Epiphany Season | 5th Sunday 04 Feb 2024: Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39 ~ Spread the Good News about Jesus.

Epiphany Season | 5th Sunday 04 Feb 2024

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

Opening:

O Lord, our heavenly Father,
keep your household the Church
continually in true faith and practice,
that we who trust in the hope of your heavenly grace
may always be defended by your mighty power;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
now and for ever. Amen.

“So [Jesus] went to spread ⌞the Good News⌟
in the synagogues all over Galilee,
and he forced demons out of people.”
(Mark 1:39)

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Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above | Joslin Grove Choral Society

1 Sing praise to God who reigns above,
the God of all creation,
the God of power, the God of love,
the God of our salvation.
With healing balm my soul is filled
and every faithless murmur stilled:
To God all praise and glory.

2 The Lord is never far away,
but through all grief distressing,
an ever present help and stay,
our peace and joy and blessing.
As with a mother’s tender hand,
He gently leads the chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.

3 Thus all my toilsome way along,
I sing aloud His praises,
that earth may hear the grateful song
my voice unwearied raises.
Be joyful in the Lord, my heart,
both soul and body bear your part:
To God all praise and glory.
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From the Old Testament: Isaiah 40:21-31 (GW)

40:21 Don’t you know?
Haven’t you heard?
Haven’t you been told from the beginning?
Don’t you understand the foundations of the earth?
God is enthroned above the earth,
and those who live on it are like grasshoppers.

He stretches out the sky like a canopy
and spreads it out like a tent to live in.
He makes rulers unimportant
and makes earthly judges worth nothing.
They have hardly been planted.
They have hardly been sown.
They have hardly taken root in the ground.
Then he blows on them and they wither,
and a windstorm sweeps them away like straw.

“To whom, then, can you compare me?
Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One.

Look at the sky and see.
Who created these things?
Who brings out the stars one by one?
He calls them all by name.
Because of the greatness of his might and the strength of his power,
not one of them is missing.

Jacob, why do you complain?
Israel, why do you say,
“My way is hidden from the Lord,
and my rights are ignored by my God”?
Don’t you know?
Haven’t you heard?
The eternal God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth,
doesn’t grow tired or become weary.
His understanding is beyond reach.

He gives strength to those who grow tired
and increases the strength of those who are weak.
Even young people grow tired and become weary,
and young men will stumble and fall.
Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the Lord
will be renewed.
They will soar on wings like eagles.
They will run and won’t become weary.
They will walk and won’t grow tired.

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From the Psalms: Psalm 147:1-5 – [Nava Tehila] – Miqedem Official Video

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From the Epistles: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (GW)

9:16 If I spread the Good News, I have nothing to brag about because I have an obligation to do this. How horrible it will be for me if I don’t spread the Good News! If I spread the Good News willingly, I’ll have a reward. But if I spread the Good News unwillingly, I’m ⌞only⌟ doing what I’ve been entrusted to do.

So what is my reward? It is to spread the Good News free of charge. In that way I won’t use the rights that belong to those who spread the Good News.

Paul’s Work as an Apostle

9:19 Although I’m free from all people, I have made myself a slave for all people to win more of them. I became Jewish for Jewish people. I became subject to the laws in Moses’ Teachings for those who are subject to those laws. I did this to win them even though I’m not subject to Moses’ Teachings. I became like a person who does not have Moses’ Teachings for those who don’t have those teachings. I did this to win them even though I have God’s teachings. I’m really subject to Christ’s teachings. I became like a person weak in faith to win those who are weak in faith. I have become everything to everyone in order to save at least some of them. I do all this for the sake of the Good News in order to share what it offers.

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Worship: John 3:16 in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, English, Korean and Persian | One For Israel

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Gospel Reading: Mark 1:29-39 (GW)

Jesus Cures Simon’s Mother-in-Law and Many Others

1:29 After they left the synagogue, they went directly to the house of Simon and Andrew. James and John went with them. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever. The first thing they did was to tell Jesus about her. Jesus went to her, took her hand, and helped her get up. The fever went away, and she prepared a meal for them.

In the evening, when the sun had set, people brought to him everyone who was sick and those possessed by demons. The whole city had gathered at his door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases and forced many demons out of people. However, he would not allow the demons to speak. After all, they knew who he was.

