Tag: Jesus Christ

Monday Morning: 17 Jun 2019 – Hebrews 9:11-28 ~ Jesus sacrificed himself to remove the sins of many.

Monday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for the Renewal of Life – Monday)

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Hebrews 9:11-28 (NLT)

Christ Is the Perfect Sacrifice

So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.

Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.

Now when someone leaves a will, it is necessary to prove that the person who made it is dead. The will goes into effect only after the person’s death. While the person who made it is still alive, the will cannot be put into effect.

That is why even the first covenant was put into effect with the blood of an animal. For after Moses had read each of God’s commandments to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, and sprinkled both the book of God’s law and all the people, using hyssop branches and scarlet wool. Then he said, “This blood confirms the covenant God has made with you.” And in the same way, he sprinkled blood on the Tabernacle and on everything used for worship. In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.

That is why the Tabernacle and everything in it, which were copies of things in heaven, had to be purified by the blood of animals. But the real things in heaven had to be purified with far better sacrifices than the blood of animals.

For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.

And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus sacrificed himself to remove the sins of many.

With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—
[Jesus] entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.
– Hebrews 9:12

The emphasis in today’s reading is on the efficacy of the Blood of Christ to take away our sins, once and for all time.

Under the old covenant a blood sacrifice was required for purification (Lev. 17:11). However the lives of innocent animal substitutes were sufficient only to atone for sin temporarily. In contrast, under the new covenant, the life of Jesus Christ, his blood sacrifice, was a perfect human substitute which atoned for the sins of the world and adequately paid for the redemption of all people forever. Why is this important?

+ the blood of Jesus provided permanent cleansing from our sin
+ the blood of Jesus cleanses our consciences as worshipers
+ the blood of Jesus secures our hope in an “eternal inheritance”
+ the blood of Jesus enables us to wait eagerly for his return

Questions for consideration:

“As sinful pilgrims on their way to the heavenly city,
God’s people defile all they touch, even their ‘meeting place’ with God,
and they need the constant efficacy of the sacrifice of Christ their High Priest
to remove that defilement. [David J. MacLeod]

  • Do you see yourself as a “sinful pilgrim on your way to the heavenly city?” Please explain.
  • In what sense do “God’s people defile all they touch?” Please explain.
  • How does the blood sacrifice of Jesus remove that defilement once and for all time? Please explain.
  • Why do you think confession of sin is regularly included as an element of worship? Please explain.
  • Why is the Lord’s Supper an essential means of remembering what Jesus has done for us? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Life Support Prayer:

 Thank you, Heavenly Father, for pro-life leaders around the world. Strengthen them in Christ Jesus and unite them in faith and practice that they may reflect maturity in Christ. Help us to set aside our differences for the greater good of our common witness: Choose Life. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Lord’s Supper: Words of Institution

On the night that he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my Body, which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise, after supper, Jesus took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the forgiveness of sins: Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

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“Nothing But The Blood” – Page CXVI

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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

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

Saturday Morning, 15 Jun 2019 – Hebrews 9:1-10 ~ Jesus provides free access to God

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 Hebrews: Hebrews 9:1-10 (NLT)

Old Rules about Worship

That first covenant between God and Israel had regulations for worship and a place of worship here on earth. There were two rooms in that Tabernacle. In the first room were a lampstand, a table, and sacred loaves of bread on the table. This room was called the Holy Place. Then there was a curtain, and behind the curtain was the second room called the Most Holy Place. In that room were a gold incense altar and a wooden chest called the Ark of the Covenant, which was covered with gold on all sides. Inside the Ark were a gold jar containing manna, Aaron’s staff that sprouted leaves, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the Ark were the cherubim of divine glory, whose wings stretched out over the Ark’s cover, the place of atonement. But we cannot explain these things in detail now.

When these things were all in place, the priests regularly entered the first room as they performed their religious duties. But only the high priest ever entered the Most Holy Place, and only once a year. And he always offered blood for his own sins and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. By these regulations the Holy Spirit revealed that the entrance to the Most Holy Place was not freely open as long as the Tabernacle and the system it represented were still in use.

