THE GODDESS EASTRE AND JESUS' RESURRECTION DAY An Easter Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan
|
|
- Pearl Boone
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 THE GODDESS EASTRE AND JESUS' RESURRECTION DAY An Easter Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church March 27, 2005 "I have seen the Lord," announces Mary Magdalene to the disciples in today's gospel lesson from John. i What a magnificent account of Jesus' resurrection day! While it's still dark on the first day of the week -- the Sunday after the Friday when Jesus was executed by the Roman authorities in Jerusalem -- Mary goes to the tomb where the crucified Jesus was laid. She's shocked to see that the stone blocking the entrance has been removed, and she runs to tell two of his male followers. They come back with her, and, sure enough, the stone's been rolled away. Inside they find only linen wrappings and the cloth that had been on Jesus' head. Then they return home. Mary lingers, however, weeping outside the tomb. And then she's utterly surprised by joy. She's rewarded in her lingering by meeting the resurrected Jesus. He calls her name, "Mary!" and she responds "Rabbouni!" Then he asks her to go tell the men, "my brothers" that "I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." This is the eyewitness, first person account of Easter. Easter's the greatest day in the Christian calendar. "O Day of Light and Gladness!" ii Jesus' resurrection day moves us from the absolute desolation of death to the incalculable joy of rebirth. "Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia." iii Jesus' death and rebirth are the central events in Christianity -- the story that spread like wildfire throughout the ancient Roman Empire and launched what became a new religion from its Jewish roots. iv A central question, therefore, I'd like to ask you today -- a question I've been asking since my seminary days without ever receiving an adequate answer -- is this: Why is Jesus' resurrection day in the English-speaking world named after Eastre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring? v What a surprise this is, when you really think about it. A pagan fertility goddess provides the name for the resurrection day of Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God. For two thousand years? Hasn't there been time by now, slowly and subtly, to change the name of what's theologically the most important holiday in the Christian year? The New Catholic Encyclopedia, published in 2003, explains that it was Saint Bede the Venerable, a Benedictine monk, who first clarified in his Ecclesiastical History of the English People, completed in 731, that the English term for the Christian holiday derives from the name of the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring, the season of rebirth. vi Perhaps the most extensive description we have today of the goddess Eastre comes from the work of the great nineteenth-century German scholar, Jacob Grimm, best known these days for the collection of fairy tales that he compiled with his brother Wilhelm. vii In Jacob Grimm's massive four volume work entitled Teutonic Mythology, viii there are some five pages devoted to this ancient pagan goddess of the Anglo-Saxon people. Grimm 1
2 explains that "Eastre must in the heathen religion have denoted a higher being, whose worship was so firmly rooted, that the Christian teachers tolerated the name, and applied it to one of their own greatest anniversaries." ix She was "the divinity of the radiant dawn, of upspringing light, a spectacle that brings joy and blessing," and, as Grimm puts it so blithely, "whose meaning could be easily adapted to the resurrection-day of the Christian's God." x He explains that "maidens clothed in white, who at Easter, at the season of returning spring, show themselves in clefts of the rock and on mountains, are [also] suggestive of the ancient goddess." xi Well, who showed herself at Jesus' tomb at dawn on the first Easter morning? Mary Magdalene, the one whom Jesus had cured of evil spirits, according to Luke, xii and the one who throughout much of Christian history has been considered a prostitute. xiii The first witness to the empty tomb and the first witness to the resurrected Jesus is not one of the male disciples, but this particular woman. As evangelical Christian writers have pointed out, in arguing for the historical truth of the resurrection, women's testimony was considered so unreliable in Jesus' time that they were not allowed to serve as legal witnesses in a Jewish court of law. These authors then go on to explain that if the gospel writers -- all four of whom put Mary Magdalene at the tomb on Easter morning xiv -- had been trying to skew the story of the resurrection to make it more believable to first century readers, they certainly wouldn't have had the graveside witness be a woman, rather than a man. xv So we're surprised again: surprised with Mary Magdalene that her rabbi has risen from the dead, surprised that the risen Christ would first appear to a woman, and surprised that this day would be celebrated throughout history in the English-speaking world with the name of an Anglo-Saxon fertility goddess. But why should we be so surprised? The story of Jesus is replete with surprises, including many that run against the grain of religious orthodoxy in his day. He works as a healer on the Sabbath xvi and his table is open to the likes of tax collectors. xvii