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Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 42:1-9
God has anointed His Son do justice, to do righteousness, to give glory to His name. And, through Jesus, He has anointed His church to do the same. We are live in the example of Christ, live in the grace of Christ, live in the power of Christ.
We are called to do great things. Each of us. Everyone one of us. God has called us each to something amazing! Live in that promise!
New Testament Lesson
Hebrews 9:11-15
Jesus is the mediator for our sins. Through Him, you are forgiven. Through Him, you know life. Through Him, you can know peace. Through Jesus. Not through our own might, strength, or power. Through Jesus.
Today, live in the glory of God's grace!
Gospel Lesson
John 12:1-11
Jesus reminds us to day that, believe it or not, our most important thing is not to serve others. It's to love Him. That must come first. Before everything. We love Him and be loved by Him. You are His child. From all the places you have sought love and acceptance, you can find it above in Jesus. You are loved. You are a son or daughter of the King.
Live as the Holy Child that you are!
Showing posts with label Holy Week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holy Week. Show all posts
Monday, April 6, 2009
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Maundy Thursday, March 20, 2008
Old Testament Lesson
Lamentations 2:10-18
Today begins the two darkest days in the life of the church. Today is Maundy Thursday. This is the day we remember the institution of the Lord's Supper, and remember His betrayal. Today, this is the day, when we remember the abandonment of our Lord. The day we remember the suffering that He endured. Today, we remember what He suffered for our sake.
And we read in this Old Testament Lesson that suffering is something that many that serve God have experienced. We see Jeremiah suffer as he sees his city of Jerusalem destroyed. We see that there are times in life when pain and sorry come. And in this day, we see that our Lord suffered as we each at times suffer. And we know that in that, we suffer not alone.
New Testament Lesson
1 Corinthians 10:14-17, 11:27-32
Just as there is one cup, we are all one that believe in Christ. And we remember that on this night, our Lord was betrayed for each of us. For each of us, and for all the church, for all those that believe, He suffered and died.
Gospel Lesson
Mark 14:12-25
One this last night, before He was taken, the Lord wanted to leave something with His people that would strengthen them, that would support them, that would help them in their hours of need. Today, before He was taken, He left with us His Body and His blood. He left with us this meal.
Tonight, I hope you are able to be with your church and take a moment to remember what He has given us. If your church does not worship on Maundy Thursday, I encourage you to take a moment and remember the betrayal and remember His suffering. And remember this meal He has given. Take time tonight, to remember.
Lamentations 2:10-18
Today begins the two darkest days in the life of the church. Today is Maundy Thursday. This is the day we remember the institution of the Lord's Supper, and remember His betrayal. Today, this is the day, when we remember the abandonment of our Lord. The day we remember the suffering that He endured. Today, we remember what He suffered for our sake.
And we read in this Old Testament Lesson that suffering is something that many that serve God have experienced. We see Jeremiah suffer as he sees his city of Jerusalem destroyed. We see that there are times in life when pain and sorry come. And in this day, we see that our Lord suffered as we each at times suffer. And we know that in that, we suffer not alone.
New Testament Lesson
1 Corinthians 10:14-17, 11:27-32
Just as there is one cup, we are all one that believe in Christ. And we remember that on this night, our Lord was betrayed for each of us. For each of us, and for all the church, for all those that believe, He suffered and died.
Gospel Lesson
Mark 14:12-25
One this last night, before He was taken, the Lord wanted to leave something with His people that would strengthen them, that would support them, that would help them in their hours of need. Today, before He was taken, He left with us His Body and His blood. He left with us this meal.
Tonight, I hope you are able to be with your church and take a moment to remember what He has given us. If your church does not worship on Maundy Thursday, I encourage you to take a moment and remember the betrayal and remember His suffering. And remember this meal He has given. Take time tonight, to remember.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Holy Week: Monday, March 17, 2008
Old Testament Lesson
Lamentations 1:1-12
We see in this first day of Holy Week that the reads start off with Lamentations. This is the book of the Bible where Jeremiah gets his nickname, the "Weeping Prophet." He writes these words as he stands among his city, Jerusalem, which has been completely devastated by the invaders. He stands among the ruins of this once magnificent and beautiful city, that is now laid to waste. And his heart was broken.
