Teach Us To Pray Luke 11:1-13. Rev. Jason Alspaugh First Baptist Church of Dayton Sunday, July 24, 2016
|
|
- Mitchell Flynn
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Teach Us To Pray Luke 11:1-13 Rev. Jason Alspaugh First Baptist Church of Dayton Sunday, July 24, 2016 In the Gospel of Luke, we often find Jesus withdrawing to deserted places to pray, with his disciples not far off. i And we might assume that the disciples have also been praying while Jesus has been praying, but today s episode makes me wonder. Jesus rejoins them, and they ask, Lord, teach us to pray and I have to wonder what they were doing all the other times he was out praying. Were they praying, too, or were they just waiting around for him to come back? Or were they pretending to pray, too embarrassed to admit they didn t have a clue? Whatever the case may be, one of them finally musters the courage to ask Jesus to teach them to pray. And it dawns on me that few, if any, are asking this question today. As far as I know, no one is asking us to teach them how to pray. Perhaps no one is asking because it s considered an absurd question. Everyone seems to think prayer is as easy and natural as breathing. Who needs to be taught how to pray? You just talk to God, right? In her poem, Praying, Mary Oliver says: It doesn t have to be the blue iris, it could be weeds in a vacant lot, or a few small stones; just pay attention, then patch a few words together and don t try to make them elaborate, this isn t a contest but the doorway into thanks, and a silence in which another voice may speak. Even in the church we assume that people know how to pray. We say, Let us pray, or pray with me, and everyone is supposed to know what to do. Those of us who have been around 1
2 church for a while can forget that knowing how to pray is not a given. I have to remind myself that praying was something I had to learn. It really began for me with the Lord s Prayer. In the fourth grade I started attending worship at First Baptist in Springfield with my friend, Phil. And I remember the strangeness of it all, especially when everyone, including Phil, started saying the same words at the same time. No one said that this was something I should do. And no one made an attempt to teach me the words. I was too embarrassed to admit that I was clueless. So I just mouthed the words I could catch, and Sunday after Sunday I picked up more and more of the words. It was like learning the lyrics from a song. And eventually I learned all the words, and have prayed it every Sunday since. A good part of wanting to learn it at first was wanting to for in with everyone else--i didn't want to be the only one who didn't know the prayer--but since then my understanding of the importance of that prayer, and of prayer in general, has deepened. Prayer is a discipline, a spiritual practice, and as such it must be taught, learned, and practiced. So much of our focus is on practice, with little thought given to teaching and learning, but it s all necessary. Now I m not trying to be elitist about praying. And I m not here to critique your prayer life. But I do think we should pay more attention to it. Maybe it is easy to do prayer, but I don t think it's easy to understand prayer. After all, what are we doing when we pray? What do we think is happening or will happen when we pray? What does our praying have to say about how we think of God? Are we addressing God as some genie-like wish-granter who is just waiting for us to call? And what does it mean when our demands are not met, our wishes unfulfilled? Learning to pray means wrestling with these kinds of questions. I think this is what it means to persevere in prayer. ii Persevering in prayer means praying like a psalmist. If you ve never prayed like a psalmist, you should try it. It s disturbing. Psalmists cried out, questioned, and challenged God. Like Job, they wondered why the wicked prospered while the righteous suffered. They poured out there anger and agony to God, even as they sought to trust and praise God. Jesus prayed like a psalmist, crying out from the cross, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me! iii To persevere in prayer is to continue praying even if it does not resolve all of the complexities and contradictions of our existence. If we do not persevere, prayer becomes trivial. These days whenever something tragic happens many people go to social media and post comments like: "you're in my thoughts and prayers," praying for you, or just praying. Statements like these are now trivialized and 2
