The First Sunday of Lent, 01 Mar 2020, Gen 2:4-9, 15-17, 25—3:7, Ps 51, Rom 5:12-21, Matt 4:1-11 ~ The Temptation of Jesus

The First Sunday of Lent

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Collect for Purity:

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Only a Holy God” – The Acappella Company

Who else commands all the hosts of heaven
Who else could make every king bow down
Who else can whisper and darkness trembles
Only a Holy God

Come and behold Him
The One and the Only
Cry out, sing holy
Forever a Holy God
Come and worship the Holy God

What other beauty demands such praises
What other splendor outshines the sun
What other majesty rules with justice
Only a Holy God

Come and behold Him
The One and the Only
Cry out, sing holy
Forever a Holy God
Come and worship the Holy God

What other glory consumes like fire
What other power can raise the dead
What other name remains undefeated
Only a Holy God

Come and behold Him
The One and the Only
Cry out, sing holy
Forever a Holy God
Come and worship the Holy God

Who else could rescue me from my failing
Who else would offer His only Son
Who else invites me to call Him Father
Only a Holy God
Only my Holy God!

Come and worship the Holy God
Come and worship the Holy God
Come and behold Him
The One and the Only
Cry out, sing holy
Forever a Holy God
Come and worship the Holy God
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Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:1-11 (NLT)
(NLT)

The Temptation of Jesus

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.

During that time the devil[a] came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,

‘People do not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,

‘He will order his angels to protect you.
And they will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say,

‘You must worship the Lord your God
and serve only him.’”

Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
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Psalm 51 (Wisdom in the Secret Heart) – Shane & Shane

Behold I was brought forth in iniquity
and in sin did my mother conceive me
Behold you delight in the truth and the inward me
and you teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

Our sins not far but right in front of me
against you and you alone God I am guilty
Wash me thoroughly cleanse me from iniquity
and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

Create in me a clean heart, oh God
Renew a right spirit within me, oh God
Cast me not away from Your presence
take not Your Holy Spirit
restore in me the joy of Your salvation
and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

Send me the chief of sinners to proclaim
come be forgiven the sin of the lamb of God was slain
Open my lips and my mouth will declare your endless praise
and teach me, wisdom in the secret heart

The Lord is gracious
and slow to anger
Rich in love, He is good to all
good to all
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Prayer of Confession:

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Absolution of Sin:

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all those who sincerely repent and with true faith turn to him, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Word of Comfort

Hear the Word of God to all who truly turn to him.

God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

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“His Mercy Is More” – Praise And Harmony Singers

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Closing: Romans 5:20-21 (NLT)

God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Last Sunday of Epiphany, 23 Feb 2020, Ex 24:12-18, Ps 99, Phil 3:7-14, Matt 17:1-9 ~ The Transfiguration

The Last Sunday of Epiphany

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer:

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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“He Sits Enthroned” (Psalm 99) – Sons of Korah

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 17:1-9 (NLT)
(NLT)

The Transfiguration

Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.

Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials – one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down on the ground.

Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.

As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
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“Be Not Afraid” – John Michael Talbot

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Intercession:

Almighty and everliving God, Inspire continually the universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all who confess your holy Name may agree in the truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love. We pray especially –

+ That you lead the nations of the world in the way of righteousness; Grant that our leaders may impartially administer justice, uphold integrity and truth, restrain wickedness and vice, and protect true religion and virtue.

+ That you give grace to all Church leaders, that by their life and teaching, they may proclaim your true and life-giving Word, and rightly and duly administer your holy Sacraments.

+ That you give your heavenly grace to our worshiping congregations, that with reverent and obedient hearts we may hear and receive your holy Word, and serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives.

+ That you prosper all those who proclaim the Gospel of your kingdom throughout the world, and strengthen us to fulfill your great commission, making disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that you have commanded.

+ That in your goodness, you may comfort and sustain all who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness of body, mind, or spirit, or any other adversity especially those suffering persecution for their faith.