Lamentations 1:1-12
We see in this first day of Holy Week that the reads start off with Lamentations. This is the book of the Bible where Jeremiah gets his nickname, the "Weeping Prophet." He writes these words as he stands among his city, Jerusalem, which has been completely devastated by the invaders. He stands among the ruins of this once magnificent and beautiful city, that is now laid to waste. And his heart was broken.
As we draw close to the cross this week, do we take time to notice the cuts upon the back, and the sides, and the face of our Savior? Do we take the time to notice the beatings that He received? Do we pause and remember insults hurled? The men that pulled His beard or spit upon Him? To reflect upon all He endured for our sake and for our Salvation?
New Testament Lesson
2 Corinthians 1:1-7
During Holy Week, as we draw close to Good Friday and the cross, it is easy to allow ourselves, though, to think only of the cross. Paul reminds us today, that as great as the sufferings of Christ were, greater still is the consolation and love that flows from the empty cross. Remember, the cross was not suffering for sufferings sake. Thought the work of the cross and the empty grave of Easter, the power of sin, death, and the grave are defeated. Great is the suffering of the cross. Greater is the victory of the empty grave.
Gospel Lesson
Mark 11:12-25
They had made the Temple not into a place of worship, but into a place of profit. People were not able to worship God unless they were able to buy the right dove of birds for the sacrifice. Instead of being able to freely come to God, worship and receive what He had for His people, they had to do through all the constants that these men had placed upon them. You must be the right bird. You must come in the right way. You must stand in the right way. You must sing and chant in the right way. You must do it only as we tell you to.
New Testament Lesson
2 Corinthians 1:1-7
During Holy Week, as we draw close to Good Friday and the cross, it is easy to allow ourselves, though, to think only of the cross. Paul reminds us today, that as great as the sufferings of Christ were, greater still is the consolation and love that flows from the empty cross. Remember, the cross was not suffering for sufferings sake. Thought the work of the cross and the empty grave of Easter, the power of sin, death, and the grave are defeated. Great is the suffering of the cross. Greater is the victory of the empty grave.
Gospel Lesson
Mark 11:12-25
They had made the Temple not into a place of worship, but into a place of profit. People were not able to worship God unless they were able to buy the right dove of birds for the sacrifice. Instead of being able to freely come to God, worship and receive what He had for His people, they had to do through all the constants that these men had placed upon them. You must be the right bird. You must come in the right way. You must stand in the right way. You must sing and chant in the right way. You must do it only as we tell you to.
Jesus said, no, you can come freely to God. I shared in my sermon yesterday that people are not dying today for religion. There is enough religion out there. People are not desperate for religion. They are desperate for the grace and love of Jesus. They are desperate for relationship.
The money changers where selling religion. Jesus was offering relationship. Today, may we realise our true need. And may we find the relationship, the friendship, that He is offering today.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Maundy Thursday: April 5, 2007
This is Maundy or Holy Thursday. This is the Thursday of Holy Week, the week before Easter, and this is the day where we remember the betrayal of Jesus and remember the institution of the sacrament of Holy Communion. Many churches have services tonight, and if you are in the Preston, MS area, we would invite you to our Maundy Thursday service here at Coy UMC at 7:00 PM.
Old Testament Lesson
Jeremiah 20:7-11
We see here in this passage what looks like defeat can be the path to victory. Tonight, we remember the betrayal of Jesus. We remember the cross. We remember His abandonment, His pain, His tears, His precious blood. It looks to us from the outside as defeat and the end.
But, and the creed reminds us, it was "For us and for our salvation." It was needful and necessary. But, it does not make it nice, it does not make it pretty. Before we rush to church Sunday for the empty grave, let us pause to remember the bloody cross.
New Testament Lesson
1 Corinthians 10:14-17, 11:27-32
We remember not just the cross today, we remember the meal of the church. Tonight, He told us, this is my body, this is my blood. Take and eat, take and drink. He told us that He is the bread of Heaven, He is life. Through this meal, we receive grace, through this meal, we are welcomed to His table, through this table we find life. Thought this meal the reality and presence of Jesus is made know and made real to our hearts. Wesley thought that receiving communion was the greatest privilege and command of the Christian. May we know what a great gift we have been given.
