Podcasts about nrsv

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Luke 10:25-37, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here.   For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

Psalm 145:10-18 (NRSV); Music: "Our Memories" by AEROPLANES, licensed by Soundstripe.

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Luke 18:15-17, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here.   For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

biblebreakdownpodcast@gmail.com

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Luke 15:11-32, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here.   For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

Daily Anglican Prayer - Wednesday Morning – 25th June 2025 Readings NRSV: Psalm 135; 1 Samuel 19. 1-17; Acts 13.1-12. Led by Felicity Scott, an Anglican prayer minister in Queensland, Australia. The full prayer transcript is available by going to this episode on the Podcast website. https://dailyprayeranglicanprayerbookforaustralia.podbean.com Welcome to Wednesday Morning prayer. We proclaim the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ: GOD in his infinite mercy, forgives all sins, and through our baptism in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, we are given a rebirth into new life, free from the burden of all sin. ALLELUIA With faithfulness we respond to the good news: We acknowledge Christ as our saviour and accept with gratitude, that we are forgiven for all wrong doings, past and present. To honour the gift of forgiveness, we release our burden of guilt and rise up to live in the glory of God forever more. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Blessed be God forever. Let us Pray. 1 Rejoice always pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.       Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:  as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.    2 The Opening Canticle, A Song of God's Grace Blessed are you,  the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: For you have blessed us in Christ Jesus with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,  You chose us to be yours in Christ, before the foundation of the world: That we should be holy and blameless before you.  In love you destined us to be your children, through Jesus Christ: according to the purpose of your will,  to the praise of your glorious grace: which you freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. Ephesians 1.3-6     3 The Opening Prayer The night has passed and the day lies open before us;  let us pray with one heart and mind.    Silence may be kept. As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,  so may the light of your presence, O God,  set our hearts on fire with love for you;  now and for ever.  Amen.    4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each.   Psalm reading… Psalm 135 1 Praise the Lord, praise the name of the Lord: praise him, you servants of the Lord, 2 Who stand in the house of the Lord: in the courts of the house of our God. 3 Praise the Lord, for the Lord is gracious: sing praises to his name, for it is good. 4 For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself: and Israel as his own possession. 5 I know that the Lord is great: and that our Lord is above all gods. 6 He does whatever he wills, in heaven and upon the earth: in the seas and in the great depths. 7 He brings up clouds from the ends of the earth: he makes lightning for the rain and brings the wind out of his storehouses. 8 He struck down the firstborn of Egypt: both man and beast alike. 9 He sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt: against Pharaoh and against all his servants. 10 He struck down great nations: and slew mighty kings, 11 Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, the king of Bashan: and all the princes of Canaan. 12 He made over their land as a heritage: a heritage for Israel his people. 13 O Lord, your name shall endure for ever: so shall your renown, throughout all generations. 14 For the Lord will vindicate his people: he will take pity on his servants. 15 As for the idols of the nations, they are but silver and gold: the work of human hands. 16 They have mouths, but speak not: they have eyes, but they cannot see. 17 They have ears, yet hear nothing: there is no breath in their nostrils. 18 Those who make them shall be like them: so shall everyone that trusts in them. 19 Bless the Lord, O house of Israel: bless the Lord, O house of Aaron. 20 Bless the Lord, O house of Levi: you that fear the Lord, bless the Lord. 21 Blessed be the Lord from Zion: he that dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.   5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow We consecrate this day to your service, O Lord; may all our thoughts, words, and actions be well-pleasing to you and serve the good of our brothers and sisters; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.   6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed.   Old testament Reading… 1 Samuel 19. 1-17; Jonathan Intercedes for David   1 Saul spoke with his son Jonathan and with all his servants about killing David. But Saul's son Jonathan took great delight in David. 2 Jonathan told David, “My father Saul is trying to kill you; therefore be on guard tomorrow morning; stay in a secret place and hide yourself. 3 I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you; if I learn anything I will tell you.” 4 Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have been of good service to you; 5 for he took his life in his hand when he attacked the Philistine, and the Lord brought about a great victory for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced; why then will you sin against an innocent person by killing David without cause?” 6 Saul heeded the voice of Jonathan; Saul swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be put to death.” 7 So Jonathan called David and related all these things to him. Jonathan then brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before. Michal Helps David Escape from Saul 8 Again there was war, and David went out to fight the Philistines. He launched a heavy attack on them, so that they fled before him. 9 Then an evil spirit from the Lord came upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand, while David was playing music. 10 Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear; but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. David fled and escaped that night. 11 Saul sent messengers to David's house to keep watch over him, planning to kill him in the morning. David's wife Michal told him, “If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be killed.” 