... professing the name of Jesus the Christ? Funny how we keep evading and avoiding that which is of the essence of our being in Christ, as Saint Paul put it. Loving others in a sincere and wholesome way, bears fruit in ways people can view. The Spirit will seek to guide them to accept and understand that this is why Jesus was born among us. Are we able to enter the "pearly gates" without taking others with us? That question has been posed numerous times. Frankly, I believe it is possible but highly improbable ...
... to understand such all-pervasive sufficiency. Our acceptance of this truth gives us doctrinal grounding that is good forever and ever. To plead the weakness of humanity can only be a trapdoor that acts as a preventative in receiving his gift of baptism and the Holy Spirit. The gift wants to be given. Shall we go through most of life rejecting it? I humbly pray that will not be the case. 3. So much of life is a rewarding preliminary leading to something or someone better. This concept takes time to ponder ...
... ever seek. No money or property will purchase it. Only self-control under the banner of Christ grants a chance for winning. The apostle is very clear and speaks to all who would enter the race that leads to everlasting life with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is an old/new teaching to whom all Christians for twenty centuries can relate. It is couched in terms both familiar and relevant. For you and me, now early in the twenty-first century, it keeps us in touch with sublime revelation that remains at ...
... . In fact, his tone here is encouraging. Paul invokes the lyrical language of poetry and hymnody to communicate the importance of his point. Even before the Christ hymn is cited in vv.5-11, Paul employs a rhythmic style to describe the Jesus spirit he wishes the Philippians to make their own. Verses 1-4 are one sentence, broken into three distinct strophes, building to the apostle’s ultimate conclusion. In verse one Paul throws out a series of rhetorical questions, each of which assume a positive answer ...
... to use all the old "Get Real" standards in order to pick a new king. But God reminded Samuel that the divine perception of reality differs significantly from our limited human view. When Samuel stopped using just his eyes and relied instead on the spirit of God, he immediately "saw" that the "ruddy," harp- playing, dancing shepherd-son of Jesse offered the spiritual strength and leadership that Israel would need from its next king. It is time for us all to start using our "spiritual eyes." It is time ...
... of the gospel. This peace is given to us, not "as the world gives," that is, with hedges and hold-outs and half-truths. Christ's peace is the unwavering assurance that God has made a home in our hearts. The peace Jesus gives to us through the Holy Spirit is more than we can ever imagine: - Peace means the cessation of all warfare, but it also means much more. - Peace means a feeling of inner well-being, but it also means much more. - Peace means an end to psychological tensions, but it also means much more ...
... ecstasy a "global" experience. Yet for each individual, the experience was different. Each disciple received a different flame of that Spirit and each disciple began to speak in a different language, until voice was given to all the tribes of the ... earth. But despite the variety of sounds and expressions pouring forth from the Spirit-filled disciples, they produced a unified "global" message. As those witnessing this phenomenon heard and testified, all these different languages ...
... the same purpose as do the asides about the Baptist in the prologue of the Gospel of John. The differences in nature and role between Jesus and John are made plain. Jesus' being is exalted over that of God's servant John the Baptist, and the Holy Spirit who "comes after" Jesus will usher those who believe and repent into a new experience of grace. Verse 8 reflects Jesus' words recorded in Acts 1:5 and 11:16. Matthew and Luke use the common "Q" source for the same phrase and record Jesus' promise to baptize ...
... the thong of his sandal). While John's ministry was defined by the baptism of simple water, the ministry of this powerful Messiah will be a baptism of "the Holy Spirit and fire." Emphasis on the Holy Spirit is characteristic of Luke's writings - both in his gospel and in Acts. For Luke, the experience of the Holy Spirit is what defines Christians and Christianity. It is the presence that testifies to the individual's or the congregation's participation in the Christ-body community. Finally John points to ...
... finger ... I will never believe." Thomas, who had been part of Jesus' earthly mission that was marked by signs and wonders, refuses to accept the gospel as it is now offered in its brand new form the preached word of the church, empowered by the Holy Spirit. In verse 26, the conclusion to this scene is played out on the next Sunday or "Lord's Day." Once again, Jesus' entrance suggests he is far more than a corporeal body. Just as Thomas had emphatically rejected the good news offered to him by the disciples ...
... . This negative reference is stronger than mere "timidity." The term Paul uses often occurs in battle contexts to describe unmasked terror in the face of difficulties. Having reminded Timothy of the resources available to him in this gift of the Holy Spirit, Paul now states two imperatives for Timothy: "Do not be ashamed" and "Join with me in suffering." The specific "suffering" Paul endures at this point is his wrongful imprisonment. The "shame" he rebukes might be related to the fact that in order ...
... . Note how Luke's text still depicts the necessity of John's mission his message of repentance and the symbolic baptism with water that "cleanses" the repentant. Yet John's baptism is with water. The Coming Messiah offers a much greater baptism one of "the Holy Spirit and fire." To the listeners of John the Baptist, this reference rang all the eschatological bells promising a time of both cleansing salvation and fiery judgment (see Isaiah 4:4; 29:5-6; 30:27-28). In the context of Luke's work, this reference ...
... all the fuel is gone. Luke takes care to end his description of the miracles of Pentecost by detailing the greatest yet quietest miracle of all. Instead of blazing up then dying out, those individuals who experience the Pentecostal touch of the Holy Spirit are able to come together and quickly form a community of faith. Verses 42-47 demonstrate that this was no flash-in-the-pan, momentary outburst. This experience produced a warming, sustaining flame that served as a glowing center for a growing community ...
