Tag: jesus

Monday Morning Prayer: 17 Aug 2020 – Psalm 106:1-5, Romans 13:8-14 ~ all authority comes from God

Monday Morning Prayer, 17 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

O Lord, show your mercy upon us; and grant us your salvation.
O Lord, guide those who govern us; and lead us in the way of justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness; and let your people sing with joy

“All authority comes from God,
and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”
(Romans13:1)

Collect for Purity

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

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Scripture: Psalm 106:1-5 (NLT)

Praise the Lord!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord?
Who can ever praise him enough?
There is joy for those who deal justly with others
and always do what is right.

Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people;
come near and rescue me.
Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones.
Let me rejoice in the joy of your people;
let me praise you with those who are your heritage.

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Before the Throne of God Above – Selah

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Scripture Reading

Romans 13:1-7 (NLT)

Respect for Authority

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

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Reflection: Christians and Government

Everyone must submit to governing authorities.
For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.
So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
Romans 13:1-2 (NLT)

We subject ourselves to governing authorities because they are appointed by God and serve a purpose in His plan. (David Guzik)

“Your Savior suffered under Pontius Pilate, one of the worst Roman governors Judea ever had; and Paul under Nero, the worst Roman Emperor. And neither our Lord nor His Apostle denied or reviled the ‘authority!’ ” (Newell)

  • God appoints a nation’s leaders, but not always to bless the people. Sometimes it is to judge the people or to ripen the nation for judgment.
  • God uses governing authorities as a check upon man’s sinful desires and tendencies.
  • Government can be an effective tool in resisting the effects of man’s fallenness.
  • The job of government is to punish and deter evildoers.

Prayer:

+ For Our Nation

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in thy Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For The President

O Lord our Governor, all authority comes from you: Grant to President Trump the wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill him with the love of truth and righteousness, and make him continually mindful of his calling to serve this people in reverent obedience to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

+ For Congress

O God, the fountain of wisdom, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth: So guide and bless our Senators and Representatives assembled in Congress, that they may enact laws pleasing in your sight, to the glory of your Name and the welfare of this people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“God of Our Fathers” – “National Hymn” by: George Warren, 1888

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Closing: Romans 13:1

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.“

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

The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 16 Aug 2020: , Psalm 67, Isaiah 56:1, 6-7, Matthew 15:21-28 ~ “Please help me, Lord!”

The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 16 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

God of the nations, all are welcome in your home, and no one is a stranger to your family. Satisfy the hunger of our hearts, and mercifully extend to all the peoples on earth the joy of salvation and faith. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

“Soon I will come to save you;
my saving power will be seen everywhere on earth.”

__________

Psalm 67 in Hebrew with English translation by Tal Hermon – Jerusalemsaints

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 (CEV)

All Nations Will Be Part of God’s People

The Lord said:

Be honest and fair!
Soon I will come to save you;
my saving power will be seen
everywhere on earth.
_____

Foreigners will follow me.
They will love me
and worship
in my name;
they will respect the Sabbath
and keep our agreement.
I will bring them
to my holy mountain,
where they will celebrate
in my house of worship.
Their sacrifices and offerings
will always be welcome
on my altar.
Then my house will be known
as a house of worship
for all nations.

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Lord Have Mercy – Michael W Smith and Sarah McIntosh

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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 15:21-28 (CEV)

A Woman’s Faith

Jesus left and went to the territory near the cities of Tyre and Sidon. Suddenly a Canaanite woman from there came out shouting, “Lord and Son of David, have pity on me! My daughter is full of demons.” Jesus did not say a word. But the woman kept following along and shouting, so his disciples came up and asked him to send her away.

Jesus said, “I was sent only to the people of Israel! They are like a flock of lost sheep.”

The woman came closer. Then she knelt down and begged, “Please help me, Lord!”

Jesus replied, “It isn’t right to take food away from children and feed it to dogs.”

“Lord, that’s true,” the woman said, “but even dogs get the crumbs that fall from their owner’s table.”

Jesus answered, “Dear woman, you really do have a lot of faith, and you will be given what you want.” At that moment her daughter was healed.

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Kadosh Ata (You are Holy) Joshua Aaron – Messianic Praise and Worship

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Prayer

+ For the Human Family: O God, you made us in your own image, and you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ For the Unrepentant: Merciful God, you desire not the death of sinners, but rather that they should turn to you and live; and through your only Son you have revealed yourself as the God who pardons iniquity. Have mercy on the unrepentant and those who do not believe. Awaken in them, by your Word and Holy Spirit, a deep sense of their sinfulness and peril. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word. Grant them to know and feel that there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which they must be saved, but only the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. And so bring them home and number them among your children, that they may be yours for ever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

+ For a Spirit of Evangelism: 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.

