tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78520710923163728532024-03-13T21:37:18.707-07:00Still In One PeaceThe Little Grey Churchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14348053145027658324noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-14565924369605088582020-08-23T13:10:00.002-07:002020-08-23T13:10:40.445-07:00<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">August 23, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Scripture Reading: </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans
12:1-8<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #3365cd;">1</span><span style="color: black;">Therefore,
I urge you, brothers, in<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">view of God's mercy, to offer your<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">bodies as living sacrifices, holy and<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">of worship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #3365cd;">2</span><span style="color: black;">Do
not conform any longer to the<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">pattern of this world, but be transformed<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">by the renewing of your mind. Then you<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">will be able to test and approve what<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">God's will is--his good, pleasing and<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">perfect will.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #3365cd;">3</span><span style="color: black;">For
by the grace given me I say to<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">every one of you: Do not think of<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">yourself more highly than you ought, but<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">rather think of yourself with sober<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">judgment, in accordance with the<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">measure of faith God has given you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #3365cd;">4</span><span style="color: black;">Just
as each of us has one body with<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">many members, and these members do<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">not all have the same function,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #3365cd;">5</span><span style="color: black;">so
in Christ we who are many form one<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">body, and each member belongs to all<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">the others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #3365cd;">6</span><span style="color: black;">We
have different gifts, according to the<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">grace given us. If a man's gift is<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">prophesying, let him use it in proportion<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">to his faith.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #3365cd;">7</span><span style="color: black;">If
it is serving, let him serve; if it is<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">teaching, let him teach;<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #3365cd;">8</span><span style="color: black;">if
it is encouraging, let him encourage; if<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">it is contributing to the needs of others,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">let him give generously; if it is leadership,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">let him govern diligently; if it is showing<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;">mercy, let him do it
cheerfully.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">(Scripture for September 6 - Exodus 12:1-14)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;">"</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The Animal School</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">"<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">preaching draft/notes for August 23, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">In his fascinating book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Outliers</i>, Malcolm Gladwell suggests that
the so-called “10,000-hour rule” explains how some people become world-class
specialists at whatever they pursue. They make a huge sacrifice in order to
pursue and achieve success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They must live
and breathe their craft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But some critics
have pushed back. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">In January 2019, Russian pianist
Elisey Mysin strode onto the stage of the concert hall in Naberezhnye Chelny,
an industrial city of more than a half million people on the Kama River, about
600 miles due east of Moscow. He smiled confidently at the audience. The hall
was packed. He was dressed in a concert-style black tuxedo, which contrasted
nicely with a mane of flowing blond hair. He sat on the piano bench, and then
took a few moments to adjust it for height and distance to the keyboard, rested
his hands on the keyboard and nodded to the conductor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The orchestra began to play and
soon Mysin was coaxing magic out of the grand piano, playing the challenging
“Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Major” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who composed the
three-movement concerto when he was only 11 years old. Mysin played without
music, typical of professional, classical pianists, and played, according to
one critic, in a way that showcased “his incredible sense of style and
interpretation.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">At the end of his performance,
Mysin received a huge standing ovation, two bouquets of flowers and demands of
an encore. So he played another piece, and again received the adoration of the
music-lovers who had crowded into the venue to see and hear the virtuoso, and
then he walked off the stage, and into the arms of his mother, who took him
home, where she read him a bedtime story and tucked him in. Mysin, at the time,
was 8 years old. (<i>Search for Mysin’s name or “Piano Concerto No. 3 in D
Major” and choose one of many videos of him playing this concerto</i>.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Now consider Anna Ji-Eun Lee, who
had her debut as a violinist when she performed Paganini’s “Violin Concerto No.
1” with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Lan Shui, conducting. She was 6 years
old.These are just two of many stories of child prodigies whose expertise and
virtuosity astounds and amazes. But why bring this up?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The stories of Lee and Mysin have
a bearing on our understanding — or misunderstanding — of the so-called
“10,000-hour rule” that Malcolm Gladwell popularized several years ago in his
bestselling book, <i>Outliers</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Gladwell suggested that expertise,
world-class success and virtuosity can be achieved simply by practicing a
certain specific task for 10,000 hours. If you spent 20 hours a week doing
this, you could reach success after about 10 years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">But wait! How about little Anna
Ji-Eun Lee? (<i>Search her name and you will find links to her Paganini
performance.</i>) When Anna played Paganini, she was just 52,560 hours old. Subtract
21,900 for sleep, 5,000 for playing with Beanie Babies, 2,000 listening to mum
read a bedtime story, 2,000 for getting a bath, 2,000 for watching Sesame
Street and cartoons, 200 for going to Sunday school with parents, and — most
importantly — learning how to use a spoon, how to talk and how to use the
potty, 15,000 … Well, at this point she’s at 48,100 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">She only has 4,460 hours left to
practice the violin. <i>She doesn’t have 10,000 hours available to become a
world-class violinist. </i>Yet she is … a world-class violinist at the age
of 6.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Gladwell explains that the
10,000-hour rule doesn’t apply to sports or concert pianists and violinists,
and he confesses that, “I could play chess for 100 years and I'll never be a
grandmaster. The point is simply that natural ability requires a huge investment
of time in order to be made manifest.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">One
must make a huge sacrifice in order to pursue and achieve success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even these prodigies must live and breathe
their craft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul uses the language of <u>total
sacrifice</u> in our passage from Romans 12.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Romans
12 and Living Sacrifices<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #3365cd;">1</span><span style="color: black;">Therefore, I urge you, brothers,
in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing
to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Paul’s call for a <i>sacrifice</i> evokes in the minds of his
readers what was then a well-known image: the shedding of blood on an altar
particularly set aside for sacrificial purposes. The blood of a lamb, calf or
bull was shed for the propitiation of sins. This practice was routine in the
lives of the Hebrews for millennia. The ritual details are still available to
us in the first five books of the Old Testament. Getting our sins atoned for
invariably involved a death. So Paul’s readers understood that the point he was
making was that followers of Jesus <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>need
to be <i>all in.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">But Paul doesn’t just simply say our lives should be a sacrifice,
blood and done. Instead, he suggests in a quite oxymoronic way that we present
our bodies as <i>living</i> sacrifices, that is, <i>sacrifices
that do not die! Living deaths! </i>Most who are at the top of their fields are
examples of this. They are all in, and their lives are given entirely to their
music or their sport (like golf or tennis). They do not <i>surrender</i> their
lives; they <i>offer</i> their lives. They give up almost everything
else. They live for it. It is their life. (See Philippians 1:21 and 3:7-14 for
more on this theme.) And so it is for us today. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Let's think about this a little harder<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->A young lady approached me when I was
at a conference speaking (John Macarthur), and she was very tearful and
very distraught. And she said to me essentially what I have
heard in different words many times in my ministry. She said,
"I just can't seem to live the Christian life the way I
should." She said, "I am frustrated. I am without
victory, without a sense of accomplishment. I struggle
seemingly with the very simplest forms of obedience in my Christian walk. I'm
constantly defeated. Can you help me?" I said, "Well, what has
been your approach to solving the problem yourself?"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->She said, "I have tried
everything." She said, "I...I've been going to a church
where they speak in tongues, where they have healings, where they
have all kinds of spiritual experiences." She said, "I've
entered into all of them. I've spoken in tongues. I've
had certain ecstatic experiences, gifts of prophecy, certain supposed
miracles. I've been slain in the Spirit. And in spite of
all of this, I am not pleased with my life." And she said,
in a rather telling remark, "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I've tried
to get all I could get out of God</b>."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->And I said, "That's your
problem." <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The key to
spiritual victory is not getting all you can get, but giving all you have</b>. There's
a big difference. And there are people literally flocking
to churches and spiritual experiences to get more of God when the
issue is not what they need to get but what they need to give. And
that's the essence of this tremendous passage of Scripture.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Having concluded eleven chapters of profound
and thrilling doctrine that defines what God has done for every
believer, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Paul does not
say, "Now here's what you need to get." He says,
"Now here's what you need to give."</b> The key to
powerful living is not getting something more, but giving all we
have. <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Same verse - next
piece: Offer Your Bodies...<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #3365cd;">1</span><span style="color: black;">Therefore,
I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to offer your bodies</b> as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God...<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The<span style="color: black;"> text
tells us the body must be given to God. Now "offer/present"
here is a temple term too, just like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sacrifice</i>
is. It has the idea of surrendering up, of yielding. It
also is a technical term for the Levitical offerings, to bring it as an
offering, to </span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">bring
it as an actual sacrifice. And what God wants here is our body.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Genesis makes clear that God created
the body as good - that the Lord created our bodies for himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, in this life, he <span style="color: black;">cannot</span> work through us without in some way working<span style="color: black;"> through your body, isn't that right? If
you're going to speak, you've got to speak through your
mouth. If you're going to hear, you've got to hear through your
ear. If you're going to see, you have to see through your
eyes. If you're going to go, you have to go with your
feet. If you're going to help, you have to help with your
hands. If you're going to think, you have to think with your
mind. The body is for the Lord. And the Lord is for the body.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Same verse - next
piece: Holy...<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #3365cd;">1</span><span style="color: black;">Therefore,
I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to offer your bodies as</b> living sacrifices, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">holy and pleasing to God...</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">From the very beginning,
God's first and most important requirement for acceptable worship has been a
faith-filled and obedient heart. Our living sacrifice also is to be holy. Holy
has the literal sense of being set apart for a special purpose. Under the old
covenant, sacrificial animal was to be without spot or blemish</span>.
That physical purity symbolizd the spiritual and moral purity the God required
of the 'offerer' himself. Like that worshiper who was to come to God with clean
hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:4) the offering of a Christian's body not only
should be a living but also a holy sacrifice. Through Malachi, the Lord rebuked
those who sacrificed animals that were blind and otherwise impaired. When you
present the blind for sacrifice, is not is it not evil? And when you present
the lame and the sick, is it not evil? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Are you like the
people before Malachi? The Lord, through the prophet
Malachi, said, "You offer polluted flesh upon the altar." You
know what you're bringing. Instead of bringing the best you
have, you're bringing the rotten meat. You're giving me a
blind or a lame or a sick or a maimed animal. He says, "Would
you offer that to the governor when you go to pay your taxes?"
Not on your life, but you're offering it to God. Will you do
out of fear what you will not do for God out of love? Only a holy
sacrifice is acceptable to God. The word “</span>acceptable<span style="color: black;">” means “well-pleasing,” “satisfactory.”
God is not satisfied with anything less than that, not satisfied.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">In</span><span style="color: black;"> 1 Corinthians 6 Paul says, "</span><span style="color: #3365cd;">19</span>Do you not
know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom
you have received from God? You are not your own;<span style="background: white; color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #3365cd;">20 </span>you
were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." <span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dwelling within our
humanness, dwelling within this flesh is the Holy Spirit.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">This is important!</span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Think of how
often Scripture uses "flesh" to denote the ways of the world. Think
of how many pleasures are associated with our physical being. Think of how our
physical being sways our behavior. Sways are thoughts. Decides how we view
ourselves and how we judge others. How many decisions in the course of your day
pertain to your very body. How many sacrifices do you make? How much
depression? How much pride? We must love the Lord God with all of our body - tame
those passions and desires of the flesh, the ways of the world. How many
decisions are made for the comfort of our body, physical comfort?!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Mark 12:30 - "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your mind" (body).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Holy, Living,
Full Sacrifice...<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Most Christians never really come to
that place fully. They flirt with the world, they flirt with
the flesh. They flirt with their own personal indulgences and
desires. They become victims of the philosophy and psychology of the
world around them. They buy into the world's ways. They
entertain themselves with the world's mode of entertainment. They
think along the lines the world thinks. And so they never really
come to the place of total commitment that is discussed in this first
verse and therefore they forfeit the fullness of the blessing that God
would have for them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Tragically, we are told that victory
in the Christian life is to have more <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">of</i>
God and to have more <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">from</i> God – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">although "the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, already has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the
heavenly places in Christ</b>," Ephesians 1:3. In Christ we already have
all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, so that in him we have been made
complete, Colossians 2:3-10. Peter said that in the true and saving knowledge
of Christ, we have everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
In the deepest, eternal sense, therefore, we cannot have more of God or from
God then we now possess. It is more than obvious, however, that most of us do
not have the fullness of joy that this fullness of blessing should bring. The
joy and satisfaction for which so many Christians are vainly striving can be
had only by surrendering back to the Lord what he already has given to us,
including our inmost being. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This living sacrifice, this
surrender of self in a humble submissive act to God, this, as Paul put it,
bearing in my body always the dying of Jesus Christ, this kind of living
sacrifice is the basis of true worship. It is the foundation of all
Christian dedication. It is what Paul meant when he
said, "For to me to live is Christ and to die is
gain." He said, "I have </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">many things but," in
Galatians he said, "I count all things manure compared to what I have
in Christ."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There can be no genuinely
effective service, genuinely reciprocated service — that is,
service in which we are blessed — unless we have first offered
ourselves as a living sacrifice. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Otherwise it is self serving, not God serving</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Verse
2: Renewing of Your Mind<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3365cd;">2</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Do not conform any longer
to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good,
pleasing and perfect will.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Malcolm Gladwell concedes that
natural ability is a factor in world-class success. He admits he will never be
a grandmaster. So are some people “natural Christians,” and others not so
natural?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is it easier for some
Christians to be nice, humble, caring, loving and kind than for others?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no Christian prodigies, but there
is the Holy Spirit renewing our minds...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->5,000 advertisements bombard the
average American each day. 5,000 reasons for discontentment, right?!. 5,000
ways to be distracted. 5,000 messages about how to conform to the taste and
values of society. And every day, 5,000 more.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->In the midst of a world teeming with
options and pressures, the best we dare hope for is balance. This aim can
surely seem demanding enough! Equilibrium with all of our options open; that is
the middle-class goal that drives our cultural conformity. And if that goal
shapes the church as much as it does society, the Body of Christ disappears in
the crowd. We mirror the image that absorbs our attention. As Augustine says,
"we look like what we value most."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Jesus Christ did not call us to go on
living the same old life, only with better balance. The Gospel isn't about how
to keep more plates spinning more of the time. Instead, we are invited to a
life that is all in an d all made new. The apostle Paul underlines this assumption
that the way we live needs to be fundamentally transformed. The door for such
change is Jesus Christ, and when we present our bodies as a living sacrifice
that that door opens. Basic to God's meaning of changing us is the work of
renewing the way we think. Let's consider the context of this injunction. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Paul has just spent 11 chapters
explaining the most painstaking way how he wanted the church at Rome to think,
setting forth a rich new pattern of how they are to understand God, themselves
and the world around them. The apostle's assumption has been that human
thinking is never unattached, unbiased, neutral. Rationalizing forbidden
"wants" and desires is as easy for us as falling off a log. And we
have. Every day we show our commitment to ways of thinking that are hostile to
the truth of God's grace. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->We suppress the truth, Paul writes in
Romans 1:18-20. "<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black;">18 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black;">The wrath
of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and
wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black;"> <span class="text"><b><sup>19 </sup></b>since what may be known about God is plain
to them, because God has made it plain to them.</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>20 </sup></b>For
since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and
divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been
made, so that people are without excuse."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span>We conveniently
and adamantly hold the truth down, for our own selfish purposes. Growth in
grace necessarily requires the truth take hold and win this contest. The aim is
not for each disciple to have a brilliant mind. At best that might allow us to
keep more plates spinning. The goal instead is that our minds be filled with
truth and grace which then shows up in transformed lives that look like Jesus
Christ. Paul's view of our minds stems from both his Hebrew and Greek contexts.
Minds here certainly connotes reason and thought; hence, 11 chapters of tight,
measured argument to ponder. The mind is not mere rationality. Instead it
refers to that reality that, as human beings made in God's image, we are vested
with the <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">capacity for thought
and feeling, insight and understanding. "Minds" in verse 2 c</span>annot
be limited to brains any more than <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bodie</i>s
in verse 1 can be limited to physiques. Paul urges the church, let your lives
be transformed by the renewal of how you perceive, interpret, value and
respond. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Meanwhile, 5,000 advertisements later,
where are we? Most of the time we are just where our world/culture wants us,
listening to those 5,000 voices. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->In better times, our longing for
renewal may cause us to hear the invitation: be still and know that I'm God.
But even if we can be still, which is hard with all the spinning plates, voices
of a thousand different kinds make listening for God's voice very hard.
Especially if we have to think about what is being said. We talk about renewal
and hope it means "pizzazz." Or alows us to do more of what we are
already doing instead of being transformed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Kenneth Wuest had the idea when he
wrote, "Stop assuming an outward expression which is patterned after
the age, an expression which does not come from within nor is
representative of what you are in your inner being as a regenerated child
of God." Stop the masquerade. Instead "be
transformed," <i>metamorphis</i> is the root idea, totally
changed. And here the idea is to change your outward
appearance. No, change your outward appearance to match what you are
within, right? That's the word. It's a perfect use of
words. In fact, it's the word used in Matthew 17 where it
says Jesus was transfigured, <i>metamorphised</i>, that is his outward
appearance was made to be exactly like His what? His inward.
He was God in human flesh and for a moment His human flesh manifested the
God that He was inside it. And you are to be transformed on the
outside to match what your redeemed self is on the inside. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Renewal can be great, we say, as long
as it doesn't require more than just a coat of paint. But what God offers as
renewal is the work of re-creation. It means more than just a coat of paint, or
even two. Of course, God is the one who has done and is doing the real work.
It's labor-intensive. It's very costly. Pain and suffering are assumed. Taking every
thought captive to Christ can't be accomplished with a once over lightly
technique. It's the remaking of our whole being that God wants, and it requires
reclaiming our minds.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Study after study seems to indicate
that, at best, only marginal differences can be found in the values and choices
of Christians and non-Christians in our society. Whether measuring issues
related to money, marriage or family life, behavior seems to be roughly similar
despite claims of faith. The ways Christians approach public debates and
consider ethical issues often seem to be driven by pragmatism and
individualism, just like anyone else. Does it work for me? Seems to be the
standard we use, whether we are considering detergent or doctrine! The renewal
of the mind requires that we allow the whole counsel of God to shape the way we
think about any and every issue. Among other things, this calls us back to
careful, thoughtful Bible study. (Mark Labberton)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Humility and Rightful
Thinking<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #3365cd;">3</span><span style="color: black;">For by the grace given me I say to
every one of you: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do not think of yourself
more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment</b>,
in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. </span><span style="color: #3365cd;">4</span><span style="color: black;">Just as each of us has one body with many members, and
these members do not all have the same function, </span><span style="color: #3365cd;">5</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">so in Christ we who are many form
one body, and each member belongs to all the others.</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: center 3.25in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Let's practice some Good Bible Study skills here (even if this
seems tardy at this point of the message). - Let's back it up to Chapter 11</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Our
reading begins with, "Therefore..." so we know that we must read it
in context and back up to Chapter 11 to understand this transition.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In reading Chapter 11 - it is a long back up
(beep beep beep...) - all the way back to Abraham and God's promises to
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Romans 11 concluded Paul’s
chapter dissertation on Israel which he began in Romans 9. The three chapters
of Romans–9, 10, and 11 interrupt Paul’s main argument in his epistle. You can
place chapter 12 right next to chapter 8 and not miss a beat. Having said this,
these three chapters are critical to understand God’s overall plan for Jews and
Gentiles. In other words, while Romans 9-11 is an aside to Paul’s main
argument, it provides a framework and the context for his main argument (Romans
1-8 and 12-16).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->In chapter 11 Paul continues the
conversation he is having with the Gentiles in Rome that he is writing to. The
Gentiles got the impression that Israel is out of God's favor and that they are
in - implying that it lent them a little superiority against a people who
historically wouldn't have anything to do with them and called them Godless and
pagan.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Paul has acknowledged that Israel has,
for the most part, rejected faith in Christ. He begins this chapter by asking
if that means that God has rejected Israel. His response is another resounding
"no." After all, Paul himself is an Israelite who has come to faith
in Christ and has been saved, showing that this is possible for all Jewish
people. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Secondly, he uses the story of
Elijah’s discouragement under the persecution of wicked Queen Jezebel when God
revealed that there were seven thousand who had not bowed the knee to Baal
(11:2-4). Just as there was a remnant in the days of Elijah who were the real
people of God demonstrated by their active faith, so there was a remnant
according to the election of grace in Paul’s day (11:5).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->So what about the rest of Israel,
though? What of those who refused to believe in Christ as the Messiah? Paul's
startling revelation is that God has hardened their hearts in their initial
unbelief. He has caused them to trip over the stumbling block of Jesus, but not
permanently. Their hardening is only for a time (Romans 11:7–10).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Paul uses a third image - saying that
the Gentiles were like wild olive branches being grafted into the root/tree -
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any unproductive branches,
unbelieving Jews, would be cut/broken off, making room for these new
additions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To counter any superiority,
he reminds them that the branch is dependent upon the root rather than the root
upon the branch. This speaks of how the original community of God's people have
adopted the Gentile community into them through Christ rather than becoming
something completely new. They in fact do this. As a result two things happen.