Spreading the Good News in Galilee

1:35 In the morning, long before sunrise, Jesus went to a place where he could be alone to pray. Simon and his friends searched for him. When they found him, they told him, “Everyone is looking for you.”

Jesus said to them, “Let’s go somewhere else, to the small towns that are nearby. I have to spread ⌞the Good News⌟ in them also. This is why I have come.”

So he went to spread ⌞the Good News⌟ in the synagogues all over Galilee, and he forced demons out of people.

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We’ve A Story To Tell To The Nations – Parkside Evangelical Church

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty God our Savior, you desire that none should perish, and you have taught us through your Son that there is great joy in heaven over every sinner who repents: Grant that our hearts may ache for a lost and broken world. May your Holy Spirit work through our words, deeds, and prayers, that the lost may be found and the dead made alive, and that all your redeemed may rejoice around your throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Lord of Heaven’s Armies, we pray for swift and total victory over all evil in the Holy Land. Bring home the hostages, and deliver from bondage every person captivated by the evil death cult terrorizing the Middle East. And finally, grant heavenly wisdom to those guiding Israel militarily, politically, diplomatically, and especially to those who will restore Israel spiritually, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil,
and keep us in eternal life.

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

Epiphany Season | Saturday 03 Feb 2024: Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; Isaiah 46:1-13; Matthew 12:9-14 ~ Jesus’ authority to heal.

Epiphany Season | Saturday 03 Feb 2024

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

Opening:

O God, you know that we are set
in the midst of many grave dangers,
and because of the frailty of our nature
we cannot always stand upright:
Grant that your strength and protection
may support us in all dangers
and carry us through every temptation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Then [Jesus] said to the man, “Hold out your hand.”
The man held it out, and it became normal again,
as healthy as the other.”
(Matthew 12:13)

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From Psalms: Psalm 147:1-11 GW – Scottish Psalter 1650 / Singing the Lord’s Songs

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OT Reading: Isaiah 46:1-13 (GW)

Babylon’s Idols Will Go into Captivity

46:1 The god Bel bows down; the god Nebo stoops low.
Their statues are seated on animals and cattle.
The gods that you carry are burdens, a load for weary people.
These gods stoop low and bow down together.
They aren’t able to escape with heavy loads.
They go away into captivity.

Listen to me, descendants of Jacob,
the few people left of the nation of Israel.
I’ve carried you since your birth.
I’ve taken care of you from the time you were born.
Even when you’re old, I’ll take care of you.
Even when your hair turns gray, I’ll support you.
I made you and will continue to care for you.
I’ll support you and save you.

To whom will you compare me and make me equal?
To whom will you compare me so that we can be alike?

People pour gold out of their bags and weigh silver on scales.
They hire a goldsmith. He makes it into a god.
They bow down and worship it.
They lift it on their shoulders and carry it.
They set the idol in its place, and it stands there.
It doesn’t move from its place.
If they cry to it for help, it can’t answer.
It can’t rescue them from their distress.

Remember this, and take courage.
Recall your rebellious acts.
Remember the first events,
because I am God, and there is no other.
I am God, and there’s no one like me.
From the beginning I revealed the end.
From long ago I told you things that had not yet happened, saying,
“My plan will stand, and I’ll do everything I intended to do.”
I will call a bird of prey from the east.
I will call someone for my plan from a faraway land.
I have spoken, and I will bring it about.
I have planned it, and I will do it.
Listen to me, you stubborn people who are far from being righteous.
I’ll bring my righteousness near; it isn’t far away.
My salvation will not be delayed.
I’ll provide salvation for Zion
and bring my glory to Israel.

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Faithful | One Voice | Pe Echad | פה אחד | Hebrew Worship from Israel

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NT Reading: Matthew 12:9-14 (GW)

Jesus Heals on the Day of Rest—a Holy Day

12:9 Jesus moved on from there and went into a synagogue. A man with a paralyzed hand was there. The people asked Jesus whether it was right to heal on a day of rest—a holy day, so that they could accuse him of doing something wrong.

Jesus said to them, “Suppose one of you has a sheep. If it falls into a pit on a day of rest—a holy day, wouldn’t you take hold of it and lift it out? Certainly, a human is more valuable than a sheep! So it is right to do good on the day of rest—a holy day.”

Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” The man held it out, and it became normal again, as healthy as the other.

The Pharisees left and plotted to kill Jesus.