... all those who witnessed Jesus' workings without grasping onto his true identity. Because of this prologue, the reader knows Jesus' correct relationship to John the Baptist, Jesus' true identity (as revealed at his baptism), and the impetus behind his mission (to baptize with the Holy Spirit). If Mark 1:1-13 is to be considered a prologue, Mark 1:1 needs to be read as a superscription intended to cover the entire gospel. Verse 1 may be seen as one side of a bracket enclosing the prologue, with the concluding ...
... as being of "repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (Mark 1:4). Here it is called simply a baptism "with water." The Baptist in John's gospel does not even seem to understand fully the distinction between the baptisms he offers and the baptism with the Holy Spirit that will be possible through Christ. What John the Baptist does know is that Jesus' appearance is imminent (he already stands among you, v.26) and that he, John, must be doing all he can to prepare the way for Christ. For the Baptist, this means ...
... as being of "repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (Mark 1:4). Here it is called simply a baptism "with water." The Baptist in John's gospel does not even seem to understand fully the distinction between the baptisms he offers and the baptism with the Holy Spirit that will be possible through Christ. What John the Baptist does know is that Jesus' appearance is imminent (he already stands among you, v.26) and that he, John, must be doing all he can to prepare the way for Christ. For the Baptist, this means ...
... Gentile contact for the purpose of witnessing, all that Philip and Peter do is be obedient, willing disciples. They go where they are told and do what the Lord commands. Philip's journeys have been likened to Elijah's by some scholars, in that the Spirit of God seems to constantly be plucking him up and plunking him down again in the midst of evangelical situations. Today's lesson from Acts finds Philip being given highly specific road directions by a meticulous "angel of the Lord." There were at this time ...
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48:1-14, Mark 6:1-6, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Eulogy
B. David Hostetter
... grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: Come to worship with an honest acknowledgment of your weaknesses, People: and the power of Christ will come and rest upon us. INVOCATION Almighty God, powerful Christ, empowering Spirit, we come to worship in all humility and weakness to be empowered in proper measure by the grace you give to the unassuming. Receive us who come in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen PRAYER OF CONFESSION Sovereign of sovereigns ...
Job 2:1-10, Psalm 26:1-12, Mark 10:2-16, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... us, so clear us of evil, that we may be ready learners and teachers, visitors of the sick and the shut-in, of other sinners, gathering around you in one needy company. Amen PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Creator of stars, nurse to the wounded, healer of broken spirits: that you have power to rule the cosmos fills us with awe. That you stoop to touch and heal us, fills us with amazement. You give new heart to the humble. We thank you for all that sustains life—human, vegetable, animal. Receive the thanksgiving of ...
Mark 2:23-3:6, Psalm 139:1-24, 1 Samuel 3:1--4:1, 2 Corinthians 4:1-18
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... PRAYER OF DEDICATION God of power, you generously share your divine power with us in the plain earthenware that we are as the church of your beloved Son, Jesus. Our offering of time, money, and ourselves is to provide such humble media for the use of your Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen PRAYER OF INTERCESSION AND COMMEMORATION God, our loving Parent, remember those who are in any kind of trouble. Be near to those who have lost loved ones, and who cannot get used to being alone, homes from which a ...
Genesis 17:1-27, Psalm 22:23-31, Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... the sick. Grant that the businesses providing the systems for our healthcare may know the concern for persons as well as profits in order to bring us what is needed with fairness to all, both rich and poor. God of eternity, Christ for all times, Timeless Spirit, we rejoice in the communion of saints who from the time of Abraham and Sarah have worshiped you and brought up their children to trust you as they followed your leading in life. We give thanks especially for those we have known in our own lifetime ...
Psalm 133:1-3, John 20:19-31, Acts 4:32-37, 1 John 1:1–2:2
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... we are declared to be victors over the godless world, we often feel doubtful and defeated. We are too prone to go by our feelings and not to accept the witness of the apostles, believing his victory to be our victory over sin and death. Victorious Spirit, overcome our doubts and fears as we read and hear the apostolic witness. Increase our love as well, for we need to love others who are not as lovable as Jesus Christ. Amen Declaration of Pardon Pastor: Friends, hear the good news! The victory that defeats ...
Psalm 98:1-9, John 15:9-17, Acts 10:23b-48, 1 John 5:1-12
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... God, our Sovereign. INVOCATION With musical instruments as well as our variety of voices, we worship you, O God, for you rule the world. May we deepen our loyalties to you in this time of reflection as we hear your word in the book and by the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen PRAYER OF CONFESSION God without favorites, from every nation you accept the person who reveres you and does what is right, but we do what is unacceptable to you. We need the forgiveness and spiritual healing that you offer us in Jesus of ...
Psalm 126:1-6, Isaiah 61:1-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... make us less productive, give us grace to make places for those capable of succeeding us and carrying on the best of what we have begun and adding to it new projects and services that will enrich our common life. Timeless Father, Eternal Brother, Mothering Spirit: you have set the solitary in families and seek to teach us to love others as we love ourselves, honestly and graciously. May we be teachable in every generation from the oldest to the youngest knowing how great your wisdom is and how fallible we ...
Psalm 4:1-8, Luke 24:36b-48, Acts 3:11-26, 1 John 3:1-7
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... given us in the church. We are of the same humanity that repudiated the suffering Messiah. We are of the repenting community whose sins are wiped out. We need to know you more truly so that your divine love may come to perfection in us, through the Spirit of the Risen Christ. Amen Declaration of Pardon Pastor: Friends, hear the good news! We have come to plead our cause with the Divine Parent, Jesus Christ, God’s Son. People: Jesus Christ is just and the remedy for the defilement of our sins, and not our ...