warm welcome

More information

John s Message of Judgment and Grace

John s Message of Judgment and Grace 1 Sermon for the 2 nd of Advent Sunday Text: Matthew 3:1-12 John s clothes were made of camel s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to

More information

God s Hand in our Lives Teacher s Notes NT John the Baptist

God s Hand in our Lives Teacher s Notes NT John the Baptist STORY 7/23/2003 The Ministry of John and Baptism of Jesus - Matthew 3:1-17 (Note: the focus is on the baptism of Jesus and less so on the work of John the Baptist) (Also see for John's ministry: Mark 1:1-8,

More information

BEGIN AGAIN Isaiah ; Matthew & December 4, 2016, Advent II Tim Phillips, Seattle First Baptist Church

BEGIN AGAIN Isaiah ; Matthew & December 4, 2016, Advent II Tim Phillips, Seattle First Baptist Church BEGIN AGAIN Isaiah 11.1-9; Matthew 3.1-6 & 11-12 December 4, 2016, Advent II Tim Phillips, Seattle First Baptist Church Lesson: Isaiah 11.1-9 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch

More information

The Season of Advent

The Season of Advent The Season of Advent Scripture Selections from the Evangelical Heritage Version following the Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal 3-Year Lectionary, Year A Revised January 23, 201 The First Sunday in

More information

So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. The Joy of No Luke 3:7-18 First Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC Rev. Pen Peery December 13, 2015 John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee

More information

for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Year A 2017 Joyce Ann Zimmerman, C.PP.S. Kathleen Harmon, S.N.D. de N. Rev. John W. Tonkin LITURGICAL PRESS Collegeville, Minnesota www.litpress.org Design

More information

SESSION 1. The Way Prepared. Jesus came to earth as the promised King who provides salvation for those who trust Him. DATE OF MY BIBLE STUDY: 11

SESSION 1. The Way Prepared. Jesus came to earth as the promised King who provides salvation for those who trust Him. DATE OF MY BIBLE STUDY: 11 SESSION 1 The Way Prepared Jesus came to earth as the promised King who provides salvation for those who trust Him. DATE OF MY BIBLE STUDY: 11 HE DECIDED THAT HE WOULD SEND HIS SON INTO THE WORLD TO PROVIDE

More information

Trinity Lutheran Church

Trinity Lutheran Church COMMUNION SONG All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly ELW #461 Trinity Lutheran Church *COMMUNION BLESSING* P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God s grace. C: January

More information

2017 ADVENT COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICE

2017 ADVENT COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICE 2017 ADVENT COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICE 1 INTRODUCTORY RITES HYMN O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice!

More information

Four In One Gospel (Part Four) Ministry of John the Baptist

Four In One Gospel (Part Four) Ministry of John the Baptist Four In One Gospel (Part Four) Ministry of John the Baptist Compiled by Gary T. Panell (Words that are identical are only given usually once, and the repetition is shown by three dots, such as "...".)

More information

Jesus Baptism Matthew 3:13-17

Jesus Baptism Matthew 3:13-17 Jesus Baptism Matthew 3:13-17 Baxter T. Exum (#947) Four Lakes Church of Christ Madison, Wisconsin November 11, 2007 Introduction: I will have to admit that I have not always been very smooth in every

More information

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT SEEDS TO BRANCHES CELEBRATION!

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT SEEDS TO BRANCHES CELEBRATION! SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT SEEDS TO BRANCHES CELEBRATION! Peace Lutheran Church Saginaw, Michigan December 4, 2016 9:00 am Scripture of the Week Then Jesus asked, What is the kingdom of God like? What shall

More information

Jesus Was Baptized 4/7/2017

Jesus Was Baptized 4/7/2017 Jesus Was Baptized 4/7/2017 BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:19-34 MAIN POINT: Jesus obeyed God by being baptized. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Timothy 1:15 Here is the trustworthy saying

More information

@ctkmetropolitan Christ the KING Parish Kampala UG

@ctkmetropolitan Christ the KING Parish Kampala UG @ctkmetropolitan Christ the KING Parish Kampala UG www.christthekingkampala.org Since October 30, 1930 PARISH PRIEST Msgr. Gerard Kalumba ASSISTING PRIESTS Msgr. Joseph Mugambe Rev. Fr. John Bosco Ssembatya

More information

And yet slowly, and steadily the Blacksmith goes to work.

