Podcasts about 17jesus

In this message, discover how God calls every believer into “holy work” empowered by His Spirit—not just inside the church, but in creativity, business, parenting, and everyday vocation.Drawing from Colossians, Ephesians, and the sweep of the biblical story, this sermon explores:The sacred nature of workWork in Eden before the fall – Genesis 1:26–28; 2:15Co-laboring with God in His mission – 1 Corinthians 3:5–9Making disciples as the core “work” of every believer – Matthew 28:18–20; John 15:1–8Living in the fifth act of God's storyCreation, Fall, Israel, Jesus, Church, New Creation – Genesis 1–3; Exodus 19–20; Jeremiah 31:31–34; John 1:14; Acts 1:8; Revelation 21–22Our place in God's unfolding drama – Acts 13:36; Ephesians 2:10In Christ: the engine of holy workFully mature “in Christ” – Colossians 1:28–29; 2:5–7, 9–10Firm faith in Christ vs. hollow tradition – Colossians 2:8–17Abiding in Christ for lasting fruit – John 15:4–5A New Testament view of SabbathSabbath as a shadow; Christ as the substance – Colossians 2:16–17Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath – Matthew 12:1–8; Mark 2:27–28Rest not as a rigid day but a Person we live in – Matthew 11:28–30; Hebrews 4:1–11Power for the assignmentStrenuously contending with His energy – Colossians 1:28–29 (NKJV/NIV)Dunamis and energeia: resurrection power at work in us – Ephesians 1:18–20; 3:16–21You will receive power and be My witnesses – Acts 1:8Calling creatives and business leadersCommissioning creatives to disciple through art, music, and media – Exodus 31:1–5; Psalm 33:3Commissioning marketplace leaders as kingdom builders – Deuteronomy 8:18; Proverbs 11:25; Luke 16:10–12Learn why vision is the antidote to sin (Proverbs 29:18), why mature Christians go to church full to leave empty in service (2 Timothy 4:6–8), and how to live a life of costly, joy-filled obedience that ends each day exhausted but deeply at rest in Christ.

Main Text: Matthew 21:1-17Jesus approaches His final hour by parading towards Jerusalem with His followers in the midst of explosive reactions by the large crowd chanting “Hosanna to the Son of David” (Matthew 21:9-11).The chapter started with a prophetic act to acclimate His disciples (verses 1-3). He foreknows where the donkeys are and the fact that the owners would lend them. The disciples participated in obedience to the prophetic action in verse 4, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9.The owners complied and the disciples obeyed because … ”The Lord needs them (verse 3).” The prophetic spectacle unfolds before a very large crowd who showed them adulation by “spreading their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them along the road while they cried out words of acknowledgment and worship, identifying Jesus, the miracle worker, as the Messiah, the Blessed Son of David (verses 8-11).The whole city was affected with both exuberance and interest (verses 10-11). After all of this triumphant procession, they arrive at the court of the gentiles in the outer court of the holy temple. Here, Jesus in contrast, Jesus uses some violence to demonstrate His rebuke. What turned His celebrating disposition to one of vivid displeasure (verse 13).The temple became a demonstration of false holiness that was hallow when it comes to those in need of God's help: The people, especially those considered “unclean” in the Old Testament law.Verses 12 – 17His uncharacteristic violent behavior of Jesus (gentle Shepard) verse 12.His message verse 13.The religious establishment were making the house built for prayer and spiritual benefit to a den of robbers (the focus on Commerce and “overcharging” (dishonest money changers?), etc.Not only greedy dishonest commerce but leaving out of their ministry considerations, those considered “unclean” in the Old Testament (“blind, lame, 2 Samuel 5:8; those with physical abnormality (Leviticus 21:7-12) and even children, Matthew 18:1-5, Matthew 21:14-16(.The house of prayer statement in Jesus' rebuke covers more than just praying but also ministering to those spiritually and physically disenfranchised from religious society (21:14-16). Remember when Jesus healed on the Sabbath (the law) Jesus was rebuked by some in the religious leadership; So, the temple was abused by secular minded leadership priesthood, etc. (read Mark 2:23-28).This false holiness was evidenced in some, if not more of the religious leadership: especially the Priests and Scribes.When the chief priests and teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did (for the lame, blind, diseased and poor persons and even the children) … “They became angry” (verse 15). And in contrast the children, not the religious hierarchy, recognized, along with the crowd and His disciples (verses 8-11): They exclaiming “Hosanna in the Highest”; what a radical change!This triumphal entry picture illustrates clearly that even religion given by God on Mt. Sinai can develop wrong priorities: The focus on using religion, even Christianity, for primarily commerce, power, and status. They developed a false idea of holiness without compassion and buildings and related practices without the presence of God, who is love.Even in the Old Testament, this is expounded in Isaiah 58 – What is true fasting (read it).2 Timothy 3:5, producing even Christians that only have a form or an appearance of holiness/godliness but resisting or denying its power to change them. Have nothing to do with them! (unless they repent, Galatians 6:1-2).Finally materialistic commerce focused political and religious priorities are the characteristics of the religious, political economic practices of the Antichrist system, to be destroyed by the Parousia of Jesus: described in Revelation 17, 18, & 19.This is what Matthew's version of Jesus triumphal entry in Matthew 21:1-17 illustrates: Joy, victory transformed by commercially oriented religious people who are then rebuked by Jesus. (See also the church of Laodicea in 3:14-21. But in His rebuked, there is always hope for restoration.AMEN

