Haydenville Congregational Church The Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian Luke 14:1, 7-14 September 1, 2013
|
|
- Charleen Davis
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Haydenville Congregational Church The Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian Luke 14:1, 7-14 September 1, 2013 Opus Contra Naturam OR Why is this stuff so hard? May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord our Strength and our Redeemer. Amen. Alchemy, as an esoteric art, is almost as old as civilization itself. But it wasn't until the 12th or 13th century, in the aftermath of the Crusades and the Arabic influence, that it filtered into Western Europe through Sicily and Spain. Alchemy, we are told, originated in ancient Egypt, where it was associated with the worship of ancient gods. In antiquity it was believed that the world originated from a single substance, or First Matter, which separated out into four elements earth, air, fire, and water and then recombined in various proportions to make all the physical objects in the world. Aristotle later refined this idea he believed that primary matter existed first in its purest form, but then changed character when associated with one of four primary qualities (hot, cold, wet, and dry). Aristotle believed that by manipulating the four elements (earth, air, fire and water) AND the four qualities (hot, cold, wet and dry) it was possible to change the elemental combinations of all basic matter. Early alchemists experimented with these ideas, and many set their sights on creating gold. It was reasoned that in order to transmute a base metal into gold, it must first be returned to its original, undifferentiated state. Since all substances are composed of the same four elements, it was thought theoretically possible to change one substance into another (for example, lead into gold) by reducing the substance to its original elements, re-arranging their relative proportions, and then bringing the new substance into being. Alchemy was slow, painstaking work requiring infinite patience. And what is fascinating about this science, or one could really say the ART of alchemy, is that 1
2 the alchemical process was a complete reversal of our contemporary understanding of biological evolution. Evolution is an outer, expanding process where over time things grow increasingly complex, more adapted to the outer world, and more intricate. With alchemy, it is just the opposite.the final goal is the creation of a very simplified, homogeneous material metal, mineral, crystal or stone. Consequently, the work of ancient alchemy has been described as work against nature, or opus contra naturam. The work of the alchemist was the opposite of God s work as told in the seven-day creation story in Genesis. In the Genesis story, God began with a complete void, and then proceeded to create all the components of our material existence the stars, planets, land masses, oceans, and a multitude of plants and animals. Man is the crown of creation, the top of the evolutionary ladder, the most advanced and precious of all of God s creations. But the work of the alchemist is the opposite the alchemist (as opposed to God) deliberately broke down the natural order of things in order to create something more simplified. The alchemist engaged in what has been called work against nature, opus contra naturam and it is that concept, opus contra naturam that I believe has relevance when we consider the Biblical passage Jesus parable for today. On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the Sabbath, they were watching him closely. 7 When he noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. 8 When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; 9 and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, Give this person your place, and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, Friend, move up higher ; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. 11 For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. 12 He said also to the one who had invited him, When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. 2
3 I don t know what your reaction to this parable is. But my reaction is that I don t want to go ahead and do what Jesus suggests. When I go to a banquet, I want to sit at the head table, I want to visit with the host, that s the best place to be. I can see all the guests, I will be served first, and I will occupy a place of honor. And when I throw my own party, I want to invite my friends, my sisters, my relatives, and maybe my rich neighbors. I want to hang out with them. I am not inclined to host a party and invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind which today would be people with AIDS, undocumented refugees, homeless people, sick people, and poor people. Jesus wants me to invite all of them to my party, not my relatives and rich neighbors. But I am not sure I want to. I think it is human nature to want the best seat at the banquet, not to want to be sent to the most distant table. I think it is human nature to want to invite all your best friends to your party, I think these things are predictable, normal and well part of human nature. I think what Jesus is suggesting is opus contra naturam work against nature. I think Jesus wants me to grit my teeth and do what s right, while most of me is quietly objecting inside. I want to invite my own crew, my own peeps, to my own darn party. I want to sit up front with the host at the banquet. Jesus, you are asking me to work against my own nature, and that is very hard. Is Jesus parable really an example of opus contra naturam? Is it like the work of the alchemist work against nature? Is what Jesus is asking of us foreign to our very being, our very nature? Why does being a Jesus follower have to be so hard? Why can t his commands for my behavior go along with the natural grain in the wood my natural feelings, my wants, and desires? As I say to you often, frequently in Benedictions and often in sermons, we were all born perfect and whole. God knew us and loved us when we were the size of a grain of rice inside our mothers. Listen to these lines from Psalm 139, it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. 3
