3rd Sunday after Pentecost, 30 Jun 2019: Gal 5:1,13-25; Luke 9:51-62 ~ Free to put Jesus first!

Third Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer:

Sovereign God, ruler of our hearts, you call us to obedience and sustain us in freedom. Keep us true to the way of your Son, that we may leave behind all that hinders us and, with eyes fixed on him, walk surely in the path of the kingdom, where he lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“I am Free” – Newsboys

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A Reading from the New Testament: Gal 5:1,13-25 (NLT)

Freedom in Christ

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.
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For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.

Living by the Spirit’s Power

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 9:51-62 (NLT)

Opposition from Samaritans

As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. So they went on to another village.

The Cost of Following Jesus

As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

He said to another person, “Come, follow me.”

The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”

But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”

Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”

But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
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Intercession:

Almighty God: You have created a new people for Your very own possession through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. And, You have set us free from sin and shame to love and serve You and to live as citizens of Your coming Kingdom through the power of Your Spirit at work in us. Hear our prayer, gracious God, for all those who follow Jesus –

+ That all church leaders may faithfully and courageously proclaim the coming of Your Kingdom….
+ That all church leaders may receive the gifts they need for the ministries You have given them….
+ That all believers may follow Jesus wholeheartedly as guided and empowered by Your Spirit….
+ That all believers may grow in grace and visibly demonstrate the good fruit of Your Spirit in their lives….
+ That all who are fearful and anxious may receive Your support through the loving-kindness of believing friends….
+ That all believers suffering persecution may be delivered from evil and receive help, healing and hope….
+ That all believers on vacation may travel safely and be renewed by the wonders that You show them….
+ That all believers may receive Your mercy and help where we need it most….

Almighty God, our Refuge and our Strength: Hear our prayers and work Your perfect will in our lives, we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“No Longer Slaves” – Jonathan David & Melissa Helser

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Closing: – Psalm 16 (excerpts)

You are my inheritance, O Lord. Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge…
You are my inheritance, O Lord. I bless the LORD who counsels me…
You are my inheritance, O Lord. Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices…
You are my inheritance, O Lord. You will show me the path to life…

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

Saturday Morning, 29 Jun 2019 – James 2:1-13 ~ Faith and Favoritism

Saturday Morning

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

Opening: (A Collect for Sabbath Rest – Saturday)

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and set aside a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared to meet you in worship, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Reading from the Book of James 2:1-13 (NLT)

A Warning against Prejudice

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?

For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?

Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?

Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.

For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law.

So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.
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Morning Reflection:

Faith and Favoritism

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ
if you favor some people over others?
– James 2:1 –

In today’s reading, James comes right to the point: Showing personal favoritism is inconsistent for Christians who worship the glorious Lord Jesus Christ. The example offered is preferential seating of the rich and powerful at Christian gatherings.

In regard to the poor:

+ God has chosen the believing poor to be rich in faith.
+ The believing poor will inherit the Kingdom of God.

In regard to the rich:

+ The unbelieving rich oppress the poor.
+ The unbelieving rich slander Jesus Christ.

The problem of showing favoritism in Christian assemblies is that it treats people exactly opposite to the way God treats them.

Questions for consideration:

Can you think of examples where the rich and powerful have been given preferential treatment at Christian gatherings? Please explain.
Can you think of examples of people who expect preferential treatment at Christian assemblies? Please explain.
Does focusing a church’s ministry on one segment of the population, e.g. youth, or community leaders, amount to showing them preferential treatment? Please explain.
Can you think of people in your Christian assembly who are marginalized, e.g. poor, sick, or elderly? How can you show them courtesy and compassion? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Prayer for the Poor and Powerless:

Heavenly Father: We pray especially today for the poor and powerless whom you hold close to your heart. Open our hearts to receive them as you do – rich in faith, though poor in worldly status. Fill us with compassion for the very young, the old, the disabled, the stranger – that we might honor them with our friendship and express our concern for them with acts of kindness and love. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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“All the Poor and Powerless” – All Sons & Daughters

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and 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 of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

2nd Sunday after Pentecost, 23 Jun 2019: Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 9:18-24 ~ God’s Children through Faith

Second Sunday after Pentecost

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

Opening Prayer:

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name, increase in us true faith, nourish us with all goodness, and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; 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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“In Christ There Is No East or West” – BBC Christian Music

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A Reading from the New Testament: Galatians 3:23-29 (NLT)

Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed.

Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 9:18-24 (NLT)

One day Jesus left the crowds to pray alone. Only his disciples were with him, and he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”

“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead.”

Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

Peter replied, “You are the Messiah sent from God!”

Jesus warned his disciples not to tell anyone who he was. “The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.”