Introduction: How Should I Receive the Lord's Supper? 3 Things You'd Better Get Right: (1 Corinthians 11:17-34) PURPOSE. (1 Cor 11:23-26) What is the Purpose of the Lord's Supper? REMEMBRANCE. (1 Cor 11:24-25) PROCLAMATION. (1 Cor 11:26) ANTICIPATION. (1 Cor 11:26) Luke 22:15-16 - And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” POSTURE. (1 Cor 11:27) PREPARATION. (1 Cor 11:28-34) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Questions and Answers: How Should I Receive the Lord's Supper? Jeff Miller Download Audio Transcript 00:36Open up your Bibles with me please to the book of 1 Corinthians. So 1 Corinthians chapter 11 and let's just bow our heads and I'm going to ask that you would please just take a moment to pray for me that I would be faithful to do nothing but clearly communicate the Word of God as presented. And I will pray for you to have your hearts open to receive what it is the Lord wants to teach us today in this passage. Let's pray.01:07Father in heaven, we are talking today about something that is very serious to you and therefore should be to us. So I pray we would all be dialed in. That we would, as Pastor Taylor prayed earlier, our hearts would be ready to receive what it is you want to tell us and that we would, respond accordingly.01:41Thank you, Father, for being a God of truth, being a God of grace, the love that you've shown us, Father.01:51We praise you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.01:56All of God's people said, Amen.01:591 Corinthians 11.02:01Many, many, many years ago at a previous church, before our Wednesday night kids activities, one time a month, we would have a potluck. And somehow, this particular potluck Wednesday snuck up on us. And Erin was like, oh no, tonight's the church meal thing. And she was running around the house trying to find something.02:31to take over. And lo and behold, Mother Hubbard's cupboards were bare. And she goes, what are we going to... Well, she found in the cupboard that once upon a time, she bought a whole bunch of rice bowls from Big Lots. They were on clearance. She bought a whole bunch of these. They were like these individual serving thing, you know, you put water in it and throw it in the microwave and ta-da, cheap lunch.03:01So she bought a whole bunch of these on clearance. And she's like, this is all that I have to share at the meal. So she made a whole bunch of rice bowls. And by the way, they were all different flavors. She's like, I'll just make them all and just mix them together. Like I said, it came in several mouth-watering versions.03:33So we had jasmine and teriyaki and salmon and I don't know, chocolate caramel. And anyway, she took all of these rice bowls and put them like in a casserole dish. And she goes, all right, now here's what I need you to do. She says, I need you to get over there early and sneak this in so that nobody knows where it came from. And I'm telling you this because you need to know that I was an accessory to this crime.04:00So mission accomplished. I snuck the bowl in. I was poof gone like a ninja. Nobody knew where that dish came from. So we had our meal. We had our kids program. And at the end of the night, I went to sneak back to get our casserole dish. And inside the dish was a note. And the note said, whoever made this, please give me the recipe.04:35So today we're going to be talking about a good old-fashioned potluck because Corinth had a fellowship meal. Sort of like the one we had that one Wednesday night a month. And they would have this fellowship meal. They'd have their potluck and then afterwards they would take the Lord's Supper together and they made it a Real Seen.05:03Look at verse 17.05:06Paul says, But in the following instructions, I do not commend you.05:12Because when you come together, it is not for the better, but for the worse.05:20Paul's like, You guys, you're ruining worship.05:28You're ruining your worship time.05:30And that's a theme that goes through chapter 11, 12, 13, 14. Paul's like, you're ruining it. Look at verse 14. I'm sorry, verse 18, excuse me. He says, for in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and I believe it in part. Divisions. We spent a whole lot of time talking about that. There were cliques. Everybody had their favorite preacher, and there were divisions.05:59Literally, the word divisions means arguing over opinions. And there was a lot of that. Paul says, yeah, I certainly believe it. Verse 19, interesting side note, he says, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. As I said, we spent a lot of time talking about the factions.06:29the cliques and the divisions in chapters 1-4.06:34But Paul points out here, you know, there is one good thing about factions.06:42He says all of the fighting has a way of showing you who is genuine.06:50Who's an authentic, mature believer and who's not.06:56But Paul says, you want to learn who's spiritual?06:59You want to learn who is unspiritual and probably unsaved? Paul says, just watch how people handle disputes. And that is 100% true. Watch how people handle disputes, and you'll see how spiritual they are. But he goes on. Verse 20, he says, when you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper that you eat, For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. You see what's going on here? Paul says you're making the Lord's Supper into something that is not the Lord's Supper. At their fellowship meal, first of all, we saw there's cliques. Everybody sit with their people.07:59Don't sit with anybody else. Make sure you sit with your people. And Paul pointed out some of them were, they were showing up early and just eating all the stuff that they brought to share. They're showing up with their casserole dish full of the hodgepodge rice bowls, and they're just sitting and eating it all themselves. They got their tuna noodle casserole or their beef stroganoff that they meant to share with everyone.08:29and they're just hogging it down themselves.08:35He says, you're not sharing.08:37And as a result, some of the poorer people were going hungry.08:44Oh, and if that's not enough, some of them were showing up early, not only eating too much, but they were drinking too much.08:52He says, some of you are drunk.08:53I mean, can you see this scene?08:56You're showing up for church for a fellowship meal before the Lord's Supper is even served. Some people were drunk. Paul was rightly outraged. Look at verse 22. He kind of lets them have it. He goes, what? Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate?09:26those who have nothing. What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. Paul's like, what are you doing? Can't you be a hog at home? Like, what's going on here? Do you hate the church? Is that what's going on here? Do you get happy about being cruel to poor people? Paul's like, what do you want me to say? What do you want me to say?09:57I'm not going to say that.10:01It's a serious rebuke.10:04Because there's a serious problem.10:07They were making a mockery of something that should be absolutely sacred to the church.10:14And that's the Lord's Supper.10:19What is the Lord's Supper?10:23You read about the Lord's Supper in all the Gospels.10:26But it was Jesus' last meal with His disciples before He died on the cross. They were Jews celebrating the Passover meal. So what is the Passover meal? Well, that was a sacred observance that God gave the nation of Israel to remember that they were hopeless slaves in Egypt and God saved them. He sent someone to deliver them from bondage.10:56The Passover meal would have four different cups at different intervals in the meeting. You would eat bitter herbs together. There would be a retelling of the Exodus story. They would eat unleavened bread. They would sing some of the Psalms. That's what the Passover meal was. And in the Lord's Supper, when Jesus had it with His disciples, He made it new. You see, it went from, remember, the Exodus to remember that Jesus Christ came to save you from your sins. And you can trace this in your Bible. The early church did it on a regular basis, Acts 2.42. And at some point, the early church started doing it weekly, apparently, from Acts 20.7.11:52But in Corinth, the Lord's Supper was tacked onto a meal of gluttony and drunkenness and selfishness. So in the section we're looking at today, Paul says, you, Corinth, are greatly dishonoring the Lord with your conduct. And he says, if you're coming together to take the Lord's Supper as a church, you better get a clue as to what the Lord's Supper is about.12:26All right, so on your outline, how should I receive the Lord's Supper?12:31This is something that we do as a church.12:34We are going to do it in a few minutes.12:36So I think this is something that we should really tune into.12:43How should I receive the Lord's Supper?12:44Well, there's three things you better get right.12:48All right?12:50I alliterated them for you so that something not just for today, but every time we take the Lord's Supper together, these three things, you've got to get these right if you're going to do this. Number one is purpose. Purpose. What is the purpose of the Lord's Supper? Why do we do this? Well, Paul, That's where he starts. He goes, maybe you need reminded. Maybe you've been so off base you just