No one has greater love than this, to lay down one s life for one s friends. (Jn. 15:13)
|
|
- Charla Rogers
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Scripture Lessons: Micah 6:6-8 John 15:12-13 THE LANGUAGES OF LOVE: #6 SACRIFICIAL ACTS (04/10/11) No one has greater love than this, to lay down one s life for one s friends. (Jn. 15:13) This morning we will be exploring what I believe is a sixth love language sacrificial acts. This past week, out of curiosity, I looked up the word sacrifice in Harper s Bible Dictionary. The reference directed me to look up the term worship. I was surprised to learn that the word sacrifice is only used in the Bible, both in the Old and the New Testaments, in connection with worship. It seems from this that a sacrificial act is essentially something that is offered to a God it is a sacred act, an act of worship. The term worship in the Old Testament is the English translation of the Hebrew word that means to bow down or prostrate oneself. This posture indicates an attitude of reverence toward either a human or divine Lord. The concept of worship is also integrally connected with acts of service. In Mesopotamian thought, worship was actually seen as providing the gods with the necessities of life. In ancient Israelite forms of worship, certain animals and grains were offered as a form of sacrifice to Yahweh. Leviticus 21:6 describes these sacrifices as the food of God. Israelite worship differed from Mesopotamian worship, however, in that, as the prophets pointed out, God could not be worshipped only externally. To truly honor God, it was necessary to obey his laws, the moral and ethical laws as well as the ritual laws. Isaiah 1:11-17 tells us that to appear before God with sacrifices while flouting his demands for justice was to insult him. Isaiah and the later prophets realized that God does not really need the sacrifices for food. This opened the people up to thinking of sacrifice on a much deeper level. As the prophet Micah tells us, He has told you, O mortal, what is good: and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. It seems to me that the kind of sacrifice that Jesus calls us to perform, the kind of sacrifice that he would have us offer to God is the sacrifice of our ego, our self- 1
2 centeredness, in the service of a higher good. We do this when we take on the role of a servant, as Jesus did and as he directed his disciples to do. We do this when we share what we have with the poor, when we sacrifice a portion of our pleasure and possessions with those who have much less than we. We do this when we make the decision not to live unto ourselves alone, but become disciples of the Way. The act of true discipleship is a sacrificial act. Giving is a kind of sacrifice. I have something. It may be a thing. It may be money. It may be time or emotional energy. I sacrifice what I have when I give it to you, that is, if I give it to you freely and lovingly. If you take it from me, I did not give it. It would not be a sacrificial act. Last week we began to examine what C. G. Jung would call the shadow side of our various love languages. From this perspective, not all giving, not all acts of sacrifice are noble; not all are expressions of love. For example, co-dependent people are notorious for not being able to say no. Because they want to be wanted, they need to be needed, and they love to be loved, they will do just about anything to be wanted, needed, and loved. They will pay practically any price to hold onto the relationship. Because of this psychological dynamic, a co-dependent person s giving is not true or sacramental giving. It isn t sacrificial giving in the best sense of that term. It is essentially manipulative. If we are co-dependent in our relationships, we will neglect our own needs, our legitimate needs, our deepest needs to meet the perceived needs of the other. What we sacrifice in such a relationship is our true self. I believe this is contrary to the will of God for us in our relationships. Some sacrifices are good and healthy and loving. They are one of the deepest and most beautiful expressions of love. Such a sacrifice will build us up at the same time that it is building the other person up. It will deepen our soul. Other sacrifices are bad and destructive. They do not build us up; they tear us down. They may not even build the other person up in the sense of helping that person experience a meaningful and fulfilling life. Such a sacrifice can actually poison our soul. You might ask how we can tell into which category a specific sacrifice or a specific request or demand for a sacrifice falls. That s a good question. To be perfectly honest, I don t know. There is no litmus test for true, meaningful, or sacramental 2
3 sacrifice that will help us distinguish it from destructive forms. We probably just have to think it through the best we can and then see the effect that the sacrifice has on us. Just remember, if our actions tend to be guided or shaped by an unconscious co-dependent dynamic, we can give away a lot of ourselves and actually feel quite good about it. We might have to look deeper into ourselves to see what we are missing in the relationship. One of the litmus tests that I think can shed light on whether a sacrificial act is an act of love or an act of stupidity is whether the sacrifice is reciprocal. If we sacrifice something special for our partner, would our partner return the favor? Would he/she be equally quick to offer something to us that would require not only time and effort but sacrifice? If both people do this, it is much more apt