Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, grace and peace be with you all. Amen.

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, grace and peace be with you all. Amen."

Transcription

1 Fifth Sunday of Epiphany-Year B February 5, Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39 A Tempting and Lonely Place This sermon was preached by Pastor Jim Page at Trinity Lutheran Church Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, grace and peace be with you all. Amen. Quiet time. Taking a break. Venturing off for some R and R. Regardless of what we call it, time away is appealing. Time away in a lonely place where phones do not ring and an array of voices are not competing for our attention. A lonely place where it s quiet. Where we can hear ourselves think, feel our own calmed breathing, rediscover the inner rhythms which try in vain to regulate our lives. A lonely place away from news, television, calendars, work, routine. A place of tranquil rest and retreat. There is nothing more tempting than a lonely place. In the morning, while it was still very dark, Mark tells us, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. There is nothing more tempting than a lonely place. We can dream of white, sandy beaches with the gentle warmth of the sun resting on our backs as the coolness of the watery waves lap up against our feet. We envision a majestic, panoramic view of creation from a high point on a mountain the air around us is quiet and the world below looks peaceful. In the daily pace of life, we must be content with a lonely place that is more practical. Solitude in the car on the way to work, a cup of coffee before the sun rises and everyone is out of bed, sitting in our favorite chair in the stillness of night at the end of the day. There is nothing more tempting than a lonely place. We yearn for such places, guard them, and cherish them. Today s gospel reading shows us the importance of such places where rest and prayer are hallmarks of following Jesus Christ. We ve been covering sections of the first chapter of the gospel of Mark in the past few weeks. Mark has told us about the preaching of John the Baptist, the baptism of Jesus, the first call of the disciples, the healing of a demon-possessed man in the synagogue. In this first chapter, Mark uses the word immediately 10 times. Immediately the Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness tempted by Satan. Immediately they left their nets and followed Jesus. Mark can barely catch his breath in telling others what is happening in Jesus life and ministry. Then we hear from Mark, In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. The action of Jesus lends to the question: When did you rest last week? When did you have time away to simply detach in order to care for yourself and be with God? This isn t a question of judgment but one that emphasizes a key aspect of our daily life of faith. Time magazine noted that back in the 1960 s, expert testimony was given to a subcommittee of the Senate on time management. The essence of it was that because of advances in technology, within twenty years or so people would have to radically cut back on how many hours a week they worked, or

2 how many weeks a year they worked, or else they would have to start retiring sooner. The great challenge, they said, was what people would do with all their free time. I m sure many of us would say that the primary challenge in regard to time is not what to do with all the excess. Even those who are retired from employment often coin the phrase, I m busier now than when I was working. We need to simply look around and see people moving faster, working harder, staying a little longer to get the task done. Yet, the challenge is keeping balance. Breaking the pace and making time to rest in order to stay connected with God as our foundation and nurturing ourselves. Moving beyond intention to rest and making it a reality. Jesus had just healed Simon s mother-in-law of her fever, the entire city is at the doorstep seeking his attention, his presence, what he can give them. Mark tells us that the people, a huge crowd, came to him late into the evening after sunset. Jesus is working overtime. I m sure Jesus was exhausted. Then, in one verse, the pace is broken. In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. The New International Version Bible translation refers to this location as a solitary place. John Ortberg, in his book The Life You Always Wanted, writes the following in response to the importance of rest and solitude, Solitude is the one place where we gain freedom from the forces of society that will otherwise relentlessly mold us. There are only three times in the entire gospel of Mark where Jesus is alone in prayer and this is the first instance. The Son of God, the Messiah, the one who we ve seen cast our demons, attend to the needs of an entire city needed time alone. Time alone to rest away from everyone. More importantly, time alone to connect with God in prayer. To connect with the God who s love was not based on how much he accomplished in the day. A God who was aware of his plight and offered support. A God who yearned to bring renewal. Jesus was not only alone he was alone in prayer. Prayer is a practice that is deeply personal and private. Many are self-conscious of prayer. When I was ordained I learned quickly that any prayer at a family reunion or holiday celebration would lend everyone s eyes to me. Let s be honest. We re selfconscious about prayer. Self-conscious to the point that it disappears from conversation and regular practice in our busy lives. As Christians, we re called to take time in solitude, to rest and connect with God in prayer. It is there that we realize again our dependence on God while seizing God s guidance and peace. We don t know how long Jesus was alone but it ended. He didn t tell the disciples where he was since they were looking for him. When they finally found him they said, Everyone is looking for you! Looking for you to come back to Capernaum. Come back where you healed the sick and astonished people with your preaching. You can imagine the busy leaders and the Capernaum Chamber

3 of Commerce yearning for Jesus to stay as he was drawing huge crowds into the city. It was an option that would bring security, respect and prosperity. I wonder how Jesus felt when his time alone was interrupted. Imagine that your away for some private prayer time and someone came looking for you, how would you feel? How about angry that your alone time had ended; grateful that you re needed; guilty that you left when others were looking for you in their need; or torn between your need for private time and the desire to help. Grounded in a time of rest and prayer Christ s moves forward confident with a renewed courage in his mission in following God. Let us go to the nearby towns, so I can preach there as well. That is why I have come. We have our mission of living our faith in the roles we play each day. Time alone to rest and pray is essential in holding to what is important in bringing God s presence into our midst. Following Christ s example, we are called to be deliberate in spending time with God away from the distractions and the needs brought upon us. To be with God in prayer to connect with our source of being, our foundation, the one who loves us and whom we seek to follow in our lives of faith. How can we practice this time of solitude and prayer? First of all, keep it as a priority. If time alone with God isn t a priority in your life, there are many other things that will take its place. Secondly, schedule it-it s not a waste of time! What we schedule is what has priority in our daily lives. We are conditioned to believe we have to always being doing something; producing something. This is why solitude requires relentless perseverance. Write it down on your daily schedule. It can be a five minute break or a longer interval. If you re committed in your schedule, it s more likely to happen. Finally, gain peace and renewal guilt free! Rising above the forces that can mold you will allow God to mold you into the person He wants you to be. Bring your concerns to God with an open, honest heart and allow God s peace to come upon you. In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. Let us pray Gracious God, thank you for your word and it s power to mold, to guide, and to inspire us in our daily discipleship. Amidst the needs and concerns of this week; may we be encouraged to take time to rest and be in prayer with you. In those quiet and holy times, soften our hearts to you and others, inspire our spirits with your peace, and strengthen us to move forward in service to you and others as your disciples. In Christ s name we pray. Amen.