3 mocked. They seem like patented responses to anything bad that happens. And some have claimed that it's a way of absolving oneself of the responsibility to actually do something. Prayer is seen as a cop out that doesn't really change anything. You think you ve done something, but to some you really haven t done anything. No one is asking us to teach them to pray, because prayer is seen as a pious waste of time. After the mass shooting at PULSE, a gay nightclub in Orlando, I saw posts of people saying they would not pray, they would not attend one more vigil. These are people exhausted and fed up with all of the seemingly ineffectual calls for prayer--#prayfororlando, #PrayForTurkey, #PrayForNice, #PrayForMunich, etc. Instead of praying, they said they would act, they would actually do something. Others called for prayer and action, but even in that there is the subtle message that prayer is not action, it doesn t do anything. In one respect, this is a valid critique. If prayer causes you to stop short of acting, then maybe you should stop praying. The Prophet Isaiah declared the word of the LORD, saying: I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity. Your new moons and your appointed festivals my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them. When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. iv Likewise, the word of the LORD came to the Prophet Amos, saying: 3
4 I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt-offerings and grain-offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. v The prophets made it clear that evil action or inaction in the face of oppression is not consonant with prayer. Praying i.e., conversing with God should do something to us. There is not meant to be a line of separation between prayer and action. Rather, prayer is to be a continuous action that gets us involved with God and God s reign of justice and love and peace here on earth. When LGBT people suffer discrimination and violence, and we pray, but then do nothing to welcome and affirm; when African Americans are incarcerated and killed at disproportionately higher rates, and we pray, but then do nothing to address racism, poverty, and police misconduct; when dozens of innocent people men, women, and children are gunned down, and we pray, but then do nothing to prevent future attacks I have to ask: Who is unmoved by our prayers, God or us? Given all of the evil we encounter in the world, we may think that God is not for us, that God does not have our best interest in mind, but Jesus said that if we know how to give good gifts, how much more does God?! Is it possible that God has given us what we need and is trusting us to work things out? Could it be that God has gifted us in some way to be God s answer to someone s prayers? God offers us God s very self, the Spirit, to empower us for good works. Do we have as much confidence in ourselves, as God seems to have in us? If not, if our confidence is wavering, then pray as Jesus taught. Jesus orients our prayer life with the astounding instruction to address God as Father. Now whether you call God Father, Mother, Parent, Love, Life, LORD, Jesus taught us to pray as those who are children of God. This is the source of our confidence, and the guide to our conduct. The writer of 1 John said, See what love the Father has given us, that we should be 4
5 called children of God; and that is what we are [ therefore] Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. vi As God s children we are to pray for God's kingdom, above every other desire. In our asking, may we be given the kingdom. In our searching, may we find the kingdom. In our knocking may the doors of the kingdom be opened to us. There are lots of convincing messages out there telling us that there is a lot that we need, but Jesus said, Seek first the kingdom of God and the rest will follow. vii Ask only for enough, for daily bread. When we seek more than what we truly need, we ensure that someone else will not have enough. Be on your guard, Jesus said, against all kinds of greed viii And as children of God who seek the kingdom, we ought to pray for forgiveness; and pray to give it. Our life with God is inextricably linked to our life with one another. Again, in 1 John, we are told that those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. ix So how can we expect to be reconciled with God, but not with our brothers and sisters? How can we ask for ourselves that which we would withhold from others? So pray for forgiveness. And pray that [we] may not come into the time of trial. x Jesus told his disciples this twice on the Mount of Olives, when violence and death were very real possibilities. And where the threat of violence and death exist, fear can be found as well. Today there may be nothing that tempts us more, nothing that tries us more, than fear. Fear would tempt us to abandon the peace of Christ and justify violent means. Fear would tempt us to build barriers between us and others who are different from us. Fear would tempt us to abandon prayer and God altogether, leading us to believe that we re alone and that it all depends on us. Do not give into the peddlers of fear. Instead, let us give ourselves to prayer. Let us continually learn to pray. Let us persevere in prayer. Ask. Search. Knock. Pray like a psalmist. Pray the kind of prayer that flows seamlessly into acts of love and justice. Be moved. And to God be the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. i Lk. 4:42; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18 ii Romans 12:12 iii Psalm 22:1 iv Isaiah 1:13b-17 5
6 v Amos 5:21-24 vi 1 John 3:1, 18 vii Luke 12:31 viii Luke 12:15 ix 1 John x Luke 22:40, 46 6
Amos 1:1 The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and in the days
Amos 1:1 The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years
More informationThis morning, on this second Sunday of Advent, I want to hold two images from the book of Isaiah before us.