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Jesus Is My Healer (Feat. Jessie Harris) – (Lyric video) – Gateway Worship | Worship Life

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ O God, our heavenly Father: Pour out your Spirit on your faithful people in the Middle East, that your Son’s life-giving Gospel may be preached to every tribe and nation. Send forth laborers into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ O God of heavenly powers, by the might of your command you drive away from our bodies all sickness and infirmity: Be present in your goodness with your servants (especially in the Middle East), that our weaknesses may be banished and our strength restored; and that, our health being renewed, we may bless your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May Christ, who sends us to the nations,
give us the power of his Spirit.

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

Epiphany Season | Friday 02 Feb 2024: Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; Job 36:1-23; 1 Corinthians 9:1-16 ~ Paul’s obligation to spread the Good News.

Epiphany Season | Friday 02 Feb 2024

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

Opening:

“If I [Paul] spread the Good News,
I have nothing to brag about
because I have an obligation to do this.”
(1 Corinthians 9:16a)

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From Psalms: Psalm 147 GW (비 준비하시니) / Stonegate Music

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OT Reading: Job 36:1-23 (GW)

Elihu Continues: Hear Me Out

36:1 Elihu continued to speak ⌞to Job⌟,

“Be patient with me a little longer, and I will show you
that there is more to be said in God’s defense.
I will get my knowledge from far away
and prove that my Creator is fair.
Certainly, my words are not lies.
The one who knows everything is ⌞speaking⌟ with you.

God’s Justice Is Beyond Human Understanding

“Certainly, God is mighty.
He doesn’t despise anyone.
He is mighty and brave.
He doesn’t allow the wicked person to live.
He grants justice to those who are oppressed.
He doesn’t take his eyes off righteous people.
He seats them on thrones with kings to honor them forever.
However, if righteous people are bound in chains
and tangled in ropes of misery,
he tells them what they’ve done wrong
and that they’ve behaved arrogantly.
He makes them listen to his warning
and orders them to turn away from wrong.

“If righteous people listen and serve ⌞him⌟,
they will live out their days in prosperity
and their years in comfort.
But if they don’t listen,
they will cross the River ⌞of Death⌟
and die like those who have no knowledge.
But those who have godless hearts remain angry.
They don’t even call for help when he chains them up.
They die while they’re young,
or they live on as male prostitutes in the temples of idols.
He rescues suffering people through their suffering,
and he opens their ears through distress.

“Yes, he lured you away from the jaws of trouble
into an open area where you were not restrained,
and your table was covered with rich foods.
But you are given the judgment evil people deserve.
A fair judgment will be upheld.
Be careful that you are not led astray with riches.
Don’t let a large bribe turn you ⌞to evil ways⌟.
Will your riches save you from having to suffer?
Will all your mighty strength help you?
Don’t look forward to the night,
when people disappear from their places.
Be careful! Don’t turn to evil,
because you have chosen evil instead of suffering.

“God does great things by his power.
Is there any teacher like him?
Who can tell him which way he should go?
Who can say to him, ‘You did wrong’?

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Heal us Now / Azi Schwartz

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NT Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:1-16 (GW)

Paul’s Right to Be Paid for His Work as an Apostle

9:1 Don’t you agree that I’m a free man? Don’t you agree that I’m an apostle? Haven’t I seen Jesus our Lord? Aren’t you the result of my work for the Lord? If I’m not an apostle to other people, at least I’m an apostle to you. You are the seal which proves that I am the Lord’s apostle. This is how I defend myself to those who cross-examine me. Don’t we have the right to eat and drink? Don’t we have the right to take our wives along with us like the other apostles, the Lord’s brothers, and Cephas do? Or is it only Barnabas and I who don’t have any rights, except to find work to support ourselves?

Does a soldier ever serve in the army at his own expense? Does anyone plant a vineyard and not eat the grapes? Does anyone take care of a flock and not drink milk from the sheep? Am I merely stating some human rule? Don’t Moses’ Teachings say the same thing? Moses’ Teachings say, “Never muzzle an ox when it is threshing grain.” God’s concern isn’t for oxen. Isn’t he speaking entirely for our benefit? This was written for our benefit so that the person who plows or threshes should expect to receive a share of the crop. If we have planted the spiritual seed that has been of benefit to you, is it too much if we receive part of the harvest from your earthly goods? If others have the right to expect this from you, don’t we deserve even more? But we haven’t used our rights. Instead, we would put up with anything in order not to hinder the Good News of Christ in any way.