4 Yet, looking at this verse as a justification for rest is not Mark s intent even though our initial regard leads us to hear such a claim. Digging deeper, Mark wants us to know about a unique character of a lonely place. That being, there is nothing more tempting than a lonely place. The lonely place, that place where we come to grips with what is most urgent in life and important for ourselves, is not a place of calm but a place of temptation. The lonely place is not a place of retreat, but a place of crisis and decision. The word here translated lonely place is better defined as wilderness. Wilderness in the Bible is a place of danger, where temptation stalks. Mark uses this word throughout chapter one with the meaning of place where crucial and risky decisions are made. John preached repentance in the wilderness, Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. The wilderness is the place where God s will is clear and the demand for obedience is urgent. It s also the place where the temptation to disobey and the possibility for betrayal is felt the most powerfully. There is nothing more tempting than a lonely place. And the temptation came for Jesus. Like all temptation, it seemed innocent but the ramifications were vast. We read: Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, Everyone is searching for you. In other words, come back to Capernaum. Come back where you healed the sick and astonished people with your preaching. The folks from the Capernaum Chamber of Commerce want you to stay given the crowds that you are drawing into the city. Set up shop under the marquee, Jesus of Nazareth Preaching and Healing Mission. It would bring security, respect, and prosperity. In this lonely place, Jesus faced two paths leading out. One path back to Capernaum and a life of comfortable popularity. The other led to Golgatha and a costly sacrifice. One path led to cries of Hosanna! The other with cries of Crucify him! This wasn t a lonely place of quiet reflection. It was a place of momentous decision between the Kingdom of Self versus the Kingdom of God. Jesus decided, Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do. Henri Nouwen, Roman Catholic priest and Bible scholar wrote, The secret of Jesus ministry is hidden in that lonely place where he went to pray. In the lonely place Jesus find the courage to follow God s will and not his own; to speak God s words and not his own; to do God s work and not his own. In our faith, we also experience those lonely places. Those wilderness times marked by crisis or heightened awareness when we must choose between God s will or our own. There s nothing more tempting than a lonely place. Sometimes the lonely place is a place of disarray a place we would not go unless we had been driven there. The bonds of marriage are fractured, a job loss, health crisis, death of a loved one, a person we trusted betrayed us. It s easy to suffer in silence telling ourselves that God would not give you more than you can bear. Yet, what seems holy and sacrificial like Jesus going back to Capernaum is the very temptation God s wants us to avoid. Most of the time, our lives are marked by lonely places that are not so turbulent or fast. The places in our home, our ordinary routine, those places where we make crucial decisions in our lives.

5 The lonely place, the place of temptation and decision, the place where we decide to follow God s call or our own motives, can be at the breakfast table during a hectic morning; a moment of insight in reading a book or watching a television show; an argument with a loved one; when we are exhausted or refreshed. There s nothing more tempting than a lonely place.

Sunday School Curriculum Summer Quarter

Sunday School Curriculum Summer Quarter Sunday School Curriculum Summer Quarter One Story Ministries SS02SU Lesson Sequence Summer Quarter The Lesson Sequence gives the teacher an overview of the entire quarter. The central goal of the Investigating

More information

LONG HOLLOW BAPTIST CHURCH AUTHENTIC JESUS THE BEGINNING (LUKE 4:14 5:11) SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 DISCUSSION PLAN PREPARATION HIGHLIGHTS

LONG HOLLOW BAPTIST CHURCH AUTHENTIC JESUS THE BEGINNING (LUKE 4:14 5:11) SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 DISCUSSION PLAN PREPARATION HIGHLIGHTS LONG HOLLOW BAPTIST CHURCH AUTHENTIC JESUS THE BEGINNING (LUKE 4:14 5:11) SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 PREPARATION > SPEND THE WEEK READING THROUGH AND STUDYING LUKE 4:14 5:11. Consult the commentary provided and

More information

PREPARATION HIGHLIGHTS TIMES HAVE CHANGED AND ARE CHANGING!

PREPARATION HIGHLIGHTS TIMES HAVE CHANGED AND ARE CHANGING! TEACHING PLAN DECEMBER 30, 2018 TIMES HAVE CHANGED AND ARE CHANGING! MARK 1:35-39 DECEMBER 30, 2018 TEACHING PLAN PREPARATION > Spend the week reading through and studying Mark 1:35-39. Consult the commentary

More information

Jesus, the Messiah. The New Testament: Week 1 October 13, 2013

Jesus, the Messiah. The New Testament: Week 1 October 13, 2013 DAY 1: Jesus, the Messiah arrives! Jesus, the Messiah The New Testament: Week 1 October 13, 2013 1. The long-awaited Messiah arrives. Below is the beginning of His ministry. Underline what strikes you:

More information

INVESTIGATING GOD S WORD... MARK YEAR TWO SUMMER QUARTER SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM FOR YOUNG ELEMENTARY CHILDREN SS02SU-E