First, the wild branch begins to produce good olives. Secondly, the old tree is
newly invigorated. This speaks of Israel's eventual renewed interest in Jesus
Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Paul warns the Gentile Christians not
to be arrogant toward these unbelieving Jews, however. The time is coming,
after the right amount of the Gentiles have believed in Christ, when God will
remove the hardening from the unbelieving Jews. They will turn to faith in
Christ and, as a people, be grafted back onto God's symbolic olive tree, from
which they had previously been pruned. God is not done with Israel (Romans
11:17–24).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->(Paul concludes this section with what
has become a beloved poem, like a hymn, about the vast un-knowable-ness and
independence of our merciful God (Romans 11:33–36). We u<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">sed it for our Words of Greeting.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;">"Therefore" connects
Chapter 11 (9-11) to Chapter 12 saying - </span><span style="color: black;">"...in Christ <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we who are many form one body</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">and each member belongs to all the others</b>."</span><span style="color: black;"> In other words, Paul is emphasizing
(Galatians 3:28), "There is neither <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jew
nor Gentile</b>, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and
female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">More background on this at the end of these
notes</span></i><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We are one in Christ even
with Differing Gifts...<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #3365cd;">6</span><span style="color: black;">We have different gifts, according
to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in
proportion to his faith. </span><span style="color: #3365cd;">7</span><span style="color: black;">If it is serving, let him serve;
if it is teaching, let him teach; </span><span style="color: #3365cd;">8</span><span style="color: black;">if it
is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of
others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern
diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Paul's teachings on the "one body" and "spiritual
gifts" are a good illustration of this unifying tendency. Although his
most famous thoughts on this topic are found in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Corinthians 12</b>, Paul's concern for the one body and its many
gifts also connects to this particular situation in Rome. In some ways, the
apostle's unique use of "body of Christ" imagery for the church
community is even more important and poignant for the Roman Christian
communities than for those quarrelsome believers in Corinth. Paul's letter is
addressed to "all God's beloved in Rome" (Romans 1:7) and was
intended not just for a single audience, but for reading at the many different
synagogues/church communities that were struggling to establish a large
community of Jews in Rome — but they had never been gathered under a single
jurisdictional authority. Each synagogue maintained its own independent
identity. Furthermore, these various faith communities had enjoyed a history of
preferential treatment under the rules of both Julius and Augustus Caesar. This
combination had nurtured strong-minded, self-oriented congregations within the
large Jewish community. As Gentiles and God-fearers (Gentiles who followed the
Jewish law and teachings) began to join Jewish believers in Christ's redemptive
life and death, there was plenty of room for jealousies, competition and
self-interest to be generated within these new "Christian"
communities. Just as fragmentation and independence had been the hallmark of
the pre-Christian, Roman Jewish communities, these characteristics and
attitudes threatened to put their mark on the newly formed Christian
communities as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Particularly notice those words,
"having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us…" Often
people are afraid to get involved in ministry or take responsibility for an
area unless they viewed themselves as superstars. There is a failure to
understand what the Bible says about spiritual gifts. God has designed things so
all of us have areas where we can contribute, and all of us have areas where we
need the contributions of others. The trick is to do those things that we can and
not sit idly by because we are incapable of excelling in other areas. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Remember, it is to God's purpose we
offer our gifts (not our own purposes). The great theologian Reinhold Niebuhr
said that, "Most great moral achievements depend not upon push but upon
pull. You may be able to compel people into certain minimal ethical acts, but
the greatest deeds are done from love, out of affection, attraction to the
good, rather than out of shame or coercion."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's what Paul says, gifts – plural; grace
– singular. Our gifts are offered unto God - we need to get over ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #3365cd;">6</span><span style="color: black;">We <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(ALL)</b> have different gifts, according to the grace given us <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(and God expects us to use them). </b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(emphasis mine)</i></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">A fable by George
Reavis, “The Animal School”, originally written in 1940, when he
was superintendent of the Cincinnati Public Schools.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Once
upon a time, the animals decided that they should do something meaningful to
meet the problems of the new world, so they organized a school.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">They
adopted an activity curriculum of running, climbing, swimming and flying.
To make it easier to administer, all of the animals took all of the subjects.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The
duck was excellent at swimming. In fact, he was better than his
instructor. However, he made only passing marks in flying and was very
poor at running. Since he was so slow in running, he had to drop his swimming
class and do extra running. This caused his webbed feet to become badly
worn, meaning that he dropped to an average mark in swimming.
Fortunately, “average” was acceptable, therefore nobody worried about it –
except the duck.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The
rabbit started at the top of the class in running, but developed a nervous
twitch in his leg muscles because he had so much makeup work to do in swimming.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The
squirrel was excellent in climbing, but he encountered constant frustration in
flying class because his teacher insisted that he start from the ground up
instead of from the treetop down. He developed cramps from overexertion,
so he ended up with a C in climbing and a D in running.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The
eagle was a real problem student and was severely disciplined for being a
non-conformist. In climbing class, he beat all of the others to the top,
but insisted on using his own way of getting there!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The principle here is that we each have our own strengths
and need to be working hard to maximize them, not handicap our potential by becoming
good at something that isn’t natural for us. Whatever we have - we are to use
them... What are your gifts?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Just
a funny aside... since so many claim not to know what they can do...<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo12; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">A
number of years ago there was the film, crazy people. It isn't that great a
movie, but it's thesis was very funny. It tells about inmates of a mental
hospital who, through a strange turn of events, are given high-paying jobs in
the advertising industry because, being crazy, they know no better than to
write advertisements that tell the truth! One of the advertisements reads, we
know you love them, but if he dies, would you like to have $100,000 in the
Mercedes-Benz? John Hancock life insurance. The American public, having been
told lies for so long, here's these truthful advertisements is something
strange and wonderful. These crazy people become highly paid advertising
executives. It is not odd with the world calls saying what it calls crazy?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b><span style="color: black;">This Is Worship</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The astonishing truth hits us: This
is our “spiritual worship” (v. 1)! The sacrifice, the blood, sweat and tears,
the self-denial, the transformative mindset, the relentless practicing — it’s
our worship. It is a sweet incense that floats pleasantly into the very
presence of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We don’t know what will become of
Elisey Mysin. He’s only 10 years old or so. He’s still playing the piano in the
heart of Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">But at age 6, Anna Ji-Eun Lee was
accepted as a student at the Pre-College of the Juilliard School to study under
Masao Kawasaki. She graduated from the Juilliard School in 2013, and went on to
study at Harvard. She’s been working with Ana Chumachenco as a Young Soloist at
Kronberg Academy. She has performed in the most highly acclaimed venues in the
United States, including several performances at Carnegie Hall. She has played
Wigmore Hall in London and performed with several renowned orchestras,
including the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic
Orchestra. She knows all about sacrificing for success. We know what has become
of her. But what will become of us?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">How will we bless the world? How
will our “audience” thrill at the virtuosity of our transformative ministry?
How will we serve Jesus in our church, our community, among our friends, among
neighbors, co-workers, the lost and needy, the lowly and downcast?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">For the apostle Paul, bringing his
letter to the church at Rome to a close, these are the important questions. He
knew then that the world needs Jesus people who are all in, who will sacrifice
for success — the kind of success that reconciles and connects people to God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">So... <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">If a man's gift is prophesying, let him prophesy...<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">If it is serving, let him serve;<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">if it is teaching, let him teach;<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">if it is encouraging, let him encourage; <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him
give generously; <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Conclusion:
Where is your witness? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We are a colony of heaven... and such values
are not the same as this world. Our future is not the same as this world. Our
king is not the same as what this world offers. So where is your witness? Where
do you stand for the kingdom? Where are you building the kingdom? Where are the
points of conflict between God's ways and the world's ways? Since you have been
gifted, since you are a living sacrifice, then at every point that you utilize
those gifts and lay your life down, there you have a witness. IT is at those
points that you do not look like the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is at those points that you give honor and glory to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is at those points that your allegiance to
Jesus Christ as The Way, The Truth, The Life - is made clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You stand apart from this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You stand above this world - you are not
consumed by the circumstances of this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You will not succumb to the fears of this world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Where is your witness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are a living sacrifice - then you
automatically have a witness to the God as you utilize your gifts for the King
and Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This is our “spiritual worship”!
(v. 1)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Certain Bulletin Pieces for
August 23, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Sermon Seed: </span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Philippians 3:20 says, "But our
citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there,
the Lord Jesus Christ..."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are a
colony of Heaven." I use this language a lot when we did our study through
the book of Ephesians. We are a colony of heaven. That's where citizenship
truly resides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not Dexter - we
are a colony of heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not
Chaves County - we are a colony of heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is not a club - this is a colony of heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not defined by these four walls - we
are a colony of heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people in
this room are not the only citizens - there are others in this town, and
joining us from around the nation and world (looking into the camera).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are a colony of heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As such - we are just sojourners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a job to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a message... Let's get to it...<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Words of Greeting: <a name="_Hlk48642851">Romans 11:33-36<o:p></o:p></a></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -13.5pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk48642851;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">One: Oh, the depth of the
riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk48642851;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">All: </span></b></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk48642851;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How
unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out!<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk48642851;"><span style="color: black;">One:</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk48642851;"><span style="color: #3365cd;"> </span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk48642851;"><span style="color: black;">"Who has known the
mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -13.5pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk48642851;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">All: "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay
him?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -13.5pt;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk48642851;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">One: For from Him and
through Him and to Him are all things.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 31.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.7pt;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk48642851;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">All: To Him be the glory
forever! Amen.</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Unison Prayer of Confession<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Forgive us, Lord,
for measuring Your will by conventional standards. We assume that what we think
is right or that what we think will make us happy must be Your intentions for
us. We assume, all too often, that our half-truths are close enough to Your
truth, and that our halfhearted gestures are close enough to Your goodness, and
that our grudging halfway advances are close enough to Your second-mile love.
Forgive us for forgetting how much larger is Your will for us and Your expectations
for us than what we ever admit to ourselves. We dare to pray because we know
how much larger Your mercy is than we ever deserve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Silent Prayer
and Reflection)<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Assurance of Pardon: Romans 5:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.5pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">One: Therefore, since we
have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we
now stand. Friends, believe the good news of the Gospel!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 31.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.7pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">All:
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">What does a "renewed
mind" look like - think like?..<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Affirmation of Faith: Romans
12:9-18<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">"Love must
be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another
in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in
zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in
need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not
curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in
harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with
people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as
far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></p>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">More
background connected to Romans 11 and the Jews/Gentiles BOTH called to God<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b><span style="color: black;">Ephesians Three</span></b><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Read
Ephesians 3:1-6 and Paul's call to convert Gentiles<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">of Christ Jesus for the sake of you
Gentiles--<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">2Surely you have heard about the<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">administration of God's grace that was<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">given to me for you,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">3that is, the mystery made known to me<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">by revelation, as I have already written
briefly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">4In reading this, then, you will be able to<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">understand my insight into the mystery of
Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">5which was not made known to men in<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">other generations as it has now been<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">revealed by the Spirit to God's holy<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">apostles and prophets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">6This mystery is that through the gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">the Gentiles are heirs together with<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Israel, members together of one body,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">and sharers together in the promise in<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Christ Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Define
Jew and Gentile: It starts with Abraham and God calling him out, making a
promise/covenant with him and to make him into a nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God promises to settle him in a land (Genesis
12:2-3). Understand that God didn’t promise this to everyone. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">The promise
is passed on to Isaac, Jacob, the 12 Tribes, Moses, then the Israelites and
Joshua entering the Promised Land.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">In
particular (Deuteronomy) Moses reminds the people that God did not choose them
because they were the biggest, best, or special… but that they were special
because God chose them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">As
they enter the Promised Land remember the strict orders not to mix/marry with
pagans/gentiles… they would lose purity/holiness and be led astray by false
Gods (which is exactly what happened).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">After
1800-2000 years of this (Abraham to Jesus) there is a lot of animosity built up
between Jews and Gentiles... but then something new happens – this is the
mystery (something not understood or revealed) Paul refers to in Ephesians 3…
namely that now the Gentiles are being included as Children of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Though
forgotten, this was actually the plan and promise to Abraham in Genesis
22:17-18<a name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;">17</span><span style="color: black;">I
will surely bless you and make your<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">descendants
as numerous as the stars<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">in
the sky and as the sand on the<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">seashore.
Your descendants will take<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">possession
of the cities of their enemies,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;">18</span><span style="color: black;">and
through your offspring all nations<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">on
earth will be blessed, because you<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">have obeyed me."<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Now –
after what Jesus did for us and for all, and now – because the promised Holy
Spirit has been poured out on us – this promise and prophecy was being
fulfilled and Paul is on the cutting edge of it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Here
is how minds and hearts were being changed, the mystery was being revealed…<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Read Acts 10<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Chapter
10 is focused on 2 people: The Apostle Peter and a new character named
Cornelius.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cornelius is a Roman
Centurion (he’s in charge of 100 men) based out of Ceaseara. Cornelius was a
gentile but "God Fearing", meaning he believed in God in the same way
a Jew did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">God
sends an angel to Cornelius and tells him, “Go get Peter & bring him to
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, Peter, while praying
sees a vision of a great sheet filled with animals. Some of those animals are
“forbidden-food” for Jews. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">God
tells Peter in this vision to “kill and eat”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Peter
says no as it is against Jewish custom. God reminds Peter of who’s in charge! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Peter
figures out the vision is about the Gentiles receiving the Word of God <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Meanwhile,
the Centurion sends men to get Peter and bring him back to hear the Gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">Peter
goes to Cornelius’ house to preach Jesus. In the middle of the sermon, people
get saved. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Acts 10:44-46<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black;">44 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;">While Peter was still speaking these words,
the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.</span></span><span style="color: black;"> <span class="text"><b><sup>45 </sup></b>The
circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the
gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>46 </sup></b>For they heard them speaking in
tongues and praising God.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">People
started speaking in tongues like they did at Pentecost in Chapter 2. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">The difference
between this experience and Chapter 2, is that this time Gentiles get saved.
These are the first recorded Gentiles (i.e., non-Jews) to get saved.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Acts 10:47 – they have been given the Holy
Spirit. There can be no argument that they are God’s children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Galatians 3:28:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">"There
is neither <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jew nor Gentile</b>, neither
slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in
Christ Jesus."<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p></p>Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-45732695004999272202020-07-19T11:16:00.003-07:002020-07-19T11:16:56.805-07:00Preaching notes from July 19, 2020<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">specific Bulletin
pieces for <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Introduction to the Prayer of Confession... a teaching
moment - why we do what we do.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Scripture
says that, “If we claim that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth
is not in us, but if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just, will
forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:8,9).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repentance is an integral part of our
relationship with God for it is sin that separates us from the one who created
us and loves us beyond measure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ask
God to forgive us not just at a singular point in our lives (Baptism,
conversion, etc…) but as an ongoing means of the Holy Spirit convicting us,
drawing us closer to God, renewing us, and transforming us into the likeness of
Christ (II Corinthians 3:18).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
unison prayer of confession is a means of recognizing that, “All have sinned
and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than just for ourselves or specific
individuals, this prayer confesses that human nature (the ways of the
flesh/world, in Biblical language) is itself sinful without God’s redeeming
presence in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A time for silent
prayers (30-60 seconds) is provided to reflect on our relationship with God and
how we might draw closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some will use
this time to confess specific transgressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All can use this time to acknowledge our need of a Savior – the Lord
Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Assurance of Pardon is a means of accepting the love and grace God offers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If anyone sins we have someone who pleads
with the Father on our behalf- Jesus Christ the righteous one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Christ himself is the means by which our
sins are forgiven, and not our sins only, but also the sins of everyone” (I
John 2:1-2).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We respond to this process
of confession (prayer) and forgiveness with praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the “wages of sin are death, but the
gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23) we
celebrate with a short song or ascription of praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This response could be any means of praise. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We typically
use the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Gloria Patri</span></b> as our means of returning praise to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Glory
be to the Father,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And
to the Son,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And
to the Holy Ghost, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As
it was in the beginning,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Is
now and ever shall be, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">World
without End<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Amen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The <b><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Gloria Patri</span></b> was used by the early church (2<sup>nd</sup>
century) as an ascription of praise during worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The name is actually the first line of the
song as sung in Latin (Glory be to the Father = <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Gloria Patri</span>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All this being true and right, today
I want to approach our Prayer of Confession and assurance of God's Pardon from
a different angle the fits with our Scripture and message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Christians, we need to come to faith
(ourselves), grow in faith, and share the faith. All God's children have a
mission and ministry to call others into repentance and to know the goodness of
God's grace and God's plan for them. After all, Romans 10:9-13 says,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If
you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in
your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span class="text"><b><sup>10 </sup></b>For
it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your
mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>11 </sup></b>As
Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>12 </sup></b>For there is no difference between Jew and
Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>13 </sup></b>for, “Everyone who calls on the name of
the Lord will be saved.”</span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This is what we want others to do.
It's very hard to start a loving relationship where outsiders will listen if
your first words and only words are, "Repent! You are a sinner!" Even
if this is true, as it is of a of us, people aren't listening after that point.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As "Insiders," those who
have already come to faith and are growing in faith, we are encouraged to make
our confession because we know the grace of God already. As an "Outsider"
(and this is Paul's term from today's reading in Colossians), wouldn't you be
encouraged to repent if you first heard and were assured of your pardon?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much easier<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is it to approach God if you knew His nature
is that of Grace?!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To help us think about this, just
for today we are starting with the Assurance of Pardon, our
confession/repentance will follow in the form of Silent Prayer... Romans 8
outlines beautifully the problem of sin and God's desire for us to forgiven of
sin...<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Assurance of Pardon </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(Romans<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>8:1-4, 5, 6-8, 12-15, 16-17, 31-34)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One: T</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">herefore,
there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,<span style="color: #3365cd;"> </span><span style="color: black;">because through Christ
Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful
nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a
sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the
righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live
according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">All: <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Those who live
according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature
desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set
on what the Spirit desires.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One: The mind of
sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;
the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it
do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. Therefore,
brothers, we have an obligation--but it is not to the sinful nature, to live
according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die;
but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not
receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the
Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">All: The Spirit himself testifies
with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are
heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his
sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(Silent Prayer and Reflection)</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 31.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.7pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One: </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What, then, shall we
say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did
not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along
with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against
those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns?
Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right
hand of God and is also interceding for us<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span></i></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Faith in Christ and Love for the Saints<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Colossians
4:2-6<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"Salt and Grace"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Introduction: The Invisible Sweater<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Kathy lived in a sad and angry
world. Her experience with legalism as a child had left her with painful scars
of guilt, self-doubt, and the hatred of pastors. Kathy knew all about pastors.
