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Sixth Sunday after Pentecost The Collect: O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Track 1 Track 2 Old Testament: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 1Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, ‘Look, we are your bone and flesh. 2For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The Lord said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel.' 3So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel. 4David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for forty years. 5At Hebron he reigned over Judah for seven years and six months; and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah for thirty-three years. 9David occupied the stronghold, and named it the city of David. David built the city all around from the Millo inwards. 10And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him. Psalm: Psalm 48 1 Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised; *        in the city of our God is his holy hill. 2 Beautiful and lofty, the joy of all the earth, is the hill of Zion, *        the very center of the world and the city of the great King. 3 God is in her citadels; *        he is known to be her sure refuge. 4 Behold, the kings of the earth assembled *        and marched forward together. 5 They looked and were astounded; *        they retreated and fled in terror. 6 Trembling seized them there; *        they writhed like a woman in childbirth,        like ships of the sea when the east wind shatters them. 7 As we have heard, so have we seen,    in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God; *        God has established her for ever. 8 We have waited in silence on your loving-kindness, O God, *        in the midst of your temple. 9 Your praise, like your Name, O God, reaches to the world's end; *        your right hand is full of justice. 10 Let Mount Zion be glad    and the cities of Judah rejoice, *        because of your judgments. 11 Make the circuit of Zion;    walk round about her; *        count the number of her towers. 12 Consider well her bulwarks;    examine her strongholds; *        that you may tell those who come after. 13 This God is our God for ever and ever; *        he shall be our guide for evermore. Epistle: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 2I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. 3And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows— 4was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. 5On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, 7even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. 8Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.' So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. Gospel: Mark 6:1-13 1He left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. 2On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?' And they took offence at him. 4Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.' 5And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. 7He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.' 12So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

The Gospel of John 2021 Part One: The Glory of the Son By Louie Marsh, 4-18-2021   Intro – 4 cartoons – last one robbed left with bad sheet.   The Glory of Jesus:   1) Jesus is eternally GOD.   “1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1–3, ESV)   In the beginning (ἐν ἀρχῃ [en archēi]). Ἀρχη [Archē] is definite, though anarthrous like our at home, in town, and the similar Hebrew be reshith [bərēʾšîṯ; בְּרֵאשִׁית] in Gen. 1:1. There is no argument here to prove the existence of God any more than in Genesis. Three times in this sentence John uses this imperfect of εἰμι [eimi] to be which conveys no idea of origin for God or for the Logos, simply continuous existence.   The Word (ὁ λογος [ho logos]). old word in Homer to lay by, to collect, to put words side by side, to speak, to express an opinion. Λογος [Logos] is common for reason as well as speech. Heraclitus used it for the principle which controls the universe. The Stoics employed it for the soul of the world (ἀνιμα μυνδι [anima mundi]) Marcus Aurelius used σπερματικος λογος [spermatikos logos] for the generative principle in nature.   At any rate John’s standpoint is that of the Old Testament and not that of the Stoics nor even of Philo who uses the term Λογος [Logos]   It therefore signifies both the outward form by which the inward thought is expressed, and the inward thought itself, the Latin oratio and ratio: compare the Italian ragionare, “to think” and “to speak.” As signifying the outward form it is never used in the merely grammatical sense, as simply the name of a thing or act (ἔπος, ὄνομα, ῥῆμα), but means a word as the thing referred to: the material, not the formal part: a word as embodying a conception or idea   As signifying the inward thought, it denotes the faculty of thinking and reasoning (Heb. 4:12); regard or consideration (Acts 20:24); reckoning, account (Philip. 4:15, 17; Heb. 4:13); cause or reason (Acts 10:29).   Vincent (1887) sums this up nicely for us:   As Logos has the double meaning of thought and speech, so Christ is related to God as the word to the idea, the word being not merely a name for the idea, but the idea itself expressed. The thought is the inward word...   The Logos of John is the real, personal God (1:1), the Word, who was originally before the creation with God, and was God, one in essence and nature, yet personally distinct (1:1, 18); the revealer and interpreter of the hidden being of God; the reflection and visible image of God, and the organ of all His manifestations to the world...   He made all things, proceeding personally from God for the accomplishment of the act of creation (1:3), and became man in the person of Jesus Christ, accomplishing the redemption of the world. -   With God (προς τον θεον [pros ton theon]). Though existing eternally with God the Logos was in perfect fellowship with God. Προς [Pros] with the accusative presents a plane of equality and intimacy, face to face with each other.   And the Word was God (και θεος ἠν ὁ λογος [kai theos ēn ho logos]). By exact and careful language John denied Sabellianism by not saying ὁ θεος ἠν ὁ λογος [ho theos ēn ho logos]. The subject is made plain by the article (ὁ λογος [ho logos]) and the predicate without it (θεος [theos]) just as in John 4:24 πνευμα ὁ θεος [pneuma ho theos] can only mean “God is spirit,” not “spirit is God.” So in 1 John 4:16 ὁ θεος ἀγαπη ἐστιν [ho theos agapē estin] can only mean “God is love,” not “love is God” as a so-called Christian scientist would confusedly say. For the article with the predicate see Robertson, Grammar, pp. 767f. So in John 1:14 ὁ Λογος σαρξ ἐγενετο [ho Logos sarx egeneto], “the Word became flesh,” not “the flesh became Word.”   2) Jesus is the CREATOR of the universe.   3All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:3, ESV)   3) Jesus is the LIFE & LIGHT of all people.   “4In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” (John 1:4–9, ESV)   Jesus is our   “10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:10–13, ESV)   Jesus alone reveals who & what GOD   “14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15(John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”) 16For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” (John 1:14–18, ESV)   4) Jesus is the core all true Christian TESTIMONY.   “29The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.”” (John 1:29–31, ESV)        

When must she got tothe meeting?She must go to themeeting at a quarter past one.She must go to themeeting at 1:15. When must you seethe doctor?I must see thedoctor at a quarter to ffive.I must see thedoctor at 4:45 When must you finishthe work?I must finish thework at 2:30I must finish thework at 30 past 2 When must Tony seethe boss?He must see the bossat a quarter to 2.He must see the bossat 2:45 When must I catchthe bus?You must catch thebus 2:50You must catch thebus 10 to 3 When must theyarrive there?They must arrivethere at half past 10They must arrivethere at 10:30 When must Itelephone Linda?You must telephoneLinda at 8 o'clock in the evening When must May takethe medicine?May must take themedicine at a quarter past 11.May must take themedicine at 11 15 When must he turn onthe recorder?He must turn on therecorder 4:10He must turn on therecorder 10 past 4

Today's Bible Translation Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Craig Bowcut on Unsplash Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 40-41 NIV, Ch. 42-43 ERV Support Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here. Thoughts God Is Worthy In Psalm 87 we read how God loves Zion, used in this case to mean Jerusalem. There is an obvious tone of joy with this Psalm.  But Psalm 88 is full of anguish. The writer is pouring out his heart to God. In the opening, he confesses that God is his savior, and immediately begins telling God about the anguish he is in, and seems to wrap up by saying that it is God who has put him in this place. And yet, remember how the author opened, with a confession that God is his savior. So as bad as things are, there is hope. And then Psalm 89 begins with praises to God with all of His love, majesty, faithfulness, might, righteousness and justice. And the covenant that God made with David is remembered, but David's descendants have forsaken God's law, and therefore God has withdrawn his protection and blessings from Israel. And then the Psalm ends much as it begins, with promises of eternal praise to God. The fact is that despite outward circumstances, God is worthy of praise. He is worthy when life is good, and He is worthy when life is hard. He is our savior in both places. He does not change, but our surroundings do. He is eternal, our lives here on earth are just a spark, a fleeting moment in time.  Our Purpose But despite our live's short span, we have a responsibility to make it matter. There is a reason God put you here. You are not an accident. Your life has purpose. What is that purpose? For each of us, the primary purpose is to bring glory to God. Isaiah 43:6b-7: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; 7Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. So what does that actually mean? How can you and I glorify God? By praising Him. By worshipping Him. By proclaiming His greatness. By doing His will. Each of us must do these things in our own unique way, because He has different specific things He wants us to accomplish. How do I know that?  Because of the following verses: 4There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.7A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice12:8a Or gives a word of wisdom.; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.12:8b Or gives a word of knowledge. 9The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages,12:10 Or in various tongues; also in 12:28, 30. while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT So God gifts each of us differently, because He has a different specific will for each of us. That's one of the greatest things in the believer's life: discovering his or her gifts. But that is an entirely different discussion. For now, it is enough to remember that despite outward circumstances, God is always worthy of praise, and He has a purpose for you.