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
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Intercession:

Gracious and Loving God: Through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ, you have made us your children – united with him in baptism. Help us to live like him through the power of your Spirit at work within us. We pray especially –

+ For world peace, that warring factions may die to themselves and be raised to new life in you….
+ For world leaders, that they may govern their nations with wisdom and understanding from you….
+ For church leaders around the world, that they may be peacemakers by word and example….
+ For believers from different traditions, that we might love one another and learn from one another….
+ For all believers suffering persecution, that they may be delivered from evil…..
+ For all believers, that we may be clothed in Christ in every circumstance….
+ For all those who are in trouble, sick, or needy, that they may receive your help and healing….

Gracious God: Show us your loving-kindness and come quickly to the aid of your people. And strengthen us through the pwoer of your Word and Spirit as we await the coming of your justice and peace. We ask this in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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“Living Hope” – Phil Wickham

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Closing: – Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Saturday Morning, 22 Jun 2019 – Hebrews 11:32-40 ~ Faith makes heroes

Saturday Morning

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

Opening: (A Collect for Sabbath Rest – Saturday)

Reading from the Book of Hebrews 11:32-40 (NLT)

How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death.

But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.

All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.
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Morning Reflection:

Faith makes heroes.

All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith,
yet none of them received all that God had promised.
– Hebrews 11:30

The Old Testament is full of good models of persevering, living faith and today we are reminded of several of them, and what they accomplished. It’s important to note that none of these heroes was perfect, and yet God approved of the faith of each one.

In some cases, by faith these heroes accomplished great things.
In other cases, these heroes were persecuted, tortured and killed because of their faith.
But in every case they stayed the course by faith because they believed in the better future that God had promised them.

“. . . it is the future, and not the past, that molds the present. . . .” (William L. Lane)

Hebrews Chapter 11 is intended to inspire us to trust and obey God, even if we don’t realize God’s promises to us in our lifetime.

Questions for consideration:

Do you believe that God can make you a hero of faith? Why / Why not? Please explain.
How has God positioned you to uniquely bear witness to your faith? What are your opportunities? What are your challenges? Please explain.
When you think of God’s promises for a better future, what comes to mind? Please explain.
What would it / does it take to live as a child of that promise? Please explain.
What do you need to do? What do you need God to do? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Life Support Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Fill us with Your Spirit, that all who work to protect life will show that we belong to you by how we love one another and how we treat others. I pray for those who are facing life and death decisions right now, that they may be attracted to you, and receive your love and hope and help through us. I ask this in Jesus name. Amen.

Prayer in Times of Suffering or Weakness:

Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: I hold up all my weakness to your strength, my failure to your faithfulness, my sinfulness to your perfection, my loneliness to your compassion, my little pains to your great agony on the Cross. I pray that you will cleanse me, strengthen me, guide me, so that in all ways my life may be lived as you would have it lived, without cowardice and for you alone. Show me how to live in true humility, true contrition, and true love. Amen.

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“Press On” – Selah

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Closing:

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

Trinity Sunday, 16 Jun 2019: Isaiah 6:1-7; Revelation 4:1-11; John 16:12-15 ~ Holy! Holy! Holy!

Trinity Sunday

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

Opening Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, your name is veiled in mystery, yet we dare to call you Father; your Son was begotten before all ages, yet is born among us in time; your Holy Spirit fills the whole creation, yet is poured forth now into our hearts. Because you have made us and loved us and called us by name, draw us more deeply into your divine life, that we may glorify you rightly through your Son, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
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“Holy, Holy, Holy” – Latria Modern Worship

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 6:1-7 (NLT)

Isaiah’s Cleansing and Call

It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. They were calling out to each other,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!”

Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke.

Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”
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A Reading from the New Testament: Revelation 4:1-11 (NLT)

Worship in Heaven

Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.

In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”

Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

A Reading from the Gospels: John 16:12-15 (NLT)

“There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’
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Intercession:

Holy! Holy! Holy! are you, Lord God Almighty, the whole world is filled with your glory! Thank you for sending us your Son, Jesus Christ, that our sins may be forgiven and that we may approach your throne of grace with confidence. Lord, in your mercy, help us – we pray especially –

+ For the peace of the whole world, that your people may live full satisfying lives….
+ For church leaders around the world, that they may lead with constancy, grace, and love….
+ For all who preach / teach the Gospel, that they may make wise, faithful disciples….
+ For all believers in Christ who are persecuted for their faith, that they may be delivered from evil….
+ For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, that they may receive your help and healing, and be filled with hope….
+ For believing father’s everywhere, that we might fulfill our responsibilities to our wives and children with energy, intelligence, imagination and love – after the example of Jesus….

Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for the sake of your Son 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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“Revelation Song” – Gateway Worship

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Closing:

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

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