need reminded of what this is about. Look at verse 23. He says, for I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you. That the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread. Stop there for a second. Most scholars believe that 1 Corinthians was actually written before the Gospels were completed. So this information that Paul is giving is directly from Jesus. So Paul says, let me remind you what the Lord's Supper is about, the purpose. On your outline, what is the purpose of the Lord's Supper? It's really about three things he's going to show us here. Letter A, why do we take the Lord's Supper? Letter A, R is for remembrance. Remembrance. Look at verse 24.14:20He says, when Jesus, the night He was betrayed, He took bread, verse 24, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, this is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. The body, the bread represents the body.14:49The bread represents the body of Christ, the incarnation, the glorious mystery that God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth, became a man. But notice in verse 24, Jesus said, this is my body which is, what are those last two words? I'll give you another run at that. This is my body which is for you.15:19You should have that underlined in your Bible for you. Do you realize everything that God did in the incarnation was for you? Why did God become a man?15:49It was for you. Why did he suffer the way that he suffered? For you. Why was he willing to lay down his life as a sacrifice? For you. And he says, do this. Do this. That's a Do this. Why do we receive the Lord's Supper? We're commanded to do that. Do it, church. Do it, small groups. Do it. This is something that we are commanded to do. Verse 25, he says, in the same way, also, he took the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me.16:49It's a new covenant in the blood of Christ. What is a covenant? It's just a promise. It's an agreement. There was an old covenant where sins were atoned with the blood of animals. But this is the new covenant. This is a new promise where Jesus said, I will take away all of your sins forever with one sacrifice.17:19It's the covenant of blood. See, blood speaks to the violent death that Jesus endured. It made the new covenant possible. But notice both the body, the blood, the bread, the cup, and both do this in remembrance.17:49on this because we talked about this three weeks ago. But in the Jewish mindset, remembrance was more than just recalling something. You know, it's not like we come to church like, wait, who are we worshiping? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, Jesus, that's right. Now I recall. Remembrance is so much more than that. We saw this back in chapter 10, verse 16, where Paul said, taking the Lord's Supper together as a church is participation.18:19That's what remembrance is about. It's embracing everything that the body and blood means.18:30See, the Lord's Supper isn't just about reminding ourselves of an event that happened so long ago. This is about our life right now. This is who God is. This is how He has revealed Himself. This is what He has done because of His love for me. He laid out his life for me.18:51He calls me to carry my cross and follow him daily.18:57The Lord's Supper brings us to that place where we're engulfed with all of that.19:05It's remembrance.19:10What's the purpose of the Lord's Supper letter B?19:11It's proclamation.19:13Look at verse 26.19:17He says, For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.19:29As often, He says that again in verse 25, there's no magic number.19:36As often, some churches do it weekly, some monthly.19:39As often as you do it, what are you doing?19:43He says you're proclaiming the Lord's death. You realize when you take the Lord's Supper, you're giving a sermon. It is a beautiful and profound thing that when we take the Lord's Supper together, church, it is as if we together are giving a sermon together. Every time you take it, you're preaching a sermon. You're like, well, what's the content of my sermon? When you take the Lord's Supper, you're saying, I believe that Jesus is the Messiah.20:15I believe He is the Son of God.20:18I believe that Jesus died for me.20:22I believe that my sins are forgiven, not by anything that I can do, but by everything that He did on my behalf.20:29I believe that.20:32You're preaching a sermon every time you do this.20:36You proclaim the Lord's death.20:40So the purpose of the Lord's Supper is remembrance, His proclamation, letter C.20:43It's anticipation.20:46You proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.20:49Do you see that? Until He comes.20:52We believe that Jesus is returning.20:57Do you believe that?20:58Do you believe Jesus is coming back?21:01Well, when you take the Lord's Supper, you're saying that you believe that.21:05Right?21:06That we are going to...21:08When we take the Lord's Supper now, We are communing with Jesus. We are participating in this together. But do you realize what we're saying? We're saying that we believe that someday we will commune with Him personally at the marriage supper of the Lamb. You know that's how the Bible describes heaven. That's how the Bible describes the return of Christ and the The Bible describes as the marriage supper of the Lamb. Have you ever been to a wedding? Have you ever been to a wedding reception? They are a real hoot. It's a big party and there's so much laughter and joy and celebration. And that's exactly how the Bible describes our ultimate reunion Jesus Christ when the church is brought into His presence and glory.22:17Jesus talked about this.22:18Luke 22 verses 15 and 16.22:22And He said to them, I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.22:29Look at this.22:30For I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.22:37So we are communing with Christ spiritually.22:41now in the anticipation that today's going to come when we are communing with Christ in His actual presence. Can we grasp how sacred this is? Do you see why this is such an important remembrance that the Lord has given us?23:11One of them we celebrated last week in baptism. This is the other one. Do you see why this is so important? And that's where Paul starts. He's like, remember the purpose of the Lord's Supper. It's remembrance. It's proclamation. It's anticipation. So how should I receive the Lord's Supper? Well, three things you've got to get right. The first one is purpose. This is why we do it. Number two is posture.23:41Posture.23:47Talking about the posture of your heart.23:50What is your heart's attitude in going into the Lord's Supper?23:56Because it matters.23:57Look at verse 27.24:00Paul says, Whoever therefore eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Unworthy manner. Did you realize that you can take the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner? Did you realize that? That's what the Bible says. Let's be clear. It doesn't mean sinless. The Bible is crystal clear on that. If you had to be sinless to receive the Lord's Supper, none of us.24:38would take it, right? We just leave the trays up here and look at them. None of us could do it. Well, so how can we take the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner? Well, there's really two ways. One way you can take it in an unworthy manner is being unrepentant. First of all, the Lord's Supper is not for unbelievers.25:09And if you're here, and we are so glad that you are here, but if you're here and you're like, you know what, I have not personally received Jesus Christ. I think I'm seeking right now, and I'm trying to understand, and we're so glad that you're here. But if you are not a born-again believer in Christ, you absolutely should not take the Lord's Supper. This is for His people. Okay? But, If you are here, and you say that you are a born-again believer in Christ, but you have resolved yourself to some sin. Meaning this, look, we all sin, but we're talking about being committed to the sin. You know what I'm talking about. It's, I'm not committed to seeking repentance right now. There is a sin in my life right now that God has been speaking to me through his word his spirit has been bringing great conviction in me there's the sin in my life and i have just been telling god no i have been just flagrantly disobeying god and i know what he wants me to do and i've refused to do it if that describes you you should not take the lord's supper you should not take the lord's supper if you are in a state of being unrepentant flagrant Rebellious, Unrepentant Sin. The second way you can take the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner is being not just unrepentant, but being irreverent. Meaning, you don't receive it in an attitude of worship. And church, I think we can be so prone to this, that it's time to take the Lord's Supper, we just mindlessly go through the motions. That we line up, we take the elements, we have our seat, we bread, cup, done, and we've given like no thought to it. We never really stop to think about what was happening. That's just what we do. We go through the motions. That's irreverent. And when you do that, notice he says, you're guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. When you do that, when you take the Lord's