game of thrones and kingdoms Mark 6:14-29 July 12, 2015 Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B
|
|
- Julia Newman
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 1 game of thrones and kingdoms Mark 6:14-29 July 12, 2015 Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B It sounds weird, doesn t it, to say this is the gospel of our Lord, after something like that. When I was in seminary, as an exercise in biblical authority, our professor would have us read our least favorite, and some of the most disturbing, passages from scripture and we would all have to say the word of the Lord, thanks be to God, afterwards. While it felt odd at the time, and it made me shudder to read some of them, I think it helped us to remember that even the hard passages were worth looking at, talking about, praying over and wrestling with. And this is one of those difficult passages. When you read this passage, it s easy to realize that TV dramas have absolutely nothing on the Bible. This past spring, Matt got me started watching HBO s Game of Thrones. It s actually kind of a horrible show that I m not sure if I really like or not But when I was first reading this story from Mark, it reminded me of a movie, or a TV show, and when one of my favorite commentators compared it to Game of Thrones I thought yes! 1 This scene seems like it could be pulled straight from an episode of Game of Thrones: It s full of scandals, oaths, and disturbing images, and often times when something really awful happens on Game of Thrones, it happens at a big party. There are a couple of things about this scene that make it stand out: it s one of the longest sustained narrative scenes in the Gospel, Jesus does not appear in it at all, it seems to interrupt the flow of the rest of the story, and it s told in flashback, the only time that Mark employs such a narrative device. King Herod has heard of the deeds of the disciples, those ones who were sent out by twos, who were casting out demons, anointing the sick with oil and curing them. And so, he fears their leader, the one who has given them power, and who manifests this power himself. Gossip abounds as people whisper to one another about who Jesus might possibly be. Then we have this flashback Mark recounts the story of the death of John the Baptist, who died because of his prophet- like inability to keep his mouth shut when he saw something that was wrong. So why is this in the Bible? This weird, horrifying story, why? 1 This sermon leans HEAVILY on David Lose s work this week on his weekly lectionary blog, In the Meantime Here is the link:
2 2 Well Mark, tells this story as a flashback, out of its narrative sequence, which means he could have put this scene anywhere. But he puts it here, not simply between the sending and receiving of the disciples but, more specifically, just after Jesus has commissioned them to take up the work of the kingdom of God and then, he joins them in making that kingdom three- dimensional, tangible, and in these ways seriously imaginable. Perhaps the point of this narrative, and it s location, is to draw a contrast between the two kingdoms available to Jesus disciples, and to all of us: the kingdom of God, and Herod s kingdom, the kingdom of the world, the kingdom of human kind. Herod s Kingdom is dominated by the desire for power, the will to gain influence over others. This is the world where competition, fear and envy are the currency, the world of not just late night dramas and reality television but also the evening news, where we have paraded before us the triumphs and tragedies of the day as if they are simply givens, another shooting, another church burning, another family torn apart, another town heavy with grief, as if there is no other way of being in the world and relating to each other. Maybe is why Mark places the story here. Just previous to this scene Jesus sends his disciples out in utter vulnerability, completely dependent on the hospitality and grace of others, to bring healing and mercy with no expectation of reward or return. As the disciples have gone out into the world to preach and teach repentance and heal the sick, they already know how that worked out for John the Baptist; they know that what happened to John could easily happen to them. But they come back. They all come back and just after this scene comes a different kind of feast altogether. What follows this flashback is completely unlike Herod s banquet of fear and misbehavior; instead what follows is a banquet of mercy, so markedly in contrast to the birthday bash Herod throws himself that it s almost stunning. It s a familiar story but still striking in it s contrast to the story that comes before. Jesus takes five loaves, and two fish, and feeds over five thousand people. Rather than the rich and powerful, it s the poor and outcast that flock to Jesus feeding of the thousands. Rather than political intrigue and power plays dominating the day, it s blessing and shocking abundance that characterize this meal. And that s the choice that Mark puts before us: which kingdom do we want to live in? Or, at least recognizing that we have no choice but to live in the kingdom of the world to some extent, to which kingdom will we give ultimate allegiance? Seems like it would be an easy answer, of course, The kingdom of God, we are all supposed to answer. But it s not as easy as just saying it out loud. The kingdom of God is where vulnerability, and sharing, and mercy and justice and grace lead to abundant