A SHOOT AND A STUMP ISAIAH 11:1-10; MATTHEW 3:1-10 LETHBRIDGE MENNONITE CHURCH BY: RYAN DUECK DECEMBER 8, 2013/2 ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT This morning, on this second Sunday of Advent, I want to hold two images
More informationYou do not have because you do not ask God. Really?
James 4:1-12 You do not have because you do not ask God. Really? James 1:6 7 (NIV84) But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by
More informationNINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -- PROPER 14 August 11, 2019 Year C, Revised Common Lectionary
NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -- PROPER 14 August 11, 2019 Year C, Revised Common Lectionary [formatted version with line breaks and verse markers removed] Table of Contents First OT reading and Psalm Major
More informationGod s Desire. By Mark Mayberry 9/13/2009
God s Desire By Mark Mayberry 9/13/2009 Introduction An infant s entire existence centers upon the question, What do I want? As children grow toward physical maturity, they learn to contemplate, What do
More informationMatthew 25:31-46 Isaiah 58:1-14 October 23, 2016 Preached by Philip Gladden at the Wallace Presbyterian Church, Wallace, NC
Matthew 25:31-46 Isaiah 58:1-14 October 23, 2016 Preached by Philip Gladden at the Wallace Presbyterian Church, Wallace, NC The Stewardship of All of Life Worship & Works Let us pray: Let the words of
More informationThe Liturgy for the Proclamation of the Word of God and Celebration of Holy Communion. 9:30 a.m. Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost August 7, 2016
The Liturgy for the Proclamation of the Word of God and Celebration of Holy Communion 9:30 a.m. Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost August 7, 2016 On this day the LORD has acted; we will rejoice and be glad
More informationGod Promises Justice and Righteousness
God Promises Justice and Righteousness Promises of Hope About the Story Today s words from Amos address the people of Israel who have grown wealthy and lost sight of the meaning of their relationship with
More informationUNIVERSAL PRAYER OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS
UNIVERSAL PRAYER OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS Monday, January 1, 2018 O: On this day that we celebrate Mary, Mother of God, who with trust said yes to God s plan, let us bring our petitions to the Lord, trusting
More informationYHWH Hates His Appointed Times?
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 information2 Kings 17:13-14 Yet the LORD testified against Israel and against Judah, by all of His prophets, every seer, saying, "Turn from your evil ways, and
Isaiah 1 MINOR PROPHETS 13 2 Kings 17:13-14 Yet the LORD testified against Israel and against Judah, by all of His prophets, every seer, saying, "Turn from your evil ways, and keep My commandments and
More information1. title.jpg. Jun 30, 2014
1. title.jpg Jun 30, 2014 HEBREWS 9:18-22 not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. For when every commandment had been told to all the people by Moses in accordance with the law, he took
More information5 Locations: Egypt Sinai Jerusalem Babylon Jerusalem
5 Locations: Egypt Sinai Jerusalem Babylon Jerusalem 15 The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling
More informationGiving God our Best First Fruits in 2015
Giving God our Best First Fruits in 2015 Amos 5:21-24 21 I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. 22 Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
More informationPRAYING OUR WAY TO SUCCESS AS WE LIVE FOR THE KINGDOM CAUSE
PRAYING OUR WAY TO SUCCESS AS WE LIVE FOR THE KINGDOM CAUSE It is God s desire to help us to be successful in life and to live a life of great purpose and meaning as we live for the Kingdom Cause We all
More informationHINDRANCES TO THE CHRISTIANS PRAYERS #1.