This is an illustration pointing to the present time. For the gifts and sacrifices that the priests offer are not able to cleanse the consciences of the people who bring them. For that old system deals only with food and drink and various cleansing ceremonies—physical regulations that were in effect only until a better system could be established.
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Morning Reflection:

By these regulations the Holy Spirit revealed
that the entrance to the Most Holy Place was not freely open
as long as the Tabernacle and the system it represented were still in use.– Hebrews 9:8

Today’s reading continues the explanation of why the new covenant is superior to the old – specifically that, under the old covenant access was limited to God’s Presence (the Most Holy Place), and the sacrificial offerings were inadequate (required repetition). The Tabernacle is used as an illustration because of its association with the giving of the Old Covenant to Moses at Mount Sinai.

The point being made is that the old system of worship did not meet the deepest need of God’s people, i.e. an intimate personal relationship with God. Its rites and ceremonies extended mainly to external matters until God would provide a better system at “a time of reformation.”

Questions for consideration:

  • What’s the difference between approaching God, through ritual or relationship? Please explain.
  • What role does ritual have in your relationship with God? Please explain.
  • Do you consider yourself as having free access to God? Yes / No. Please explain.
  • Do you have a clear conscience, i.e. a conscience that is right with God? Please explain.
  • If you are not sure, please click here.

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Morning Prayer:

Life Support Prayer:

 Heavenly Father: Make us one, across all denominational lines, in our mission to care for of widows and orphans, young and old, weak and ill, disabled and distressed. Pour out your Spirit and usher in a season of refreshment that provides new energy and clarity for all who labor to protect human life – from fertilization until natural death. I ask this in Jesus’ name, the Lord of Life. Amen.

Prayer for a Clear Conscience:

“Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.” 

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“Take Me In” – Petra

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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

Friday Morning: 14 Jun 2019 – Hebrews 8:1-13 ~ Jesus ministers to us in heaven

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Almighty God, whose beloved Son first suffered pain and crucifixion before entering into glory: Mercifully grant that we, walking in his footsteps, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Hebrews 8:1-13 (NLT)

Christ Is Our High Priest

Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven. There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands.

And since every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices, our High Priest must make an offering, too. If he were here on earth, he would not even be a priest, since there already are priests who offer the gifts required by the law. They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.”

But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.

If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. But when God found fault with the people, he said:

“The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already. And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus ministers to us in heaven

Here is the main point:
We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven.
There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle,
the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands. – Hebrews 8:1-2

Today’s reading continues to make the case for the superiority of Jesus Christ as our High Priest under the new covenant that God has decreed. The new covenant has been established in heaven with Jesus seated by the throne of God – a place of worship, the Most Holy Place, unblemished by human involvement in its construction.

In this place of honor, Jesus ministers to us –

+ as our High Priest enthroned with God in heaven
+ as our High Priest in the real Tabernacle – the real Most Holy Place
+ as our High Priest in the real, eternal, presence of God

And how does this benefit us? Why is this ministry of Jesus under the new covenant a better way?

+ because under the new covenant – God lives in us
+ because under the new covenant – God empowers us to remain faithful
+ because under the new covenant – God gives us the desire to do his will
+ because under the new covenant – God establishes a privileged, unique relationship with himself
+ because under the new covenant – God permits us to know him directly
+ because under the new covenant – God makes a way for us to experience permanent forgiveness of our sins

Questions for consideration: As you review the benefits we receive from Jesus ministry to us –

  • What comes to mind when you think of Jesus seated in God’s presence? What does this mean for you? Please explain.
  • Which of the benefits listed above do you find most encouraging? Please explain.
  • Which of the benefits listed above are you least aware of in your every-day life? Please explain.
  • Which of the benefits listed above would you like to live into more? How could you do that? What would you like God to do? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Life Support Prayer:

Heavenly Father: Thank you for the older members of my family, and my family of faith. Help me to listen and learn from them, that I may grow in wisdom and understanding beyond my age. I pray, too, for all who are facing the limitations of aging, that they may be active in loving others and be filled with hope and encouragement. Thank you for those whom you have called to care for the elderly, equip them with the love and compassion of Jesus. It’s in his Name I ask it, Amen. 