As one biblical commentary I use puts it, "Jesus can never be confined to the traditional, the safe, and the predictable." xviii -- including the world of patriarchy. He protects an adulterous woman when her sin, by law, was punishable by stoning. xix He speaks with foreign women in public, like a Samaritan woman at a well. xx He allows a woman, a known sinner, to kiss his feet, wipe them with her hair, and anoint them with expensive oil, while his dinner host looks on disapprovingly. xxi And then, when he preaches to the multitudes, he turns all expectations upside down: Blessed are the poor. xxii You cannot serve God and wealth. xxiii Not eye for eye or tooth for tooth; turn the other cheek. xxiv Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you. xxv Give alms privately, not in the public light. xxvi Don't worry about your life, what you will eat, or drink, or wear. xxvii Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inside are ravenous wolves. xxviii So this is the teacher, the master, the Christ, whose rebirth and continuing life we celebrate today. Surprised by joy, we are, on so many levels. That phrase, "surprised by joy" was used by the Oxford professor C.S. Lewis as the title of his spiritual autobiography, chronicling his journey from childhood Christianity, to youthful atheism, to adult Christianity. xxix The phrase was used by William Wordsworth as the title of a sonnet wherein he suddenly remembers the intense love he once shared with a nowdeceased woman. xxx I recommend it to you as a phrase with which to go out into your Easter Sunday and on into your week. Be open to being surprised by joy! 2
3 The great joy, hopefully, is the presence of a newly resurrected Christ in your life -- the Christ who surprises a woman by appearing first to her outside his tomb, the Christ who challenges orthodoxy after orthodoxy of his day in the name of greater humanism, the Christ whose pivotal holiday is named after a pagan fertility goddess. But be surprised, too, by the smaller everyday joys of this spring season. For children it may be those fertility symbols of Easter eggs and Easter bunnies. For Stanford students returning from spring break all around the country, it may be the extraordinary weather which favors us here in the Palo Alto area, compared to almost anywhere else: for months now the green blade has been rising, xxxi the fruit trees have been producing, and winter flowers have been blooming. Spring now will be the most spectacular season of all: As we'll sing before this morning's Eucharist, "Earth feels the season's joyance, from mountain range to sea the tides of life are flowing, fresh manifold and free. In valley and on upland, by forest pathways dim, all nature lifts in chorus the resurrection hymn." xxxii As the reading from Psalms assures us, "God's steadfast love endures forever This is the day that God has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." xxxiii A fellow minister has pointed to daily ways we can be surprised by joy as adults with other people: Just as there's cruelty, brutality, selfishness and abandonment, so there are values and principles that cannot be killed. They will rise again, often in unexpected ways. Justice may be corrupted, delayed and denied, but it will ultimately emerge to be born again in the hearts of people. Beauty may be surfaced over by concrete and massive development, but again and again it finds startling new ways to shine through and drive out the tawdry and the ugly. Courage may be imprisoned in dank cells or the darkest of tombs, but courage keeps unpredictably springing up anew in the hearts of the oppressed. Love may be long buried beneath hatred, but sooner or later the stone will suddenly be rolled away, allowing love to rise again, to walk with us, and to move us profoundly. So, positive values, justice, beauty, and courage -- they live, inspire others, and redeem human life as they are continually seeded in us and rise again in our own lives. Most importantly, the power of love to redeem suffering and misery, to overcome loneliness and fear does not die; indeed, it reaches into the grave and far beyond. xxxiv The Christian message is that God is love and Jesus the Christ came into the world to manifest that love even unto death. Easter is the joyful surprise that even when things look as bleak as they possibly can -- following the Crucifixion of Good Friday -- love has the power to rise again and transform the world. "I have seen the Lord," reports the astonished Mary Magdalene. What will each of us see today, and in the days ahead? I hope we remain open to being surprised by joy, in small everyday ways as well as in larger life-changing ways. As Jacob Grimm reminds us, Eastre lives on as the radiant dawn, the upspringing light, and a spectacle that brings joy and blessing. Her name still graces Jesus' Resurrection Day. May our minds and hearts be open to the new in the old, to life emergent from death, to the Alleluia of holding our joys and triumphs high, now and always. AMEN. 3