HINDRANCES TO THE CHRISTIANS PRAYERS #1. *WE DON T PRAY TO INFORM GOD *WE DON'T PRAY TO IMPRESS GOD. *WE DO PRAY TO SUBMIT, YEILD/HUMBLE OUR LIVES BEFORE GOD. LAST WEEK: -PRAYER RELIEVES US FROM SIN 1
More informationPRAY 08. Protestant Church Women United. World Council of Churches 10th Assembly. Evening Prayer, 1 November :00 Call to prayer
P World Council of Churches 10th Assembly 30 October to 8 November 2013 Busan, Republic of Korea PRAY 08 Evening Prayer, 1 November 2013 EN Original Protestant Church Women United Image: Creation 20:00
More informationPraise the LORD for He is good 1/1/2012
Praise the LORD for He is good 1/1/2012 Ps. 145: 1 Ps. 1: 1 3 Ps. 146: 1 5 Ps. 111: 1 5 Ps. 150: 1 Scripture reading: Psalm 146 Text: Psalm 146 Beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ, The book of
More informationWhy do you want the day of the LORD? It is darkness, not light; 19 as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear;
Worship Plan for Sunday, November 12, 2017 Lectionary 32 Proper 27 23rd Sunday after Pentecost ELW Holy Communion Setting One Sunday, November 12, 2017 Introduction to the day Today the prophet Amos calls
More information"Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
"Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." (John 4:20 NASB) Jesus *said to her, "Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither
More informationStudy 36: Revelation 18:1-8
Study 36: Revelation 18:1-8 1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. This angel doesn t speak with a loud voice as
More informationMain Points and Lesson Summaries Come to the Waters PW/Horizons Bible Study
and Lesson Summaries Come to the Waters 2015 2016 PW/Horizons Bible Study Author: Judy Record Fletcher Suggestions for Leaders: Larissa Kwong Abazia Art: Photography Introduction The theme for this study
More informationSpending time with God
Spending time with God By Ross Callaghan http://rosscallaghan.yolasite.com Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16 After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself
More information2/25/2018 Will God Hear? 1
"Will God Hear?" Most people pray every day. Even people who don t believe in God will sometimes pray. Hello, I m Phil Sanders, and this is a Bible study In Search of the Lord s Way. And we wonder, Will
More informationThe Healing Benefits of Meditating on God s Word
The Healing Benefits of Meditating on God s Word These verses were chosen because they re especially encouraging to someone who s going through a trial. One of our members had a persistent medical trial
More informationOvercome our Hypocrisy Matthew 15:1-20; March 26, 2017
Overcome our Hypocrisy Matthew 15:1-20; March 26, 2017 Have you ever heard anyone say, All of you Christians are just a bunch of hypocrites. The sad reality is that often times they are right. You know
More information_BFF+_blj sermon, Preparing for a Solemn Assembly
20091115_BFF+_blj sermon, Preparing for a Solemn Assembly I. Call to Worship: II Chronicles 7:14: II. Message Last week, following Joe s Series and our Series, we were led by the Lord to a Season of Preparation
More informationIsaiah 52:13-53:12 The Work of the Messiah
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 The Work of the Messiah Introduction If you don t think this passage is important, consider the fact that Isaiah 53 is quoted at least 85 times in the New Testament. Also consider God
More informationTHESE OUGHT YE TO HAVE DONE MATTHEW 23:13-33; LUKE 11:37-44
THESE OUGHT YE TO HAVE DONE MATTHEW 23:13-33; LUKE 11:37-44 Text: Matt 23:23, Luke 11:42 (Luke 11:42) "But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment
More informationThe Twelve: One Unified Book
The Twelve: One Unified Book Book Sequence Chronological Sequence Hosea (I) Jonah (ca. 770) Israel/Assyria Sin Joel (J) Amos (I) Obadiah (J) Jonah (I) Micah (J) Amos (ca. 760) Israel Hosea (ca. 760 730)
More informationSunday, November 5, 2017: All Saints Sunday
Sunday, November 5, 2017: All Saints Sunday Revelation 7:9-17 Psalm 34:1-10, 22 1 John 3:1-3 A READING FROM REVELATION 9 After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from
More informationA DEAD FORMALISM I. by A. T. Jones.