And yet slowly, and steadily the Blacksmith goes to work. Advent 2016 Week 1: Scripture Isaiah 2:4-5 He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks;

More information

Week 10 - John the Baptist

Week 10 - John the Baptist Monday Scripture Reading: Exo. 17:1-7; Num. 20:8, 11; 1 Cor. 10:4; Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet 3:18 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we

More information

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 1323 Central Ave, Alameda CA Anchored in Faith. Serving Our Neighbor. Singing God s Praise.

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 1323 Central Ave, Alameda CA Anchored in Faith. Serving Our Neighbor. Singing God s Praise. TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 1323 Central Ave, Alameda CA 510-522-5220 Anchored in Faith. Serving Our Neighbor. Singing God s Praise. Mission: To be a caring and diverse community of people who know and share

More information

About 18 years have passed since Jesus interacted with the teachers in the temple courts at the time of the Passover Feast

About 18 years have passed since Jesus interacted with the teachers in the temple courts at the time of the Passover Feast John The Baptist About 18 years have passed since Jesus interacted with the teachers in the temple courts at the time of the Passover Feast when we are told that John the Baptist has started his ministry.

More information

CONVERSATIONS Lenten Studies. Luke 3:1-20 (NIV)

CONVERSATIONS Lenten Studies. Luke 3:1-20 (NIV) Luke 3:1-20 (NIV) 1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and

More information

The Days of Jesus Preceding His Ministry

The Days of Jesus Preceding His Ministry The Days of Jesus Preceding His Ministry In these accounts Jesus was baptized in water, baptized in the Holy Spirit and led into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Jesus was baptized in water and

More information

2. He was sent from God -- he had a mission that was God-planned and God-given! Jn. 1:6

2. He was sent from God -- he had a mission that was God-planned and God-given! Jn. 1:6 GREAT EVENTS OF THE BIBLE -- JESUS BAPTISM. Introduction: A. In This Sermon We Examine The Event That Announced To The World Who Jesus Was And Initiated Or Launched His Earthly Ministry. B. (Slide #2)

More information

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 508 Center Street Ashland, Ohio telephone web

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 508 Center Street Ashland, Ohio telephone web 6:30 pm 8:30 am Orders of Worship December 7 & 8, 2013 (See a separate bulletin for 10:45) At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning.

More information

OBC: Baptism Service Matt Gordon - Sunday 4 November The Ordinary and the EXTRA-Ordinary

OBC: Baptism Service Matt Gordon - Sunday 4 November The Ordinary and the EXTRA-Ordinary OBC: Baptism Service Matt Gordon - Sunday 4 November 2018 The Ordinary and the EXTRA-Ordinary I don t know about you, but sometimes it can feel like life is pretty ordinary. A typical, ordinary day for

More information

Scandal: The Wild Guy By Jason Huff December 27, 2014 Deuteronomy 18:17-19; Acts 3:11-12,16-26; Matthew 3:1-12

Scandal: The Wild Guy By Jason Huff December 27, 2014 Deuteronomy 18:17-19; Acts 3:11-12,16-26; Matthew 3:1-12 Scandal: The Wild Guy By Jason Huff December 27, 2014 Deuteronomy 18:17-19; Acts 3:11-12,16-26; Matthew 3:1-12 Friends, our final Scripture reading this evening comes from Matthew 3:1-12. I invite you

More information

*Confession & Forgiveness (All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.)

*Confession & Forgiveness (All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.) Welcome to to Trinity Lutheran Church Sunday, January 13, 2019 8:30 am ~ Baptism of Our Lord Love God, Love Our Neighbors, Serve the World Prelude *Please stand if able Welcome *Confession & Forgiveness

More information

OUR SAVIOR S LUTHERAN ~ EAST MESA ~

OUR SAVIOR S LUTHERAN ~ EAST MESA ~ OUR SAVIOR S LUTHERAN ~ EAST MESA ~ Website: oursaviorslutheran.org Email: info@oursaviorslutheran.org Second Sunday in Advent Saturday December 3, 2016 4:00pm Sunday December 4, 2016 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30am

More information

COMMENTARY SCRIPTURE THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW

COMMENTARY SCRIPTURE THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW SCRIPTURE THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW COMMENTARY Fr Lk 2:52. MATTHEW 3:1. In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, Mt 3:2. And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom

More information

Do you want a Santa Jesus? A blind Jesus? A slow-witted Jesus? A soft, teddy

Do you want a Santa Jesus? A blind Jesus? A slow-witted Jesus? A soft, teddy Advent 3 2013 December 15, 2013 Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Ohio Pastor Kevin Jud Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-11, Matthew 11:2-15 What kind of Jesus do you want this Christmas? Do you want a Santa

More information

When you walk into church on Sunday morning, what do you expect? Perhaps you

When you walk into church on Sunday morning, what do you expect? Perhaps you 1 A Spirit of Baptism Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them

More information

Be Prepared! Matthew June 24, 2012

Be Prepared! Matthew June 24, 2012 Be Prepared! Matthew 3.1-12 June 24, 2012 Introduction: Way back in the day I was a Boy Scout. I can remember donning my dapper brown Scout uniform and working very hard at earning merit badges. To do

More information

Sermon Advent Mark 1 December 10, 2017 HPMF

Sermon Advent Mark 1 December 10, 2017 HPMF Sermon Advent 2 2017 Mark 1 December 10, 2017 HPMF Sermon Title: Some Preparation Required Mark 1:1-8 1The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the prophet

More information

Peace Lutheran Church of Orofino ID st Ave 7:30 am Bible Class, 8:00 am Worship Service orofino.clclutheran.org

Peace Lutheran Church of Orofino ID st Ave 7:30 am Bible Class, 8:00 am Worship Service orofino.clclutheran.org John the Baptist: Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill brought low 2ND SUNDAY IN ADVENT DECEMBER 9, 2012 Preparation for Worship:

More information

CONVERSATIONS Advent: Isaiah. Isaiah 9:1-7 (NIV)

CONVERSATIONS Advent: Isaiah. Isaiah 9:1-7 (NIV) Advent: Isaiah Isaiah 9:1-7 (NIV) 1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will

More information

endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your

endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father

More information

Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand A Penance Service for Advent

Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand A Penance Service for Advent Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand A Penance Service for Advent Diocese of Madison Advent 2017 Note The Rite of Penance is available separately or as part II of The Rites of the Catholic Church.

More information

Sarah Jo Sarchet once pastored at a Presbyterian church in Chicago. She told this story in a sermon.

Sarah Jo Sarchet once pastored at a Presbyterian church in Chicago. She told this story in a sermon. Title: Here Comes the Spirit Let us pray. Most holy, Lord God, today we remember the baptism of your son and the gift that baptism gives us, the Holy Spirit; empower and renew us to do your work in the

More information

Let us turn to the Gospel according to Matthew. Listen now for the word of the Lord to you in these words from Matthew 3, verses 1 through 12:

Let us turn to the Gospel according to Matthew. Listen now for the word of the Lord to you in these words from Matthew 3, verses 1 through 12: Sermon To Raise Up From These Stones Scripture: Ezekiel 36:22-28, Matthew 3:1-12 Sunday, June 12, 2016 Rev. Trajan McGill Westminster Presbyterian Church Springfield, Illinois Our first reading visits

More information

Jesus Ministry Begins

Jesus Ministry Begins Jesus Ministry Begins The Story: Jesus 101 Some people called Michael Jordan scary good. He was able to do so many incredible things with the basketball that it is almost beyond imagination. Behind the

More information

Memory Verse: Jesus said, Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever doesn't believe will be condemned.

Memory Verse: Jesus said, Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever doesn't believe will be condemned. Dec. 30: 1 st Sunday in Christmas, New Year's Message: John the Baptist: Declare! #5: Be Baptized Scripture: Matt. 3:1-11 Text: Mark 1:4 John the Baptist was in the wilderness calling for people to be

More information

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, I need to be baptized by You, and

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, I need to be baptized by You, and Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me? But Jesus answered and said to him,

More information

Prelude GATHERING. Gathering Hymn Prepare the Royal Highway Hymn No. 264

Prelude GATHERING. Gathering Hymn Prepare the Royal Highway Hymn No. 264 Prelude GATHERING Candlelighting Hymn Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn Page 242 vs. 1 1) Awake! Awake, and greet the new morn, for angels herald its dawning. Sing out your joy, for soon he is born,

More information

Beginning in verse 7, we are given more specific detail about the message of repentance that John preached.