Supper, unrepentant or irreverent, you are dishonoring Jesus and all that He's done. Because you didn't receive the Lord's Supper in a posture of worship. You understand the gravity of that? Imagine I brought an American flag up here. And I just threw it on the ground and stomped all over it. I'm not going to. But I just threw it on the ground and stomped all over it and wiped my feet on it. Would you be outraged by that? You should be. And I said, well, what's the big deal? It's just a piece of cloth. You're like, the big deal is what that represents.28:37That's the big deal. And an even bigger deal is what stomping on that represents. You see, it's the same principle with the Lord's Supper. That's why we are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord when we do it irreverently. It's like stomping on the flag. It's stomping on Jesus. Because God takes this very seriously.29:07If you're in sin, that you haven't confessed to God, you haven't turned from, you sinned against a person, and you haven't made things right with them, you haven't sought horizontal forgiveness, you should not take the Lord's Supper. You should just quietly abstain. All right? And look, if your heart isn't in it, if you're like, you know what, if I go do this today, it's just going to be a mindless ritual. It's not going to be active worship.29:37for me, then you should not take the Lord's Supper. You should just quietly abstain. But we are in a room of peer pressure, right? Where you're like, but if everybody gets up to take the Lord's Supper and I don't, what are people going to think? Who cares? Who cares what people think?30:08By the way, no one's noticing. No one has a scorecard. Well, you didn't get up and take communion today, but I'll write that one down for the record. Nobody cares. All right? What matters isn't what people think. What matters is what does God think? Because if you take the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner, you're guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, and you should be way more concerned with what God thinks.30:41You should receive this in a posture of worship.30:49So, number three, how should I take the Lord's Supper?30:52Well, we saw the purpose.30:53We saw the heart posture.30:58Three, P is for preparation.31:03Because of the seriousness of this, We should prepare ourselves. Look at verse 28. He says, let a person examine himself then. And so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. Examine yourself. You should do this before church every Sunday anyways. But especially before you take the Lord's Supper, you need to take time for personal inventory. You need to ask yourself right now in my life, am I personally, actively, seeking the Lord.31:42Have I prepared myself to commune with the Lord?31:48And if you refuse to examine yourself, look at verse 29.31:53He says, for anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.32:06If you take this irreverently, you're bringing judgment on yourself. Now the word judgment is literally chastisement or discipline. Okay? And understand, he is talking to believers here. Like, well, what kind of judgment am I going to face if I irreverently take the Lord's Supper? Well, he tells us, verse 30, he says, that is why.32:36Many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. If you're a believer who takes the Lord's Supper in an irreverent way, God will discipline you physically. Do you see that? All levels. Some end up weak, just not feeling great.33:06Some are ill, like really not feeling great. And Paul says, and some have died. Like done feeling anything. Right? There are so many prayer requests that have to do with health things. Do you notice that? Anytime somebody says, hey, does anybody have any prayer requests. Very rarely do we hear the, hey, I have an unsaved neighbor, pray that the Lord opens the door to share the gospel, or pray that I can better disciple my kids. Those are more rare. It seems to me like 90-some percent of prayer requests, we just drag out all these health things. And there are so many people here dealing with health issues.34:05And I have to ask you, in light of this verse, could it be that your health issues have been brought on by God for taking the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner?34:33You're like, does God do that? Yeah. Yeah, He does. Now, obviously, listen, listen close. Obviously, no one is saying that that is the cause of all sickness and death. Nobody's saying that. But if you call yourself a Jesus follower and you take the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner, you are a candidate for God's discipline.35:02And for some of you, that might be exactly why you are sick. That might be exactly why you've had this physical thing going on that you just can't get over. For some of you, that's why. Look at verse 31 and 32. He says, but if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.35:32But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. Paul just basically here says judge yourself or God will. Either take an honest assessment of your heart and act accordingly or disregard the state of your heart. Take the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner and God will act accordingly. You're like, whoa, whoa, whoa.36:01Are you saying I could lose my salvation? Oh, absolutely not. Absolutely not. In fact, he clarifies that in this verse. God will discipline you, even let you die. He says so that you won't be condemned with the world. But that's how serious this is to God. God will remove you from the earth before he allows you to discipline.36:31honor him in the way that you take the Lord's Supper. I'm going to last two verses. He says, so then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that when you come together, it will not be for judgment.37:01About the other things, I will give directions when I come. Okay, so easy application for the Corinthians, right? Paul's like, so here it is, Corinth. When you have your potluck, can you just wait for everybody to show up? Can you do that? Like, oh, Paul, that sounds so un-American. Wait to eat? We don't do that.37:35I just laugh sometimes I'll hear people say, you know, I got stuck at such and such place. I had to go six hours without eating. Like, wow, I can't believe you're alive to tell the tale. Look, you can wait. You can wait. Right? Paul says, he says, are you hungry? You can't wait.38:01Why don't you just eat at home instead of being drunken hoggers at church before the Lord's Supper? How about that? But you see, there's a principle for them and for us. The Lord's Supper should be worshipful. Prepare yourself for it. Poor worship team would make their way back up.38:33to apply this right now.38:36I'd like you to just bow your heads.38:39I'd like you to just bow your heads and close your eyes.38:41I just want you to focus on your own heart.38:47Because in just a few moments, if our communion servers also would come up, in just a few moments, we are going to take the Lord's Supper.38:57And I want you, first of all, to just, in light of this passage, is to remind us why we're doing this. This doesn't save you. This doesn't make you into a more spiritual person. Paul tells us exactly the purpose of this. We are remembering. We are proclaiming. We are anticipating. That's why we're doing this. Also, your posture. This is a sacred act of worship.39:30And I have to ask you, is that the posture of your heart right now? Are you here to worship? Or have you been checked out even before you walked in the door? How is the posture of your heart right now? In preparation, examine yourself. Is there unconfessed sin that you have committed yourself to?40:05Look, believer, you are forgiven in Christ. You need to live like it. Are you genuinely seeking the Lord right now? Father in heaven, we're about to come to your table. And I don't know of any other teachers in your word that's more serious about this event than this passage that we just looked at. Father, this is a very serious thing to you. So Father, I pray that none of us would take this in an unworthy manner, that we would have the faith to stay in our seats and pray rather than invite discipline on ourselves.41:02Father, we thank you for this meal and everything that it means.41:08That God, you so loved us.41:13And you so wanted our sin removed from us that you came and did the job yourself.41:24So Father, as a church, let us, in receiving this, proclaim the excellencies of your grace as we anticipate the day that we get to sit down with Jesus personally at the marriage supper of the Lamb. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 11:17-11:34What was your big take-away from this passage / message?How would you explain the Lord's Supper to a brand new Christian, who is completely unfamiliar with the ordinance?Jesus said to take the Lord's Supper “in remembrance” of Him. What exactly does that mean? How does this relate to the concept of “participation” (1 Corinthians 10:16)?What are some ways a believer can take the Lord's Supper in an “unworthy manner” (1 Cor 11:27)? Does this mean you have to be sinless? Why or why not?1 Cor 11:28 says “examine yourself”. What exactly are you examining in yourself before you take the Lord's Supper?BreakoutPray for one another.