4 We are fearfully and wonderfully made a mysterious line, one of my favorites in the Bible. But what does it mean to be FEARFULLY made? We are made perfect loving and generous, compassionate and expansive, warm and caring, eager and bright and fabulous. We are made as people who would walk into the banquet and sit with the waitstaff. We are made as people who would invite the person asking for money on Main Street, someone who has not bathed in a while, home to our house for a party. We are made as people who are beautiful, humble, and ready to serve. All this is true. But we are also made as autonomous beings. God invested us with free will, we are not puppets attached by invisible strings to God. We are born independent; we have desires and needs, hopes and fears, and an inner fire. And so internal conflicts arise. As early as Adam and Eve, there were desires for things forbidden. As early as Cain and Able, there was competition and brutality. We ARE born perfect and whole. AND we are born complicated fearfully and wonderfully made. Maybe the fearfully part means we have a complex make-up we have complicated feelings, we have strong desires, we have big dreams, we have many needs. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. And so, as we grow, we experience our complicated needs, wants, and desires. We witness and desire power, we wonder about things and harbor doubts, we are wounded, we are hurt, we have selfish impulses, we get greedy, we learn to compete. This is human nature, the consequence of our being fearfully and wonderfully made. And so when we go to the banquet, we want to sit at the head table with the host. And when we throw a party, we want to invite our family and our closest friends. Seems like basic human nature. And then we read this parable. And Jesus says we are meant to take the worst place at the banquet, and invite people considered undesirable by society to our party. It seems like Jesus is asking us to make a huge leap a leap that seems a work against nature an opus contra naturam. 4
5 But what is remarkable about Jesus, and about our faith, is that Jesus always looks past our fears and our flaws, he jumps right over our wounds and our limitations, he continually remembers the we are wonderfully made part, and he believes in our best selves. Jesus does not cater to our weaknesses nor does he encourage our failings. Ever. He does not say, you are good enough as you are do what you want, do what is easier, no worries. Jesus looks deep into our hearts and sees that being humble, generous and gentle is right there in our inner selves, there from the time we were knit together in our mother s wombs. Jesus knows that calling those qualities to the foreground is not a work against nature, it is drawing forth our truest nature. Jesus knows that by being loving, giving, and not aggrandizing power and attention to ourselves, we are not working against nature, but honoring our truest nature, our best selves, our untainted, innocent nature. It is like Jesus is drawing water from the deep, pure well inside us. In A BOOK OF PSAMS: Selected and Adapted from the Hebrew, Stephen Mitchell, reinterpreting Psalm 139, writes these lines, Lord, you have searched me and known me; you understand everything I do; you are closer to me than my thoughts. You see through my selfishness and weakness, into my inmost self. There is not one corner of my mind that you do not know completely. That is why Jesus request that we sit at the worst table and invite poor and homeless people to our parties is not a work against nature, an opus contra naturam. Jesus is, as Mitchell wrote, seeing through our selfishness and weakness to our inmost self. When Jesus asks us to do hard things, things that stretch us and seem difficult, he is seeing through our weakness to our strength and beauty, to how wonderfully we were made. And he is calling forward those gifts and qualities. What Jesus asks of us is hard. Often very hard. 5
6 But he is not asking us to work against our nature, rather he is calling on our purest nature. The art of the ancient alchemists was called work against nature, opus contra naturam. The art of Jesus teaching could be called work in harmony with nature. Jesus is enjoining us to be in harmony with our best nature, our best selves. because Jesus knows, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Amen. 6
What s the most uncomfortable dinner party you ve been to?
Sermon Place of Honor Scripture Readings: Psalm 81:1, 10-16 and Luke 14:1, 7-14 Sunday, August 21, 2016 Rev. Hannah Dreitcer Westminster Presbyterian Church Springfield, IL Our first Scripture reading,
More information1. Describe Jesus view of humility. 2. Distinguish between behaviors that indicate humility and those that don t.