3 3 life for all people. And those are also the same qualities that have gotten prophets in trouble time and time again. At the very least, we might say, being vulnerable and showing mercy can make us feel like we could easily be taken advantage of. And the truth is, we might be but we can also give ourselves wholly and completely to the world of power and never quite feel secure, because once we ve accepted that power or wealth or influence or whatever; we are always vulnerable to those with more power it seems like we are simply in a never- ending contest where there are no winners like a lifelong episode of Game of Thrones, those who have the throne of power only have it for a short time until they are unseated by someone else. Herod himself felt this fear and vulnerability- he was a ruler with such immense power, and yet he actually has no control over his power or his kingdom. He, like many others in power throughout history and today, he is completely paranoid that his power is fleeting and that he is going to lose it. He believes that John the Baptist is back from dead to haunt him! Even though human power is fleeting, we know this from history, from the Roman empire to even our news stories today; humans still will always grab for it. Just because people in power, in this case Herod, are presented with an alternative, with the all- inclusive, freeing, merciful kingdom of God, that certainly doesn t mean that it s easy to give that power up. When repentance is preached to those in power, it s not a gift, it s a threat. And this story, and the story of Good Friday, and the gospel as a whole is a story of our human tendency to preserve power, to preserve privilege, to preserve our right to do whatever we want without worrying too much about the consequences 2. The contrast between these two kingdoms: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of power here on earth, shines light on the deepest, darkest realities of who we are. We are people who are more likely to save face than to do the right thing, who are more likely to keep what we have than to share it with others, who are more likely to look at the stranger and say out of fear you don t belong here, than to open the doors and let them in. When you play the game of thrones, a central character says early in the TV show, you win or die. There is no middle ground. But the good news is that is not how it is in the kingdom of God. When we are drawn into the kingdom of God, when we are captivated by it, when we surrender to it, first we do die. We die to all that we thought was important, to the power that we selfishly crave, to sin that threatens to overtake our lives. And then we live. 2 From the Working Preacher Podcast with Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis and Matt Skinner (Luther Theological Seminary):
4 4 This story of corruption, lust and power is not where the gospel ends. This chapter goes on to celebrate the safe return of the disciples and then to share the story of an incredible meal. In a kingdom where food was scarce, Jesus takes five loaves of bread and two fish, looks up to heaven and blesses and breaks the loaves. He gives the loaves and fish to his disciples to give to the people and 5,000 eat and are filled. And still there is some left over! This, this is the kingdom of God. This is the grace of God. I know that the kingdom Jesus proclaims can seem odd, or idealistic, especially in light of recent current events. But it s these crazy stories of violence and people acting out of fear, the stories that have been going on since biblical times and still continue today, that make us crave the kingdom of God all the more. A kingdom where all are welcome, all are valued, all are cherished, all are fed. A kingdom where grace and mercy have the last word. May it be so. Amen.
5 Because of these features, the scene is not only as suspenseful and grisly as anything on television, but it is unlike anything else in Mark s account and seems almost out of place, even misplaced as a story looking for another narrative home. Some have questioned why Mark reports it at all. Matthew shortens it markedly and Luke omits it altogether. The majority opinion of commentators is that it serves two key purposes in Mark: it foreshadows Jesus own death and it serves as a disturbing version of final jeopardy music, an interlude between Jesus sending of the disciples and their return some unknown number of days or weeks later. The location of this story is so important. They ve been sent out, two by two, not knowing what to expect, but knowing that they could expect the worst. Each of them was living every day in the really clear knowledge that what they were doing could cost them their lives. Can you even imagine? 5
Sermon for Pentecost 7 Year B 2015 The Truth, Nothing But the Truth, and the Consequences
Sermon for Pentecost 7 Year B 2015 The Truth, Nothing But the Truth, and the Consequences What a handful of hard texts we have this morning! Between the harsh prophetic words of Amos and the seductive
More informationA Tale of Two Feasts
August 3, 2014 Pentecost 8/Proper 13 Matthew 14:13-21 13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot
More informationDivine Actions and Deadly Consequences July 15, 2018 Dr. Frank J. Allen, Jr., Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida
1 Divine Actions and Deadly Consequences July 15, 2018 Dr. Frank J. Allen, Jr., Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida Mark 6:14-29 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus name had become known.
More informationDidn t he know that it was likely to be a person, not an animal, who came out of his house first?