+ Almighty and everliving God, grant these our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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“We Have Seen His Glory” – Praise And Harmony Singers

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Closing: Philippians 3:9-11(NLT)

“God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!”
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Sixth Sunday of Epiphany, 16 Feb 2020, Matthew 5:17-37 ~ Kingdom righteousness

The Sixth Sunday of Epiphany

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer:

“Only A Holy God” – CityAlight

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:17-37 (NLT)
(NLT)

Teaching about the Law

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

Teaching about Anger

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.

Teaching about Adultery

“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eye—even your good eye]—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Teaching about Divorce

“You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.

Teaching about Vows

“You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.
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“Psalm 119:33-40” – The Corner Room

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Intercession:

Wise and Gracious God: Hear your people’s cries for help and mercy in these times of trouble. We pray especially –

That all who follow Jesus may make wise choices that not compromise with evil…
That all who follow Jesus may seek you all our hearts and walk only in your ways …
That all who follow Jesus may live godly lives and not wander from your commands..
That all who follow Jesus may be guided in every decision by your Word and Spirit…
That all who follow Jesus may live forgiven, shame-free lives, transformed by your grace…
That all who follow Jesus may live generously, giving to others as freely as we have received…
That all who follow Jesus may speak peace and healing, with Kingdom authority, into the lives of others…
That all who follow Jesus may be bearers of Kingdom life and light, dispelling this world’s darkness…

Gracious God, you lead your people along paths of righteousness; hear our prayers and help us stay the course you have laid out before us – we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“His Mercy Is More” – Shane & Shane

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Closing: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NLT)

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Fifth Sunday of Epiphany, 09 Feb 2020, Matthew 5:13-20 ~ “You are the salt of the earth… the light of the world!”

The Fifth Sunday of Epiphany

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you have called your Church to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Give us vigorous faith and a love that is genuine, so that all may see our works and give you the glory.
We pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Ma Yakar Chasdecha(How Precious Is Your Lovingkindness)” – Praises Of Israel

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT)

Teaching about Salt and Light

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
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“Merim Oti(You Lift Me” – Praises Of Israel

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Intercession:

Heavenly Father: Shine the Light of Christ within us into the darkness that surrounds us. We pray especially –

+that your people may generously share their means and resources –

providing food for the hungry
giving clothes to those who need them
providing shelter for the homeless
offering help to needy relatives

+ that your people may live just and godly lives –

removing all heavy yokes of oppression
refraining from finger pointing
refusing to spread vicious rumors
helping those in trouble

+ that your people may display your power and goodness –

healing the sick in body mind and spirit
delivering the oppressed from demonic influence
reaching unbelievers with the Good News of grace
teaching believers to live and love like Jesus

Heavenly Father: you are the light that makes clear our way before us, hear our prayers we ask, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“We are marching in the light of God” – Zingen in de Zomer

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Closing: (Psalm 112:4-7 (NLT)

Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
They conduct their business fairly.
Such people will not be overcome by evil.
They do not fear bad news.
They confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, 02 Feb 2020, Luke 2:22-40 ~ dedicated to the Lord

The Presentation of Christ in the Temple

[The Presentation of Christ is celebrated forty days after the birth of Jesus at Christmas. This feast is also called Candlemas because on this day Jesus was revealed in the Temple as the light of the world.]

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer:

Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the substance of our flesh, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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“Light of the World” – Lauren Daigle

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Gospel Reading: John 1:29-42 (NLT)

Luke 2:22-40 New Living Translation (NLT)

Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

The Prophecy of Simeon

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised. I have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared for all people.
He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

The Prophecy of Anna

Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.
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“The Light Of the World Is Jesus” – Philip Bliss

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Intercession:

King of Glory, you have appeared among us: shine your light in our darkness; we pray especially –

+ That believers everywhere may reject the ways of darkness and walk only in your light…

+ That all who worship you may respect one another regardless of our cultural differences….

+ That the godly lives and witness of faithful believers everywhere may lead the faithless to believe….

+ That those who serve and minister in remote places around the world may be renewed and refreshed….

+ That the elderly everywhere may be cherished and those who are sick in body, mind or spirit may be healed….

+ That our land may be healed through an outpouring of your Spirit that leads to repentance and revival….

King of Glory, we proclaim Jesus as the light of the world: hear our prayers we offer in his name and grant them – through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Shine Jesus Shine” – Graham Kendrick

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Closing: (Psalm 84:10-11)

A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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