Feast of Saint Matthias, ApostleJohn 15:9-17Jesus said to his disciples:“As the Father loves me, so I also love you.Remain in my love.If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,just as I have kept my Father's commandmentsand remain in his love."

Das Losungswort und der Lehrtext der Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine:Dein Herz eifre nicht gegen die Sünder, sondern jederzeit nach der Furcht des HERRN.Sprüche 23,17Jesus sprach zu den Jüngern: So steht‘s geschrieben, dass der Christus leiden wird und auferstehen von den Toten am dritten Tage; und dass gepredigt wird in seinem Namen Buße zur Vergebung der Sünden unter allen Völkern. Von Jerusalem an seid ihr dafür Zeugen.Lukas 24,46-48Titel der Andacht: "Der richtige Eifer"Nachzulesen in nah-am-leben.de

Friday of the Fifth Week of EasterJohn 15:12-17Jesus said to his disciples:“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.No one has greater love than this,to lay down one's life for one's friends."

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene 11But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13They said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? She said to them, They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him. 14Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15Jesus said to her, Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking? Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away. 16Jesus said to her, Mary. She turned and said to him in Aramaic,[a] Rabboni! (which means Teacher). 17Jesus said to her, Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. 18Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, I have seen the Lordand that he had said these things to her.

Mathew 16:13-20 Peter's Confession About Jesus.* 13h When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi* he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14i They replied, “Some say John the Baptist,* others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16* j Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood* has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. 18k And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church,* and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 19l I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.* Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20* m Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Messiah.     ABOUT US:We are a Catholic Ministry based on the dynamic New Evangelization and supported by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The Sower began as a spanish Ministry, "El Sembrador" over 30 years ago in Los Angeles, California at St. Thomas Parish. Today El SembradorSOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/sowerla/APP ON APPLE: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/el-sembrador/id641750078APP ON ANDROID: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app_esne2.layout&pcampaignid=web_shareONLINE RADIO STATION: https://elsembradorministries.com/esne/thesower/LINKS: linktr.ee/sowerla

Send a textFruitful“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing… This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:5,8You will know them by their fruits… Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. Matt 7:16-17Jesus didn't ask us to wear a costume  so we look right, but to crucify our flesh.How pleased do you think Gods with the quality of your fruit?How pleased do you think God is with the quantity of your fruit?“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5Jesus is the vine           I am the branch.

Luke 13:1-17Jesus teaches that tragedy is not a measure of personal sin, but a call for everyone to repent and turn to God. Through the parable of the barren fig tree and the healing of a woman bound for eighteen years on the Sabbath, Jesus reveals God's patience, mercy, and authority—exposing religious hypocrisy and bringing joy to those who witness God's redemptive power.

Matthew 3:13-17Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordanto be baptized by him.John tried to prevent him, saying,“I need to be baptized by you,and yet you are coming to me?”Jesus said to him in reply,“Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for usto fulfill all righteousness.”Then he allowed him.After Jesus was baptized,he came up from the water and behold,the heavens were opened for him,and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a doveand coming upon him.And a voice came from the heavens, saying,“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:13-17Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordanto be baptized by him.John tried to prevent him, saying,“I need to be baptized by you,and yet you are coming to me?”Jesus said to him in reply,“Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for usto fulfill all righteousness.”Then he allowed him.After Jesus was baptized,he came up from the water and behold,the heavens were opened for him,and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a doveand coming upon him.And a voice came from the heavens, saying,“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:13-17Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordanto be baptized by him.John tried to prevent him, saying,“I need to be baptized by you,and yet you are coming to me?”Jesus said to him in reply,“Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for usto fulfill all righteousness.”Then he allowed him.After Jesus was baptized,he came up from the water and behold,the heavens were opened for him,and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a doveand coming upon him.And a voice came from the heavens, saying,“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Reading IIsaiah 42:1-4, 6-7Thus says the LORD:Here is my servant whom I uphold,my chosen one with whom I am pleased,upon whom I have put my spirit;he shall bring forth justice to the nations,not crying out, not shouting,not making his voice heard in the street.a bruised reed he shall not break,and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,until he establishes justice on the earth;the coastlands will wait for his teaching.I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,I have grasped you by the hand;I formed you, and set youas a covenant of the people,a light for the nations,to open the eyes of the blind,to bring out prisoners from confinement,and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.Reading IIActs 10:34-38Peter proceeded to speak to those gatheredin the house of Cornelius, saying: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightlyis acceptable to him.You know the word that he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptismthat John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazarethwith the Holy Spirit and power.He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”GospelMatthew 3:13-17Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordanto be baptized by him.John tried to prevent him, saying,“I need to be baptized by you,and yet you are coming to me?”Jesus said to him in reply,“Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for usto fulfill all righteousness.”Then he allowed him.After Jesus was baptized,he came up from the water and behold,the heavens were opened for him,and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a doveand coming upon him.And a voice came from the heavens, saying,“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Homily by Father Peter Zwaans Mount Gambier Catholic ParishGospel according to Luke 7:11-17Jesus went to a town called Nain, accompanied by his disciples and a great number of people. When he was near the gate of the town it happened that a dead man was being carried out for burial, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a considerable number of the townspeople were with her. When the Lord saw her, he felt sorry for her. ‘Do not cry' he said. Then he went up and put his hand on the bier and the bearers stood still, and he said, ‘Young man, I tell you to get up.' And the dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Everyone was filled with awe and praised God saying, ‘A great prophet has appeared among us; God has visited his people.' And this opinion of him spread throughout Judaea and all over the countryside.The Gospel of the Lord.R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Monday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary TimeLuke 13:10-17Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath.And a woman was there who for eighteen yearshad been crippled by a spirit;she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect.When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said,"Woman, you are set free of your infirmity."He laid his hands on her,and she at once stood up straight and glorified God.

