For January 30, 2010
All scriptures are from The Message.
Everyone values wisdom and knowledge as they lay the foundations for success in the secular world. In Corinthians Paul gives us what seems to be illogical, that for a full and happy life, for a meaningful relationship with God worldly wisdom can become a stumbling block. Paul was not anti-intellectual and we should bear some things about him in mind as we read from 1 Corinthians:
· He was literate in spite of the fact that only two of ten people of his time could read.
· He was multi-lingual in Greek, Aramaic, Hebrew and probably Latin.
· Probably received training in Greek philosophy and rhetoric.
· According to Acts he received rabbinical training with a greatly respected teacher and religious scholar.
I Corinthians 1:18-21 The Message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness to those hellbent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense. This is the way God works, and most powerfully as it turns out. It's written, I'll turn conventional wisdom on its head, I'll expose so-called experts as crackpots.So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn't God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense? Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God, God in his wisdom took delight in using what the world considered dumb—preaching, of all things!—to bring those who trust him into the way of salvation.
· How would you define wisdom? What causes you consider someone wise? Where does this wisdom come from? Can someone be wise without having an advanced university education?
· How much has the conventional wisdom about science and our world changed in the past 2000 years? Consider that at one time the earth was believed to be the center of the solar system/universe by respected intellectuals. What have we learned about the wisdom of the world that now seems foolish in the financial crisis that we are currently facing? Did that wisdom cause many to act in ways which were harmful to themselves and others? Does humankind have a long history of “conventional wisdom” being “turned on its head” and “experts” being discredited?
· On the other hand how much change has taken place in the gospel message we know today? Why do you think that it remains essentially unchanged?
· How would you present the gospel message if you were asked to give a three minute summary to someone? In what ways can that message seem to be foolish to a non-believer? What would you expect your non-Christian friends to have difficulty accepting?
· The scripture says that the Message “points to Christ on the Cross”, what does that mean to you? Is the gospel message the destination or is it a path to be traveled to the destination?
· The scripture talks about coming “to know God.” What does knowing God mean to you? Is it something we learn and become an expert on, perhaps ready to take a written test? How did you grow in your sense of walking a faith journey with God? What keeps us on the path and what can cause us to lose our way?
Now back to Corinthians
1Corinthians 1: 22-25While Jews clamor for miraculous demonstrations and Greeks go in for philosophical wisdom, we go right on proclaiming Christ, the Crucified. Jews treat this like an anti-miracle—and Greeks pass it off as absurd. But to us who are personally called by God himself—both Jews and Greeks—Christ is God's ultimate miracle and wisdom all wrapped up in one. Human wisdom is so tinny, so impotent, next to the seeming absurdity of God. Human strength can't begin to compete with God's "weakness."
· Paul seems to speak against acquiring proof and human wisdom as a way to know God. Instead he might point us to this scripture from Psalm 19 which speaks to the blessings of coming to know God:
9 The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree. 10 God's Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You'll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries
How would you describe the blessings of your relationship with God? Which of those in the Psalm have you experienced and what would you add to the list?
· Is there a difference between knowing about a person and having a relationship with him/her? How has your opinion of a close friend changed over time? How have you changed because of that relationship? Paul might use this as a way for us to understand "knowing God", how closely does our relationship with God resemble that of a good friend.
These two scriptures speak to the path to a relationship with God:
Proverbs 1:7 Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.
Jeremiah 31:33 This is the brand-new covenant that I will make with Israel when the time comes. I will put my law within them—write it on their hearts!—and be their God. And they will be my people. They will no longer go around setting up schools to teach each other about God. They'll know me firsthand, the dull and the bright, the smart and the slow. I'll wipe the slate clean for each of them. I'll forget they ever sinned!"
What do these scriptures seem to say about coming to know God? How is God’s wisdom written on our hearts?
· Jesus was with his disciples throughout his three years of teaching and miracles. They could turn to him with question and learn from his actions and teaching (like us they struggled from time to time). We don’t have his physical presence with us but he promised a gift then which extends to us some 2000 years later:
John 14:15-17"If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you. I will talk to the Father, and he'll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can't take him in because it doesn't have eyes to see him, doesn't know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you!
May we all be blessed with the knowledge of this presence!
Closing Prayer
O God, teach us to delight in your law and us it to guide us in your way of life. We give thanks to you through Jesus the Christ who came to show us that way. Amen.
