sunday on Hopelessness

Keywords

Scripture

Acts 2:1-4 , Psalm 61:1-4, 1 Peter 1:1-2

Pastor: With the Psalmist we pray: Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for You have be...

illustration

Across All Barriers

Author

Henri J. M. Nouwen

Keywords

Across all barriers of land and language, wealth and poverty, knowledge and ignorance, we are one, created from the same dust, subject to the same laws, and destined for the same end. With this compas...

liturgy

Lord, high and holy, meek and

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Scripture

Matthew 16:24-25, Philippians 1:21, Romans 8:18, Matthew 23:12, James 4:10, Psalm 23:4

Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory. Let me lear...

scripture guide

Scripture Guide, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6

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Keywords

Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Corinthians 3:, 2 Corinthians 4:1-2, Mark 9:5-6, Jeremiah 1:33-34, Exodus 34:29-35

Ancient Lens What’s the historical context? Mixed Loyalties Diving straight into 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 without giving a nod to 2 Corinthians 3:1-4:2 gives a strange impression, because Paul’s point...

Quote

Author

Chuck DeGroat

Keywords

In the end, the hope of transformation is anchored in the presence of a God who is utterly familiar with all the dark and light within us—and is not afraid of it. Recall the words of Macarius…“The hea...

liturgy

Living Hope Through Christ's Resurrection

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Keywords

Scripture

1 Peter 1:1-12, Psalm 61:1-4

Cantor: Hear our prayer, O Lord; hear our prayer, O Lord. Incline Your ear to us, and grant us Your peace. People: Response (Sung response to each petition) Pastor: ...

illustration

The Central Truth of the Cosmos

Author

J. Todd Billings

Keywords

Dying is something we mostly shy away from in Western society. But as Christians, we are called to a different way of viewing the life to come. In his inspirational and insightful book, The End of ...

liturgy

Standing Together: Pardon

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Scripture

John 17:21-23, Exodus 14:13-22, Lamentations 3:22-23, Romans 15:13, 1 Corinthians 13:13, 2 Timothy 1:7, Ephesians 4:15-16

Nothing can stand against You Nothing No sin, no death No prejudice, no division Nothing can stand against our God You’re making us whole and holy in your mercy and grace Standing together in truth an...

Quote

Author

Rodney Buchanan

Keywords

We will never know, this side of heaven, what terrible struggles took place in the spiritual world between Palm Sunday and Easter morning.

Quote

Author

William Penn

Keywords

No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown.

liturgy

Prayer of Confession: Jesus You are Our Peace

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Keywords

Scripture

Ephesians 2:11-22, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 14:23-29

Jesus You are our peace You proclaim it You create it You bring us near Without you there is No safety No belonging No nurturing No identity rooted beyond this dust Without you we are Anchorless St...

liturgy

Embracing New Life in Christ

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Scripture

1 Peter 1:1-12

Pastor: We who have been given new birth into a living hope, are sent now into the world, People: to look, live and love more like Jesus. Pastor: Go in peace to serve the Lord! People: Thanks be t...

scripture guide

Scripture Guide, Psalm 118

Author

C. Hassell Bullock

Keywords

Scripture

Psalm 118:, Matthew 21:9, Mark 11:9, Luke 19:38, John 12:13, Ezra 5:null, Ezra 6:, Mark 12:10-11, 1 Peter 2:5, Deuteronomy 7:8, 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 8:26-27, Philippians 2:8-10

Introduction This guide is often read on Palm Sunday and it is especially interesting when read in light of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. All the gospels include a quotation of part of P...

lectionary

Transfiguration Sunday

Author

Keywords

Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:3-6, 2 Corinthians 3:, 2 Corinthians 4:1-2, Mark 9:5-6, Jeremiah 31:33-34, Exodus 34:29-35

AIM Commentary Ancient Lens What’s the historical context? Mixed Loyalties Diving straight into 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 without giving a nod to 2 Corinthians 3:1-4:2 gives a strange impression, bec...

blog

6 Palm Sunday Service Ideas: Processions and Interactive Liturgies

Author

Stuart R. Strachan, Jr.

Keywords

The Sunday before Easter is Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and beginning Holy Week. Even less-liturgical churches often dip a toe into the liturgical waters, distributing palms...

