During his final night with the disciples, Jesus speaks of “another Comforter” – the Holy Spirit – that will be with them forever. The Spirit will guide the disciples in the way of Jesus. Just as the Son glorifies the Father by revealing the Father’s heart, so the Spirit glorifies the Son by shining light upon Jesus’ revelation. Opening Hymn: Spirit of…
Luke continues his story of the acts and teachings of Jesus that he began in his Gospel. The ministry of Jesus is not over. The risen Jesus continues to minister to the world through the apostles empowered by the Holy Spirit. Before he ascends into heaven, the Lord Jesus urges the disciples to wait upon the Spirit to empower them to carry…
Jesus invites us to share in the loving communion he experiences with the Father. We abide in Jesus’ love by keeping his commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” There is no more fundamental commandment than this! This is the very reason we exist! We come to experience the eternal joy of the shared communion of Father, Son, and Spirit…
The Spirit guides Philip to the most unlikely encounter in the Bible with the most ultimate outsider in order to demonstrate the wide welcome of the Gospel. Our service today concludes with this week’s Confirmation Ceremony. Opening Hymn: Crown Him with Many Crowns (Hymnal 116) Closing Doxology: Lift High the Cross (Hymnal 321)
Having spoken last week about “six-word memoirs” that personally guide our lives, I now take a look at one of the earliest “collective expressions” of belief known as a creed. In this message, I share why I personally believe in Christ’s resurrection and the impact it has on my life. Opening Hymn: I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord (Hymnal 457)…
From prison, Paul continues to preach and practice the gospel. He continues to rejoice, because no matter how great the trial, God’s power in Christ is greater. Paul’s philosophy is simple: Living is Christ, dying is gain. His win/win philosophy makes him an unstoppable force in serving others in the name of Christ. Opening Hymn: The Church’s One Foundation (Hymnal 311) Closing…
While the disciples cower in fear for their lives behind closed doors, Jesus appears bringing words of peace. After their fear is turned to joy, Jesus commissions the disciples to share his mission on earth: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” They must leave the closed doors and enter the world, witnessing of God’s great compassion and forgiving…
Mark’s ending is abrupt, sober, and subdued. Women come to anoint Jesus’ dead body as a final act of devotion, but they find the stone rolled away from the tomb and inside a messenger who tells them Jesus is risen. He gives them the mission to tell the disciples to go and meet Jesus in Galilee. The women are paralyzed by fear,…