Gospel Lesson
John 17
Today, in this passage, before He is betrayed, our Lord prays for us. If you don't think someone is praying for you, read this passage. Jesus prayed for you, and for all that believe today. He prayed that we may be one. He prayed that we may know eternal life, which is knowing God the Father through Jesus the Son. He prayed that we would be protected. Today, Jesus prayed for you. Today, Jesus gave you His body and blood. Today, Jesus was betrayed not because of what He had done, because of what you and I had done. Today, remember these things.
Old Testament Lesson
Jeremiah 20:7-11
We see here in this passage what looks like defeat can be the path to victory. Tonight, we remember the betrayal of Jesus. We remember the cross. We remember His abandonment, His pain, His tears, His precious blood. It looks to us from the outside as defeat and the end.
But, and the creed reminds us, it was "For us and for our salvation." It was needful and necessary. But, it does not make it nice, it does not make it pretty. Before we rush to church Sunday for the empty grave, let us pause to remember the bloody cross.
New Testament Lesson
1 Corinthians 10:14-17, 11:27-32
We remember not just the cross today, we remember the meal of the church. Tonight, He told us, this is my body, this is my blood. Take and eat, take and drink. He told us that He is the bread of Heaven, He is life. Through this meal, we receive grace, through this meal, we are welcomed to His table, through this table we find life. Thought this meal the reality and presence of Jesus is made know and made real to our hearts. Wesley thought that receiving communion was the greatest privilege and command of the Christian. May we know what a great gift we have been given.
Gospel Lesson
John 17
Today, in this passage, before He is betrayed, our Lord prays for us. If you don't think someone is praying for you, read this passage. Jesus prayed for you, and for all that believe today. He prayed that we may be one. He prayed that we may know eternal life, which is knowing God the Father through Jesus the Son. He prayed that we would be protected. Today, Jesus prayed for you. Today, Jesus gave you His body and blood. Today, Jesus was betrayed not because of what He had done, because of what you and I had done. Today, remember these things.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Holy Week: Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Old Testament Lesson
Jeremiah 17:5-10, 14-17
We can trust in the flesh, and we will fail. Or, we can trust in God and know His strength. We can't want it enough, we can't will it enough, we can't desire it enough. We are not good enough, strong enough, wise enough, power enough, or able to defeat sin and temptation on our own. Only through the power of God can we do it. We get ourselves into trouble by thinking and saying that we can handle it. We cannot. Sin will destroy us, and we cannot defeat it.
On our own. Through the power of God, all things are possible. But, left to our own devices, we will fall, and will continue to fall. Only through His grace and and by His power can we stand against sin.
New Testament Lesson
Philippians 4:1-13
We sometimes take verse 13 out of context. What Paul is talking about here is that the Lord has put Him in a variety of situations in his ministry, some nice, some tough, some rich, some poor. But, Paul found out that no matter where the Lord has placed him, through God's strength and power, he can overcome. He has learned to reply upon God, and if he does that, he can conquer whatever comes his way.
When we learn that our strength comes not from ourselves, but from God, we can do great things. But, until we learn that lesson, we will not be who God has called us to be and who we can be.
Gospel Lesson
John 12:27-36
Light shines the way. Light points us in the dark which way to go. Light drives out the dark, and allows everything to see and be seen. Jesus is the light. He will point our way. He will shine on our path. He will lead us where we need to be. We must choose, however, light over dark. We must choose good over evil. We must choose grace over sin. God will give us grace to make these choices, but we must reach for that grace. Today, He longs to give you grace for this day. Will you accept it?
Jeremiah 17:5-10, 14-17
We can trust in the flesh, and we will fail. Or, we can trust in God and know His strength. We can't want it enough, we can't will it enough, we can't desire it enough. We are not good enough, strong enough, wise enough, power enough, or able to defeat sin and temptation on our own. Only through the power of God can we do it. We get ourselves into trouble by thinking and saying that we can handle it. We cannot. Sin will destroy us, and we cannot defeat it.
On our own. Through the power of God, all things are possible. But, left to our own devices, we will fall, and will continue to fall. Only through His grace and and by His power can we stand against sin.
