grave. Scrooge pleads with the spirit of Christmas future: A lamb with seven horns. A pregnant women clothed with the sun.
|
|
- Katrina McCormick
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 A hundred years ago, Charles Dickens wrote an apocalyptic journey in his well known A Christmas Carol a play in which miserly scrooge is taken on a visionary tour of his life. Scrooge is changed by the final vision when he sees his own lonely grave. Scrooge pleads with the spirit of Christmas future: Are these the shadows of the things that Will be, or are they shadows of things that May be, only? Spirit, your nature intercedes for me and pities me. Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life! Dickens writing is no different than those we are reading today from Revelation, Matthew and 1 Thessalonians. They are visions and prophecy about what may be and persuade us to change our lives. A lamb with seven horns. A pregnant women clothed with the sun. A red dragon with seven heads and ten horn. These images might sound like something out of a fantasy novel or the memories of a drug induced coma. But these images make up Revelation. It is a crazy, wild ride to read Revelation and many people have stayed away from it for this reason. It is hard to read and hard to understand. While I don t claim to understand all of the images and writing of John, there are glimmers of a complex and beautiful storyline within poetry and hymns. The most important thing to remember when reading Revelation, and apocalyptic writing in general, is to note the difference between prophecy and predictions. Revelation falls firmly into the category of Biblical prophecy. Just like Scrooge had the ability to change the outcome of his story, prophecies, too are not predetermined. Revelation is written in the same tone as other Biblical prophets such as Jeremiah and Isaiah. This genre of literature is not meant as pronouncement
2 but words of comfort and or challenge on behalf of God. This is all within a historical context. When people are living in crisis, as they were during the writing of Revelation under Rome s rule, prophets speak words of reassurance that God is there and will end the oppression. Prophecy in revelation also challenges the audience not to give into the demands of the political system. In this way Revelation is also characterized by challenge of empires and the status quo. This is not unique to Revelation however. Jonah wrote to his people urging them to turn their lives around and repent for Nineveh was to be destroyed in 40 days. He was a successful prophet since everyone repented. They put on sack cloth and God was pleased and did not strike down the city. Jonah was a prophet who challenged his people to action, not a predictor. In the same way, revelation is prophetic writing meant to wake people up to the current realities. Another example. Revelation 15 and 16 tell of plagues and bowls of wrath to be poured out on earth. While we could read these as harbingers of destruction in the world, I believe that these are written to parallel the Exodus story. In Egypt the plagues persuaded pharaoh to release the people, and were a message about the injustices of the time. In the same way, revelation speaks prophetically showing that Jesus is the new Moses and that the world today is full of injustices. It is a wake up call showing us that things in our world aren t the way they should be. But Revelation also reminds us that God loves the world and desires liberation for God s people. So I m not convinced that there will really be bowls of wrath poured on top of us that will ruin the world. But I am convinced that the prophetic words written
3 in 95 CE are still prophetic today. Words of prediction loose their poignancy but prophecy continues to be true. Perhaps my favorite image in Revelation is that of the Lamb. Again the story is not that a literal lamb will come to unlock magical scrolls. The slaughtered lamb is able to do the one thing that no one else could. You might expect a mighty lion with violence to come and shatter the scrolls but it is the lamb whose only weapon is it s words. It is this lamb- the resurrected Christ- that we are called to follow today. Handel s messiah concludes with this image of the lamb that we heard earlier today. It is an inspiring image. For Revelation wasn t written to just tell us what the sci- fi journey to heaven is going to look like. It was written to tell us how God desires to heal the world now. It is not about life after death but about life in this moment inspired by the lamb. Our two texts this morning say a lot about what life in this moment should look like. The two texts have also been used to support rapture theology for the past 170 years. Rapture theology claims that good Christians will be taken into heaven while those who live in sin will be left on earth to suffer. While it is a somewhat compelling narrative with instant gratification for proper living, it is incongruent with the biblical message that is revealed in Revelation, Matthew, and 1 Thessalonians. All of our texts, however, do touch on how we can expect to experience the second coming of Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 This is one of the classic texts when talking about the second coming of Christ. It tells a story of how believers who have died will be brought to heaven.