THE RAGGED EDGE RADIO BROADCAST WORLDWIDE DECEMBER 2020 THE INCARNATION IN LIGHT OF EVERYTHING ELSE In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing was created that was created. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. 5 The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 This man came as a witness in order to testify concerning the Light, that all men through Him might believe. 8He was not this Light, but was sent in order to testify concerning the Light. 9 The true Light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not know Him. 11He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. 12 Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God, to those who believed in His name, 13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1 ‘’Wayne Grudem states the significance of the virgin birth to Christ’s humanity similarly: The virgin birth also makes possible Christ’s true humanity without inherited sin. . . . All human beings have inherited legal guilt and a corrupt moral nature from their first father, Adam (this is sometimes called “inherited sin” or “original sin”). But the fact that Jesus did not have a human father means that the line of descent from Adam is partially interrupted. Jesus did not descend from Adam in exactly the same way in which every other human being has descended from Adam. And this helps us to understand why the legal guilt and moral corruption that belongs to all other human beings did not belong to Christ. . . . Such a conclusion should not be taken to mean that the transmission of sin comes only through the father, for Scripture nowhere makes such an assertion. It is enough for us merely to say that in this case the unbroken line of descent from Adam was interrupted, and Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. . . LIVE NOTES FOR THE RAGGED EDGE RADIO .COM BY RUSS DIZDAR © . Reflection on that fact allows us to understand that through the absence of a human father, Jesus was not fully descended from Adam, and that this break in the line of descent was the method God used to bring it about that Jesus was fully human yet did not share inherited sin from Adam. Clark, John; Johnson, Marcus Peter. The Incarnation of God (p. 107). Crossway. Kindle Edition. PREEMPTOR NEWS 1. THE ALTERNATIVES • From nothing to nothing • Just the misery • The counterfeits • Made in …. Finiteness 2. THE CLARITY OF THE INCARNATION • Did I say…….. massive communication? • They all declared the same thing • They all bowed 3. THE ASTOUNDING NATURE OF THE INCARNATION • It is totally personal • It is the only fix 4. THE PERFECT MIX GOD AND MAN • Who is Jesus LIVE NOTES FOR THE RAGGED EDGE RADIO .COM BY RUSS DIZDAR © 5. EVEN THE DARKSIDE KNOWS! • Before • During • After • Forever You believe that there is one God; you do well. The demons also believe and tremble. James 2

THE FOURTH WEEK IN ADVENT - MONDAYLESSON: 1 JOHN 1:5-10He confessed, he did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” John 1:20The confession of John contains two parts: first, that he confesses; secondly, that he does not deny. His confession is the confession of Christ when he says that he is not the Christ. He confessed: “I am not the Christ.” His confession also includes the confession that he is not Elijah or a prophet. When John declares that “he did not deny,” it means that he confessed who he was in stating that he was the voice of one crying in the wilderness and preparing the way of the Lord.His confession is a free confession, which confesses not only what he is not, but also what he is. For that part of a confession in which one confesses what he is not, is still dark and incomplete, and from which it is impossible to know what and how one should think of a man.But here John openly states what one should think of him, as well as what one should not think of him. He leaves no grounds for uncertainty, inasmuch as he confesses that he is not the Christ, and does not deny that he is the voice preceding His coming. Inasmuch as he stands quite firm and confesses what he is, and what he is not, his action is a precious confession before God and no denial.SL.XI.100,10AE 75,174PRAYER: In your mercy and grace, O Lord, give us a clear and certain faith which knows what is right and good in your sight, and acts accordingly without any fear of consequences. Amen.

Saul's Heart Condition Before His Encounter with Jesus v. 1-2"...breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples."He obtained authorization from the high priest to continue to search for followers of Christ and take them to prison.Notice, the name given to the gospel is "the Way"Remember, Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life..."Saul's Encounter With Grace and Righteousness v. 3-10Notice that Saul was on his way to Damascus to persecute the followers of Christ with the full authority of the high priestA light from heaven was so overwhelming that Saul fell to the groundJesus asked Saul a key questionSaul responds with a key questionJesus identified Himself "I am...""Jesus who you are persecuting"Jesus gives a commandGet up and go into the city and you will be told what to doThere were men traveling with Saul who stood there speechless e.g. they heard the sound, but did not see anyoneSaul obeyed got up from the ground and was blindFor 3 days, Saul was blind and didn't eat anythingHis friends lead him into Damascus by the handSaul's heart of pride and powers could only be shattered by the love and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.Jesus Sends a Messenger of Grace v. 10-19Jesus enlists Ananias v.10He is a discipleJesus gave him a visionGo to SaulJesus gave Saul a vision about AnaniasSaul was praying and Ananias was to lay hands on Saul and restore Saul's sightAnanias was a bit reluctant because of Saul's reputationJesus tells Ananias to go...Jesus chose Saul by graceHe is Jesus' chosen instrument to proclaim Jesus' Name  to the Gentiles, and their kings, and to the people of Israel.Jesus told Ananias that Saul's ministry service would come through suffering for ChristSaul's Murderous Heart Changed By GraceNotice, "Brother Saul"The Holy Spirit indwelled Saul when He trusted Christ by faithPaul was baptizedHe ate and his strength was restoredSaul spent some time with the other disciplesA preacher was born Closing:

Gave this special workshop for Unite To Study and Noahide International this evening. I told the entire story of Abraham's childhood, as told in the Midrash. I used the Young Avraham film as a visual for the storytelling. It was really special to use Young Avraham and honour 10 years since it was released. I hope this enlightens your Torah study this week. You can watch it on my facebook page and YouTube channel.Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheLoveRabbi/videos/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/YisroelBernath/videoHere are all my sources Sources© Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Rabbi Zvi HershcovichNimrod’s cloak and it’s powers – PDRE 24One of 10 kings who ruled the world – Targum Sheni 1Said he was god, and set up a place to worship him. Had people bow to him – MHG Bereshis 11:28Was first man to wage war – BR 11:28, MA Bereishis 10:9War between Cham and Yafes. Nimrod, leading a Kush army of 540 men, won and was declared king of the world – SH, BR 11:28Built 4 cities – Bereishis 10:11Conquered 4 cities Ashur built – Radak Bereishis 10:10He led the tower of Bavel – Chullin 89b, MT 2 58:25, Avoda Zara 53bNimrod was excellent in trapping criminals – BRAfter the tower, Nimord restarted his kingdom in Bavel – SHD p. 31Nimrod’s throne was an artistic creation high atop a spiraling tower comprised of 7 different materials. Everyone who approached it had to bow – MHG Bereishis 11:28Nimrod saw in the stars that a boy will eventually overcome him – BM Cheder 1Nimrod put infans and pregnant women in a room. Over 700,000 baby boys were killed – BM Cheder 1Astrologers see 1 star eat 4 stars from 4 corners over Terachs house. They tell the king who talks to Terach – YT p. 231, SHTerach and Nimrod’s conversation – YT p. 231, SH, MHG, BRTerach tells parable of horse and barley – YT p. 231, SH, MHG (different version in MHG)Terach gives baby instead of Avram. – SHD, SHAvrams mother was Amaslai Bas Karnevo – Bava Basra 91aAvram was born in Kuta (another name for Ur Kasdim) – R’ Bachya Parshas Noach, Rashi Bereishis 24:7, Bava Basra 91aTerach told Amaslai to bring Avram to a cave – MHG Bereishis 12:1Avram was 3 when he found G-d (Earth, heaven, sun, moon) – Zohar 1 86a, SH, MHG Bereishis 12:1G-d sent the angel Gavriel to guide him – ML Bereishis 11:31Avram asked his mother to prepare food for the idol. He watched but nothing was eaten – YTAvram went to Yeshiva Shem and Ever, and spent 39 years there – BR, Yuma 28bNoach directly taught Avraham about the flood firsthand – Seder Olam Rabba 1, Ramban Bereishis 10:2Avram wrote Sefer Yetzira – Zohar 2 37bAvram started teaching about G-d. Nimrod heard and sent soldiers after Avram. Avram prayed, the angel Gavriel told him not to worry, and a huge cloud made it dark – ML Bereishis 11:31Gavriel told him he must go to Bavel now. Avram climbed on his shoulders and was in Bavel in a day. He spread the word that G-d is true – ML Bereishis 11:31Avram met Terach, who showed him around his idol-worship shop – ML Bereishis 11:31Terach invented stamping coins – SHD p. 27Terach got sick (or went on a trip) and Avram had to take over. “The bigger the idol the higher the price!” – MHG Bereishis 11:28Avram hit a hammer on idols heads. “Do you want this one or that one?” – MHG Bereishis 12:1“I’mSupport the show (http://www.jewishndg.com/donate)

INSTAGRAM: @youth_bioyPSALM READING: Proverbs 25:21–26:2NEW TESTAMENT READING: 2 Timothy 2:1–26OLD TESTAMENT READING: Jeremiah 49:7–50:10He is one of my great heroes of faith. He was a model of godliness, faith and humility. God used him greatly. When he died in 1982, his executors were unable to trace a single member of his family still living. No one came forward claiming to be even a distant relation.Yet, The Times obituary about him rightly noted that his influence within the Church of England during the previous fifty years was probably greater than any of his contemporaries.