In her mind they were the self-righteous dispensers of legalism which left her
with jagged scars of guilt and remorse. In time, her entire demeanor had become
a projection of those old wounds. Her life, her words, and her gestures had
become one sustained cry for help. Only those of us who loved her could hear
her calling out in pain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I remember the day when Kathy
attended my Communicator's Workshop (Ken Davis). Those seminars, of course, are
magnets for ministerial types. Kathy knew that. That's why she stood by the
door, taking the measure of the auditorium. "I hate pastors," she
said, adding a curse for an extra flourish of defiance. She fixed her glare on
a tall, distinguished gentleman with snow-white hair and murmured, "Typical
preacher!" Keep him away from me – I will not be responsible for what I do
if he gets too close. She wasn't kidding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I wondered for years how I could
break through into Kathy's world. For that matter, I wondered if it could even
be done. My own universe was brightly illumined by God's healing of broken
lives. I lived out the blessing of seeing despair transformed to hope on a
regular basis. But for Kathy, real hope seemed unavailable at any price. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Being sensitive to her 'clerical
aversion,' I tried to accommodate Kathy by keeping her segregated from the
pastors she loathed. But I could never rearrange enough chairs to block the
shrewd, gracious, marvelous maneuvering of God. Kathy wandered into her room
filled nearly to capacity. At that point, only two adjoining seats were
unfilled. She'd at least have a one-seat pastor-free zone. She made her choice
and settled into her place. And as she did so, the distinguished, white-haired
pastor she had loathed appeared and claimed the other chair. Her seating assignment
was sealed for the duration, yoking her with the living embodiment of ministers
everywhere – the "Arch-pastor" himself! The full horror of this
dawned on her. I saw the expression that came across her face, but the
situation was out of my hands. I watched curiously as the days and sessions
played out. Kathy was a captive audience for dozens of presentations
proclaiming the power of God. She heard the stories of lives changed forever by
forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And inevitably, she was called on to
interact with those around her. On these occasions she was loved and treated
kindly, time after time. The whole experience amounted to a leisurely
demolition of her long-held and deeply held stereotypes of God and the
Christian faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>None of this is to say that she surrendered
without a struggle. On the contrary, she clung tenaciously, willfully, to the
fortifications of her biases. But I came to understand the reason God hadn't
allowed me to shelter Kathy from the presence of the dreaded white-haired
pastor, whose name happened to be Gordon. She sat – fully disarmed – beside one
of the kindest, gentlest spirits I'd ever met. Kathy persisted in treating him
coldly. He would retaliate just as stubbornly with warmth and kindness.
Something had to give. The X-factor turned out to be Kathy's chain-smoking
habit. She was coping with an added layer of tension because the building was
smoke-free. With every break in the sessions, she inevitably bolted for the
door in a cold sweat. One day we were finishing a very quick 'stand and stretch'
break when Kathy burst into the building. Short of breath and trailing a cloud
of smoke, she ran right into Gordon. "What are you doing?" he asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Quite predictably, Kathy fired back
a retort fueled by all the criticism and judgment she'd endured over the years.
"I was smoking a cigarette," she snapped. "What's it to you?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Taking her vehemence in stride, the
pastor glanced at his watch. "You couldn't have done it justice," he
drawled, a huge smile creeping across his face. "You should take a little
more time."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Who could have predicted it? This
was a nondescript moment, a trivial bit of small talk. Some deep, entrenched
barrier within Kathy's heart chose that particular moment to begin to give way.
In the face of her rude behavior, Gordon's simple goodness prevailed. Without
even trying, he broke through to her world by accepting her just the way she
was – loving her despite her inability to love back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gordon's goodwill punched a small
hole in the great dam she'd been constructing, at tremendous emotional expense,
for decades. The dam held back the rivers of God's care for her. It had pushed
back the currents of concerns that flowed from those who loved her. Most of
all, Kathy's dam had stifled her magnificent potential to love others. And now
the dam was breached, once and for all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The hole in the dam only grew in the
aftermath. When her turn came to give a speech on the topic of her choice,
Kathy offered up a heart-rending exercise in vulnerability titled, "Snake
or Savior?" She laid bare her terror of reaching out to God for fear of
being bitten one more time. Her soul, she explained, could bear no further scars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The floodgates fully opened. Kathy
finally did what had seemed unthinkable just a day or two earlier, she placed
her trust in the only One who could heal her bruised heart. She faced her Maker
honestly, willingly, and without reservation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The transformation was instantaneous
and dramatic. When she returned to her job, her coworkers didn't recognize her.
She looked younger and carried herself more lightly. Anger, bitterness, had
been erased from her face. Kathy was at peace, but that was only the beginning.
Her marriage flourished and grew. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today Kathy has become what she most
dreaded. She is the pastor of a small church on the East Coast. She teaches at
the same workshop for God's love that finally in broke through in her life.
Among those fortunate enough to enter the realm of her ministry, she
demonstrates an uncanny gift of reaching beyond the aching defenses of life's
walking wounded. The embittered Kathy who hurled stones at every Christian in sight
is gone forever. The Kathy of today is a joyful spirit who lavishes time and
love on the elderly and dying. She speaks passionately to audiences about the
power of reaching people by loving them where they are, the adventure of
entering the world of people like Helen:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"I met Helen," Kathy
begins, "when she was 101 years old. She was my hospice patient for
months. They finally kicked her out of the program when she turned 102 because
she was doing too well to qualify. That's Helen all over. The last I heard, she
was celebrating her 103rd birthday. Helen was one of the most joyful people
I've ever known. This elderly saint had a gentle, laughing spirit. She was
alert and conversant, delighting in our visits. But Helen's reality was not our
reality, she lived in a world of her own. The people who populated her days
were people I couldn't see or hear. They were ghosts from her past – old
memories would come to life again for Helen. I knew I had both feet in the real
world. I asked myself how I could somehow meet Helen in the special place in
which she lived. I had to learn how to step through the portal into her world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One day, as my son and I were
visiting with Helen, she picked up some cloth that was invisible to us. She
straightened her needle and thread, neither of which we could see – she began
to sew a phantom sweater with meticulously perfect stitches. She smiled
brightly as we discussed the delicacy of the fabric and the neat rows of
thread. But her hands apparently became clumsy. She dropped the sewing needle.
Then my son and I were down on the floor on our hands and knees, peering under
tables and chairs. We found ourselves joining in the search for a needle that
existed only in Helen's mind. Helen's world had indeed become ours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That's why I'm wearing tonight, in
Helen's honor, the sweater she made me…"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At this point, Kathy turns slowly, 360°,
to show us a sweater that doesn't exist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There's no thread or cloth, no buttons or color. <b>But
it's a mantle of salt and grace... </b>just as Paul asks of Believers, </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6"</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let your conversation
be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer
everyone."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two examples in that
story of "outsiders" touched by God, through unlikely opportunities
and the witness of two of his children.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We have a job to do<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is
not just Paul's mission - to do evangelism. It is our mission as a Church and
as followers of Christ - to share the Good news! To help, to encourage, to
instruct, to model, to lead, others into a saving knowledge of who Jesus Christ
is - so that they will repent, believe, and, and know God's grace and
salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #3365cd; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Colossians 4:5 </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">; make the most of every<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>opportunity.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let your conversation be always full of<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>grace, seasoned with salt, so that you<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>may know how to answer everyone.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"Be
Wise." Wisdom comes from God, of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I still say it, it used to be kind of my motto, "Wisdom is not just
what to do, but how to do it."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
need to call all the world to repent, but they will listen if how we say it is
full of salt and grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is God's
plan and way of doing things,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>mine
sounds more like, "Duh..." "Uhm..." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Colossian's speech is to be Salty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
our idiom, salty language is something replete with profanities, but obviously
that is not Paul's meaning. 'Seasoned with salt' was used to refer to witty,
amusing, clever, humorous speech. Their saltiness will prevent them from being
ignored as irrelevant bores, or legalistic preachers. Because as believers we
live in a hostile context, we need to have our answers ready for those who
challenge or curious about their faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"Witty,
amusing, clever..." salty speech - no pressure there. In the last week
I've tried to get junior hires to tell jokes. I printed off all kinds of jokes.
It was such a fail. If there internal batteries were not on 5%, making them
punchy and silly, there would have been no laughs at all. They were simply
laughing that my jokes were such a joke. "You call these jokes?" Actually,
come to think of it - they were probably laughing at me... I was the joke. But
how can I compare to Youtube, Tiktok and a culture that thrives on being coarse,
etc. And I'm not a cute kitten loop either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can't compete. Nor should I.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To
succeed in making them laugh like they do with other forms of media, means that
I must rise or in this case, descend, to that level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this is my <b>first critique of typical
Christian Witness - we just blend in</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And if we just blend in - we are not witnessing/saying anything... we
are just more noise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understand?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WE HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY. Or at least we
should.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thumbing
through a book that had gathered dust in my office, I came across a friend's
business card. She is a photographer. Right now, actually, she's about 95% wife
and mother, but every once in a while she gets to be a photographer. I was
struck by how handsome her business card was/is. It has a headshot of her
looking off over the Mexican countryside, but it wasn't a glamour shot. They
look very natural and looked very much her, the wind causing strands of hair to
cover her face in places. It's a picture so I'm already fond of it, but since I
hadn't seen it in a long time I looked at it more objectively and just thought
it was, well, perfect. And it needs to be, it is for photographer. I'm just
gonna say, if it had been a 'selfie' with her arm stretched out in front of
her, half in the picture, I would've been disappointed and thought that I can
be just as good a photographer as her. <b>What does a Christian's business card
look like?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My<b>
second critique of Christian Witness is this, far too often Christians have a
reputation for being judgmental</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially
since politics is our currency these days and the silent majority has been
whittled down to a silent minority with both the left and the right becoming
quite noisy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A Christian's
business card should look like GRACE.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the
Good News, right?! Some will say, "Repent! And God will love you."
Or, we can tell them some Good News, "God loves you, would you willingly
now give your life to God?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
the whole idea behind us playing with our Worship order and saying the
Assurance of our Pardon first in order to encourage repentance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Worship order is geared toward
"Insiders" and not "Outsiders," so we aren't going to change
it... probably, though we can, of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The point is that our business card needs to be Grace... It will be
heard, it will sound nothing like the world around us, it will not be just more
noise... and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it will not be boring, it
is not legalistic, it is truth, it embodies the word and work of our Savior.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Romans
2:4 "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and
patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to
repentance?"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Conclusion</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">I'm actually going backwards
through our scripture for the day... here are the first verses we read,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Devote yourselves to
prayer, being<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>watchful and thankful.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And pray for us, too, that God may<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>open a door for our message, so that we<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>which I am in chains. </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So just a word, in conclusion,
about Paul's starting place in all this - Prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My usual
soapbox when it comes to prayer, is the say that, "Prayer is not
overcoming God's reluctance, but laying hold of God's willingness."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is how Christians tend to pray, as if
they are trying to coerce God to act. As if they have to plead their case and
convince God to answer their prayer. Or, I'll say out loud what is implied, to
convince God to answer their prayer in the manner in which they want it
answered. But, now that I snuck that in there - got to say it again... this is
what I want you to understand today...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My
natural inclination is to want an Apple, I don't want seeds.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When it comes
to evangelism, we can be so timid. We just want answers to our prayers, and
it's a different thing to yield to the answers God would give us. It's hard for
us to speak of Christian things to outsiders, it's hard for us to stand out,
it's hard for us to endure ridicule, it can be hard for us to defend our faith.
And so we are hesitant to do it. Sure, we know we are to do evangelism, but we
want to be there when the Apple is fully ripe and falls from the tree. I
volunteer to catch it - Woo hoo! But for most of the life of that apple, they
all start as a seed and it has to grow and be watered and grow and be watered
and see the sunshine and grow and be watered until the final point when that outsider
has ripened and matured gives their life over to the creator. Pray for the
Harvest, but pray also for the laborers and seed planters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: right 4.5in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">As fellow
Christian, as a co-laborers with Christ, I see that beautiful invisible
sweater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world does not, cannot,
without faith, but I know you are on a mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are all on a mission. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should"...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and I will pray that </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">you
"may proclaim it clearly, as you should."</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-91475921416663592552020-06-07T05:51:00.000-07:002020-06-07T05:51:01.278-07:00Preaching notes June 7, 2020 Col. 1:24-2:5<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Faith in
Christ and Love for the Saints<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Hidden Treasure"<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Colossians
1:24-2:5<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Introduction:</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> The Largest
Buried Treasure Find in America<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">The largest buried treasure find
in America, known as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the Saddle Ridge
hoard</b>, was discovered in February 2013. A couple who owned the property
were walking their dog in the morning. They spotted what appeared to be a
rusted portion of a can and decided to unearth it. The rusted and deformed can
was unusually heavy as if it were filled with iron or lead. The can was so
heavy that while taking it back to their house, the lid of the can cracked open
and revealed glistening gold coins! Not the sort of thing that you stumble
across on the average day!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">After that first can, the couple
went back to the site to dig up the land in search of more cans filled with
coins. Eventually, they unearthed a total of eight cans throughout their
property on Saddle Ridge. After their discovery, the couple protected their
find by hiding it in an old ice chest, then burying it under a pile of wood.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape alt="Rusted can of gold coins as found at discovery site in February 2013 Source" id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" style="height: 117.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 168pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="Rusted can of gold coins as found at discovery site in February 2013 Source" src="file:///C:\Users\Stephen\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape alt="1886-S $10 PCGS slab.Source" id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 160.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 122.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape alt="Saddle Ridge Hoard of coins and dirt.Source" id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 140.25pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 208.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="Saddle Ridge Hoard of coins and dirt" src="file:///C:\Users\Stephen\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">The face value of the coins
totaled $27,980, but was assessed to be worth $10 million. In total, the hoard
contains $27,460 in twenty-dollar coins, $500 in ten-dollar coins, and $20 in
five-dollar coins, all dating from 1847 to 1894. The collection is the largest
known discovery of buried gold coins that has ever been recovered in the US. The
origin of the largest buried treasure find in America remain a mystery to
this day. </span><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">(</span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Source: Neil Patrick; “The Saddle Ridge Hoard – is the
largest known discovery of buried gold coins that has ever been recovered in
the US,” The Vintage News, 7-28-16)</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Who would not want to find
a hidden treasure?</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not everyone would want to
go arrowhead hunting with me -- I can sometimes be so slow in an effort to be
thorough, and because I just believe that there is treasure everywhere and I am
missing it. It was kind of the same thing growing up, wanting to be an
archaeologist: find fossils or buried civilizations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Don't you believe that there's so much treasure out
there, undiscovered, and hidden... Just like the gold in the cans, not too far
away from gold rush country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I have
been told the last two months to take my money out of the banks and stick it in
my backyard - it would be safer. I would not be the first to do that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">There is of course a problem with "hidden
treasure." It's not the 'treasure' part, I am enthralled! It is the 'hidden'
part. Where is it hiding? That's the million-dollar, oops - $10 million
question. A person could hunt all their life and never discover such a
treasure. And that would describe 99.999% of the people in our world. If we
just knew where to look.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">In our passage today Paul uses language of: hidden,
treasure, mysteries, struggling and striving for, disclosing secrets and of
discovering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again - a person could
look all their life and never find such treasure, be so close and never find
it. Our world does this all the time. As human beings, we are always looking to
win the lottery. Always looking for security, salvation, purpose, things of great
value... And unless you look in the right place, know where it is hidden, you
won't find it. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Paul says it's hidden in
Christ, we are stewards of the mysteries of God, it is our calling to disclose
the location of this greatest treasure to a world that is seeking. We labor "in
order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden
all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just
as we said last week, Paul addresses the Church/Christians immersed in a
culture that believed salvation was hidden. That it must be revealed. Heretically,
they said that it was not fully revealed in Christ and that you must be let in
on 'secret knowledge and wisdom.' This is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gnosticism</b>,
which was just beginning to flourish at the end of Paul's life and would last a
long to come.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul says we now know where to look...<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">25</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">I have become its servant by the<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>commission God gave me to present to<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>you the word of God in its fullness--<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span style="color: #3365cd; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">26</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">the mystery that has been kept hidden<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>for ages and generations, but is now<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>disclosed to the saints.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Nothing
remains a mystery once it has been explained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is Paul's calling - to explain the mystery of who Jesus is and what
he has done for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like Jeremiah, who said the Word of God was like a burning fire in
his bones (Jeremiah 20:9), Paul felt compelled to carry out his ministry.
To the Corinthians he wrote, "For when I preach the gospel, I cannot
boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the
gospel!" 1 Corinthians 9:16.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Colossians
1:23 - "</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to
every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have <u>become a servant</u>."</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Remember that Paul has never met the Colossian Church
face to face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew Epaphras who came
to a saving knowledge of Christ under his ministry in Ephesus, but Paul had
never been to Colossae.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often Paul </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">had to speak about his </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">calling</span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> when he
needed to establish his authority and credibility as a teacher. That was his
aim in this passage too. Colossians was written in part to address heresies
that challenged that young Church. Essentially Paul had to defend his authority
to speak for God or the false teachers would have dismissed what he wrote is
merely his own opinion. </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Having
begun the letter with the statement of his apostolic authority (1:1), Paul now
gives a detailed look at the divine character of his ministry.</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every time
he said, "I am an Apostle," he was saying, "I am a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sent one</i> from God" (that is
what Apostle means). He says, "...I, Paul, am made a minister."
In other words, he didn't choose to become a minister, God made him a
minister. That fact gave him credibility and punch in speaking to the
Colossians.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul's
Calling<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As Paul
looks at his ministry, the first thing he wants to talk about is its source...
who is the AUTHOR behind the AUTHORity?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Paul's
conversion story is told in Acts 9, and summarized here in Acts 26:13-18<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">13 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">About
noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter
than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. </span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">14 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in
Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick
against the goads.’<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">15 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Then
I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are
persecuting,’ the Lord replied. </span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">16 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">‘Now
get up and stand on your feet. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I
have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you
have seen and will see of me. </b></span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">17 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I will rescue you from your
own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them </span></b><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">18 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to
light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive
forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in
me.’</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Rom%2015.15-16a" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 15:15-16a</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">:</span></b><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Throughout
Paul's writings, he makes it clear that he was put into the ministry by God. In
Romans 15 he says, "Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more
boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that
is given to me of God, that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the
Gentiles...." In other words, "The reason I'm so bold in writing to
you Gentiles <b>is that the Lord has made me a servant</b> to you. I'm only
carrying out my ministry and doing that which God has called me to </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">do."<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Becoming a minister of Jesus Christ was not what Saul of Tarsus planned
to do with his life. On the contrary, he appeared headed for the upper echelons
of Judaism. </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">His credentials
were impressive. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 81.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Philippians 3:5-6<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 63.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">5 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">circumcised on
the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a
Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; <b><sup>6 </sup></b>as
for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the
law, faultless.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 81.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Acts 22:3<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 63.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">3 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">“I am a
Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I
studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our
ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 81.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Galatians 1:14<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 63.0pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">14 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">I was advancing
in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely
zealous for the traditions of my fathers.</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Instead of great honor - he has become a servant.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul's
understanding of what it means to be a servant / be commissioned<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The word
"commission" in the Greek is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">oikonomia</i>
(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nomos</i> = law or rule; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">oikos</i> = house). Literally, then, it
means "to rule a house," or "to be a steward of somebody
else's possessions." A steward didn't own anything, he just managed
something for somebody else. In those days, a homeowner with a large
estate would have a steward who would manage his whole house. He would
take care of everything--employment, wages, supplies--and make sure
everything was carried out. It was a very great responsibility.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the Bible translation that says, he/we
are "stewards of the mysteries of God."<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We
all have responsibilities - a calling<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/1%20Pet%204.10-11" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1 Peter 4:10-11</span></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">--Peter
writes, "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same
one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." Every
Christian has received a spiritual gift, so every Christian should be
ministering. As a steward, you hold that gift; but it isn't your own. You are
to use it and manage it for God's glory. According to verse 11, if you have a
speaking gift, you're to "speak as the oracles of God.". If you have
a serving gift, you're to serve "as of the ability which God giveth."