4 The lord will descend from heaven. The dead in Christ will rise first. Those who are alive will be caught up into the clouds to meet the Lord. This Passage seems to describe a singular event. So is this prophecy or prediction? This verse is written within the context of the early Christian community who were convinced that the second coming would be any day now. Believers were concerned that if their family members had died, they would not be able to experience Jesus return. However, Paul writes to the Thessalonians comforting them. He lets them know that their loved ones will be with them. All will be resurrected. But the point is not what happens to those people who may be left behind in the scenario. This is prophecy meant to comfort the early Christians who were overly stressed about the fate of their loved ones. This narrative is also fitting with the term apantesis which is the practice of going out to meet dignitaries and accompanying them into the city. 1 Thessalonians uses this idea and declares Jesus as a dignitary, one to be praised, who will be met in the air and ushered onto Earth with praise. This reminds me of my childhood Dog, Ben. He and my mom had a special relationship and were very close. Whenever she would leave the house, he would sit by the door and eagerly wait for her to be home. As soon as he would hear the car begin to pull into the driveway, he became energized. Almost buzzing with excitement and when we opened the door he shot out and ran down the driveway to meet her. She would get out of the car and they would greet each other and walk into the house together. My mom never turned
5 around and walked away from Ben, but would join in his excitement. I think this encapsulates the image that John is trying to portray to the Thessalonians. The dignitaries wouldn t walk away from Earth, nor will Jesus abandon Earth during the second coming. Unlike rapture theologians who use this text to prove that all good Christians will be removed, I see an eager anticipation to meet Jesus in the air and usher him and his Kingdom back on Earth. So Paul is both declaring allegiance to Jesus, as one who deserves our devotion, and comforting the early church in their worries. So prophecy? I think so. Prediction about a rapture and people being swept into the air? Probably not. Our second text for today is Matthew 24: This again is a classic text when talking about the second coming of Christ. This story is slightly different for it begins with more uncertainty. But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. From the get go this should be an indicator that the timeline of the second coming should not be our priority. Even Jesus, the son, does not know when it is going to arrive. If Jesus doesn t need to know when it will happen, perhaps we don t need to be that preoccupied with it. The narrative continues: People are living their lives normally, eating and drinking and doing their thing, just like they were before Noah and the flood. And just as with Noah, they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away. This too will happen with the Son of Man. People will be working in their fields. One will be taken and One will be left. Two people will be cooking supper together and one will be taken and one will be
6 left. Matthew concludes, keep awake, because we don t know what day the Lord is coming. Be ready always for the Son of Man is coming in an unexpected hour. A common assumption is that the Good Christians are taken, however, this is a leap in logic. Matthew clearly alludes to Noah and the flood. In that story it was Noah and his family, and animals who remained on earth, and the evil ones who were swept away. It is then logical to conclude that it is not the good ones who will be cleansed from the earth, but the evil ones. This being said, I don t think that the point of this text is really about who will remain and who will go. The majority of the text is about preparation and readiness. Matthew does not seem interested in the exact formula to tell when this will happen. He is interested in the urgent necessity of readiness. To be watchful and awake. To guard your house like a thief is coming. But what does being watchful look like now? There is a sense of real urgency in these passages, I think because the early church was convinced that tomorrow Jesus really is coming back. But now that 2,000 years have passed, it is harder to imagine. If we keep reading our passage, Matthew makes it easy by telling 4 parables in chapter 25 which help us to imagine what the waiting should look like. These are the parables of the 10 bridesmaids, the parable of the talents, the sheep and goats and the feeding of the stranger. These parables immediately follow the urgency in the last text. This placement leads me to believe that the urgency which Matthew is fostering is really all about ethics. As Deborah Rossing writes Whatever traumas befall us, we are to be urgent in loving our neighbor, urgent in caring for the world that God create, urgent in feeding the hungry and visiting prisoners, urgent in living
7 faithfully as Christ commanded. Matthew isn t telling us to figure out the timing but is motivating us to action. The trouble that arises is that, if these texts are indeed pointing us towards action, rather than timeline, what do we do with the idea of a second coming? What do we actually believe about Jesus coming to earth? This week I transplanted peonies in my garden that were taken from just outside the church. Peonies are slow flowers. They don t like to be moved and take 2-3 years to recover from being replanted. I was trying to choose the spot with the best light while also considering what I will want 3 years from now once they start to bloom. There is much anticipation wrapped up in planting these flowers. I don t know if they will survive. Ultimately I am filled with hope that what I have been told about these flowers is true, just as we wait with hopeful anticipation that something that we have been told about the second coming of Christ is also true. There is one camp of thinking that believes that the urgency and anticipation of Jesus return is slow moving brought on by our actions and kingdom living. This is all within the context that God is with us on every step of this journey towards the second coming. I mentioned to a few friends this week that I was preaching about the second coming and they looked at me as though I was crazy. I was embarrassed to even bring it up with them but once I had said it, I couldn t take it back. One of my friends said emphatically, Krista, you know that it has already happened right?. Which
