scriptures: Hebrews 13:1-8;15-16
Luke 14:1, 7-14
sermon: The Angels Present in your Life
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it."
Hebrews 13:2
Scriptures for next week:
Jeremiah 18:1-11 and Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
song for Englewood: In Christ there is no East or West UMH 548
for Rust
Call to Worship
Leader: The One who speaks harsh words calls us this day
People: Too often we take kinds words as weakness and soft words as permission to do our own thing.
Leader: The God who challenges our turning away summons us this day.
People: the way of life is do difficult. We have sinned, but we have some excellent excuses!
Leader: God has heard all of our excuses and will not accept any of them.
People: We have come to worship and to be made right with our God.
Breaking Open the Scriptures:
Scriptures for September 5th: Jeremiah 18:1-11; Psalm 139:1-6,13-18; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14:25-33 Theme: God’s intention for your life
Jeremiah: We tend to be very fearful of judgment. As Christians we don’t want to come out and do it to others, and we don’t appreciate it when others do it to us. We attribute this fear to Jesus, and say that Jesus tells us not to judge. When that is not what Jesus said. He said, judge others with the same measure that you expect to be judged. If you expect to be judged fairly and respectfully , then do the same to others. There is nothing wrong with judgment. God uses it to bring healing and reconciliation to the world. He shapes our lives with judgment and encouragement. How willing are you to be shaped by the potter’s hand?
Psalm 139: Is it a comfort that God knows all about you? Or is that threatening? Is it a comfort that God plans and directs your life, or is that a confining thought? Well like it or not, God has known us since before our birth. God has had plans for us and that is why we are here. To discover those plans as we discover our relationship with the holy.
Questions: In the hands of God we are like clay, how has God reformed you? How do you respond when others judge you? How do you respond when God judges you? What is the difference? What proof do you have in life that God is always present with you? How do you know when you are following God’s lead in your life?
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
August 22, 2010
Scriptures for August 22nd: Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalms 71:1-6; Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 13:10-17 Theme: Listening to God’s call in your life
Jeremiah: We will be looking at the words of the prophet Jeremiah for the next six weeks. Chapter one starts with the story of his call. The other prophets that we look at were called as adults. They became God’s spokesperson as a result of something they say going on in their lives. Jeremiah realizes that he was called from birth, from before birth to be a prophet of God. He calls himself a prophet to the nations – which means that he is called to speak to the Hebrews and gentiles. Everyone else (in some ways even Jesus) believes they are to speak just to the Hebrews. Jeremiah is alive in a time when his people are forced to live and deal with others, and Jeremiah must speak to the times – the time of exile.
Hebrews: This entire book helps us to remember the value of faith. It gives us advice on what we should remember. Today, we should remember that the gospel is good news. In a difficult atmosphere, we look for a tame faith, a dependable faith, a faith that makes sense to us. That is why we call Jesus our brother, and God our Father – we are looking for support. The author reminds us here that faith is anything but tame and predictable. The God we worship is an unquenchable fire, and he puts fire in our faith – to et up and do something.
Questions: When you look back at your life, what evidence do you have that God has been with you all along? What does it mean to be called by God? How is God calling you right now? How you try to make God dependable? How can you break out of your routine and see God in all of God’s glory?
Jeremiah: We will be looking at the words of the prophet Jeremiah for the next six weeks. Chapter one starts with the story of his call. The other prophets that we look at were called as adults. They became God’s spokesperson as a result of something they say going on in their lives. Jeremiah realizes that he was called from birth, from before birth to be a prophet of God. He calls himself a prophet to the nations – which means that he is called to speak to the Hebrews and gentiles. Everyone else (in some ways even Jesus) believes they are to speak just to the Hebrews. Jeremiah is alive in a time when his people are forced to live and deal with others, and Jeremiah must speak to the times – the time of exile.
Hebrews: This entire book helps us to remember the value of faith. It gives us advice on what we should remember. Today, we should remember that the gospel is good news. In a difficult atmosphere, we look for a tame faith, a dependable faith, a faith that makes sense to us. That is why we call Jesus our brother, and God our Father – we are looking for support. The author reminds us here that faith is anything but tame and predictable. The God we worship is an unquenchable fire, and he puts fire in our faith – to et up and do something.
Questions: When you look back at your life, what evidence do you have that God has been with you all along? What does it mean to be called by God? How is God calling you right now? How you try to make God dependable? How can you break out of your routine and see God in all of God’s glory?