12 So Michal let David down through the window; he fled away and escaped. 13 Michal took an idol and laid it on the bed; she put a net of goats' hair on its head, and covered it with the clothes. 14 When Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, “He is sick.” 15 Then Saul sent the messengers to see David for themselves. He said, “Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may kill him.” 16 When the messengers came in, the idol was in the bed, with the covering of goats' hair on its head. 17 Saul said to Michal, “Why have you deceived me like this, and let my enemy go, so that he has escaped?” Michal answered Saul, “He said to me, ‘Let me go; why should I kill you?' ”   Hear the word of the LORD. Thanks be to God New testament Reading… Acts 13.1-12 Barnabas and Saul Commissioned 1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. The Apostles Preach in Cyprus 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John also to assist them. 6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they met a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet, named Bar-Jesus. 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But the magician Elymas (for that is the translation of his name) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11 And now listen—the hand of the Lord is against you, and you will be blind for a while, unable to see the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he went about groping for someone to lead him by the hand. 12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.   Hear the message of Christ. Thanks be to God.     7 The Canticle, We praise you O God: we claim you as Lord. All creation thanks you: The Father everlasting. To you all angels, all the powers of heaven: The cherubim and serafim sing in endless praise: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of power and might: Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Father of majesty unbounded: Your true and only son, worthy of all praise, the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide. You, Christ, are the king of glory, the eternal son of the father. When you took our flesh to set us free: You humbly chose the virgin's womb. You overcame the sting of death: And opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. You are seated at God's right hand in glory: We believe that you will come to be our judge. Come then, God, and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood: And bring us with your Saints to glory everlasting.   8 The belief and principle is said I believe in God, creator of heaven and earth, whose love and merciful forgiveness endures everlasting. I believe in Christ the saviour, whose example of love and compassion, taught us a restored way to live, in collaborative unity with all people. I believe in the Holy Spirit, whose divine guidance brings us together to be one with the Holy Trinity. Amen.      9 The Prayers Lord have mercy.  Christ have mercy.  God have mercy.       10 The Lord's Prayer and the Collect of the Day Our Father in heaven,  hallowed be your name,  your kingdom come,  your will be done,  on earth as in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins  as we forgive those who sin against us.  Save us from the time of trial  and deliver us from evil.  For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours  now and for ever. Amen.      The Prayers of the Week following the second Sunday after Pentecost Almighty and everlasting God, You are always more ready to hear then we to pray and give more than either we desire or deserve pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, saved through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, your son our Lord. Amen   11 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need. Let us pray Lord, we give you thanks, that through your son Jesus Christ, you have shown us the way to live in your righteousness. You made us in your likeness, you gave your only son Jesus Christ who gave us forgiveness of sin, bring us together as one, different in culture but given new life in Jesus Christ. Reconciled, forgiven, sharing you with others as you have called us to do. We pray for reconciliation with you God and reconciliation with each other and ask for strength to remain in your presence in all we do. Humbly, in faith we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Saviour God, we remember with love all those that have passed this week. We thank you for the faithfully departed and your servants in every age. We ask that our ancestors and all your saints may be brought to the joyful resurrection and the fulfilment of your glorious kingdom. Humbly, in faith we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   God of justice, we ask for your help with ending domestic violence. We ask that you shine your heavenly light to guide people to live in peace with each other and make amends, by freeing their victims of abuse. Humbly, in faith we Pray – LORD hear our prayer   Blessed God, we ask your blessing for those listed on the Anglican cycle of prayer: Wednesday 25 June The Diocese of Namibia – The Anglican Church of Southern Africa The Diocese of The Northern Territory: The Parish of Toowoomba West: Anglicare SQ Symes Grove Residential Aged Care – Taigum All Anglican Schools Business Managers/Bursars and Senior Leaders All Prison ministry chaplaincy teams All people joining in this prayer offering. Humbly, in faith we Pray – LORD hear our prayer     12 The Morning Collect Eternal God and Father,  by whose power we were created  and through whose love we are redeemed:  guide and strengthen us by your Spirit,  that we may give ourselves to your service,  and live this day in love to one another and to you;  through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   13 The Lord be with you. And also with you.  Let us praise the Lord.  Thanks be to God.    May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant us to live in such harmony with one another in accord with Christ Jesus, that we may with one voice gratify our God and Father.  Amen. Romans 15.5-6   Music by John Keys – Anglican Chant Canticle organ accompaniments. A reminder disclaimer to the listener. The readings in the podcast may include ancient and old-fashioned sayings and instructions that we do not in any way condone as in use or to be used in today's modern world. The readings have not been modernised to reflect todays thinking, instead the readings remain from the old version of the NRSV bible. The podcast owners explicitly declare that each listener is responsible for their own actions in response to the bible readings and the podcast owners bare no responsibility in this sense.  