Least Known, Most Interesting: Jephthah s Daughter Judges 11:29-40 Katherine C. Kerr August 7, 2016 We turn now to our second scripture reading, which comes from the Old Testament book of Judges. Jephthah
More informationOur interest here has something to do with the fact that a story like this offers a reflection of reality. This is the way things work in the real
Why Are We Drawn to this Dark Tale? Mark 6:14-29 Dr. Christopher C. F. Chapman First Baptist Church, Raleigh July 12, 2015 There are certain authors that tell such dark stories that we have to wonder why
More informationProper 10B 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:14-29 July 12, 2015 St. Thomas Church, Abingdon The Rev. Canon Kathy Dunagan
1 Proper 10B 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:14-29 July 12, 2015 St. Thomas Church, Abingdon The Rev. Canon Kathy Dunagan I am struggling to find the good news in today s readings. A friend
More informationFlashbacks. Then one of my best friends from high school came back to town to fix up her parents
July 15, 2018 Mark 6: 14-29 Prayer: Dear Lord, Please be with us as we go to your Word. Illuminate these texts that we might understand what you want us to understand. In Jesus name we pray, Amen. Flashbacks
More informationSermon for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost
The Rev. Dr. Mary Abrams -- St James Episcopal Church Mark s Gospel Tells Us Not to Lose Hope God Is Still at Work, And God Will Win. An elderly lady was well known for her faith. She would stand on her
More informationRev. Dr. Anne B. Epling First Presbyterian Church July 22, 2018 Mark 6: Herods Today As I wrote in my weekly letter, the Eplings are
Rev. Dr. Anne B. Epling First Presbyterian Church July 22, 2018 Mark 6: 14-29 Herods Today As I wrote in my weekly email letter, the Eplings are settling into life in Fort Wayne. The boxes are (Mostly)
More informationSecrets of the Kingdom of God Mark 12:38-44
Rev. Gaston Warner November 8, 2009 Secrets of the Kingdom of God Mark 12:38-44 I love the bible, it is a wonderful book. The bible is God s self-revelation of himself to us, and in its pages we learn
More informationImpossible Insufficiency. Scripture: Matthew 14: 13-21
Impossible Insufficiency Scripture: Matthew 14: 13-21 Our text this morning is a familiar text. In fact, all the Gospels share this story in some shape or form. So there has to be something pretty special
More informationLakeside Sermons. Unnecessary For Survival 1 Samuel 17:57-18:16; II Corinthians 6:1-13
Lakeside Sermons Lakeside Baptist Church Rocky Mount, North Carolina Elizabeth J. Edwards, Associate Minister JUNE 24, 2012 Unnecessary For Survival 1 Samuel 17:57-18:16; II Corinthians 6:1-13 In preparation
More informationHe Is Out of His Mind; crazy! Message by DD Adams Providence United Methodist Church Second Sunday After Pentecost June 7, 2015
He Is Out of His Mind; crazy! Message by DD Adams Providence United Methodist Church Second Sunday After Pentecost June 7, 2015 Today s gospel lesson is from the third chapter of Mark, verses 20 through
More informationLast Class: Review & Finalize 24th Confirmation Class Lesson
Last Class: Review & Finalize 24th Confirmation Class Lesson Lesson #1 Mark 2:1-12 Story: Friends carry a paralytic to Jesus. Crowd gets in the way. Friends go to the roof top and lower friend through
More informationBIZARRE, BRUTAL AND BIBLICAL Mark 6:14-29
BIZARRE, BRUTAL AND BIBLICAL Mark 6:14-29 SCENE 1: HEROD S FEAR MARK 6:14-16 14 King Herod heard of this, because Jesus name had become well known. Some said, John the Baptist has been raised from the
More informationDeath of John the Baptizer
1 Death of John the Baptizer July 12, 2015 The Rev. William C. Jackson, ThD, Nacoochee Presbyterian Church Parish Affiliate Based on the reading from Mark 6:14-29 The thought of a person being beheaded
More informationBAPTISM AND EPIPHANY
BAPTISM AND EPIPHANY LECTIONARY COMMENTARY Sunday, January 4, 2009 (Epiphany begins January 6, 2009) Regina Langley, Guest Lectionary Commentator Ph.D. Candidate, Princeton Theological Seminary, Pastor,
More information1 Kings 17: Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 9 Go now to Zarephath, which
1 Kings 17:8-24 8 Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 9 Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you. 10 So he set out and went
More information14 When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus, NLT 250
Chapter 14 v1 14 When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus, 250 Chapter 14 v2-3 251 2 he said to his advisers, "This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead! That is why he can
More informationFirst Presbyterian Church Encounters with Jesus: At Dinner Luke 7:36-50, by Pastor Matt Johnson, 2/1/2015
First Presbyterian Church Encounters with Jesus: At Dinner Luke 7:36-50, by Pastor Matt Johnson, 2/1/2015 Just to get acknowledgment of the Super Bowl out of the way, the Seahawk s menacing safety Kam
More informationGive Me Oil in My Lamp Matthew 25:1-13
Give Me Oil in My Lamp Matthew 25:1-13 There are just some texts that I wish the editors would have left out of the Bible, this text being one of them. There is so much here that makes me uncomfortable.