to be a beautiful expression of love. If only one person does this time and time again in the relationship and the other person never does it, the relationship begins to take on the characteristics of a master-slave relationship. Despite what it says at various points in the Bible, I believe that God finds slavery abhorrent not only when this power differential is grounded in racial or gender dynamics, but in any human relationship. Let me just give you one example, one that I have encountered in my counseling practice several, if not many times. I have known people, once they became married, to ask, request, and even demand that their partner give up their relationship with their parents, siblings, and friends. I have known people who have pressured their partner to give up their religion, to give up their church. I have known people who have demanded that their partner give up a job, stop going to school, and terminate therapy. The bottom line is that you are asked to do this for me. And I have known people who have done one or more of the above when pressured by their partner or just to avoid being punished in some way: by coldness, distance, withholding, the silent treatment, or any other price that the person who refused to sacrifice these very important parts of his/her life is forced to pay. It also seems to me that such sacrifices do not really build up the person who is demanding them. If I can split you off from your parents, siblings, friends, church, and even your therapist, that does not make me a better person. It just makes you less of a person. At the risk of sounding like a Republican or a Libertarian, I would advise you not to give up any of your constitutional rights in a relationship. Remember, Jesus told us 3
4 that he came that we might have life and have it abundantly. Jesus would not want us to become less of a person in and through any relationship. God does not want, does not value human sacrifice. At the end of the worship service last week, one of you asked me why I didn t refer to one of the greatest stories ever told about the importance of gifts, the use of gifts to express one s love. The minute you said it, I knew which story you meant. It is a Christmas story about gifts, about sacrifice, and about love. It is one of the most famous stories that were written by the American writer O. Henry. This story, which I first read in high school, is entitled The Gift of the Magi. I remember being deeply touched by this story the first time I read it. I still can t read it without having it evoke very deep feelings. For those of you who may not know it, let me tell you the story. It is a wonderful story not only about gifts as an expression of love, which was the theme of our reflections last week; it is about the most beautiful kind of sacrifice. The two characters in the story are Jim and Della. They are a young couple, in their early twenties, and they are newlyweds. They live in a humble flat. Actually, it is a little more on the poverty side than the humble side. The rent for the furnished flat is $8 a week. The place is run-down. The furniture is shabby. The mailbox won t open and the doorbell doesn t ring. Next to the doorbell, however, is a card bearing the name Mr. James Dillingham Young. The Dillingham part of Jim s name had been affixed to the card when its possessor was paid $30 a week. Now that his income had shrunk to $20 a week, he considered contracting his middle name on the card to a more modest and unassuming letter D. When he came home from work, tired and discouraged at the end of the day, he was known as Jim and was, as O. Henry says, greatly hugged by Mrs. James Dillingham Young, whom we know as Della. Now there were two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which they both took a mighty pride. One was Jim s gold watch that had been his father s and his grandfather s before him. The other was Della s beautiful long hair. O. Henry says, Had the queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty s jewels and gifts. 4
5 With regard to Jim s watch, O. Henry says, Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement, Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed, just to see him pluck his beard from envy. It was the day before Christmas. The problem was that neither of them had any money to purchase a gift for their beloved. To be more precise, Della had scrimped and saved one dollar and eighty-seven cents, sixty cents of which were in pennies. Jim, we assume, had nothing in his wallet. What made their poverty particularly poignant was that each of them knew what the perfect Christmas gift would be, just exactly what their loved one would treasure. Jim wanted to get Della a set of combs for her hair. They were a set of combs, side and back, that Della had worshipped long in a Broadway store. They were beautiful combs, pure tortoise shell with jeweled rims just the shade for her hair. They were expensive combs, as both of them knew, and Della s heart had simply craved and yearned over them without the least hope of possession. Della knew just what she wanted to get for Jim: a chain for the watch that meant so much to him. Jim kept the watch in his vest pocket. How much more would his pleasure be if the watch were attached to his vest button by a beautiful gold chain, a chain that would be seen by others and which he could use to extract his beloved watch from its resting place. But the chain was expensive, probably about as expensive as Della s set of combs. They each would cost approximately twenty dollars. And all they had was one dollar and eighty-seven cents. It is Christmas Eve, the time when this young couple usually exchanged gifts, that is, when they had anything to give to one another. Jim is coming in the door from work. The supper is on the stove. Jim stops dead in his tracks. His eyes light upon Della s face. At first it doesn t register what is different about it, what had changed. Then suddenly it dawns on him. Della has cut off all her hair. As he stands there, stunned, Della runs up to him. Jim, she says, don t be angry with me. Look what I got for you. Jim opens the package that has been wrapped with humble paper. Inside it is a fob, a golden chain for his beloved watch. Della had had her beautiful hair, the source of her pride, cut off at a hairdresser s. She sold it to the hairdresser for twenty dollars to buy her present for Jim. 5