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Luke 15:8-10, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here.   For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

Rev. Carol Cooper preaches from Luke 15:1-7, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here.   For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

Thank you to Ed, Achile, and Don for being part of the service. Happy birthday this week to William and Shirley, and happy anniversary to Tina & Earl, and Gloria & Jon. Songs from this service: Crown Him With Many Crowns - https://youtu.be/9XRVb5X_oC4 -- Agnus Dei - https://youtu.be/HRHJjYTeaU8 -- Made For More - https://youtu.be/taRNYfcj5qk -- Goodness Of God - https://youtu.be/ZUPwC3AEQOs -- What's In The Bible? - Revelation - https://youtu.be/mGqYYNTjEF4 -- The Lord Almighty Reigns - https://youtu.be/2TdEZXPuKOo -- No Tears In Heaven - https://youtu.be/dvuqQ1UluA0 -- Come Lord Jesus (Even So Come) - https://youtu.be/nPeznv0cIzE Scriptures from this service: Welcome - Revelation 15:3-4. Communion - Mark 9:2-8 (NRSV); Mark 16:15-16 (NRSV). Reading - Revelation 1:1-3. Sermon - Revelation 1:17-18; 2:2; 2:10; 3:21; 4:1; 4:5; 4:8-11; Jeremiah 1:5; Revelation 7:9-10; 7:12; 12:11-12; 14:6-7; 15:2-4; 15:8; 19:1; 19:4; 19:6-7; 20:10; 21:1-4; 21:7; 22:1-2; 22:17. Shall We Gather At The River - https://youtu.be/vSQD0Bz8sWI -- Someday The Silver Cord Will Break - https://youtu.be/bQtIuA0DbG8 Isaiah 65:18-19 [accordion] [accordion-item title="NIV Copyright" state=closed]Scripture quotations marked (NIV) taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version© NIV© Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc. TM Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.[/accordion-item] [accordion-item title="NRSV Copyright" state= "closed"]Scripture quotations marked NRSV are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.[/accordion-item][/accordion]

Jason Miller - This month, we're responding to your questions! These teachings are in response to questions submitted by the members of South Bend City Church. Today, we're responding to questions about the Bible.  Resources Bible Translations: NIV, NLT, NRSV, The Message, Hebrew Bible (Robert Alter), and The New Testament (David Bentley Hart) Podcast: The Bible for Normal People Online resource: Bible Gateway What's Happening Register for the Art for Everybody Screening and Panel happening on June 19 at 6:30p. Sabbath Sunday on July 6 (church is closed June 30-July 6) Join us at one of the Telos American South Interest Meetings on Sunday, June 15 or June 22 at 10:15a.

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Acts 2:1-13, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here.   For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from John 17:20-26, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here.   For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

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Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Revelation 21:10-22:5, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here.   For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Revelation 21:1-6, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Revelation 7:9-17, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

“The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.”Isaiah 40:8 NRSV

Rev. Carol Cooper preaches from Revelation 5:11-14, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

Join us this evening for A Quick 15-minute moment of devotion and prayer with Sister Deborah Dalton from Deuteronomy 2:1-8 NRSV