More informationIt seemed that all Israel is asking the same question. Who Is Jesus? King Herod wants to know, since
They All Ate and Were Satisfied The Nineteenth in a Series on the Gospel of Mark Texts: Mark 6:30-44; Exodus 16:1-19 It seemed that all Israel is asking the same question. Who Is Jesus? King Herod wants
More informationStrong in His Might: The Whole armor of Christ Ephesians 6:11-13 Introduction I think my favorite Christmas movie is Die Hard. I know you probably
Strong in His Might: The Whole armor of Christ Ephesians 6:11-13 Introduction I think my favorite Christmas movie is Die Hard. I know you probably forgot it as Christmas movie, but it is. Bruce Willis,
More information80 s TV: II FRIENDS Karen F. Bunnell Elkton United Methodist Church January 22, John 19:5-7
80 s TV: II FRIENDS Karen F. Bunnell Elkton United Methodist Church January 22, 2017 John 19:5-7 this: Back in the 1970 s, singer James Taylor released a new song that went like When you re down and troubled,
More informationGod Bless Us... Everyone Luke 2:1-15; Isaiah 9:2-7
God Bless Us... Everyone Luke 2:1-15; Isaiah 9:2-7 Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. For one thing, growing up it was the one day of the year that our entire family would be together
More informationSeek First the Kingdom Matthew 6:24-33
1 Natalie W. Bell November 12, 2017 Seek First the Kingdom Matthew 6:24-33 "No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the
More informationInto Thy Word Bible Study in Revelation
Into Thy Word Bible Study in Revelation Into Thy Word Ministries www.intothyword.org Revelation 10:1-7: The Small Scroll General idea: John sees another mighty angel reflecting the glory of our Lord and
More informationBeyond the Veil Revelation 1:4-19 Andrew Foster Connors Reign of Christ Sunday November 22, 2015
1 Beyond the Veil Revelation 1:4-19 Andrew Foster Connors Reign of Christ Sunday November 22, 2015 Let me tell you why you re here, Morpheus says to Neo in one of my all time favorite movies. You re here
More informationScandal: The Wild Guy By Jason Huff December 27, 2014 Deuteronomy 18:17-19; Acts 3:11-12,16-26; Matthew 3:1-12
Scandal: The Wild Guy By Jason Huff December 27, 2014 Deuteronomy 18:17-19; Acts 3:11-12,16-26; Matthew 3:1-12 Friends, our final Scripture reading this evening comes from Matthew 3:1-12. I invite you
More informationThe Sweet Smell of Salvation March 13, 2016 Rev. Frank Allen First Presbyterian Church, Kissimmee, Florida
1 The Sweet Smell of Salvation March 13, 2016 Rev. Frank Allen First Presbyterian Church, Kissimmee, Florida RESURRECTION REJECTION Today is the fifth Sunday in Lent. Next week will be Palm Sunday, and
More informationWhose Mind Is Changed? Preached at LPTS Chapel March 4, 2016 By Susan R. Garrett. Texts: Isaiah 55:7-9; Mark 7:26-30
Whose Mind Is Changed? Preached at LPTS Chapel March 4, 2016 By Susan R. Garrett Texts: Isaiah 55:7-9; Mark 7:26-30 I read Ayn Rand s book The Fountainhead in ninth grade. Inspired by her portrayal of
More information17 th Week in Ordinary Time
17 th Week in Ordinary Time July 28, 2012 Kris Olson-Garewal Announcements Opening Song Come to the Table of Plenty #310 Opening Prayer When the heart is hard and parched up, come upon me with a shower
More informationJoyful Repentance Luke 3: /10/17. Advent is an odd sort of season on the church calendar. With its
1 Joyful Repentance Luke 3:1-14 12/10/17 Advent is an odd sort of season on the church calendar. With its emphasis on the first and second coming of Jesus and the ministry of John the Baptist, it is totally
More informationON THE WESTERN slope of the Mount of Olives, just across the Kidron Valley from
Sermon Luke 13:31-35 February 21, 2016 HPMF, Lent 2 Title: The Challenge of Lent Luke 13:31-35 The Lament over Jerusalem 31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, Get away from here, for
More informationTell Me A Story: About Hunger Preached By Tim Moon St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church August 3, 2014
Tell Me A Story: About Hunger Preached By Tim Moon St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church August 3, 2014 The world around him is starting to close in. The Roman and Jewish authorities are threatened by the
More informationonce upon A PArABLe Student handbook
once upon A PArABLe Student handbook 1 Do you like stories? What is your favorite role as the storyteller or the listener? Our lives are made up of stories. Every day in conversation we narrate our adventures,
More informationThe Boy Jesus Luke 2:39-52 I. INTRODUCTION- a. We spent the Sundays before Christmas talking about the birth of Jesus.