…10He opens their ears to correction and commands that they turn from iniquity. 11If they obey and serve Him, then they end their days in prosperity and their years in happiness.12But if they do not obey, then they perish by the sword and die without kno... The post 888: Covenant Hour of Prayer (25th Sept., 2020) appeared first on DownloadSermon.com - Home of Unlimited Christian Sermons and Messages (Audio & Video).

Scripture Used: Ephesians 2:19, Ephesians 2:14-16, Revelation 7:9-10He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps perpetuate it.  He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it. (King, Stride Toward Freedom)From Strangers to FamilyThe Work of JesusCall of the ChurchImportance of AcknowledgementIntentionally RelationalListen Well

From the November 10, 2019 Evening Service Bless the LORD, O My Soul Of David. 1Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. 7He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. 8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 13As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. 14For he knows our frame;a he remembers that we are dust. 15As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. 17But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, 18to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. 19The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. 20Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! 21Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! 22Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!

From the November 3, 2019 Evening Service Bless the LORD, O My Soul Of David. 1Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. 7He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. 8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 13As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. 14For he knows our frame;a he remembers that we are dust. 15As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. 17But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, 18to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. 19The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. 20Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! 21Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! 22Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Series: The Jesus Way Title: We Journey Like Jesus John 14:5-15 5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.d From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. 12“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If you ask mee anything in my name, I will do it. Who is Jesus? He wasn’t white, he was a brown skinned-middle eastern Jew born to a working class family. He never owned a home. Never got a college degree. But Jesus was God’s level of listening and responding to humanity. Jesus was born in a part of the world that touches Africa, Asia, and Europe. He wasn’t a white man like me. Don’t ever say it’s a white man’s religion. It’s a world’s religion because Jesus belongs to the world! COMPASSION WITHOUT ACTION IS ONLY OBSERVATION God refused to observe, he stepped into our world to take action against sin! 1st Century Complexities: Roman occupation, Racial Tension, they would abuse the Jewish people and misuse their authority Classism, people struggling financially, broken social systems Jewish tax collectors who betrayed their own people, and temples that swindled people on the conversion to purchase necessary items Samaritans living in close proximity, you’re not supposed to interact with “those people” Leprosy running rampant, the only solution for leprosy is social distancing In the midst of the complexities Jesus is God’s level of listening. I heard your cry for an answer---Here is the way 2,000 years later: 21st Century Complexities: It’s no longer leprosy, it’s COVID 19, Social Distancing and an on going, global pandemic Meanwhile, large scale protest that can potentially spread the disease Meanwhile, riots and looting breakout, Meanwhile reports of outsiders, ANTIFA and others infiltrating the riots In the midst of the complexities Jesus has released His spirit into you and me,and now we must show the world the Jesus Way! When you meet the person, you get the full plan Jesus is the person, HE IS the plan. You can abolish laws, but only Jesus can truly reform the human heart. Where there are Fathers, there is no true failure Fathers are present even if they’re not perfect. Jesus said, OUR FATHER. If he could teach them to deal with the complexities of life by journeying with a father 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” Many Pastors afraid to talk, but we aren’t speech writers, we are called to be spiritual fathers We love because we are loved John 1:10-13 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11He came to his own,b and his own peoplec did not receive him. 12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. “The closer the people of all races get to Christ and His cross, the closer they will get to one another.” —Billy Graham

David and Phil discuss some of the fulfilled Messianic prophecies in the Bible that point to Jesus as being the promised Messiah of the Old Testament. Here are some of the Scripture references mentioned.He would fulfill the writings of the Old Testament (Law of Moses, prophecies, Psalms) concerning the Messiah – Luke 24:27; Luke 24:44He would be God - Isaiah 9:6 He would be born of a woman - Genesis 3:15He would be born of a virgin - Isaiah 7:14He would be a descendant of Abraham - Genesis 12:3He would be a descendant of Isaac - Genesis 17:19He would be a descendant of Jacob - Numbers 24:17He would be a descendant of Judah - Genesis 49:10He would be a descendant of and occupy the throne of David – 2 Samuel 7:12–13He would be born in Bethlehem - Micah 5:2He would go to Egypt - Hosea 11:1His birth would result in the slaughter of innocent children – Jeremiah 31:15He would be preceded by an Elijah-like messenger - Isaiah 40:3–5; Malachi 4:5–6He would be rejected - Isaiah 53:3He would ride into Jerusalem as a king on the colt of a donkey - Zechariah 9:9He would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver – Zechariah 11:12–13He would be spat upon and struck - Isaiah 50:6He would be crucified with criminals - Isaiah 53:12He would have His hands and feet pierced - Psalm 22:16He would have no bones broken - Exodus 12:46Most importantly, He would be resurrected from the dead - Psalm 16:10; Psalm 49:15

Hope in the Midst of FearDave Riddle - 3/15/20Key Passage: 2 Corinthians 1:4Life can be difficult, Uncertain, Painful and ScaryJohn 16:33 - we will have troubleMatthew 6:34 - Don’t worry about tomorrow… each day has enough trouble of its own.Our God is Lord of AllIsaiah 46:10He is present in our struggleEmmanuel: God with us.2 Corinthians 1:4 - He’s the one who comforts us in all our trouble…There is hope beyond the struggleJohn 16:33 - In this world you will have trouble… I have overcome the world.Seize This Opportunity!Trust in GodPsalm 56:3 - When I am afraid, I will trust in you.John 14:1 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.Grow in your faithJames 1:2 - Consider it pure joy when you face trials… because the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 1 Peter 1:3-7Be there for one another2 Corinthians 1:4 - Comfort those in trouble with the comfort we have received from God.Show God’s LoveMatthew 5:13 - Salt and lightMatthew 22:39 - Love your neighbor as yourself.

8Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10He answered, “I heard you […]

John meets people in the Wilderness. Jesus leaves the Wilderness to meet people.Readings for the Second Sunday of Advent (Year A) 8th December 2019.Reading 1Isa 11:1-10He judges the wretched with integrity.PsalmPs 71:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17In his days justice shall flourish and peace till the moon fails.Reading 2Rom 15:4-9Christ is the saviour of all men.GospelMatt 3:1-12

This week Tim Allen and April Karli explored what we mean by neighboring and why it’s important to us at Austin Mustard Seed. We looked at the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus found in the gospel of Luke. Luke 19:1-10He entered Jericho and was passing through it.  A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was … Read More → The post Sermon – Be a Good Neighbor – April Karli & Tim Allen appeared first on Austin Mustard Seed.