Called to Serve Spring Quarter: Discipleship and Mission Unit 1: Call to Discipleship Sunday school lesson for the week of March 3, 2019 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson Scripture: Luke 14:7-14 Key Verse: Luke
More informationRaising Lil Rock Stars Home Version
Raising Lil Rock Stars Home Version Letter Xx Thank you for downloading the FREE version! From 1+1+1=1 All images Thinkstock.com Please do not share this file directly. When sharing, you may direct people
More informationMeeting With Christ THE PARABLE OF THE GREAT BANQUET. Luke 14:12-24
Meeting With Christ Practical and Exegetical Studies on the Words of Jesus Christ Yves I-Bing Cheng, M.D., M.A. Based on sermons of Pasteur Eric Chang www.meetingwithchrist.com THE PARABLE OF THE GREAT
More informationLUKE LESSON 68 HANDOUT CLASS
LUKE LESSON 68 HANDOUT CLASS Luke 14:1 It happened that when He went into the house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees on the Sabbath to eat bread, they were watching Him closely. 2 And there in front
More informationA LETTER FROM THE TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION PRAYER TEAM
PRAYER GUIDE A LETTER FROM THE TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION PRAYER TEAM Dear Night to Shine Supporter, It is so exciting and humbling to see all God has done through Night to Shine in the five short years of its
More informationWhat s your excuse? Luke 14: 15-23
What s your excuse? Luke 14: 15-23 Excuses, we all have them and use them. These are the Top 5 excuses for speeding according to insurance.com 5. I'm having an emergency situation in my car 4. Everyone
More informationWORSHIP SCRIPT AUGUST 28 WL: Worship Leader AM: Assisting Minister C: Congregation WELCOME & SHARING THE GREETING OF PEACE
WORSHIP SCRIPT AUGUST 28 WL: Worship Leader AM: Assisting Minister C: Congregation P: Pastor WELCOME & SHARING THE GREETING OF PEACE GATHERING MUSIC Come, Now Is The Time To Worship (BB 3) Come, now is
More informationDinner with Jesus Luke 14:12-14
Dinner with Jesus Luke 14:12-14 Introduction: Baxter T. Exum (#1075) Four Lakes Church of Christ Madison, Wisconsin July 18, 2010 As we think about the four gospel accounts, we realize that Jesus loved
More informationInternational Bible Lessons Commentary Luke 14:7-24
International Bible Lessons Commentary Luke 14:7-24 International Bible Lessons Sunday, January 19, 2014 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday,
More informationCamp Fuego 2014 Checklist for a Godly Man: Job 31. Checklist for a Godly Man: Job 31 A 31-day Bible study
Camp Fuego 2014 Checklist for a Godly Man: Job 31 Checklist for a Godly Man: Job 31 A 31-day Bible study Welcome home from Camp Fuego! Our prayer is that God lit, or renewed, a fire in your heart during
More informationThe Uncomfortable Sayings of Jesus But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.
1 The Uncomfortable Sayings of Jesus But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Passages: Luke 14:1-14 Isaiah 25:4-8 Back in August, we started a new sermon series
More informationDestroyers of Stewardship. Luke 14:1 24
Destroyers of Stewardship Luke 14:1 24 A steward is someone that owns nothing, but manages everything. 1 Cor. 6:19-20 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom
More informationLuke 14:1 (NIV) One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, He was being carefully watched.
Luke 14:1 (NIV) One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, He was being carefully watched. Believe it or not Jesus was known for eating with Sinners (Matt 9:10; Mark 2:16),
More informationIn the Name of the One who is Himself both Host and Feast, Dear Fellow. It is obvious from looking at our Gospel lesson for this morning that we are
The Second Sunday after Trinity St. Luke 14:16 24 Prayer: O Lord God, heavenly Father: we give thanks to You that through Your holy word You have called us to Your great supper, and we implore You to enliven
More informationMessage: Defined by Generosity (Adapted from Adam Hamilton s Enough) What does it mean to live generously? As for those who in the present age are
Message: Defined by Generosity (Adapted from Adam Hamilton s Enough) What does it mean to live generously? As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their
More informationLuke 14:7-14 English Standard Version March 3, 2019
Luke 14:7-14 English Standard Version March 3, 2019 The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, March 3, 2019, is from Luke 14:7-14. Questions for Discussion and Thinking
More informationGOD WITH US Part 5: Soul Songs Job Psalms. Message 8 Songs of Praise & Thanks Psalms 100 & 139. Introduction
Introduction GOD WITH US Part 5: Soul Songs Job Psalms Message 8 Songs of Praise & Thanks Psalms 100 & 139 Psalms of Thanksgiving and Praise occupy a major part of the book of Psalms. This is because gratitude
More informationHaydenville Congregational Church The Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian February 28, 2010 Luke 13:31-35
Haydenville Congregational Church The Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian February 28, 2010 Luke 13:31-35 Jesus as Mother Hen: Strong and Tender May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable
More informationA Life with JESUS JESUS. Author: Aaron Lee. A one month journey for those beginning a life with Christ.
