Tag: The Sermon on the Mount

After Epiphany | 4th Sunday 01 Feb 2026: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12 ~ Jesus explains God’s blessing.

After Epiphany | 4th Sunday 01 Feb 2026

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

Opening prayer:

O God, you know
that we are set in the midst of many grave dangers,
and because of the frailty of our nature
we cannot always stand upright:
Grant that your strength and protection
may support us in all dangers
and carry us through every temptation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down.
His disciples gathered around him,
and he began to teach them.”
(Matthew 5:1-2)

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Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise | The St Michael Singers. / Chet Valley Churches

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OT Reading: Micah 6:1-8 (NLT)

The Lord’s Case against Israel

6:1 Listen to what the Lord is saying:

“Stand up and state your case against me.
Let the mountains and hills be called to witness your complaints.
+ And now, O mountains,
listen to the Lord’s complaint!
He has a case against his people.
He will bring charges against Israel.

6:3 “O my people, what have I done to you?
What have I done to make you tired of me?
Answer me!
+ For I brought you out of Egypt
and redeemed you from slavery.
I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to help you.
+ Don’t you remember, my people,
how King Balak of Moab tried to have you cursed
and how Balaam son of Beor blessed you instead?
And remember your journey from Acacia Grove to Gilgal,
when I, the Lord, did everything I could
to teach you about my faithfulness.”

6:6 What can we bring to the Lord?
Should we bring him burnt offerings?
Should we bow before God Most High
with offerings of yearling calves?
+ Should we offer him thousands of rams
and ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Should we sacrifice our firstborn children
to pay for our sins?

6:8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.

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From Psalms: Psalm 15 – “Your Holy Hill” | My Soul Among Lions

Psalm 15 (NLT)

+ Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?

+ Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
+ Those who refuse to gossip
or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends.
+ Those who despise flagrant sinners,
and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
and keep their promises even when it hurts.
+ Those who lend money without charging interest,
and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever.

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NT Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (NLT)

The Wisdom of God

1:18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”

1:20 So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.

1:24 But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

1:26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

1:30 God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”

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Christ Our Wisdom | Sovereign Grace Music

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1-12 (NLT)

The Sermon on the Mount

5:1 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

5:3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
+ God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
+ God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
+ God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
+ God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
+ God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
+ God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
+ God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

5:11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

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Blessed Are You – Sarah Hart / OCPmusic

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Prayer: ACNA | BCP 2019

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, 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.

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.

Closing: FaithandWorship.com | John Birch

May Christ, who sends us to the nations,
give us the power of his Spirit.

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

Easter Season | Saturday 27 May 2023: Psalm 33:12-22; Exodus 20:1-21; Matthew 5:1-12 ~ How to live a blessed life.

Easter Season | Saturday 27 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 went up on the mountainside
and sat down.
His disciples gathered around him,
and he began to teach them.
(Matthew 5:1-2)

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From Psalms: Psalm 33:12-22 || Pilgrim Covenant Church (Singapore)

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OT Reading: Exodus 20:1-21 (NLT)

Ten Commandments for the Covenant Community

20:1 Then God gave the people all these instructions:

+ “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. “You must not have any other god but me.

+ “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.

+ “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.

+ “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.

+ “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

+ “You must not murder.

+ “You must not commit adultery.

+ “You must not steal.

+ “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.

+ “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”

When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear.

And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!”

“Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”

As the people stood in the distance, Moses approached the dark cloud where God was.

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The Ten Commandments Song – Good Shepherd Band

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NT Reading: Matthew 5:1-12 (NLT)

The Sermon on the Mount

5:1 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

5:3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

+ God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

+ God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

+ God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

+ God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

+ God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

+ God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

+ God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

+ “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

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Make Me A Blessing by Bangalore Mens Ensemble ( BME) for Classic Hymns album ” Our God Reigns”

All Saints’ Day: 01 Nov 2021 – Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 149; Matthew 5:1-12; Hebrews 12:1-2 ~ “Blessed are those….”

All Saints’ Day: 01 Nov 2021

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

Opening:

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one
communion and fellowship in the mystical Body of your Son:
Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and
godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you
have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns,
one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you
and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven,
for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
(Matthew 5:11-12)

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I sing a song of the Saints of God / Hymn with lyrics / Christian devotional / All Saints day Song

https://youtu.be/rPGHcnPJmNY?rel=0

[Please click on above link.]
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NT Reading: Revelation 7:9-17 (ESV)

A Great Multitude from Every Nation

7:9  After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

   “Therefore they are before the throne of God,
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
   They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;
the sun shall not strike them,
nor any scorching heat.
   For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

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Psalm: Psalm 149 
Sing to the Lord a New Song
HalleluYah (Psalm 149) – James Block

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Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV)

The Sermon on the Mount

5:1  Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

The Beatitudes

5:2  And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

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Beatitudes – John Alexander Wilson

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Prayer: A BEATITUDES PRAYER
07/06/2021 By Jared Dees

A BEATITUDES PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Make me poor in spirit, so I can receive the kingdom of heaven.

When I mourn, help me find comfort.

Make me meek, so that I may inherit the land.

Help me to hunger and thirst for righteousness, so I may be satisfied.

Make me merciful, so I may obtain your mercy.

Make me pure of heart, so I may see you.

Help me to make peace, so I may be called your child.

When I am persecuted for righteousness’ sake, show me your kingdom.

Amen.