A DEAD FORMALISM I by A. T. Jones. Unbelieving Israel, not having the righteousness which is of faith, and so not appreciating the great sacrifice that the Heavenly Father has made, sought righteousness
More information"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 informationPSALMS WE NEED TO SING. Psalm 37 September 23, 2018
PSALMS WE NEED TO SING Psalms 37 Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb. Trust in the
More informationLISTEN UP! Mark 12: 28-34;2 Timothy 3:1-6, He was angry and was waiting for me as I entered the fellowship hall after the morning service. He wa
LISTEN UP! Mark 12: 28-34;2 Timothy 3:1-6, 10-17 He was angry and was waiting for me as I entered the fellowship hall after the morning service. He was upset about something he had heard me say in the
More informationPsalm 11 Reflecting on God s Faithful Presence
Psalm 11 Reflecting on God s Faithful Presence Introduction: Psalm 11 is about ambivalence. This is often the case with the psalms, he believes strongly about the faithfulness, justice and goodness of
More informationTrinity Lutheran Church Contemporary Worship Service March 4, :45
Trinity Lutheran Church Contemporary Worship Service March 4, 2012 10:45 CALL TO WORSHIP L: Come, join the journey of Jesus today! C: We come in our different ways, walking in our own styles, at our own
More informationDangers in Worship. By Mark Mayberry 1/11/2009
Dangers in Worship By Mark Mayberry 1/11/2009 Introduction The Lord Jesus Christ said that we must worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). This means that we must worship God with the right
More information4/17/2016 Free Will 1
"Free Will" Does man have free will, or has God already made every decision affecting his salvation? Hello, I m Phil Sanders. And this is a Bible study, In Search of the Lord s Way. And today we re asking
More informationTHE BOOK OF ISAIAH THE GOD OF OUR SALVATION
THE BOOK OF ISAIAH THE GOD OF OUR SALVATION ISAIAH CHAPTERS 58:1-14 MEDIA REFERENCE NUMBER WN-719 SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE: Discovering the Salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ in the
More informationLetters of Paul (NT5)
Letters of Paul (NT5) Pastoral Epistles 1 & 2 Timothy; Titus February 27, 2014 Ross Arnold, Winter 2014 Lakeside institute of Theology Letters of Paul (NT5) 1. Life & Teachings of Paul; Romans 2. 1 st
More informationCongratulations. Contentment. Death/Funeral
Congratulations 1. Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with
More informationShall We Be Disciples? 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 Psalm 85:8-13 Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:14-29
Shall We Be Disciples? 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 Psalm 85:8-13 Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:14-29 The massacre in Charleston South Carolina invades our nation in a way that will not be ignored. A young white man
More informationIn case you don't have time to discuss all the questions, be sure to ask your group which questions they want to make sure they get to.
Leader Notes Lesson 6 That's Not Fair! Psalm 37 PLEASE DON'T READ THESE NOTES UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR LESSON. YOU WILL ROB YOURSELF OF THE JOY OF DISCOVERY! These are suggested responses your group
More informationWhat is it and why should I care? COVENANT PART 1. Phil Aydlotte. 01/04/
01/04/2014 What is it and why should I care? COVENANT PART 1 Phil Aydlotte 01/04/2014 http://hodf.org 2 Purpose What is covenant? What covenant are we a part of? Who are the parties? What are the conditions
More informationyour offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." Week of 1/7-13 Matthew 5:17-18
Bible Reading Memory Plan 2008 This plan is designed to be used in conjunction with the Bible Reading Plan. Every week a verse(s) is selected from assigned reading. The verses will appear each week in
More informationTHE 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 informationthe Practice Learning the Unforced Rhythms of Grace ORDER of PRACTICE October 25th, 2015 c b Willow Creek Chapel
the Practice Learning the Unforced Rhythms of Grace ORDER of PRACTICE October 25th, 2015 Willow Creek Chapel Please speak, Your servant is listening Please speak, Your servant is listening Please speak,
More information-1- Sermon (Isaiah 1: 1, 10-20, 8/7/16): As I ve probably mentioned to you before, I went to a Catholic University in Western New York where I
-1- Sermon (Isaiah 1: 1, 10-20, 8/7/16): As I ve probably mentioned to you before, I went to a Catholic University in Western New York where I received my Bachelor s degree. While there, I became very
More information1. A Passion for God (Psalms 103, 145)
1. A Passion for God (Psalms 103, 145) What is your passion? By this I mean apart from Christianity. What really motivates you? What do you spend most time doing? Your passion - that thing that will consume
More informationDiscussion Guide to be used with the Conference on DVD
ConfrontingtheUniqueChallengesofPastoralMinistry ByPaulDavidTripp MichaelE.Breece:Contributor DiscussionGuidetobeusedwiththeConferenceonDVD DangerousCalling:ConfrontingtheUniqueChallengesofPastoralMinistry
More informationLet the Redeemed of the Lord Say So
Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So Psalm 107 Studies in the Psalms by Ken Puls This study was originally delivered as a sermon at Grace Baptist Church, Cape Coral, FL July 9, 2014 Open your Bibles this
More informationI got an recently from a fairly new Christian, someone who s just starting to learn and grow and ask questions about God and our world.