Next Week’s Scriptures: Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12, (13-16), Psalm 112:1-9, (10), Isaiah 58:1-9a, (9b-12)
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
What did you see?
For January 16, 2010
All Scriptures are from The Message Version
It is helpful to use this blog as a discussion starter for two or more people but it will also stimulate some thoughts if used by one reader. The material is used by a Sunday Study Group at Hamilton Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri.
Today is the second Sunday of Epiphany. One definition (Wikipedia) of an epiphany is that “it is the sudden realization or comprehension of the (larger) essence or meaning of something. Such as new information or an experience, often insignificant by itself, that illuminates a deeper truth.” The gospels and indeed much is scripture is the story of the many ways in which God has been revealed to mankind throughout history. The gospels first epiphany stories are associated with the events surrounding the birth of Christ. Another records the events of Jesus’ baptism and John the Baptists relating of his own personal epiphany on that day. We will look at his story today:
The Witness John 1:29-31 The very next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and yelled out, "Here he is, God's Passover Lamb! He forgives the sins of the world! This is the man I've been talking about, 'the One who comes after me but is really ahead of me.' I knew nothing about who he was—only this: that my task has been to get Israel ready to recognize him as the God-Revealer. That is why I came here baptizing with water, giving you a good bath and scrubbing sins from your life so you can get a fresh start with God."
32-34 John clinched his witness with this: "I watched the Spirit, like a dove flying down out of the sky, making himself at home in him. I repeat, I know nothing about him except this: The One who authorized me to baptize with water told me, 'The One on whom you see the Spirit come down and stay, this One will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' That's exactly what I saw happen, and I'm telling you, there's no question about it: This is the Son of God."
· What does John say about himself, why is he baptizing? What does John’s gospel leave out of our traditional picture of John? Look at Matthew’s Gospel for some ideas:
Matthew 3:1-2 While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called "the Baptizer," was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: "Change your life. God's kingdom is here."
3 John and his message were authorized by Isaiah's prophecy: Thunder in the desert! Prepare for God's arrival! Make the road smooth and straight!
4-6 John dressed in a camel-hair habit tied at the waist by a leather strap. He lived on a diet of locusts and wild field honey. People poured out of Jerusalem, Judea, and the Jordanian countryside to hear and see him in action. There at the Jordan River those who came to confess their sins were baptized into a changed life.
· Matthew gives us a vivid picture of John the Baptist, what do you think that the writer of this gospel wants us to understand about him? On the other hand, what do you think that the writer of John’s Gospel wanted us wanted to remember about him?
· Based on Matthew’s description of John why these visitors come to see him? What other paths might he have taken to utilize or take advantage of the reputation he had developed? In contrast what does John’s Gospel tell us he said about his purpose?
· What does the Baptizer say about Jesus in John’s gospel? What words or phrases does he use in describing him and what he is to do? Why did he baptize him? What validated the nature of Jesus to him? What does baptize ‘with the Holy Spirit’ mean to you?
· What imagery does John’s Gospel use in 1:32-34 to describe the Spirit? What understanding does John want us to have of the Spirit? How would you describe the nature of the Spirit, what imagery would you use to explain it to someone?
· What do John’s words in 1:32-34 tell us about his response to being in the presence of Jesus? Who is he saying this to and what might the potential reactions have been? Would there have been those who might have reacted negatively or even saw him as a threat because of his declaration?
· What was your own personal epiphany? Not when did you begin attending worship or religious services but what caused you to begin your own personal faith journey? Did or have you told others about it? Why or why not?
· How would you describe your faith journey, has it included multiple epiphanies? Another way of considering the question – what has sustained you as you have lived out your faith?
Followers and Leaders John 1:35-36 The next day John was back at his post with two disciples, who were watching. He looked up, saw Jesus walking nearby, and said, "Here he is, God's Passover Lamb."
37-38 The two disciples heard him and went after Jesus. Jesus looked over his shoulder and said to them, "What are you after?"
They said, "Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are you staying?"
39 He replied, "Come along and see for yourself."
They came, saw where he was living, and ended up staying with him for the day. It was late afternoon when this happened.
40-42 Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard John's witness and followed Jesus. The first thing he did after finding where Jesus lived was find his own brother, Simon, telling him, "We've found the Messiah" (that is, "Christ"). He immediately led him to Jesus.
Jesus took one look up and said, "You're John's son, Simon? From now on your name is Cephas" (or Peter, which means "Rock").