8 stumped me for a while. I believe that the Kingdom of God is in breaking, here on earth already, but not yet. But I also believe that there might be more coming. Perhaps we actually do need to anticipate one singular moment of redemption.we are comfortable thinking that we are doing our best to plug along assured that God works through us. But maybe this is not enough? This slow kingdom building permeates Mennonite culture. If we continue to work towards bringing the kingdom of God, then we will eventually help enough people that the earth will begin to look like the New Jerusalem. The problem with this type of thinking is that it assumes that we can actually live like Jesus calls us to. We can try, but I don t think we can ever actually live up to the whole gospel image. Without God s redemption and in breaking, we will be unable to actually fulfill the kingdom of God. We will always fall short without God s help. Otherwise we are in purgatory. Stuck with a vision of beautiful future without the means to achieve it. If only we worked harder to get there, maybe we would achieve it. It seems as though we need to be ready for a moment of redemption and cleansing in the world. I generally just write off the idea of a second coming for the fear of sounding crazy (as my friend thought I did). However, I am caught between thinking that we will slowly build the kingdom, and thinking that we really need a big change to help us bring the new kingdom on earth. Usually we articulate that we are building God s kingdom through peacebuilding, non violence and personal faith. If we only work harder, and believe more, things will happen. But it hasn t happened yet and the world doesn t feel like it is actually getting much better. If we ascribe to
9 this thinking only, we get caught in a purgatory waiting for something to happen but knowing that we as humans are too flawed to live it out fully. Regardless of how much religious fervor we have regardless of how many relief kits we make, and how many times we serve at the soup kitchens we will always fall short of actually living out the entirety of God s kingdom. I am skeptical that God s kingdom is fully here and that we can bring it to fruition without a bit of help from God (aka the second coming). Maybe we admit that we need an in breaking of something. I am not convinced that it will look exactly like Matthew, Paul or John wrote about but I am convinced that God has promised to return to resurrect and reconcile creation to God s self. This all being said, the point is not the fact that it is a singular moment of redemption. While I believe we desperately need God s help for the new kingdom, the scriptures don t tell us to just wait around and see when Jesus will return. Klauss Epp made this mistake by convincing a large group of Mennonites into a field to wait for the second coming. And they ended up waiting, and waiting, and waiting doing nothing but sit patiently. This is the antithesis of what the apocalyptic scriptures are urging us towards. The images of the lamb, and prophecies of the plagues on earth are intended to motivate us to change. These texts urge us to act and live as Christians. To pledge allegiance to the lamb and do our best to bring about the kingdom until that day that Jesus returns to redeem creation. As Christians we need to accept this challenge to live with urgency and anticipation of a second coming. Even to be open to talking about the end times and
10 our work to bring about the Kingdom now. If we don t do something while we wait for redemption we are contributing to this purgatory. I m convinced that the world isn t getting better without us trying to speak out against injustices and all systems of violence. This is all good for me to say In a sermon but secretly, inside, I am so embarrassed to be speaking this poignantly about the end times. We have been scared off by apocalyptic fervor and rapture theology and haven t been challenged to actually think through what we believe about the next step in God s plan for humanity and creation. And now that I ve done some thinking about it, I m convinced that these scriptures are calling us to live radical lives. The end of the story is not already written and we have a part in how it will go down. God isn t scripted and predetermined. Instead it is like a chess game. God and humanity are making moves and reacting and responding to each other. We surely don t know where this will take us, and, like Matthew says, not even Jesus knows the date and the end of this story. Just like Scrooge was able to listen to the Christmas Spirit, we have prophets that we can heed, just as those living in Nineveh listened to Jonah and turned around, we can respond faithfully to this call to live urgently. This all sounds a bit too apocalyptic and evangelical to be comfortable. But yet I hear these themes in the scriptures and we can t spend our faith always thinking about things that feel comfortable. I encourage you to wrestle with what you believe about the end of this chapter of humanity s story with creation.
11 To read the Bible s hardest passages is like wrestling with God you grapple to make sense of the words, you hold on, you struggle for clarity, you seek to wrest answers for all of your questions. What God gives you instead of a system of answers is a blessing, a new name a living relationship. You are forever changed by the encounter. You have seen the face of God. Perhaps you think that there will not be a definitive end and that the second coming is already here. Perhaps you believe that there will be definitive moment in which Jesus will arrive and God s people will usher in his arrival. Ultimately, though, I encourage you to wrestle with these scriptures, to try reading some of this prophetic, apocalyptic stuff, and see where the face of God is revealed. Throughout this process we are assured, as Joe reminded us last week, that God doesn t change. God is loving and constant. And until we fully understand all of this, we pray as the final verses of revelation do: Amen. Come Lord Jesus!
Creation; The World Read Genesis 1: Abraham; Promised Descendents Read Genesis 12:1-7 & 15:1-6
A tree for reflection during Advent Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse. And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. Isaiah 11:1 Creation; The World Read Genesis 1:26-31 The symbol is the
More informationCreation; The World Read Genesis 1: Abraham; Promised Descendents Read Genesis 12:1-7 & 15:1-6
Daily Reflections for December 1-25 Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse. And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. Isaiah 11:1 Creation; The World Read Genesis 1:26-31 The symbol is the
More informationWorship the Worthy One Revelation 4, 5 John Breon
Worship the Worthy One Revelation 4, 5 John Breon The book of Revelation was written to seven churches, groups of Christians in a specific place and time, to encourage them during a time of hardship. Because
More informationSix ways to stand firm: prepare for Christ s return 1 Thess
Six ways to stand firm: prepare for Christ s return 1 Thess 5.1-11 To begin today I m going to share a personal detail: sometimes when I get stressed, I have a recurring dream, a dream I ve had probably
More informationGod is Just and Fair in His Display of Mercy Romans 9:14-24
Faith Evangelical Free Church September 13, 2015 Brian Anderson God is Just and Fair in His Display of Mercy Romans 9:14-24 Do you ever have questions about God and how He works in this world? Most of
More informationRomans 15:10+11 are quotes from Deuteronomy 32:43 and Psalm 117:1.