MAJOR THEMES FROM THE MINOR PROPHETS: HABAKKUK. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church July 1, 2012, 6:00PM Sermon Texts: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1; 3:17-19 Introduction. Why? Why, why, why?
More informationCHRISTMAS ADVENT DEVOTIONAL. hope peace joy love
CHRISTMAS ADVENT DEVOTIONAL hope peace joy love Christmas Advent Devotional 2 We re excited for you to join us on our Christmas Advent Devotional. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we ll explore the
More information2 points. According to Isaiah 1:2, who was asked to hear and give ear, because the LORD has spoken?
According to Isaiah 1:1, who saw a vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah? ANS: Isaiah 2 points. According to Isaiah 1:2, who was asked
More information"More Than Just a Comfortable Pew"
Rev. Dr. Doug Showalter Scripture: Amos 5:21-24 The Church of the Pilgrimage, Plymouth, MA Copyright 2011 June 26, 2011 "More Than Just a Comfortable Pew" I'D LIKE TO BEGIN my sermon this morning, by inviting
More informationWhat does it take to become a great-souled person, or, as Jesus says, to live by the light of the kingdom of God? Practice, practice, practice.
The Great-Souled Person A Sermon Preached by Christopher A. Joiner First Presbyterian Church, Franklin, Tennessee July 23, 2017 16 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A Matthew 7:7-27 What does it take to
More informationGo Seek. November 12, rd Sunday after Pentecost
Bummer seat 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. Go Seek November 12, 2017 23rd
More informationGood Friday Tenebrae Service April 14, :00 p.m.
Good Friday Tenebrae Service April 14, 2017 7:00 p.m. Remembering Christ s Suffering and Death for Us ENTER IN SILENCE The word tenebrae means darkness and refers specifically to a service of worship in
More informationThe Purpose of Testing
The Purpose of Testing What is man... that You should visit him every morning, and test him every moment? i Isn t that an amazing revelation that God visits us every morning and tests us every moment?
More informationLife-Giving Words. Book 2 of the Psalms. from
Life-Giving Words from Book 2 of the Psalms New American Standard Version My mouth is filled with Your praise And with Your glory all day long. Psalm 71:8 Memory groups will meet weekly to recite each
More informationASH WEDNESDAY February 14, 2018 Year B, Revised Common Lectionary. [formatted version with line breaks and verse markers removed] Table of Contents
ASH WEDNESDAY February 14, 2018 Year B, Revised Common Lectionary [formatted version with line breaks and verse markers removed] Table of Contents All Texts, Psalm in Poem Format, with Black and White
More informationA Study in Romans Study Five Romans 5:1-6:4
A Study in Romans Study Five Romans 5:1-6:4 Day One 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by
More informationThe Psalms III. Sentiments of Praise
The Psalms III. Sentiments of Praise Sentiments of wonder and delight readily lead to outbursts of praise, as do prayers of pleading which are answered by God. One such prayer is found in Psalm 22, the
More informationOT Messianic Prophecy. and The Da Vinci Code Robert C. Newman
OT Messianic Prophecy and The Da Vinci Code Robert C. Newman Testing the Past Without time machines, how can we know what really happened in the past? Isn t it just one group s word against another s?