Don’t you realize that those who work at the temple get their food from the temple? Don’t those who help at the altar get a share of what is on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who spread the Good News should earn their living from the Good News.

I haven’t used any of these rights, and I haven’t written this in order to use them now. I would rather die than have anyone turn my bragging into meaningless words. If I spread the Good News, I have nothing to brag about because I have an obligation to do this. How horrible it will be for me if I don’t spread the Good News!

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Ma Navu (How Beautiful) by Barry & Batya Segal

How lovely on the mountain are
The feet of him bringing good news
How lovely on the mountain are
The feet of him bringing good news
Proclaim to Zion Yeshua
Proclaim to Zion Shalom
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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May Christ, who sends us to the nations,
give us the power of his Spirit.

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

Epiphany Season | Thursday 01 Feb 2024: Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; Proverbs 12:10-21; Galatians 5:2-15 ~ Freely serve each other through love.

Epiphany Season | Thursday 01 Feb 2024

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

Opening:

“Don’t turn [your] freedom into an excuse
for your corrupt nature to express itself.
Rather, serve each other through love.”
(Galatians 5:13)

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From Psalms: Psalm 147 – “How Good It Is to Sing” (Stuart Townend) / Christian Lyrics

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OT Reading: Proverbs 12:10-21 (GW)

12:10 A righteous person cares ⌞even⌟ about the life of his animals,
but the compassion of wicked people is ⌞nothing but⌟ cruelty.

+ Whoever works his land will have plenty to eat,
but the one who chases unrealistic dreams has no sense.

+ A wicked person delights in setting a trap for ⌞other⌟ evil people,
but the roots of righteous people produce ⌞fruit⌟.
An evil person is trapped by his own sinful talk,
but a righteous person escapes from trouble.

+ One person enjoys good things as a result of his speaking ability.
Another is paid according to what his hands have accomplished.

+ A stubborn fool considers his own way the right one,
but a person who listens to advice is wise.
When a stubborn fool is irritated, he shows it immediately,
but a sensible person hides the insult.

+ A truthful witness speaks honestly,
but a lying witness speaks deceitfully.

+ Careless words stab like a sword,
but the words of wise people bring healing.
The word of truth lasts forever,
but lies last only a moment.
Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil,
but joy belongs to those who advise peace.

+ No ⌞lasting⌟ harm comes to a righteous person,
but wicked people have lots of trouble.

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Oseh Shalom (He who makes peace) by Barry & Batya Segal

He who makes peace in the heavens
Grant peace to us
And to all of our people
And let us say Amen
He will make peace, He will make peace
Peace unto us and over all of Israel

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NT Reading: Galatians 5:2-15 (GW)

5:2 I, Paul, can guarantee that if you allow yourselves to be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Again, I insist that everyone who allows himself to be circumcised must realize that he obligates himself to do everything Moses’ Teachings demand. Those of you who try to earn God’s approval by obeying his laws have been cut off from Christ. You have fallen out of God’s favor. However, in our spiritual nature, faith causes us to wait eagerly for the confidence that comes with God’s approval. As far as our relationship to Christ Jesus is concerned, it doesn’t matter whether we are circumcised or not. But what matters is a faith that expresses itself through love.

You were doing so well. Who stopped you from being influenced by the truth? The arguments of the person who is influencing you do not come from the one who is calling you. A little yeast spreads through the whole batch of dough. The Lord gives me confidence that you will not disagree with this. However, the one who is confusing you will suffer God’s judgment regardless of who he is. Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching that circumcision is necessary, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the cross wouldn’t be offensive anymore. I wish those troublemakers would castrate themselves.

You were indeed called to be free, brothers and sisters. Don’t turn this freedom into an excuse for your corrupt nature to express itself. Rather, serve each other through love. All of Moses’ Teachings are summarized in a single statement, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” But if you criticize and attack each other, be careful that you don’t destroy each other.

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If I speak words of wisdom – Resound Worship

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples (especially in the Middle East) may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

+ O God, the Creator of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you in Jesus Christ; in whose Name we pray. Amen.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May Christ, who sends us to the nations,
give us the power of his Spirit.

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

Epiphany Season | Wednesday 31 Jan 2024: Psalm 35:1-10; Jeremiah 29:1-14; Mark 5:1-20 ~ Go and tell what God has done for you.