6 You probably can guess what comes next. Jim gives his gift to Della. It is a set of beautiful combs for her hair -- not just a set of combs but the set of combs. Della looks at him quizzically. How could he have gotten the money for such an extravagant gift? Yes, Jim had pawned his watch, his beloved watch, to buy his present for Della. It was probably an awkward moment for both of them. Della had the combs, but she had sold the hair that they would have adorned. Jim had the fob, but had pawned the watch to which it would have been attached. In a way, they each had nothing. On the other hand, they each had something incredibly beautiful and meaningful. I think this story is about the giving of gifts, but on a deeper level it gives us an example of sacrificial love. It is the most beautiful kind of love. In the closing lines of his Christmas story, O. Henry writes, The magi, as you know, were wise men wonderfully wise men who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the act of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasure of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi. Next Sunday, Palm Sunday, we will enter into Holy Week. An integral, a central part of Holy Week is the theme of sacrifice. The symbol of this sacrifice is the cross. As Jesus tells us, No one has greater love than this, to lay down one s life for one s friends. This is what he does for us. This is his gift, his expression of love. This is his sacramental sacrifice. As we prepare our hearts for the experience of Easter, let us remember that one of the greatest expressions of love, one of the greatest love languages, is a sacrificial act. If we do this in love, we will get back much more than we have given. A sermon preached by the Reverend Paul D. Sanderson The First Community Church of Southborough April 10,
Special Church Edition
Special Church Edition The magi...were wise men wonderfully wise men who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. O. Henry, The Gift of the Magi Special Church Edition Celebrate the Christ of Christmas
More informationSee The Good Challenge
GRATITUDE ACTIVITY FOR TWEENS & TEENS Lesson 2 See The Good Challenge Students discuss what gratitude means and why it is important. Time Required Grade Level Materials Learning Objectives SEL Competencies
More informationGale Gatherings. What s happening at Gale this season: THE GIFT OF THE MAGI. December 2018
THE MISSION OF GALE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IS TO BE A FAMILY OF EMBRACING AND DYNAMIC DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WHO GLORIFY GOD IN THE WORLD THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT December 2018 What s happening at
More informationEnglish Il Lancaster High School Winter Literacy Project Short Story with "One Pager"
English Il Lancaster High School Winter Literacy Project Short Story with "One Pager" First: Read the short story "The Gift of the Magi." While reading you must annotate the text and provide insightful
More informationTHE STAR: A JOURNEY OF HOPE
THE STAR: A JOURNEY OF HOPE James Martin tells about a trip to the Holy Land. While there, he buys a nativity set for his Sunday School class. It was carved out of olive wood in the town of Bethlehem and
More informationWriting for the Common Folk. Jonathan Q. Student. Honors English 9A Mr. Burns/4 th Period September 06, 2012
Writing for the Common Folk By Jonathan Q. Student Honors English 9A Mr. Burns/4 th Period September 06, 2012 Common Folk 1 Jonathan Q. Student Table of Contents 01. Table of Contents page 1 02. "Common
More informationWriting for the Common Folk. Wise Men from the East famously bestow valuable gifts. upon a child in a humble manger: gold, frankincense, and
NOTE-YOU fill in name, etc. Writing for the Common Folk Wise Men from the East famously bestow valuable gifts upon a child in a humble manger: gold, frankincense, and myrrh 1. Theirs is a gentle story
More informationTHE PARADOX OF PALM SUNDAY (03/20/16) Scripture Lesson: John 12:1-26
Scripture Lesson: John 12:1-26 THE PARADOX OF PALM SUNDAY (03/20/16) The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees
More informationLingering At His Feet Luke 10:38-42; John 11:20-35; John 12:1-8
Lingering At His Feet Luke 10:38-42; John 11:20-35; John 12:1-8 Over the past six months or so I ve been spending a lot time reading through the Gospels. Something that kept coming to my attention as I
More informationLo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Scripture Lesson: Zechariah 9:9 Matthew 21:1-17 THE PALM AND THE CROSS (04/17/11) Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
More informationLET'S START WITH A LITTLE CHRISSTMAS CHEER WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU CROSS A CHRISTMAS TREE AND AN IPAD?