Thursday, August 5, 2010
August 15, 2010
Scriptures for August 15th: Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19; Hebrews 11:29-12:2; Luke 12:49-56 Theme: The value of having faith in the unseen
Isaiah: These verses are a love song – to remind us of how much we are loved by God: A God who created us and will do anything for us. Who has been with us through all of the ups and downs of our lives. God is always there for us, but realizes that we are not always there for God. He expected that we would be grateful for return the favor. But we live in a world where hatred is present, where violence is present, where self centeredness is present. What happened? More importantly, what can be done about it?
Hebrews: Hebrews has a very powerful message for us to remind us how important our faith is. Last week Paul defined what faith us. This week he traces the role of faith in the history of the faithful. He gives examples of people who became heroes because they followed their faith into new lives. And when we look back at our lives, we can be grateful for these acts of faith. But we can also follow their example and pave new paths for those coming after us.
Questions: What actions have we taken, which contributes to God’s despair? What has happened in the world? What have we done personally? How can we make amends to God? What obstacles do you face that require you to have faith? What things can you do in your life to follow your faith and to pave the way for others?
Isaiah: These verses are a love song – to remind us of how much we are loved by God: A God who created us and will do anything for us. Who has been with us through all of the ups and downs of our lives. God is always there for us, but realizes that we are not always there for God. He expected that we would be grateful for return the favor. But we live in a world where hatred is present, where violence is present, where self centeredness is present. What happened? More importantly, what can be done about it?
Hebrews: Hebrews has a very powerful message for us to remind us how important our faith is. Last week Paul defined what faith us. This week he traces the role of faith in the history of the faithful. He gives examples of people who became heroes because they followed their faith into new lives. And when we look back at our lives, we can be grateful for these acts of faith. But we can also follow their example and pave new paths for those coming after us.
Questions: What actions have we taken, which contributes to God’s despair? What has happened in the world? What have we done personally? How can we make amends to God? What obstacles do you face that require you to have faith? What things can you do in your life to follow your faith and to pave the way for others?
Friday, July 30, 2010
August 8, 2010
Breaking Open The Scriptures
Scriptures for August 8th: Isaiah1:1,10-20; Psalm 50:1-8,22-23; Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16 Luke 12:32-40. Theme: What does it mean to have faith in Christ?
Hebrews: We begin the first week of a four week study of the book of Hebrews. The author (which may be Paul) is teaching us the meaning of faith. Even though we can’t see, hear, or touch faith, faith is a living force in the world. It is not just a chance to use our creative imagination. It is a real and living force in our lives, which is working to guide us through difficult times. Just ask those who have been in difficult situations, did they make it up, or did they really know God’s presence in their lives.
Luke: This is a continuation of last week’s lesson on defining our treasure. Where we put our treasure is where we put our hearts. We have to be reminded that even though we have houses, cars, jewels, loved one here; our real treasure is in Jesus Christ. The world economy is dependent upon us as Americans wanting more and more stuff. Our need to buy keeps the world going. Jesus asks us, when is it ever enough – the attitude of scarcity keeps us enslaved into the world and its economy. Preparing ourselves spiritually brings us freedom.
Questions: What are the things that we as a church treasure? Where is Jesus Christ on that list? Where is doing what Christ tells us to do in that list? What does it really mean to be rich toward God? How can you turn scarcity into abundance? How can you turn your spiritual weaknesses into strengths?
Scriptures for August 8th: Isaiah1:1,10-20; Psalm 50:1-8,22-23; Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16 Luke 12:32-40. Theme: What does it mean to have faith in Christ?
Hebrews: We begin the first week of a four week study of the book of Hebrews. The author (which may be Paul) is teaching us the meaning of faith. Even though we can’t see, hear, or touch faith, faith is a living force in the world. It is not just a chance to use our creative imagination. It is a real and living force in our lives, which is working to guide us through difficult times. Just ask those who have been in difficult situations, did they make it up, or did they really know God’s presence in their lives.
Luke: This is a continuation of last week’s lesson on defining our treasure. Where we put our treasure is where we put our hearts. We have to be reminded that even though we have houses, cars, jewels, loved one here; our real treasure is in Jesus Christ. The world economy is dependent upon us as Americans wanting more and more stuff. Our need to buy keeps the world going. Jesus asks us, when is it ever enough – the attitude of scarcity keeps us enslaved into the world and its economy. Preparing ourselves spiritually brings us freedom.
Questions: What are the things that we as a church treasure? Where is Jesus Christ on that list? Where is doing what Christ tells us to do in that list? What does it really mean to be rich toward God? How can you turn scarcity into abundance? How can you turn your spiritual weaknesses into strengths?