INVESTIGATING GOD S WORD... MARK YEAR TWO SUMMER QUARTER SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM FOR YOUNG ELEMENTARY CHILDREN SS02SU-E INVESTIGATING GOD S WORD... MARK YEAR TWO SUMMER QUARTER SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM FOR YOUNG ELEMENTARY CHILDREN SS02SU-E LESSON SEQUENCE SUMMER QUARTER The Lesson Sequence gives the teacher an overview

More information

WEEK 1. also on RiverNYC App

WEEK 1. also on RiverNYC App WEEK 1 also on RiverNYC App Dear River Families, I hope you are as excited as I am about celebrating Lent: 40 Days of Faith! The 40 Days of Faith has always been a hallmark in our family life. It gives

More information

Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-12, 21c; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39

Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-12, 21c; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39 Epiphany 5(B) February 8, 2015 Trinity Parish Seattle Jeffrey Gill Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-12, 21c; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39 On the northern edge of the Sea of Galilee in modern day Israel,

More information

The Gospel of Mark. Walking with the Servant Savior. Lesson 2 Mark 1: Unparalleled Authority

The Gospel of Mark. Walking with the Servant Savior. Lesson 2 Mark 1: Unparalleled Authority The Gospel of Mark Walking with the Servant Savior Lesson 2 Mark 1:1-21-45 Day One: Unparalleled Authority Pray as you begin your lesson each day. Have you ever listened to a message, only to have it hit

More information

Scope and Sequence for Adults

Scope and Sequence for Adults Date and Text Fall 2018 Session 1 September 2, 2018 Proper 17 James 1:17 27 Session 2 September 9, 2018 Proper 18 James 2:1 17 Session 3 September 16, 2018 Proper 19 Mark 8:27 38 Session 4 September 23,

More information

Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership. Ruth Haley Barton. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world and forfeit their soul?

Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership. Ruth Haley Barton. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world and forfeit their soul? Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership Ruth Haley Barton For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world and forfeit their soul? Jesus Recently, I made a comment to a friend that surprised

More information

Preteen Sunday School Lesson

Preteen Sunday School Lesson Preteen Sunday School Lesson Jesus Heals Peter s Mother-In In-Law Mark 1:30-34 Lesson Aim Jesus has the power to heal. Jesus cares about family. After Peter s mother-in-law was healed by Jesus she got

More information

What Jesus Came To Do Mark 1:29-39 Sunday, February 5, 2012 The Rev. Sharon Snapp-Kolas, preaching

What Jesus Came To Do Mark 1:29-39 Sunday, February 5, 2012 The Rev. Sharon Snapp-Kolas, preaching What Jesus Came To Do Mark 1:29-39 Sunday, February 5, 2012 The Rev. Sharon Snapp-Kolas, preaching Scripture. Prayer. Opening. There s a story about a father who took his small son with him to town one

More information

Luke, The coming of the gospel

Luke, The coming of the gospel I. The temptation of Jesus Luke, The coming of the gospel (Luke 4:1-13) Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, 2 where for forty days he was tempted

More information

Lesson Plans that Work Year B Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Lesson Plans for Younger Children

Lesson Plans that Work Year B Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Lesson Plans for Younger Children Scripture: Mark 1:29-39 Lesson Plans that Work Year B Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Lesson Plans for Younger Children Background Epiphany means several things: a gift is received; the gift must be shared.

More information

Whose Authority are you under? Mark 1:14-45 Café Church 13 th Mar 16

Whose Authority are you under? Mark 1:14-45 Café Church 13 th Mar 16 1 Whose Authority are you under? Mark 1:14-45 Café Church 13 th Mar 16 Please keep your Bibles open at Mark chapter 1 from verse 14 Outline there Let me pray for God s help and understanding Intro/Authority

More information

FEBRUARY 4, 2018 HYMN OF THE WEEK On Eagle s Wings FEBRUARY 4, 2018 FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. God comes with power to heal and restore.

FEBRUARY 4, 2018 HYMN OF THE WEEK On Eagle s Wings FEBRUARY 4, 2018 FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. God comes with power to heal and restore. FEBRUARY 4, 2018 FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY God comes with power to heal and restore. Sunday Mark 1:29-39 Jesus heals many people Monday Isaiah 40:21-31 The Lord gives strength Tuesday 1 Corinthians 9:16-23

More information

LENT 2017 THE LORD S PRAYER Matthew 6:9-13 And Lead Us Not Into Temptation, But Deliver Us From The Evil One. Layne Lebo April 2, 2017

LENT 2017 THE LORD S PRAYER Matthew 6:9-13 And Lead Us Not Into Temptation, But Deliver Us From The Evil One. Layne Lebo April 2, 2017 LENT 2017 THE LORD S PRAYER Matthew 6:9-13 And Lead Us Not Into Temptation, But Deliver Us From The Evil One. Layne Lebo April 2, 2017 Before we pray The Lord s Prayer together aloud, I d like to tell

More information

[high school students in partial costume at music stands]

[high school students in partial costume at music stands] Epiphany 5B February 5, 2012 Family of Christ Lutheran Church Chanhassen, Minnesota Pastor Kristie Hennig Mark 1:29-39 Jesus Christ s Day Off [Read gospel from Mark.] Word of God, word of life. Thanks

More information

March 1, 2015 Peter Peter s Mother-in-Law Luke 4:38-44

March 1, 2015 Peter Peter s Mother-in-Law Luke 4:38-44 March 1, 2015 Peter Peter s Mother-in-Law Luke 4:38-44 Opening words: This year s Lenten sermon series is called Peter. I have selected him for two reasons. The first is the amount of information we have

More information

Sermon: Rest in Jesus (Saying No) 1 Text: Mark 1:29-39

Sermon: Rest in Jesus (Saying No) 1 Text: Mark 1:29-39 Pastor Chris Matthis Epiphany Lutheran Church, Castle Rock, Colorado Denver Southeast Circuit Pastors Winkel Thursday, February 12 th, 2015 Sermon: Rest in Jesus (Saying No) 1 Text: Mark 1:29-39 Focus:

More information

Week 2, Acts 1:12 26 Hook

Week 2, Acts 1:12 26 Hook Week 2, Acts 1:12 26 Hook Main point: Prayerful obedience unites God s people to accomplish His plans. Current Event: Before he was ever a prolific professional quarterback, Kurt Warner was a man who had

More information

THE JOURNEY Lent Week 1 - Hearing the Voice of the Father

THE JOURNEY Lent Week 1 - Hearing the Voice of the Father William Pritchard February 23, 2015 THE JOURNEY Lent Week 1 - Hearing the Voice of the Father Baptism of Jesus It was a profound announcement by God that Jesus is the Messiah, and that Jesus has taken

More information

ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH DAYS OF PRAYER JANUARY 9, 10, and

ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH DAYS OF PRAYER JANUARY 9, 10, and ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH DAYS OF PRAYER JANUARY 9, 10, and 11 2018 Seek the Lord and His strength, seek his presence continually, 1 Chronicles 16:11 How thankful we can be that we can enter into three

More information

THE BIBLE SOCIETIES/COLLINS

THE BIBLE SOCIETIES/COLLINS THE BIBLE SOCIETIES/COLLINS Contents Some stories from the gospel iv Some of Jesus parables iv Some of Jesus miracles iv Where to look when you are feeling iv New Testament maps Jerusalem in New Testament

More information

Summer Discipleship: #1 Praying for 5 people. Jesus prayer - John 17:1-26 Todd 7/16/17

Summer Discipleship: #1 Praying for 5 people. Jesus prayer - John 17:1-26 Todd 7/16/17 Summer Discipleship: 5-4-3-2-1 #1 Praying for 5 people. Jesus prayer - John 17:1-26 Todd 7/16/17 Last week Tim spoke on the Lord s Prayer. An example Jesus gave us of how to pray. Here we have a prayer

More information

**NOTE: (SCREEN) indicates picture/graphic or words that appeared on the screen in the church at that time during the sermon.

**NOTE: (SCREEN) indicates picture/graphic or words that appeared on the screen in the church at that time during the sermon. 1 **NOTE: (SCREEN) indicates picture/graphic or words that appeared on the screen in the church at that time during the sermon. READ LUKE 5:1-11 Prayer: Lord, you have called us and we have come; eager

More information

BROADWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH COLUMBIA, MISSOURI THE WORSHIP OF GOD FEBRUARY 3, 2019

BROADWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH COLUMBIA, MISSOURI THE WORSHIP OF GOD FEBRUARY 3, 2019 BROADWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH COLUMBIA, MISSOURI THE WORSHIP OF GOD FEBRUARY 3, 2019 Psalm Litany Based on Psalm 71 We take refuge in you, O Lord. Deliver us through your righteousness. Hear us and save us.

More information

The Jesus Series: Retreats and Storms. John 6:16-21

The Jesus Series: Retreats and Storms. John 6:16-21 The Jesus Series: Retreats and Storms Sunday, August 5, 2018 John 6:16-21 There are 71 verses in John 6. The first 15 look at Jesus feeding a massive crowd with 5 barley cakes and 2 small fish. Coming

More information

Principle 7 Step 11 Introduction Preventing Relapse

Principle 7 Step 11 Introduction Preventing Relapse Lesson 21 Relapse Principle 7: Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and to gain the power to follow His will. Step

More information

AND RISING VERY EARLY IN THE MORNING, WHILE IT WAS STILL DARK, HE DEPARTED AND WENT OUT TO A DESOLATE PLACE, AND THERE HE PRAYED.

AND RISING VERY EARLY IN THE MORNING, WHILE IT WAS STILL DARK, HE DEPARTED AND WENT OUT TO A DESOLATE PLACE, AND THERE HE PRAYED. 1 Epiphany 5 2/4/18 Mark 1:29-39 B AND RISING VERY EARLY IN THE MORNING, WHILE IT WAS STILL DARK, HE DEPARTED AND WENT OUT TO A DESOLATE PLACE, AND THERE HE PRAYED. How does that saying go? There s never

More information

Learning to Hear God. A Personal Retreat Guide. Introduction. Why Retreat? Making Space for God

Learning to Hear God. A Personal Retreat Guide. Introduction. Why Retreat? Making Space for God Learning to Hear God A Personal Retreat Guide Introduction Why Retreat? Making Space for God In an age when daily life and even vacations, tours and cruises are characterized by pressurepacked schedules,

More information

40 Ways. To Spend 5 Minutes With God

40 Ways. To Spend 5 Minutes With God 40 Ways To Spend 5 Minutes With God 40 Ways To Spend 5 Minutes With God Revision E October 2018 If you have found this prayer guide helpful, visit The Invitation Podcast invitationpodcast.org where you

More information

Discipline Five Simplicity: Reordering to God's Priorities DYG: Message Twelve (030518AM)

Discipline Five Simplicity: Reordering to God's Priorities DYG: Message Twelve (030518AM) Discipline Five Simplicity: Reordering to God's Priorities DYG: Message Twelve (030518AM) Let s analyze the world each of us live in. o It is busy, right? More to do than time permits each day. o It is

More information

If you are part of a Mark Study Group, bring your insights and questions each week to share with your group.