Today, we further explore a tip from my friend Lance Owen. Use humour. Someone said, "I open a man's mouth with laughter so I can pour a dose of truth into it." Humour can be a very effective way of communicating important information. The use of humour in teaching about God is legitimate. Have a look at the video last week about the teaching of Jesus, or you could also take Elijah as an example - “At noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud! Surely he is a god; either he is meditating, or he has wandered away, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.”” (1 Kings 18.27 NRSV; see also Isaiah 44.15). Today, we're going to talk about the pros and cons of a good giggle, and how to develop your humour muscle. Notes: https://www.malcolmcox.org/teaching-tip-411-your-voice-matters-part-16-jesus-made-them-laugh-tips-for-new-and-inexperienced-speakers-malcolm-cox-2/ Send questions and comments here ➡️ malcolm@malcolmcox.org Subscribe to my Podcast: https://audioboom.com/channels/4909728.rss Get a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). Connect with me! Instagram: (https://instagram.com/malcolmcoxteachingtips) Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/malcolmccox/) Website: (https://www.malcolmcox.org) Question: How has this episode and the previous one shaped your thinking about the appropriateness of humour in sermons and other biblical lessons? What changes will you make in this area as you progress on your speaking journey? I am a qualified solutions-focused coach. You can book a session with me either via the email above or at the website: https://malcolmcoxcoaching.com/ God bless, Malcolm

Proverbs 17:22 tells us that a joyful heart brings healing, while a crushed spirit withers us to the core. Join us as we explore how joy can renew our strength and faith. Discover practical ways to let God's joy be your true medicine! Rev. Pamela Lightsey will end with a thought-provoking theological study afterward.

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Revelation 1:4-8, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

John 20:24-31 (NRSV); Music: "When Forests Catch Fire" by Kurtis Parks, licensed by Soundstripe

John 20:19-23 (NRSV); Music: "Ever and Ever" by AEROPLANES, licensed by Soundstripe

Acts 4:32-35 (NRSV); Music: "Rest" by Acreage, licensed by Soundstripe

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from John 20:1-10, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

This Sunday we shared Peter's declaration with the powerful truth: God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. Jesus went around doing good and healing those oppressed. Though He was put to death on a cross. God raised Him on the third day—and He appeared to those chosen as witnesses. Peter says: We ate with Him. We walked with Him after the resurrection. And now, we've been commanded to share this Good News. #GoodNews #JesusIsLord #Acts10 #HopeForAll #NoPartiality #ForgivenessThroughChrist #GospelTruth

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Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Luke 19:37-40, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here.   For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

Rev. Carol Cooper preaches from Romans 2:1-11, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Philippians 3:17-21, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here.   For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son – A Story of Redemption and Welcome! In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus shares a powerful story of love, grace, and restoration. A son demands his inheritance early, squanders it all in reckless living, and finds himself lost and broken. In desperation, he returns home, expecting rejection—but instead, his father runs to embrace him, celebrating his return with open arms. This story is a reminder that no matter how far we wander, God's love is always ready to welcome us home. Whether you are returning, searching, or visiting for the first time—our church is a place of grace, joy, and belonging. You are welcome here!

This series began with a recognition that Paul's letter to the Philippian Church is one of his most joyful and encouraging in the New Testament. Nowhere is this more apparent than in his famous command, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice” (4:4 NRSV). As we've seen, Paul had a lot to be joyful for in the lives of his brothers and sisters in Philippi: a church that took root deeply in the love of Jesus, a community overflowing with generosity, and a family that stayed true to Paul when others fell away. Paul's joy is well founded, and he wants the Philippians to carry that joy forward forever. Today, as we celebrate what God is doing at Grace through the Reimagine Initiative, let us not only dream about what is to come, but rejoice with thanksgiving at what he has done through those who have come before. Like the Church in Philippi, let us build on the gifts of our forebears and “keep putting into practice all we learned and received from them” (4:9), even as we grow, dream, and adapt to the new realities God has called us into.

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from 1 Timorthy 6:10-11, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here.   For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

biblebreakdownpodcast@gmail.comJane Elliot:https://www.instagram.com/janeelliotofficial/?hl=en

In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a man who had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. For three years, he came looking for fruit, but found none. Frustrated, he told the gardener to cut it down, questioning why it was taking up space without producing anything. But the gardener responded, asking for one more year. He would tend to the tree by digging around it and adding manure, hoping it would bear fruit. If it did, great; if not, then it could be removed. This story invites us to reflect on patience and second chances. The gardener's plea for more time symbolizes God's patience with us, even when we don't live up to expectations. It's a reminder that growth and transformation are processes, and we are given opportunities to change and bear fruit in our lives. It challenges us to consider how we might need nurturing or a fresh start, and to trust that, with care, we can become what we are meant to be.