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
August 1, 2010
Scriptures for August 1st: Hosea 11:1-11; Psalm 107:1-9,43;
Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21 Theme: Living on Earth with our mind’s set on Earth
Colossians: Paul reminds us that we are to live in the world, but not of the world. Christians are different because their responses are different. Paul tells us that we are not concerned with what happens on earth, but in heaven. We are not concerned with what others think, but what God thinks. We were raised in the world, and have the same culture as those around us, but in baptism, we are given a new set of clothes, a new mindset, a new expectation of who we are to be in the world.
Luke: Jesus gives us an example of what it means to live in the world and to forget about God. This rich man has everything that he needs, as a matter of fact, he has more than he needs. Yet Jesus makes a point that in the ultimate realm of things – none of that matters. When we die, we leave it all behind. It is more important to be rich in the things of God.
Questions: What are the things that we as a church treasure? Where is Jesus Christ on that list? Where is doing what Christ tells us to do in that list? What behaviors do we need to set aside in order to be clothed in Christ? What does it really mean to be rich toward God?
Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21 Theme: Living on Earth with our mind’s set on Earth
Colossians: Paul reminds us that we are to live in the world, but not of the world. Christians are different because their responses are different. Paul tells us that we are not concerned with what happens on earth, but in heaven. We are not concerned with what others think, but what God thinks. We were raised in the world, and have the same culture as those around us, but in baptism, we are given a new set of clothes, a new mindset, a new expectation of who we are to be in the world.
Luke: Jesus gives us an example of what it means to live in the world and to forget about God. This rich man has everything that he needs, as a matter of fact, he has more than he needs. Yet Jesus makes a point that in the ultimate realm of things – none of that matters. When we die, we leave it all behind. It is more important to be rich in the things of God.
Questions: What are the things that we as a church treasure? Where is Jesus Christ on that list? Where is doing what Christ tells us to do in that list? What behaviors do we need to set aside in order to be clothed in Christ? What does it really mean to be rich toward God?
Saturday, June 19, 2010
June 27, 2010
Scriptures for June 27th - 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14; Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62
Songs: Precious Lord – UMH 474; Make Me a Channel of your Peace – TFWS 2171; His Eye is on the Sparrow – TFWS 2146; O God our Help in Ages Past – UMH 117
2 Kings: This is one of my favorite verses, and it is very appropriate for today. It is the story of the changing of the guard between one prophet, Elijah to another – sort of like the changing of pastors. It is a story of transition. Elijah is not only leaving his ministry, he is leaving his earthly life. His ministry has been a story of zeal for the Lord, a story of lonely working and traveling, a story of following in God’s steps. Once he is gone, who is going to take over that work. The answer to that question is Elisha – his student. Elisha is not only excited to carry on that work – he has one parting request of Elijah – give me a double portion of whatever God gave you. Elijah does not know if he can pass on his relationship with God, Elisha will have to establish that for himself, but he does know that God has provided for the commission to continue to work to save others has been fulfilled in his absence.
Galatians: We continue our conversation of what it means to be free in the spirit of Christ. When we realize that we are not bound by the law – then also realize that being in Christ changes us. We don’t have to be so in tune to what the world expects of us – we become in aware of the what the Spirit of Christ expects of us. The world is focused on the needs of the flesh- we listen to our emotions, our needs, our desires which lead to bad behavior. But the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. No one has ever been hurt by too much of these things, we can give them freely.
Questions: Who are the people who have mentored you in your life? In your faith? Who are the people who you intentionally mentor and are willing to help through life? When you are gone, what plans do you want to make sure carry on after you? How do you avoid becoming enslaved to sin? How do you ensure the growth of perfect love in your life? What things still hold you back from letting perfect love in your life? How can the fruits of the spirit help you to overcome that burden?
Songs: Precious Lord – UMH 474; Make Me a Channel of your Peace – TFWS 2171; His Eye is on the Sparrow – TFWS 2146; O God our Help in Ages Past – UMH 117
2 Kings: This is one of my favorite verses, and it is very appropriate for today. It is the story of the changing of the guard between one prophet, Elijah to another – sort of like the changing of pastors. It is a story of transition. Elijah is not only leaving his ministry, he is leaving his earthly life. His ministry has been a story of zeal for the Lord, a story of lonely working and traveling, a story of following in God’s steps. Once he is gone, who is going to take over that work. The answer to that question is Elisha – his student. Elisha is not only excited to carry on that work – he has one parting request of Elijah – give me a double portion of whatever God gave you. Elijah does not know if he can pass on his relationship with God, Elisha will have to establish that for himself, but he does know that God has provided for the commission to continue to work to save others has been fulfilled in his absence.