Lk 13:10-17Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath.And a woman was there who for eighteen yearshad been crippled by a spirit;she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect.When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said,"Woman, you are set free of your infirmity."He laid his hands on her,and she at once stood up straight and glorified God.But the leader of the synagogue,indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath,said to the crowd in reply,"There are six days when work should be done.Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day."The Lord said to him in reply, "Hypocrites!Does not each one of you on the sabbathuntie his ox or his ass from the mangerand lead it out for watering?This daughter of Abraham,whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now,ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath dayfrom this bondage?"When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated;and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.

Jesus Friend of Sinners | Mark 2:13–17Jesus still meets people right where they are. In this service, we worship the risen King and dive into Mark 2:13–17, where Jesus calls Levi (Matthew), eats with “tax collectors and sinners,” and shows us what grace really looks like. Pastor unpacks why large crowds followed Jesus, what it means that He's a friend of sinners (without winking at sin), and how mercy (not empty ritual) is God's heart for you. If you've ever felt unworthy, this message is for you. Key TakeawaysJesus calls unlikely people (like Levi) and gives them a new identity and purpose.God is unbelievably patient with sinners and utterly intolerant of sin.“Mercy, not sacrifice”: the point of religion is a real relationship with Jesus.You can come to Jesus as you are and He will not leave you as you were.The church grows because God wants more people saved. We keep making room. ScripturesMark 2:13–17; Matthew 9:9–13; Luke 5:27–32; John 8:1–11; Romans 3:23–24; Hosea 6:6; Isaiah 55:6–7; Psalm 1; Proverbs 11:24–25; Matthew 7:3–5

Reading 1Numbers 21:4b-9With their patience worn out by the journey,the people complained against God and Moses,"Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert,where there is no food or water?We are disgusted with this wretched food!"In punishment the LORD sent among the people saraph serpents,which bit the people so that many of them died.Then the people came to Moses and said,"We have sinned in complaining against the LORD and you.Pray the LORD to take the serpents from us."So Moses prayed for the people, and the LORD said to Moses,"Make a saraph and mount it on a pole,and if any who have been bitten look at it, they will live."Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole,and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpentlooked at the bronze serpent, he lived.Reading 2Philippians 2:6-11Brothers and sisters:Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God,did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.Rather, he emptied himself,taking the form of a slave,coming in human likeness;and found human in appearance,he humbled himself,becoming obedient to death,even death on a cross.Because of this, God greatly exalted himand bestowed on him the namethat is above every name,that at the name of Jesusevery knee should bend,of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue confess thatJesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.GospelJohn 3:13-17Jesus said to Nicodemus:"No one has gone up to heavenexcept the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man.And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,so must the Son of Man be lifted up,so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,so that everyone who believes in him might not perishbut might have eternal life.For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,but that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:13-17Jesus said to Nicodemus:"No one has gone up to heavenexcept the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man.And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,so must the Son of Man be lifted up,so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,so that everyone who believes in him might not perishbut might have eternal life.For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,but that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:13-17Jesus said to Nicodemus:"No one has gone up to heavenexcept the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man.And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,so must the Son of Man be lifted up,so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,so that everyone who believes in him might not perishbut might have eternal life.For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,but that the world might be saved through him.

Lk 7:11-17Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain,and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him.As he drew near to the gate of the city,a man who had died was being carried out,the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.A large crowd from the city was with her.When the Lord saw her,he was moved with pity for her and said to her,“Do not weep.”He stepped forward and touched the coffin;at this the bearers halted,and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!”The dead man sat up and began to speak,and Jesus gave him to his mother.Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming,“A great prophet has arisen in our midst,”and “God has visited his people.”This report about him spread through the whole of Judeaand in all the surrounding region.

Blood Stained Pews - Carl KuhlMark 2:13-17Jesus came for the BROKEN.We are all BROKEN.LIE: I'm the only one.Psalm 51:17

+ Holy Gospel according to St. John 3: 13 – 17Jesus said to Nicodemus:“No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.The Gospel of the Lord

Evangelho de Jesus Cristo segundo Lucas 6,12-1912Naqueles dias, Jesus foi à montanha para rezar.E passou a noite toda em oração a Deus.13Ao amanhecer, chamou seus discípulose escolheu doze dentre eles,aos quais deu o nome de apóstolos:14Simão, a quem impôs o nome de Pedro, e seu irmão André;Tiago e João;Filipe e Bartolomeu;15Mateus e Tomé;Tiago, filho de Alfeu, e Simão, chamado Zelota;16Judas, filho de Tiago,e Judas Iscariotes, aquele que se tornou traidor.17Jesus desceu da montanha com elese parou num lugar plano.Ali estavam muitos dos seus discípulose grande multidão de gente de toda a Judeia e de Jerusalém,do litoral de Tiro e Sidônia.18Vieram para ouvir Jesuse serem curados de suas doenças.E aqueles que estavam atormentados por espíritos maustambém foram curados.19A multidão toda procurava tocar em Jesus,porque uma força saía dele, e curava a todos.Palavra da Salvação.

Luke 9:11b-17Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God,and he healed those who needed to be cured.As the day was drawing to a close,the Twelve approached him and said,"Dismiss the crowdso that they can go to the surrounding villages and farmsand find lodging and provisions;for we are in a deserted place here."He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves."They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have,unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people."Now the men there numbered about five thousand.Then he said to his disciples,"Have them sit down in groups of about fifty."They did so and made them all sit down.Then taking the five loaves and the two fish,and looking up to heaven,he said the blessing over them, broke them,and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.They all ate and were satisfied.And when the leftover fragments were picked up,they filled twelve wicker baskets.

Luke 9:11b-17Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God,and he healed those who needed to be cured.As the day was drawing to a close,the Twelve approached him and said,"Dismiss the crowdso that they can go to the surrounding villages and farmsand find lodging and provisions;for we are in a deserted place here."He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves."They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have,unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people."Now the men there numbered about five thousand.Then he said to his disciples,"Have them sit down in groups of about fifty."They did so and made them all sit down.Then taking the five loaves and the two fish,and looking up to heaven,he said the blessing over them, broke them,and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.They all ate and were satisfied.And when the leftover fragments were picked up,they filled twelve wicker baskets.

Reading IGenesis 14:18-20In those days, Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine,and being a priest of God Most High,he blessed Abram with these words:            "Blessed be Abram by God Most High,                        the creator of heaven and earth;            and blessed be God Most High,                        who delivered your foes into your hand."Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.Reading II1 Corinthians 11:23-26Brothers and sisters:I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you,that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over,took bread, and, after he had given thanks,broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you.Do this in remembrance of me."In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying,"This cup is the new covenant in my blood.Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup,you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.GospelLuke 9:11b-17Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God,and he healed those who needed to be cured.As the day was drawing to a close,the Twelve approached him and said,"Dismiss the crowdso that they can go to the surrounding villages and farmsand find lodging and provisions;for we are in a deserted place here."He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves."They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have,unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people."Now the men there numbered about five thousand.Then he said to his disciples,"Have them sit down in groups of about fifty."They did so and made them all sit down.Then taking the five loaves and the two fish,and looking up to heaven,he said the blessing over them, broke them,and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.They all ate and were satisfied.And when the leftover fragments were picked up,they filled twelve wicker baskets.