The Boy Jesus Luke 2:39-52 I. INTRODUCTION- a. We spent the Sundays before Christmas talking about the birth of Jesus. b. Today we continue a study the life of our Lord as we begin a new sermon study on
More informationRequest and Plea (vv10-13): Father PRAYER
FINDING THE RIGHT WORDS / Sunday, January 4, 2015 Unifying Topic: A MODEL FOR PRAYER Lesson Text I. A Model For Prayer (Luke 11:1-4) II. Attitude In Prayer (Luke 11:5-13) Lesson Text: And he said unto
More informationLuke 9:37-45 Demons and Greatness
Luke 9:37-45 Demons and Greatness LESSON FOCUS: We are like the disciples who are not yet ready to fully understand the Kingdom of God. We need to continually journey with Christ toward the cross so that
More informationTHE JOY OF THE KING. Series: Humble King December 16, 2018 Edgar King Joy, Humility, Childbirth Luke 1:39-45, 2:10-13
THE JOY OF THE KING Series: Humble King December 16, 2018 Edgar King Joy, Humility, Childbirth Luke 1:39-45, 2:10-13 I watched a funny video of dad s in the delivery room with the moms. I just realized
More informationGospel of Mark, Session 4 & 5
1 OPPOSITION MOUNTS Mark 6:1-29 Gospel of Mark, Session 4 & 5 This chapter has it all: royalty, sex and religion. It begins with the latter. When Jesus went back to his home region his religious teachings
More informationGrace and Truth Amos 5:6-7, 10-15; Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31 Dr. Christopher C. F. Chapman First Baptist Church October 14, 2018
Grace and Truth Amos 5:6-7, 10-15; Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31 Dr. Christopher C. F. Chapman First Baptist Church October 14, 2018 The prologue to the Gospel According to John uses majestic poetry to
More information8/6/17 Matt 14:13-21 You Help Them! You Help Them! Matthew 14:13-21
You Help Them! Matthew 14:13-21 I may have told you about the brunch I enjoyed at Crystal in June with Beverly Peeler and Ann Coleman, who fed me when I had gone the women s retreat and found myself delayed
More informationThy Word Psalm 119 February 5, 2017
Thy Word Psalm 119 February 5, 2017 In my newsletter article that went out this past week I quoted a few scriptures. One from Deuteronomy where God tells us to love foreigners because we were foreigners
More informationJustice. A. Our God is a God of Justice Read Psalm 33:5 and Isaiah 61:8. 1. What two things do these verses say God loves?
MYP Drama 8 Name: Justice A Bible Study There are over 2000 verses in the Bible that deal with poverty and justice. To make this point, a pastor in the US once took a scissors and an old King James Bible,
More informationAre We Ready? Isa. 61: 1-4, 8-11
Are We Ready? Isa. 61: 1-4, 8-11 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty
More informationSpiritual Warfare A biblical approach to spiritual warfare and armor Part 1 spiritual warfare mania
Spiritual Warfare A biblical approach to spiritual warfare and armor Part 1 spiritual warfare mania 1 Leaders and people across the nation & world are talking about demonic powers and strongholds, and
More informationSurely This Man Was the Son of God Mark 15:33-39 Wayne Eberly January 14, 2018
Surely This Man Was the Son of God Mark 15:33-39 Wayne Eberly January 14, 2018 A passage like this, the one found in Mark 15, might cause a person to wonder why the gospel writer, the one we know as Mark,
More informationTHE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS The Gift of Preparation
Text: Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 3:1-6 THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS The Gift of Preparation See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, says the prophet Malachi. And Luke quotes Isaiah, The voice
More information1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
Epiphany Season Colour: white Epiphany is a special feast in the Church s year. Epiphany means appearance or manifestation and refers to the revelation of God in Jesus. It has been associated particularly
More informationFootloose in New Canaan
Footloose in New Canaan Rev. Dr. Michael Piazza Sunday, July 15, 2018 2 Samuel 6:12-19/ Mark 6:14-29 Do you say footloose and fancy free here in New England? It is a favorite phrase in the south when all
More informationBankrupt Keys of the Kingdom: Godly Character for a Godless World Less is More Subseries New Life Assembly Matt 5:3; Luke 6:20 January 2, 2011
Bankrupt Keys of the Kingdom: Godly Character for a Godless World Less is More Subseries New Life Assembly Matt 5:3; Luke 6:20 January 2, 2011 Main Sermon Idea: Poverty is a spiritual qualification for
More informationI want to begin my sermon today by thanking all of you who came here a week ago on Saturday
SERMON TITLE: Prepare the Way SERMON TEXT: Luke 3:1-18 PREACHER: Rev. Kim James OCCASION: December 6, 2015, at First UMC INTRODUCTION I want to begin my sermon today by thanking all of you who came here
More informationBurning the Midnight Oil
Matthew 25:1-13 Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 When the foolish took
More informationAn Attitude Of Gratitude. AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE seems to saturate today s lessons.