A Life with JESUS JESUS Author: Aaron Lee A one month journey for those beginning a life with Christ. Week 1: A New Beginning Day 1: Something New If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe
More informationSt. Paul s Congregational Church 2 Cor. 4:5-12; Mark 2:23-3:6 June 3, 2018, Proper 4B
1 St. Paul s Congregational Church 2 Cor. 4:5-12; Mark 2:23-3:6 June 3, 2018, Proper 4B Let us pray: may the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our
More informationMain Idea: Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted
Knowing Jesus The Humility of Christ Luke 14:7-24 3/17/2019 Main Idea: Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted Lesson Objective: Find your true identity
More informationThe Liturgy for the Proclamation of the Word of God and Celebration of Holy Communion
The Liturgy for the Proclamation of the Word of God and Celebration of Holy Communion 9:30 a.m. Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost August 28, 2016 On this day the LORD has acted; we will rejoice and be glad
More informationAugust Sermon. Luke 14:1-14
August 29 2010 Sermon Luke 14:1-14 And it came about that on a Sabbath, Jesus went up to the house of a certain leader of the Pharisees to eat bread and they were scrutinizing him to try to catch him breaking
More information333 "Is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?" Verse 4. When they refused to answer, Jesus touched the sick man and heale
Luke 14. One Sabbath day Jesus went to eat dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisees, and the people were watching him closely. Verse 2. There was a man there whose arms and legs were swollen. Verse
More informationEphesians 1:3-14. Ephesians 1: Pray. Introduction. In Awe of the God who Called
Ephesians 1:3-14 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation
More informationJesus Magnified. Luke 14 and 15
Jesus Magnified Luke 14 and 15 FIRST DAY: Read Luke 14 and 15 Lesson 13 There is so much to learn from Jesus! He teaches us many things by His example, His instructions, and by His parables. It is only
More informationTHE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST June 3, 2018 LOCUST VALLEY FIRST CHURCH OF GOD ESTABLISHED 1852 In Christ s love, we welcome you to worship in this place today. If you are visiting us for the first time,
More informationEcclesiastes 1:2 niv "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." Ecclesiastes 12:8 niv
Ecclesiastes 3 Ecclesiastes 1:2 niv "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." Ecclesiastes 12:8 niv "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Everything
More informationMatthew 22: Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
Matthew 22:37-38 37 Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it:
More informationTHE POTTER S WHEEL: The Courage to stay on it
THE POTTER S WHEEL: The Courage to stay on it Isaiah 64:8 Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Have thine own way Lord, have thine own
More information1 Can! Can Not!! (Part 1) Prayer/Introduction. Origins of Sabbath Rules
Can! Can Not!! (Part 1) Prayer/Introduction Today I would like to explore a topic with you that has been discussed, refined, refuted, and discussed some more. It has actually received far more attention
More informationPrayer Calendar April 2018 Spiritual Gift of Hospitality
Prayer Calendar April 2018 Spiritual Gift of Hospitality We have been given our gifts to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body until all of us come to the unity of the faith
More informationAwed by Jesus Humility February 24, 2019
Last week in our current series, Living in Awe of Jesus, we focused on Living in Awe of Jesus Power. And we discovered that Jesus demonstrated his power and control over various diseases, Satan and his
More informationLESSON 1B OPENING THOUGHTS ON HUMAN MERCY
LESSON 1B OPENING THOUGHTS ON HUMAN MERCY God does not forget us, the Father never abandons us. He is a patient father, always waiting for us! He respects our freedom, but he remains faithful forever.
More informationSunday, August 28, th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, August 28, 2016 15 th Sunday after Pentecost Introduction Invited and inviting that is the nature of the church. By God s grace in holy baptism we have a place at the banquet table of the Lord.
More informationFOR ALL CREATION S C R I P TURE -GUI D ED PRAYER ON C L IMATE C HANGE PRAYER IS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL TOOLS WE HAVE AS CHRISTIANS WE PRAY.