4 NOTES i John 20:1-18 ii Frederick Lucian Hosmer, "O Day of Light and Gladness," (hymn set to music of Henry Smart), in Singing the Living Tradition (Boston: Beacon Press, 1993), #270 iii Charles Wesley, "Jesus Christ is Risen Today" (hymn set to Lyra Davidica of 1708), in Singing the Living Tradition (Boston: Beacon Press, 1993), #268 iv Huston Smith, The World's Religions (HarperSanFrancisco, 1991), p v HarperCollins Dictionary of Religion (HarperSanFrancisco), 1995, p vi New Catholic Encyclopedia (Detroit: Gale, 2003), vol. 5, p. 10; See also the Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend (New York: Facts on File, 1988); For Bede's work, see The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia (New York: Columbia University Press, 1983), p. 76 and the HarperCollins Dictionary of Religion, p. 107; for more on the goddess Eastre, see Thomas Horn, "Easter is Coming! (Or is it Eastre?)," in Raiders News Update, vii Columbia Encyclopedia, p viii Jacob Grimm, Teutonic Mythology, translated by James Steven Stallybrass (New York: Dover Publications, 1966). ix Ibid., p x Ibid., p xi Ibid. xii Luke 8:2. xiii Peter Calvocoressi, Who's Who in the Bible (London: Penguin Books, 1999), pp xiv Note that Mary is reported as coming to the tomb before dawn in all four gospels, but accompanied by other women in all but John. xv See Lee Strobel, The Case for Christ (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998), pp ; also, Paul Copan and Ronald K. Tacelli (eds.), Jesus' Resurrection: Fact or Figment (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2000), pp. 33, xvi See Scotty McLennan, "Breaking the Sabbath to Honor It," a sermon delivered in the Stanford Memorial Church on March 6, xvii New Interpreter's Bible (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995), Vol. IX, p xviii Ibid. xix John 7:53-8:11. xx John 4: xxi Luke 7: 36-5 xxii Matthew 5: 3. xxiii Matthew 6: 24. xxiv Matthew 5: xxv Luke 6:27. xxvi Matthew
5 xxvii Matthew 6: 25. xxviii Matthew 7:15. xxix C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life (New York: Harcourt, Brace & Co., 1955). xxx William Wordsworth, "Surprised by Joy -- Impatient as the Wind," xxxi John M.C. Crum, "Now the Green Blade Rises," Oxford Book of Carols (1928). xxxii Hosmer, "O Day of Light and Gladness." xxxiii Psalm 118: 1, 24. xxxiv Adapted from W. Edward Harris, "Some Things Will Never Die," in Carl Seaburg and Mark Harris, Celebrating Easter and Spring (Cambridge: Anne Miniver Press, 2000), pp
LIVING AGAIN ON EARTH (NOT IN HEAVEN) A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church April 6, 2014
LIVING AGAIN ON EARTH (NOT IN HEAVEN) A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church April 6, 2014 The story of Lazarus is often treated as a harbinger of the Easter
More informationRESURRECTION DAY An Easter Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church April 8, 2012
RESURRECTION DAY An Easter Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church April 8, 2012 Happy Easter to each and every one of you! Happy Resurrection Day. This is the
More informationAt the end of each part are summary questions. The summary questions are to help you put together what you learned in the preceding chapters.
Study Guide The following questions are to help you think about the material you learned in each of the lessons. They are organized to follow the outline in the textbook Summary of Christian Doctrine by
More informationThe Gospels Part Four: The Parables of Christ
The Gospels Part Four: The Parables of Christ I. TWO HOUSES IN A HURRICANE (MT. 7:24-27; LK. 6:43-49). A. The unshakable house of the farsighted man (Mt. 7:24-25). B. The unstable house of the foolish
More informationThe Gift of Salvation
The Gift of Salvation Louis S. Chafer "Salvation" 1922 I. In the Eternal Plan of God: 1. Foreknown, For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son (Rom. 8:29.
More information*Essays are found in the lesson Resources and Omnibus Textbook
Omnibus II Primary Reading Assignments *Essays are found in the lesson Resources and Omnibus Textbook The Church History Before Lesson 1: The Church History Essay* Lesson 1: Book 1.1-1.13 Lesson 2: Book
More informationRiches Within Your Reach
I. PROLOGUE RICHES WITHIN YOUR REACH A. The purpose of this book is to acquaint you with the God in you. B. There is a Power over and above the merely physical power of the mind or body, and through intense
More informationAPOCALYPSE NOW? A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church November 27, 2005
APOCALYPSE NOW? A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church November 27, 2005 Isaiah 64: 1-9 and Mark 13: 24-37 O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,
More informationHOW THE MIGHTY HAVE FALLEN IN ACHEBE S NO LONGER AT EASE
HOW THE MIGHTY HAVE FALLEN IN ACHEBE S NO LONGER AT EASE A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church July 1, 2012 There s a lot of falling referenced in the gospel
More informationIt s been a tough week for the Easter Bunny! i ARTICLE & VIDEO
EASTER John 8:46 John 11:25 Grace Church of Eden Prairie Pastor Troy Dobbs Sunday, March 27, 2016 It s been a tough week for the Easter Bunny! i ARTICLE & VIDEO It s been a great week for JESUS though
More informationSTARTING AFRESH A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church January 8, 2012
STARTING AFRESH A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church January 8, 2012 Happy New Year to each and every one of you here today! Welcome back to students returning
More informationOPENING MINDS TO THE SCRIPTURES. A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church May 20, 2012
OPENING MINDS TO THE SCRIPTURES A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church May 20, 2012 Today is Ascension Sunday in the Christian calendar, and the lectionary
More informationPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING October 21, 2014 MEMBERS PRESENT: Logan Nicoll, Vice Chair Terry Carter Alan Isaacson Norm Vanasse MEMBERS ABSENT: Alan Couch, Chair STAFF PRESENT: Rose Goings
More informationStudy 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 informationUnderstanding the Bible
Understanding the Bible Lesson Two How it All Began I. Overview of the human experience A. Before the beginning 1. Eternity B. The beginning 1. The creation 2. God made man C. First Coming 1. Redemption
More informationMARTIN LUTHER KING S LIBERAL CHRISTIANITY A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church January 20, 2013
MARTIN LUTHER KING S LIBERAL CHRISTIANITY A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church January 20, 2013 Turning water into wine? i Is the point here that Jesus is
More informationFEAR AND FAITH IN HAMID S RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST. A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church June 24, 2012
FEAR AND FAITH IN HAMID S RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church June 24, 2012 Fear or faith? Which one will it be? Are we fearful
More informationConsecration and St Maximilian Kolbe Talk for MI Summerside Village, P.E.I. July 2010 By Fr. Brad Sweet
1 Consecration and St Maximilian Kolbe Talk for MI Summerside Village, P.E.I. July 2010 By Fr. Brad Sweet St Maximilian Kolbe rooted his Marian spirituality in the traditional principles of Consecration
More informationPsalms of Jesus I The Message of the Prophets II The Message of the Prophets Appeal to All Walks of Life III Upholding the Law of the Pro
Psalms of Olde I Psalm of Creation...13 II Psalm of God... 17 III In God s Image...21 IV The Creation of Eve and Women... 25 V Our Brother s Keeper...29 VI The Individuality of Soul...33 VII The True Nature
More informationGOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY A Christmas Eve Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan Stanford Memorial Church December 24, 2012
GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY A Christmas Eve Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan Stanford Memorial Church December 24, 2012 We gather here tonight on Christmas Eve to hear the good news of great joy for all the people
More informationSermon-based Study Guide
Sermon-based Study Guide Sermon: Victory in Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:50-58) Sermon Series: in the Making SERMON SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY Question: On what grounds is a disciple unshakeable? Disciples can be unshakeable
More informationThe Principal Doctrines of Epicurus
The Principal Doctrines of Epicurus Below is a set of the editor's favorite translations for each of Epicurus' Principal Doctrines, also known as his "Sovran Maxims," which comes down to us from the Lives
More informationJESUS, THE VIOLENT A sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church March 19, 2006
JESUS, THE VIOLENT A sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church March 19, 2006 Remember those gospel passages so often quoted to create the image of a meek and mild
More informationThe Pilgrim s Progress
The Pilgrim s Progress AN OUTLINED COMMENTARY aa by Barry E. Horner ii THE PILGRIM S PROGRESS AN OUTLINED COMMENTARY Text and Outline Copyright 2001 by Barry E. Horner North Brunswick, New Jersey All rights
More informationStudy Guide On Mark By Dr. Manford George Gutzke
Study Guide On Mark By Dr. Manford George Gutzke Volume II This study guide is designed to lead into a better grasp and deeper understanding of the book of Mark. Because the text itself is part of the
More informationNotes: The Wings To Awakening. Introduction
The purpose of meditation in Buddhism is to turn one into a perceptive person who can understand the Dhamma. ( page 182 ) This is done by developing Discernment and Mindfulness I. Terms needed to understand
More informationTHE LIFE-GIVING MYTH ANTHROPOLOGY AN13 ETFINOGRAPE-IY
THE LIFE-GIVING MYTH ANTHROPOLOGY AN13 ETFINOGRAPE-IY Routledge Library Editions Anthropology and Ethnography WITCHCRAFT, FOLKLORE AND MYTHOLOGY In 6 Volumes I Japanese Rainmaking Bowrras I1 Witchcraft
More informationThe Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Fall, 2008 SYLLABUS
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Fall, 2008 84240 John Calvin Professor: David L. Puckett SYLLABUS Calvin is a cataract, a primeval forest, a demonic power, something directly down from Himalaya,
More informationThe Work Of The Holy Spirit
The Work Of The Holy Spirit Introduction. Perhaps one of the most confusing aspects of the Godhead today is the work of the Holy Spirit. If someone has ever asked you about the work of the Holy Spirit,
More informationwww. worldwisdom.com/public/library/default.aspx I III
From the World Wisdom online library: First Collection 3 www. worldwisdom.com/public/library/default.aspx I The world wheel turns, and thou art the center Because thou carriest the Spirit which contains
More informationWhat Do We Know about Hell Luke 16:19-31 Road to Truth Week 6 Pastor Troy Dobbs Grace Church of Eden Prairie. February 28, 2016
What Do We Know about Hell Luke 16:19-31 Road to Truth Week 6 Pastor Troy Dobbs Grace Church of Eden Prairie February 28, 2016 I love preaching and teaching the Bible I really do! But today may be the
More informationPREFACE 1 TO A BRIEF STATEMENT OF FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.)