If you are part of a Mark Study Group, bring your insights and questions each week to share with your group. The and His 1 If you are part of a Mark Study Group, bring your insights and questions each week to share with your group. cf... compare ff... following verses v.... verse vv.... verses 1 The Gospel of

More information

MARK THESE WOR DS. Part 1 Mark 1:1-3:21

MARK THESE WOR DS. Part 1 Mark 1:1-3:21 MARK THESE WOR DS Part 1 Mark 1:1-3:21 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. These are the very first words in the book of Mark, which serve both as an epic introduction to the book,

More information

Matthew 25: Stress Relief: The Gift of Time. Sunday November 2, Rev. Dr. Susan E. Cartmell. The Congregational Church of Needham

Matthew 25: Stress Relief: The Gift of Time. Sunday November 2, Rev. Dr. Susan E. Cartmell. The Congregational Church of Needham Page 1 Matthew 25: 1-13 Stress Relief: The Gift of Time Sunday November 2, 2014 Rev. Dr. Susan E. Cartmell The Congregational Church of Needham This month our sermon theme will be Stewardship. Now a steward

More information

Grace to you and peace, from God, our Father, and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Grace to you and peace, from God, our Father, and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Central Thought: Jesus, from the very beginning of His ministry, revealed the love of God, His Father. Through words and deeds, Jesus welcomed all people into God s kingdom, and continues to extend that

More information

A Different Kind of Leader. John 10:11-18; Psalm 23. Preached by Dr. Robert F. Browning, Pastor. First Baptist Church. Frankfort, Kentucky

A Different Kind of Leader. John 10:11-18; Psalm 23. Preached by Dr. Robert F. Browning, Pastor. First Baptist Church. Frankfort, Kentucky A Different Kind of Leader John 10:11-18; Psalm 23 Preached by Dr. Robert F. Browning, Pastor First Baptist Church Frankfort, Kentucky April 29, 2018 Throughout much of Jesus public ministry, people struggled

More information

The Betrayal of Jesus

The Betrayal of Jesus 43Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. 44Now the betrayer

More information

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

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

More information

Ordinary Time INTRODUCTION

Ordinary Time INTRODUCTION Ordinary Time INTRODUCTION O rdinary Time is the time of the year in which Christ walks among us, calling us, teaching us, transforming us. Advent, Lent, and the Christmas and Easter seasons are special

More information

The Temptation of Jesus February Matthew 4:1-11

The Temptation of Jesus February Matthew 4:1-11 I. Introduction The Temptation of Jesus February 18. 2018 Matthew 4:1-11 As many of you know, today is the first Sunday of Lent. The six weeks before Easter is called the "Lenten Season." It is a time

More information

Faith Practices in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Living Our Baptismal Covenant

Faith Practices in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Living Our Baptismal Covenant . 1 Faith Practices in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Living Our Baptismal Covenant The Faith Practices Team of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) encourages this church to nurture

More information

LEADER NOTES. If your group is new, welcome newcomers. Introduce everyone. You may want to have name tags for this first meeting.

LEADER NOTES. If your group is new, welcome newcomers. Introduce everyone. You may want to have name tags for this first meeting. 1 A STRANGE CHOICE Life is so busy. We are busy at work. We are busy at home. We are busy with our family activities. We are busy at church. As a result, most of us feel overstretched when it comes to

More information

Hurry sickness has a number of different definitions attached to it. Here is one of my favorites:

Hurry sickness has a number of different definitions attached to it. Here is one of my favorites: A Silent Killer Sunday, June 23, 2013 Pastor Larry Schram Mark 1:35-39 Most of us are probably familiar with the so called Silent Killers medical conditions that don t make their presence obvious but which

More information

OUT IN THE WILDERNESS Preached by: Sandra Olsen Center Church on the Green in New Haven December 6, 2015

OUT IN THE WILDERNESS Preached by: Sandra Olsen Center Church on the Green in New Haven December 6, 2015 OUT IN THE WILDERNESS Preached by: Sandra Olsen Center Church on the Green in New Haven December 6, 2015 Luke 3: 1 6 Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman were two great American 19h century poets, but they

More information

Missional Ministry in the Grace Margin

Missional Ministry in the Grace Margin Missional Ministry in the Grace Margin The Rev. Eric H. F. Law Executive Director Kaleidoscope Institute for competent leadership in a diverse changing world www.kscopeinstitute.org Check out the latest

More information

Gospel of Mark. Winter Bible Study 2018

Gospel of Mark. Winter Bible Study 2018 Gospel of Mark Winter Bible Study 2018 6:00 pm 7:10 Wednesday Evenings: January 10, 17, 24, 31 and February 7 Led by Pastor Peter and Pastor Stephanie Wednesday, January 10 Class Welcome Welcome to the

More information

Gospel of Mark Introduction and Chapter 1 John Karmelich

Gospel of Mark Introduction and Chapter 1 John Karmelich Gospel of Mark Introduction and Chapter 1 John Karmelich 1. I felt God leading me to take on one of the Gospels, which is the main reason why I am starting this study of the Gospel of Mark. If you know

More information

Mark: Discover Jesus Copyright 1963, 1993, 2000, 2009, 2017 by Catherine Schell

Mark: Discover Jesus Copyright 1963, 1993, 2000, 2009, 2017 by Catherine Schell All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All

More information

AN ELEVEN WEEK BIBLE STUDY FAC I LI TATO R S G U I D E

AN ELEVEN WEEK BIBLE STUDY FAC I LI TATO R S G U I D E AN ELEVEN WEEK BIBLE STUDY FAC I LI TATO R S G U I D E F E A T U R I N G W E E K LY V I D E O T E A C H I N G S F R O M O N LO C AT I O N I N I S R A E L PURCHASE FULL STUDY GUIDE AT: WWW.BOOKOFTHEBIBLE.ORG/MARK

More information

THE LEPER AND THE LORD Mark 1:40-45 Screen Version

THE LEPER AND THE LORD Mark 1:40-45 Screen Version THE LEPER AND THE LORD Mark 1:40-45 Screen Version Mark 1:40-45 40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, If you are willing, you can make me clean. 41 Jesus was indignant. He reached