Ministry EthicsMatthew 10:8-17Jesus has called his disciples, and now they get some really practical good advice for ministry, part of their ‘Seminary Evangelism Module' – and its not just good advice for them, but for us also as we seek to represent the Saviour in this godless world:-Wisdom in AccountingWisdom in AssociationWisdom in Abandoning Apologies for the sound quality of this recording. this sermon was recorded live at Ballymacashon, and there is some echo and extraneous noise.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Friday of the Fifth Week of EasterJohn 15:12-17Jesus said to his disciples:"This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.No one has greater love than this,to lay down one's life for one's friends.You are my friends if you do what I command you."

Jn 15:12-17Jesus said to his disciples:"This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.No one has greater love than this,to lay down one's life for one's friends.You are my friends if you do what I command you.I no longer call you slaves,because a slave does not know what his master is doing.I have called you friends,because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.It was not you who chose me, but I who chose youand appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.This I command you: love one another."

Feast of Saint Matthias, ApostleJohn 15:9-17Jesus said to his disciples:“As the Father loves me, so I also love you.Remain in my love.If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,just as I have kept my Father's commandmentsand remain in his love."

Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the ChurchJn 15:9-17Jesus said to his disciples:"As the Father loves me, so I also love you.Remain in my love.If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,just as I have kept my Father's commandmentsand remain in his love."

Send us a textOur ultimate loyalty is to God.Mark 12:17Jesus told [a group trying to trap him with His words], “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”Support the show

John 1:14The 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.  Matthew 16:13-1713When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”14They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”15“But what about you?”he asked. “Who do you say I am?”16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”17Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.  Who Do You Say I am Celebrating JesusHis IdentityJohn 1:1-5“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”Philippians 2:5-7"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage. Rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"Jesus is the SaviorJohn 3:17-18"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." Jesus is the TeacherJohn 14:6-7"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really know Me, you will know My Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him." Jesus is LordRevelation 19:16"On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: King of kings and Lord of lords."Matthew 10:34, ""Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn " 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.1 John 3:8"The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil." Our Response 

September 17, 2024Homily: UnitedFr. BennyGospelLk 7:11-17Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain,and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him.As he drew near to the gate of the city,a man who had died was being carried out,the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.A large crowd from the city was with her.When the Lord saw her,he was moved with pity for her and said to her,"Do not weep."He stepped forward and touched the coffin;at this the bearers halted,and he said, "Young man, I tell you, arise!"The dead man sat up and began to speak,and Jesus gave him to his mother.Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming,"A great prophet has arisen in our midst,"and "God has visited his people."This report about him spread through the whole of Judeaand in all the surrounding region.

September 14, 2024Homily: Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy CrossFr. Bishop CottaGospelJN 3:13-17Jesus said to Nicodemus:“No one has gone up to heavenexcept the one who has come down from heaven, theSon of Man.And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert,so must the Son of Man be lifted up,so that everyone who believes in him may have eternallife.”For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,so that everyone who believes in him might not perishbut might have eternal life.For God did not send his Son into the world tocondemn the world,but that the world might be saved through him.

Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin MaryMt 13:16-17Jesus said to his disciples:"Blessed are your eyes, because they see,and your ears, because they hear.Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous peoplelonged to see what you see but did not see it,and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."

God's Word is a guide map for our lives, a moral compass for our journey. It also provides words of encouragement for us and others and is a gift meant to be shared as we walk the path of life. Mark 1:17Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!'Support the Show.

Acts 10:44-481 John 5:1-6John 15:9-17Psalm 98The CollectO God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.The First LessonActs 10:44-48While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.The ResponsePsalm 98Cantate Domino1 Sing to the Lord a new song, *for he has done marvelous things.2 With his right hand and his holy arm *has he won for himself the victory.3 The Lord has made known his victory; *his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, *and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.5 Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; *lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.6 Sing to the Lord with the harp, *with the harp and the voice of song.7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn *shout with joy before the King, the Lord.8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *the lands and those who dwell therein.9 Let the rivers clap their hands, *and let the hills ring out with joy before the Lord,when he comes to judge the earth.10 In righteousness shall he judge the world *and the peoples with equity.The Epistle1 John 5:1-6Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.The GospelJohn 15:9-17Jesus said to his disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and...

Luke 6:12-16Behold, how good and pleasant it is    when brothers dwell in unity![a]2 It is like the precious oil on the head,    running down on the beard,on the beard of Aaron,    running down on the collar of his robes!3 It is like the dew of Hermon,    which falls on the mountains of Zion!For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,    life forevermore.Psalm 133COVENANT FRIENDSHIPERNEST SHACKLETON PHOTO*With his ship helplessly frozen in place, what did Shackleton do?He formed his men into teams, took them out onto the ice, and they played soccer.  In fact, they did it a lot.  But in his book South: The Endurance Expedition that details the trials of his crew, he only mentions it once. “Hockey and soccer on the floe were our chief recreations, and all hands joined in many a strenuous game.” He set a strict daily eating schedule of breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner. During the evening hours, they took turns staging concerts and plays below decks to break up the monotony of the long dark winter nights.Ken DownerPHOTOS*They [Shackleton and crew] were isolated from the outside world, but they were surrounded by deep friendship and community. Many of us today find ourselves surrounded by the outside world, but isolated from deep friendship and community.BOOK REC.WE WERE MADE FOR FRIENDSHIP BECAUSE WE WERE MADE IN THE IMAGE OF FRIENDSHIP.24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.John 17:2415 No longer do I call you servants,[a] for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you…John 15:15-16A friend is someone who KNOWNS you and loves you ANYWAY.Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.Ecclesiastes 4:9-12Some Christians try to go to heaven alone, in solitude. But believers are not compared to bears or lions or other animals that wander alone. Those who belong to Christ are sheep in this respect, that they love to get together. Sheep go in flocks, and so do God's people.Charles SpurgeonThen the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”Genesis 2:18Isolation is just as dangerous to the soul as sickness is to the body.Justin Whitmel EarlyWe are the most physically connected and yet spiritually isolated people who have ever walked the planet. Our default perspective should now be to assume that if you're a modern American, you are lonely.Justin Whitmel EarlyCharacteristics of Modern friendshipDigitally known, emotionally unknownTechnology can give us the sensation of being known when, actually, we are completely isolated. When we spend our relational time snacking on technology, we will die from the preventable disease of loneliness. The internet and smartphones are fantastic for connections, communication, and knowledge. But connections are not friends, communication is not intimacy, and knowledge is not wisdom. Use a social network for intimacy and you will invite great harm. Use a chatroom for wisdom and you are guaranteed foolishness. Use connections for friendship and you are destined for loneliness. Justin Whitmel EarlyConnected by similar interests, not by similar visionNo matter how much time you spend with someone, or how many common activities you share, if vulnerability and honesty are not practiced regularly such that you turn from loving your shared hobbies to loving each other, then you are not in a friendship but a companionship.Justin Whitmel EarlyBuilt on comfort together, not built on adversityWounds from a friend can be trusted,    but an enemy multiplies kisses.Proverbs 27:6 As iron sharpens iron,    so one person sharpens another.Proverbs 27:17Jesus modeled COVENANT FRIENDSHIPCovenant friendships are decided by the Father12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. Luke 6:12These were the men who would carry on what He had done, and without them the work of Jesus would never extend to the whole world. No wonder Jesus gave this critical choice an entire night of prayer.David GuzikThe righteous choose their friends carefully,    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.Proverbs 12:2633 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”1 Corinthians 15:33Covenant friendships are built on similar vision, NOT similar interestsThere are many interesting connections with this group. There are brothers (James and John, Peter and Andrew); business associates (Peter, James, and John were all fishermen); opposing political viewpoints (Matthew the Roman-friendly tax collector, and Simon, the Roman-hating Zealot); and one who would betray Jesus (Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor).David GuzikCovenant friendships see allA spirituality that suppresses what we truly feel and substitutes for it what we think we ought to feel is no spirituality at all. It is a mask that bears no resemblance to Christ.Richard J. FosterCovenant friendships last as long as forgiveness is given