PREFACE 1 TO A BRIEF STATEMENT OF FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.) In 1983 the two largest Presbyterian churches in the United States reunited. The Plan for Reunion called for the preparation of a brief
More information2017 Africa West Area Plan Broadcast by the Area Presidency Presented February 26, 2017
2017 Africa West Area Plan Broadcast by the Area Presidency Presented February 26, 2017 The following is the transcript of the video presentation by the Area Presidency of the Area Plan for 2017. President
More informationTHE ORDER OF WORSHIP EASTER SUNDAY SUNRISE THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD
THE ORDER OF WORSHIP EASTER SUNDAY SUNRISE THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD March 27, 2016 6:30 a.m. Greeting: The Lord is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia! Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking
More informationWhat we celebrate here today was totally outside of the frame of reference of every single disciple,
Easter Day 2014 Parish of Itchen Valley Final sermon in parish No one expected it - not one single person. What we celebrate here today was totally outside of the frame of reference of every single disciple,
More informationTODMORDEN THE GREAT WAR. A Local Record. AND By JOHN A. LEE. odmorden : PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY WADDINGTON & SONS, " NEWS " OFFICE
T TODMORDEN AND THE GREAT WAR 1914 1918. A Local Record. By JOHN A. LEE. PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY WADDINGTON & SONS, " NEWS " OFFICE. 1922. odmorden : " " Contents. Foreword Page CHAPTER I.- Fateful Days-The
More informationThe Believers Guide to. I m pa rtat i o n. &Activation
The Believers Guide to Miracles Healing I m pa rtat i o n &Activation The Believers Guide to Miracles Healing I m pa rtat i o n &Activation JEFF JANSEN Copyright 2013 Jeff Jansen No part of this book
More informationTHE BOOK OF CHURCH ORDER OF THE ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STUDY QUESTIONS
A Training Course for Elders and Deacons JRH Rework for BOCO 2015 Summer of 2016 Page 1 THE BOOK OF CHURCH ORDER OF THE ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STUDY QUESTIONS THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT FOUR WEEKS WEEK
More informationREASONS AND ENTAILMENT
REASONS AND ENTAILMENT Bart Streumer b.streumer@rug.nl Erkenntnis 66 (2007): 353-374 Published version available here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10670-007-9041-6 Abstract: What is the relation between
More informationOUTLINED STUDY MANUAL THE PILGRIM S PROGRESS JOHN BUNYAN. Accurate Revised Text. Barry E. Horner North Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S.
OUTLINED STUDY MANUAL THE PILGRIM S PROGRESS JOHN BUNYAN Accurate Revised Text Barry E. Horner North Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S.A ACKNOWLEDGMENT HEN five years of age, my elder sister took me to an after
More informationEASTER Because He is Risen. Matthew 28:1-10. By Pastor David A. Ritchie. Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016
EASTER 2016 Because He is Risen Matthew 28:1-10 By Pastor David A. Ritchie Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 Read: Mt. 28:1-10. This is God s Word. Thanks be to God! Prayer. Around the first century, there
More informationDoes God Exist? A Simple Apologetic 3 Parts A and B
A Simple Apologetic 3 Parts A and B Heb 11:6 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. ESV
More information18 Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create; For I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight;
Isaiah 65:17-25 17 Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind. 18 Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what
More informationFinding Contentment. Philippians 4: Pastor Troy Dobbs Grace Church of Eden Prairie. November 29, 2015
Finding Contentment Philippians 4:10-13 Pastor Troy Dobbs Grace Church of Eden Prairie November 29, 2015 By a show of hands: How many of you have finally realized that getting more and more stuff can still
More informationThe Vagrakkhedikâ Or Diamond-Cutter
The Vagrakkhedikâ Or Diamond-Cutter By Buddha Translated By F. Max Müller ADORATION to the blessed Ârya-pragñâ-pâramitâ (perfection of wisdom). Thus it was heard by me: At one time Bhagavat (the blessed
More informationIn the Beginning A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church January 5, 2014
In the Beginning A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church January 5, 2014 The very first words of the Bible, in the book of Genesis, are In the beginning. That
More informationChristian Training Center of Branch of the Lord
Christian Training Center of Branch of the Lord Presents a vast study of the Bible and Christianity through the course materials provided in partnership with: HARVESTIME INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE This course
More informationUnderstanding the Bible
Understanding the Bible Lesson One Overview I. Old Testament A. Creation 1. The first Adam II. The fall Son-ship lost A. Abraham 1. Father of the physical people of God the Jews 2. Father of the spiritual
More informationThe Way of the Cross is a way of prayer...