Beginning in verse 7, we are given more specific detail about the message of repentance that John preached. One Extraordinary Life: Real Repentance Matthew 3:7-12 If we were to boil the life of John the Baptist down to just one sentence, we could simply say that his was a life that was spent pointing others

More information

Opening Sentence Versicle and Response Invitatory Psalms Psalm 4

Opening Sentence Versicle and Response Invitatory Psalms Psalm 4 Monday of Epiphany 1 Evening Prayer Opening Sentence Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2 Versicle and Response O God, make

More information

Unit 2. The King Arrives! Unit Outline. Lesson 1 The King Is Born! 24. Lesson 2 Jesus Relives Israel s Story 26

Unit 2. The King Arrives! Unit Outline. Lesson 1 The King Is Born! 24. Lesson 2 Jesus Relives Israel s Story 26 23 The King Arrives! Unit Outline Lesson 1 The King Is Born! 24 Lesson 2 Jesus Relives Israel s Story 26 Lesson 3 Early Ministry: A Different Kind of Leader 28 Lesson 4 The Ethics of the Kingdom 30 Lesson

More information

the wilderness of Judea: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! He

the wilderness of Judea: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! He Sermon Sunday 8 December 2013 Lessons Isaiah 11: 1 10 St Matthew 3: 1 12 Let us pray. Be still. Be aware of the Holy in our midst, in this sanctuary. May we know the stillness only God can give, that depth

More information

Luke 21:5-8. When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said,

Luke 21:5-8. When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, ADVENT General Observations Advent Texts Year C Preaching Preparation Southwestern PA Synod ELCA 7 November 2009 Mark Vitalis Hoffman Lutheran Theological Seminary Gettysburg ADVENT General Observations

More information

Main Idea: Jesus came to earth as the promised King who provides salvation for those who trust Him.

Main Idea: Jesus came to earth as the promised King who provides salvation for those who trust Him. Explore the Bible Adult Leader Commentary Session 1 The Way Prepared Matthew 3:1-12 Context: Matthew 3:1-12 Memory Verse: Matthew 3:3 Main Idea: Jesus came to earth as the promised King who provides salvation

More information

Until John. the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John,

Until John. the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, The following is a direct script of a teaching that is intended to be presented via video, incorporating relevant text, slides, media, and graphics to assist in illustration, thus facilitating the presentation

More information

The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 1 The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Second Sunday of Advent December 8 th, 2013 P.O. Box 411 Mars,

More information

2013 Advent Retreat in Daily Living Prayer Material for Week of December 9 Elizabeth and John: Voice of Blessing and Joy, Voice of Preparation

2013 Advent Retreat in Daily Living Prayer Material for Week of December 9 Elizabeth and John: Voice of Blessing and Joy, Voice of Preparation 2013 Advent Retreat in Daily Living Prayer Material for Week of December 9 Elizabeth and John: Voice of Blessing and Joy, Voice of Preparation Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 The Visitation Rejoicing

More information

November 26, 2017 Luke 3:2-18

November 26, 2017 Luke 3:2-18 November 26, 2017 Luke 3:2-18 There are few things as classic as a church play. Whether at Christmas, Easter, or any other time, the church play is a spiritual rite of passage. I was in my share of church

More information

Richard Snowden, Lay Minister Lonnie Knight, Music Director/Organist

Richard Snowden, Lay Minister Lonnie Knight, Music Director/Organist Talbott Cumberland Presbyterian Church Together Calling People to Christ 7410 W. Andrew Johnson Hwy. P.O. Box 116, Talbott, TN 37877 Phone and Fax: 865-475-1221 Email:talbottchurch@bellsouth.net http://www.talbottcpc.org

More information

Second Sunday of Advent

Second Sunday of Advent P a g e 1 Second Sunday of Advent 8 th December 2013 Susan Miller, Theology and Religious Studies Tutor on the Access Programme at Glasgow University, offers her thoughts on this second Sunday in Advent.

