Tag: Corinth

Morning Prayer: 15 May – Acts 18:9-18; John 16:20-23 ~ unassailable joy

Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter

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

Opening sentence and prayer:

Christ the Lord has promised us the Holy Spirit: come, let us adore him, alleluia.
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Lord, pour on us the Holy Spirit, the promise of the Father – clothe us with power from on high. Send your Spirit upon us. You gave us a new birth in baptism with water and the Spirit – clothe us in the garment of eternal joy when Christ comes in His glory. Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

A Reading from Acts: Acts 18:9-18 (NLT)

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” So Paul stayed there [in Corinth] for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.

Aquila, Priscilla and Paul Orthodox Icon
Aquila, Priscilla and Paul
Orthodox Icon

But when Gallio became governor of Achaia, some Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him before the governor for judgment. They accused Paul of “persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to our law.”

But just as Paul started to make his defense, Gallio turned to Paul’s accusers and said, “Listen, you Jews, if this were a case involving some wrongdoing or a serious crime, I would have a reason to accept your case. But since it is merely a question of words and names and your Jewish law, take care of it yourselves. I refuse to judge such matters.” And he threw them out of the courtroom.

The crowd then grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him right there in the courtroom. But Gallio paid no attention.

Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that, then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters and went to nearby Cenchrea. There he shaved his head according to Jewish custom, marking the end of a vow. Then he set sail for Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him.
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Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory. (Luke 24:46,26)
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rejoice-1

A Reading from the Gospels: John 16:20-23 (NLT)

I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.
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Canticle

Christ, as a light illumine and guide me. Christ as a shield overshadow me. Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me. This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me on my left and my right.

Blessing:

May the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

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

Morning Reading: Acts 19:1-7 NLT – Holy Spirit received

Reading: Acts 19:1-7 NLT

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers.

image

“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them. “No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

“Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked. And they replied, “The baptism of John.”

Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.”

As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Fill us with your Spirit. Overcome our ignorance, or bad theology, so that every believer who has been baptized in your name may experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit… with all the gifts and blessings that entails. And may your Spirit bear good fruit in us… love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control. All to the glory of God. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Holy Spirit, You are welcome here” – Jesus Culture (Kim Walker – Passion 2013)

Morning: Reading: Acts 18:18-22 NLT – mission accomplished

Reading: Acts 18:18-22 NLT

Map: Apostle Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Map: Apostle Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that, then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters and went to nearby Cenchrea. There he shaved his head according to Jewish custom, marking the end of a vow. Then he set sail for Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him.

They stopped first at the port of Ephesus, where Paul left the others behind. While he was there, he went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews. They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. As he left, however, he said, “I will come back later, God willing.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. The next stop was at the port of Caesarea. From there he went up and visited the church at Jerusalem and then went back to Antioch.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – I pray for your missionary servants traveling here and there to encourage and strengthen believers. Protect them and guide them by your Spirit. Give them words of wisdom and encouragement for those they meet. Call forth a harvest of souls from the people they meet and the places they visit. May they always leave your people stronger – better equipped – to meet the challenges of the day. And may they see glimpses – small and large – of Kingdom come. To God be the glory. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Send the Light” – Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (1890)

There’s a call comes ringing o’er the restless wave, “Send the light! Send the light!” There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save, Send the light! Send the light!

Send the light, the blessed Gospel light; Let it shine from shore to shore! Send the light, the blessed Gospel light; Let it shine forevermore!

We have heard the Macedonian call today, “Send the light! Send the light!” And a golden off’ring at the cross we lay, Send the light! Send the light!

Let us pray that grace may everywhere abound, “Send the light! Send the light!” And a Christlike spirit everywhere be found, Send the light! Send the light!

Let us not grow weary in the work of love, “Send the light! Send the light!” Let us gather jewels for a crown above, Send the light! Send the light!

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Corban University Chamber Orchestra, Concert Band and Concert Choir performing “Send The Light” by Charles H. Gabriel

Morning Reading: Acts 18:9-17 NLT – many people belong to me

Reading: Acts 18:9-17 NLT

Belfast from Black Mountain
Belfast from Black Mountain

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God.

But when Gallio became governor of Achaia, some Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him before the governor for judgment. They accused Paul of “persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to our law.”

But just as Paul started to make his defense, Gallio turned to Paul’s accusers and said, “Listen, you Jews, if this were a case involving some wrongdoing or a serious crime, I would have a reason to accept your case. But since it is merely a question of words and names and your Jewish law, take care of it yourselves. I refuse to judge such matters.” And he threw them out of the courtroom.

The crowd then grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him right there in the courtroom. But Gallio paid no attention.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – You have already prepared the hearts of your own… to hear your voice and welcome your word of Life. Give us your mind to understand… your words to speak… and your heart which burns with compassion for those who are lost… to guide them gently into your fold… and to feed and care for them as they discover your eternal purpose for their lives. And protect your people from all harm… whether in the fold or outside. For your name’s sake I ask it. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “You Alone Can Rescue” – Matt Redman

Morning Reading: Acts 18:1-8 NLT – mission shift

Reading: Acts 18:1-8 NLT

Priscilla and Aquila, Companions of Saint Paul
Priscilla and Aquila, Companions of Saint Paul

Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tent makers just as he was.

Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike. And after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul spent all his time preaching the word. He testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads — I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.”

Then he left and went to the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Sometimes you just want us to move on… and thankfully Paul chose to bring the Good News to the Gentiles… to me. Thank you for Jewish people like Aquila and Priscilla… who became believers and welcomed Paul into their home. Thank you for Gentile people like Titius Justus… who opened his home to Paul as his mission to the Gentile world began to take shape. And thank you for people like Crispus… who became believers along with their entire households… and sealed their belief with baptism. Thank you for touching their hearts and changing their lives… often at great personal cost.

And your Spirit continues to move across the world today… changing hearts, changing lives, gathering in people whom you have prepared to receive your Word of mercy, grace and hope. Protect these your children from the evil one… and make them a light to the nations. May your name be praised. Amen.

Spiritual Song:  “Once and For All / Only Jesus” – Chris Tomlin & Matt Redman (Passion 2013)
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