1 Chronicles 4:9-10He had a Passion for God's ProsperityHe had a Pursuit of God's PurposeHe had a Petition for God's PresenceHe had a Plea for God's ProtectionGod granted him Provision for his Prayer  

“7Then the Lord said to Noah, ‘Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you alone are righteous before me in this generation. 2Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and its mate; and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and its mate; 3and seven pairs of the birds of the air also, male and female, to keep their kind alive on the face of all the earth. 4For in seven days I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights; and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.’5And Noah did all that the Lord had commanded him.11 In the six-hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened. 12The rain fell on the earth for forty days and forty nights. 13On the very same day Noah with his sons, Shem and Ham and Japheth, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons, entered the ark, 14they and every wild animal of every kind, and all domestic animals of every kind, and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, and every bird of every kind—every bird, every winged creature. 15They went into the ark with Noah, two and two of all flesh in which there was the breath of life. 16And those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in.17 The flood continued for forty days on the earth; and the waters increased, and bore up the ark, and it rose high above the earth. 18The waters swelled and increased greatly on the earth; and the ark floated on the face of the waters.6 At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made 7and sent out the raven; and it went to and fro until the waters were dried up from the earth. 8Then he sent out the dove from him, to see if the waters had subsided from the face of the ground; 9but the dove found no place to set its foot, and it returned to him to the ark, for the waters were still on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took it and brought it into the ark with him. 10He waited another seven days, and again he sent out the dove from the ark; 11and the dove came back to him in the evening, and there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf; so Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth. 12Then he waited another seven days, and sent out the dove; and it did not return to him any more.13 In the six hundred and first year, in the first month, on the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and saw that the face of the ground was drying. 14In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dry. 15Then God said to Noah, 16‘Go out of the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons’ wives with you. 17Bring out with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh—birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth—so that they may abound on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.’ 18So Noah went out with his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives.8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9‘As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, 10and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark.* 11I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.’ 12God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” — Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18, 8:6-18, 9:8-13 (NRSV) There are two pieces to today’s sermon: we are going to slow down and get into this story of Noah’s Ark, and then we are going to pull this thread of slowness and understanding through to imagination, taking a look at this ancient practice of Midrash – the making of stories about Biblical stories. Let’s dive in – pun intended! To be honest, I do not love this story, for a few reasons. One – there is a huge gap between the happy two-by-two rendition we tell children and the reality of God being so fed up with human corruption and violence that They decide to drown everyone and start again. Don’t get me wrong – I love playing with kids and boats and animals, and teaching the basics of it to children is important. But we skim past the predicament that got humanity to the point of God throwing in the towel in the first place, and we rarely keep reading to learn about the traumatized Noah after the flood who deals with his post-ark PTSD with generously flowing wine and questionable sexual choices. Now, many of us never got Noah’s full story after Sunday School, so if your understanding of Noah begins and ends with the colourful animals boarding the ark, we are about to go a little dark here, so brace yourself. In the Scripture leading up to our story today, in Genesis 6, we read, “The Lord saw that the wickedness of humankind was great in the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually.” (6:5). Yikes – though I’ll admit, that is an easy perspective to relate to these days if you are following the news at all. The Scripture continues: “it grieved him [God] to his heart.” Ouch. Dang, that’s some guilt y’all. Also, it is a stark reminder – you mean my bad choices don’t just affect me? “So the Lord said, ‘I will blot out from the earth the human beings I have created – people together with animals and creeping things and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.’” What?! What about the God who knew me before I was born? The one who knit me together inside my mother’s womb? The one who calls me precious, beloved child? This is another reason this story chafes against me – this is not my experience of God. But someone wise once told me don’t stop at the bits you don’t like or don’t understand – keep reading until you get to love.Ok, lets keep going.Wait a minute, says God, wait – there is one, that Noah fellow – I could use him and his family. Go build a big boat Noah – and he does, with some very specific instructions. And then the ones on the guest list get in and the Scripture reads that the Lord – Yahweh, God – “shut them in” (7:16). I actually love that phrase – what a vivid image: God closing up the ark, like Morgan Freeman dressed in white casually lifting up the gangway. But we will get to the imagination piece in a few minutes – back to the Noah story. The door is closed, the flood waters flow, and the seemingly ceaseless rains begin. The waters swell and ark carried on its way floating about. And here, here it gets interesting: as this story continues, it so remarkably parallels the first Creation story in Genesis. This is something that we might miss but would be very provocative for the Hebrew people. Let me explain:In Creation, God said, “let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear,”(1:9) and in the Noah story, ‘the fountains of the great Deep burst forth and the windows of the heavens were opened; (7:11) – the image reminds me of God releasing the original dam – so to speak – he put into place to keep things in order, returning a sense of that primal chaos.Another parallel comes once the onslaught of water has ceased. The Creation story reads, “a wind from God swept over the face of the waters,” (1:2) and the Noah story reads, “God made a wind blow over the earth and the waters subsided.” (8:1).Once they’ve hit land, we have another of these parallels. God blessed Noah and his sons, the new ancestors of humankind, “and said to them, ‘Be Fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth’” (9:1) – the same words that God said to Adam and Eve” ‘Be Fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth’ (1:28).[1] So here is where this story turns a bit for me - these parallels point out for us that the Flood story is not primarily one of God’s destruction, but rather of God’s RE-CREATION. When we read the Old Testament, the Hebrew Scriptures as a long story about the relationship between God and God’s people we see patterns – not of angry wrath and destruction, but of broken people and second chances. When we stay a little while and take the time to notice these details, we can learn a lot about who God is. Almost nothing in the Old Testament – or the New really – is simple. Almost nothing can be understood by just skimming the top or letting our knowledge remain in Sunday School territory. The wisdom of these words demand us to sink deeper and deeper into the waters. Which is not really how we do things today. The culture of these ancient words does not fit well with our modern culture. These stories require a long chew and a slow process of digestion – rather than a protein shake in a blender that you slam back on your way out the door. Think of the way a cow eats verses a hungry puppy. And this is where Midrash comes in. Ancient Midrash is basically a collection of thoughts from Rabbis in history doing a slow cud chew on Scripture. And through time, this practice became ingrained in Jewish culture – I studied with a Rabbi who taught us that every reading has 70 faces, and you encounter a new face each time you greet it. And this is something that Christians – adopted into the people of God – also began to practice. It is why we refer to Scripture as the living Word, because we understand that God is still speaking to us through these texts by revealing more and new things to us with each generation. What Midrash does is respond to contemporary problems and craft new stories, making connections between new realities and the unchanging Biblical text. So – what does that actually look like and why is it important or helpful? The story I read to the children today is an example of Midrash.[2] It is a story about a story – one that we know well – in the Bible that gives us a perspective we might not have otherwise thought of. Had you considered the Flood from the point of view of the fish? Had the Noah story ever led you to the conclusion that God must be everywhere, as the Midrash story did? I have another example – have you seen the movie “Evan Almighty”? God – Morgan Freeman, dressed in white – gets in touch with Evan – an American Congressman – to build an ark in preparation for an upcoming flood. Much resistance and hilarity ensues as Evan finally capitulates and builds an ark, to the humiliation of his teenagers and at the great scrutiny of his neighbours…let’s take a look at what happens:__CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CLIP! This is a modern form of Midrash – these images and sounds help us unlock our imaginations to the fullness of this story – the water! The creaking boat! The violence of the water’s movement! The speed of the ark moving through that water! The animal sounds! The terror of those onboard! The Flood story is not a la-la-la (sing) “Noah and the animals” bedtime story only for children – none of our Bible stories are – they are vivid, shocking, and filled with sensory stimulation if we dare to notice. And if we let our understanding stay in the simplistic, surface level meanings, Scripture doesn’t change our lives. It doesn’t push into new depths of love and understanding. This practice of making something new from our Scriptural tradition – of holding the old and the new gives us the chance to step into and soak in the story and stay long enough for our fingers to get wrinkly. For our hearts to be changed. We have all been gifted with imaginations. I know this because I see it demonstrated in a thousand different ways: through art, play, music; through knitted patterns and quilted masterpieces. In carefully planned gardens, measured and organized toolsheds, tenderly crafted meals. In every novel we read or tv show we watch we are igniting our imaginations; of course we should use that gift in our faith as well! So I would invite you, this week, to pull out your Bibles and turn to a story you think you know very well – one you could likely tell to a child without the text. Jesus feeding the 5,000 with two loaves and five fish. The fishermen catching nothing after being out all night and Jesus tells them to drop their nets on the other side from which they haul in their biggest catch. The Crucifixion. Even if you are new to this church thing, or returning after a while away, you likely know the story of The Good Samaritan. So pull it out and read it. Then read it again. Then read it again, but this time be on the hunt for sound. Then read it again thinking of the smells all around. Then read it again – is there food? What would that have tasted like? Did the characters touch – what would those cloths have felt like? You don’t need to know the answers to imagine or wonder what those would be like. And I will guarantee that if you sit and bathe in the story just a little while, giving yourself time to get wrinkly fingers, something profound and holy will happen. You will notice details that you could’ve sworn were never there before. You see, when we enter into that creative place we are entering into a space with the One who created and is still creating. The one who yearns to share more with us, to draw us in, and who planted in us this terrific capacity to broaden and broaden and broaden. To learn and grow and be changed. The one who floods our hearts with love and second chances, who desires our re-creation, and gives us every new – sometimes painful – opportunity to begin again. And who promises – marked by that glorious colourful bow in the sky, never, never to leave us. Can I get an Amen? [1] Michael D. Coogan, The Old Testament (New York: Oxford University Press, 2011), 65.[2] Marc Gellman and Oscar de Mejo, “Water All Around,” Does God Have a Big Toe? (New York: Harper Collins, 1989), 27-29.