+ Christ as a light, illumine and guide us. Christ as a shield, overshadow us. Christ under us; Christ over us; Christ beside us on our left and our right. This day be within and without us, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Be in the heart of each to whom we speak; in the mouth of each who speaks to us. This day be within and without us, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful. Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside us on our left and our right.

Benediction: Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

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

Monday Morning: 09 Sep 2019 – Matthew 8:1-17 ~ Jesus heals our sickness and disease!

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 – Matthew 8:1-17 (NLT)

Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy

Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”

Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”

The Faith of a Roman Officer

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman office came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”

Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”

But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.

Jesus Heals Many People

When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.

That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick. This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said,

“He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.”

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Morning Reflection:

Jesus heals our sickness and disease!

That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus.
He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick.
This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said,
“He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.”
– Matthew 8:16-17 –

A friend of mine recently died of cancer. Both he and his family were believers and they prayed in faith for his healing. So what should we make of his death in light of today’s reading?

+ All healing is subject to the good and perfect will of God. e.g. The man with leprosy – “if you are willing, you can heal me.” –

+ All healing is predicated on belief in Jesus’ authority over sickness and disease. e.g. The Roman officer – “Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed…. Because you believed, it has happened.” –

+ All healing in this life is only a temporary reprieve from sickness and disease. e.g. Peter’s  mother-in-law – When Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Jesus healed her of her high fever, but she eventually died, as did all the other people who were brought to Jesus that day.

+ All healing in this life is a sign of our complete and total healing in the life to come through faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death on the cross – “He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.” – once and for all time.

So what do I conclude about praying for my friend? Jesus has answered our prayers for healing beyond anything I can imagine – he is perfect and whole, filled with joy, living in the presence of the One true God for ever and ever.

Questions for consideration:

  • Have you ever prayed for a person to be healed of a sickness or disease? What was the result? Please explain.
  • Do you believe that God heals people today? Please explain.
  • Have you prepared for your own life’s end? What do you expect it to be like? Does it fill you with fear or joy? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

for the recovery of a sick person

Almighty and immortal God, giver of life and health: We implore your mercy for our loved ones, that by your blessing upon them and upon those who minister to them with your healing gifts, they may be restored to health of body and mind, according to your gracious will, and may give thanks to you among your holy people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

for joy at the end of life  (Miles Coverdale)

Lord Jesus, be mindful of your promise. Think of us, your servants, and when we shall depart, speak to our spirits these loving words: “Today you shall be with me in joy.” O Lord Jesus Christ, remember us, your servants who trust in you, when our tongues cannot speak, when the sight of our eyes fails, and when our ears are stopped. Let our spirits always rejoice in you and be joyful about our salvation, which you, through your death, have purchased for us. Amen.

for help to bear bereavement

Heavenly Father, help us to entrust our loved ones to your care. Though sorrow darkens our lives, help us to look up to you, remembering the cloud of witnesses by which we are surrounded. And grant that we on earth, rejoicing ever in your presence, may share with them the rest and peace which your presence gives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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” Give me Jesus” – Fernando Ortega

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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

Monday Morning: 26 Aug 2019 – Matthew 7:15-29 ~ Jesus’ teaching on Identifying People, Obedience, and Rock Solid Foundations.

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 – Matthew 7:15-29 (NLT)

The Sermon on the Mount (Continued)

The Tree and Its Fruit

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

True Disciples

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’

Building on a Solid Foundation

Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus’ teaching on Rock Solid Foundations

“When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,
for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.”
– Matthew 7:28-29 –

Jesus concludes his Sermon on the Mount with an appeal for us to listen and follow his teaching. To do so is to live wisely, building our lives on a rock solid foundation. What are the benefits of obedience?

+ Discernment of Character – People can be identified by their actions, just as trees can be identified their fruit. Our words and works eventually reveal our true character. Of these two criteria, words and works, works are the more reliable indicator of character.

+ Citizenship in Heaven – Proximity to Jesus does not guarantee that we have a ticket to heaven. We gain entrance to heaven by God’s grace through faith in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Trusting Jesus with our lives, and making God’s will our priority, validates our citizenship.

+ Survival of Troubles – Trials and troubles hit everyone, whether or not we are believers – the issue is survival. Will we survive the storms, or collapse under their onslaught? Wise believers who trust Jesus and put his words into practice will remain rock-solid.

Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount is not simply a recommended way of life – it is far more than that. Jesus’ teaching is a call to an allegiance that means the difference between life and death, between blessing and woe.

Questions for consideration:

  • If you are a believer, would anyone know it by the way you live your life? Do your actions reliably reflect your beliefs? Please explain.
  • People can know a lot about Jesus, and still not have a personal relationship with Jesus? Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus? (Click here if you’re not sure.) How do you nurture that relationship? Please explain.
  • What constitutes the foundation of your life? What is your source of identity and purpose? How do you hold up under pressure? Please explain.
  • Do you accept Jesus’ teaching as recorded in the Gospels as authoritative? How does that affect your life? What do you do when Jesus’ teaching doesn’t make sense to you, or seems unrealistic? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For Submission to God’s Will

Lord Jesus Christ, I love you. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, and empower me by your Word and Spirit. Tell me what I should do; give me your orders – that I may submit myself to all that you desire of me, and accept all that you permit to happen to me. Let me only know your will. In your name, and for your sake I pray. Amen.

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“The Solid Rock” – Mennonite Hour Singers

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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