FOR ALL CREATION S C R I P TURE -GUI D ED PRAYER ON C L IMATE C HANGE PRAYER IS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL TOOLS WE HAVE AS CHRISTIANS PRAYER BRINGS OUR HEARTS AND MINDS CLOSER TO GOD. PRAYER EMBOLDENS US
More informationThe Game We Play. (pause)
Sermon Response to Scripture proclaimed for Year C, Proper 17 Luke 14:1, 7-14 At Zion Episcopal Church By The Reverend Sarah E. Saxe on August 28, 2016 The Game We Play A man told his son, "You will marry
More informationThe Parable of The Children in the Marketplace. (Matthew 11:16-19)
The Parable of The Children in the Marketplace (Matthew 11:16-19) For John came neither eating nor drinking and they say, He has a demon. The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they say, Look, a glutton
More informationChristian Marriage. We will give ourselves to a regular lifestyle of confession and forgiveness.
II. Lesson 2: Commitment 1. Christian Marriage We will give ourselves to a regular lifestyle of confession and forgiveness. A. Coming Clean: Confession Confession is the doorway to growth and change in
More informationA Scripture Prayer for You from Sally and Cyndie
A Scripture Prayer for You from Sally and Cyndie May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support
More informationLENT #2: GIVE UP YOUR MATERIAL POSSESSIONS
LENT #2: GIVE UP YOUR MATERIAL POSSESSIONS Scripture Lesson: Matthew 19:16-26 (03/12/17) "Spirituality is a matter of less, not more." (Meister Eckhart) Today is the second Sunday in Lent. As I mentioned
More informationI Am Thine, O Lord #419
Call to Worship Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Joel
More informationP a r t 1. A Jewel in His Crown Refer to chapter 1 in A Jewel in His Crown.
C o n t e n t s A Note to You...5 Part 1: A Jewel in His Crown...7 Part 2: Beauty from the Inside Out...13 Part 3: Diamonds in the Rough...19 Part 4: Identifying Influences...25 Part 5: The Making of a
More information40 Ways. To Spend 5 Minutes With God
40 Ways To Spend 5 Minutes With God 40 Ways To Spend 5 Minutes With God Revision E October 2018 If you have found this prayer guide helpful, visit The Invitation Podcast invitationpodcast.org where you
More informationLuke 14:1-14. Just Don t Call Me Late for Supper Parable of the Great Supper. Parable of the Great Supper Luke
A Parable of Rabbi Johanan b. Zakkai b.shabbat 153a Just Don t Call Me Late for Supper Parable of the Great Supper Mark Vitalis Hoffman www.crossmarks.com R. Eliezer said: Repent one day before your death.
More informationSTORIES OF LIFE! The Gospel of Luke
STORIES OF LIFE! The Gospel of Luke The Story of a Party! Luke 14:1-24 Message #44 of 50 S826 Sermon given on January 13, 2019 Sunday Morning Service Pastor Rick Lancaster The Story of a Party! Luke 14:1-24
More informationThe Flower of Life as a Model of Co-Creation
1 of 5 9/15/2009 9:02 PM HOME ABOUT US CONTACT US JOIN OUR E-MAIL LIST OUR LINKS SITE MAP SEARCH SITE > MA'AT MAGAZINES > September, 2009 > The Flower of Life as a Model of Co-Creation The Flower of Life
More informationand Jesus has been invited. It is the Sabbath, which makes the first thing Jesus
Luke 14:15-24 Dinner With Jesus The setting for this passage is a dinner party at the house of an unnamed Pharisee, and Jesus has been invited. It is the Sabbath, which makes the first thing Jesus does
More informationThe Church Opened Up I thought we were finished with this series of messages on the church but as often happens, I felt the Lord speaking another
The Church Opened Up I thought we were finished with this series of messages on the church but as often happens, I felt the Lord speaking another word to my heart. We ve talked about the church grown up,
More informationSafety Psalm 139 Sermon by Associate Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church November 8 th, 2015
Safety Psalm 139 Sermon by Associate Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church November 8 th, 2015 Today, I d like to invite the kids to stay with us for the sermon because we re going to do something a little
More informationLesson 42: God Foretold the Birth of John and Jesus
Lesson 42: God Foretold the Birth of John and Jesus Intro: Rather than just appear on earth one day, or beam down like in Star Trek, Jesus entered this world in the most orthodox of ways: childbirth. Jesus
More informationExamined By God Introduction Next Week We need a Checkup We need a Spiritual checkup Let s not be like:
Examined By God Psalm 139:1-24 O LORD, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and
More informationSelf-esteem. By Ross Callaghan
Self-esteem By Ross Callaghan http://rosscallaghan.yolasite.com Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Love your neighbour
More informationCreation Genesis 1-2:7; 2:18-25
Creation Genesis 1-2:7; 2:18-25 What do you think it means to be created in the image of God? How do you see God s great power at work in the Creation account? How do you see God s great love at work in
More informationThe Soul Journey Education for Higher Consciousness
An Introduction to The Soul Journey Education for Higher Consciousness A 6 e-book series by Andrew Schneider What is the soul journey? What does The Soul Journey program offer you? Is this program right
More informationChrist Presbyterian Church Edina, Minnesota September 8 & 9, 2012 John Crosby The Invitational God: God Invites Us Luke 14:15-24
Christ Presbyterian Church Edina, Minnesota September 8 & 9, 2012 John Crosby The Invitational God: God Invites Us Luke 14:15-24 Let s start with a gift, a gift you don t often have. Let s start with about
More informationWhat You Do Matters. Devotional activity for children s and youth ministry workers
What You Do Matters Devotional activity for children s and youth ministry workers Purpose: To re-energize teams, reinforce mission of ministry, and affirm and remind each individual of their unique gifts
More informationWelcome!...2. Introduction: What On Earth Am I Here For?...4. Purpose #1: You Were Planned for God s Pleasure...6
Seminar Purpose Driven Life Seminar Student Outline Table Of Contents Welcome!...2 Introduction: What On Earth Am I Here For?...4 Purpose #1: You Were Planned for God s Pleasure...6 Purpose #2: You Were
More information40 Days to Freedom Daily Affirmations
Today I fast from thoughts of self-judgment. Day 1 On this most perfect day I place my full attention on catching any and all thoughts that could in any way deteriorate how I feel about the Self of me.
More informationChristianity Illustrated
Christianity Illustrated Storying the Parables of Jesus Eastside Community Church 2010 Catalpa Loop Road Richmond, Kentucky 40475 859.624.9646 www.eastside-cc.com Small Group Training: How do I Prepare
More informationWelcome to Parent Commitment and Child Dedication at Saddleback Church. Saddleback Church 1 Saddleback Parkway Lake Forest, CA
Welcome to Parent Commitment and Child Dedication at Saddleback Church Saddleback Church 1 Saddleback Parkway Lake Forest, CA 92630 949.609.8000 THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHILD DEDICATION AND BAPTISM Because
More informationMONDAY LOVE VICTORY PRAISE / THANKFULNESS JOY FAMILY OTHERS MOUTH FEAR MISC.
MONDAY Psalms 31:5-7 MSG I've put my life in Your hands. You won't drop me; You'll never let me down You, GOD, I trust. I'm leaping and singing in the circle of Your love; You saw my pain, You disarmed
More informationPrayer for Illumination: On the Wings of this morning, help us to know you and help us to find comfort in being known. Amen.
May 29, 2016 Psalm 139:1-18 On the Wings of the Morning Joy Douglas Strome Prayer for Illumination: On the Wings of this morning, help us to know you and help us to find comfort in being known. Amen. Psalm
More information7 Essential Universal Laws for Creating a Successful, Fulfilling and Happy Life
7 Essential Universal Laws for Creating a Successful, Fulfilling and Happy Life An Introductory Guide By Valerie Hardware Potential Unlimited 2015 All rights reserved There are seven primary spiritual
More informationThe Story The Very Nature Of A Servant We have spent the entire summer months looking at the life of Jesus. We began in June with the story of his
The Story The Very Nature Of A Servant We have spent the entire summer months looking at the life of Jesus. We began in June with the story of his baptism, the inauguration of his public ministry. We talked
More informationMonday, November 26th Read Psalm 135: Your name, LORD, endures forever, your renown, LORD, through all generations.
Monday, November 26th Read Psalm 135: 13-21 13 Your name, LORD, endures forever, your renown, LORD, through all generations. 14 For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.
More informationTheme: Who are we serving? 21/9/14. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. (Lk 19:10).