+ For the Mission of the Church: O God, our heavenly Father, you manifested your love by sending your only-begotten Son into the world, that all might live through him: Pour out your Spirit on your Church, that we may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to all people. 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.

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How Great is our God / Gadol Elohai by Joshua Aaron in Jerusalem, Israel / Messianic Worship

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Closing – Romans 11:17-18 (CEV)

You Gentiles are like branches of a wild olive tree that were made to be part of a cultivated olive tree. You have taken the place of some branches that were cut away from it. And because of this, you enjoy the blessings that come from being part of that cultivated tree. But don’t think you are better than the branches that were cut away. Just remember that you are not supporting the roots of that tree. Its roots are supporting you.
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Saturday Morning Prayer: 15 Aug 2020 – Psalm 105:1-4, 7-8, Romans 12:1-2, 9-21 ~ let God change how you think

Saturday Morning Prayer, 15 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

Surely, it is God who saves me;
I will trust in him and not be afraid.
For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense,
and he will be my Savior

“Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
(Romans12:2)

Collect for Purity

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

__________

Scripture: Psalm 105:1-4, 7-8 (NLT)

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.
Let the whole world know what he has done.
Sing to him; yes, sing his praises.
Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
Exult in his holy name;
rejoice, you who worship the Lord.
Search for the Lord and for his strength;
continually seek him.

Give Thanks (Psalm 105) – Sean Dayton

He is the Lord our God.
His justice is seen throughout the land.
He always stands by his covenant—
the commitment he made to a thousand generations.

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Scripture Reading

Romans 12:1-2, 9-21 (NLT)

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

_____

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”
says the Lord.

Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads.”

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

__________

Reflection: Christians must THINK differently.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,
but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think..”
(Romans12:2)

Christians must THINK differently. (David Guzik)

With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity. (PHILLIPS)

The problem with many Christians is they live life based on feelings, or they are only concerned about doing.

  • The life based on feeling says, “How do I feel today? How do I feel about my job? How do I feel about my wife? How do I feel about worship? How do I feel about the preacher?” This life by feeling will never know the transforming power of God, because it ignores the renewing of the mind.
  • The life based on doing says, “Don’t give me your theology. Just tell me what to do. Give me the four points for this and the seven keys for that.” This life of doing will never know the transforming power of God, because it ignores the renewing of the mind.

God is never against the principles of feeling and doing. He is a God of powerful and passionate feeling and He commands us to be doers. Yet feelings and doing are completely insufficient foundations for the Christian life. The first questions cannot be “How do I feel?” or “What do I do?” Rather, they must be “What is true here? What does God’s Word say?”

Prayer: For God To Change How I Think

Merciful God: Change the way I think about life and the world around me; give me the mind of Christ –

+ that I may have a genuine break with evil and a real devotion to good….

+ that I may have real warm affection for my brothers and sisters in Christ….

+ that I may give freely to my brothers and sisters in Chris in want….

+ that I may do my work diligently and enthusiastically for God….

+ that I may endure trials patiently, and pray steadfastly….

+ that I may bless those who try to make my life miserable….

+ that I may share the happiness and sorrow of others….

+ that I may take a real interest in ordinary people live at peace with everyone…..

Merciful God: Change the way I think about life and the world around me; give me the mind of Christ. And, empower me by your Spirit to live out, day by day, what I know to be true. Amen.

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“Give Me Faith” – Elevation Worship

https://youtu.be/ZoMT2fqnQyM?rel=0
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Closing: Romans 12:2:

“Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.“

__________

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

Friday Morning Prayer: 14 Aug 2020 – Psalm 103, Romans 11:25-36 ~ God’s mercy is for you.

Friday Morning Prayer, 14 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

Surely, it is God who saves me;
I will trust in him and not be afraid.
For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense,
and he will be my Savior

“God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone.” – Romans11:32

Collect for Purity

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

__________

Scripture: Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, oh my soul
And all that’s in me, bless His holy name
Bless the Lord, oh my soul
And forget not all His benefits
And forget not all His benefits.