More information

"Jesus Betrayal and Arrest"

Jesus Betrayal and Arrest Rev. Terry Breum St. Mark Lutheran Church, Lindenhurst, Illinois Fifth Sunday after Epiphany February 08, 2015 "Jesus Betrayal and Arrest" John 18:1-11 (ESV) [1] When Jesus had spoken these words, he went

More information

The Pungent Scent of the Easter Lily Matthew 21:1-11 Palm Sunday First Presbyterian Church of Greenlawn The Rev. Frederick Woodward April 17, 2011

The Pungent Scent of the Easter Lily Matthew 21:1-11 Palm Sunday First Presbyterian Church of Greenlawn The Rev. Frederick Woodward April 17, 2011 The Pungent Scent of the Easter Lily Matthew 21:1-11 Palm Sunday First Presbyterian Church of Greenlawn The Rev. Frederick Woodward April 17, 2011 Matthew 21:1-11 (NIV) As they approached Jerusalem and

More information

The One with all the questions: What Are You Discussing? Luke 24: 13-35

The One with all the questions: What Are You Discussing? Luke 24: 13-35 February 19, 2012 Pastor Jeremy Vaccaro Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church The One with all the questions: What Are You Discussing? Luke 24: 13-35 Today as we continue our series on the ONE with all the questions

More information

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR Mark 1:9-20 Key Verse: 1:15 The time has come, he said. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news! Last week, we learned how John the Baptist prepared the

More information

Terms Defined Spirituality. Spiritual Formation. Spiritual Practice

Terms Defined Spirituality. Spiritual Formation. Spiritual Practice The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me: Spiritual Formation The basic blueprint spiritual formation, community, compassionate ministry and action is true to the vision of Christ. Steve Veazey, A Time to Act!

More information

JESUS IS IN YOUR MIDST RIGHT NOW!

JESUS IS IN YOUR MIDST RIGHT NOW! Weekly Bible Study Series, Vol. 11, No. 27: 29 August 2010 Imonitie Christopher Imoisili, E-mail : imoisilic@hotmail.com For past issues and more, visit our Web Site: www.bibleresourcecentre.com JESUS

More information

Epiphany IV February 3, :45 a.m. Communion Praise & Worship Service

Epiphany IV February 3, :45 a.m. Communion Praise & Worship Service Epiphany IV February 3, 2019 10:45 a.m. Communion Praise & Worship Service First English Lutheran Church Spencer, Iowa www.spencer-church.com Rev. Paul E. Kaldahl, Jr., Pastor Bonnie Kabrick, DCE First

More information

INVITATION. called Inspiration Point. It always held an interest for me, probably

INVITATION. called Inspiration Point. It always held an interest for me, probably Spiritual Formation by Mickey E. Cox INVITATION It took me about 15 minutes to hike up to the top of the camp s hill, called Inspiration Point. It always held an interest for me, probably because of the

More information

JESUS, AT PRAYER, IN THE SCRIPTURES

JESUS, AT PRAYER, IN THE SCRIPTURES JESUS, AT PRAYER, IN THE SCRIPTURES Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was

More information

SeSSion three Decision Point THe Jesus QuesTion

SeSSion three Decision Point THe Jesus QuesTion SESSION THREE Lord, catch me off guard today. Surprise me with some moment of beauty or pain. So that at least for the moment I may be startled into seeing that you are here in all your splendor, always

More information

Following Jesus. Peter, Andrew, James, and John had to choose between being fishermen or fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).

Following Jesus. Peter, Andrew, James, and John had to choose between being fishermen or fishers of men (Matthew 4:19). Following Jesus Comedian Flip Wilson was once asked what faith he was. He replied, I m a Jehovah s Bystander. They wanted me as a witness, but I didn t want to get involved! We all know that feeling. The

More information

Moving Mountains: Challenging our Cherished Heresies Moriah (#1) Genesis 22

Moving Mountains: Challenging our Cherished Heresies Moriah (#1) Genesis 22 March 20, 2011 Pastor Mark Toone Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church Moving Mountains: Challenging our Cherished Heresies Moriah (#1) Genesis 22 One of the spiritual highlights of my year was joining my son

More information

Luke 4:31-44 Jesus the Deliverer

Luke 4:31-44 Jesus the Deliverer Luke 4:31-44 Jesus the Deliverer In The Screwtape Letters C.S. Lewis wrote of two potential errors when dealing with spiritual powers. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe,

More information

We Dare to Hope is the theme for the 2018 Annual Catholic Appeal. The following are important dates and blackout periods:

We Dare to Hope is the theme for the 2018 Annual Catholic Appeal. The following are important dates and blackout periods: 2018 Annual Catholic Appeal We Dare to Hope is the theme for the 2018 Annual Catholic Appeal. The following are important dates and blackout periods: Blackout Period Begins January 13, 2018 Direct Mail

More information

Gospel of Mark. 8-Week Devotional.

Gospel of Mark. 8-Week Devotional. Gospel of Mark 8-Week Devotional www.redemptionatl.org 1 Greetings! Each year at Redemption Church, we focus on the Gospels or a section of the Gospel. This year, we have selected the Gospel of Mark. The

More information

JESUS PREDICTS HIS CROSS AND RESURRECTION

JESUS PREDICTS HIS CROSS AND RESURRECTION JESUS PREDICTS HIS CROSS AND RESURRECTION Mark 8:31-38 Key Verse: 8:31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers

More information

Momentum in Ministry. 1 Corinthians 2: 1-5

Momentum in Ministry. 1 Corinthians 2: 1-5 Momentum in Ministry 1 Corinthians 2: 1-5 Do you ever get discouraged while trying to serve the Lord? Are there times in your Christian journey when you feel outnumbered and overwhelmed in our modern society?