http://www.victoriousgc.org/podcastituen_en/5122019encounter_2a.mp3 Ps 46: 10 -12 “10He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;                                                                                  I will be […]

John 13:36-14:141. A promise, v. 36-38-Psalm 103:9-14He promises that He is with us in our darkest times. Psalm 23:4He promises to give us wisdom if we ask. James 1:5He promises that in all things He is at work. Romans 8:28He promises to provide a way out of temptation. I Corinthians 10:13 He promises that as Christians we are forgiven forever. Hebrews 10:8-14He promises that our salvation is secure, no matter what. John 10:28-29He promises that He is not put off by our weaknesses. 2 Cor. 12:8-10He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. Hebrews 13:5He promises that this was His idea. Philippians 1:6He promises to come back. John 14:3Important to remember this…God makes two types of promises: 1) unconditional promises – this is a promise void of conditions. Nothing has to happen for this to be true, it depends on nothing but the nature of the person making the promise. 2) conditional promises –this promise is subject to certain qualifications or requirements. 2. A peace, v. 1This peace is the by-product of believing in two people who are one...believe in God- this is a statement about Godbelieve also in me- this is a statement about you. Four things we are saying about ourselves when we say we believe in Jesus…1) I am sinful and separated from God- Jesus is necessary2) I am incapable of making myself right with God- Jesus is needed3) I am in need of Someone to solve this problem- Jesus is sufficient4) I am loved by God- Jesus is the demonstration of the Father’s love3. A place, v. 2-3Steps in a Jewish Wedding1) Marriage covenant- the Father pays for the bride and establishes the marriage covenant2) Bridal chamber prepared- the son returns to his father’s house and prepares the bridal chamber3) Bride is fetched- at a time determined by the father, the groom fetches the bride to bring her to his father’s house. Although the bride is expecting the groom to come to her, she does not know the time of his arrival. Because of this his arrival is preceded by a shout, which warns the bride to be prepared for his coming. 4) Bride is cleansed- the bride undergoes ritual cleansing prior to the wedding ceremony.5) Wedding ceremony- private wedding ceremony6) Consummation- in the privacy of the bridal chamber the bride and groom consummate the marriage7) Marriage Feast- celebratory marriage feast to which many are invited. 4. A person, v. 4-11a) the way- b) the truth- “…assuming that yo have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus…” - Ephesians 4:21c) the life--John 1:1-5The word “zoe" refers to life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever.5. A possibility, v. 12-14Questions for reflection…Which one of these fuels the way you relate to God? The promises you make or the promises He has made? Today we heard how God deals compassionately with us because “He knows our frame.” Do you “know the frame” of those you have authority over and how does this affect the way you deal with them?Do you believe there is a place for you in heaven?Should the reality of heaven influ

Gen. 2:25 NLT Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.Gen 3:7-13 NLT At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. 8When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LordGod walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” 11“Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” 12The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” 13Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”The Shame 1-2-3's1. We all have it.2. We're all afraid to talk about it.3. The less we talk about shame the more control it has over us.I.What is shame?A.Gen. 2:25 Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.B.Shame is a feeling of being flawed that causes us to be fearful of being uncovered, unworthy, and/or rejected. II.How does shame affect us?A.Gen. 3:7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So, they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. B.Shame causes us to hide. III.How do we overcome shame?A.Gen. 3:21And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.B.2 Cor. 5:21For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering forour sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. C.Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowdof witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Nowhe is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.D.Steps to Overcoming Shame:1.Get Naked 2.Get FocusedPs. 75:7 It is God alone who judges;he decides who will rise and whowill fall.3.Get to the Cross Mk 15:19 And they struck him on the head with a reed stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship.Big Idea: Jesus died a shameful death so that we don’t have to live a shameful life.

Ecclesiastes 5:10–20    10He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 11When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? 12Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.    13There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, 14and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. 15As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. 16This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? 17Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger.    18Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. 19Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. 20For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. Mark 10:23–31    23Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” 27Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” 28Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” 29Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. 31But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Anne and Matt discuss their favorite villains and antagonists from the silver screen in this super-sized episode. Who made the list? Find out in this action (and movie clip)-packed edition of the podcast.Show orderIntro and criteria discusion 00:00-11:55 Anne on Disney villains: 11:55-20:10He tasks me: 20:10-26:55No laughing matter: 26:55-39:00A walk on the dark side: 39:00-46:25Don't name him! 46:25-55:15It's a sweater! 55:15-1:01:50A fall from Nakatomi Plaza: 1:01:50-1:06:05The bad son: 1:06:05-1:07:30Liquid metal: 1:07:30-1:08:50An honorable man: 1:08:50-1:15:00They switched the samples: 1:15:00-1:20:10Sleeping at the movies: 1:20:10-1:25:10Honorable mentions and closing: 1:25:10-endConnect with Matt: @statomattymatt@mattadamswriter.com 

Ephesians 4:1–16    1I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,    and he gave gifts to men.” 9(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Find us online at: AdventNYC.orgEmail us at: Podcast@AdventNYC.orgTalk with us at: Advent Sermons & Conversations on FacebookCome to a service and hear the sermons live and in person Sunday morning 9am and 11am in English and 12:30pm in Spanish at 93rd and Broadway.Readings for this Week:Exodus 16:2-4, 9-152The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”  4Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not.”  9Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’ ” 10And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lordappeared in the cloud. 11The Lord spoke to Moses and said, 12“I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’ ”  13In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. 15When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.”Psalm 78:23-2923So God commanded the | clouds above  and opened the | doors of heaven, 24raining down manna upon | them to eat  and giving them | grain from heaven. R 25So mortals ate the | bread of angels;  God provided for them | food enough. 26The Lord caused the east wind to blow | in the heavens  and powerfully led out | the south wind, 27raining down flesh upon | them like dust  and flying birds like the sand | of the seas, 28letting them fall in the midst | of the camp  and round a- | bout the dwellings. 29So the people ate and | were well filled,  for God gave them | what they craved. REphesians 4:1-161I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.  7But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8Therefore it is said,  “When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive;  he gave gifts to his people.”9(When it says, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.) 11The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. 14We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. 15But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.John 6:24-3524When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were [beside the sea,] they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.  25When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” 28Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” 29Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? 31Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” 32Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”  35Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Luke 22:1-20: "1Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people. 3Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. 4He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. 5And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd. 7Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it." 9They said to him, "Where will you have us prepare it?" 10He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11and tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 12And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there." 13And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. 14And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15And he said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." 17And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." 19And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." 20And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood."

