Tag: St Paul

Founders Sunday: Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19 ~ faith of our fathers

FOUNDERS SUNDAY

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

Opening prayer:

Living, loving God, You crowned the faith of Peter and the tireless preaching of Paul with a share in Christ’s triumphant death. Renew our faith by the example of their lives and rekindle our zeal for proclaiming the gospel. 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.
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A Reading from the Book of Acts: Acts 12:1-11 (NLT)

"The Apostles Peter and Paul" El Greco, 1587-92 Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Russia
“The Apostles Peter and Paul”
El Greco, 1587-92
Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Russia

About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword. When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration. Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered.

So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.

Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!”

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (NLT)

I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
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I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
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In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
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Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.
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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 (NLT)

20140412_095738-1As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me — the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
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But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 16:13-19 (NLT)

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

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

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”
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Intercessions:

Heavenly Father: You set us free from all our fears. Hear our prayers:

+ For church leaders throughout the world — that their lives may be marked by loving service and that they may always point people to Your Son Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone, the author and finisher of our faith….
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who feel unworthy of the name of Christian — that, remembering the failings of Peter and Paul, they may trust in God’s grace and mercy….
Lord, hear us.

+ For men and women who, like Paul, work as missionaries — that they may have his enthusiasm and persistence in spreading the Gospel….
Lord, hear us.

+ For fisherman and all those who, like Peter, work on the sea – that they may be preserved from every danger…..
Lord, hear us.

+ For those who, like Paul, find Christ late in their lives – that the enthusiasm of their conversion may last as long as they live….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all who are named Peter and Paul — that the inspiration of the saints may encourage them….
Lord, hear us.

+ For all our friends whose lives on earth are over – that having fought the good fight, they may receive the crown of righteousness….
Lord, hear us.

Almighty God, you called Peter and Paul to be our leaders in faith: hear the prayers we make on this their day of remembrance through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Faith of our fathers, living still, In spite of dungeon, fire and sword, O how our hearts beat high with joy, Whene’er we hear that glorious word! Faith of our fathers! holy faith! We will be true to thee till death!

Our fathers, chained in prisons dark, Were still in heart and conscience free; And blest would be their children’s fate, If they, like them should die for thee: Faith of our fathers! holy faith! We will be true to thee till death!

Faith of our fathers, we will love, Both friend and foe in all our strife, And preach thee, too, as love knows how, By kindly words and virtuous life. Faith of our fathers! holy faith! We will be true to thee till death!
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Morning Reading: Acts 23:23-35 NLT – armed escort

Reading: Acts 23:23-35 NLT

Then the commander called two of his officers and ordered, “Get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine o’clock tonight. Also take 200 spearmen and 70 mounted troops. Provide horses for Paul to ride, and get him safely to Governor Felix.”

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Then he wrote this letter to the governor: “From Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings!

“This man was seized by some Jews, and they were about to kill him when I arrived with the troops. When I learned that he was a Roman citizen, I removed him to safety. Then I took him to their high council to try to learn the basis of the accusations against him. I soon discovered the charge was something regarding their religious law—certainly nothing worthy of imprisonment or death. But when I was informed of a plot to kill him, I immediately sent him on to you. I have told his accusers to bring their charges before you.”

So that night, as ordered, the soldiers took Paul as far as Antipatris. They returned to the fortress the next morning, while the mounted troops took him on to Caesarea. When they arrived in Caesarea, they presented Paul and the letter to Governor Felix.

He read it and then asked Paul what province he was from. “Cilicia,” Paul answered. “I will hear your case myself when your accusers arrive,” the governor told him.

Then the governor ordered him kept in the prison at Herod’s headquarters.

Prayer: Heavenly Father – I pray for those who are trying to keep the peace amidst the tumult of this world. I pray especially for my Christian brothers and sisters who are caught in the crossfire of opposing factions… those who are refugees fleeing danger zones… those who are being targeted for harm by Islamist thugs. Raise up an army of honest law enforcement officers… raise up an army of angels… to defend and protect them from the onslaughts of the Evil One. Holy Spirit – Strengthen them… encourage them… give them wisdom and guidance as to when they should stand up for what’s right and when they should keep their heads down. Infuse them with a spirit of kindness and love even toward those who would torment them. Lord Jesus –  Be their Good Shepherd… speak to them clearly, unmistakably… so that they might know that you are always with them and for them… so that they will obey and follow you. To God be the glory. Amen.

Spiritual Song:  “Psalm 23” – Marty Goetz

Morning Reading: Acts 21:37-22:23 NLT – Paul’s testimony

Reading: Acts 21:37-22:23 NLT

As Paul was about to be taken inside, he said to the commander, “May I have a word with you?”

“Do you know Greek?” the commander asked, surprised. “Aren’t you the Egyptian who led a rebellion some time ago and took 4,000 members of the Assassins out into the desert?”