In this passage from John 4:7-30, Jesus has an unexpected conversation with a Samaritan woman at a well. He asks her for a drink, which surprises her, as Jews and Samaritans typically didn't interact. Jesus responds by offering her "living water," a spiritual gift that leads to eternal life. The woman initially thinks He's talking about physical water, but Jesus explains that the water He offers will quench a deeper thirst — one for meaning, connection, and spiritual fulfillment. He then reveals that He knows about her life — that she's had five husbands and is currently with someone who isn't her husband. This leads her to recognize that Jesus must be a prophet. She asks Him about the right place to worship, and Jesus tells her that true worship isn't about a specific location but about connecting with God in spirit and truth. He further reveals that He is the Messiah, the one who has come to bring healing and hope to all. In awe, the woman leaves her water jar behind and goes to tell others in her community about Jesus, asking, “Could this be the Messiah?” Her story draws many others from the town to come and meet Jesus, reminding us that God's message is for everyone, no matter their background or circumstances.

In a bit of a change of pace, we take a look at Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (in the NRSV) to see where we can see Christ in communal suffering.Got Bible questions? You can still leave a voicemail at 305-290-1190! We may even put you in the show

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from James 1:19-20, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here.   For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

A sermon on Luke 13:31-35 (NRSV) by Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail from Jubilee in Austin, Texas.

Join us this evening for A Quick 15-minute moment of devotion and prayer with Reverend Kelli Baptist, M.Div. from Nehemiah 1:1-11 - 2:3 NRSV

Rev. Todd Nelson preaches from Hebrews 6:10-11, NRSV. Sermon notes can be found here. For more information about the Downtown Community of First UMC |Lexington, KY, please visit our website: www.downtownlex.org.

What significance, if any, do ashes have in your life? Are they just the dirty remains left by a forgotten fire, or do they symbolize something meaningful? Throughout history and across cultures and traditions, ashes have had a number of symbolic uses. Join Blake Smith in this episode of Awaken to God's Presence, as he invites us into a season of repentance and self-reflection using ashes as the focus. Take the time to consider the significance of ashes in your own context and life circumstance, and what in you might be waiting to be transformed. The scripture passage used in this episode was taken from the NRSV. Cameron Bellm, “A Prayer for Ash Wednesday”Jan Richardson, “Blessing the Dust”Download TranscriptThanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey. NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”Job 42:2 NRSV

“Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.”Isaiah 55:2 NRSV

Pastor: Rev Edlen Cowley Scripture: Luke 15:1-2 and 17-32 NRSV  1 Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.' 17 But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.'” 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” 22 But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to celebrate. 25 ‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” 31 Then the father[a] said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.”'

Pastor: Rev Edlen Cowley Scripture: Luke 15:1-2 and 17-32 NRSV  1 Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.' 17 But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.'” 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” 22 But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to celebrate. 25 ‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” 31 Then the father[a] said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.”'

Pastor Dale BensonIf you want to experience the thriving side of love, you must make a commitment to the striving side of love. Ephesians 4:1-6 (NRSV)* There is no growth in the comfort zone. There is no comfort in the growth zone.* You are a lot of work. I am a lot of work. So we are going to have to work in order for this to work.One:* Body.* Spirit.* Hope of your Calling.* Lord.* Faith.* Baptism.* God and Father of All. God of All:* One God and Father of ALL (panton)* Above ALL (panton)* Through ALL (panton)* In Y'ALL (pacin humin) With all:* Humility.* Meekness.* Patience.* Bearing with one another in love. I used to think that if we all accepted Christ and were filled with the same Holy Spirit, unity in the Spirit happened as a byproduct.  If there were no unity, then either some of us or all of us wouldn't be filled with the Spirit. Doesn't Unity in the Spirit just happen? Most churches gather around one of three things: Churches that tend to focus on unity typically end up in splits because they can't agree upon what they need to be unified over. Churches that focus on discipleship tend toward a sort of educational model where everything focuses on learning and learning, and learning and they can become ingrown and never reaching out. Churches that focus on evangelism should necessarily disciple their people in order to evangelize, and the unity is derived from this shared mission. - Nicky Gumbel Striving in Truth. Striving in Love. Striving in Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace.* National Championship Games: “We don't know how we got here.  It just kinda happened.” Said no team ever.* “I don't care if you get to the top of the mountain quickly or slowly, but you have to acknowledge the mountain.” – Simon Sinek.* Strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Speaking the truth in love, we must grow up into. In Revelation 2, this church was praised for their works, toil, and endurance. They had tested false teachers. They had persevered, BUT – they had forgotten the love they had at first.  This is the same church that is believed to be where John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, and “The Disciple of Love” pastored. This church forgot the love they had at first. It takes work.  It takes courage. It takes persistence. The power of love is found in the work of love. Ephesians 3:14-19 (NRSV)