Why? "...that God in all things may be glorified...." The source of
all ministry is God. We don't choose it. So you had better examine your own
heart to see what God has called you to do.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Colossians 1:24</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"Now</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> I rejoice in what was suffered for<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>for the sake of his body, which is the church."<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is dealing with a heresy in Colossae that taught that Christ's
life and death had to be supplemented by acquiring secret knowledge and
human works. So, he's certainly not going to say that we have to suffer to
add to the atoning work of Christ. In fact, the word translated
"afflictions" here (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thlipsis
</i>in Greek) is never used to describe the atoning suffering of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In verse 24 when Paul says, "Who now rejoice in my sufferings
for you," he was referring directly to his imprisonment. From
references that Paul makes in chapter 4 of this Epistle about his
situation (verses 10, 18), we can ascertain, beyond the shadow of a doubt,
that Paul was a prisoner at this time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul's
understanding of Imprisonment<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though Paul was imprisoned at Rome, he never saw himself as a
prisoner of Rome. He constantly referred to being a prisoner of Jesus
Christ. For example, in Philemon he says, "Paul, a prisoner of Jesus
Christ..." (verse 1a), "...Paul, the aged, and now also a
prisoner of Jesus Christ" (verse 9b), "...there greet you
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus" (verse 23). So Paul saw
himself not as a prisoner of the Romans or of any man. He saw himself as a
prisoner of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Colossians 1:28</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"> "We</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> proclaim him, admonishing
and<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>teaching everyone with all
wisdom, so<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>that we may present
everyone <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">perfect</b> in Christ."<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">"Perfect"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who or how can we be perfect?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let's think of better word for this or use a better translation of the
word: think of it as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">mature</b>.</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Time is
running out. If you have a nine-year-old daughter you have only 4,730,400 more
minutes before she turns 18 and is, for all legal purposes, and adult. What are
you doing to prepare her for maturity? Another minute is slipping away. Will
you be able to present as a mature adult by the time she reaches her 18th
birthday? Paul is a specific goal in proclaiming him, admonishing and teaching
everyone with all wisdom. It was so that he might present his spiritual
children perfect in Christ. The time of presenting them to Jesus would be at
his return. Their perfection in Christ was to be completely mature in their
faith and character. They would be equipped to handle life as Jesus would, to
respond to life as Jesus would, to apply Jesus to the problems to see life
through Jesus' eyes. That is perfection in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Colossians 1:29-</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"> "</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">To this end I labor, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">struggling</b> with all<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>his energy, which so powerfully works in<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>me.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>I want you to know
how much I am<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> strugglin</b>g for you and
for those at<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Laodicea, and for all
who have not met<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>me personally.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>My <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">purpose</b> is that...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul
knew how to rejoice in suffering, may be better than anyone else, any other
author in the Bible. He writes about us suffering in 2 Corinthians chapter 11
(verses 23-27), when he is talking about false apostles:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 67.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"I have worked much harder, been in prison more
frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death
again and again. </span><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">24 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Five times I received from the Jews the forty
lashes minus one. </span><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">25 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Three
times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three
times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, </span><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">26 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have
been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from
bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger
in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger
from false believers. </span><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">27 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have
labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger
and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and
naked."</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Obviously,
Paul was acquainted with suffering. He can urge us to rejoice in our sufferings
because he learned to rejoice in his. We don't rejoice because we are suffering;
no one enjoys suffering. But, we rejoice that we have hope through Christ in
the midst of our struggles. He elaborates on the value of rejoicing when we
suffer in Romans 5:3-4, "we also glory in our sufferings, because we know
that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character,
hope."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
apostle James also teaches us about the positive aspects of suffering as
believers, "consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you
face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith
produces perseverance" (James 1:2-3). For most of us, our first response
to trials and sufferings is not joy. We may be tempted to complain, or to
become angry, or to grow fearful, or to "protest." That </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">would be the natural way to
respond, but Christians can respond differently because we know that God is on
our side and that he is our vindicator<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">James says to rejoice in trials because they produce perseverance. But
they can produce a lot of other things before perseverance shows itself strong.
They can pull us into self-pity, pride, fear, rebellion, selfishness, jealousy,
and other negative conditions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Part of
our Christian walk involves being conformed to the image of Christ Romans
(8:29), and that is a journey that isn't always easy. As we go through that
lifelong process, we will face challenges and sufferings is Christ, Paul, and
others have faced. God does not allow suffering in our lives simply so we will
suffer and learn to be tough. He uses it to strengthen us in our relationships
with him and to bring forth Godly character qualities that may not be formed in
us any other way. And when we learn how to remain stable in the midst of the
storms of life, it is a great witness to unbelievers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Illustration:
Drought Uncovers Treasure<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
summer drought of 2007 allowed scientists and archaeologists in Florida to look
through a window into the state's past and uncover hidden treasures just below
the surface of Lake Okeechobee. Okeechobee is the nation's second largest lake.
Because of the drought, the lake hit its lowest level on record. In some areas
the shoreline receded more than a mile, creating areas of dry lakebed where
historical artifacts have been uncovered, with some dating back 500 years or
more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pottery
shards, arrowheads, weaving tools, and pendants now lay on top of the dry
ground, providing clues about the Native Americans that lived in the area hundreds
of years ago. Evidence of the Florida tourism and fishing industries also lurk
nearby, including a fishing trawler from 1904 that probably sank during a
hurricane in 1928 and evidence of paddleboats that once ferried tourists around
the area.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All these
items have rested just beneath the surface of the water for many years. It took
a drought to bring them out into the light of day again.<b> Spiritual droughts
are not fun, to say the least. But the trials and moments of doubt that come
during personal drought can reveal many things about us</b>. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">("Beneath the Water: A Window to History,"
Jeffrey Kofman, ABC News, 9-13-07)</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Hidden Treasure</span></b><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Suffering can be a hidden treasure<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Notice
what Paul writes about Jesus in Colossians 2:3. He says that in Christ
"are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." The treasures
hidden in him are endless, so no matter how spiritually mature a person may be
or how long they have walked with him, there is always more to learn and
experience. Whenever you need wisdom in a situation, anytime you need to know
something, the answer is hidden in Christ. It is not hidden because God does
not want you to find it; <b>it is hidden because God wants you to seek it.</b>
He knows you will find the wisdom and knowledge you are diligently searching
for, as well as other surprising and wonderful things. The process of seeking
God offers many rewards - more than simply the immediate answers you may be
looking for. Discovering the treasures hidden in Christ is not difficult. You
pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal them to you, and you take the time and
effort to diligently study God's Word. You remain committed to God and his
word, no matter how long it takes to receive your answer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Throughout
Scripture, we read about valuable things that are hidden. For example Jesus
says in Matthew 13:44, "the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in
the field." The Bible also teaches us that hidden things are meant to be
discovered. In Mark 4:22, Jesus says to the crowd listening to him teach beside
the Sea of Galilee, "for whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed,
whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open." One of
the things God does is reveal to us what we cannot see with our natural eyes.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:9-10<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">9 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">...as it is written:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">“What no eye has seen,<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">what no ear has heard,<br />
and what no human mind has conceived”—<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">the things God has prepared for those who love him—<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="first-line-none" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">10 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">these are the things
God has revealed to us by his Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Spirit searches
all things, even the deep things of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These
verses should encourage you to search for all the treasures God has for you to
discover and understand. While there will always be certain spiritual mysteries
that are a part of walking with God, he does not permanently hide from you
anything you need to know. He may lead you on a journey to discover through his
word, but if you seek it, you will find it. He promises in Jeremiah 29:13: "you
will seek me and find me because you seek with all your heart." <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the questions we always ask in
suffering/struggling is the purpose of it. I don't think every struggle is for
the sake of a lesson to be learned. But I think struggles put us in a unique
place to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And struggling certainly
causes us to go back to our "purpose."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it worth it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What purpose does this serve?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">2</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">My purpose is that </span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">they may be<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>encouraged in heart and united in
love,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">so that they may have the full riches of<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>complete understanding, in order that<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>they may know the mystery of God,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>namely, Christ,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span style="color: #3365cd; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">3</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">in whom are hidden all the
treasures of<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>wisdom and knowledge.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span style="color: #3365cd; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">4</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">I tell you this so that no one may<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span style="color: #3365cd; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">5</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">For though I am absent from you in<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>body, I am present with you in spirit and<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>delight to see how orderly you are and<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>how firm your faith in Christ is.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">If
this is some form of purpose statement, Paul leaves any personal agenda out of
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The purpose is not about him...<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Professor David Ng, much like the
apostle Paul, sought to remind the church of its central purpose when he wrote <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Youth in the Community of Disciples</i>.
Concerned that the church had become distracted from its essential identity as
the body of Jesus Christ and its central task of proclaiming Christ, he wrote
that the purpose of the church is <u>not to be a place of entertainment</u>
where persons, and especially young people, come to be spectators while worship
leaders and Bible teachers "put on a show," using whatever gimmicks
and novelties they can pull out of their bag of tricks so that everyone has
fun. The church is not some theological theme park where frantic leaders,
fearful of ever boring or frustrating their customers, employ an
ever-escalating array of techniques.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Ng also wrote that the purpose of
the church <u>is not maintenance</u>—to be a safe place, a refuge for its
members—until Christ comes again. This vision of the church as perpetual
purgatory requires nothing of its members except that they wait and not stir
things up, lest they become more anxiety ridden than they already are. The key
purpose of this kind of church is to keep the status quo. Abhorrent of
disruption, change, or even growth, the church focuses on itself by keeping its
members comfortable without challenges. Keeping its members in this continuous
holding pattern, the church simply tries to survive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Furthermore, Ng wrote, the
purpose of the church <u>is not fellowship</u> where the entire energy of the
congregation is focused on its social relationships, so that each person feels
as if he or she belongs. Certainly, he argues, fellowship is an important
dimension of the church, but it is not the church's central purpose.
Fellowship-focused churches act as little more than social organizations that
exist for their own members, rather than for the worship of God as the body of
Christ. With a tendency to be insular—and more often than not exclusive—the
congregation whose primary purpose is fellowship tends toward a more
therapeutic focus; the emphasis is one's comfort within the larger group,
rather than whether one is living one's life faithfully.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Finally, <u>Ng also wrote that
the purpose of the church is not protection</u>, where the community, terrified
of the world beyond its walls, invests all its energies in constructing a safe
place where its members can dutifully worship, study, and enact their sacred
rituals. These congregations ultimately forbid any interaction with outsiders
until the strangers have been duly tested and assimilated. For Ng, the real
purpose of the church is clear—to be the community of disciples of Jesus Christ
and as such, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to proclaim Christ</b>. We
do not proclaim entertainment or fun or fellowship or maintenance or
protection. The apostle Paul would agree with Ng. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The church of Jesus Christ does not exist for us. We exist for one
reason: to proclaim Christ the firstborn of all creation!<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our purpose - is greater than <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our </i>purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Our purpose is not about us. The
church of Jesus Christ does not exist for us. We exist for one reason: to
proclaim Christ the firstborn of all creation!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Regarding that purpose, Amy
reminded me this week of Peter's great sermon in Acts chapter 2. Immediately after
the Holy Spirit fell upon the disciples, the opportunity arose for them to start
fulfilling their purpose of proclaiming...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Revealing
the Mystery: Acts 2 - Peter Addresses the Crowd<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 6.8pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">14 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Then Peter stood up
with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this
to you; listen carefully to what I say.</b> </span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">15 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">These people are not
drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! </span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">16 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">No, this is what was
spoken by the prophet Joel:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">17 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">“‘In the last days,
God says,<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">I will pour out my Spirit on all people.<br />
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">your young men will see visions,<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">your old men will dream dreams.<br />
</span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">18 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Even on my servants,
both men and women,<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">I will pour out my Spirit in those days,<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">and they will prophesy.<br />
</span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">19 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">I will show wonders in
the heavens above<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">and signs on the earth below,<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">blood and fire and billows of smoke.<br />
</span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">20 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">The sun will be turned
to darkness<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">and the moon to blood<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.<br />
</span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">21 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">And everyone who calls<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">on the name of the Lord will be saved.’</span><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">[</span></sup><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2&version=NIV#fen-NIV-26971c" title="See footnote c"><sup><span style="color: #b34b2c; font-size: 7pt;">c</span></sup></a><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">]</span></sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">22 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">“Fellow Israelites,
listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by
miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as
you yourselves know. </span></b><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">23 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">This man was handed
over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the
help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="top-05" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 6.8pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here
it comes... the mystery explained...<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">24 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">But God raised him
from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was
impossible for death to keep its hold on him.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">25 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">David said about him:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">“‘I saw the Lord always before me.<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Because he is at my right hand,<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">I will not be shaken.<br />
</span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">26 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Therefore my heart is
glad and my tongue rejoices;<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">my body also will rest in hope,<br />
</span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">27 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">because you will not
abandon me to the realm of the dead,<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">you will not let your holy one see decay.<br />
</span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">28 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">You have made known to
me the paths of life;<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">you will fill me with joy in your presence.’</span><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">[</span></sup><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2&version=NIV#fen-NIV-26978e" title="See footnote e"><sup><span style="color: #b34b2c; font-size: 7pt;">e</span></sup></a><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 7pt;">]</span></sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">29 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">“Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the
patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to
this day. </span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">30 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">But he was a prophet
and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his
descendants on his throne. </span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">31 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the
Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body
see decay. </span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">32 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all
witnesses of it.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">33 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from
the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you
now see and hear. </span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">34 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">“‘The Lord said to my Lord:<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">“Sit at my right hand<br />
</span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">35 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">until I make your
enemies<br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-size: 4.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">a footstool for your feet.”’<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">36 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">“Therefore let all
Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both
Lord and Messiah.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">37 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart
and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">38 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one
of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And
you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. </span></b><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">39 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">The promise is for you and your children and for all who are
far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">40 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">With many other words
he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt
generation.” </span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt;">41 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">Those who accepted his
message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their
number that day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is what we remember in
Communion<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">I will
probably say more at this transition point...<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1
Corinthians 10:16-17<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Is not
the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood
of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body
of Christ? </span><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">17 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one
body, for we all share the one loaf.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
unity of the church is a unity in Christ. The Lord’s Supper seals that unity to
us in that we all feed on Christ, and thus are all together made partakers of
the same body. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-74161965992144584482020-06-07T05:49:00.003-07:002020-06-07T05:49:45.595-07:00Preaching notes May 31, 2020 Col. 1:15-23<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Faith
in Christ and Love for the Saints<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Jesus + Nothing"<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Colossians
1:15-23<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Introduction: filling in the gaps...<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo2; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Our main glimpse into the
childhood of Jesus Christ is the story we read from the Gospel of Luke, which
revealed Christ’s deep spiritual understanding and desire to “be about My
Father’s business” (Luke 2:49).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Luke 2:40 gives a summary
statement describing Jesus’ development from infancy to age 12: “And the Child
grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was
upon Him.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Matthew names four
brothers—James, Joses, Simon and Judas (Matthew 13:55). There were also at
least two sisters (verse 56). Thus, Jesus was the oldest of at least seven
children.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">It takes just a few minutes total
to cover all the information we have available... leaving so many <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">gaps</b> in his life before his ministry
began.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, such a person of interest... we
naturally want to know more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a
lot of other writings that attempt to fill in the gaps - they are just not the
Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't mean that in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a casual way - I clearly mean to imply that
they are apocryphal (a story or statement of doubtful authenticity).<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">The childhood of Jesus is
mentioned in the following apocryphal writings: the Infancy Gospel of Thomas (from
the second century), the Pseudo-Matthew (6th-7th century), the Arabic Infancy
Gospel (probably 6th century), and the Irish Versified Narrative (perhaps as
early as 700 A.D.).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">The gap stories filled in of
Jesus boyhood have one single purpose; he is to be shown to the world as the
one who has superhuman power and shows at an early age that he has <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>knowledge that only the divine could have.
Jesus is a healer and restores/takes health and even life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">The portrait of Jesus is a
mixture of transcendent and vivid personality and, at the same time, he acts
like an ornery and vengeful little brat. The combination is typical tool to
display his humanity and his divinity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Examples<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo3; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">A well known apocryphal story
regards an events dealing with Jesus and some 'home-made' birds. It is told
many different ways and usually follows a similar pattern. Jesus gathers water,
makes it clear, clean, and good. He then uses it with clay to make birds,
usually twelve sparrows. He does it on a Sabbath. When chastised, he makes the
sparrows chirp and fly away. He punishes his accusers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Another whole series of stories
centers around Jesus cursing a boy(s). It features the following recurring
scenarios: Jesus is attacked or vilified by one or several boys; he curses the
attacker who dies or is incapacitated. A conversation with Joseph or/and Mary
leads to the restoration of the boy’s health or life. Almost like a refrain,
the stories mention the wonderment of the people, the fact that Jesus’ every
word becomes immediately fulfilled, the rejection of Jesus and his parents by
those around them, and the puzzlement of Joseph (and Mary). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Basically
- people felt that what we do have/know about Jesus is not enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wanted to fill in the gaps as a matter
of curiosity and speculation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
was a heretical movement in the time of Paul's letter to the Colossians that
purported that our knowledge of God had huge gaps and that knowing Jesus was
not enough to fill them in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, we
needed to be privy to a secret knowledge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They
asserted that Jesus fell short of being fully divine. Thus his work on the
cross, all his saving acts, were insufficient as well. They were not enough in
and of themselves to save us. The "Gnostics," as they have come to be
known, were ready to step in and show us how to bridge our knkowledge gaps and
supply us with missing information.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The prevailing heresies...<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The diverse sects that church historians commonly call “Gnosticism”
may have their roots in the syncretistic and esoteric teachings of the
followers of Simon the Magician in the late first century. Mentioned in
Acts 8:9-24 first as a practitioner of magic, and then later as lacking
real faith, he was rebuked by Peter (Acts 8:20-23). Early Christian
history tells us that Simon began claiming that he was a great god who had
come down from heaven and that his accompanying prostitute, Helena, was
his first creation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We can’t be sure that Simon’s teachings had made their way to
Colossae by the 60's, but it is certainly possible. Regardless, the
teaching of Simon was not the only one of its kind at the time of Paul’s
ministry. Other teachers and splinter groups had been trying to mix pagan
religion, Eastern mysticism, and a dualistic worldview with Christianity. <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are the basic ingredients of Gnosticism:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gnostics generally taught that Christ
was only one of many spirit-beings and that he sprang forth (created/born)
from an unknown god to bring salvation by special, esoteric knowledge (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">gnosis</i>) to the spiritually elite.