An Attitude Of Gratitude AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE seems to saturate today s lessons. In Jeremiah, the now aged prophet writes a letter to all the movers and shakers of Israel who ve been force-marched
More informationThe Book of Isaiah Chapters Introduction: Today, we move to the second of three sections of Isaiah s final movement.
Wednesday Bible Study Pastor Kevin Holt The Book of Isaiah Chapters 60-62 Introduction: Today, we move to the second of three sections of Isaiah s final movement. Final Movement Isaiah 56-66 56-59 60-62
More informationTHE JOURNEY Lent Week 1 - Hearing the Voice of the Father
William Pritchard February 23, 2015 THE JOURNEY Lent Week 1 - Hearing the Voice of the Father Baptism of Jesus It was a profound announcement by God that Jesus is the Messiah, and that Jesus has taken
More informationHorizons Bible Study. Journeys Through Revelation: Apocalyptic Hope for Today. Lesson Summaries by Louise Lawson Johnson
1 2010 2011 Horizons Bible Study Journeys Through Revelation: Apocalyptic Hope for Today Lesson Summaries by Louise Lawson Johnson These summaries are pulled from each lesson of the 2010 2011 Horizons
More informationSermon written and delivered by Rev. Leslie Moughty February 24, 2019 Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved Text: Matthew 14:12-33
1 The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. I think this quote by writer William Arthur Ward describes the mindset of the disciples of Jesus
More informationSecond Sunday of Advent December 10, Advent is a complicated season. It is a season that is full of the paradox of
What Shall I Cry? Pastor Peter Hanson Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8 Christ the King Lutheran Church Second Sunday of Advent December 10, 2017 Advent is a complicated season. It is a season that is full of
More informationA Journey with Christ the Messiah It's Sunday but Friday is Coming
INTRODUCTION: A Journey with Christ the Messiah It's Sunday but Friday is Coming John 12:1, 9-11; Luke 19:29-36; John 12:12-19 April 2, 2107 In order to continue with the theme of "A Journey with Christ
More informationSUNDAY. DATE 6 August 2017 (Year A) The Revd Gill Rookyard. Mathew 14: 13-21
SUNDAY 9 th Sunday after Pentecost DATE 6 August 2017 (Year A) PREACHER The Revd Gill Rookyard Mathew 14: 13-21 Now when Jesus heard of John the Baptist s beheading, he withdrew from there in a boat to
More informationAdvent 3. The Rev. Mr. Christopher Smith. St. Andrew s Anglican Church - Jacksonville, Oregon
12.13.15 Advent 3 The Rev. Mr. Christopher Smith St. Andrew s Anglican Church - Jacksonville, Oregon "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be always acceptable in thy sight, O LORD,
More informationAngelic Encounters December 16, 2018 Luke 1:5-22. Last week, as we began preparing for the birth of our Savior, we considered the prophets; today
I. Introduction Angelic Encounters December 16, 2018 Luke 1:5-22 Last week, as we began preparing for the birth of our Savior, we considered the prophets; today we consider the angels in particular, Angelic
More informationThe Temptation of Jesus February Matthew 4:1-11
I. Introduction The Temptation of Jesus February 18. 2018 Matthew 4:1-11 As many of you know, today is the first Sunday of Lent. The six weeks before Easter is called the "Lenten Season." It is a time
More informationA TALE OF TWO MOTHERS. A. Today is the Lord's Day, but since 1914 this Sunday in May has a secondary significance.
A TALE OF TWO MOTHERS A. Today is the Lord's Day, but since 1914 this Sunday in May has a secondary significance. 1. This is a day to honor our FIRST primary care giver, which we should be doing often.