Theme: Who are we serving? 21/9/14 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. (Lk 19:10). Readings: Luke 16. 1-15 This last week in politics has been very interesting. Kim Dotcom arranged
More information1. IT REVEALS GOD S PURPOSE FOR ME
WHY AM I LIKE THIS? God loves variety. Everything in this world God made is original and nothing is a copy. Every tree is different. Every plant is different. Every animal is different. Certainly every
More informationGod's Mailbox October 26, 2014
1 Of 5 God's Mailbox October 26, 2014 Michael Slayter, Director of Stephen Ministries First Presbyterian Church, Kissimmee, Florida The question for the day is this, Why do we pray? Can you imagine what
More informationWEEK ONE: IDENTITY IN CHRIST
WEEK ONE: IDENTITY IN CHRIST WEEK 1: IDENTITY IN CHRIST WATCH Use these notes to follow along as you watch the video. Be sure to write your own thoughts and ideas down to share with your group. The first
More informationFearfully And Wonderfully Made
Fearfully And Wonderfully Made God saw my unformed substance (Psalm 139:16) God formed our inward parts (Psalm 139:12) God knit me in my Mother s womb (Psalm 139:12) God has intricately woven us (Psalm
More informationBirthday Song. Swami Suryadevananda. Introduction. Tune & Chorus. First Birth
Birthday Song Swami Suryadevananda Introduction Your biological birthday falls once a year and reminds you that another year has gone into the pages of history and you have used up one more year of your
More informationLuke 14: A.M.
Luke 14:1-24 1-6-13 A.M. Have you ever noticed how many things happened in Jesus life around a mealtime? First Miracle- Wedding Feast in Cana Feeding of the 5,000 12 baskets full Bread of Life Sermon Dinnertime
More informationTwo Messages Psalm 19
1 KCC March 2016 Two Messages Psalm 19 Turn to Psalm 19. What do the heavens and God s teachings have in common? Answer: they both show the glory of God. That s the answer of Psalm 19. It is a mind-bender,
More informationDESTINY TRAINING LEVEL 2 MODULE 4 CLASS 03 INNER HEALING FOR THE FAMILY
DESTINY TRAINING LEVEL 2 MODULE 4 CLASS 03 INNER HEALING FOR THE FAMILY Biblical Reference: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and
More informationSanctity of Life Sunday
Sanctity of Life Sunday Roe v. Wade (1973) -1.37 million abortions/yr. (>50 million) - 18% of abortions by Evangelicals -93 % are for social reasons Wonder in the Womb Psalm 139:13-15 For you formed my
More informationIdentity Crisis. Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, 1
More informationBROADWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH COLUMBIA, MISSOURI THE WORSHIP OF GOD FEBRUARY 17, 2019
BROADWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH COLUMBIA, MISSOURI THE WORSHIP OF GOD FEBRUARY 17, 2019 Psalm Litany Based on Psalm 1 Happy are those who do not follow evil doers or walk the path that leads to destruction.
More information5. Feeding the Body of Christ: The Eucharist
Bible Passages: 5. Feeding the Body of Christ: The Eucharist Luke 14:1 & 7-24 1 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. 7 When he noticed
More informationMain idea The most important part of a love relationship is that we honestly reveal who we are, what we are thinking, and what we are feeling.
LOVE STORY PSALM 19 Main idea The most important part of a love relationship is that we honestly reveal who we are, what we are thinking, and what we are feeling. I. GOD REVEALS HIMSELF TO US IN CREATION
More informationGod s Insurance Policy: Remember The Prisoners, The Weak And The Poor
God s Insurance Policy: Remember The Prisoners, The Weak And The Poor By Apostle J.P. Timmons November 19, 2011 2011 CCI Publishing ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Remember the prisoners, as though in Prison with
More informationMODERN DAY TROUBADOURS
MODERN DAY TROUBADOURS Today words, sound and music are being used as powerful tools for transformation and healing by a group of dedicated individuals who could be called Modern Day Troubadours! Gifted
More informationHow to Make Wise Decisions by Reverend Jaganath Carrera
How to Make Wise Decisions by Reverend Jaganath Carrera As we act, so we become in life. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad Most of us know the importance of good decision making. Decisions can lead to happy or
More informationIn the fourth parable Jesus reveals the inward danger the church would face - false doctrine being introduced into the truth of God s Word.