There was a man who lived in Scotland who had to make an important journey to make a business deal. So he decided to telephone an airline office for some information. After a few minutes of waiting for
More informationPart 2: C hapters 4-22
1 Part 2: C hapters 4-22 Contents 1 The throne, the scroll & the lamb Rev 4:1-5:14 p1 2 The opening of the seals Rev 6:1-8:1 p4 3 The sounding of the trumpets Rev 8:2-10:11 p7 4 The witnesses & the last
More informationWednesday, 6 Jul 2011 Mennonite Church Canada Assembly
The Lamb Revelation 21:22-23 Wednesday, 6 Jul 2011 Mennonite Church Canada Assembly 21:5-8, It is done! This is at least the 3 rd or 4 th time that we come to the end in Revelation. Two of the earliest
More informationThe Jesse Tree Advent Devotional 2017 drawings by Leilani Pierson
The Jesse Tree Advent Devotional 2017 drawings by Leilani Pierson a church, a city, and a world continually made new by the grace of Christ 2012 W. Dickens, Chicago, IL 60647, (Education Building: 2022
More informationBiblical Literary Genres
Biblical Literary Genres I. INTRODUCTION Welcome to week 4 of How to Study and Teach the Bible. The plan for this morning was originally to talk about two separate issues biblical genres and common errors
More informationLong Unexpected Jesus Page 1 of 8
Long Unexpected Jesus Page 1 of 8 Long Unexpected Jesus Matthew 2:1-12 Today is January 6, the church holiday called Epiphany, and it s the official end of the Christmas season. You know the song, The
More informationA Hollow Rock, Broken Bread, A Piece of Fish
A Hollow Rock, Broken Bread, A Piece of Fish LESSONS ON THE RESURRECTION FROM LUKE 24 Cory Waddell HIGHLAND HEIGHTS CHURCH OF CHRIST LEBANON, TN A Hollow Rock, Broken Bread, A Piece of Fish Lessons on
More informationAdvent and Christmas Activities
Advent and Christmas Activities Family Advent and Potluck Evening Sunday, November 27, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm Crafts and activities will be available for all ages. Yearning for the Messiah: Advent Devotions
More informationStudies In the Book of Revelation SESSION 2: INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION
SESSION 2: INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION INTRODUCTION: The book of Revelation reveals the glory of Jesus (Rev. 1:1) and His plan to transition the earth to the ageto-come. The book
More information2 Thessalonians: When He Comes
2 Thessalonians: When He Comes We are going to study 2 nd Thessalonians. We are in the 14 th exit into the New Testament as we continue to travel down Route 66. This is Paul s second letter to the church
More informationNOAH: PERSEVERANCE AND PROMISE
NOAH: PERSEVERANCE AND PROMISE MATTHEW 24:36 46 (NIV84) Today, we continue our sermon series on Our Family Tree and look more closely at those who make up our extended spiritual family in the Old Testament.
More informationPresent Reality and the Return of Christ 9/3/17
Present Reality and the Return of Christ 9/3/17 -Announce: Bridge Groups sign ups underway. -www.tbcvenice.com -Slide on the home screen that when you click it, it will take you to a listing of all of
More informationNot Slow in Keeping His Promises, 2 Peter 3:1-10 (August 7, 2016)
Not Slow in Keeping His Promises, 2 Peter 3:1-10 (August 7, 2016) This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder,
More informationBut here s the number one reason I think we need to take a month to talk about death and the afterlife--
This is not my joke, but this is true Public Speaking ranks as the number one fear of people. Higher than even death. That means, that a funeral, you d rather be in the casket than the one giving the eulogy.
More information1 Thessalonians 5: Stanly Community Church
While Christians eagerly anticipate the imminent return of Christ, their thoughts and their time should not be spent fretting over exactly when He will appear. Instead, the Lord wants His Church to rest
More informationSimply Jesus. The Life and Ministry of God s Son
Simply Jesus The Life and Ministry of God s Son Lesson 22 Introduction Adults naturally want to be in control, to see the end from the beginning, so that we can selectively choose our own direction and
More informationChristmas play Herod is sitting on his seat with head down so as not to draw attention. Narrator stands in the pulpit.
Scene 1. is sitting on his seat with head down so as not to draw attention. Narrator stands in the pulpit. A long time ago, just over 2000 years ago in fact, in a small town called Bethlehem that lay just
More informationThe Gospel of Mark. Walking with the Servant Savior. Lesson 9 Mark 6:1-29. Once a Carpenter, Always a Carpenter!