Mark 12: 1-12 (13-17)   1Then [Jesus] began to speak to them in parables. "A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watchtower; then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. 2When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. 3But they seized him, and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. 4And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted. 5Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed. 6He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' 7But those tenants said to one another, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' 8So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. 9What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10Have you not read this scripture: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the keystone; 11this was the Lord's doing, and it is amazing in our eyes'?" 12When they realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowd. So they left him and went away. 13Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. 14And they came and said to him, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? 15Should we pay them, or should we not?" But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, "Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it." 16And they brought one. Then he said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose title?" They answered, "The emperor's." 17Jesus said to them, "Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." And they were utterly amazed at him.

December 3, 2023Pastor Matt KendrickHaving a Christian ChristmasJohn 3:16-17Jesus is the reason for the season. Consider enjoying being a Christian this Christmas. Enjoying extra time off that God gives you. Enjoying the life and peace He's offering you. Christmas is about giving...It's about God the Father giving His Son to us and for us.To have a Christian Christmas:Enjoy the Gift of Christmas… Jesus!Enjoy instead of impress.Be still and remember God.Share burdens instead of bearing them all by yourself.Thank you for listening!For more info on Redemption City Church check out our website. If you'd like to connect with us further, please fill out a Connection Card and one of our staff will get in touch with you.Follow us on on social media: Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

“We Feebly Struggle… They in Glory Shine!”A SERMON BASED ON Revelation 7:9-17Jesus says that his followers will endure tribulation. Paul tells us that Christians will put up with all sorts of hardships. In our reading from Revelation 7 for this Sunday, we see what the ending looks like. It might be difficult to see how all of this turns out okay… so God gave John just a glimpse of what to expect from eternity with him. Let me tell you: it's as good as it gets.

In this episode, we look at the Jesus's callLuke 5:31-32, Mark 2:17Jesus answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”Matthew 9:13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."Luke 15:7,10I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance Luke 18:10–14Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I'm certainly not like that tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.' 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”Romans 3:20-22For no person will be justified (made righteous, acquitted, and judged acceptable) in His sight by observing the works prescribed by the Law. For [the real function of] the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin [[a]not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith, and holy character]. 21 But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the Law, although actually it is attested by the Law and the Prophets, 22 Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [And it is meant] for all who believe. For there is no distinction,Galatians 3:10-12 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.” Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “The righteous man shall live by faith.” However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, “He who practices them shall live by them.”Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.Romans 4:1-7 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.Galatians 2:16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”Acts 2:21And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'Romans 10:13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”Acts 22:16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/622a9079e8fb640012cb94f3. I pray that God would "give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. 18I, pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance" https://plus.acast.com/s/blueprint-of-faith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John 15:1-17, 26-27, John 13:34-35, Mark 12:28-34, Ephesians 4:32, Galatians 5:13, 22--26, Ephesians 4:17Jesus has called us to love.  He has called us to obey his commandments to love one another and to love our neighbors by way of service that is unconditional.  Jesus set the example for us and we must follow His example.  The only way we can love unconditionally is to abide in the True Vine who is Christ.  Jesus tells us how we are to abide in the True Vine and Who helps us to abide.  In this week's message Elder Wigfall shows through the Scriptures how Jesus told us we can abide in the True Vine.

The Center of all Things | Matthew 1:1-17Jesus stands at the center of history. But what does that have to do with me?

Do You Hear Jesus Calling Your Name? John 20:16-18 16Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' ” 18Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Welcome to Hope City Church! NEW If you are new to Hope City text “Welcome” to 502-754-3212 SERMON SCRIPTURE John 2:13-17 13It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. 14In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. 15Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers' coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. 16Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father's house into a marketplace!”17Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God's house will consume me.” Matthew 16:13-19 13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” 15Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” 16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock'), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 19And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” CONNECT Connect with us! Visit the Hope City Church website at https://realhopenow.com/ , connect through the Hope City Church Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/realhopenow or download the Church Center app from the android or apple app store and select Hope City Church as your home church. CARE If you or a loved one is in need of prayer or care, we would love to help! Simply open the Hope City Church Louisville app, click on "Pastoral Care" or "Prayer Request" and fill out the form so that we can know how we can help. Or go to https://app.textinchurch.com/groups/webform/MjYxMDg4 and send us your prayer request. GIVE Our heart is to share as much hope with as many people as possible, and you make that happen because of your generosity. Click the link below to give. http://www.realhopenow.com/give/ Thank you for tuning in to today's service. We'll see you soon!

Coinciding with Lent, we are preaching through Holy Week. After riding into Jerusalem on Sunday, Jesus returns to the city on Monday to cleanse the temple. Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:12-17Jesus cleanses the temple and receives contrasting reactions from the religious leaders and from the children. The religious leaders are angry while the children sing his praises. Like the children who sang Jesus' praises, we are to have a childlike faith.