The Names and Titles of Jesus – Jesus The Light of the World - Episode 95 This series of the names and titles of Jesus will give us a more in-depth understanding of Jesus Christ our Lord. This is the fourth in the series. The following is an outline. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it. 6There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light so that through him all might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 16Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. and[b] is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. Jesus THE LOGOS HE IS THE REASON WHY FOR EVERYTHING Colossians 1:16 For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. Jesus The Word = Logos Light - Life - Truth Jesus the Light of the World 1 John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. Psalm 36:9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 1 Timothy 6:16 He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen Nothing is a coincidence with God – everything he's created can all be traced back to Jesus the 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome Throughout the Old Testament, we have this promise of a great light that comes into the world and would push back the darkness of the world. Prophecies Isaiah chapter 9 “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” (v. 2). In Isaiah 49 God says in relation to Messiah, the Servant of the Lord, He said: “I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (v. 6). Isaiah 60: Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord [Jehovah] will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you (vv. 1–2). The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the Only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. Σκηνόω Dwelt =(tabernacled) Jesus the light of the World John 1:18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side [Jesus, the Logos/Word of God], he has made him known. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," [that God who spoke in Genesis 1] has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God [how?] in the face of Jesus Christ [the Logos, the Word]. After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” 12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, [d] dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing … His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. Philippians 2 15so that you will [i]prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you [j]appear as [k]lights in the world, THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE LIGHT ARE THE GLORY OF GOD John chapter 1: 6-13 Jesus the light of the world and the glory of God God is zealous for his glory The heavens declare the glory of God The sun is our light by day that warms, lightens and gives us life The moon gives us a testimony of the light of the sun with its reflection That brings me to John's statement about John the Baptizer not being the light but a reflection of the glory of the true light Jesus Christ John the Baptist Matthew 11:11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist;… John the Baptist The light and Glory John contrasted to Jesus Jesus was in the beginning with God – John was sent from God Jesus was God – John was a man Jesus was the light – John was a reflection of the light Jesus was the fulfillment of the law and prophets –John terminated the prophets and law God has called us not just to survive in this world, but to be light that pushes back the darkness Jesus is the Light of the world He’s the “Star come out of Jacob” that we read about in Numbers 24:17 He’s the sun of righteousness risen with healing in His wings in Malachi 4:2 He’s the One that John saw in Revelation 1:16 whose face was like the sun shining in full strength. He’s the bright morning star we read about in Revelation 22:16. The Lamb, the Light of the world One day He will return. There will be one final great sunrise. And then there will be no more sunrises. We read in Revelation 21 about the new Jerusalem. This city “has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb [the Lamb, the Light of the world] and [the] gates [of that city] will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there” (vv. 21–23). As I studied this lesson on Jesus is light and in that light His life studied light itself the sun for instance gives us son gives us life and it is pure energy of God never does anything by coincidence the word is not even in the Hebrew language and so the sun is shoo-in that gives us life is also unapproachable if we got close to it we would be destroyed and so it is with God Timothy said he lives in unapproachable light no man can approach God and live Facts about Light The human eye sees specific areas of the spectrum, but other animals and insects can actually see parts of the spectrum that we can’t. Light travels in a vacuum at 300,000 km per second (186,000 miles per second). Space does not have any light. We can see things in space due to light bouncing off of the objects in space. Light is used by plants to convert the light into energy as their ‘food’. The process is called ‘photosynthesis’ and converts carbon dioxide through the energy of the light. 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The transformation of our spiritual lives during Lent or at any other season of the year is not focused on us. God is at the center of the story. And the healing justice, the lavish generosity, and unfettered welcome is always the gift God has for us.//Luke 19:1-10He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Bertram Johnson, the Minister of Justice, Advocacy, and Change at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat, the Associate Minister of Digital Strategy and Online Engagement at The Riverside Church.Find out more at www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo.

The transformation of our spiritual lives during Lent or at any other season of the year is not focused on us. God is at the center of the story. And the healing justice, the lavish generosity, and unfettered welcome is always the gift God has for us.//Luke 19:1-10He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”//This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Bertram Johnson, the Minister of Justice, Advocacy, and Change at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat, the Associate Minister of Digital Strategy and Online Engagement at The Riverside Church.Find out more at www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo.

The Names and Titles of Jesus – Jesus The Word/Logos This series of the names and titles of Jesus will give us a more in-depth understanding of Jesus Christ our Lord. This is the second in the series. The following is an outline. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it. 6There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 16Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. and[b] is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. Exodus 33 :20 But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.“ 1 Timothy 6:16 He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. 18No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and[b] is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. Jesus the Word Pre-existent Co-existent Self-existent John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 1Co 1:24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God Col 1:15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation Heb 1:6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God's angels worship him. 22“The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works,[c][d] before his deeds of old; 23I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be. 24When there were no watery depths, I was given birth, when there were no springs overflowing with water; 25before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, 26before he made the world or its fields or any of the dust of the earth. 27I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, 28when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, 29when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth. 30 Then I was constantly[e] at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, 31rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind. 32“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. 33Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. 34Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. 35For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD. 36But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.” Predetermined Counsel of God. Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, 1Pe 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake 7No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began The Wisdom of God 7No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began 23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. The Word = Logos is the name of Jesus Reason Why John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. The Jews understood that the Logos, the Word of God, was God revealing Himself, God creating, God acting, God alive in His creation Targum Aramaic translation of the Hebrew Bible. (Yahweh) Aramaic term that means “the word.” It’s the word memra. Greek Septuagint memra “the word.” translation logos in Greek for example, in Genesis 15: “After this, the word [logos] of the Lord came to Abram in a vision.” Psalm 33, verse 6: “By the word [by the logos] of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” -The apostle John is the only New Testament author to call Jesus “the Word.” He does so in the Gospel of John, and in his first Epistle of John, and also, as we’ll see, in the book of Revelation. -When he talks about the “Word,” that’s the Greek word logos. So when you see the “Word,” that’s the logos. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John said 4 things about the Word Logos His Eternity 2. His Personality 3. His Deity 4. His Humanity John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.4In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 2 Problems Too high a view of John 2. Too low a view of Jesus More divine than human? More human than divine? Partly human, partly divine? Fully human, fully divine! The Incarnation of the Word of Life 1 John 1 (NIV) 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. THE WORD I AM  (Yahweh) = LORD = “the word.” It’s the word memra= logos in Greek Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, John infused this word with a richer, fuller meaning-- not an impersonal force but a person, God made flesh. Jesus was God’s mirror, God’s way of making Himself known to His creation. The definition of a word John 1:18,No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side [Jesus, the Logos/Word of God], he has made him known. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," [that God who spoke in Genesis 1] has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God [how?] in the face of Jesus Christ [the Logos, the Word]. Believe Credence - believing that the facts accepting the truth. 2. Confidence – believing in (trust and obey) 3. Continuance – go on believing (faith& faithfulness) John 20:31 Greek (present continual tense) Is this belief saving Faith Credence- believing that the facts accepting the truth John 8:24Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that [a]I am He, you will die in your sins.” Gospel Incarnation 2. Cross 3. Resurrection 4. Ascension 5. Second Coming Believe Credence - believing that the facts accepting the truth. 2. Confidence – believing in (trust and obey) 3. Continuance – go on believing (faith& faithfulness) John 20:31 Greek (present continual tense) Believe Heb 11:6And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek (present continual tense) Him. John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe[a] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (present continual tense) THE WORD (logos) of God Revelation 19:12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word Logos of God.. TRUTH IS NOT A PROPITIATION IT IS A PERSON THE WORD THE LOGOS OF GOD Subscribe to the podcast: {Apple Podcasts}{Stitcher}{Google Play}{IHeartRadio}{YouTube}{Spotify}