More informationTHE GOSPEL OF LUKE JESUS CHRIST THE SON OF MAN
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE JESUS CHRIST THE SON OF MAN LUKE CHAPTER 18:1-8 TAPE NUMBER SM-671 JANUARY 04, 2009 THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE: Don t Just Stand There Pray About It The Humanity and Divinity of Jesus
More informationWHEN OUR WORLD IS RENT BY VIOLENCE (particularly stanzas 1 and 4)
WHEN OUR WORLD IS RENT BY VIOLENCE (particularly stanzas 1 and 4) When our world is rent by violence and our lives are marred by grief, when our songs of calm assurance turn to cries of unbelief: God,
More informationWhere Two or Three Are Gathered: Worship for Small Assemblies LENT 2018 YEAR B NOTES FOR PLANNERS
Where Two or Three Are Gathered: Worship for Small Assemblies LENT 2018 YEAR B NOTES FOR PLANNERS Two lessons are heard each Sunday, setting the Old Testament stories of God's covenantal relationship with
More informationHEARING GOD Recognizing His Voice in Your Life PART V: HINDRANCES TO HEARING GOD
HEARING GOD Recognizing His Voice in Your Life PART V: HINDRANCES TO HEARING GOD John 10:1-5 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way,
More informationBack to the Old Testament again- I hope you don t mind. This is a lectionary
Isaiah 1:10-17 God s Burden Back to the Old Testament again- I hope you don t mind. This is a lectionary reading- I m not just picking these scriptures out of the sky. They are important passages for us
More informationSTWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -- PROPER 27 November 12, 2017 Year A, Revised Common Lectionary
STWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -- PROPER 27 November 12, 2017 Year A, Revised Common Lectionary [formatted version with line breaks and verse markers removed] Table of Contents First OT reading and
More informationTwo Kinds of Righteousness. By The Reverend Father Martin Luther
Two Kinds of Righteousness By The Reverend Father Martin Luther Brethren, have this mind among yourselves, which you have in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of god, did not count equality
More informationRoute 66 Understanding Isaiah. Dr. Stephen Rummage, Senior Pastor Bell Shoals Baptist Church May 18, 2016
1 Route 66 Understanding Isaiah Dr. Stephen Rummage, Senior Pastor Bell Shoals Baptist Church May 18, 2016 Isaiah 6:1 (ESV) In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high
More informationRemembering the Dreamer
Remembering the Dreamer from the pulpit of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania by the Reverend Agnes W. Norfleet January 20, 2019 Amos 5:18-24 18 Alas for you who desire the day of the
More informationInternational Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27
International Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27 New Revised Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, June 14, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School
More informationPrayer Activity Prayer Focus Scripture for meditation. Recognize God s nature. Silent soul surrender. Temple Cleansing Time. Word Enriched Prayer
Sunday, May 13, 2012 Prayer Activity Prayer Focus Scripture for meditation Psalm 63:3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will
More informationSpiritual Pathfinder
Spiritual Pathfinder WHEN YOU ARE WEAK AND NEED STRENGTH Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NRSV He gives power to those who are
More informationChristians Must Always Pray. Luke 18:1-8a. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is
Christians Must Always Pray Luke 18:1-8a by Rev. Michael G. Lilienthal Dear elect of the Lord, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ
More informationAdministration of baptism to: Holly Elizabeth, daughter of brother and sister Derek and Judith Dewitt Ps.12:4 Prayer of thanksgiving
Liturgy for Sunday Special service remembering the ascension of the Lord Jesus into heaven AM Confession of Dependence and Divine Greeting Hy.40:1,4,5 Ten words of the covenant Ps.130:2,4 Prayer of confession
More informationLIFE IN HIS NAME : THE PURSUIT OF WHOLENESS AND THE GOSPEL OF JOHN THE TESTIMONY OF JOHN, PART THREE: JESUS, THE LAMB OF GOD JOHN 1:29
Sermon Outline LIFE IN HIS NAME : THE PURSUIT OF WHOLENESS AND THE GOSPEL OF JOHN I. Introduction THE TESTIMONY OF JOHN, PART THREE: JESUS, THE LAMB OF GOD JOHN 1:29 II. The Lamb of God (John 1:29) A.
More informationA twenty-two day. journey to loving God s. Word more
A twenty-two day journey to loving God s Word more The longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, talks about the love for God s Word. Journey with us for twenty-two days and let us fall in love with God
More informationMy dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man s anger does not accomplish God s
Test of Doing My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man s anger does not accomplish God s righteousness. James 1:19-20 (HCSB)
More informationThe people gather in silence.
THE PASSION AND DEATH OF THE LORD We acknowledge the Jaara Jaara people, the custodians of this land where we gather. We pay our respects to their elders past and present and pray for reconciliation. The
More informationWho Is My Neighbour?
Who Is My Neighbour? 1 Who Is My Neighbour? Nov. 24, 2013 (Compassion Canada service. Notes adapted from material provided by C. C.) Sermon in a sentence: My neighbor is anyone in need that I am in a position
More informationWorship and justice (1) why does it matter?
where world and worship meet Article Worship and justice (1) why does it matter? An uncomfortable summary I've had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you
More informationWHY DOES GOD ALLOW SUFFERING?
