Easter Season | Seventh Sunday – 21 May 2023: Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11; John 17:1-11 ~ Jesus prayed for our protection and unity.

Easter Season | Seventh Sunday – 21 May 2023

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

Opening:

O God, the King of glory,
you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ
with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven:
Do not leave us comfortless,
but send us your Holy Spirit
to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place
where our Savior Christ has gone before;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Jesus: “Holy Father…
protect [those you have given me]
by the power of your name
so that they will be united
just as we are.”
(John 17:11b)

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Rejoice, the Lord Is King! – Norton Hall Band
Southern Seminary

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From Acts of the Apostles: Acts 1:6-14 (NLT)

The Ascension of Jesus

1:6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

1:12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.

Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.

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From Psalms: Psalm 68:32-35 – Westminster Covenanter

Psalm 68:32-35 Sheffield Scottish Metrical Psalter 1650

32 O all ye kingdoms of the earth,
sing praises to this King;
For he is Lord that ruleth all,
unto him praises sing.

33 To him that rides on heav’ns of heav’ns,
which he of old did found;
Lo, he sends out his voice, a voice
in might that doth abound.
34 Strength unto God do ye ascribe;
for his excellency
Is over Israel, his strength
is in the clouds most high.

35 Thou’rt from thy temple dreadful, Lord;
Isr’el’s own God is he,
Who gives his people strength and pow’r:
O let God blessed be.

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From the Epistles: 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 (NLT)

Suffering for Being a Christian

4:12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.

5:6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.

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Firm Foundation (He Won’t) | Maranatha! Music

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Gospel Reading: John 17:1-11 (NLT)

The Prayer of Jesus

17:1 After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.

“I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.

“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.

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All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name || Hymns of Grace

Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace to take to heart the grave dangers we are in through our many divisions. Deliver your Church from all enmity and prejudice, and everything that hinders us from godly union. As there is one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so make us all to be of one heart and of one mind, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and love, that with one voice we may give you praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God in everlasting glory. Amen.

+ Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear our prayers, and grant that in our local assemblies the pure Word of God may be preached and the Sacraments duly administered. Strengthen and confirm the faithful; protect and guide the children; visit and relieve the sick; turn and soften the wicked; arouse the careless; recover the fallen; restore the penitent; remove all hindrances to the advancement of your truth; and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, into your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

Be the Life I live
Be the Love I give

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

Advent | Thursday – 01 Dec 2022: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Isaiah 4:2-6; Acts 1:12-17, 21-26 ~ Matthias the Apostle: With Jesus the entire time.

Advent*| Thursday – 01 Dec 2022

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

Opening:

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is
to restore all things in your well-beloved Son,
the King of kings and Lord of lords:
Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth,
divided and enslaved by sin,
may be freed and brought together
under his most gracious rule;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

“So now we must choose a replacement for Judas
from among the men who were with us the entire time
we were traveling with the Lord Jesus—
from the time he was baptized by John
until the day he was taken from us.”
(Acts 1:21-22)

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Psalms: Psalm 72: (Prayer for the king) The Psalm Project

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OT Reading: Isaiah 4:2-6 (NLT)

A Promise of Restoration

4:2 But in that day, the branch of the Lord
will be beautiful and glorious;
the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory
of all who survive in Israel.
All who remain in Zion
will be a holy people—
those who survive the destruction of Jerusalem
and are recorded among the living.
The Lord will wash the filth from beautiful Zion
and cleanse Jerusalem of its bloodstains
with the hot breath of fiery judgment.
Then the Lord will provide shade for Mount Zion
and all who assemble there.
He will provide a canopy of cloud during the day
and smoke and flaming fire at night,
covering the glorious land.
It will be a shelter from daytime heat
and a hiding place from storms and rain.

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Glorious Things Of Thee Are Spoken – Greene Mountain Men’s Chorus

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NT Reading: Acts 1:12-17, 21-26 (NLT)

Matthias Replaces Judas

1:12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.

During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.”

1:21 “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus— from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.”

So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.

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I Have Decided to Follow Jesus – Marisa

Jesus Christ Is My Lord

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP2019

+ Almighty and everliving God, we beg you to strengthen us for witness and ministry through the power of your Holy Spirit. Daily increase in us your manifold virtues of grace: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and true godliness, and the spirit of holy fear, now and for ever. Amen.

+ Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

In this season of anticipation
We prepare to welcome
Christ Jesus, Messiah

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

*The word advent means “coming” or “arrival.” We typically think of Christ’s birth, but the observance of Advent actually points to and causes us to reflect on three arrivals: Christ’s first arrival in Bethlehem, His second coming in the future that we anticipate, and His arrival in each of our hearts personally. In a sense we are always living in Advent, in a time of expectant waiting. The season of Advent invites us to press into this even more deeply. International Anglican Community

Friday Morning, 29 Nov 2019 – Acts 1:1-26 ~ “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”

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 – Acts 1:1-26 (NLT)

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

The Ascension of Jesus

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

Matthias Replaces Judas

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.

(Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines. The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”)

Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’

“So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus— from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.”

Morning Reflection:

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.
And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—
in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
– Acts 1:8 –

Introduction: The book of Acts tells the story of the origins of the church and its extension from Jerusalem to Rome. In his Gospel account, Luke focused on the person and works of Jesus. In Acts, the focus is on the person and works of the Holy Spirit through the apostles. The events Luke recorded cover a period of about 30 years beginning with the Lord Jesus’ ascension in A.D. 33 to Paul’s two-year Roman house arrest that ended about A.D. 62.

Purpose: Luke’s purpose was:

To provide an inspired record of selected events that show the spread of the gospel and the church from Jerusalem to the ends of the Gentile world, Rome in Luke’s day.
To show how the plans and purposes of God were working out through history, i.e. how Jesus Christ was faithfully and irresistibly building His church.
To show the early church’s relationship with Roman officials (not one of whom opposed Christianity because of its doctrines or practices), and how the church survived in its struggle with a hostile pagan environment.

In today’s reading, Luke describes the transition in dependency upon Jesus who ascended into heaven, to dependency upon the Holy Spirit whose power they were about to receive. While they waited, they reorganized their leadership and were united in prayer – all 120 of Jesus’ remaining followers.

Questions for consideration

How would you describe Jesus’ followers after His resurrection and ascension into heaven? Please explain.
When they prayed to receive the Holy Spirit, what do you think they expected? Please explain.
Have you ever prayed to be filled with the Holy Spirit? What did you expect? What happened? Please explain.
What do you think the purpose of the Holy Spirit is in a believer’s life? Please explain.
Has the Holy Spirit ever helped you tell anyone about Jesus? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For the Filling of the Holy Spirit (Steve Seamands)

Lord Jesus Christ: Increase my desire for more of You, and more of the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Give me a hunger and thirst for Your Spirit.

Lord Jesus Christ: Increase my willingness to surrender myself to You, and give up control of my life. Heal my hurts, habits or hangups – and anything else that prevents me from going deeper with You.

Lord Jesus Christ: Increase my faith in Your promised gift of Your Spirit. Give me confidence in the Father’s goodness and willingness to give me even more than I ask or expect.

Lord Jesus Christ: Help me to be persistent in prayer, that I might be empowered to faithfully love and serve You wherever You send me – all to the glory of Your Name. Amen.

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“Holy Spirit Rain Down” – Darlene Zschech (Hillsong)

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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

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