The Way of the Cross is a way of prayer... I walk, in spirit, with Jesus on His journey to Calvary and meditate on His suffering and death. Each meditation can be a personal meeting with Jesus and a new
More informationStations of the Resurrection
Stations of the Resurrection Stations of the Resurrection are taken from the Saint Augustine s Prayer Book, newly revised in 2014 by Forward Movement. The cover image is a photo taken by the Rev. Scott
More informationParable of the Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-13
http://www.biblestudyworkshop.org 1 Parable of the Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-13 http://www.biblestudyworkshop.org 2 Text: Matthew 25:1-13, Parable of the Ten Virgins 1. Then shall the kingdom of heaven
More informationUnderstanding the Bible
I. God tests Abraham Understanding the Bible Lesson Four What is God looking for in man? And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold,
More informationCONTENTS III SYNTHETIC A PRIORI JUDGEMENTS. PREFACE CHAPTER INTRODUCTldN
PREFACE I INTRODUCTldN CONTENTS IS I. Kant and his critics 37 z. The patchwork theory 38 3. Extreme and moderate views 40 4. Consequences of the patchwork theory 4Z S. Kant's own view of the Kritik 43
More informationThe Festival of the Resurrection
Trinity Lutheran Church & St. John s Lutheran Church The Festival of the Resurrection "This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." God has indeed raised from the dead the
More informationUnderstanding the Bible
I. Living the Christian life Understanding the Bible Lesson Fourteen I m Born Again! Now What? Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three
More informationMany Infallible Proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus Acts 1:3. Introduction: Indications of the Resurrection (An Empty Grave)
Many Infallible Proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus Acts 1:3 Introduction: Indications of the Resurrection (An Empty Grave) 1. The Resurrection and Our Pains Acts 2:24- Whom God hath raised up, having
More informationAdvance Publishing Company Records,
Collection Summary Advance Publishing Company Records, 1910-1937 Creator: Judge John Hibbett DeWitt, 1872-1937 Rev. James E. Clarke, 1868-1957 Title: Advance Publishing Company Records Inclusive Dates:
More informationPrayer Station I. Stained glass cross on front wall of church
PRAYER STATIONS Prayer Station I Stained glass cross on front wall of church Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard
More informationAnalysis of word Guna in word Triguna
Analysis of word Guna in word Triguna 21/04/2017 Srinivasa swamiji. Shastra deepika 06 This is an article of Analysis of word Guna, and this is meant for students of Advaita. Here the word is analysed
More informationEASTER DAY 10AM The Holy Eucharist with Holy Baptism Ava Nadia Magpantay
We are one body, alleluia, for though many we share one bread. All who wish to come are welcome for this is the table of the Risen Lord The words of administration are: The body of Christ, the bread of
More informationGRAND RESURRECTION CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 11 GRAND RESURRECTION Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to
More informationFINDING MEANING THROUGH LITERATURE: ALBERT CAMUS FALL
FINDING MEANING THROUGH LITERATURE: ALBERT CAMUS FALL A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church July 28, 2013 Moral courage was the subject of my sermon last week,
More informationHiding the Invisible - 4 The Demonic and Fantasy Role Play
Hiding the Invisible - 4 The Demonic and Fantasy Role Play At the end of this poem, you can read of four incidents touching on this subject, as well as some suggestions on what to do and what not to do
More informationMachiavelli s The Prince
Machiavelli s The Prince Chapter I: The Kinds of Principalities and the Means by Which They Are Acquired All states are either republics or principalities. New states are either completely new or updates
More informationText: John April 15/16, The First Witness
PAGE 1 Text: John 20.1-18 April 15/16, 2017 St Stephen s Easter Weekend The First Witness A very blessed Easter to you all! I have a special story for you today, the story of the first witness to Christ
More informationI Believe In. Short essays about some things I believe in. George B. Van Antwerp. Van Antwerp and Beale Publishers
I Believe In. Short essays about some things I believe in By George B. Van Antwerp Van Antwerp and Beale Publishers 2009 George B. Van Antwerp Published by 2222 Lloyd Avenue, Royal Oak, Michigan 48073-3849
More informationFrankenstein Study Guide:
Frankenstein Study Guide: Letters: 1. How are the author of the letters and Mrs. Saville related? 2. Where is the author of the letter going? And why is he going? 3. Describe the author s surroundings
More informationof the Passover Lamb
The Resurrected Life of the Passover Lamb The sweet celebration of the death and resurrection of our Savior is held in springtime when the Passover celebration of old Israel was also taking place. Since
More informationHe Is Risen Indeed April 1, 2018 John 20:1-18
I. Introduction He Is Risen Indeed April 1, 2018 John 20:1-18 At 9 am on the Friday we call Good Friday, Jesus Christ was nailed to a cross; 6 hours later He died. For the next 3 days, Satan and the forces
More informationLIVING EASTER CELEBRATING EASTER
LIVING EASTER CELEBRATING EASTER This is the day the Lord had made, Let us rejoice and be glad! Alleluia! Alleluia! Leader: Christ, the Glory of spring, is risen and present. In prayer and song we echo
More informationFOOD THAT PERISHES IN MAHFOUZ S MIRAMAR. A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church August 5, 2012
FOOD THAT PERISHES IN MAHFOUZ S MIRAMAR A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church August 5, 2012 Today is a communion Sunday at Stanford Memorial Church, which
More informationProclaiming the Word in Song: Hymn Suggestions for the One-Year Series
Proclaiming the Word in Song: Hymn Suggestions for the One-Year Series In the Lutheran church, hymns are not fillers in the liturgy they are an integral part of proclaiming the Word of God and the primary
More informationWhich word or phrase MOST describes your life right now? - Stressed Out! - Burned Out! - Wigged Out! - Worn Out! - Ready to tap out!