Epiphany Season | Wednesday 31 Jan 2024

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

Opening:

“Go home to your family,
and tell them how much the Lord
has done for you and how merciful
he has been to you.”
(Mark 5:19)

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From Psalms: Psalm 35:1-10 GW

35:1 O Lord, attack those who attack me.
Fight against those who fight against me.
Use your shields, ⌞both⌟ small and large.
Arise to help me.
Hold your spear to block the way of those who pursue me.
Say to my soul, “I am your savior.”

Let those who seek my life be put to shame and disgraced.
Let those who plan my downfall be turned back in confusion.

Let them be like husks blown by the wind
as the Messenger of the Lord chases them.
Let their path be dark and slippery
as the Messenger of the Lord pursues them.

For no reason they hid their net in a pit.
For no reason they dug the pit ⌞to trap me⌟.

Let destruction surprise them.
Let the net that they hid catch them.
Let them fall into their own pit and be destroyed.

My soul will find joy in the Lord
and be joyful about his salvation.

All my bones will say, “O Lord, who can compare with you?
You rescue the weak person from the one who is too strong for him
and weak and needy people from the one who robs them.”

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Mi Sheberach | מי שברך | Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School Choir

He who blessed our holy ancestors
He will bless the soldiers of Israel
God will protect and save you—our soldiers
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OT Reading: Jeremiah 29:1-14 (GW)

Jeremiah Writes to the Captives in Babylon

29:1 The prophet Jeremiah sent a letter from Jerusalem to the rest of the leaders among the captives. He also sent it to the priests, the prophets, and all the people that Nebuchadnezzar took away as captives from Jerusalem to Babylon. (This was after King Jehoiakin and his mother, the court officials, the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the craftsmen, and metal workers left Jerusalem.) He sent the letter with Shaphan’s son Elasah and Hilkiah’s son Gemariah, whom King Zedekiah of Judah had sent to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. The letter said:

This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all those who were taken captive from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses, and live in them. Plant gardens, and eat what they produce. Get married, and have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons, and let your daughters get married so that they can have sons and daughters. Grow in number there; don’t decrease. Work for the good of the city where I’ve taken you as captives, and pray to the Lord for that city. When it prospers, you will also prosper.

This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Don’t let the prophets or the mediums who are among you trick you. Don’t even listen to your own dreams. These people are prophesying lies to you in my name. I didn’t send them, declares the Lord.

This is what the Lord says: When Babylon’s 70 years are over, I will come to you. I will keep my promise to you and bring you back to this place. I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will hear you. When you look for me, you will find me. When you wholeheartedly seek me, I will let you find me, declares the Lord. I will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I’ve scattered you, declares the Lord. I will bring you back from the place where you are being held captive.

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ZION [Official Lyric Video] – Aaron Shust

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NT Reading: Mark 5:1-20 (GW)

Jesus Cures a Demon-Possessed Man

5:1 They arrived in the territory of the Gerasenes on the other side of the Sea of Galilee. As Jesus stepped out of the boat, a man came out of the tombs and met him. The man was controlled by an evil spirit and lived among the tombs. No one could restrain him any longer, not even with a chain. He had often been chained hand and foot. However, he snapped the chains off his hands and broke the chains from his feet. No one could control him. Night and day he was among the tombs and on the mountainsides screaming and cutting himself with stones.

The man saw Jesus at a distance. So he ran ⌞to Jesus⌟, bowed down in front of him, and shouted, “Why are you bothering me now, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won’t torture me.” He shouted this because Jesus said, “You evil spirit, come out of the man.”

Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

He told Jesus, “My name is Legion [Six Thousand], because there are many of us.” He begged Jesus not to send them out of the territory.

A large herd of pigs was feeding on a mountainside nearby. The demons begged him, “Send us into the pigs! Let us enter them!”

Jesus let them do this. The evil spirits came out of the man and went into the pigs. The herd of about two thousand pigs rushed down the cliff into the sea and drowned.

Those who took care of the pigs ran away. In the city and countryside they reported everything that had happened. So the people came to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. The man was sitting there dressed and in his right mind. The people were frightened. Those who saw this told what had happened to the demon-possessed man and the pigs. Then the people began to beg Jesus to leave their territory.

As Jesus stepped into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged him, “Let me stay with you.” But Jesus would not allow it. Instead, he told the man, “Go home to your family, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been to you.”