Kingdom Parables Lesson 6 1 The first two parables Jesus gives in the parables of Matthew 13 reveal the beginning of the kingdom of heaven (or Kingdom of God ). Parables three and four reveal the corruption
More informationMeditation MEDITATION
MEDITATION Meditating can be as simple or complex as you like. Basically all you need is to find a place that is comfortable, close your eyes and bring awareness to your breath. Keep it simple and you
More informationHeartShaper Materials Resources sheet 2. Activities for lesson 1. Resources sheet 3. Activities for lesson 1. Resources sheet 2
A Powerful God Scripture: Genesis 1:1-28 Bible Memory: Psalm 139:13-16 Focus: God s power and love are Lesson 1 Heart to Heart Teacher Devotion O Lord God, how Your power and love are shown in the glory
More information1 Jo h n 3:1. Following God s example, what is a father supposed to lavish on his children?
3. CHILDREN This section is the heart of the study, because children are the victims of abortion. Ultimately the issue of abortion centers on children and not just the ones in the womb. The Bible makes
More informationDavid C Cook Sunday School Lesson Review
David C Cook Sunday School Lesson Review Winter Quarter December 2016 & January & February 2017 The Bible-in-Life Sunday School Lesson Review is designed to help Sunday school leaders understand and maintain
More informationDave (name changed to ensure anonymity) was baptized as an infant in a German
Dave (name changed to ensure anonymity) was baptized as an infant in a German Lutheran Church. His family was one of the founding families of a Lutheran church in California in the 1940s. He was raised
More informationA Scary and Wonderful Psalm A Brief Study of Psalm 139 (Student Guide)
A Scary and Wonderful Psalm A Brief Study of Psalm 139 (Student Guide) A Frightening Psalm? Psalm 139 is very comforting, but it can be a little frightening as well! Read vv. 1-12. What could be frightening
More informationTHE KINGDOM OF GOD Does Not Come with signs to be observed
THE KINGDOM OF GOD Does Not Come with signs to be observed nor will they say, Look, here it is! or, There it is! For behold, THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS IN YOUR MIDST. During the Old Testament time (before Christ
More informationSt. Philip s Episcopal Church Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost August 28, :00 AM
St. Philip s Episcopal Church Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost August 28, 2016 8:00 AM Christ Teaches Humility Robert Scott Lauder (1803-1869) St. Philip s Church is a family called by Christ to love God,
More informationcalled to imitate Jesus
juan miguel lago/world vision82008 leaders notes for lesson one called to imitate Jesus Notes to help guide your leadership of lesson one. M at e r i a l s Pens, Bibles, white board, self-stick notes,
More informationBOOK OF RUTH Week Two
BOOK OF RUTH Week Two ACT II Chapter 2:1-23 I. THE SHAPE OF LOVE: 1:22 A. THE PAGAN VIEW: TRAPPED IN THE CIRCLE OF LIFE B. THE HEBREW VIEW OF LIFE A JOURNEY OF HOPE 1. We don t know how or when resurrection
More informationRev. Dr. Chris Montovino Mark 12:28-34 November 4, 2018
Rev. Dr. Chris Montovino Mark 12:28-34 November 4, 2018 Loving Our Neighbor A man walks into a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh while the congregation is peacefully worshiping and starts shooting. Eleven
More informationCONNECTION AND ALIGNMENT WITH THE SUN, CONNECTION WITH THE GREAT WHITE BROTHERHOOD AND PROGRAMMING OF THE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS.
1 st Meditation at sunrise local time CONNECTION AND ALIGNMENT WITH THE SUN, CONNECTION WITH THE GREAT WHITE BROTHERHOOD AND PROGRAMMING OF THE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS. The areas that we will work with
More informationThe Lost Sheep. The Lost Sheep. Luke 15:4-7. That s A-MAZE-ING Draw a line leading the shepherd to his lost sheep. Luke 15:4-7
The Lost Sheep Luke 15:4-7 A shepherd leaves his 99 sheep behind to go and find his one lost sheep. When he finds it, he brings it back and calls his friends and neighbors to celebrate. That s A-MAZE-ING
More informationThe Arab Empire and Its Successors Chapter 6, Section 2 Creation of an Arab Empire
The Arab Empire and Its Successors Chapter 6, Section 2 Creation of an Arab Empire Muhammad became a leader of the early Muslim community Muhammad s death left no leader he never named a successor and
More informationSermon, Luke 14, parable of Great Dinner September 6, Parables of Jesus, part II: Invitations and Excuses
Sermon, Luke 14, parable of Great Dinner September 6, 2015 HPMF Parables of Jesus, part II: Invitations and Excuses Luke 14:12-24 12 He said also to the one who had invited him, When you give a luncheon
More information