Many Gnostics either wrote their own false scriptures to compete with the
writings of the apostles, or they reinterpreted Scripture in a highly
allegorical or spiritual sense to support their strange, speculative
theologies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Regardless of its various manifestations, Gnostic teaching tended to
have a few key features. First, Gnostics shared the idea that there was a
divine spark in all humans. This spark had fallen from the heavenly realm
into this world and needed to be awakened and reintegrated into the
divine. Second, they believed that the creation of this evil, physical
world was not the work of the one true God but rather the work of an inferior,
lesser being. Third, the Gnostics taught that salvation was by
illumination or esoteric knowledge, whereby the “knower” came to recognize
the spiritual/divine component within, leading to a return to the
heavenly, spiritual realm.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There
is nothing to be learned about Jesus that is not supported by Scripture. I said
that carefully - it is not that Scripture can contain all there is to know
about God. No, Scripture is sufficient and all that we need to know about Jesus
is in there. And what we need to know about Jesus is his real identity as God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">The heresies facing the Colossian
church centered on the person of Christ. The heretics denied his humanity
saying that Jesus was one of many lesser descending spirit beings that emanated
from God. Not unlike angels. They taught a form of philosophic dualism, saying
that the spirit was good and matter was evil. Hence, a good emanation like
Christ could never take on a body composed of evil matter. The idea that God
himself could become man was absurd to them. Thus they denied his deity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Nor did they think the Christ was
adequate for salvation. Salvation required a superior, mystical, secret
knowledge, beyond that of the Gospels. It also involved worshiping the good
emanations (like angels), and keeping the Jewish ceremonial laws. In the first
three chapters of Colossians, Paul confronts these heresies head-on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul reveals
our Lord's true identity by viewing him in relation to four things: God, the
universe, the unseen world, and the church.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus Christ in relation to God the Father<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">15</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all
creation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The Greek word for "image" is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eikon</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like ICON. Image or
likeness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">When using the term <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eikon, </i>Paul emphasizes that Jesus is
both the representation and manifestation of God.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> He is the full, final,
and complete revelation of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Being the firstborn over all creation, doesn't mean he was the
first to be born. Instead it is more like a title or rank. He is over all of
creation just as God is over all of creation. Just like in the time of Paul,
and those early Gnostic roots, these same wrong teachings exist in our present
world... in our town - I promise you. Biblical language such as being firstborn
over all creation, when not studied in depth, is taken to prove that Jesus had
a finite beginning. He was born and a part of creation - thus less than
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People around us use this language
and twisted interpretation to say that there is no Trinity, nor is Christ
divine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Paul emphasizes that Jesus is both the representation and
manifestation of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fully divine,
fully human.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus Christ in relation to the universe<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">16</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">For by him all things were created:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>things in heaven and on earth, visible<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>and invisible, whether thrones or
powers<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>or rulers or authorities; all
things were<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>created by him and for
him.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">17</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">He is
before all things, and in him all<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>things
hold together.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Paul asserts that Jesus is the creator of the known universe, and not
some part of the universe. The Gnostics believed that Jesus was some emanation
from God, but the creator of this imperfect world had to be something even less
than Jesus. A lesser being who creates this dirty nasty physical world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">In my mind, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Paul's words in
some way redeem this world</b>. God only creates good things and for good
purposes. So if this world was created by God, it was not created wrongly or
imperfectly. Think about the greatness in the vastness of the physical world,
and how it does and should bring glory to God as its creator. By studying the
creation, one can gain a glimpse of the power, knowledge, and wisdom of the
Creator. The sheer size of the universe is staggering. The sun, for example,
has a diameter of 864,000 miles. That's 100 times that of Earth's diameter and
it can hold 1.3 million planets the size of Earth inside of it. The star Betelgeuse,
however, has a diameter of 100 million miles, which is larger than the Earth's
orbit around the sun. WOW!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus Christ in relation to the unseen world<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">(</span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">16</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">) </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">whether thrones or powers<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>or rulers or authorities</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo7; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">We believe in the spiritual world that cannot be fully seen with
our eyes... though we might be granted a glimpse, a vision, or knowledge of
such things, such as when an Angel appears. The Gnostics did as well, but they
have this terrible dualistic view of spirit and matter and hierarchy. Angels
had a place in the spiritual world as emanations from God. To them the angels
were obviously a step closer to realizing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>true spiritual knowledge and throwing off all physical elements that are
evil. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thrones, dominions, rulers, and
authorities referred to the various ranks of angels.</b> Scripture is clear
that Jesus is not an angel, but the creator of the Angels. He is above the
Angels, in fact worship him and are under his authority. Jesus relation to the
unseen world, because relationship to the visible universe, proves he is God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus Christ in relation to the Body of
Christ<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">18</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">And he is the head of the body, the<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>church; he is the beginning and the<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>firstborn from among the dead, so that<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>in everything he might have the<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>supremacy.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo7; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">There are many metaphors used in Scripture describe the church. It
is called the family, a kingdom, a vineyard, a flock, a building, and the
Bride. But the most profound metaphor, one having no Old Testament equivalent,
is that of a body. The church is a body, and Christ is the head of the body.
This concept is not used in the sense of the head of a company, a CEO, but
rather looks at the church as a living organism, inseparably tied together by
the living Christ. He controls every part of it and gives it its life and
direction. Christ is not an angel to serve the church, he is the head of the
church.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">19</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him...<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo7; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The Gnostics, believing that Jesus and angels and
other spiritual beings had emanated from God (and were far superior to us
but<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>less than God), and that God's
attributes in godliness and power were spread out amongst those creatures. All
of God's divine powers and attributes were divided among these various
emanations. Paul counters the false teaching by stating that all the fullness
of deity is not spread out in small doses to groups of spirits, fully dwells
and is manifested in Christ alone. These ideas in Gnosticism were more developed
later but still present in early forms during Paul's life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As Hebrews 1:3 says, "the son
is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being,
sustaining all things by his powerful word."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Remember all the language in
Scripture, when disciples and the people gathered around would inquire,
"how can we know God the father?" Jesus' answer is, if you know me,
then you know the father. For I am in the father and the father is in me. If
you are in me then you will know the father because you are then in direct
contact/relationship with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is
not a stepping stone, not a mediator, he is God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whereas...
the <u>Gospels</u> present Jesus as God in human flesh, come into the world to
save sinners. In <u>Acts</u>, the message of salvation Christ begins to be
spread throughout the world. The <u>epistles</u> detail the theology of
Christ's work and the personification of Christ in his Body, the Church.
Finally, <u>Revelation</u> presents Christ on the throne, reigning as King of
kings and Lord of lords.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this epistle
- we get a whole lot of theology regarding the work of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reconciliation - Theology of Christ's work<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">This next section is Paul
directly uplifting the sufficiency of Christ and the work of Christ. No esoteric
or secret knowledge needs to be discovered to bridge any gaps that exist
between Jesus and God. All that we need in a relationship to God and for
salvation is found in the very person of Jesus Christ. What Christ has done for
us, saves us when we believe in him. He's not an example, he doesn't lead us on
the path to something that does not already exist in him, he is the fullness of
God. To know him is to know God. To trust him is to trust God. He is the first
and the last - our all in all…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">19</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">For God was pleased to have all his<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>fullness dwell in him,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">20</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">and through him to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">reconcile</b>
to himself<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">all things, whether things on earth or<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">things in heaven, by making peace<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>through his blood, shed on the cross.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">21</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Once you were <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">alienated</b>
from God<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and were <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">enemies</b> in
your minds<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>because of your evil
behavior.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">22</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">But now he has <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">reconciled</b>
you by<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Christ's physical body
through death to<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">present you holy in his sight, without<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>blemish and free from accusation--<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">23</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">if you continue in your faith,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
</b>established and firm, not moved from<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the hope held out in the gospel. This is<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>the gospel that you heard and <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that has<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>been
proclaimed to every creature<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">under heaven, and of which I, Paul,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>have become a servant.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">In accounting, reconciliation is the process of
ensuring that two sets of records (usually the balances of two
accounts) are in agreement. Reconciliation is used to
ensure that the money leaving an account matches the actual money spent.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">In terms of sin - we have a debt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does not add up... the perfect life we
have been given is not what we can offer God at the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the wages of sin is Death - and all fall
short of the Glory of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes us
enemies of God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Who pays that price? We can't!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Reconciliation rarely occurs without sacrifice</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">. By giving his one and only Son, God took the initiative
in healing our broken relationship with him. He made the supreme sacrifice for
us that we might be reconciled to him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Illustration: The </span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">“Ragman” (one of Walter Wangerin Jr.’s most beloved
works) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One Friday morning I noticed a young
man, handsome and strong, walking the alleys of our City. He was pulling an old
cart filled with clothes both bright and new, and he was calling in a rich,
baritone voice: “Rags!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ah, the air was foul and the
first light filthy to be crossed by such sweet music. “Rags! New rags for old!
I take your tired rags! Rags!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Now, this is a wonder,” I
thought to myself, for the man stood six-feet-four, and his arms were like tree
limbs, hard and muscular, and his eyes flashed intelligence. Could he find no
better job than this, to be a ragman in the inner city? I followed him. My
curiosity drove me. And I wasn’t disappointed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soon the Ragman saw a woman
sitting on her back porch. She was sobbing into a handkerchief, sighing, and
shedding a thousand tears. Her knees and elbows made a sad X. Her shoulders
shook. Her heart was breaking. The Ragman stopped his cart. Quietly, he walked
to the woman, stepping round tin cans, dead toys, and Pampers. “Give me your
rag,” he said so gently, “and I’ll give you another.” He slipped the
handkerchief from her eyes. She looked up, and he laid across her palm a linen
cloth so clean and new that it shined. She blinked from the gift to the giver.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, as he began to pull his
cart again, the Ragman did a strange thing: he put her stained handkerchief to
his own face; and then HE began to weep, to sob as grievously as she had done,
his shoulders shaking. Yet she was left without a tear. “This IS a wonder,” I
breathed to myself, and I followed the sobbing Ragman like a child who cannot
turn away from mystery.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Rags! Rags! New rags for old!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a little while, when the sky
showed gray behind the rooftops and I could see the shredded curtains hanging
out black windows, the Ragman came upon a girl whose head was wrapped in a
bandage, whose eyes were empty. Blood soaked her bandage. A single line of
blood ran down her cheek. Now the tall Ragman looked upon this child with pity,
and he drew a lovely yellow bonnet from his cart. “Give me your rag,” he said,
tracing his own line on her cheek, “and I’ll give you mine.” The child could
only gaze at him while he loosened the bandage, removed it, and tied it to his
own head. The bonnet he set on hers. And I gasped at what I saw: for with the
bandage went the wound! Against his brow it ran a darker, more substantial
blood – his own!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Rags! Rags! I take old rags!”
cried the sobbing, bleeding, strong, intelligent Ragman. The sun hurt both the
sky, now, and my eyes; the Ragman seemed more and more to hurry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Are you going to work?” he asked
a man who leaned against a telephone pole. The man shook his head. The Ragman
pressed him: “Do you have a job?” “Are you crazy?” sneered the other. He pulled
away from the pole, revealing the right sleeve of his jacket, flat, the cuff
stuffed into the pocket. He had no arm. “So,” said the Ragman.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Give me your jacket, and I’ll
give you mine.” Such quiet authority in his voice! The one-armed man took off
his jacket. So did the Ragman, and I trembled at what I saw: for the Ragman’s
arm stayed in its sleeve, and when the other put it on he had two good arms,
thick as tree limbs; but the Ragman had only one. “Go to work,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After that he found a drunk,
lying unconscious beneath an army blanket, an old man, hunched, wizened, and
sick. He took that blanket and wrapped it around himself, but for the drunk he
left new clothes. And now I had to run to keep up with the Ragman. Though he
was weeping uncontrollably, and bleeding freely at the forehead, pulling his
cart with one arm, stumbling for drunkenness, falling again and again,
exhausted, old and sick, yet he went with terrible speed. On spider’s legs he
skittered through the alleys of the City, this mile and the next, until he came
to its limits, and then he rushed beyond. I wept to see the change in this man.
I hurt to see his sorrow. And yet I needed to see where he was going in such
haste, perhaps to know what drove him so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The little old Ragman came to a
landfill. He came to the garbage pits. And then I wanted to help him in what he
did, but I hung back, hiding. He climbed a hill. With tormented labor he
cleared a little space on that hill. Then he sighed. He lay down. He pillowed
his head on a handkerchief and a jacket. He covered his bones with an army
blanket.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And he died. Oh, how I cried to
witness that death! I slumped in a junked car and wailed and mourned as one who
has no hope because I had come to love the Ragman. Every other face had faded
in the wonder of this man, and I cherished him; but he died. I sobbed myself to
sleep. I did not know—how could I know?—that I slept through Friday night and
Saturday and its night, too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But then, on Sunday morning, I
was wakened by a violence. Light – pure, hard, demanding light – slammed
against my sour face, and I blinked, and I looked, and I saw the last and the
first wonder of all. There was the Ragman, folding the blanket most carefully,
a scar on his forehead, but alive! And, besides that, healthy! There was no
sign of sorrow nor of age, and all the rags that he had gathered shined with
cleanliness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I lowered my head and
trembling for all that I had seen, I myself walked up to the Ragman. I told him
my name with shame, for I was a sorry figure next to him. Then I took off all
my clothes in that place, and I said to him with dear yearning in my voice:
“Dress me.” He dressed me. My God -He put new rags on me, and I am a wonder
beside him. The Ragman, the Ragman, THE CHRIST!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Christ taking our infirmities
upon himself...<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Conclusion (I may change this up)</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">It seems like for a majority of
us, our relationship with Christ works very similarly to our retirement
program—like some kind of divine Roth IRA or some kind of cosmic 401k (Matt
Chandler). Every month we want to put a little in, hoping we’ve saved up enough
when all is said and done. On the whole, it doesn’t seem there is a passionate
pursuit of, longing for, or submission to Christ as the covering over every
area of our lives. Instead, he becomes our retirement program: something that’s
going to pay dividends when we get closer to death, but not right now. Right
now, what I want to do is put in three percent or five percent a month because
the church is going to match, and then my hope is that when my time comes and
it’s time to retire—when it’s time to die—I’ve got enough that when I stand
before God, I’ve put enough aside to get in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">There’s a series of monumental
problems with this. Number one: Christ doesn’t use scales. Your good behavior
are not going to go over there and be weighed out next to your bad. That’s not
what’s going to happen. Who makes you holy and blameless before God? Christ,
the Cross—not monthly installments of church attendance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">There are nights I have to get up
and get on my knees and worry and press into the Lord a little bit about the
verses that say, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not
prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name
perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away
from me, you evildoers!’” (Matt. 7:22-23) That is a horrifying text of
Scripture. Or how about, “ "Continue to work out your salvation with fear
and trembling” (Phil. 2:12)? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">There’s this monumental weight to
this thing that seems to escape most of us. There’s this eternal, unbelievable
weight that most of us seem to miss out on. What we end up doing are these good
little church things, and we put that aside and then we have the rest of our
lives. Or we say, “Jesus, you can have Sunday, but I’ve got this. Or you can
get this, and I get this.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">We don't make installments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our lives will always be wanting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ has to pay the full price for us...
and does.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Who pays that price? We can't!<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">I don’t want to come and say, “Do
better. Amen. You’re dismissed.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead,
we trust in Christ's sufficiency...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-63344436580690624992020-05-24T11:19:00.000-07:002020-05-24T11:20:05.229-07:00Colossians 1:9-14 preaching notes<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Faith in Christ and Love for the Saints </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(series
in Colossians)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">preaching draft/notes for May 24, 2020<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Scripture Readings: </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Matthew 6:5-15 and Colossians
1:9-14<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Strengthened
in Prayer"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Introduction: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fore-edge painting</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fore-edge painting is
an obscure art form that few people have seen. The paintings are hidden on the
fore-edges of gilded pages. They are only visible when fanned or ruffled. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sometimes, the Christian life is like that. There
is a lot more than the eye can see on the outside.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now you see it; now
you don't. We're not talking about a magic trick, but rather a form of artwork
called fore-edge painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The art is
applied to the edge of the margin of the individual pages and not to the actual
fore-edge of the book itself (so named to differentiate it from the spine
edge). When the book is closed, you don't see the image because it's hidden by
the gold leaf on the actual page edges. But when the book is spread open, the
surprisingly beautiful artwork appears.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Painting on the edge
of the pages was under way by the 16th century, and the paintings were usually
portraits which one could easily see when the covers of the book were closed.
But, in the 17th century in England "Samuel Mearne, a bookbinder to the royal
family, developed the art of the 'disappearing painting' on the fore-edge of a
book." To see these paintings -- the pages of the book must be fanned. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There is more to
Christians than meets the eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
all, how much of the Spiritual world can be discerned without it being revealed
to us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Let's go to our text where the
apostle Paul tells the Colossian Christians that he and his coworkers have
noticed their faith. Unlike some of the other churches to which Paul wrote, he
was not involved in the founding of the Colossian congregation. In fact,
according to 2:1, he's never seen the believers there "face to face."
What he knows of them is from a report by Epaphras, the Christian who
established the church, "and he has made known to us your love in the
Spirit" (v. 8). Epaphras makes visible what Paul would not have otherwise
been able to see in them. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Teaching/learning
about prayer, in general: Matthew 6<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Did you ever think that an effective prayer had to be long and
loud and very spiritual sounding? When did you first realize that you could
talk with God just as we talk with other people, and normal tones and ordinary
issues. Did you ever see someone pray, head lifted up and eyes open - and then
think to yourself, that's not a prayer? ...you are supposed to close your eyes
if you're going to pray. Every child has tattled on their sibling for having
their eyes open in a prayer... which you could only know if you yourself had
your eyes open during prayer... Right?! We should maybe even fold our hands. But
prayer is not answered because we get on our knees and use eloquent language or
because our eyes are open or shut. Prayers are answered because of our faith in
God who is good to us. So...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt;">5</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">"...when you pray, do not be
like the<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">hypocrites,
for they love to pray standing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">in
the synagogues and on the street<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">corners
to be seen by men. I tell you the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">truth,
they have received their reward in full.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt;">6</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">But when you pray, go into your
room,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">close
the door and pray to your Father,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">who
is unseen. Then your Father, who<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">sees
what is done in secret, will reward you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt;">7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">And when you pray, do not keep on<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">babbling
like pagans, for they think they<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">will
be heard because of their many words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt;">8</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do not be like them, for your
Father<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">knows
what you need before you ask him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">What do you want to accomplish in prayer?
Have other people think you are pious or devout... OK then - you should make
sure they see you praying and make it look earnest!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And give them time to know how good you are
at it - use a lot of words... the more splendiferous your vocabulary - the more
self-aggrandizing... Best not to mock God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Learning from Paul's thanksgiving for and
blessing of the Colossians<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">EPISTLE:</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"> 1) a poem or other
literary work in the form of a letter or series of letters, 2) a book of the
New Testament in the form of a letter from an Apostle.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">In several of his epistles, Paul includes an apostolic prayer for
those who read his letters. You can find one here in Colossians 1:9-14, and
also in Ephesians 1:17-19 and 3:16-19, and in Philippians 1:9-11 (see the side
bar), among other places. Each one is phenomenal in its own way, and this one
is no exception. As we learned last week, letters from that time period follow
a certain convention/format. It begins with a salutation where the author of
the letter introduces themself and greets the person to whom it is written.
Then before they get to the body of the letter and its final greeting and
farewell (the third and fourth/last part of a letter), they say a prayer or
give a blessing (the second part). Those blessings are Paul's prayers. We have
one here in Colossians. It is a recognizable part of Paul's writings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here is an exercise for us that I know others have done: Think
about the nature of your prayer - what it typically sounds like. Now compare
your prayers to Jesus' prayers. But also compare your prayers to Paul's
prayers. This is in part what we're doing today from Colossians, chapter
1:9-14.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">When studying Paul's prayers, it is very hard to find an example
where Paul asks God to remove a person's problems. Instead, he prays that God
would empower them to endure whatever they had to face and to keep a good
attitude in the middle of it. Most of us would not be happy if we were going
through difficult times and our spiritual leader would not pray for our
problems to go away. No one would like it if I said to them, "I'm not
going to pray for your problems to go away. No, I'm not praying for that at
all. But I will pray for you to get through them and that you will keep your
faith strong and continue to love others." We would probably say, "no
thanks. I really would just prefer a problem-go-away prayer. I want to be free
from my problems." Paul did not pray that way as often as one might think.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But, like fore-edge
painting, some things are only visible when ruffled. Sometimes, the Christian
life is like that. There is a lot more than the eye can see on the outside. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the middle of our problems (that Paul neglects
pray away), is revealed what we are made of... and he wants us to be FULL of
such things - so he prays for just that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Paul gives thanks and prays for
what is within, what needs to be within... let's look within.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Full of knowledge of his will and all
spiritual wisdom...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt;">verse 9</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not
stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his
will through all spiritual wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let me ask you a question - one that you are sick of: do we need
to wear a mask or not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we really need
to be social distancing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is the Corona
virus a threat to us here in Chaves County?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have we already all been exposed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At what point in the End-Times are we?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">We sure do need and have been seeking wisdom and understanding
big-time!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">We are living in unprecedented times.