ACHBACH CHRISTMAS MASS 2018 MERRY CHRISTMAS! LET'S START WITH A LITTLE CHRISSTMAS CHEER... 1. WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU CROSS A CHRISTMAS TREE AND AN IPAD? A PINEAPPLE 2. WHY DO DASHER AND PRANCER LOVE
More informationOctober 12, th Sunday in Ordinary Time Exodus 32:1-14 GOLDEN CALVES
October 12, 2014 28 th Sunday in Ordinary Time Exodus 32:1-14 GOLDEN CALVES I mentioned last week when we read the Parable of the Evil Tenants, that I had considered just skipping over it because it is
More informationEXTRAVAGANT LOVE, part 1 By Rev. Will Nelken
EXTRAVAGANT LOVE, part 1 By Rev. Will Nelken Presented to Trinity Community Church, San Rafael, California, on Sunday, December 6, 2015 Have you heard the story of Della and Jim? They were very poor, but
More informationIT REALLY IS A WONDERFUL LIFE 1 JOHN 5:11-13
1 IT REALLY IS A WONDERFUL LIFE 1 JOHN 5:11-13 On these four Sundays of Advent preceding Christmas Day itself, I want to use some classic Christmas movies to illustrate some major, biblical truths of the
More informationThe Ten Commandments
DAY 1: The Ten Commandments The Ten Commandments The Story part 5 October 9, 2016 1. God began the work of taking a slave nation and turning it into a real nation, one that was supposed to be a reflection
More informationWHO S IN YOUR CORNER? told the story of his heavyweight title fight against Sonny Liston in Some call it the
1 March 11, 2012 WHO S IN YOUR CORNER? When Muhammad Ali was asked once to name the greatest lesson he learned in life he told the story of his heavyweight title fight against Sonny Liston in 1964. Some
More informationSeven Keys to SUCCESS
Seven Keys to SUCCESS Lesson 7 Share Your Resources Series: Seven Keys to Success: Habits for Christian Living Surrender it all to God Unite with God Every Day Confess Your Sins Continually Study God s
More informationLENT #1: GIVE UP YOUR ILLUSIONS (03/05/17) Scripture Lesson: 1 John 1:1-10. "Spirituality is a matter of less, not more." (Meister Eckhart)
Scripture Lesson: 1 John 1:1-10 LENT #1: GIVE UP YOUR ILLUSIONS (03/05/17) "Spirituality is a matter of less, not more." (Meister Eckhart) Today is the first Sunday in Lent. The season of Lent, the time
More informationSeek First. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. -Matthew 6:33
Seek First But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. -Matthew 6:33 Father God created each of us with needs the physical need for food, clothing,
More informationThe Price Is Paid Text: Selected Scriptures Series: The Blood of Christ (#2) Lyle L. Wahl March 22, 2015
The Price Is Paid Text: Selected Scriptures Series: The Blood of Christ (#2) Lyle L. Wahl March 22, 2015 Theme: The Blood of Christ provides redemption. Introduction Last week we began looking forward
More informationThe Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians Ephesians 6:1-9 Quotes from the Fathers May 21, 2008
The Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians Ephesians 6:1-9 Quotes from the Fathers May 21, 2008 Ephesians 6:1 Paul has spoken first about the husband, second about the wife; now he moves along this path to
More informationChristian Workers. by Marian Brandt. Developed in Cooperation With the Global University Staff. Instructional Development Specialist: Marcia Munger
Christian Workers by Marian Brandt Developed in Cooperation With the Global University Staff Instructional Development Specialist: Marcia Munger Editor: Marjorie Metz Illustrator: Judy Anderson Global
More informationRead I Kings 11:9-13. Read I Kings 11:41-43
Today we conclude our sermon series on the early kings of Israel. We have read through lots of stories from the Old Testament books of Samuel and Kings. We have read through stories about Saul, David,
More informationListen to Dad: Don t Let Them Pull You Down!
Proverbs 1:8-19 Listen to Dad: Don t Let Them Pull You Down! On a scale of 1-10 (1 being lowest, 10 being greatest), how much of an influence do you think what we call peer pressure has on your life? Think
More informationWise Thinking in A Foolish World Text: Proverbs 1:29-33; James 1:5-8 Bible Teacher Duffy Robbins
Wise Thinking in A Foolish World Text: Proverbs 1:29-33; James 1:5-8 Bible Teacher Duffy Robbins Introduction to Proverbs: King Solomon, famous for his wisdom, is credited as one of the authors of Proverbs.
More information2.12. God Is Trustworthy. February 20, Bible Passage: 1 Kings 7 11 (Solomon, Part 2) Schedule EXPLORE DISCOVER RESPOND BLESS
February 20, 2019 Bible Passage: 1 Kings 7 11 (Solomon, Part 2) God Is Trustworthy REMEMBER VERSE How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the
More informationThe First Psalm. sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission." (www.lockman.org) The First Psalm
More informationWhat a Fully Devoted Follower believes Read Romans 10:9. What do you see as the requirements of someone to be saved?
This booklet is for those who want to live life as a fully devoted follower (FDF) of Christ. It will introduce 7 traits found in God s WORD that a fully devoted follower is to be living out more and more,
More informationYour Very Best Friend
Your Very Best Friend Discovering The One Uniquely Qualified To Be A Woman s Very Best Friend A 5-Day Mini Bible Study, by Dianne Thornton 2017 by Dianne Thornton All rights reserved. No part of this publication
More informationKatherine Hilditch www.understandingchristianity.co.uk Happy Christmas! by Katherine Hilditch ~ Copyright 2013 Katherine Hilditch. All Rights Reserved. Unless otherwise indicated all Scripture quotations
More informationPARENTS GUIDE GOD S UNFOLDING STORY FOR KIDS: HOME EDITION PARENTS GUIDE CHRISTMAS
GOD S UNFOLDING STORY FOR KIDS: HOME EDITION PARENTS GUIDE CHRISTMAS PARENTS GUIDE GOD S UNFOLDING STORY FOR KIDS: HOME EDITION PARENTS GUIDE CHRISTMAS By David and Amy Morrow Illustrations by Heath McPherson
More informationFreedom. The Law. The Nature of the Law
Freedom Christianity is well known for its many customs, regulations and ceremonies or what some may refer to as rites. To what extent are these obligatory? To what extent are we free to make choices?