The Gospel of Mark Walking with the Servant Savior Lesson 9 Mark 6:1-29 Day One: Once a Carpenter, Always a Carpenter! In the previous lesson we witnessed two stories of great faith; now we will contrast
More informationTHE LAST SUPPER MATTHEW 26:17-30
THE LAST SUPPER MATTHEW 26:17-30 We live in a society that is crazy about anything new. We are anxious to upgrade our cell phones every year, we tend to think the latest workout craze will be better than
More informationSecond Chances Jonah 1-3
Second Chances Jonah 1-3 Today, when you leave this place, there are three things I want you to know. I first want you to know that our God is a God of new beginnings and second chances. No matter what
More informationDefending The Pre-Trib Rapture
Defending The Pre-Trib Rapture A Bible Study by Jack Kelley and Gracethrufaith.com (Click on the title above to access the original source) Fair Use Disclaimer Due to the non-profit research and educational
More informationMatthew 24: Isaiah 2:1-5. The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2
Be prepared! A sermon preached at Summertown United Reformed Church on Advent Sunday, 2 nd December 2007, by Rev d Pauline Main, based on Matthew 24: 36-44 and Isaiah 2:1-5. Matthew 24: 36-44 36 But about
More informationHow to Hear God s Voice: A 10-day bible study looking at different ways God speaks and how to discern God s voice today. By Alison Millikan
How to Hear God s Voice: A 10-day bible study looking at different ways God speaks and how to discern God s voice today By Alison Millikan Copyright reserved by Alison Millikan@2016 For more information
More informationThe Return of Korah. In Numbers 16, we learn of the rebellion of Korah.
The following is a direct script of a teaching that is intended to be presented via video, incorporating relevant text, slides, media, and graphics to assist in illustration, thus facilitating the presentation
More information87. Be ready, be wise, be watchful
87. Be ready, be wise, be watchful July 30, 2017 In my opinion, the rapture survey done among Protestant pastors last year showed a very pathetic result. 36% of mainline Protestant pastors said that the
More informationThe Silence of the Lamb Mark 14: th April 2009 HPC Evening
The Silence of the Lamb Mark 14:43-72 5th April 2009 HPC Evening [Intro] Do you have expectations of God? What do you want from God? Has God ever disappointed you? Let me tell you a true story - last weekend,
More informationBook of Revelation - Part 13 Revelation 5:1-6
Book of Revelation - Part 13 Revelation 5:1-6 Revelations 5:1-14, Then I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw
More informationOur Coming Savior The Shepherds a Story of Joy Luke 2:8-20 Pastor Pat Damiani December 13, 2015
Our Coming Savior The Shepherds a Story of Joy Luke 2:8-20 Pastor Pat Damiani December 13, 2015 Do you ever feel like you don t really matter to God? Do you ever think that God is so busy running the universe
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 informationFLING OFF THE NIGHT!
FLING OFF THE NIGHT! ADVENT PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS FOR CHILDREN 2017 PREPARE YE THE WAY! 1 st Sunday of Advent (Dec 3) Mark 13:24-37 Already the fall leaves have gone and it is getting colder outside!
More informationJew and Gentile Together
God s Everlasting Covenant Teaching on: Jew and Gentile Together One New Man in Yeshua/Christ [Ephesians 2:15] Jew & Gentile Together One New Man in Yeshua/Christ Prophecy and the Future In light of all
More informationSystematic Theology #8: Eschatology
Systematic Theology #8: Eschatology ESCHATOLOGY 1. Eschatology is the branch of theology that is concerned with the study of the last things; that is, the fulfillment of God s plan of the ages for creation
More informationPreaching Christ...by the power of the Holy Spirit...and the authority of the Word of God
Date: 20 January 2019 Services: 730, 930 Tewantin and Peregian (via video) Series: The Riches of Psalm 23 Passage: Psalm 23:5 Title: A table with enemies Outline 1. Why a table with enemies? 2. Who wants
More informationGod s Love Never Fails
God s Love Never Fails Introduction: Please open your bibles with me today to the book of 1 Corinthians. Today I will be preaching from 1 Corinthians chapter 13 verse 8a. The title of today s Sermon is
More informationMatthew 24:45-25:13. Introduction
Matthew 24:45-25:13 Introduction The disciples have asked about the timing of the destruction of Jerusalem and the coming/parousia of Jesus at the end of the age. They anticipated that His Parousia (His
More informationBeginning of Passover
Beginning of Passover Exodus 12:1-14 November 10, 2013 www.wordforlifesays.com Devotion: 1 Peter 1:18-21 Introduction How fast are we to remember where God delivered us from? This week s lesson marks a
More informationThe Rev. Dr. Jan C. Heller Year A, Advent 1, Matt. 24:36-44: 27 November 2016 Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church, Bainbridge Island, WA
The Rev. Dr. Jan C. Heller Year A, Advent 1, Matt. 24:36-44: 27 November 2016 Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church, Bainbridge Island, WA I was 6 years old and living in Peoria, IL, when my parents decided
More informationIssues: Free to Choose Part 2 Jerry Arnold
1 2010-02-13 Issues: Free to Choose Part 2 Jerry Arnold Father in Heaven, Your word is holy and so are You. We are not holy, but we want to hear from You. And we pray that You by Your grace and through
More informationTHE PARABLE OF THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church August 11, 2013, 10:30AM
THE PARABLE OF THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church August 11, 2013, 10:30AM Scripture Texts: Luke 16:19-31 Introduction. People these days seem drawn to books
More informationWe have a lot to be grateful for lately, don t you think? In the last couple of months, we ve shared some good news together.