1. What is the chain of events that begins with John’s revelation to his followers? What does it say about the effects of our willingness to tell others about our epiphany experiences? Has the relating of events in your faith journey ever affected someone else?
2. What terms are used to describe Jesus, what names is he given? What names would you use to describe the nature of Jesus to someone? Each name represents the picture of Jesus that each has come to believe. That understanding is a combination of the life’s experience of each one and their interpretation of their epiphany experience? What benefit comes from a willingness to share our personal revelations with others?
3. How does Jesus respond to John’s disciples in verse 39? What does he say to them? What are you looking for and what have you seen in your faith life? How would you like others to benefit from what you have experienced.
4. Sometime later John begins to have doubts about Jesus – a story for another day. Does epiphany mean that all of our doubts and questions go away? What has helped you maintain a faith journey in spite of the inevitable experience of uncertainty and the seemingly unanswerable?
5. The scripture describes good followers, responding to a leader. What are some characteristics of a good follower? What do these characteristics tell us about a robust faith life?
Closing Prayer
All Scriptures are from The Message Version
It is helpful to use this blog as a discussion starter for two or more people but it will also stimulate some thoughts if used by one reader. The material is used by a Sunday Study Group at Hamilton Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri.
Today is the second Sunday of Epiphany. One definition (Wikipedia) of an epiphany is that “it is the sudden realization or comprehension of the (larger) essence or meaning of something. Such as new information or an experience, often insignificant by itself, that illuminates a deeper truth.” The gospels and indeed much is scripture is the story of the many ways in which God has been revealed to mankind throughout history. The gospels first epiphany stories are associated with the events surrounding the birth of Christ. Another records the events of Jesus’ baptism and John the Baptists relating of his own personal epiphany on that day. We will look at his story today:
The Witness John 1:29-31 The very next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and yelled out, "Here he is, God's Passover Lamb! He forgives the sins of the world! This is the man I've been talking about, 'the One who comes after me but is really ahead of me.' I knew nothing about who he was—only this: that my task has been to get Israel ready to recognize him as the God-Revealer. That is why I came here baptizing with water, giving you a good bath and scrubbing sins from your life so you can get a fresh start with God."
32-34 John clinched his witness with this: "I watched the Spirit, like a dove flying down out of the sky, making himself at home in him. I repeat, I know nothing about him except this: The One who authorized me to baptize with water told me, 'The One on whom you see the Spirit come down and stay, this One will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' That's exactly what I saw happen, and I'm telling you, there's no question about it: This is the Son of God."
· What does John say about himself, why is he baptizing? What does John’s gospel leave out of our traditional picture of John? Look at Matthew’s Gospel for some ideas:
Matthew 3:1-2 While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called "the Baptizer," was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: "Change your life. God's kingdom is here."
3 John and his message were authorized by Isaiah's prophecy: Thunder in the desert! Prepare for God's arrival! Make the road smooth and straight!
4-6 John dressed in a camel-hair habit tied at the waist by a leather strap. He lived on a diet of locusts and wild field honey. People poured out of Jerusalem, Judea, and the Jordanian countryside to hear and see him in action. There at the Jordan River those who came to confess their sins were baptized into a changed life.
· Matthew gives us a vivid picture of John the Baptist, what do you think that the writer of this gospel wants us to understand about him? On the other hand, what do you think that the writer of John’s Gospel wanted us wanted to remember about him?
· Based on Matthew’s description of John why these visitors come to see him? What other paths might he have taken to utilize or take advantage of the reputation he had developed? In contrast what does John’s Gospel tell us he said about his purpose?
· What does the Baptizer say about Jesus in John’s gospel? What words or phrases does he use in describing him and what he is to do? Why did he baptize him? What validated the nature of Jesus to him? What does baptize ‘with the Holy Spirit’ mean to you?
· What imagery does John’s Gospel use in 1:32-34 to describe the Spirit? What understanding does John want us to have of the Spirit? How would you describe the nature of the Spirit, what imagery would you use to explain it to someone?
· What do John’s words in 1:32-34 tell us about his response to being in the presence of Jesus? Who is he saying this to and what might the potential reactions have been? Would there have been those who might have reacted negatively or even saw him as a threat because of his declaration?
· What was your own personal epiphany? Not when did you begin attending worship or religious services but what caused you to begin your own personal faith journey? Did or have you told others about it? Why or why not?
· How would you describe your faith journey, has it included multiple epiphanies? Another way of considering the question – what has sustained you as you have lived out your faith?