More information

Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry

Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Year C Third Sunday of Advent: Joy Scripture: Luke 3:7 18 NRSV Gathering Welcome Advent is a season of waiting for the coming of light into a darkened

More information

CHAPTER 1:15-34 MEDIA REFERENCE NUMBER SM-360 JANUARY 23, 2000 THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE: The Kingdom of God on Earth THE THEME OF BOOK:

CHAPTER 1:15-34 MEDIA REFERENCE NUMBER SM-360 JANUARY 23, 2000 THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE: The Kingdom of God on Earth THE THEME OF BOOK: THE GOSPEL of JOHN CHAPTER 1:15-34 MEDIA REFERENCE NUMBER SM-360 JANUARY 23, 2000 THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE: The Kingdom of God on Earth THE THEME OF BOOK: John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt

More information

John s Baptism. Written by Fred Morris

John s Baptism. Written by Fred Morris John s baptism was a very good thing, as far as it went. It was ordained by God, but it pointed to the One, Jesus Christ, who would follow John and baptize with the Holy Spirit (John 15:26-27). Some hardened

More information

Luke 3:15-18, (New International Version) The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their

Luke 3:15-18, (New International Version) The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their Luke 3:15-18, 21-22 (New International Version) The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. John answered them all, "I baptize you with

More information

The Gospel of Mark Lesson 2 Mark 1:1 13

The Gospel of Mark Lesson 2 Mark 1:1 13 The Title (1:1) The Gospel of Mark Lesson 2 Mark 1:1 13 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Verse 1 is a verbless sentence a statement of title. Matthew and Luke begin with the

More information

Advent Then and Now. December 7, 2014

Advent Then and Now. December 7, 2014 Page 1 of 8 Scripture Lesson: 2 Peter 3: 8-15a; 8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow

More information

Reading the Signs Luke 12:49-56 Sunday, August 14, 2016 The Rev. Sharon Snapp-Kolas, preaching

Reading the Signs Luke 12:49-56 Sunday, August 14, 2016 The Rev. Sharon Snapp-Kolas, preaching Reading the Signs Luke 12:49-56 Sunday, August 14, 2016 The Rev. Sharon Snapp-Kolas, preaching Scripture. Prayer. Opening. There s a story about a Baptist pastor fresh out of seminary. This young man was

More information

new believers 6 Day Devotional for New Believers

new believers 6 Day Devotional for New Believers new believers g u i d e 6 Day Devotional for New Believers the rock church cv 2014 CONTENTS You need to know- YOU ARE NEW page 4 How did this happen? page 5 Grace and Faith page 6 Our Father page 8 The

More information

Matthew 3:1-12. The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. [SLIDE]

Matthew 3:1-12. The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. [SLIDE] Matthew 3:1-12 3 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near. 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when

More information

Sermon for Second Sunday of Advent

Sermon for Second Sunday of Advent Sermon for Second Sunday of Advent Text: Mark 1:4-8 John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. "Turn away from your sins and be baptized," he told the people, "and God will forgive your sins".

More information

A voice of one calling in the wilderness. Luke 3:1-22

A voice of one calling in the wilderness. Luke 3:1-22 A voice of one calling in the wilderness Luke 3:1-22 A voice of one calling in the wilderness Luke 3:1-2 1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea,

More information

Luke 3A. And the end of Chapter 2, Luke gave us a fleeting picture of how Jesus lived as a boy

Luke 3A. And the end of Chapter 2, Luke gave us a fleeting picture of how Jesus lived as a boy Luke 3A And the end of Chapter 2, Luke gave us a fleeting picture of how Jesus lived as a boy o And especially how he came to live as both a man, in submission to earthly parents o And yet also as the

More information

Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way.

Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. 1:1 Chapter 1 orientation: Mark announces that we are at the beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, but his Gospel starts near the end of Jesus life: the events recounted in the Gospel of Mark could

More information

F OR THE L EADER. Begin a journey with God through Mark s story of Jesus baptism, Jesus temptation, and the beginning of his ministry.