More informationThe Golden Calf. Bible Passage: Exodus 32 and 34. Story Point: God s people worshiped a golden calf. Key Passage:
March 31st 6.1 Kinder Lesson Plan The Golden Calf Bible Passage: Exodus 32 and 34 Story Point: God s people worshiped a golden calf. Key Passage: The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become
More informationEven at this point the Jews who had long been anticipating the arrival of the Messiah still did not recognize him as the Messiah.
Well, today is the last day of the Christmas Season and we finally come to the Feast of the Epiphany: Kings, Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. This is certainly one of the coolest parts of the Christmas Story.
More informationReceiving the Holy Spirit
Receiving the Holy Spirit Apostle Paul: 2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the
More informationHOW TO BE A GOOD AND PROFITABLE SERVANT SOWING THE WORD OF GOD MONDAY, JULY 11, 2016
Luke 17:7-10 And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, Come at once and sit down to eat? But will he not rather say to him, Prepare
More informationHow are we serving God? Whole or half heartedly? Are we giving God the respect and honour he deserves? Are we doubting God s love for us?
How are we serving God? Whole or half heartedly? Are we giving God the respect and honour he deserves? Are we doubting God s love for us? What happens if you begin to doubt God s love? Well you begin to
More informationSolomon Writes Many Proverbs 1 Kings 4:29-34; Proverbs 1:1-7
Session 6 Solomon Writes Many Proverbs 1 Kings 4:29-34; Proverbs 1:1-7 Worship Theme: God values wisdom. Weaving Faith Into Life: Children will use God s Word as a source of wisdom. Session Sequence What
More informationand how He responded to their actions. We can basically take the examples given to us by God and put them into four categories
Is there ever a time when a Christian is permitted or even obligated by God to disobey the God ordained civil authorities? One would be hard pressed to find an issue within the church over which there
More informationHaydenville Congregational Church The Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian August 19, Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Haydenville Congregational Church The Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian August 19, 2012 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 The Wisdom of Solomon? May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable
More informationWhat Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage
What Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage By Paul David Tripp Discussion Guide to be used with the conference on DVD (10 25 minute sessions) for Small Groups or Individual Couples This resource
More informationWhat s The Deal With The Old Testament?
THE JESUS CHRONICLES PART 2 Excavating The Book Of Acts Pastor Chris Brown Message # 12: What s The Deal With The Old Testament? North Coast Church Acts 15:1-35 November 8-9, 2008 What s The Deal With
More informationChristmas 2011 // Luke 2:11; John 1:12
Christmas 2011 // Luke 2:11; John 1:12 Luke 2:1 14, ESV [2:1] In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. [2] This was the first registration when Quirinius
More informationTHE RANSOM OF RED CHIEF BY O. HENRY ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Choose the correct answer:
THE RANSOM OF RED CHIEF BY O. HENRY ABOUT THE AUTHOR Choose the correct answer: 1. Where was Porter born? a. London b. Greensboro c. Madrid d. New York 2. Who encouraged Porter to read? a. His mother b.
More informationMoney: God values sacrifice Luke 21:1-4 Tim Anderson 10/6/18
Money: God values sacrifice Luke 21:1-4 Tim Anderson 10/6/18 We're at week three of our series on money. Last week Geraldine spoke to us from the parable of the dishonest manager. In a nutshell, the message
More informationJAMES 4: THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT (08/19/18)
Scripture Lesson: James 4:1-17 Exodus 20:1-17 JAMES 4: THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT (08/19/18) Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are
More informationIn Spirit and Truth John 4:16-26 Sermon Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church July 22, 2018
In Spirit and Truth John 4:16-26 Sermon Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church July 22, 2018 I. INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT Turn with me in your Bibles, if you would, to John chapter 4. We ll be studying verses
More information2.12. God Is Trustworthy. February 17, Bible Passage: 1 Kings Schedule. (Solomon, Part 2) CONNECT GATHER RESPOND BLESS
February 17, 2019 Bible Passage: 1 Kings 7 11 (Solomon, Part 2) God Is Trustworthy REMEMBER VERSE How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the
More informationPre-Camp & post-camp. Devotional 2015
Pre-Camp & post-camp Devotional 2015 Pre-Camp DAY 1 Here Comes FAITH IN TRAINING main ideas: Introduce the theme for CentriKid 2015 by helping students understand that the reason for Faith In Training
More informationSharing His Divine Nature. The Summary and Synthesis of a Series on Holiness
Sharing His Divine Nature The Summary and Synthesis of a Series on Holiness The Foundation Share His Divine Nature Share His Holiness Created in His Image He is Holy We are to be Holy because He is Holy
More informationHis Name is Jealous (Ex 34:14)
His Name is Jealous 1 His Name is Jealous (Ex 34:14) We are together taking a journey of series Being Set Free. Today, our theme is His Name is Jealous. We will look at jealousy. Basic need for human beings
More informationHow do you react when you see someone being taken advantage of? How about when someone takes advantage of you?