Worship audio from Transfiguration Sunday worship. Bulletin & PDF available below.Green Pastures with Jesus is the daily podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN. Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  Find us online: www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MNpastorhagen@icloud.com or (507) 236-9572 iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2 Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stprOr simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app. Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band. Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine. Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV. Bulletin PDF here. Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes! We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all. Come, let us worship!For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place. The restrooms are located on the lower level. Please ask if you have any questions or concerns.Lord Jesus, you alone sought us out, forgave us, bought us, made us your own. Lead us to see your glory on the mountain, that we may be prepared for life in this world of sin & death & pain; AMEN.The True Worship of God: So the worship and divine service of the Gospel is to receive gifts from God. On the contrary, the worship of the Law is to offer and present our gifts to God. However, we can offer nothing to God unless we have first been reconciled and born again. This passage, too, brings the greatest comfort, as the chief worship of the Gospel is to desire to receive the forgiveness of sins, grace, and righteousness. Christ says of this worship, “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:40). And the Father says, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him” (Matthew 17:5). 190 [311] The adversaries speak of obedience to the Law, but they do not speak of obedience to the Gospel. We cannot obey the Law, unless we have been born again through the Gospel. We cannot love God, unless we have received the forgiveness of sins.Apology to the Augsburg Confession, Article 5 (Concordia p. 130)Joining Jesus:During the season of Epiphany, we join Jesus as he reveals his glory. Today, the final Sunday in Epiphany, we join Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration where he reveals his glory in fullest measure. How does this revealing of the glory of God comfort & guide us today?OPENING HYMN: 95 – How Good, Lord, to Be HereLITURGY: CW p. 38 Please rise.PRAYER OF THE DAY:M: Lord God, before the suffering and death of your one and only Son, you revealed his glory on the holy mountain. Grant that we who bear his cross on earth may behold by faith the light of his heavenly glory and so be changed into his likeness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen.The WordFIRST READING: 2 Kings 1-12aElijah is taken to heaven:When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah was traveling with Elisha from Gilgal. 2Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3The sons of the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD is taking your master away from you?” Then he said, “Yes, I know. Be quiet.” 4Then Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here because the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho. 5Then the sons of the prophets who were in Jericho approached Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD is taking your master away from you?” He said, “Yes, I know. Be quiet.” . . . continued . . . 6Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here because the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As surely as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. 7Then fifty men from the sons of the prophets came and stood and watched them from a distance, while the two of them were standing at the Jordan. 8Elijah took his cloak, folded it together, and struck the water. The water divided to the right and to the left. Then the two of them crossed on dry land. 9When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask me for whatever I can do for you before I am taken from you.” Then Elisha said, “Let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” 10He said, “You have asked for a difficult thing. If you see me being taken from you, it will surely be yours. But if not, then it will not.” 11While they were walking and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire, and horses of fire came and separated them. So Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12Elisha was watching and crying out, “My father! My father! Israel’s chariot and its charioteers!” Then he did not see him anymore. PSALM OF THE DAY: 148, CW p. 121SECOND READING: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6The gospel proclaims forgiveness – yet this gospel is veiled in weakness:3But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing. 4In the case of those people, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from clearly seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is God’s image. 5Indeed, we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6For the God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” is the same one who made light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the person of Jesus Christ. THEME VERSE: Mark 9:87Alleluia. A voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him.” Alleluia. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!GOSPEL READING: Mark 9:2-9The Transfiguration:2After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him and led them up a high mountain where they were alone by themselves. There he was transfigured in front of them. 3His clothes became radiant, dazzling white, whiter than anyone on earth could bleach them. 4And Elijah appeared to them together with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6He did not know what to say because they were terrified. 7A cloud appeared and overshadowed them, and a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him.” 8Suddenly when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus alone. 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.Praise be to you, O Christ!HYMN OF THE DAY: 97 – Down From the Mount of GlorySERMONCONFESSION OF FAITH: Apostles’ Creed, CW p. 41OFFERING PRAYER OF THE CHURCH: CW p. 42Please rise.              FAREWELL TO ALLELUIABrothers and sisters in Christ, when we next gather for worship, it will be Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. On that day we will begin our solemn journey to the Savior’s cross. While the joy of faith remains undiminished throughout the year, our rejoicing during Lent is muted and quiet. For centuries, therefore, the Christian church has omitted its most jubilant songs during this season, including the word alleluia, which means, “praise the Lord.” You will notice that during this time of Lent, our worship will omit its normal Alleluia. We do this to prepare ourselves for the quieter days of Lent. The alleluias will return on Easter dawn as we gather to shout our praise to the risen Lord.CLOSING PRAYER: CW p. 43CLOSING HYMN: 709 – Christ, Your Footprints Through the Desert (bulletin insert) NOTESWednesday, Ash Wednesday worship. Meal at 6 PM, worship at 7 PM. Wednesday evening meal & worship continues through March 21.Check out www.shepherdofthelakes.net/worship to help prepare your heart for Lent with an overview of our worship themes.           Looking Ahead to Next Sunday:Theme Lent 1 – Because He KnewColor PurpleLiturgy Word & Sacrament, CW p. 26Hymns 224, 201, 714, 752; CWS Psalm 3Readings from Mark 1, Genesis 22, Romans 8Verse of the Day Matthew 4:10   THIS WEEKToday 1 Samuel 12 9:30 AM - Epiphany Last: Transfiguration Sunday 10:45 AM – Sunday School. Bible Class: The FloodMonday 1 Samuel 13Tuesday 1 Samuel 14 7 PM - CouncilWednesday 1 Samuel 15 5-6 PM – Small Catechism Class 6 PM - Lenten Supper 7 PM - Ash Wednesday WorshipThursday 1 Samuel 16Friday 1 Samuel 17Saturday 1 Samuel 18Sunday 1 Samuel 19 9:30 AM - Lent 1 Worship with Holy Communion 10:45 AM – Bible class & Sunday School   

Audio recording of January 7 worship - Epiphany Festival. Bulletin pasted below:Welcome to Shepherd of the Lakes! We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all. Come, let us worship!For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place. The restrooms are located on the lower level. Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns. Lord Jesus, you took on our humanity in order to live under the law and redeem us. Grant that I always marvel at your grace, and receive you with joy; AMEN.Christ, our Advocate:Our churches teach that the history of saints may be set before us so that we may follow the example of their faith and good works, according to our calling. For example, the emperor may follow the example of David [2 Samuel] in making war to drive away the Turk from his country. For both are kings. 2 But the Scriptures do not teach that we are to call on the saints or to ask the saints for help. Scripture sets before us the one Christ as the Mediator, Atoning Sacrifice, High Priest, and Intercessor [1 Timothy 2:5–6]. 3 He is to be prayed to. He has promised that He will hear our prayer [John 14:13]. This is the worship that He approves above all other worship, that He be called upon in all afflictions. 4 “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father” (1 John 2:1). Augsburg Confession, Article 21 (Concordia p. 44)Glory Revealed:God has blessed us with 40 years of worship here. What a miracle!An heir was placed in the lap of bereaved Naomi. What a miracle!The Magi worshipped the young Christ-child. What a miracle!Paul reveals the mystery of the miraculous: God’s grace is for all people!How does Epiphany relate to our gospel proclamation today?OPENING HYMN: 83 – As with Gladness Men of OldLITURGY: Service of Word & Sacrament, CW p. 26Please rise.PRAYER OF THE DAY:M: Lord God, by the leading of a star you once made known to the nations your one and only Son. Guide us, also, who know him now by faith, to come at last to the perfect joy of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen.The WordFIRST READING: Ruth 4:13-17Through Ruth, God provided a descendent for bereaved Naomi; in the mystery of his grace, God included Gentiles in the ancestry of Christ:13Then Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife, and he went to her. The LORD enabled her to conceive, and she bore a son. 14Then the women said to Naomi: Blessed is the LORD, who has not left you without a redeemer today. May his name be proclaimed in Israel! 15He will restore your life and care for you in your old age, because your daughter-in-law, who loves you, has given birth to him. She is better for you than seven sons! 16Then Naomi took the boy and put him on her lap, and she became his caregiver. 17The neighboring women named him, saying, “A son is born to Naomi!” and they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse, the father of David.PSALM: 72, p. 93 SECOND READING: Ephesians 3:2-12 God has proclaimed the mystery: Through this gospel, we can approach God in freedom & confidence:2Surely you have heard of the administration of God’s grace given to me for you, 3namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation (as I have already written briefly). 4When you read this, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 5This mystery was not made known to people in past generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. 6This mystery is that in Christ Jesus the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and people who also share in the promise through the gospel. 7I became a servant of this gospel, in keeping with the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power. 8To me—even though I am the very least of all the saints—was given this grace: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ 9and to enlighten everyone about the administration of this mystery. In past ages this mystery remained hidden in God, who created all things. 10He did this so that, through the church, the multifaceted wisdom of God in the heavenly places might now be made known to the rulers and authorities. 11This was done according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him we can freely approach God with confidence through faith in him. THEME VERSE: Matthew 2:2Alleluia. We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. Alleluia. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!GOSPEL READING: Matthew 2:1-12In his grace, God leads Gentiles to worship Christ:After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, when Herod was king, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, 2“Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3When King Herod heard this, he was alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4He gathered together all the people’s chief priests and experts in the law. He asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, because this was written through the prophet: 6You, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are certainly not least among the rulers of Judah: because out of you will come a ruler, who will shepherd my people, Israel.” 7Then Herod secretly summoned the Wise Men and found out from them exactly when the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report to me, so that I may also go and worship him.” 9After listening to the king, they went on their way. Then the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them, until it stood still over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with overwhelming joy. 11After they went into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12Since they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route. This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.Praise be to you, O Christ!CONFESSION OF FAITH: Nicene Creed, p. 31HYMN OF THE DAY: 79 vv. 1-3 – How Lovely Shines the Morning StarSERMON based on Psalm 72: The Fulfillment of the King’s ReignHYMN: 79 vv. 4-5 – How Lovely Shines the Morning StarOFFERINGPRAYER & LORD’S PRAYERThe sacramentFor our Holy Communion practice, please see the purple sheet in the pew racks.COMMUNION LITURGY: p. 33DISTRIBUTION HYMN: 310 – I Come, O Savior, to Your TableSONG OF THANKS: CW p. 36CLOSING HYMN: 622 – For Many Years, O God of GraceNOTESChristmas undecorating today at 11:30 AM.All are invited to the parsonage for chili lunch. (517 Tilden St)Starting this Wednesday, 6 & 8 PM - WELS Online Bible Study. Tune in from the comfort of your home computer - www.wels.net/interactivefaithFebruary 4, Annual Voters’ Mtg.THIS WEEKToday Judges 2 9:30 - Epiphany Festival Worship 10:45 - Sunday School & Bible Class: Genesis 3 11:30 - Christmas undecorating 12:02 - Lunch at the ParsonageMonday Judges 3Tuesday Judges 4 7 PM - CouncilWednesday Judges 5 11:30 AM - LW @Perkins 5 PM - Small Catechism ClassThursday Judges 6 6 PM - ChoirFriday Judges 7Saturday Judges 8Sunday Judges 9 9:30 - Epiphany 2 Worship 10:58 - Bible Class: Genesis 3 & Godly Discipline  Green Pastures with Jesus is the daily podcast from Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church of Fairmont, MN. Here you’ll find a variety of segments to lead you to the green pastures of the Word of God, where our Good Shepherd feeds our faith.  Find us online: www.shepherdofthelakes.net or http://facebook.com/shepherdofthelakes Worship is Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM.Bible class & Sunday School follow at 10:40 AM.323 E. 1st St – Fairmont, MNpastorhagen@icloud.com or (507) 236-9572 iTunes & iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/green-pastures-jesus-shepherd/id1183522558?mt=2 Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=127180&refid=stprOr simply search for “Green Pastures with Jesus” in your podcast app. Intro & Outro courtesy of Koine - The Church Band. Check them out at www.koinemusic.com, or find them on iTunes & Amazon: Search for Koine. Bible text from Biblegateway.com - EHV.                                              