New Testament Lesson
Philippians 4:1-13
We sometimes take verse 13 out of context. What Paul is talking about here is that the Lord has put Him in a variety of situations in his ministry, some nice, some tough, some rich, some poor. But, Paul found out that no matter where the Lord has placed him, through God's strength and power, he can overcome. He has learned to reply upon God, and if he does that, he can conquer whatever comes his way.
When we learn that our strength comes not from ourselves, but from God, we can do great things. But, until we learn that lesson, we will not be who God has called us to be and who we can be.
Gospel Lesson
John 12:27-36
Light shines the way. Light points us in the dark which way to go. Light drives out the dark, and allows everything to see and be seen. Jesus is the light. He will point our way. He will shine on our path. He will lead us where we need to be. We must choose, however, light over dark. We must choose good over evil. We must choose grace over sin. God will give us grace to make these choices, but we must reach for that grace. Today, He longs to give you grace for this day. Will you accept it?
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Holy Week: Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Old Testament Lesson
Jeremiah 15:10-21
We see in this passage the Lord reassure Jeremiah that He will be with him. He does not tell Jeremiah that all will be easy. He does not tell him that the people will listen. In fact, they will be like a wall against him. But, they will not overcome him.
We live in a world where we have a false understanding of success. Success is not fame, fortune, celebrity. Success is being faithful. Success is doing what you are called to; what you were created to do. We can have all the money, all the power, all the fame, but if we are not being who God has called us to be; doing what God has called us to do, then the rest really doesn't matter. Jeremiah would have many headaches on his hand during his time. But, he was a success, for he did what the Lord called him to do.
New Testament Lesson
Philippians 3:15-21
There god is the belly. Boy, Paul goes from preaching to meddling here, doesn't he? I think his great point is that whatever keeps our minds on the things of earth instead of the things of God; that is a bad thing. Be it our belly, our desires, our wallet, our sin, whatever. Whatever keeps us from God keeps us from being alive. The things of earth promise life but give death. Jesus says you must lay down your life to find true life; if we die to ourselves, we will live for Him.
CS Lewis put it this way, "Die before you die. There is no chance after."
Gospel Lesson
John 12:20-26
We see in today's reading that the notion of dieing to ourselves continues. Here is that passage I was thinking about in the New Testament Lesson. Unless we die to ourselves, we will not live. We spend so much time in life chasing things that don't matter. No one on their death bed says that they wish they had spent more time in the office. We all want to spend time with family. We all want to go to church on Sunday. We all want to focus on what really matters. But, we choose not to. We choose the stuff of earth over the stuff of heaven. And in doing that, we can waste this precious gift of life.
Today, seize this day! Make it the day the Lord intends for it to be. Start over. You want to spend time with you family, do it! You want to pray, do it! You want to live a healthily live, physically and spiritually, do it! Today is the day. Do not let it pass by.
Jeremiah 15:10-21
We see in this passage the Lord reassure Jeremiah that He will be with him. He does not tell Jeremiah that all will be easy. He does not tell him that the people will listen. In fact, they will be like a wall against him. But, they will not overcome him.
We live in a world where we have a false understanding of success. Success is not fame, fortune, celebrity. Success is being faithful. Success is doing what you are called to; what you were created to do. We can have all the money, all the power, all the fame, but if we are not being who God has called us to be; doing what God has called us to do, then the rest really doesn't matter. Jeremiah would have many headaches on his hand during his time. But, he was a success, for he did what the Lord called him to do.
New Testament Lesson
Philippians 3:15-21
There god is the belly. Boy, Paul goes from preaching to meddling here, doesn't he? I think his great point is that whatever keeps our minds on the things of earth instead of the things of God; that is a bad thing. Be it our belly, our desires, our wallet, our sin, whatever. Whatever keeps us from God keeps us from being alive. The things of earth promise life but give death. Jesus says you must lay down your life to find true life; if we die to ourselves, we will live for Him.
CS Lewis put it this way, "Die before you die. There is no chance after."
Gospel Lesson
John 12:20-26
We see in today's reading that the notion of dieing to ourselves continues. Here is that passage I was thinking about in the New Testament Lesson. Unless we die to ourselves, we will not live. We spend so much time in life chasing things that don't matter. No one on their death bed says that they wish they had spent more time in the office. We all want to spend time with family. We all want to go to church on Sunday. We all want to focus on what really matters. But, we choose not to. We choose the stuff of earth over the stuff of heaven. And in doing that, we can waste this precious gift of life.