The Rebuilt Life Studies in Nehemiah Session 4 Crisis in the Community Nehemiah Chapter 5 In our previous session, we saw Nehemiah and his crew working shoulder to shoulder. But what happened to this picture
More informationAnd the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. (Mark 1:12)
Scripture Lesson: Mark 1:1-13 JOURNEY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS LENT 1--JESUS IN THE WILDERNESS (03/10/19) And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. (Mark 1:12) Today is the first Sunday
More informationGod Redeems. Inspire Shares personal stories from fellow ministry leaders about how God has worked in their lives
date: 10/22/17 Bible Passage: Genesis 37; 39 41 (Joseph, Part 1) God Redeems REMEMBER VERSE Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of
More informationWords to the Wise Proverbs 1:1-7
Matt Morton Grace Bible Church Southwood Words to the Wise Proverbs 1:1-7 The book of Proverbs offers God's wisdom to everybody who will receive it. Wisdom is the ability to live in a skillful manner.
More informationREMEMBER & CELEBRATE
February 24, 2019 REMEMBER & CELEBRATE Feast of Harvest Remembering and Celebrating God s Abundant Provision Schedule CONNECT REMEMBER CELEBRATE BLESS 1 Leader Prep Each week you ll find a list of resources
More informationUnveiling the 'Self-Described' Atheist and Agnostic
Unveiling the 'Self-Described' Atheist and Agnostic There are neither atheists nor agnostics in this world but only those who refuse to bow their knees to the Creator and love their neighbors as themselves.
More informationConsider Your Ways Haggai 1:1-15
Sermon Transcript Consider Your Ways Haggai 1:1-15 This morning everybody in this room is a part of one of two kingdoms. Everybody here is a servant or a slave of one of two kings; and that is either you
More informationCENTERING PRAYER GUIDELINES
CENTERING PRAYER GUIDELINES Transcript of Talk by Thomas Keating ocso Video clips of this talk has been posted on YouTube in URLs such as the following: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtxlznaygas which
More informationMessage The Aftermath 01/15/2017
Message The Aftermath 01/15/2017 Good Morning Church! I am Glad you are all here today. I pray that God is going to reveal something to all of us today as we enter His Word! AMEN! I have entitled my message
More informationWisdom is a Choice Richard s Testimony:
WISDOM IS A CHOICE 1 Wisdom is a Choice Richard s Testimony: I thought I d managed to accumulate a bit of wisdom in my forty-two years. I came from a good family, had a good education. And I d been able
More informationChristmas With a Twist
Three 10-minute holiday plays By Carl L. Williams Performance Rights It is an infringement of the federal copyright law to copy or reproduce this script in any manner or to perform this play without royalty
More informationHALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL? THANKSGIVING AND STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY (11/20/16) Scripture Lesson: Mark 12:41-44
Scripture Lesson: Mark 12:41-44 HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL? THANKSGIVING AND STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY (11/20/16) It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. It was the age of wisdom; it was the age of
More informationIn the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Pastor Gregory P. Fryer Immanuel Lutheran Church, New York, NY 1/10/2010, The Baptism of Our Lord Isaiah 43:1-7, Luke 3:15-22 The Affection of the Father In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and
More informationTake Aways: 3. Never give the devil an open door. Daniel s enemies could not find a way to get him in trouble!