More information

GOD WITH US Part 8: JESUS. Message 5 Follow Me. Introduction

GOD WITH US Part 8: JESUS. Message 5 Follow Me. Introduction Introduction GOD WITH US Part 8: JESUS Message 5 Follow Me The word disciple is used 250 times in the New Testament as the description for all the followers of Jesus, not just the 12 apostles. In Luke

More information

I ve learned in life that women talk men listen? Men don t want to talk about it! Silence is their domain. That s batting a thousand! Ahhh!

I ve learned in life that women talk men listen? Men don t want to talk about it! Silence is their domain. That s batting a thousand! Ahhh! Sermon, God Who Speaks in the Silence, Amos 8:11 12 1 I ve learned in life that women talk men listen? Men don t want to talk about it! Silence is their domain. Women don t like the silence! They want

More information

Our Week of Guided Prayer is focussed on enabling participants to attend a prayer "retreat" while still maintaining their normal daily routine.

Our Week of Guided Prayer is focussed on enabling participants to attend a prayer retreat while still maintaining their normal daily routine. Week of Guided Prayer What does it mean to live in God s time? We often live our lives in linear time seeing life with a beginning and an end. Stepping back to view life from God s perspective, we open

More information

LESSON 2. Living with Intention & Affirmations

LESSON 2. Living with Intention & Affirmations LESSON 2 Living with Intention & Affirmations What is an Intention? Well, according to The Free Dictionary it is a course of action that one intends to follow, an aim that guides action, an objective.

More information

A. What a powerful story you might even call it an entertaining story from early in Jesus ministry let s review it:

A. What a powerful story you might even call it an entertaining story from early in Jesus ministry let s review it: Texts: John 15:16; Lk. 4:14-30 (Anointing service) 1 I. Intro: A. What a powerful story you might even call it an entertaining story from early in Jesus ministry let s review it: 1. Jesus had just come

More information

Who is This Guy? January 28, 2018 Dr. Frank J. Allen, Jr., Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida

Who is This Guy? January 28, 2018 Dr. Frank J. Allen, Jr., Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida 1 Who is This Guy? January 28, 2018 Dr. Frank J. Allen, Jr., Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida Mark 1:21-28 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue

More information

The Spiritually-Gifted Giver

The Spiritually-Gifted Giver The Spiritually-Gifted Giver - 1 - Sunday, August 27, 2017 The Spiritually-Gifted Giver (A Sermon for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Text: Romans 12:1-8 Lectionary Texts: Exodus 1:8-2:10; Psalm 124;

More information

Tusculum Hills Baptist Church Paul Gunn, Pastor

Tusculum Hills Baptist Church Paul Gunn, Pastor Tusculum Hills Baptist Church Paul Gunn, Pastor Sermon title: John the Baptist Prepared the Way, Mark 1 Date preached: January 3, 2016 For public use: See non-copyright comments at the end of the message.

More information

DAY THIRTEEN DAY FOURTEEN

DAY THIRTEEN DAY FOURTEEN DAY THIRTEEN Read - Psalm.13 and Mark.2:18-28 and Mark.3:1-19 Take Note Three stories appear in the 19 verses of Mark that you read this morning: the healing of a man with a shrivelled hand, crowds following

More information

Hearing God Speak in Solitude Jonathan Rue How to Hear God Series 01/24/10

Hearing God Speak in Solitude Jonathan Rue How to Hear God Series 01/24/10 Hearing God Speak in Solitude Jonathan Rue How to Hear God Series 01/24/10 Last week we began a new series called How to Hear God. GRAPHIC How To Hear God Series And we looked at last week how clear Jesus

More information

December 12, 2010 Having faith to look beyond our expectations This sermon was preached by Pastor Jim Page at Trinity Lutheran Church

December 12, 2010 Having faith to look beyond our expectations This sermon was preached by Pastor Jim Page at Trinity Lutheran Church Third Sunday of Advent-Year A James 5:7-10; Matthew 11: 2-11 [12-15] th December 12, 2010 Having faith to look beyond our expectations This sermon was preached by Pastor Jim Page at Trinity Lutheran Church

More information

McCabe United Methodist Church Part 9, Ghost Stories: Tales of Holy Visions & Divine Encounters: 2017 Summer Series

McCabe United Methodist Church Part 9, Ghost Stories: Tales of Holy Visions & Divine Encounters: 2017 Summer Series McCabe United Methodist Church Part 9, Ghost Stories: Tales of Holy Visions & Divine Encounters: 2017 Summer Series Breathing In and Out Sermon on Mark 6:45-56 (8/19 & 8/20/17) Pastor Mark Ehrmantraut

More information

Stations of the Cross GOOD FRIDAY REFLECTIONS. Good Friday Midday Reflections

Stations of the Cross GOOD FRIDAY REFLECTIONS. Good Friday Midday Reflections Stations of the Cross GOOD FRIDAY REFLECTIONS Good Friday Midday Reflections Portions of this reflective guide were taken from Praying the Stations of the Cross by Ruth Haley Barton, 2013. All Bible references

More information

Waking Up the Demons February 1, 2015 Rev. Frank Allen First Presbyterian Church, Kissimmee, Florida

Waking Up the Demons February 1, 2015 Rev. Frank Allen First Presbyterian Church, Kissimmee, Florida 1 Waking Up the Demons February 1, 2015 Rev. Frank Allen First Presbyterian Church, Kissimmee, Florida Mark 1:21-28 21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught.