A Song of Ascents- “The pilgrimage began in ‘Kedar' (120:5); it ends in the Lord's house wherein the pilgrims ‘bless the Lord' (2) and He blesses them (3)'” Motyer, 576. This “forms a magnificent conclusion to this collection of psalms” VanGemeren, 817. It is “a brief word of departure as they ready themselves to return to their homes in the surrounding countryside” NICOT, 940. 134:1 Behold, bless the LORD, all servants of the LORD- Allen says, 216, Behold “is here uniquely with an imperative” and he translates this Come. Ps. 124:6 The word bless is used in each of these verses. In the first two verses servants are blessing the LORD but in vs. 3 the LORD is blessing us. “The Hebrew root that the NRSV regularly translates as ‘bless' originally meant more literally ‘to kneel,' as in paying homage to a superior (see above on Ps. 95:6; see also Pss. 16:7; 26:12; 34:1; 63:4; 103:1-2; 115:18; 135:19-20; 145:1, 10)” McCann, 1217.In our attitude to God, bless means “to praise, thank, and glorify God” Miller, 416. The NIV translates 134:1-2 praise and 134:3 bless. This obscures the fact that all the verses use the same Hebrew word. “Servants could apply to the whole nation in a different context, but here refers to those officiants who stand to minister (Ps. 135:1-2; Deut. 10:8) day and night (I Chron. 9:33) at the temple. By night is a plural in Hebrew and probably is to be taken in the distributive sense of ‘night after night'” Miller, 416-417.   The first step of the LORD blessing us originally is left out. “But the exchange is quite unequal: to bless God is to acknowledge gratefully what He is; but to bless man, God must make of him what he is not, give him what he has not” Kidner, 454.Who serve by night in the house of the LORD- 122:1-2. I Chron. 23:26, 30. Serve is literally stand here- Ps. 135:1-2; Deut. 10:8; 18:7; I Chron. 23:30. Exodus 12:42; Isaiah 30:29 Passover seems to have been celebrated at night. God, our Keeper, neither slumbers nor sleeps- Ps. 121:4- so this may be a wish that He is praised continually at the temple- Broyles, 475. “Evening duties included keeping the lampstand and the sacrifices burning as well as guarding the gates (Ex. 27:21; Lev. 6:9; I Chr. 9:22-27)” Longman, 441. “Later Jewish tradition associates nocturnal services with the Feast of Tabernacles, the ceremony of water libation during the nights of the festival (Cf. Mishnah, Sukk. 5:4)” Allen, 218. 134:2 Lift up your hands to the sanctuary- Ex. 9:29; I Kings 8:30; Ps. 28:2; 63:4; I Tim. 2:8. Sanctuary is a single word and may refer to worshiping in holiness or to the holy place, sanctuary- Kidner, 454. And bless the LORD 134:3 May the LORD bless you from Zion- Lev. 9:22-23; Num. 6:24-26; Ps. 128:5-6. The God who made everything dwells in a special way in Zion and sends His blessings from there. “Like His commandment, his blessing is not ‘far off'; not ‘in heaven' nor ‘beyond the sea,' but ‘every near you' (Deut. 30:11-14; Rom. 10:6ff)” Kidner, 454. “Dynamic potential is given to those who give Yahweh since acknowledgment of His power…He generously shares with His devoted followers from His own resources of omnipotence so that abundant life may be theirs: Allen, 218. He who made heaven and earth- Ps. 115:15; 121:2; 124:8; 146:6 He is LORD of all. The Creator of all “makes Himself known in historical relationships that are marked by particular people and particular places” Broyles, 475. Jesus and Psalm 134Luke 24:50-53Eph. 1:3

I don't know for sure about you, but if my read on our current reality is even a little bit accurate, I imagine we could all use a collective deep breath right now. And so today, as we've done here on the podcast several times before, I thought it might be best to offer a simple reading from Scripture {Romans 12:9-21 NRSV}, reminding us of what is ours to do as followers of Jesus. I'll also offer a few reflection questions and a little bit of space for silence toward the end. Whether you are feeling encouraged or discouraged, at peace or on edge, hopeful or despairing, I hope these words and these questions serve you well. Sign up for The Re{collection} Interested in spiritual direction? Find out more here www.withjulianne.com