Living By Faith (Lesson 29) The Greatest Stores Ever Told (Part 1) Ricardo Rick Pina Victory Gospel Experience (VGE), Camp Victory, Iraq Monday Night, 5:30pm (August 3 rd, 2009) Intro: Tonight we start
More informationLOOKING BACK THEN MOVING FORWARD (02/19/17) Scripture Lessons: Joshua 3:1-4 Isaiah 40:27-31 Luke 9:57-62
Scripture Lessons: Joshua 3:1-4 Isaiah 40:27-31 Luke 9:57-62 LOOKING BACK THEN MOVING FORWARD (02/19/17) Follow it [the ark of the covenant], so that you may know the way you should go, for you have not
More informationFirst Baptist Church Woodstock Be Generous: A 28-Day Devotional Journey
First Baptist Church Woodstock Be Generous: A 28-Day Devotional Journey Be Generous 2017 by First Baptist Church Woodstock. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible. New King
More informationThe Christian Home August 20, 2017 Colossians 3:18 4:1
The Christian Home August 20, 2017 Colossians 3:18 4:1 I. Introduction The major social problem facing society today is the inability of people to get along with each other. From sibling rivalry among
More informationThe offering the example of King David (J. Peterson)
The offering the example of King David (J. Peterson) 1. Study I Chronicles 17 and 29. Who's the author? What is happening historically here? What do you know of King David? We really don't know who the
More informationWinning Financially Pt. 4 Be Intentional. See the Increase
Winning Financially Pt. 4 Be Intentional. See the Increase When we are looking to level up financially, I believe that financial increase is 90% spiritual, 10% practical. You could have the best budget
More informationForeign Visitors Worship Jesus Matthew 2:1-12
Session 4 Foreign Visitors Worship Jesus Matthew 2:1-12 Worship Theme: Everyone needs Jesus. Weaving Faith Into Life: Children will praise Jesus for being the one they need and will help others know Jesus.
More informationThis is a good thing. There might be some things we want to forget, but some things are worth remembering. Some things are vital to remember.
(FAS) My great-grandparents left Italy and came to this country in the early 1900s. My great-grandfather landed in Canada and was part of a crew laying rails down the East Coast. My greatgrandmother came
More information5. If a person agrees with Jesus teachings, but does not rely on Jesus for a relationship with God, is that person a Christian?
LESSON 1: THE BENEFITS OF BEING A CHRISTIAN A. FIRST BENEFIT: Read Romans 5:1 1. How does this verse describe the relationship between God and a Christian? 2. Read Colossians 1:21-23. According to this
More informationAnd He Shall Be Called December 11, 2016 We are Weak, but He is Strong Isaiah 9:6 Mighty God Kurt Pressler
And He Shall Be Called December 11, 2016 We are Weak, but He is Strong Isaiah 9:6 Mighty God Kurt Pressler As a boy growing up, I was convinced that the strongest man in the world was my dad. In fact,
More informationBonus Material: The One with the Perfume John 12: 1-8
September 1, 2013 Pastor Megan Hackman Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church Bonus Material: The One with the Perfume John 12: 1-8 This time last year, Larry and I were worshipping with the church who called
More informationHOW I LIVE 14. THE NEW WAY OF LIVING: Children, Parents and Workers Ephesians 6:1-9
HOW I LIVE 14. THE NEW WAY OF LIVING: Children, Parents and Workers Ephesians 6:1-9 The New Testament opens with the four Gospels; four News Accounts! Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are the written proclamation
More informationMoral Life PART 3 3 PART. Moral Life. FAITH FOCUS: God forgives us as he did the Israelites in the desert. Reflecting on the Faith Experience
PART 3 Moral Life FAITH FOCUS: God forgives us as he did the Israelites in the desert. 3 PART Moral Life Reflecting on the Faith Experience Take a few moments to reflect prayerfully before preparing the
More informationJESUS REVEALED (Luke 24:13-35) You may be seated. Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
JESUS REVEALED Luke 24:13-35 Third Sunday of Easter (Series A) April 30, 2017 Trinity Free Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND The gospel lesson for the Third Sunday of Easter comes from The Gospel According
More informationBy Fr. John Linden, Director of Seminarians. Celibacy and sexuality
By Fr. John Linden, Director of Seminarians Celibacy and sexuality To understand celibacy it is important to have a good understanding of human sexuality because celibacy will call for the strength to
More informationINTRODUCTION. The theme of Ephesians is unique among all his letters. It is the theme of the nature of the true church, the body of Christ.