Followers and Leaders John 1:35-36 The next day John was back at his post with two disciples, who were watching. He looked up, saw Jesus walking nearby, and said, "Here he is, God's Passover Lamb."
37-38 The two disciples heard him and went after Jesus. Jesus looked over his shoulder and said to them, "What are you after?"
They said, "Rabbi" (which means "Teacher"), "where are you staying?"
39 He replied, "Come along and see for yourself."
They came, saw where he was living, and ended up staying with him for the day. It was late afternoon when this happened.
40-42 Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard John's witness and followed Jesus. The first thing he did after finding where Jesus lived was find his own brother, Simon, telling him, "We've found the Messiah" (that is, "Christ"). He immediately led him to Jesus.
Jesus took one look up and said, "You're John's son, Simon? From now on your name is Cephas" (or Peter, which means "Rock").
1. What is the chain of events that begins with John’s revelation to his followers? What does it say about the effects of our willingness to tell others about our epiphany experiences? Has the relating of events in your faith journey ever affected someone else?
2. What terms are used to describe Jesus, what names is he given? What names would you use to describe the nature of Jesus to someone? Each name represents the picture of Jesus that each has come to believe. That understanding is a combination of the life’s experience of each one and their interpretation of their epiphany experience? What benefit comes from a willingness to share our personal revelations with others?
3. How does Jesus respond to John’s disciples in verse 39? What does he say to them? What are you looking for and what have you seen in your faith life? How would you like others to benefit from what you have experienced.
4. Sometime later John begins to have doubts about Jesus – a story for another day. Does epiphany mean that all of our doubts and questions go away? What has helped you maintain a faith journey in spite of the inevitable experience of uncertainty and the seemingly unanswerable?
5. The scripture describes good followers, responding to a leader. What are some characteristics of a good follower? What do these characteristics tell us about a robust faith life?
6. What are the attributes of a person you will follow? Who has been a leader/mentor in some aspect of your life and what caused you to value them? What is it about Jesus that causes you to be a Christian? Why do you value his presence in your life?
Closing Prayer
Loving God, we thank you for the Spirit that has descended upon us from heaven. Empower us to invite others to come and see through our words and works. For we seek to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
The Long Range Plan
For 1/2/2011
Thursday is Epiphany, celebrating the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. The story of their visit, in which they paid homage to him through worship and gifts, is recorded in Matthew 2:1-12. The giving of our gifts of time, talent and resources is an important part of our worship of God. But we will focus today not on the giving of gifts but instead on the many gifts we have received from God through a Lectionary scripture taken from the letter to the Ephesians.
The writer of Ephesians begins his letter with a long, one sentence in Greek, doxology of praise to God. It serves as a reminder to us of the meaning of this past Advent season; just how God’s love for us played out through the gift of Jesus Christ. Some think that this scripture might have been sung or recited as part of worship in the early church. But it is hard to see rhythms and word patterns unless one can read the original Greek which few of us can do.
Ephesians 1:3-6 How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.
• What is your reaction to this scripture? Are there things in here that surprise you or raise questions?
• Summarize the relationship God decided to establish with us, what are God’s intentions and how are they to be carried out? When was it decided that we (you and me) were to be chosen as a focus for God’s love? Does it seem that we have a choice in the matter?
• When you think about the infinity of the universe how stunning are is the assertion that we were selected as the focus of God’s love? Why would God do this? What have you added to your understanding of God from this scripture?
• The scripture begins by reminding us of the wonderful blessings God brings to us. Is there anything you want to add to the writer’s words which describe the reasons you would celebrate the blessing God is for you?
7-10Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.
• What has happened as a result of Jesus’ sacrifice? What word is used repeatedly to describe our status? What does he focus upon as that which we have been freed from? Do you have a sense of freedom because of your faith? Would you use the words “abundantly free” to describe it? What might be some things that constrain or we allow to constrain our sense of freedom?
• What picture are we given of God as this planning is done? What about the plan do you think made God particularly happy? In what ways have we been let “in on the plans he took delight in making”?
• Once again the ideas is raised that what is happening to us is part of a long range plan. Do you think that each believer was individually named long ago in the plan? If we were where is the sense that we individually have the freedom to make a choice to either believe or not believe?
• What role is Jesus to play in the long-range plan? What do these words mean to you? How do you think that this has or will come about?