Galatians: We continue our conversation of what it means to be free in the spirit of Christ. When we realize that we are not bound by the law – then also realize that being in Christ changes us. We don’t have to be so in tune to what the world expects of us – we become in aware of the what the Spirit of Christ expects of us. The world is focused on the needs of the flesh- we listen to our emotions, our needs, our desires which lead to bad behavior. But the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. No one has ever been hurt by too much of these things, we can give them freely.
Questions: Who are the people who have mentored you in your life? In your faith? Who are the people who you intentionally mentor and are willing to help through life? When you are gone, what plans do you want to make sure carry on after you? How do you avoid becoming enslaved to sin? How do you ensure the growth of perfect love in your life? What things still hold you back from letting perfect love in your life? How can the fruits of the spirit help you to overcome that burden?
Saturday, May 29, 2010
June 6, 2010
Breaking Open The Scriptures
Scriptures for June 6th: I Kings 17:8-24; Psalm 146, Galatians 1:11-24; Luke 7:11-17 Songs: O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing – UMH 57, My Life is in You Lord – TFWS 2032 (sing twice); I’m Gonna Live so God Can Use Me – TFWS 2153
I Kings: We have entered into ordinary time of the church calendar. The presence of the Holy Spirit is old news, it has been with us for awhile. As a matter of fact it is with us all of the time. Now we have to think about what to do with this gift. We now focus on the ministry of the prophets. In this story, Elijah is instructed by God to go to Zarephath – a city truly in need of God. He is not told to teach, or the preach, or to even to tell the people that they are wrong. Just to be present. To live with a widow, to get the know the people, and to meet the needs of this widow’s family, as she takes care of him. The widow’s son dies – and Elijah brings her most precious gift back to life. What does the presence of God do to bring us back to life in the dead spots of our life?
Luke: On the surface this is a similar story to the one in Kings. a widow’s son dies and the prophet comes and brings him back to life. Jesus uses this story for a very different reason. This son is a young adult, who is responsible for taking care of his mother. A widow has no other way of being cared for but the man in her life. She too will follow her son in death. But Jesus has sympathy for her. Jesus teaches all of his disciples (including us) to respond to injustice, the help those who are not able to care for themselves. Jesus makes sure that she will live, by bringing her son back to life. We are reminded that it is time to get in mission, to see the widows in our community who are in need.
Questions: In the ministry of presence what role do you play? Are you the prophet listening to the needs of the people or are you the one instructed by God to help the prophet in order to get your own needs met? How many signs of God do you miss because you are not listening? How do we show support for those who lose their means of support? How do we help those who lose a family member or a job? What does compassion mean for this community?
Scriptures for June 6th: I Kings 17:8-24; Psalm 146, Galatians 1:11-24; Luke 7:11-17 Songs: O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing – UMH 57, My Life is in You Lord – TFWS 2032 (sing twice); I’m Gonna Live so God Can Use Me – TFWS 2153
I Kings: We have entered into ordinary time of the church calendar. The presence of the Holy Spirit is old news, it has been with us for awhile. As a matter of fact it is with us all of the time. Now we have to think about what to do with this gift. We now focus on the ministry of the prophets. In this story, Elijah is instructed by God to go to Zarephath – a city truly in need of God. He is not told to teach, or the preach, or to even to tell the people that they are wrong. Just to be present. To live with a widow, to get the know the people, and to meet the needs of this widow’s family, as she takes care of him. The widow’s son dies – and Elijah brings her most precious gift back to life. What does the presence of God do to bring us back to life in the dead spots of our life?
Luke: On the surface this is a similar story to the one in Kings. a widow’s son dies and the prophet comes and brings him back to life. Jesus uses this story for a very different reason. This son is a young adult, who is responsible for taking care of his mother. A widow has no other way of being cared for but the man in her life. She too will follow her son in death. But Jesus has sympathy for her. Jesus teaches all of his disciples (including us) to respond to injustice, the help those who are not able to care for themselves. Jesus makes sure that she will live, by bringing her son back to life. We are reminded that it is time to get in mission, to see the widows in our community who are in need.
Questions: In the ministry of presence what role do you play? Are you the prophet listening to the needs of the people or are you the one instructed by God to help the prophet in order to get your own needs met? How many signs of God do you miss because you are not listening? How do we show support for those who lose their means of support? How do we help those who lose a family member or a job? What does compassion mean for this community?
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