Quote

Author

Source Unknown

Keywords

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday's thought; Life is full of ups and downs. Glorify God during the ups and fully trust in Him during the downs.

liturgy

Prayers of the People for Palm Sunday

Author

Keywords

Palm Sunday

Scripture

Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:8-11, Luke 19:36-44, John 12:16-19

What did they cry out that first Palm Sunday? Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna to the Son of David! Hosanna in the Highest! Hosanna! Save Now! Jesus, save us Sav...

liturgy

God is our refuge and strength

Author

Keywords

Scripture

Psalm 46:, John 9:1-17, 24-25

Pastor: God is our refuge and strength, People: a very present help in trouble. Pastor: The Lord of Hosts is with us; People: the God of Jacob is our fortress. Pastor: Be...

liturgy

Jesus, you are our king, yet we do not

Author

Austin D. Hill

Keywords

Palm Sunday

Scripture

Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:8-11, Luke 19:36-44, John 12:16-19

Jesus, you are our king, yet we do not act like it. You came in humility, to serve and give your life for the world. We do not follow your example. We live our own way and reject yours. We only claim ...

lectionary

Sixth Sunday in Lent, Liturgy of the Palms

Author

Heather Ghormley

Keywords

Scripture

Mark 11:1-11, Mark 14:, Mark 15:, Mark 8:32, Mark 9:32, Mark 10:37, Zechariah 9:9, Genesis 49:11, Mark 1:1, Mark 5:7, 2 Samuel 7:12-16, 1 Kings 1:38, Revelation 4:8, Psalm 146:2-8

Lent 2021: A 40-day Heart Restoration The Triumphal Entry Bonus Content: Video prep session with Heather Ghormley on Mark 11:1-11 . Passcode: 0DU^5?GZ AIM Commentary Ancient Lens What can w...

lectionary

Sixth Sunday in Lent, Liturgy of the Palms

Author

Keywords

Scripture

Isaiah 50:4-9a

Lent 2024: Do This in Remembrance Remembering the Servant's Ascent AIM commentary Ancient lens What's the historical context? The Servant of the Lord This is the third of Isaiah’s...

scripture guide

Scripture Guide, Isaiah 50:4-9a

Author

Keywords

Scripture

Isaiah 50:4-9a

Ancient lens What's the historical context? The Servant of the Lord This is the third of Isaiah’s four “Servant Songs,” which display the posture of the true and perfect Servant of the Lord. ...

lectionary

Sixth Sunday in Lent, Liturgy of the Palms

Author

C. Hassell Bullock

Keywords

Scripture

Psalm 118:1-2, 29-39, Psalm 118:null, Ezra 5:null, Ezra 6:, Mark 12:10-11, 1 Peter 2:5, Deuteronomy 7:8, 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 8:26-27, Philippians 2:8-10

Preaching Commentary Introduction As we use our acronym (AIM) for understanding the lectionary Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29, we should remind ourselves that the lectionary texts are chosen very carefully t...

liturgy

Inspired by Proverbs 15:1-16

Author

Dustin Ray

Scripture

Proverbs 15:1-16

Pastor: O wise and wonderful God, in our quick temper and selfish pride, we have not followed your example—you are slow to anger, abounding in love, and show steadfast faithfulness to your children. ...

scripture guide

Scripture Guide, Isaiah 6:1-8

Author

Jeff Volkmer

Keywords

Scripture

Isaiah 6:1-8, Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29:10, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 10:12, Hebrews 12:25, Matthew 28:19, Exodus 3:, Exodus 13:21-22, Revelation 14:, Exodus 24:7, Revelation 14:, Numbers 19:22, Genesis 1:26, Genesis 11:7, Genesis 1:28, Genesis 11:1-8, Genesis 9:1, Genesis 12:1

Context Prophecy: Not Just Future-Telling When confronted with the question of the purpose of the prophetic books in the Old Testament, it is commonly supposed that their primary purpose is future t...

lectionary

Trinity Sunday

Author

Stuart R. Strachan, Jr.

Keywords

Scripture

Romans 8:12-17, 1 Corinthians 6:, Galatians 5:18, Matthew 7:9-11

Preaching Commentary Context Matters If you have ever taken an introduction to exegesis course, you may remember one of the most important rules for properly understanding a given text: look at wha...

liturgy

Standing Together

Author

Keywords

Scripture

Ephesians 2:14-16, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Galatians 3:18, Colossians 3:11, Luke 10:25-37, Genesis 33:1-11, John 4:1-42

God of the Nations We stand apart from you We stand apart from each other We stand with our tribe Hiding behind walls Throwing our stones Our divisions dishonor you We harm instead of heal You weep Of...

Quote

Author

N. T. Wright

Keywords

The crowd went wild as they got nearer. This was the moment they had been waiting for. All the old songs came flooding back, and they were singing, chanting, cheering and laughing. At last, their drea...

liturgy

Almighty God, in Jesus, you meet us

Author

Austin D. Hill

Keywords

Scripture

Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:8-11, Luke 19:36-44, John 12:16-19

Almighty God, in Jesus, you meet us where we are. You condescend to our level, yet we wrongfully assume that we are equal to you. We live as rulers of this world masters of own destiny, ignoring your ...

liturgy

The King is Coming

Author