More informationHAPPINESS IS DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE PHILIPPIANS 1:12-26; 4:10-13 JULY 15, 2012
1 HAPPINESS IS DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE PHILIPPIANS 1:12-26; 4:10-13 JULY 15, 2012 Are you happy? In this recession economy, with people unemployed, underemployed, employed but worried, there
More information91 "Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?" Verse 3. Then they scoffed, "He's just a carpenter, the son of Mary and
Chapter 6. Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. Verse 2. The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.
More informationThe Man of Distinction
DATE May 16, 2010 SERMON BY Pastor Jim Dunn The Man of Distinction CHURCH OFFICE 4205 Tracy Avenue Kansas City, Missouri 64110 PHONE (816) 561-0561 EMAIL ilckcmo@kcnet.com WEB www.immanuellcms.com TEXT
More informationGrace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Listen again to the words of our Old Testament text:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Listen again to the words of our Old Testament text: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan,
More informationus in the Word. After all, St. John says at the beginning of the Gospel: In the beginning was
WORD AND LITURGY: GOD SPEAKS TO US John 6:24-35 Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B Father Cole Daily We know that Jesus is truly present to us in the Eucharist, but He is also present to us in the
More information2015 Southwestern Texas Synod Assembly. Worship Bulletin May 1-3, 2015
2015 Southwestern Texas Synod Assembly Worship Bulletin May 1-3, 2015 Friday Evening, May 1, 2015 For the Healing of the Nations Intercessory prayer for peoples, lands, and nations, based on Isaiah 65
More informationThe Great Banquet Luke 14:15-24 Sunday Aug 7, 2016 St. Andrew s Presbyterian Church, Brampton
We are in a series looking at the Parables short stories Jesus told. He was always using common things situations or objects that the people listening to him would come across in their ordinary every day
More informationMatthew Trinity at Your Service (TJP) page 1
"The Holy Trinity - At Your Service" Matthew 28:16-20 May 26, 2002 Festival of the Holy Trinity, Series C Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Boise, Idaho Pastor Tim Pauls And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying,
More informationThe Lord Is My Light Rev. Dr. Scott Field Psalm 27 Date: 12/4/2016
The Lord Is My Light Rev. Dr. Scott Field Psalm 27 Date: 12/4/2016 Christmas Competition Each year during this special season of peace, love, joy, and hope -- all based upon the grace and mercy of God
More informationUnexpected Joy - On Time Deliverance! Luke 1:67-79, Galatians 4:4-6 December 21, 2014 Dr. Michael T. Carey
Unexpected Joy - On Time Deliverance! Luke 1:67-79, Galatians 4:4-6 December 21, 2014 Dr. Michael T. Carey Today we re talking about on-time-delivery, a huge issue these days. Between Thanksgiving and
More informationSolemnity of Christ the King - B
Solemnity of Christ the King - B Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage. Introduction Instituted by Pius
More informationThe spiritual writer and former vicar of the Holy Island of. Lindisfarne, David Adam encourages us to practise the Presence. In
Sermon Sunday 7 May 2017 Lessons Acts 2: 42 47 1 Peter 2: 19 23 St John 10: 1-10 Prayer of Illumination Let us pray. Guide us our thoughts, O God. Lead us to a place of peace, a moment of sacred rest,
More informationBlessed be the Name of God. This morning, we are given a fine and altogether familiar gospel
Proper 13A Matthew 14.13-21 Feeding the 5000 St. Augustine s, 8.3.14 Blessed be the Name of God This morning, we are given a fine and altogether familiar gospel story, a very happy circumstance for the
More informationHOPES & FEARS Dealing With Disappointment at Christmas
HOPES & FEARS Dealing With Disappointment at Christmas Psa 146:5-10; Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 1:46b-55; Matt 11:2-11; James 5:7-10 Why These Advent Texts? A young pastor in another state wrote me a few days
More information1: Jesus the Messiah. Part V: Understanding the New Testament. Between the Testaments. Getting to the Point
Part V: Understanding the New Testament 1: Jesus the Messiah Between the Testaments From the moment that Adam and Eve sinned, God has been working a plan of redemption. Even through Israel s failures,
More informationLife Happens at the Table Acts 2:42-37 July 8, 2018 Re. Diane Christopher
Life Happens at the Table Acts 2:42-37 July 8, 2018 Re. Diane Christopher Exactly a month ago on June 8, Anthony Bourdain took his own life. At the time of his death, Bourdain had a TV show on CNN called
More informationEncountering God in Scripture
Encountering God in Scripture Participants' Guide S E S S I O N S TEN BIG QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BIBLE How did we get our Bible? What is the authority of the Bible? How do we use the Bible? What are the barriers
More informationChapter One. The Spiritual Realm
Chapter One The Spiritual Realm For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things were created through
More informationWhat is the Good News?