F OR THE L EADER. Begin a journey with God through Mark s story of Jesus baptism, Jesus temptation, and the beginning of his ministry. Session 6 T HIS I S M Y B ELOVED Mark 1:1 15 F OR THE L EADER Invitation Begin a journey with God through Mark s story of Jesus baptism, Jesus temptation, and the beginning of his ministry. Materials Bible

More information

What will you bring to the manger?: Repentance GPPC Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19, Matthew 3:1-12

What will you bring to the manger?: Repentance GPPC Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19, Matthew 3:1-12 What will you bring to the manger?: Repentance GPPC 12-4-16 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19, Matthew 3:1-12 1 Dr. Bob Welch had been part of the music faculty and director of bands at Western Carolina University for

More information

Prepare the Way of the Lord Mark 1:1-8

Prepare the Way of the Lord Mark 1:1-8 Prepare the Way of the Lord Mark 1:1-8 By now, you pretty much know that I like to preach verse by verse through entire books of the Bible. I believe this expository style is the absolute best way for

More information

Sunday, January 13, 2019 Service of the Word

Sunday, January 13, 2019 Service of the Word Sunday, January 13, 2019 Service of the Word In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God's mercy and forgiveness.

More information

The Gospel of Matthew. Lesson 2 Matthew 2:11 Matthew 4:25

The Gospel of Matthew. Lesson 2 Matthew 2:11 Matthew 4:25 The Gospel of Matthew Lesson 2 Matthew 2:11 Matthew 4:25 Gifts of the Magi, 4 BC Matthew 2: 11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped

More information

Luke 3: John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, You brood of vipers!

Luke 3: John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, You brood of vipers! Luke 3:7-18 7 John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to

More information

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT December 9, 2018 AS WE GATHER Preparation is probably on your mind. Christmas is only weeks away. There are presents to buy, visits to plan, decorations to put up, lights to see,

More information

BTH-108 GOSPEL OF MATTHEW SPIRITUAL LIFE BIBLE COLLEGE WINTER 2019 MIDTERM EXAM PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ARE TRUE OR FALSE

BTH-108 GOSPEL OF MATTHEW SPIRITUAL LIFE BIBLE COLLEGE WINTER 2019 MIDTERM EXAM PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ARE TRUE OR FALSE BTH-108 GOSPEL OF MATTHEW SPIRITUAL LIFE BIBLE COLLEGE WINTER 2019 MIDTERM EXAM NAME: PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ARE TRUE OR FALSE 1. Scripture absolutely tells us that Matthew was

More information

Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry

Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Year C First Sunday after Epiphany Scripture: Luke 3:15 17, 21 22 NRSV Gathering Welcome Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light

More information

For our shared or personal reflection: After a brief pause for silent reflection share your answers, ideas or feelings.

For our shared or personal reflection: After a brief pause for silent reflection share your answers, ideas or feelings. December 7, 2008 2 nd Sunday of Advent (Cycle B) Gospel reading Mark 1:1-8 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Behold, I am sending my messenger

More information

Lesson 51-John the Baptist What to say-blue; What to read-black (Bible verse/s)

Lesson 51-John the Baptist What to say-blue; What to read-black (Bible verse/s) Lesson 51-John the Baptist ALMOST A THOUSAND YEARS BEFORE JESUS WAS BORN, THE PROPHET ISAIAH PREDICTED that a man would come and preach to the people of Israel and tell them that Jesus was coming, and

More information

Voices of Christmas: The Prophet Cries, Prepare! Matthew 3:1-11 A sermon by Rev. Bob Kells

Voices of Christmas: The Prophet Cries, Prepare! Matthew 3:1-11 A sermon by Rev. Bob Kells Voices of Christmas: The Prophet Cries, Prepare! Matthew 3:1-11 A sermon by Rev. Bob Kells Today s message is the second in a six-part sermon series on the Voices of Christmas. Each week during Advent

More information

Sunday, December 10, 2017 Second Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 10, 2017 Second Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 10, 2017 Second Sunday of Advent John called people to repent, to clear the decks, to completely reorder their lives so that nothing would get in the way of the Lord s coming. The reading

More information

THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS The Gift of Preparation

THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS The Gift of Preparation Text: Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 3:1-6 THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS The Gift of Preparation See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, says the prophet Malachi. And Luke quotes Isaiah, The voice

More information

LIFE OF CHRIST LESSON 10

LIFE OF CHRIST LESSON 10 Public Ministry Begins: Beginnings of the Gospel Ministry of John: Matthew 3:1-12, Mark 1:1-8, and Luke 3:1-20 In this week s questions, which begin on page 7, we will continue our study of the life of

More information

ARMED FOR WAR Discipleship Course

ARMED FOR WAR Discipleship Course SECTION 3 The Six Foundational Doctrines Lesson 8 - The Doctrine of Baptisms Hebrews 6:1-2 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying

More information