The Secret to Peace Philippians 4:4-7 Pastor Troy Dobbs Grace Church of Eden Prairie November 15, 2015 Which word or phrase MOST describes your life right now? - Stressed Out! - Burned Out! - Wigged Out!
More informationHE IS RISEN! LUKE 24:1-12 SERMON
1 HE IS RISEN! LUKE 24:1-12 SERMON Last summer Sally and I celebrated our 40 th wedding anniversary. For this wonderful occasion, our three children collaborated and decided to purchase a gift from Harry
More informationCHURCH ARMOUR. A SHORT CATECHISM FOR YOUNG CHURCHMEN, CHIEFLY ON THE THIRTY-NINE ARTICLES. Church Association Tract 059
CHURCH ARMOUR. A SHORT CATECHISM FOR YOUNG CHURCHMEN, CHIEFLY ON THE THIRTY-NINE ARTICLES. Church Association Tract 059 BY THE REV. W. F. TAYLOR Vicar of St. Chrysostom s, Everton, Liverpool The following
More informationCall to Worship Soli Deo Gloria Praetorius-Lieberman
Call to Worship Soli Deo Gloria Praetorius-Lieberman GATHERING Processional Hymn Jesus Christ Is Risen Today Hymn No. 365 1) Jesus Christ is ris'n today, Alleluia! our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! who
More informationDIVINE THINGS. A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship, Stanford Memorial Church March 16, 2003
DIVINE THINGS A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship, Stanford Memorial Church March 16, 2003 It looks as if our country will be going to war with Iraq this week. I fervently hope and
More informationSunday, March 27 Resurrection of Our Lord: Easter Day. Luke 24:1-12 1
Sunday, March 27 Resurrection of Our Lord: Easter Day Luke 24:1-12 1 On the first day of the week, at early dawn, [the women] came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. 2 They found the
More informationA BRIEF STATEMENT OF FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.) [TEXT]
A BRIEF STATEMENT OF FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.) [TEXT] A Brief Statement of Faith In 1983, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was formed by the reunion of the United Presbyterian Church in the United
More informationHe Is Risen LifeWay
He Is Risen 64 He is risen How can we know Jesus is alive? The facts are in. In the courtroom, only two things matter: the evidence and the testimony of witnesses. Hearsay doesn t count. Opinions don t
More informationMARKING SCHEME KASSU 2017 CRE PAPER 2 MARKING SCHEME
MARKING SCHEME KASSU 2017 CRE PAPER 2 MARKING SCHEME 1. (a) Seven prophecies made by prophet Jeremiah concerning the messiah. (vii) Messiah will be a righteous branch of David. Messiah will reign as King
More informationThroughout U.S. history, religion has played a significant role in immigrants
Kwan Wong Throughout U.S. history, religion has played a significant role in immigrants experience and identity. Many of them experience alienation in the host society because they are not expected to
More informationEvery parent Grandparent Christian adult (for that matter) should be impassioned about influencing the Next Generation.