COVID-19 is one of the most dramatic and far reaching events in world history
thanks to the Internet and global communications. The world as we knew it
stopped! Borders closed, travel was suspended, schools and businesses closed,
soccer leagues, the NFL, MLB, the Final Four, concerts, eating out, vacations,
and church services all came to a screeching halt. We’ve been “sheltering in
place” and listening to pundits explain death ratios, the spread of the virus,
and how the US and global economies have plummeted.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">From a temporal perspective, you might think
it can’t get a whole lot worse than this. Our 24-hour news cycle daily
tabulates the pandemic’s carnage—job losses, retirements evaporating,
investments faltering, businesses closing, death and sickness of loved ones,
and the emotional and relational fallout fueled by fear and panic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the street, others think, what
threat?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">It would be callous to minimize any of the
current challenges and personal tragedy that this pandemic has thrust across
the world. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">But what if there’s another
perspective, another narrative that measures and evaluates things through the
lens of eternity rather than simply time?</b> (Chip Ingram)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">What if there is, in fact, a God who is
personal and created all that there is, who loves all people deeply and longs
to have a personal and eternal relationship with them? What if his love has
extended to such a degree that God the Son would come and die to procure
forgiveness and eternal life for whosoever would turn from their selfish
independence and self-focused idols to believe in him … Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">And what if violence, corruption, injustice,
greed, power-mongering , immorality, and neglect of the poor and marginalized
became so great all across the world (even among those who claim to be Jesus
followers) that he allowed this evil virus to push the global PAUSE button that
caused the world to stop?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo8; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">What if, from heaven’s perspective, this is a
severe mercy—a divine global intervention to get us to RESET, examine ourselves,
look up, forsake wickedness, repent of our greed and self-focus, address
injustice, help the weak, love the poor, forgive our enemies, and walk in
righteousness?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">What are we to think? (I'm not saying the
virus is judgment, but for sure it is opportunity.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">We need to be filled with
the knowledge of God's will through all spiritual wisdom!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you Colossians... the time for God's Word is
now... in every generation it is, now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Why
does he pray for these things?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
answer to that question<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">My first thought is because we need it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My second thought is because we need it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My third thought is because we need it...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Paul says, </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt;">verse 10</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">And <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we pray
this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in
every way</b>...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Live a life worthy of the Lord" and "please
him" are two very similar things - don't you think?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">As we use Paul's prayers to reflect upon our own prayer
tendencies... we are to "please him." (as opposed to ourselves)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do we usually approach God in prayer with a list of things?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OUR list of things for God to do... or that
we want from God... OUR "To-Do" list for God, instead of from God. "God,
change my spouse," or this person (I shall not name). "God, I
need..."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">How self-centered are our prayers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>More of God and less of me... I mean that literally and figuratively and
Spiritually... <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Asking for wisdom and understanding, is essentially the same as asking
for more of God</b>. Me asking for more of God of course brings wisdom and
understanding! I don't need to ask for anything, on a list, my list... I just
need to know what is on God's list. God, what pleases you? What do you want for
me? What do you want from me? What do you have planned? What can I offer to
you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The reason asking for more of God is so important is that
everything we need is found in him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are complete in him (Colossians 2:10).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In him we everything we need </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">to live a Godly life (2 Peter
1:3).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our peace is in him, our joy is in
him, and our strength is in him...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">illustration
about pleasing others...instead of God<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Paul
lists four ways that are crucial for pleasing God...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt;">verses 10</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the
Lord and may please him in every way: </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">¶</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">bearing fruit in every
good work, </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">·</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">growing in the knowledge of God, </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">¸</span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt;">11</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">being strengthened with
all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance
and patience, and </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">¹</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">joyfully </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt;">12</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">giving thanks to the Father...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">¶</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">bearing fruit in every good work<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">An abundant harvest of good fruit reveals a tree is healthy. An
abundant harvest of good works reveals the spiritual health of a Christian. The
good news of the forgiveness of sins and the promise of an inheritance from God
should change our lives. Unfortunately, Christians do not always put the truth
they believe into practice. Margaret J. Dawn draws from Neil postman's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Amusing Ourselves to Death</i> and argues, "the
television has habituated its watchers to a low information–action ratio, that
people are accustomed to learning good ideas (even from Church), and then doing
nothing about them. We learn enough to talk about it intelligently but never
follow through on action. Think about this - but not for very long -- what if
the Preacher does not practice what he preaches?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Super disappointing isn't it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(And you should know.) And think of the
Matthew 6 chapter where Jesus talks about prayer, fasting, and giving to the
poor - and the hypocrisy of pleasing men but not God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn't that exactly what Paul is talking about
as well?! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sometimes preachers feel they have done their job by merely
presenting the information or the need. Paul does not praise the Colossians
simply because they have learned the truth from Epaphras, but because their
faith has led to concrete results. The test of faith is whether it makes any
difference in the way we believe and treat others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">·</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">growing in the knowledge of God<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">You may not agree with this... but it is worth thinking about...
I'm still thinking about it myself... "Every spiritual crisis derives from
a failure to know God" (David E. Garland). When people reject knowledge of
God, the catalog of social ills listed in Romans 1:28-32 are the inevitable
result. (listen for the shared language and ideas that relate to what we are
talking about...)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt;">28 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Furthermore, just as they <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">did not think it worthwhile to retain the
knowledge of God</b>, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that
they do what ought not to be done. </span><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt;">29 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">They have become
filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full
of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, </span><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt;">30 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">slanderers,
God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil;
they disobey their parents; </span><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt;">31 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">they have
no understanding</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. </span><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt;">32 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Although they
know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve
death, they not only continue to do these very things but also
approve of those who practice them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Retaining the
knowledge of God (and putting it into practice), pleases God. This being true,
you also know generally what does not please God as well.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">¸</span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might
so that you may have great endurance and patience,</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Note the relationship of "power" to having endurance and
patience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Strengthened with all power according to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>his</u></b> glorious might" - it is
God's might that must increase... not our own in order for us to have great
endurance and patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Think of your own prayer habits - oh how often I ask God for
more... and on some level I am asking God for more of me... I need strength! I
want to be stronger... I, I, I, I... when I am not careful, I ask God to
increase MY strength instead of his strength in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">And did you notice that Paul did not name or ask for the removal
of whatever ci<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rcumstance requires such endurance/patience
(like we talked about before).</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worst
friend ever that does not pray for your problems to go away but instead that
you endure and have patience... hahaha...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Henri Nouwen writes, "the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">patienc</i>e means the willingness to stay where we are and live the
situation out to the full in the belief that something hidden there will
manifest itself to us. Impatient people are always expecting the real thing to
happen somewhere else and therefore want to go elsewhere. The moment is empty.
Godly/patient people dare to stay where they are."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow! I can imagine writing that quote in my
own words but using the language of our current world -- "shelter in place"
as some sort of synonym for "patience" and staying in the moment - believing
it offers a front row seat to something that God is doing!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ask for more of God, instead of more of yourself<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">¹</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">and joyfully </span></b><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt;">12</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">giving thanks to the
Father...</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">For sure - joyfully giving thanks pleases God. Of course it
does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">I'm going to speak to the whole of verses 12 and 13...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt;">verses 12</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the
inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt;">13</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us
into the kingdom of the Son he loves, </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt;">14</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Note that what Paul names as the nature of God that we joyfully
give thanks for and that the gifts of God that we give thanks for, etc.,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> are all listed in the past tense</b>. It
does not say that God <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i>
rescue/qualify us or deliver and bring us, but that he already has.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has already brought us out of
darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Christ, God has
accomplished many spiritual realities for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Spiritual realities are accomplished in the heavenly/spiritual
realms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we don't feel or see them
in the natural world, we question their reality. When we question, we begin to
pray for circumstances/gifts that we have already been granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is not living in faith. Part of
spiritual maturity is learning to accept and to claim and to receive what God
has done for us instead of continually feeling we are lacking something God has
already promised us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if we do not
see it or have not yet experienced it - it still belongs to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">In Luke 10:19, Jesus says (</span><span class="passage-display-version"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Amplified Bible</span></i></span><span class="passage-display-version"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">,
Classic Edition),</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt;">19 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Behold!
I have given you authority <i>and</i> power to trample upon serpents
and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the
power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Notice that this statement, too,
is in the past tense. He does not say, I'll give you power and authority, but I
have given it to you. Just think about how different your life would be if you
would believe and say, I have power. I have authority. These promises and
others like them are good ones to declare or speak aloud. This helps remind you
of what is already yours in Christ. (Joyce Meyers)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Luke 10:19 does not say that
nothing will come against us; however, it indicates that nothing has the
ability to permanently harm us. It's important to realize that while the enemy
does have power, he does not have authority. Jesus stripped him of his
authority at the cross (Colossians 2:14-15). When he does have authority over
us, it is usually because we have given it to him through unbelief. We have
God-given authority and power over the enemy, when (only when) we are in Christ.
We need to stop thinking thoughts of weakness and start thinking thoughts of
strength and power. We don't lack for anything if we are in Christ. We are weak
in ourselves, but we are powerful in Christ. Remember Philippians 4:13, which
says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Don't miss this beautiful language...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">"...qualified you to share in the inheritance of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">saints in the kingdom of light</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 12.0pt;">13</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">For he has <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">rescued us from
the dominion of darkness</b> and brought us into the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">kingdom of the Son</b>..."</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The image here is powerful and
suggestive. There are two kingdoms: light and darkness, flesh and spirit, good
and evil. We have been rescued from the darkness and brought into the kingdom
of light. If Paul's terminology seems archaic, "kingdoms," or if his
understanding of the system of angelic powers that rule in the elements seems
outdated, the truth of his message is not less relevant, or the power of the
promised deliverance any less needed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">We are now residents of the new
kingdom; it is not something that is ours in some distance distant future. We
have already been removed from a world which is subject to evil forces into a
realm in which Christ is the King. He is King and rules over his Kingdom. He is
Lord, and he alone has ultimate authority over us. With what confidence we may
live if we appropriate this truth experientially. No darkness can overcome us,
no power can overwhelm us, no experience can completely devastate us. Sin
cannot hold sway in our lives. We belong to Christ. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">His is the kingdom, the power and
the glory, forever. A</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">men. </i>We
have been qualified to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How powerful it would be and what it
would mean to the lives of the people around you if you prayed this kind of
(Paul) prayer, prayed these things regularly and to experience God's
answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(remember fore-edge painting -) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">THIS IS WHAT IS IN US!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ruffle the pages and this is what you see in
a Christian...</b> (and if not - this is what we pray for!)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(an example of authenticity...)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fred Rogers, the late Presbyterian minister who used to play
children's TV host Mister Rogers on public television, once explained to a
reporter: "I'm not a character on </span><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Mister Rogers' Neighborhood</span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">. What I do in the studio is part of my real life, and
the person on camera is the real me." "I have been blessed, so deeply
blessed," he went on, "to be able to give one honest human being to
kids. I felt that was my calling."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">What are you made of when the pages get ruffled? What picture of
Christianity is being presented in these present times? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">hmmm...
I may add to this conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
</span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bulletin pieces for <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Words of Greeting </span></b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">—Based on Psalm
121</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One: I lift up my
eyes to the mountains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>From where does my help come?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All: Help comes from the Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>who
made heaven and earth.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He
will not let our feet stumble.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Indeed,
the One who watches over Israel<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>will
never slumber nor sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One: Who is our
Protector?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All: God is our Protector;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God
is our shade at our right hand.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One: From what
will God protect us?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All: The sun will not harm us by day,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>nor
the moon by night.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God
will protect us from all evil;<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He
will watch over our life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One: For how long
will God protect us?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All: The Lord will watch over our going out
and our coming in... from now to eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 31.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One: Let us,
then, worship God who is our help and our protection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unison Prayer of Confession<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Forgive us, Lord,
for those times that we have stopped praying. We have not lived a life worthy
of you. We have run short of energy because we have not opened ourselves up to
your empowerment. We wander aimlessly because we have not sought your will
diligently. We mumble amongst ourselves <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">instead
of speaking a clear message to the world. Forgive us. Stir us. Reform us to be
a Church powered by love, willing to speak for what is right, act for what is
just, and seek the healing of your whole creation.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Silent Prayer and Reflection)</i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Assurance of Pardon: Psalm 103:8, 10-12<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One: The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love. He does not treat us as our sins deserve or
repay us according to our iniquities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for
those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed
our transgressions from us. Friends, believe the good news of the Gospel!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 31.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.7pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All:
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-12543036186702757612020-05-16T15:44:00.003-07:002020-05-17T06:33:44.340-07:00Sunday May 17 Colossians 1:1-8<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">May 17, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">preaching
notes for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Colossians 1:1-8</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">This begins a summer sermons series on the Book of
Colossians<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Tentative summer
sermon series dates/scriptures<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">May 17<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colossians
1:1-8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">May 24<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colossians
1:9-14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">May 31<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colossians
1:15-23<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">June 7<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colossians
1:24 – 2:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">June 14<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colossians
2:6-23<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">June 21<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colossians
3:1-11<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">June 28<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colossians
3:12-17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">July 5<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Colossians
3:18 – 4:1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">July 12<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colossians
4:2-6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">July 19<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colossians
4:7-18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Announcement<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">The official statement from the Governor is
that Churches can open at 25% of their capacity. For us that means that next
week, May 24, we can hold Worship indoors at the usual time of 10:30 a.m...
usual time, but not quite the usual practice. We will sit apart, masks are
suggested. We will also Facebook live and post the services online, respecting
those that stay at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a large
enough facility, especially with the Fellowship Hall opened up and considered
seating, that we can do this confidently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">The change in restrictions is not a 'zero
chance' of spreading the Corona virus - but a way to proceed, with wisdom,
behaving ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most likely we will
not everyone will return automatically - but as we see fit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Children's Message<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Special Music<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">READ: Colossians 1:1-8<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">1</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Paul,
an apostle of Christ Jesus by<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">the will of God, and
Timothy our brother,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">2</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">To
the holy and faithful brothers in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Christ at Colossae: Grace
and peace to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">you from God our Father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">3</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">We
always thank God, the Father of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">our Lord Jesus Christ,
when we pray for you,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">4</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">because
we have heard of your faith in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Christ Jesus and of the love
you have<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">for all the saints--<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">5</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">the
faith and love that spring from the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">hope that is stored up for
you in heaven<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">and that you have already
heard about<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">in the word of truth, the Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">6</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">that
has come to you. All over the world<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">this Gospel is bearing fruit
and growing,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">just as it has been doing
among you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">since the day you heard it
and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">understood God's grace in
all its truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">You
learned it from Epaphras, our dear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">fellow servant, who is a
faithful minister<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">of Christ on our behalf,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">8</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">and who also told us of your love in the Spirit</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">.</span><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Salutations"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Introduction: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During WW II America Air-Dropped Pianos
for Troops in Battlefields<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You
thought pianos dropping from the sky is a gag for cartoons? Then hear this
story out. During World War II, all kinds of production involving metals, such
as iron, copper, and brass, that was non-essential to the war effort were
halted by the American government. This was because these metals were needed to
make guns, tanks, and artillery. Many musical instrument makers were affected
by the new regulations, which meant that either they had to manufacture
something else the military could use, or wait for the war to end, which was as
good as going out of business.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Piano
makers Steinway & Sons was also affected by the restrictions. Instead of
shutting down their factory, Steinway decided to bide their time manufacturing
parts for troop transport gliders. Their patience was rewarded when the US
Military granted them a contract to make heavy-duty military pianos. By June
1942, Steinway’s workers had designed a small upright piano, no more than forty
inches wide and weighing 455 pounds. It was light enough to be carried by four
soldiers. Each piano was treated with special anti-termite and anti-insect
solution and sealed with water-resistant glue to withstand dampness. The best
part was— the piano used only 33 pounds of metal, about a tenth as much as a
typical grand piano.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Known as “Victory Verticals,” these
pianos could be packed into crates and conveniently dropped by parachutes along
with tuning equipment and instructions. An estimated 2,500 </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.amusingplanet.com/2019/07/that-time-when-america-air-dropped.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=that_time_when_america_air_dropped_pianos_for_troops_in_battlefields&utm_term=2019-07-12"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">pianos were
dropped to American soldiers fighting the war</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> in
three continents</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. (Kaushik,
“That Time When America Air-Dropped Pianos for Troops in Battlefields,” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Amusing Plant</i>, 7/12/19)</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Colossians is our Piano.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A gift air-dropped into our laps for these
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A surprising WORD to carry us
through the battles we face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A reminder
our home that lifts the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Colossians, the Book<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From whatever angle you look at our
current times, Colossians is up to date. Although it was written nearly 2000
years ago, maybe around 63 A.D., it is a timeless message that speaks to what
we are facing today...to the problems and crisis of our age, it presents Jesus
Christ as the answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ours is an age of science and knowledge.
95% of all the scientists who ever lived are alive today. The past century has
seen a tremendous increase in all areas of technology, science, from <b>A</b>strophysics
<b>to</b> <b>Z</b>oology. Every year millions of pages of scientific and
technological literature are published/posted, and offered globally. Over
60,000,000 pages a year. Even specialists find it difficult to keep up with the
flood of discoveries and information made available.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Such a scientific approach and with the
growth of discoveries, the question remains, the 'age-old' question remains of
how God relates to the universe. Is God a part of the created universe, or its
creator? Did the universe evolve, or was it created, or was it created to
evolve? Colossians calls forth many of those questions. But Colossians 1:16
says, "for by him all things were created, both in heaven and on earth,
visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities –
all things have been created by him and for him."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We also live in an age of pluralism, an amalgamation
of all religions. Many people are seeking to unify the world's religions. Some
seek a unity of political and social action. Others unity based on common
experience. It that manner it matters less who God is, then it does that we all
acknowledge a single God in common. Such a religious stew would be a body
without a head. <u>There can be no unity apart from truth</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rebellion against all forms of authority
also marks our world. Absolutes do not exist. Truth, especially religious
truth, is viewed as relative and merely personal. All religious traditions are
assumed to be of equal value. It is not popular to think that one religion
exclusively holds the truth. In this kind of religious climate, Jesus becomes
merely a wise teacher and promoted of truth and morals. Jesus is stripped of his
uniqueness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Colossians speaks clearly to Jesus' true
identity and what sets him apart from other good people. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Far from being just another leader or teacher,
he is "the image of an invisible God, the firstborn of all creation
(Colossians 1:15), the one in whom all "the fullness of God dwells in
bodily form" (Colossians 2:9).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is an age of pragmatism as well -- people want to know what
works. If you want to sell people on something, anything - from palates to dish
soap, you just need to tell them it will make some difference in their
life; just tell them it will help them be/have a better "whatever." This
is a practical age, and people are asking basically one question: Does it
work? People want to know the same thing about Christ, Christianity. Does
he really change a life? Will I have peace? Does he give
joy? Does He really bring happiness? Does He give meaning to life –
power, hope, purpose? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Background...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul wrote Colossians. Sometimes scholars
challenge that, but it has direct ties to the book of Philemon, and many other
things point to his authorship. The date depends upon his time of imprisonment.
He wrote it from prison, but which imprisonment? It might have been during his
third missionary journey while in Ephesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But more likely it was his final imprisonment and under house arrest <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in Rome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Colossae was located in the region of
Phrygia, in the Roman province of Asia, in what is now part of Turkey. With
nearby Laodicea and Hierapolis, it was part of a triad of cities in the Lycus
Valley, about 100 miles east of Ephesus. Colossae is an ancient city, it was
around during King Xerxes of Persia in 481 BC. Sort of like Dexter and
Hagerman, it used to be on the main trade route between Roswell and Artesia.