               elcome to Shepherd of the Lakes! We’re here to shepherd Christ’s flock and seek the lost sheep by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all. Come, let us worship!For your convenience, in the back corner of the sanctuary there is a room for any parents with children in need of a quiet place. The restrooms are located on the lower level. Please ask if you have any further questions or concerns. Lord Jesus, you took on our humanity in order to live under the law and redeem us. Grant that I always marvel at your grace, and receive you with joy; AMEN.The Role of the Law in the Life of the Christian:The whole world with all diligence has struggled to figure out what God is, what He has in mind and does. Yet the world has never been able to grasp ‹the knowledge and understanding of› any of these things. But here [in the Apostles’ Creed] we have everything in richest measure. For here in all three articles God has revealed Himself and opened the deepest abyss of His fatherly heart and His pure, inexpressible love [Ephesians 3:18–19]. He has created us for this very reason, that He might redeem and sanctify us. In addition to giving and imparting to us everything in heaven and upon earth, He has even given to us His Son and the Holy Spirit, who brings us to Himself [Romans 8:14, 32]. For we could never grasp the knowledge of the Father’s grace and favor except through the Lord Christ. Jesus is a mirror of the fatherly heart [John 14:9; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3], outside of whom we see nothing but an angry and terrible Judge. But we couldn’t know anything about Christ either, unless it had been revealed by the Holy Spirit [1 Corinthians 2:12]. Large Catechism, Apostles’ Creed (Concordia p. 406)Born to Save Us:There is nothing trite or trivial in what has happened at Christmas: The deepest lowliness is but the mask for the greatest glory, the glory of him who came to be our Savior!How does the birth of Christ comfort & encourage us?OPENING HYMN: 56 – Gentle Mary Laid Her ChildLITURGY: Service of Word & Sacrament, CW p. 26Please rise.PRAYER OF THE DAY:M: Almighty God, grant that the birth of your one and only Son in the flesh may set us free from our old bondage under the yoke of sin; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen.The WordFIRST READING: Isaiah 52:7-10God has kept his word: Hidden in the lowliness of the manger is the glory of God for our salvation. 7How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of a herald, who proclaims peace and preaches good news, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God is king!” 8The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voices. Together they shout for joy, because with both eyes they will see it when the LORD returns to Zion. 9Break out, shout for joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, because the LORD is comforting his people. He is redeeming Jerusalem. 10The LORD lays bare his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation from our God. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!PSALM: 98, p. 103SECOND READING: Hebrews 1:1-9In the manger, we see Eternal God in the form of a baby:In the past, God spoke to our forefathers by the prophets at many times and in many ways. 2In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of the divine nature. He sustains all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4The Son became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5For to which of the angels did God ever say: You are my Son. Today I have begotten you? And again: I will be his Father, and he will be my Son. 6And again, when he brought his firstborn into the world, he said: Let all God’s angels worship him. 7About the angels he says: He makes his messengers winds and his ministers flaming fire. 8But about the Son he says: God, your throne is forever and ever, and the scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. 9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy beyond your companions. THEME VERSE: Galatians 4:4-5Alleluia. When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law. Alleluia. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! These words are written that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! GOSPEL READING: John 1:1-14As the manger and the Virgin’s arms held him whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain, so we too recognize and receive him who has come in human flesh and blood to dwell in us through the Word and sacrament:In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him everything was made, and without him not one thing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. 5The light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6There was a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as an eyewitness to testify about the light so that everyone would believe through him. 8He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9The real light that shines on everyone was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not recognize him. 11He came to what was his own, yet his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who did receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. 13They were born, not of blood, or of the desire of the flesh, or of a husband’s will, but born of God. 14The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We have seen his glory, the glory he has as the only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.Praise be to you, O Christ!HYMN OF THE DAY: 35 – Of the Father’s Love BegottenSERMON based on Hebrews 2: Radiance in HumilityCONFESSION OF FAITH: Nicene Creed, p. 31OFFERINGADULT CONFIRMATIONSPRAYER & LORD’S PRAYERThe sacramentFor our Holy Communion practice, please see the purple sheet in the pew racks.COMMUNION LITURGY: p. 33DISTRIBUTION HYMN: 40 – O Jesus Christ, Your Manger IsSONG OF THANKS: CW p. 36CLOSING HYMN: 58 – See in Yonder Manger LowNOTESNo 7 PM Worship tonight. Stay warm!February 4, Annual Voters’ Mtg.THIS WEEKToday Joshua 19 9:30 - Christmas 1 Worship with Holy CommunionMonday Joshua 20Tuesday Joshua 21Wednesday Joshua 22Thursday Joshua 23Friday Joshua 24Saturday Judges 1 8 AM - Men’s Bible Breakfast @The RanchSunday Judges 2 9:30 - Epiphany 1 Worship with Holy Communion; 40 Years of SOTL 10:58 - Bible Class: Genesis 3 & Godly Discipline                                                  

A good name is to be more desired than great riches, Favor is better than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1 FIRST, WHAT FAVOR ISN’T: Favor Isn't Fairness. Favor Isn't Happiness. Favor Isn't Just For You. The FAVOR OF GOD is the GUARANTEE of His PRESENCE and the PROVISION of His POWER to accomplish His DIVINE PURPOSE. Elijah and Elisha - 1 Kings 19:19-21 (NASB) So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, while he was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. And Elijah passed over to him and threw his mantle on him. 20He left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Please let me kiss my father and my mother, then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 21So he returned from following him, and took the pair of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the implements of the oxen, and gave it to the people and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah and ministered to him. GOD’S FAVOR MEANS THAT YOU DON’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT - YOU GET MORE! Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us… Ephesians 3:20. WHEN GOD DOESN’T GIVE YOU WHAT YOU WANT, IT’S BECAUSE HE PLANS TO GIVE YOU MORE THAN YOU WANT! Finding God’s FAVOR: Not WHAT I Want, MORE than I want. When It’s Not Right – God Says NO! When You’re Not Right – God Says GROW! When The Time Is Not Right – God Says SLOW! When IT’S Right, YOU’RE Right, And The TIME Is Right - God Says GO! 2 Kings 2:9-13 When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” 10He said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” 11As they were going along and talking, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven. 12Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw Elijah no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. 13He also took up the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and returned and stood by the bank of the Jordan. 14He took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him. GOD’S FAVOR IS ALWAYS MORE THAN YOU ASKED FOR. GOD’S FAVOR IS ALWAYS MORE THAN YOU WANTED.

March 30, 2014 Minister Favor Mitchell We Are What We Eat Genesis 3:1-19 1Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ” 4“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5“For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 8Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” 11And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” 12The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” 13Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 14So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, “Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. 15And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” 16To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” 17To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. 18It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. 19By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

John 1:1-18 Christ the Great Evangelizer John 1 The Word Became Flesh  1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.  9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.  14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15( John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'") 16And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

click here Visit the Recover In Christ web site. Passage John 1 : John 1 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. 19And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 20And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. 21And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. 22Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. 24And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. 25And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? 26John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 28These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.