“No,” Paul replied, “I am a Jew and a citizen of Tarsus in Cilicia, which is an important city. Please, let me talk to these people.” The commander agreed, so Paul stood on the stairs and motioned to the people to be quiet. Soon a deep silence enveloped the crowd, and he addressed them in their own language, Aramaic.

Paul Addresses the Crowd After His Arrest by Gustave Doré
Paul Addresses the Crowd After His Arrest
by Gustave Doré

“Brothers and esteemed fathers,” Paul said, “listen to me as I offer my defense.” When they heard him speaking in their own language, the silence was even greater.

Then Paul said, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, and I was brought up and educated here in Jerusalem under Gamaliel. As his student, I was carefully trained in our Jewish laws and customs. I became very zealous to honor God in everything I did, just like all of you today. And I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison. The high priest and the whole council of elders can testify that this is so. For I received letters from them to our Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing me to bring the Christians from there to Jerusalem, in chains, to be punished.

“As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from heaven suddenly shone down around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’

“‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked.

“And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the one you are persecuting.’ The people with me saw the light but didn’t understand the voice speaking to me.

“I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’

“And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.’

“I was blinded by the intense light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus by my companions. A man named Ananias lived there. He was a godly man, deeply devoted to the law, and well regarded by all the Jews of Damascus. He came and stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.’ And that very moment I could see him!

“Then he told me, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard. What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.’

“After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance. I saw a vision of Jesus saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the people here won’t accept your testimony about me.’

“‘But Lord,’ I argued, ‘they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’

“But the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’”

The crowd listened until Paul said that word. Then they all began to shout, “Away with such a fellow! He isn’t fit to live!” They yelled, threw off their coats, and tossed handfuls of dust into the air.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Sometimes the Good News of what you have done for us… is received as bad news by our listeners. It’s no less true… but it can fall hard on the ears of unbelievers. Give us the courage and grace to speak the truth nevertheless. Particularly the Good News of what you have done for us… and the changes you have wrought in us. May we never flinch or turn to the right or left in our testimony… but may we deliver it kindly, lovingly… to the end that all might come to know you as their Savior and Lord. To God be the glory. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “My Tribute” – Andrae Crouch

[Marilyn McCoo sings “My Tribute” in this mid-late 1980’s Tennessee Ernie Ford TV special.]

Morning Reading: Acts 20:1-6 NLT – moving on

Reading: Acts 20:1-6 NLT

St Paul's Third Missionary Journey
St Paul’s Third Missionary Journey
[Note the numerical sequence]
When the uproar was over, Paul sent for the believers and encouraged them. Then he said good-bye and left for Macedonia. While there, he encouraged the believers in all the towns he passed through. Then he traveled down to Greece, where he stayed for three months. He was preparing to sail back to Syria when he discovered a plot by some Jews against his life, so he decided to return through Macedonia.

Several men were traveling with him. They were Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica; Gaius from Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. They went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. After the Passover ended, we boarded a ship at Philippi in Macedonia and five days later joined them in Troas, where we stayed a week.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Give your servants the discernment and good sense to know when it’s time to move on… when they can more effectively further your Kingdom purposes elsewhere. Raise up faithful men and women in place to fill the vacancies in the faith communities left behind. Surround your saints with faithful followers who can learn and grow and eventually take their rightful places serving in your Kingdom. Multiply their efforts ten-fold… a hundred-fold. And may your will be done in all of it. Amen.

Spiritual  Song: “Let It Start With Me” – No Other Name

In the streets of every village / Every city’s soaring tower / Empty people live in darkness / Every minute every hour / Hear the cry of desperation / From a billion broken hearts / With in need so great, how do we even start?

Let it start with me / Open up my eyes / Fill my heart with your compassion / Free my mind from all distractions / Use my hand, to set the captive free / Move my feet to follow after you / Or change the world and let it start with me

You have given us the orders / There’s a place for everyone / I don’t wanna miss my mission / In the plan that you’ve begun / You’ve promised you’d go with me / To the edges of it all / And changed everything that keeps me from your call

Take my life, all that I’ve called my own / Everything I am is yours alone / Let it start with me / Open up my eyes, / Fill my heart with your compassion / Free my mind from all distractions / Use my hand, to set the captive free / Move my feet to follow after you / Or change the world and let it start with me / Let it start with me

Morning Reading: Acts 9.10-19 NLT – go and show

Reading: Acts 9:10-19 NLT

Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord!” he replied.

The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now.  I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”

“But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”

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But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.  And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.

Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days.

Prayer: Lord God – Give me the courage to go where you want me to go, and do what you want me to do. Holy Spirit – Give me a willing spirit and direct what I say and do. And may I advance your Kingdom purposes in all things. I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Stand up, stand up, for Jesus” – George Duffield (1858)
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