But eventually it was bypassed for a more direct route straight to Artesia (through
Laodicea).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time of Paul the city
was small and overshadowed by more prosperous neighbors. Not a famous city, a
very insignificant one. By the 8th century it was largely abandoned, and
completely destroyed in the 12th century. The largely Gentile population had
maybe a Jewish element to it as well. ...possibly drawn there by the wool
industry, agriculture. Because Colossae had a mixed Gentile and Jewish
population, it is not surprising that the heresy threatening the Colossian
church contained Jewish and pagan elements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we study further in the book, those heresies will come to light. As
does the sufficiency and the reign of Christ!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul says that he is thankful for what
the Gospel has accomplished and he calls the Gospel the truth. We
often hear people say when they want to emphasize their honesty -
"And that's the Gospel truth!" Ever hear that? Some people say
it who don't even know what the Gospel truth is. Why do people, when they
want something to be believed, say - And that's the Gospel
truth? Why? Because for all time, the Gospel has been associated with
the truth ... they're synonymous. It is the truth. And that's why people
say that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Epaphras<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo9; mso-outline-level: 2; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant,
who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,</span><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo9; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On Paul's third missionary journey, he
went to Ephesus which was a great center of Asia Minor. And Paul stayed
there for three years. During the three years that he was in
Ephesus, he never visited Colossae, as far as we know, but
people started coming to him from all over Asia Minor. And you know that
during those three years the church at Ephesus was founded, and all seven
churches of Revelation 2-3 were founded. There was
Ephesus, Laodicea, Smyrna, Philadelphia, Pergamum, Thyatira; all of those
churches were founded during that time, and so was the church in
Colossae, and so was the church in Hierapolis. They were all
outgrowths of Paul's ministry on his third missionary journey as he
ministered there.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo9; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Acts chapter 19, verse 10, it
says that, "all that dwelt in Asia Minor heard the word of the Lord
Jesus, both Jews and Greeks." Verse 26, when they wanted to
throw him out, they said, "Moreover you see and hear, that not only
in Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia Minor, this Paul has
persuaded and turned away many people, saying they are no gods which are
made with hands." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From his
ministry there -- people would come hear the Gospel and then go back to their
homes. From Colossae came a group of people - Epaphras, Philemon,
Apphia, Archippus. From Laodicea came Nymphas. All of them received Christ
under the ministry of Paul. All of them went back to be used of God to
begin churches. The most influential person in the beginning of those
three churches in those cities was Epaphras.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo9; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He is mentioned again in chapter 4.
Epaphras had come to visit Paul from Colossae and was converted. Apparently,
Epaphras had been used to found all three churches outside of
Ephesus. When Paul finished up his three years at Ephesus. He spent a
winter in Greece writing, and then he started back to Jerusalem. He
gathered the collections to take to the poor saints - went all the way
back to Jerusalem. He arrived at Jerusalem, and you remember the terrible
trouble that happened? They threw him in jail. The next thing you
knew he wound up in Caesarean jail. He pleaded his case to Caesar
and they shipped him to Rome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo9; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And now he's in Rome and he's a
prisoner, but as a prisoner he has liberty for people to visit
him. So, in the Roman confinement, chained to a soldier, and Epaphras
arrives from Colossae and tells him about the Colossians and out of that
comes this letter. A church Paul had never been to, as far as we
know. A church he had not founded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Around the end of his imprisonment, Epaphras arrives, tells him
about the church. He gave a favorable report. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo9; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here is a congregation of
Gentiles, and they've got a smattering probably of Jewish believers, and
they've got a problem. There's a heresy that's beginning to creep into the
congregation and Epaphras, their pastor, is really concerned. <b>He
makes a trip of a thousand to thirteen hundred miles, depending upon which
way he took, to go to Rome and see Paul</b> - and he pours his heart out
to Paul. He says, in effect, “the people are amazing, Paul, but
there’s an imminent danger.” And Paul writes to them and says, “Hey, you
are super people, but let me warn you about something.” Further on
you'll hear him say, “Don’t let anybody beguile you.” It wasn't that
they'd already been, it was that they were in danger of being beguiled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo9; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Quaker theologian D. Elton Trueblood
once described America as a "cut flower civilization." Our culture,
he argued, is cut off from its Christian roots like a flower cut at the stem.
Though the flower will hold its beauty for a time, it is destined to wither and
die. The letter to the </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Colossians connects
them to their roots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo9; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is a battle and Paul/Epaphras drop
in a piano.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't mean that as a
joke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the source of great joy, a
reminder of home, it brings them together, it is everyone working for the
cause...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Through
preserved ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish letters - we know letters followed
very regular conventions. They could be altered in various ways, but followed a
general pattern or form. There were four general elements of ancient
Greco-Roman letters, and you see them in Paul's writing.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">opening
salutation containing writer's name, the recipient's name, and a
greeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the case that they
signed their name first - shih makes a certain sense that you know who is
speaking to you. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">a
prayer, blessing, or thanksgiving<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the
body of the letter (what the sender wanted to say that occasioned the
letter)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">final
greeting and farewell<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Most
of the New Testament letters follow this convention.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul's
Salutations in Colossians include:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">3</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, when we pray for you, </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">4</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">because we have heard of your <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">faith</b> in Christ Jesus and of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">love</b> you have for all the saints-- the faith and love that spring
from the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">hope</b> that is stored up for
you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the Gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">This Gospel/Good
News, this unbelievable truth is the source of Paul's thanksgiving
in </span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Col%201.3" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Colossians 1:3</span></i></a></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">-8. </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">"We always thank God, the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your </span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Faith, Hope, and Love</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> (or faith, love
and hope - different order): 1 Corinthians 13:13-- "And now these three
remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." The holy
triad of Christian virtues...</span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Faith<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What does it mean to believe? What
is he saying? How do you become a Christian? How do you receive this
good news? Simply by believing. The word, in the Greek, the verb is<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> pisteuo</i>, to believe, to have
faith. <b>The word simply means to be persuaded...to be convinced that
something is true and to trust it</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Look at Hebrews 11, "Faith,
is the substance of things hoped for." In other words, you...you
hope for something and as you hope for something that is unseen, your
faith gives it present reality. Faith is not wishful longing, it is
knowing with absolute authority and absolute certainty, it is taking something
you can't see that seems way out there and giving it substance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Go back to Noah</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. He's
incredible. God said - Noah, it's going to rain (Genesis
6-7). And the first thing Noah did was try to visualize rain because
it never had rained ever in the history of the world. And he tried to
visualize rain and then he tried to visualize a flood, and he believed God
and so that unseen reality got immediate substance in his mind. He became
convicted and his faith brought action and he built an Ark in the desert.
To me, is unbelievable. You know how long it took him to build it? A
valid answer is 70 years!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Illustration</span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Charles Spurgeon use to
tell a story about two men in a boat. They were caught in a
very, very severe rapids and they were going to a place where there
was a waterfall and even worse rapids and there was really no way, if they
ever hit those rapids, that they would ever live. And they began to
struggle for their lives. And as they were carried swiftly down
stream, they were carried toward the perilous rocks and the falls and
some men on the shore saw them and tried to save the two men and they
threw a rope out. By this time the men had fallen out of the little
boat, were struggling in the current. One man caught the rope and was
saved. At the same instant, said Spurgeon, the other man who could
have seized the rope, in the panic of the moment, grabbed onto a log
that was floating by and that was a fatal mistake. One man was drawn to
the shore because he had a connection with the people on the land. The
other clinging to a log was carried down through the rapids and never found
again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Faith gives you a connection with the shore. Faith gives you
a connection to Jesus Christ. Anything else is grabbing a log. It
doesn't go anywhere but along with you to your doom. And Paul says, first
of all, Colossians, I want to thank God that you got the rope, not a log.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They laid hold of something real, and as we read - many around
them had a hold of logs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Faith is a cause for
Paul's thanksgiving...<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">"we have
heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the
saints..."</span></span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Love (for the Saints)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo6; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Illustrator/painter Gustave Dore, one of
the patron saints of the DreamWorks team of Spielberg/Katzenberg/Geffen, was
handed a painting of Jesus just finished by one of his students. Asked for his
critique, Dore studied it, his mind searching for </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">the right words. At last he handed it back to the
student. "If you loved him more," he said, "you would have
painted him better."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo6; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">The way people talk
about (paint) their Church is the same way. Have you ever noticed that those
who speak well of their Church are always talking about the people who
represent the Church to them personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And that those who talk badly about their Church are always talking
about certain people in particular?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does
that sound weird to you - the way I said that? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it makes perfect sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they are talking about the Church building
- they make that clear... I love our/their stained glass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Note: We gave up the stained glass in order
to be present with people, even in this parking lot... get it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Love for the Saints... There is a connection here
between love and saints/holiness...<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo7; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Do you know what a
saint is? "... those ones that they have statues of." "Doers
of good deeds." Not exactly...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
word saint in the original Greek - has no ethical or moral meaning at
all. It has no righteous character in its terminology. It has no
moral significance. It simply means “set apart one, a separated
one.” I have said this to you recently. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We speak of a church as a holy place. Now,
that doesn't mean that the brick and the stone and the wood has some kind
of ethical quality. It doesn't mean this is moral mortar. No. What it
means is it's holy, only in the sense that this has been set apart for the
use of God's people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo7; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">We speak of the
Bible so often, and we say the "Holy Book." The paper is
not morally different than any other paper, and the ink makes for normal
everyday words. But when we say it's a holy book, we mean that of all
the books in the world this book has been set aside as the one single book
through which God conveyed His truth. It's set apart from all other books.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo7; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">“Holy” means “set
apart.” You know what a Christian is? He/she is holy. That does not
make, necessarily, an ethical or moral statement about them. It simply
says that they have been set apart from the world to belong to God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo7; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">For some with a
most practical bent - the authentic mark of a true believer is service. For
them service is the hallmark of the true Christian, especially service to the
poor and the needy. They're right in what they affirm, because without good
works of love, service, and philanthropy, faith is dead. Since Jesus came not
to be served but to serve and to give his life in service, we must give our
lives in service, too, if we are authentic followers of Jesus. Since he was the
champion of the poor, we must be champions of the poor as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo7; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">But, "If I
give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the
flames"—presumably in martyrdom—"but have not love, I gain
nothing." Love is greater than service it seems then from Paul's first
letter to the Corinthians. Knowledge, revealed truth, is vital. But love is
greater than knowledge. Knowledge puffs up. Love builds up, he says in another
place. Faith is indispensable, but love is greater than faith. is essential,
but love is greater than service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
"the greatest of these..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo7; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Love is the
greatest thing in the world. It is not an accident that the first and greatest
two commandments are to love the Lord our God with all our being and then to
love our neighbor as ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo7; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Moreover, God has
set his love upon us, and he has come in the person of his Son and given
himself in love even to death on the cross. The Holy Spirit pours God's love
into our hearts. He who loves calls us also to love. Love is the principle, the
pre-eminent, the distinguishing characteristic of the people of God. Where
there is no love, there is no life, and there is no authentic Christian
commitment. Holiness begins with love and ends with love. There is no holiness
without love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, our faith is more than a
conviction of the mind, it is the overflow of the heart, it is sound
doctrine and it is love. And we have the commandment to love and the
new capacity as the Spirit of God has poured His love in us. We skipped an
awful lot of things that we need to say about love... to continue on and say
that the Gospel truth not only is received by faith and results in love,
but it rests in hope. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hope<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Look at verse 5: "For the hope which is laid up for you
in heaven of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Gospel." I
just thank God not only for your faith, but I thank God for the love that
results and I thank God for the hope that you have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because hope is so powerful, the enemy
tries to steal it. I urge you not to let them do that, because if you cannot
take away your hope, and his operations against you are compromised. No matter
what happens, keep believing and hoping.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isaiah 40:31 helps us understand this.
Many people are familiar with this in the King James Version, which says,
"But they that <b>wait</b> upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they
shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they
shall walk, and not faint." Do you know what that word 'wait' means? It
doesn't mean to go sit in a chair somewhere and do nothing until God moves. The
word wait has the same definition as the word of hope. In fact, the NIV uses
hope instead of wait in this verse. "But they that <b>hope</b> upon the
Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as
eagles..."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So wait means to wait
expectantly, looking and longing for God to move in your life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What hope is this? "It's laid up for you in
heaven." The verb means reserved, it's the divine-lay-away-plan.
Peter calls it, as we mentioned this morning in </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/1%20Pet%201.4" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">I Peter 1:4</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">,
"An inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not
away, reserved in heaven for you." We have a laid-away
inheritance in heaven...what a fantastic truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">elaborate... what waits
us...<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But it does not cause us to be idle, but
to "Stop Gawking and Get Going" - quote form Ray Perez this week that
we ought to have made into a shirt. (His description of what the Angel tells
the disciples who were staring off into heaven as Jesus ascended.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We see all three of these
virtues in Epahpras...<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">3</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">We always thank God, the Father of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">4</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">because we have heard of your faith in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the
saints--<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">5</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">the faith and love that spring from the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">hope that is stored up for you in heaven<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">and that you have already heard about<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">in the word of truth, the Gospel </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">6</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">that
has come to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What is the Gospel truth? We who
are Christians, we ought to use the term in its right sense. When we talk
about the Gospel truth, what are we saying? Well, the word Gospel, as
it appears in verse 5, is the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">euangelion</i> from which we get evangelize, or evangel, it
simply, really, is a technical term for "good news." And it
originally was a term used in relationship to a battle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We find that in some non-biblical
records of the past, there would be occasions when a certain city would
fight another city, and in Greece particularly the country was
divided into city-states and each city-state would maintain its own army
and everything like that. So, they would be in battles. And
frequently there would be a great battle and everybody in the city would
be waiting to hear news from the battlefield. There weren't any telegraphs
so there had to be messengers. All of a sudden, on the horizon, the
messenger would appear, returning to the city from the
battlefield. He would come flying into the city and usually by his
appearance it would become very, very obvious what the news was - good or
bad.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> And
the word that is used to describe that is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">euangelion</i>, the good news, the news of victory. And that is
indeed the Gospel. It is the news of victory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do you feel you/we
are in a battle?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even end-times? (If so,
what?) We have been given a messenger in Paul and Epaphras...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Epaphras - like a
messenger , returning to the city from the battlefield. He comes
flying into the city with</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> the good news, the news of victory. And
that is indeed the Gospel. It is the news of victory.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Special Music<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Lord’s
Prayer<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Our Father, who art
in heaven, hallowed be thy name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thy
kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day
our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And lead us not into temptation, but deliver
us from evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For Thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory, forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Benediction<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-89388023342180917242020-05-10T07:43:00.003-07:002020-05-10T07:43:42.786-07:00<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">SUNDAY,
MAY 10, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Read 1 Kings 3:16-28 and Psalm 57 </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">(attached at
the end)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -13.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here are Preaching Notes for the
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will live-stream at 10:30 a.m.
this Sunday via Facebook, you can meet in your car in the Church parking lot,
and then it will be available after that online - look for the link on Church
website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"The
DNA/Compassion Test"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Introduction:
What if Mom stopped doing all that Mom does?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Laundry Crisis (Copyright 2000 W. Bruce Cameron)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As usual, I’m the one who was blamed
for the recent family crisis, even though, as readers of this column well know,
I am a sensitive and humble husband who is right pretty much 100 percent of the
time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I do admit that when it comes to the
system that runs the laundry at the Cameron house, I have been a
tad...oblivious. By “system” I mean, of course, my wife, who takes care of
washing clothes for the rest of us without complaint—until recently, as you
will soon see. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My oldest daughter has never
mastered the tricky mechanism required to open and shut her dresser drawers,
with the result that her clean laundry winds up right where my wife has stacked
it—on the bed, where it tips onto the floor and mingles with the dirty clothes
residing there. “I have nothing to wear!” she’ll shriek every once in awhile,
despite the fact that she is standing ankle deep in her entire wardrobe. When I
get tired of this ransacked condition and advise her she can’t go to a friend’s
party until her room is cleaned up, ignoring her claim that “these are the most
important people in my life I PROMISED I’d be there,” she’ll take care of the
problem by gathering up everything and trucking it down to the laundry room,
even if my wife just washed it that very day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For my youngest daughter, the issue
is the competency of the laundress. “I told you that this blouse has to be
washed separately,” she’ll scold. “You’re supposed to soak it in rain water and
then dry it with cotton balls!” Apparently everything she owns was hand-sewn by
movie stars out of butterfly silk, and my wife is constantly “ruining” things
by not treating them with gentle cycles and soft murmurs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My son never gripes about clothes—as
far as he is concerned, the laundry area could be converted into a video game
room. He generally wears the same outfit until it becomes toxic; the EPA has
been to our house twice to see if his clothing should be awarded Superfund
status. Often, peering at the condition of his attire, I realize he has more
dirt on him than I have in my yard. Cleaning his apparel causes the washing
machine to make a grinding, gritty noise, as if sand has gotten into the
bearings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Against all this, my complaint seems
a pretty mild irritant: I’ve begun noticing that whatever wash cycle she is
employing, my wife is causing my pants to shrink around the waist. “You’re
shrinking them so bad, I can barely button them,” I grumble. “Look at this!”
She regards me wearily. “Those are new pants. I haven’t even washed them yet,”
she advises. “What’s your point?” I demand. Sometimes she can’t seem to stay
focused. “Meaning, I couldn’t have done anything to shrink them. They came like
that.” “Defective trousers?” I sputter. How much more am I supposed to endure?
She pokes me lightly in the stomach. “No, they’re the right size,” she claims.
“So you did shrink them!” I accuse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now, even though all I am doing is
serving in my prosecutorial capacity as the man of the family, she completely
over-reacts. “You know what? You’re right. I must not know what I am doing. So
from now on, everyone in the family has to wash their own clothes. I am through
doing laundry!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At first I believe this is a bluff.
Each of us have our family responsibilities, after all—for her not to take care
of the clothes would be like me no longer bothering to decide what we will
watch on television. But when, after a few days, it becomes apparent that she
has no intention of calling off her unauthorized labor action, I summon the
children for an emergency session of arguing over who should take over laundry
duties. We decide on a system based on blame and denial. This leads to a minor
disaster in which everyone’s clothing somehow becomes pink, and a demand from
my children, “How are you going to get Mom back in the laundry business?” I
don’t know, but I suspect it will involve a lot of chocolate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Were
we to make a job description and list all the things that Mother's do - it
would be quite a list...so many things! But as we will be reminded of today - a
true mother is way more than that "list."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, a true mother is way more than even
giving birth to children. The assignment of the name of Mother in the Bible
entails so much more. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
are going to back up our story in 1 Kings 3 to the beginning of the chapter (3)
because, in like manner to a good definition of what it means to be a Mother,
being a King takes far more than having a crown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, God grants us what it takes to be that
which God has called us to.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Earlier in 1 Kings, Chapter 3<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon
during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me
to give you."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Solomon answered, "You have
shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful
to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great
kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"Now, O Lord my God, you have
made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little
child and do not know how to carry out my duties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Your servant is here among the
people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">give your servant a discerning hea</b>rt to govern your people and to
distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great
people of yours?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Lord was pleased that Solomon had
asked for this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We know this story of how Solomon
became and was widely known to be the wisest person who has ever lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The king made his wise request in the context
of a dream. He had been offering a thousand sacrifices at Gibeon, and as he
worshiped, "the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God
said, 'Ask what I shall give you'" for he had been walking in the way of
his father David - in the ways of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
did not place any conditions on the king's request, but simply invited him to
ask whatever he wished. This extraordinary and unprecedented invitation and the
way that Solomon responded would reveal the character of the King (more than his
job description).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="text" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Later, Solomon would become famous for
saying, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs
1:7). His own request is a perfect example, because the king begins his prayer
for wisdom by reverently proclaiming who God is and what God had done. Young
Solomon was a man that feared the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
acknowledges that the God of his father has put him on Israel's throne. He
remembers that God has chosen his people, and when he says that they are
"too many to be numbered or counted for multitude" (1 Kings 3:8),
Solomon echoes the covenant promise God made to Abraham—that his children would
be as countless as the stars in the sky, or the sand in the desert (Genesis 22:16-18).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="text" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It is with humility - a fear of the
Lord, that Solomon makes his request in verse 9 - he first, properly, acknowledges
the greatness of God. There are those things that are far more valuable than
gold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that is certainly Solomon's
attitude in Proverbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wisdom is far more
valuable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="text" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for
yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for
yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to
your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you
has been before you and none like you shall arise after you" (1 Kings
3:10-12;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 Chron. 1:11-12).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It wasn't the position that made
Solomon wise or to be greatly revered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God granted him what was needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It did not begin with a crown or a throne... but character and Godly
wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God
was so pleased with what Solomon asked that he granted his request. The king
became what God promised: the wisest man who ever lived. This gift went beyond
Solomon's natural intellectual ability (which was probably exceptional), to
endow him with the kind of spiritual insight that can only come from God (</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Proverbs 2:6</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
this time Solomon serves as an ideal example of an important principle that
Jesus taught his disciples: "Seek first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Matthew 6:33</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">). Love for God is its own reward, but along
with it come blessings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now we are at the reading for
today... Solomon, swords, babies women fighting, plot twists... it's </span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-themecolor: text1;">the Bold and the Beautiful</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"> or </span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Young and the Restless <i>- Israelite version.</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">The wise decision:
1 Kings 3:16-28</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This is one of the stories that you
never forget. Hearing it as a child, you remember it with vivid detail even if
any full understanding of how it fits into God's plan and the lessons that are
involved comes much later on. It starts first as an example of how smart and
wise Solomon is. And it serves that purpose in 1 Kings very well. This is
"case in point," Solomon is wise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>-summary
of the story-<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We are astounded at the idea of
slaughtering a child -- inconceivable. We remember it because the wisdom is
inconceivable -- it never occurs to us to answer the argument in that manner
(evidence of Godly wisdom, not human). We remember it because love and justice
wins out in the end. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What a familiar situation the story
presents, that age-old conflict of one person's word up against another's. It's
been going on since beginning of time shows up in the nightly news...nightly.