July 9, 2017 Sermon Series: The Bible Doesn t Say That Sermon Title: Suffering Always Comes From Sin Why does God allow suffering? What is the purpose of perseverance and suffering? SCRIPTURES: 1. Job
More informationWeek of Feb. 4 God s Word Guides Us
Week of Feb. 4 God s Word Guides Us MONDAY : Psalm 119:97 The psalmist proclaims his love for God s law. God s law is His word. And the psalmist says that he loves God s law so much he thinks about it
More informationInclusive. Sacred. Authentic.
Praying the Hours - A Lenten spiritual practice Are you looking to connect with your deeper self and the Holy? Do you seek to deepen your connection with God and others? This Lent, we invite you to participate
More informationONEHARBORCHURCH. How has your musical worship DNA been shaped? o Skill o Heart o Ministry/Formal Musical Background
ONEHARBORCHURCH music+media Team Greenhouse Week One Meet and Greet Who are you? What is your musical history? How has your musical worship DNA been shaped? o Skill o Heart o Ministry/Formal Musical Background
More informationWednesday of Proper 19 in Year 2 Morning Prayer
Wednesday of Proper 19 in Year 2 Morning Prayer Opening Sentence Thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, "I dwell in the high and holy place and also with the one who
More information1. UNDERSTAND GOD S CALL IS DEMANDING (11:18-19)
Text: Jeremiah 12:1-6 Title: Worn Out! Let s open our Bibles to Jeremiah 12. As you re turning let me quickly remind you what s happening in the book of Jeremiah. The Lord has a problem with His people.
More informationRelated Scripture Passages
Related Scripture Passages The Bible is full of passages that address the importance and process of finding the cause within you. Listed below are some of the passages that have been helpful to me. Each
More informationIsaiah s Message to America How Can You Know That Jesus Is the Only Way of Salvation?
14-03-23 AM I Want to Know My Bible Page 1 Isaiah s Message to America How Can You Know That Jesus Is the Only Way of Salvation? INTRODUCTION: Early in Jesus ministry He went back to His home town of Nazareth.
More informationTHE POOR AND NEEDY OLD TESTAMENT POOR
THE POOR AND NEEDY OLD TESTAMENT POOR - afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor NEW TESTAMENT POOR - beggar - pauper - destitute - poor By HAROLD HARSTVEDT WHY ARE THERE SO MANY POOR PEOPLE? 1 SAMUEL 2:7
More informationDiscontent with God. Discontent simply means disappointed with one s circumstances.
Discontent with God Discontent simply means disappointed with one s circumstances. Have you ever been there? Life didn t turn out the way you thought it would have? Dreams didn t come true? Maybe there
More informationMidweek Experience Curriculum NAC-USA DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE. Finding Jesus in the Psalms. Psalm 22. Psalm 51 Psalm 88 MIDWEEK SCRIPT.
Midweek Experience Curriculum NAC-USA DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE Finding Jesus in the Psalms Psalm 22 Psalm 51 Psalm 88 MIDWEEK SCRIPT 2019 January Session 1 Psalm 22 Welcome to our first small group session
More informationDealing with Sin Biblically
BCDASoCal Fall Conference Weekend 2 Hour 4 Dealing with Sin Biblically Wayne Erick Johnston I. Introduction Sin is one of the most important topics in counseling. The Bible has solutions for man s problems
More informationSaturday, September 14 : Hours 1 and 2: Women Only Shelbi Cullen 8:45-9:35am Helping Your Counselee Run the Race and Finish Strong
Advanced Class Weekend I Complete Assignments List The BCDASoCal Advanced Class provides powerful studies from God s Word for Christians in active ministry. You can benefit from the teaching of some of
More informationA Repentant Heart. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
A Repentant Heart Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. (Psalm 51:1) In 2 Samuel 13 the prophet Nathan, sent by the Lord,
More informationACTS OF FAITH: CONFRONTING RACISM. A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Thomas Strauss
ACTS OF FAITH: CONFRONTING RACISM A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Thomas Strauss Friends, you know it is harder to care about your neighbor if you don t know them; harder to understand a different religion or
More information