Title Slide: Radical - Jesus Makes All the Difference Our reading from today starts on page 46 in your booklets, and if you turn to page 22 there is a page for you to take notes from today s sermon. This
More informationWho Do You Say I Am? Matthew 16:13-17 Sermon Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church 4/16/2017
Who Do You Say I Am? Matthew 16:13-17 Sermon Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church 4/16/2017 I. WHO DO YOU SAY THAT YOU ARE? Have you ever asked yourself the question, Who am I? Did you come up with a
More informationSeason after Pentecost August 12 & 13, 2017 Haven Lutheran Church Hagerstown MD Readings: John 17: 1-5; Revelation4: 1-11
Season after Pentecost August 12 & 13, 2017 Haven Lutheran Church Hagerstown MD Readings: John 17: 1-5; Revelation4: 1-11 Grace to you and peace from God - who was and is and is to come. Amen We know there
More informationIT IS NEVER TOO LATE! THE MESSAGE OF SALVATION IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION
IT IS NEVER TOO LATE! THE MESSAGE OF SALVATION IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION A. Backgound for the Book of Revelation ( = The Apocalypse) 1. The Original Context: what text MEANT, MEANS! 2. Apocalyptic Literature
More informationCitizens of the Kingdom 9/25/16 Sermon Transcription
Citizens of the Kingdom 9/25/16 Sermon Transcription Last week, we started this two week series called Jesus For President and we said that every four years in America, billions of dollars are spent trying
More informationA Thief in the Night Mathew 24:36-44, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
A Thief in the Night Mathew 24:36-44, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Friends, do you remember what it was like when you were in grade school and your teacher would leave the classroom? teacher was coming back,
More informationWritten Commentary Revelation Lesson 2
The Sign Language of the Savior This revelation was "signified" to John, which means it was given to John in "sign language." The Jews had a beautiful biblical "sign language" and we see that sign language
More informationThe Parable of the Ten Virgins
Matthew 25:1-13 Pastor Jeremy Thomas November 16, 2016 fbgbible.org Fredericksburg Bible Church 107 East Austin Street Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 (830) 997-8834 We are studying the Olivet Discourse, what
More informationWHAT JESUS TAUGHT - PART 6 What Jesus taught about the His return Dr. Derek Morris
WHAT JESUS TAUGHT - PART 6 What Jesus taught about the His return Dr. Derek Morris Preaching passage: Matt 24:36-25:13, Subject: What Jesus told his disciples about his return as He taught on the Mount
More informationTHE MYSTERY OF GOD Part 1
THE MYSTERY OF GOD Part 1 I want to begin this morning with a reading from the word of God, taken from the 10 th chapter of the book of Revelation. I will be reading from the English Standard Version.
More informationWhom are You Seeking? John 20:1-18
Whom are You Seeking? John 20:1-18 A couple of weeks ago I had a very bad day in the shop. As some of you know I make chairs in my spare time; I make Windsor chairs. It s something of a serious hobby.
More informationThe Second Coming of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
The Second Coming of Christ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe
More informationStory Why title this class Story? Why is the concept of story important to us? Why does the Bible as story matter at all?
The Story of the OT Fall 2014 Andrew Klausen Introduction A brief reflection upon Psalm 1. Syllabus Walk through the Syllabus. Introduction to the Class Story Why title this class Story? Why is the concept
More informationTouched By an Angel?
Christmas Eve December 24, 2012 The National Presbyterian Church Touched By an Angel? Matthew 1:18-24; Isaiah 6:1-8 Dr. David Renwick There are three passages of scripture in which, when telling the Christmas
More informationAdventurers with Jesus 2 ND Quarter 2018
Adventurers with Jesus 2 ND Quarter 2018 Lesson 1 The quiz and NET Check are based on topics found in Today s Lesson Story on page 6. Bible Quiz: Multiple Choice Underline the word that makes the sentence
More informationTHE CATCHING UP (THE RAPTURE)
1 THE CATCHING UP (THE RAPTURE) You may also read a complete view of Future Things by downloading our paper, "A CHRONOLOGICAL STUDY OF REVELATION", that is posted on our website, http://www.bayourouge.net.
More informationOffering a Sacrifice
Richard Davenport December 23, 2018 4 th Sunday of Advent Text: Hebrews 10:5-10 (NIV) Offering a Sacrifice 5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
More informationRevelation 4:1-2 The Rapture of the Church
Revelation 4:1-2 The Rapture of the Church Parkdale Grace Fellowship Sunday AM, April 29, 2012 Based upon as literal as possible of an interpretation of prophetic scripture, the rapture of the church is
More informationIf you get it you get it, if you don t, you don t. Like literally, that s how it ended. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
1 Easter 2018 I don t like Easter much. I know you do. I get it. Its the bunnies and chocolate and hiding and cute gifts and new dresses and seeing family. Alright, I like all that stuff too. But man,
More informationHOW I RESPOND TO LIFE IS DETERMINED BY WHAT I BELIEVE.