Prayer for Knowing and Loving God:

O God, the light of the minds that know you, the life of the souls that love you, and the strength of the wills that serve you: Help us so to know you that we may truly love you, and so to love you that we may fully serve you, whom to serve is perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

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“Be Enthroned” – Bethel Music

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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

Thursday Morning: 13 Jun 2019 – Hebrews 7:11-28 ~ Jesus guarantees God’s covenant

Thursday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Hebrews 7:11-28 (NLT)

So if the priesthood of Levi, on which the law was based, could have achieved the perfection God intended, why did God need to establish a different priesthood, with a priest in the order of Melchizedek instead of the order of Levi and Aaron?

And if the priesthood is changed, the law must also be changed to permit it. For the priest we are talking about belongs to a different tribe, whose members have never served at the altar as priests. What I mean is, our Lord came from the tribe of Judah, and Moses never mentioned priests coming from that tribe.

Jesus Is like Melchizedek

This change has been made very clear since a different priest, who is like Melchizedek, has appeared. Jesus became a priest, not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. And the psalmist pointed this out when he prophesied,

“You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Yes, the old requirement about the priesthood was set aside because it was weak and useless. For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

This new system was established with a solemn oath. Aaron’s descendants became priests without such an oath, but there was an oath regarding Jesus. For God said to him,

“The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow: ‘You are a priest forever.’”

Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God.

There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.

He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven. Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins. The law appointed high priests who were limited by human weakness. But after the law was given, God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made the perfect High Priest forever.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God.
– Hebrews 7:22

In today’s reading, we are introduced to God’s new (better) covenant with Jesus as the guarantor.

The particular word the writer chose to use for covenant conveys the idea of God’s absolute will, e.g. a last will and testament, rather than an agreement between two equal parties, e.g. marriage. It’s a one-sided declaration, rather than a negotiation; and God has appointed his Son, backed by God’s sworn oath, to be its underwriter.

So let’s look at why God appointed Jesus as our High Priest forever –

  • Jesus offered himself, once and for all, as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
  • Jesus’ sacrifice is one of a kind because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin.
  • Jesus has been set apart from sinners, and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven.
  • Jesus’ priesthood saves, once and forever, those who come to God through him.
  • Jesus’ priesthood continues forever to intercede with God on our behalf.
  • Jesus’ priesthood lasts forever, because Jesus lives forever.

Questions for consideration:

  • In what way is the new covenant better than the old covenant? Please explain.
  • What do the expressions “once and for all, once and forever” mean to you? How do they relate to your every-day life? Please explain.
  • Since Jesus is continually interceding for you, where do you need his help today? Please explain.
  • How often do you receive the Lord’s Supper in your tradition? Why? Please explain.
  • Have you experienced God’s grace through receiving Communion? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

Life Support Prayer:

Gracious God: Thank you for the blessing of our children and the hope they give for the future of our faith. Watch over them and protect them. Thank you for placing them in believing families and faith communities where they can be nurtured by your Word and Spirit and grow into the faith-filled future you prepared for them even before they were born. Help them to find their place in your family, that they may love and serve you to the glory of your name. I ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer of Consecration (Preface): Anglican Church in North America

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and when we had sinned against you and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent your only Son Jesus Christ into the world for our salvation. By the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary he became flesh and dwelt among us. In obedience to your will, he stretched out his arms upon the Cross and offered himself once for all, that by his suffering and death we might be saved. By his resurrection he broke the bonds of death, trampling Hell and Satan under his feet. As our great high priest, he ascended to your right hand in glory, that we might come with confidence before the throne of grace….

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“Come To The Table” – Sidewalk Prophets

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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