INTRODUCTION The apostle Paul was a prisoner when he wrote these letters to the early church. They reveal great freedom and joy in spite of adversity. The key for Paul was life in Christ, a life of true
More informationGETTING IN LINE Karen F. Bunnell Elkton United Methodist Church November 18, 2018 PLEDGE SUNDAY. Hebrews 12:1-2 Mark 12:38-44
GETTING IN LINE Karen F. Bunnell Elkton United Methodist Church November 18, 2018 PLEDGE SUNDAY Hebrews 12:1-2 Mark 12:38-44 If you were here in worship last week, you will remember that I wasn t. I was
More informationAUTUMN STUDY NOTES Autumn 2017
AUTUMN 2017 Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour
More informationPray for One Another James 5:13-20 Sunday, September 30, 2012 The Rev. Sharon Snapp-Kolas, preaching
Pray for One Another James 5:13-20 Sunday, September 30, 2012 The Rev. Sharon Snapp-Kolas, preaching Scripture. Prayer. Opening. I heard a story about a salesman who had been working in Virginia and was
More informationSt. Margaret Mary. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. Psalm 96. Weekend Mass Schedule. Sacrament of Reconciliation 4:00 pm
The Church of St. Margaret Mary December 25, 2017 January 1, 2018 Merry Christmas Mary, Mother of God The Season of Christmas Vigil of Christmas December 24-4:30 pm Carols at 4:00 pm Christmas Day Mass
More informationWebster s Dictionary defines disappointment as when expectations fail to be met producing anger, frustration, sadness, and discouragement
SPIRITUAL PART 3 JOURNEY TO WHOLENESS OPEN DOOR UNRESOLVED DISAPPOINTMENT Hope deferred also known as the second grief, refers to unresolved disappointment in our lives. Disappointment is guaranteed, if
More informationFINANCIAL QUIET TIMES
FINANCIAL QUIET TIMES Edited by The GBCOC Borrowed from The Los Angeles Church of Christ Day 1 YOUR GOD AND YOUR MONEY I. Parable of the Shrewd Manager- Luke 16:1-15 A. God expects us to be honest yet
More informationQuit Being Afraid of What Others Think. (95 minutes)
Session 1 Quit Being Afraid of What Others Think (95 minutes) The Emotionally Healthy Woman Workbook Introduction (1 minute) We are so glad that you have decided to be a part of this group. We will be
More informationTHE LORD S SUPPER. Mark 14:12-26 Key Verse: 24. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,' he said to them.'
THE LORD S SUPPER Mark 14:12-26 Key Verse: 24 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,' he said to them.' Last Sunday we learned the beautiful story of a woman who poured her perfume
More informationWhat s the Point? 1Why Didn t God Make Us Like Robots?
What s the Point? 1Why Didn t God Make Us Like Robots? Key Faith Foundation: Love Without Choice Isn t Love at All Key Scriptures: Genesis 2:8-17; 3:1-6; Deuteronomy 30:15-20; 1 Corinthians 9:16-17 11.
More informationThe Tabernacle in the Wilderness. GOD's Marvelous Revelations Concerning Sin and Death and The Divinely Provided Way of Salvation.
The Tabernacle in the Wilderness GOD's Marvelous Revelations Concerning Sin and Death and The Divinely Provided Way of Salvation by Bruce Corbin 1951 Truth Publishing Company Enid Oklahoma CHAPTER NINE
More informationSET FREE SUMMIT PRAYER GUIDE WEEK 4
Monday, March 28th For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and
More informationDoctrine of God as Father
1 Doctrine of God as Father 1. God wanted the nation of Israel to have a sense of their relationship to Him in a special way. Exodus 4:22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is
More informationSpecial Section: Aging: What Are You Becoming? Staying Faithful Through The Years. How can you keep walking with God throughout your life?
Special Section: Aging: What Are You Becoming? Staying Faithful Through The Years How can you keep walking with God throughout your life? By Jerry Bridges»Table of Contents»Index»Permissions Photograph
More informationLET S TALK SOME MORE ABOUT GOD (The Story of the Odd Sparrow)
LET S TALK SOME MORE ABOUT GOD (The Story of the Odd Sparrow) Scripture Lessons: Psalm 139:1-18, 23-24 Romans 8:31-39 Matthew 28:20 Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 12:6-7 (01/28/18) For I am convinced that neither
More informationAdvent 2: Naming the King Lesson Aim: To know Jesus is the name of God s Son, our King.
Teacher s Guide: Ages 2-3 Kings & Kingdoms: Advent of the King Unit 10, Lesson 49 Advent 2: Naming the King Lesson Aim: To know Jesus is the name of God s Son, our King. THE WORSHIP Who God Is: The King
More informationII PETER Grace and Peace in Abundance October 20, 2013
II PETER Grace and Peace in Abundance October 20, 2013 I. His Divine power has granted us everything necessary for life and godliness A. II Peter 1:1-4... Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus
More informationDon t dare to be nice! John 4:4-19, 25-30
Don t dare to be nice! John 4:4-19, 25-30 Jesus had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there;
More informationThe Story Which Defines Us Palm Sunday Sermon April 9, 2017 Philippians 2: 5 11 McCormick United Methodist Church, McCormick, SC Paul A. Wood, Jr.
The Story Which Defines Us Palm Sunday Sermon April 9, 2017 Philippians 2: 5 11 McCormick United Methodist Church, McCormick, SC Paul A. Wood, Jr. Have you heard of Alexander the Great? I guess we all
More informationFaith and Life Series
Faith and Life Series 22 Week Curriculum Outline Grade 4 Jesus Our Guide Third Edition 22 Week Parish Curriculum THEME: God s plan to save his people from sin (salvation history), how we participate in
More informationHumility Romans
Humility Romans 12.1-8 Team Talk 5 Introduction Recap on the Term This term we have been looking at Romans and the theme of growing community looking at the key characteristics of a healthy Christian community.
More information