More information

Sermon Luke th S af Epiphany Series C

Sermon Luke th S af Epiphany Series C Sermon Luke 4 31 44 4th S af Epiphany Series C Sermon: 4 th Sunday after Epiphany Text: Luke 4:31-44 (v. 32): They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority. Theme: Jesus authority

More information

Proclamation and Conflict

Proclamation and Conflict Session 9 - Lecture #2 Proclamation and Conflict The First Preaching Tour SCRIPTURE PASSAGE: Mt 4:18-22; 8:14-17; Mk 1:16-34; Lk 4:31-41; 5:1-11 Approximately six to eight months have transpired between

More information

Surely This Man Was the Son of God Mark 15:33-39 Wayne Eberly January 14, 2018

Surely This Man Was the Son of God Mark 15:33-39 Wayne Eberly January 14, 2018 Surely This Man Was the Son of God Mark 15:33-39 Wayne Eberly January 14, 2018 A passage like this, the one found in Mark 15, might cause a person to wonder why the gospel writer, the one we know as Mark,

More information

TV Program. The Betrayer (Judas)

TV Program. The Betrayer (Judas) TV Program CURRENT EPISODE The Betrayer (Judas) 2008-03-16 PRODUCTION #: 1134 SPEAKER: Shawn Boonstra GUEST: Richard Stenbakken Let me ask you a question. I ll bet you ve wondered about the past. And if

More information

Transformation: Before and After Message by DD Adams Providence United Methodist Church June 19, 2016

Transformation: Before and After Message by DD Adams Providence United Methodist Church June 19, 2016 Transformation: Before and After Message by DD Adams Providence United Methodist Church June 19, 2016 The gospel lesson for today is taken from Luke s gospel, chapter 8, verses 26 through 39. I ll be reading

More information

Study Guide On Mark. By Dr. Manford George Gutzke

Study Guide On Mark. By Dr. Manford George Gutzke Study Guide On Mark By Dr. Manford George Gutzke Volume I This study guide is designed to lead into a better grasp and a deeper understanding of the book of Mark. Because the text itself is part of the

More information

Spirit Alive! upbeat Christ-Centered

Spirit Alive! upbeat Christ-Centered Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit 3461 Cedar Crest Blvd. EMAIL Info@holyspirit-emmaus.org Emmaus, PA 18049-1599 www.lchsemmaus.org PHONE 610.967.2220 www.facebook.com/lchsemmaus FAX 610.966.3021 Spirit

More information

COVENANT PULPIT. May 31, 2015 Pastor Bob Petterson

COVENANT PULPIT. May 31, 2015 Pastor Bob Petterson COVENANT PULPIT SOLITUDE: Power Unleashed May 31, 2015 Pastor Bob Petterson Covenant Church of Naples PCA 6926 Trail Boulevard, Naples 34108 (239) 597-3464 www.covenantnaples.com Do you remember the Rock

More information

Jesus Is In The House

Jesus Is In The House January 28, 2018 4 th Sunday After Epiphany Mark 1:21-28 COJLBC Jesus Is In The House Mark Jarvinen 21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching.

More information

1 2015, Reverend Steve Carlson Tabernacle Baptist Church West National Avenue West Allis, Wisconsin

1 2015, Reverend Steve Carlson Tabernacle Baptist Church West National Avenue West Allis, Wisconsin I. Introduction Attitudes March 22, 2015 John 11:55 12:11 Since we are at a good spot to interrupt our study of Galatians, it seemed appropriate to do so so that we could begin to prepare our hearts and

More information

44. Prayer in the Newer Testament (Catechism n )$ Jesus learned from his Mother$

44. Prayer in the Newer Testament (Catechism n )$ Jesus learned from his Mother$ 44. Prayer in the Newer Testament (Catechism n. 2598-2622)$ Jesus learned from his Mother$ n. 2599 The Son of God who became Son of the Virgin learned to pray in his human heart. Luke s description of

More information

THE VISION OF JESUS MARCH 26, 2016

THE VISION OF JESUS MARCH 26, 2016 John 13 THE VISION OF JESUS MARCH 26, 2016 Nehemiah had a Desire that God formed (or incubated) in him into a Vision Vision - 3 Stages to Fulfillment 1. Incubating Vision John 14:12 Vision - 3 Stages to

More information

Message 4 in Making A Difference Sermon Series (A Study of the Gospel of Mark) When Jesus Calls. Mark 1:14-20 (NKJV)

Message 4 in Making A Difference Sermon Series (A Study of the Gospel of Mark) When Jesus Calls. Mark 1:14-20 (NKJV) Message for THE LORD'S DAY MORNING, February 11, 2018 Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolina by Reggie A. Braziel, Minister Message 4 in Making A Difference Sermon Series (A Study of

More information

Noticing Others (25 minutes) Noticing God (40 minutes)

Noticing Others (25 minutes) Noticing God (40 minutes) December 2018 Welcome Noticing Others (25 minutes) Say: Welcome to life groups! Opening Prayer Dear God, Thank you for this opportunity for us to gather together today! We ask that your presence would

More information

DESTINY TRAINING LEVEL 1 MODULE 1 CLASS 08 THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

DESTINY TRAINING LEVEL 1 MODULE 1 CLASS 08 THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT DESTINY TRAINING LEVEL 1 MODULE 1 CLASS 08 THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Biblical Reference: You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows (Psalm 23:5b). I. A NOTE TO THE STUDENT Every believer must

More information

Faith & Life Discovery Journal Praises to the King - Palm Sunday - Week of April 17, 2011 Luke 19:28-40

Faith & Life Discovery Journal Praises to the King - Palm Sunday - Week of April 17, 2011 Luke 19:28-40 Praises to the King - Palm Sunday - Week of April 17, 2011 Luke 19:28-40 Reflections on this week s message: The Earth is the LORD s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded

More information

Bible Study. Joshua W. Speights, Pastor

Bible Study. Joshua W. Speights, Pastor Bible Study Joshua W. Speights, Pastor Chapter Four THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW Chapter Four Following His baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness where He fasted for forty days and overcame

More information