Today, seize this day! Make it the day the Lord intends for it to be. Start over. You want to spend time with you family, do it! You want to pray, do it! You want to live a healthily live, physically and spiritually, do it! Today is the day. Do not let it pass by.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Holy Week: Monday, April 2, 2207
Old Testament Lesson
Zechariah 9:9-12
Kings rode into town on a white horse to show how strong they were. Conquering heroes rode into town in a powerful way for everyone to see how great they were, how strong they were, to see how much praise they deserved. Jesus, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, rode into Jerusalem on the back of a borrowed donkey. We try to make ourselves look more powerful than we really are. We try to act big and bold. We want to be arrogant at times. Jesus, the one through whom creation its self was put together and is still held together, He rode into town in the most humble way possible.
Holy Week would be His last week before the cross. Instead of pounding His chest, He continued to humble do what He was called to do. Do you and I do the same?
New Testament Lesson
1 Timothy 6:12-16
We are called to confess Him before others, to not be ashamed of Him, just as Jesus was not ashamed. He boldly preached, boldly served, boldly taught. The Word tells over and over again how He ministered as one with authority, not like the teachers of the law of His day. He was never ashamed, for He knew His power came from His Father.
Likewise, we should never be ashamed. We should boldly live for Him, boldly teach for Him, boldly love for Him, boldly serve for Him. We should never be ashamed of Him, for if we do, the Word tells us that He will deny us before His Father. Always, in the power of His Spirit, do what He has called you to.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 21:12-17
We see Jesus drive out the money changers within the Temple in this passage. We get the false impression sometimes that while Jesus was humble; He was also weak. A weak man does not drive out money changers. A weak man does not clear the temple. A weak man does not stand of for what is right, regardless of the consequences.
Jesus lived and was brought back to life by the power of the Spirit. In this passage He has that holy anger over sin being committed within the temple. Friends, do we have a holy anger at sin? Does sin in the world, or sin our lives, make us angry? We should never grow so complacent with sin that we are not angered by it. Sin will destroy us, our families, our walk with God, and our very lives. That should make us angry. Likewise, it hurts others. That gave Jesus a holy angry. So should it do for us.
Zechariah 9:9-12
Kings rode into town on a white horse to show how strong they were. Conquering heroes rode into town in a powerful way for everyone to see how great they were, how strong they were, to see how much praise they deserved. Jesus, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, rode into Jerusalem on the back of a borrowed donkey. We try to make ourselves look more powerful than we really are. We try to act big and bold. We want to be arrogant at times. Jesus, the one through whom creation its self was put together and is still held together, He rode into town in the most humble way possible.
Holy Week would be His last week before the cross. Instead of pounding His chest, He continued to humble do what He was called to do. Do you and I do the same?
New Testament Lesson
1 Timothy 6:12-16
We are called to confess Him before others, to not be ashamed of Him, just as Jesus was not ashamed. He boldly preached, boldly served, boldly taught. The Word tells over and over again how He ministered as one with authority, not like the teachers of the law of His day. He was never ashamed, for He knew His power came from His Father.
Likewise, we should never be ashamed. We should boldly live for Him, boldly teach for Him, boldly love for Him, boldly serve for Him. We should never be ashamed of Him, for if we do, the Word tells us that He will deny us before His Father. Always, in the power of His Spirit, do what He has called you to.
Gospel Lesson
Matthew 21:12-17
We see Jesus drive out the money changers within the Temple in this passage. We get the false impression sometimes that while Jesus was humble; He was also weak. A weak man does not drive out money changers. A weak man does not clear the temple. A weak man does not stand of for what is right, regardless of the consequences.
Jesus lived and was brought back to life by the power of the Spirit. In this passage He has that holy anger over sin being committed within the temple. Friends, do we have a holy anger at sin? Does sin in the world, or sin our lives, make us angry? We should never grow so complacent with sin that we are not angered by it. Sin will destroy us, our families, our walk with God, and our very lives. That should make us angry. Likewise, it hurts others. That gave Jesus a holy angry. So should it do for us.
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