Sample Session 1: Good News to the Poor.... 1 Session 2: Good News to the Sick.... 4 Session 3: Good News to the Brokenhearted.... 7 Session 4: Good News to Outcasts.... 10 2018 Geneva Press Published
More informationALWAYS WANTED TO SEE A MIRACLE (sermon for October 30, 2011) By Dr. David R. Mains
ALWAYS WANTED TO SEE A MIRACLE (sermon for October 30, 2011) By Dr. David R. Mains Subject: Seeing a miracle firsthand. Desired Response: Not only see but be involved in. How To: Participate in this call
More informationFirst Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida Dr. Frank Allen, Pastor 3/16/08. Matthew 26:36-46 (NRSV)
First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida Dr. Frank Allen, Pastor 3/16/08 Matthew 26:36-46 (NRSV) Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while
More informationday of the new year. And every year as we again begin to cycle through the seasons, we begin
Advent 1, The House of Bread Waiting: leavening Isaiah 2:1-5; Matthew 24:36-44 Here we are, once again, entering into the time of Advent. In liturgical time, it s the first day of the new year. And every
More informationTrial Use Collects, Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion. Propers 10 to 22 June to August 2015 Year B
Trial Use Collects, Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion Propers 10 to 22 June to August 2015 Year B The following Collects are alternatives to the Collects in The Book of Alternative Services and,
More informationSermon for August 3 rd, Eighth Sunday of Pentecost, Matthew 14:13-21 BLESSINGS TO YOU AND PEACE FROM GOD THE FATHER, OUR
Sermon for August 3 rd, 2014 Eighth Sunday of Pentecost, Matthew 14:13-21 BLESSINGS TO YOU AND PEACE FROM GOD THE FATHER, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN. One day this past week Pastor
More informationMatthew. Chapter 14. Blue Letter Bible
Matthew Chapter 14 By Don Stewart Brought to you by Blue Letter Bible BlueLetterBible.org Matthew 14 219 MATTHEW CHAPTER 14 There is a connection that links the first section of chapter 14 with the end
More informationpause Daily Devotions for Lent Week 1
pause Daily Devotions for Lent Week 1 Wayzata Community Church Lent 2018 Ash Wednesday: Ash February 14 2018 by Rev. Danielle Jones Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according
More informationLuke 15:1-3; Then Jesus said, There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said
Luke 15:1-3; 11-32 15 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with
More informationOutline. Jesus Core Message: The Rule of God MANIFESTING THE NEW AGE: JESUS MIRACLES. Why we think that message is historical.
Class 8a MANIFESTING THE NEW AGE: JESUS MIRACLES Outline Dig Team: Galilee Preaching the Rule of God Jesus Core Message: The Rule of God Why we think it s historical Political significance Manifesting
More informationThe Plight of Elijah
Eric Falker Page 1 I Kings 17:7-16 The Plight of Elijah Security, Peace and Fear part #1 You might have heard the story of the stone soup. A poor traveler enters a town, looking for a warm meal, but is
More informationLife Change: A Life in Need of Healing (Week 1) Mark 1:40-45
Life Change: A Life in Need of Healing (Week 1) Mark 1:40-45 Can you change when change matters the most? What if it was a matter of life or death? Could you change then? A wife says to her husband, If
More informationSERMON. The Sin of David: A Sermon on Power and (White) Privilege. July 26, 2015 Rev. Dr. Eric C. Smith
SERMON The Sin of David: A Sermon on Power and (White) Privilege July 26, 2015 Rev. Dr. Eric C. Smith The Sin of David: A Sermon on Power and (White) Privilege July 26, 2015 by Rev. Dr. Eric C. Smith as
More information1. Test His Doctrinal Position
Test Your Teacher I came across a story this week that I want to share with you this morning. It s about a church that was searching for a new pastor. In fact, they d been searching for months and months
More informationMany of you have seen the recently released documentary about Fred Rogers.
Who Are We Ernest F. Krug, III Third Presbyterian Church July 22, 2018 Jeremiah 23: 1-6; Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56 Many of you have seen the recently released documentary about Fred Rogers. Mr. Rogers was a
More informationReading Hebrews - From Idols to Christ Pentecost +21 Rev. Doug Floyd Hebrews 3:1-4:11
Reading Hebrews - From Idols to Christ Pentecost +21 Rev. Doug Floyd Hebrews 3:1-4:11 We will continue our study this week in Hebrews. The lesson is from Hebrews 3:1-6. I'll talk about Hebrews 3 and part
More information