Have you ever been driving and you see someone blow past you, speeding way in excess and weaving in and out of traffic? You shake your head in irritation. About 10 minutes later you see flashing lights
More informationAnother Mighty Angel and the Little Scroll
Another Mighty Angel and the Little Scroll 10: 1-11 DIG: What is the angel like who announces the coming of the seventh trumpet? In what ways is this picture different from the traditional view of angels?
More informationThe Real. Jesus. A study through the Gospel of Luke. BOOK 6: His preparation
The Real Jesus A study through the Gospel of Luke BOOK 6: His preparation 3 T h e R e a l J e s u s 4 T h e R e a l J e s u s BECOMING A CHRISTIAN In the Bible, God reveals His truth about how to have
More informationBah Humbug! Making Change Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:46-47, /27/2016
Bah Humbug! Making Change Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:46-47, 52-55 11/27/2016 A Christmas Carol is not your traditional feel good Christmas story. The story begins with Marley was dead, a rather unconventional
More informationExodus 15: 1-21 Safely and securely delivered
Exodus 15: 1-21 Safely and securely delivered (1.8.10pm) Music played an important part in Israel s worship of God. And the Bible (eg. 1 Chronicles 25:1) tells of men and women being chosen to pass down
More informationA Change of Plans Matthew 1:18-25 Sermon by Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church 12/18/2016
A Change of Plans Matthew 1:18-25 Sermon by Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church 12/18/2016 I. INTRODUCTION: MATTHEW S ACCOUNT OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST (1:18a) Turn with me, if you would, to Matthew
More informationabout a book I recently finished titled Wonder by R.J. Palacio. I highly recommend this book to
Leaving Home, a sermon preached by Rev. Todd Smith Lippert at First United Church of Christ in Northfield, MN, on September 14, 2014. Genesis 12: 1-9 As I ve been working with the story of Abram and Sarai
More informationHere I Am Genesis
Here I Am Genesis 22. 1-15 It was 2 days before my wedding and my soon to be father in law wanted to do a ride along with me. We were headed to a report of a stolen bike when the call came out on the radio.
More informationHinge Moments Matthew 24:36-44
Hinge Moments Matthew 24:36-44 Rev. Jeff Chapman ~ December 9, 2007 ~ Faith Presbyterian Church Maybe you ve seen the comic strip where the guy walks by on the street holding the big sign which reads,
More informationJesus is Coming- Luke 21:25-38
1 Jesus is Coming- Luke 21:25-38 -We re now in the season of Advent. -It s often mistakenly believed that Advent points us to Christmas. -But in fact Advent doesn t point to Christmas and Jesus incarnation,
More informationFrom Ordinary to Extraordinary November 13-14, 2010
From Ordinary to Extraordinary November 13-14, 2010 Hook: Discuss how Robin and I are so excited to be a part of Foothills. It has been an incredible ride as we have sought God for what was next for our
More informationTHE MILLENNIUM. Matthew 24:31 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 John 14:1-3
Lesson 12, THE MILLENNIUM 1 THE MILLENNIUM The last two studies surveyed some of the information in the Bible concerning the second coming of Christ--Christ's own promise, the manner of His return, the
More informationChristian Belief Session 1: The God of Grace
Christian Belief Session 1: The God of Grace Grace can be defined as unmerited favor or a kindly disposition that leads to acts of kindness. Grace is most needed and best understood in the midst of sin
More informationT H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME
This ADVENT T H I S A D V E N T CHRISTMAS HAS A NAME What do you call God? When we think of God, many different words and names come to mind. When we think of Christmas, what comes to mind? The season
More information7-Day Bible Challenge
7-Day Bible Challenge What does it mean to live faithfully as a follower of Jesus Christ? The following reflections will walk you through some foundational biblical steps as you start or continue your
More informationSpring Bible Word Search Books King James New & Old Testament On-Line Catalogue
Spring 2018 Bible Word Search Books King James New & Old Testament On-Line Catalogue (for the most recent prices, please click on a book product image and follow the link to the amazon.com product page)
More informationA Word of Comfort December 7, 2014 Rev. Frank Allen First Presbyterian Church, Kissimmee, Florida
1 A Word of Comfort December 7, 2014 Rev. Frank Allen First Presbyterian Church, Kissimmee, Florida Is. 40:1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that
More informationSunday, July 15, Lesson: Luke 18:1-8; Time of Action: 30 A.D.; Place of Action: Perea
Sunday, July 15, 2018 Lesson: Luke 18:1-8; Time of Action: 30 A.D.; Place of Action: Perea Golden Text: And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with
More informationJesus Intercedes for Us
Jesus Intercedes for Us Hebrews 4:14-5:10 January 18, 2015 www.wordforlifesays.com (Please Note: All lesson verses and titles are based on International Sunday School Lesson/Uniform Series 2010 by the
More informationBible Survey of Revelation Part 2
Journey through the New Testament Bible Survey of Revelation Part 2 Revelation 4:1-22:21 3.0 What Will Take Place Visions of the Sovereign God (Revelation 4-20) 3.1 A Vision of the Rule of God (Revelation
More informationARE YOU AWAKE? December 1, 2013 Matthew 24: Adam D. Gorman, The Brick Presbyterian Church in the City of New York
ARE YOU AWAKE? December 1, 2013 Matthew 24: 36-44 Adam D. Gorman, The Brick Presbyterian Church in the City of New York Dear Lord, thank you for this past holiday of thankfulness. During this season of
More informationSecond Chances John 21:1-19
Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015 Pastor Mark Toone Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church Sermon Notes 1 Second Chances John 21:1-19 Good morning! I m so glad you chose to celebrate this joyous day with us. But fair
More informationHOPE UNKNOWN November 28, 2010, The First Sunday of Advent Matthew 24:36-44 Erin M. Keys, The Brick Presbyterian Church in the City of New York
HOPE UNKNOWN November 28, 2010, The First Sunday of Advent Matthew 24:36-44 Erin M. Keys, The Brick Presbyterian Church in the City of New York Come, Holy Spirit. Meet us where we are and bring us closer
More informationcalled to him from within the bush, Moses! Moses!