103 (Bless the Lord) – The Prestonwood Choir

Who redeems
Who restores
Who renews your youth like the eagle soars
Who forgives every sin
Who is raising us to new life again

Oh my soul will
Oh my soul will bless the Lord

High as the heavens are above the earth
So great His steadfast love
Toward those who fear Him
Bless the Lord
Bless the Lord, Oh my soul

Far as the east is from the west
So far does he remove our trespasses from us
Bless the Lord
Bless the Lord, Oh my soul

Bless the Lord

Who redeems
Who restores
Who renews your youth like the eagle soars
Who forgives every sin
Who is raising us to new life again

Oh my soul will
Oh my soul will bless the Lord
The Lord
Bless the Lord
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Scripture Reading

Romans 11:25-36 (NLT)

I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. And so all Israel will be saved. As the Scriptures say,

“The one who rescues will come from Jerusalem,
and he will turn Israel away from ungodliness.
And this is my covenant with them,
that I will take away their sins.”

Many of the people of Israel are now enemies of the Good News, and this benefits you Gentiles. Yet they are still the people he loves because he chose their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn. Once, you Gentiles were rebels against God, but when the people of Israel rebelled against him, God was merciful to you instead. Now they are the rebels, and God’s mercy has come to you so that they, too, will share in God’s mercy. For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone.

Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!

For who can know the Lord’s thoughts?
Who knows enough to give him advice?
And who has given him so much
that he needs to pay it back?

For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

__________

Reflection: God’s Mercy Is for Everyone

” God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone.”
(Romans11:32)

If God used the disobedience of Israel for the good of Gentiles, He can also use the mercy shown to Gentiles for the mercy of Israel….

God has committed them all to disobedience: The idea is that God has shut up both Jew and Gentile into custody as lawbreakers. God offers mercy to these prisoners, based on the person and work of Jesus….

Who would have planned the whole scenario with Israel, the Gentiles, and the Church as God has planned it? Yet, we can see the great wisdom and compassion in God’s plan.

(David Guzic)

Prayer: For God’s Mercy For Everyone,

Gracious God our Heavenly Father: You show mercy to all who cry out to you. Lord have mercy –

+ on all who seek forgiveness and want to return to you and change the direction of their lives….
+ on all who find themselves in difficult circumstances, whether or not they caused it themselves….
+ on all who feel overwhelmed by the pressures of life, especially during this pandemic season….
+ on all who are weak and afraid and turn to you out of desperation as their last and only hope….

Gracious God our Heavenly Father: Your ways are beyond our understanding; nevertheless we trust you to deliver and rescue all who call on your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, and to the glory of your name.
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“- Ashuv Eleicha (Coming Back to You)” – Messianic Jewish Alliance of Israel

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Closing: Romans 11:

“Once, you Gentiles were rebels against God, but when the people of Israel rebelled against him, God was merciful to you instead. Now they are the rebels, and God’s mercy has come to you so that they, too, will share in God’s mercy. For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone.

Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!“

__________

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

Thursday Morning Prayer: 13 Aug 2020 – Psalm 99: 1-5, Romans 10:9-17 ~ “Jesus is Lord!”

Thursday Morning Prayer, 13 Aug 2020

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

Opening:

Surely, it is God who saves me;
I will trust in him and not be afraid.
For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense,
and he will be my Savior

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved.” – Romans10:9

Collect for Purity

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

__________

Scripture Reading

Psalm 99:1-5 (NLT)

Exalt the Lord our God!
Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!

Psalm 99  – Sons of Korah

The Lord is king!
Let the nations tremble!
He sits on his throne between the cherubim.
Let the whole earth quake!
The Lord sits in majesty in Jerusalem,
exalted above all the nations.
Let them praise your great and awesome name.
Your name is holy!
Mighty King, lover of justice,
you have established fairness.
You have acted with justice
and righteousness throughout Israel.
Exalt the Lord our God!
Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!

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Scripture Reading

Romans 10:9-17 (NLT)

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

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Reflection: 

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved.” – Romans10:9

We believe everything which the Lord Jesus has taught, but we must go a step further, and trust him. It is not even enough to believe in him, as being the Son of God, and the anointed of the Lord; but we must believe on him… The faith that saves is not believing certain truths, nor even believing that Jesus is a Savior; but it is resting on him, depending on him, lying with all your weight on Christ as the foundation of your hope. Believe that he can save you; believe that he will save you; at any rate leave the whole matter of your salvation with him in unquestioning confidence. Depend upon him without fear as to your present and eternal salvation. This is the faith which saves the soul.” (Spurgeon)

Prayer: For Grace To seek God In Every Way (Benedict of Nursia)

Gracious and holy Father, please give me intellect to understand you, reason to discern you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, a spirit to know you, a heart to meditate upon you, ears to hear you, eyes to see you, a tongue to proclaim you, a way of life pleasing to you, patience to wait for you, and perseverance to look for you. Grant me a perfect end, your holy presence, a blessed resurrection, and life everlasting. Amen.

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“Jesus Is Lord” – Harding University Concert Choir

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Closing: Romans 10:9

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

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