11-12It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
13-14It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
• What in your relationship with Christ has helped you understand who you are and what you are to live for? What conditions, situations or experiences have contributed to the learning experiences in your life?
• For a third time we learn that we are part of an overall plan. How do you interpret the idea that Christ “had his eye on us”? Is this a collective term or does it mean you and me specifically? Do you feel like you are part of an overall process which will lead to “glorious living”?
• Some ideas in this scripture could be seen as an endorsement of predestination; we really don’t have free will but are fated to a preplanned destiny. Another understanding is that God has a plan for an abundant life of which we can chose to become a part. Where do you see yourself, what serves as the basis for the role of your will in your relationship with God? Who does the writer see as being in charge in our relationship?
• What must happen in order for us to be ‘home free’? What sources do you feel brought you real understanding and helped your faith life grow? Have you been a source for someone else during your faith journey?
Closing Litany (Psalm 150)
Thursday is Epiphany, celebrating the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. The story of their visit, in which they paid homage to him through worship and gifts, is recorded in Matthew 2:1-12. The giving of our gifts of time, talent and resources is an important part of our worship of God. But we will focus today not on the giving of gifts but instead on the many gifts we have received from God through a Lectionary scripture taken from the letter to the Ephesians.
The writer of Ephesians begins his letter with a long, one sentence in Greek, doxology of praise to God. It serves as a reminder to us of the meaning of this past Advent season; just how God’s love for us played out through the gift of Jesus Christ. Some think that this scripture might have been sung or recited as part of worship in the early church. But it is hard to see rhythms and word patterns unless one can read the original Greek which few of us can do.
Ephesians 1:3-6 How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.
• What is your reaction to this scripture? Are there things in here that surprise you or raise questions?
• Summarize the relationship God decided to establish with us, what are God’s intentions and how are they to be carried out? When was it decided that we (you and me) were to be chosen as a focus for God’s love? Does it seem that we have a choice in the matter?
• When you think about the infinity of the universe how stunning are is the assertion that we were selected as the focus of God’s love? Why would God do this? What have you added to your understanding of God from this scripture?
• The scripture begins by reminding us of the wonderful blessings God brings to us. Is there anything you want to add to the writer’s words which describe the reasons you would celebrate the blessing God is for you?
7-10Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.
• What has happened as a result of Jesus’ sacrifice? What word is used repeatedly to describe our status? What does he focus upon as that which we have been freed from? Do you have a sense of freedom because of your faith? Would you use the words “abundantly free” to describe it? What might be some things that constrain or we allow to constrain our sense of freedom?
• What picture are we given of God as this planning is done? What about the plan do you think made God particularly happy? In what ways have we been let “in on the plans he took delight in making”?
• Once again the ideas is raised that what is happening to us is part of a long range plan. Do you think that each believer was individually named long ago in the plan? If we were where is the sense that we individually have the freedom to make a choice to either believe or not believe?
• What role is Jesus to play in the long-range plan? What do these words mean to you? How do you think that this has or will come about?
11-12It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
13-14It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
• What in your relationship with Christ has helped you understand who you are and what you are to live for? What conditions, situations or experiences have contributed to the learning experiences in your life?
• For a third time we learn that we are part of an overall plan. How do you interpret the idea that Christ “had his eye on us”? Is this a collective term or does it mean you and me specifically? Do you feel like you are part of an overall process which will lead to “glorious living”?
• Some ideas in this scripture could be seen as an endorsement of predestination; we really don’t have free will but are fated to a preplanned destiny. Another understanding is that God has a plan for an abundant life of which we can chose to become a part. Where do you see yourself, what serves as the basis for the role of your will in your relationship with God? Who does the writer see as being in charge in our relationship?
• What must happen in order for us to be ‘home free’? What sources do you feel brought you real understanding and helped your faith life grow? Have you been a source for someone else during your faith journey?
• What serves as the down payment on the promises of this plan? What role has the Spirit played in your faith life, is it a valuable down payment for you? When has this component of you faith life been particularly important to you?
Closing Litany (Psalm 150)
Hallelujah!
Praise God in his holy house of worship,
praise him under the open skies;
praise him for his acts of power,
praise him for his magnificent greatness;
Let every living, breathing creature praise GOD!
Hallelujah!
Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29, Isaiah 42:1-9
Praise God in his holy house of worship,
praise him under the open skies;
praise him for his acts of power,
praise him for his magnificent greatness;
Let every living, breathing creature praise GOD!
Hallelujah!
Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29, Isaiah 42:1-9
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