A Deliverer is Called Exodus 3 & 4 June 21, 2015 So, we are in the third week of this summer series on Exodus, titled God Provides. Its been powerful for me to take note of how this theme continues to
More informationOld Testament Stories
Old Testament Stories In the Beginning Genesis 1:1 2:4a 2 Creation Disobeys Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 6 The Rainbow Promise Genesis 9:8-17 10 A Forever Promise Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 14 What God Promises,
More informationGospel in Life #1: Grace changes everything Noosa: seeking its peace and prosperity Discussion Questions
Gospel in Life #1: Grace changes everything Noosa: seeking its peace and prosperity Discussion Questions 1. Grace changes everything. Why does the Good News of Jesus necessarily impact every single area
More informationWHAT ABOUT JESUS SECOND COMING? MATTHEW 24:36-51
1 WHAT ABOUT JESUS SECOND COMING? MATTHEW 24:36-51 How many of you this morning believe that Jesus Christ will come again one day? It s safe to say that people look forward to Jesus return for different
More informationWhy You Should Know Bible Prophecy and Believe in the Rapture of the Church by Rev. Frieda Fritz Porter
Why You Should Know Bible Prophecy and Believe in the Rapture of the Church by Rev. Frieda Fritz Porter (Portions excerpted from On the Brink of the Rapture by Rev. Porter) But I charge you therefore before
More informationMy Story: The Emmaus Road Luke 24:13-36 January 15, 2017 Rev. David Williams Scripture: Luke 24:13-36 Sermon: Introduction Have you ever had an aha
My Story: The Emmaus Road Luke 24:13-36 January 15, 2017 Rev. David Williams Scripture: Luke 24:13-36 Sermon: Introduction Have you ever had an aha moment? Have you ever had one of those moments when all
More informationThe Revelation OF The Name
Isaiah 9:6 Christmas Series: The Revelation OF The Name Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,
More informationRevelation. Surprise God Has Something to Say Chapter 1:1-3
Revelation Surprise God Has Something to Say Chapter 1:1-3 III An Introduction to the Book C. An Introductory Analysis 1. The Title of the Book Verse 1 2. Method of Interpretation Verse 2 3. Beatitude
More informationFamily advent idea: Make a Jesse Tree. by Fellowship Community Church fellowshipsj.org
Family advent idea: Make a Jesse Tree by Fellowship Community Church fellowshipsj.org Advent means coming. During the month leading up to Christmas we can anticipate the birth of Jesus by returning to
More informationSeries: Holy Land Tour 2016 Text: Luke 24:13-35 Title: You Missed Something
Sermon for July 3, 2016 Boscobel & Mt. Zion UMCs Series: Holy Land Tour 2016 Text: Luke 24:13-35 Title: You Missed Something Introduction: Good Morning BMZ! So Glad you DID NOT MISS TODAY. This is the
More informationLiving in the Present Moment Matthew 24:36-44 Sermon by Dan Schrock November 27, 2016 Advent 1
Living in the Present Moment Matthew 24:36-44 Sermon by Dan Schrock November 27, 2016 Advent 1 36 But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
More informationWhat's That Book About?
What's That Book About? HR110 LESSON 03 of 05 Mark Young, PhD Experience: President, Denver Seminary Previously, we looked at the story of creation and the fall of humanity. You may remember that the description
More informationWhat Good Can Come From Unjust Suffering? Welcome to CrossWinds. It is great to worship together. If you are
What Good Can Come From Unjust Suffering? January 25, 2015 Welcome to CrossWinds. It is great to worship together. If you are connecting from the Internet, thanks for joining us. If you are new, I want
More information2) That s the second point for this sermon. Mary sang with Bible knowledge.
Luke 1:54-55 Dear children of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, and guests, two more days, and it will be Christmas. Today is the last Sunday of Advent. Our reflection on expectation is almost over.
More information