Raising Kids to Work Proverbs Work that Matters Pastor Troy Dobbs Grace Church Eden Prairie September 25, 2016 Every parent Grandparent Christian adult (for that matter) should be impassioned about influencing
More informationSeventh-day Adventism The Spirit Behind the Church
Seventh-day Adventism The Spirit Behind the Church Ellen G. White Copyright 2018 Ellen G. White Estate, Inc. Information about this Book Overview This ebook is provided by the Ellen G. White Estate. It
More informationHe is risen John 20:1-18
He is risen John 20:1-18 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to
More informationHELP MY UNBELIEF. A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church September 17, 2006
HELP MY UNBELIEF A Sermon by Dean Scotty McLennan University Public Worship Stanford Memorial Church September 17, 2006 This morning s gospel lesson i presents an almost humorous example, as a commentary
More informationMessage: Calm in the storm It s a beautiful day! The sun has risen on a gorgeous day in southern California. The birds are singing, the morning is
Message: Calm in the storm It s a beautiful day! The sun has risen on a gorgeous day in southern California. The birds are singing, the morning is cool and the day promises to be sunny and warm. We have
More informationSacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry
Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Year C Easter Sunday Scripture: John 20:1 18 NRSV Gathering Welcome Easter is the day Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is
More informationStations of the Cross
A Guide to Stations of the Cross The purpose of All Saints Episcopal Church is to be an open, engaged and inclusive community, responding to God in our neighbors and ourselves with hope and service in
More informationOne huge blessing of working is and (let s just say it) is making money. And that s not a bad thing!
Return on Investment Matthew 6:19-24 Work that Matters Pastor Troy Dobbs Grace Church Eden Prairie October 16, 2016 One huge blessing of working is and (let s just say it) is making money. And that s not
More informationEASTER SUNRISE SERVICE AT THE BEACH March 27, :30 AM sponsored by Saint John s Lutheran Church, Arroyo Grande
EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE AT THE BEACH March 27, 2016 6:30 AM sponsored by Saint John s Lutheran Church, Arroyo Grande EASTER SUNRISE AT THE BEACH MARCH 27, 2016 6:30 AM We gather in the near darkness like
More informationTHE GENESIS CLASS THE GREAT GLOBAL FLOOD. The Six Days of Creation. After Their Kind. Descent from a Common Ancestor. Geologic Time Scale
The Six Days of Creation THE GREAT GLOBAL FLOOD After Their Kind Descent from a Common Ancestor Geologic Time Scale Noah s Flood: The Bottom Line The worldwide, mountain-covering deluge would have deposited
More informationFAMILY COMMUNITY CHURCH ASSOCIATION STATEMENT OF FAITH MESSAGE
FAMILY COMMUNITY CHURCH ASSOCIATION STATEMENT OF FAITH MESSAGE I. The Scriptures The Holy Bible was written by men who were divinely influenced. The Holy Bible is God's explaining Himself to man. It is
More information-1- Statement of Faith Middletown Area Bible Church
-1- Statement of Faith Middletown Area Bible Church I. The Holy Scriptures, The Bible: We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament and the New Testament to be the verbally inspired Word of God,
More informationTHE FINAL 15 BACK FINAL 15...V XVII JOURNAL...XVIII XX
FINAL 15 I THE FINAL 15 BACK FINAL 15...V XVII Wednesday Rise Up Together Thursday Bear Burdens Friday Build Bridges Saturday Break Chains Sunday Bring Hope Extra Going Home with Mark JOURNAL...XVIII
More informationThe Easter Vigil April 19, 2014 Miriam & Cameron Davidson Lee Ann & Michael Cameron
The Easter Vigil April 19, 2014 Miriam & Cameron Davidson Lee Ann & Michael Cameron 1) Announcements and prayer requests 2) Ceremony of Easter Vigil Fire In a few words name or describe in writing on your
More information100 BIBLE LESSONS LESSON 53 THE COMMANDS OF CHRIST
100 BIBLE LESSONS These lessons were originally given at Manila, Philippines, in 1958 and 1959 by former missionary to China, Alban Douglas. Give these lessons to people you visit, youth groups, hospital
More informationSERMON FOR EASTER SUNDAY 2014
SERMON FOR EASTER SUNDAY 2014 April 20, 2014 10:30AM Joint Worship Service The First Chinese Church of Christ in Hawai i UCC Scripture: Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 28:1-10 Message: Turning Our Sorrows into
More informationR e v SOMETIMES WE HEAR QUESTIONS THAT SEEM TO COME FROM OUT OF NO WHERE. THE REV. REPRESENTS OUR SPIRITUAL SIDE SEEKING SPIRITUAL ANSWERS.
R e v THE REV. REPRESENTS OUR SPIRITUAL SIDE SEEKING SPIRITUAL ANSWERS. OUR INNER VOICES. PEACE BE WITH YOU. SOMETIMES WE HEAR QUESTIONS THAT SEEM TO COME FROM OUT OF NO WHERE. For Proper s 1-2-3- use
More informationThe strips appear in the correct order below. Matthew 28:1-10. On Sunday, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to Jesus tomb.
CATECHIST RESOURCE Resurrection Strips Teacher Note: The strips appear in the correct order below. Matthew 28:1-10 On Sunday, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to Jesus tomb. There was an earthquake
More information