We run headlong into it under in number of contexts. Our children come running
to us each with opposing stories. How do you know which one is true. Arguments,
battles, and lawsuits... How do you know which one is true? It is one person's
word against another's.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We don't know the names of the women
involved in fact their true identities are revealed in a much different way.
The first title given to these ladies in the passage are simply a reference that
they are members of the oldest profession. They are prostitutes. But not like a
Hollywood version of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pretty Woman</i>
where Richard Gere comes to the rescue, and her hard-luck story has a fairytale
ending. She is a working woman. Her real identity in the best title comes in
the very last sentence. It identifies the woman as a member of the second
oldest profession. She is a mother. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 76.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">27</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then the king gave his ruling:
"Give<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 76.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">the
living baby to the first woman. Do<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 76.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">not
kill him; she is his mother."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We must be careful to note that
Scripture is discriminating in bestowing that title, of mother. </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">There are,
after all, two women in the story. Both of them claim to have given birth, and
both make the claim of mother. But in the story, the actual rank of mother is
withheld from each of them, until that telling moment when one of the women
felt compassion for the child, about to be sliced in half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
text bestows on her the honor of and the mantle of motherhood. It established
the quality of compassion as the difference between a biological and a Biblical
mother - if we can make that distinction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">It is not her ability to separate
dark and light colored clothing for the wash.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Compassion" is not a
casual word, just as "Mother" is not used casually. It is not simply
an emotional response. As a matter of fact, the Hebrew word which crosses over
into English from the Hebrew for "compassion" has its root the in the
word used for "womb."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Compassion in Hebrew has a very literal image of being gut-wrenching -
compelled to act on behalf of another... Pregnancy (not to presume knowledge
beyond me) is also gut-wrenching... there must be a better way of saying that!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Compassion and Womb - literally
and figuratively stirrings deep inside...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>An author and theologian by the name
of Phyllis Tribble suggests that despite our diligence in digesting the details
of this story, the real gold to be mined is a yet deeper understanding of God -
as seen in this mother. Remember that the Bible is not about us, it may be full
of stories and characters, patriarchs and matriarchs, sin and devotion... But
it's all to reveal God and God's nature.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tribble builds on her insight about
womb imagery in the Hebrew Bible, noting that in the singular, the word means
'womb' or 'uterus', but in the plural the word includes the abstract terms of
compassion, mercy, and love. Theologically conceived, God creates and nurtures
the fetus in the womb, prepares the uterus for birth, assists in the delivery,
receives the infant from the womb, and sustains the newborn's life into the
future. Divine compassion is expressed by the metaphor of a mother's experience
and stirrings of feelings and carrying a child to term in her womb and in
bonding to that life throughout the offspring's and her future existence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">26</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The woman whose son was alive was<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">filled
with compassion for her son and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">said
to the king, "Please, my lord, give<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">her
the living baby! Don't kill him!" But<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">the
other said, "Neither I nor you shall<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">have
him. Cut him in two!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The compassionate woman's maternal
feelings were stirred, verse 26, literally of her wombs were stirred, out of
compassion for her son. Her opponent, on the other hand, is inhumanly cold.
Even when she has one the baby by the compassionate woman's capitulation, she
still insists on the 50-50 split which would be objectively fair, but morally
monstrous. Biological mother, allows for objectively fair, but room to be
morally monstrous. The Biblical mother, gives up her rights for the sake of the
other. She makes a sacrifice, it's not about her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">In other
words, in this story, there is a difference between a mere biological mother
and Godly/compassionate/Biblical Mother. A merely biological mother believes
the womb to be an agent of control over life, the life it contains. This kind
of mother - she has exclusive ownership of the life that is to be birthed. It
is after all a part of her - all decisions are made with regard to herself. Her
life is greater than the life within her. Her womb, her rules. I am not denying
women's rights - this is an extreme story with extreme contrasts to making
something extremely clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A Biblical mother sees the womb as
the agent for giving life and freedom. It is a safe place in which life is
nurtured, and it's also the instrument that yields and engenders something/one
that she puts ahead of herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
whenever that concept of bringing forth life is threatened or diminished, a Biblical
mother's womb cries out with yearning to reestablish it. Compassion - a gut
stirring move to act on behalf of another. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>John
Piper writes... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The way of love is both
the way of self-denial and the way of ultimate joy. We deny ourselves the
fleeting pleasures of sin and luxury and self-absorption in order to seek the
kingdom above all things. In doing so we bring the greatest good to others, we
magnify the worth of Christ as a treasure chest of joy, and we find our
greatest satisfaction. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied
in him. And the supremacy of that glory shines most brightly when the
satisfaction that we have in him endures in spite of suffering and pain in the
mission of love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So, then, how does the Biblical
Mother give us a glimpse of God? Frankly, this should be obvious. It is God in
whom we live and move and have our being, as if we live and move in a mother's
womb. It is God from whom we must be born again. It is God who lets us go,
granting us free will. Giving us birth. It is God who allows us to make our own
choices. It is God who suffers right along with us when we make wrong choices.
It is still God, at least according to the writer of Deuteronomy, who like a
mother eagle pushes her offspring out of the nest, teaches us to fly, and wills
is to fulfill the purposes for which each of us was born.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>From Jeremiah 1:5, we hear...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"Before
I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated
you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We also read Psalm 57 because it
too has an obvious feminine image for God...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">1 Kings 3 has quite a
fight/dispute... note that in Psalm 57 the nature of God is also revealed in
adversity.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the Psalm David appears to be in
deep trouble. He talks of people setting traps for him and of being surrounded
by enemies. As important as those facts are to him, we, in reality, learn very
little about the actual trouble that he is in and much more about the God to
whom he looks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Scripture speaks to the idea that
God's character is revealed in adversity in many ways on many occasions. God is
revealed God's true nature is revealed when the Hebrews are under the watchful
eyes and heavy hands of the oppression of Egyptian taskmasters. God delivers
them. Job learned of God's nature on an ash heap. Jonah learned of God in the
deep of the sea. All humanity learned of God upon the cross, for while he we
were yet sinners Christ died for us to reveal God is the God of love and
redemption. In adversity God's colors shine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">What
is the nature that is revealed? In Psalm 57,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Have mercy on me, O God, have
mercy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">on
me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">will take refuge in the shadow of
your<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">wings until the disaster has
passed.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I cry out to God Most High, to
God, who<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">fulfills
[his purpose] for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God's nature is expressed in
feminine images that are as accurate as masculine ones. Here's one passage in
which God is compared to a mother bird gathers her brood under her wing. God's
nature is discussed in the Bible in feminine metaphors with equal accuracy as
when discussed under masculine ones. God is one who protects us. David believes
the soul can take refuge in the shadow of God's wings. He believes, too, that
this protection will last until the storm has passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it happens, the Hebrew word for "wings"
can also be translated as "skirts."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mother hen/wings - not unlike hiding behind a Mother's skirt...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus uses that very same image...
it's a good one to reveal the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>character
of God...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"O
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are
sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen
gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" (Matthew
23:37)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Such
obvious parallels between the Biblical Mother/feminine imagery and God:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If those parallels are not obvious
to us, they would be in the Hebrew language of Scripture. Whenever we read the
passage that told of Moses encountering God on Sinai, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Exodus 34</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So Moses
chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai
early in the morning, as the </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lord</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> had
commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. </span><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then the </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lord</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> came down
in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. </span><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And he passed in
front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in
love and faithfulness</b>, </span><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">maintaining love
to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">In
those Hebrew words define the word 'compassion' at its source. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"Wherever the mercy of God
is described, we would also find the family words derived from the root
"womb." We would see with our own eyes that what is being said is
this: it is as if God has a womb which weeps for us, yearns for us, and trembles
with hope that we will be all we were born to be." </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">(Cindy
Johnson)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Conclusion: Anthropological
Evidence of Compassion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="text" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One
day a student asked anthropologist Margaret Mead for the earliest sign of
civilization in a given culture. He expected the answer to be a clay pot or
perhaps a fish hook or grinding stone. Her answer was "a healed
femur." Mead explained that no healed femurs are found where the law of
the jungle, survival of the fittest, reigns. A healed femur shows that someone
cared. Someone had to do that injured person's hunting and gathering until the
leg healed. The evidence of compassion is the first sign of civilization.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="text" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And,
it is evidence of God's true character as revealed in our Mothers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">1 Kings 3:16-28<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now
two prostitutes came to the king<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and stood before him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">17</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One
of them said, "My lord, this<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">woman and I live in the same house. I<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">had a baby while she was there with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">18</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
third day after my child was born,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">this woman also had a baby. We were<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">alone; there was no one in the house<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">but the two of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">19</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"During
the night this woman's son<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">died because she lay on him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">20</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So
she got up in the middle of the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">night and took my son from my side<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">while I your servant was asleep. She put<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">him by her breast and put her dead son<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">by my breast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">21</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
next morning, I got up to nurse my<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">son-and he was dead! But when I<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">looked at him closely in the morning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">light, I saw that it wasn't the son I had borne."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">22</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
other woman said, "No! The living<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">one is my son; the dead one is yours."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But the first one insisted, "No! The dead<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">one is yours; the living one is mine." And<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">so they argued before the king.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">23</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
king said, "This one says, 'My son<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">is alive and your son is dead,' while that<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">one says, 'No! Your son is dead and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">mine is alive.' "<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">24</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then
the king said, "Bring me a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">sword." So they brought a sword for the king.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">25</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He
then gave an order: "Cut the living<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">child in two and give half to one and half<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">to the other."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">26</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
woman whose son was alive was<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">filled with compassion for her son and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">said to the king, "Please, my lord, give<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">her the living baby! Don't kill him!" But<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">the other said, "Neither I nor you shall<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">have him. Cut him in two!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">27</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then
the king gave his ruling: "Give<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">the living baby to the first woman. Do<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">not kill him; she is his mother."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">28</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When
all Israel heard the verdict the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">king had given, they held the king in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">awe, because they saw that he had<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">wisdom from God to
administer justice.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span></b>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">PSALM 57<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Have mercy on me, O God, have
mercy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">will take refuge in the shadow of your<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">wings until the disaster has passed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
cry out to God Most High, to God, who<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">fulfills [his purpose] for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He
sends from heaven and saves me,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">rebuking those who hotly pursue me;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Selah God sends his love and his faithfulness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
am in the midst of lions; I lie among<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ravenous beasts- men whose teeth are<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Be
exalted, O God, above the heavens;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">let your glory be over all the earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They
spread a net for my feet- I was<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">bowed down in distress. They dug a pit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">in my path- but they have fallen into it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">themselves. Selah<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My
heart is steadfast, O God, my heart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">is steadfast; I will sing and make music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Awake,
my soul! Awake, harp and lyre!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I will awaken the dawn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
will praise you, O Lord, among the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For
great is your love, reaching to the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Be
exalted, O God, above the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-82120360541616443762020-05-07T12:13:00.003-07:002020-05-07T12:13:47.826-07:00Gotta try Corrina Hardman's Zucchini Stuffed Meatloaf Stir Cray 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zu31z5gi6S4/XrRdu6BmccI/AAAAAAAAA6k/0HG6jFH4yz4ugm6CGGTj7HP0zMGm7RaagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Stir%2BCrazy%2B10%2BCH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zu31z5gi6S4/XrRdu6BmccI/AAAAAAAAA6k/0HG6jFH4yz4ugm6CGGTj7HP0zMGm7RaagCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Stir%2BCrazy%2B10%2BCH.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-31728192797399549822020-05-07T12:12:00.001-07:002020-05-07T12:12:32.437-07:00Stir Crazy 9 Kyle Chaney shares the good stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q2XhusXH5Mg/XrRdc4AX1oI/AAAAAAAAA6c/ORx_lq8q2uUvLni3qBUUcYeCT-Z1DAZWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Stir%2BCrazy%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q2XhusXH5Mg/XrRdc4AX1oI/AAAAAAAAA6c/ORx_lq8q2uUvLni3qBUUcYeCT-Z1DAZWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Stir%2BCrazy%2B9.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-81867144556764095822020-05-03T05:24:00.004-07:002020-05-03T05:24:58.915-07:00SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2020 Read Acts 2:42-47<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">SUNDAY,
MAY 3, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Read Acts 2:42-47 </span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -13.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here are Preaching Notes for the
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will live-stream at 10:30 a.m.
this Sunday via Facebook, you can meet in your car in the Church parking lot,
and then it will be available after that online - look for the link on Church
website. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Communion will also be
available, in your car (the elements sealed in bags), as you leave through the
designated parking lot exit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"Unwritten Rules"</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Every
sport has rules. Most of these rules are codified in a complex document that
has been revised and ratified at various times by the teams, owners, clubs,
etc. You follow these official rules, and if you don’t, you pay a penalty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Many
sports, especially professional baseball and golf, have unwritten rules. If you
break them, you will not be assessed a foul or penalty because what you did
technically conformed to the official rule book. If you are a professional
player, however, you know these rules, so breaking them is serious. Baseball's
'<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">unwritten' </span></em>rules
include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Do
not bunt to break up a no-hitter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Do
not spend your time admiring a home run you hit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Do
not steal bases if your team is ahead by a significant amount.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Do
not try to steal signs while standing in the batter’s box.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Do
not speak to a pitcher who is in the process of throwing a no-hitter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">A
pitcher is not to indicate displeasure if one of his fielders commits an error.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If a
player violates an unwritten rule, he probably knows that the next time he
steps into the batter’s box, the pitcher on the opposing team will throw a
“purpose pitch” (otherwise known as a “brushback pitch” or a bean ball). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thou shalt not</b> break the unwritten
rules of baseball! These rules, evolved over time, are meant to establish
boundaries for behavior which, if observed, contribute to good sportsmanship.
In baseball, the players know that there’s no showboating, no headhunting and
no sign stealing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do you
suppose there are unwritten rules in the church?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Absolutely. The most important unwritten rule
of church is: “Thou shalt not covet nor sit in thy neighbor’s pew,” or should I
say, "Parking Spot"? Some other unwritten rules of church life might
include: Thou shalt tolerate the Preacher's jokes. And, every potluck shall
include... you know what I might say, and it would never be a criticism, but you
were already filling in the blanks of the things we have seen at every potluck
since dawn of casseroles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sometimes,
the unwritten rules of the church are unknown to us. They are rules in place
without us being aware of them. Josh Daffern, blogger and pastor (“6 Unwritten
Rules of Today’s Church.” <em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Patheos</span></em>, 8/19/19), suggests that many churches have
six unwritten rules. People attending this church shall:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">look like us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">dress like us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">talk like us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">vote like us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">sin like us (honestly - this way we don't have to say it
aloud)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">believe like us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">If you can’t follow these rules, you might need to find
another church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>OUCH.
Surely we are better than that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though
we might say that every institution has unwritten rules - our Church should not
resemble a club or display such bigotry. Today’s text speaks of a different set
of unwritten rules that govern our shared life together as the church. And,
they were devoted to them... (</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">verse 42 </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"They
devoted themselves to..."</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">)</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Devoted</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
is what we are talking about today - these things that they were devoted to and
did not need to be told to do... the unwritten rules of being a Church that
they just obeyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They exist...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
kind of prickly Danish theologian, Soren Kierkegaard, understood this when he
wrote: “The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of
scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know
very well that the minute we understand, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">we are
obliged to act accordingly.</span></em>"</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In
Revelation, the church at Laodicia was criticized for its failure to be
“devoted” to the degree that the first Christians were devoted. “I know your
deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the
other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit
you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). Strong words, but the readers at the
time knew exactly what was being said here.</span></em><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Near
Laodicia in what is today Pamukkale (ancient Hierapolis) was (and still is) a
hot springs where once Cleopatra and Roman troops quartered and refreshed
themselves. The water flowed out of this spring at a very hot temperature, but
by the time the water reached Laodicia, it was only lukewarm.</span></em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We’ve
got to be hot! We need to be devoted.</span></em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">They Devoted Themselves to the Apostles' TEACHING<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It is an
unwritten rule that we as students of the Master -- follow. "They devoted
themselves to the apostles' teaching” (verse 42). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The course outline offered by the early
apostolic professors featured the life and teachings of Christ, and the
interpretation of the Hebrew scriptures in light of the Messiah who had so
recently appeared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Serious
followers of Jesus want to know all they can know. They’re eager to drink at
the fountain of knowledge. They are interested in what the Word has to say. So
the study of God’s word is just a given. It’s what we do as followers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Granted,
studying the Word of God sort of is a rule. We are told to study; we are
expected to study. So, perhaps, it is not an unwritten rule so much as a
written rule. But, what is interesting is that the early Church did not need to
be told. They wanted to study. They had a need for the word of God like a baby
needs its mother’s milk. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">“As
newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow
unto salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">” (1
Peter 2:2-3).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">No need to explain to them or try to convince them; they
wanted the nourishment of the Word of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so easy
to be devoted when you are hungry - in fact, when I am hungry it is a huge
distraction - it begins to consume and preoccupies my thoughts. What if my
desire/hunger for God's Word did the same?! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Still,
lest the importance of study elude us, the Bible is clear: We need to be in the
Word of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">“How
can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your Word”
(Psalm 119:9).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">“I
treasure your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you” (Psalm
119:11).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">“This
book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it
day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is
written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall
be successful” (Joshua 1:8).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Follow
the Master, and his teachers - the Apostles... It's what we do! And being
devoted is how we learn.... and there is a lot to learn.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Illustration <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">(How Different Cultures Read the Bible)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To help
explain the challenges people in the West face reading the Bible, authors E.
Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O'Brien refer to a social experiment in
"The Forgotten Famine" by Mark Allan Powell. Powell had twelve
students in a seminary class read the story of the prodigal son from Luke's
Gospel, then close their Bibles and retell the story as faithfully as possible
to a partner. None of the twelve American seminary students mentioned the
famine in Luke 15:14, which precipitates the son's eventual return. Powell then
had one hundred people participate in the same experiment and the results
revealed that only six of the one hundred mentioned the famine. The
"famine-forgetters," as Powell called them, had only one thing in
common: they were from the United States.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Later
Powell tried the experiment in St. Petersburg, Russia. He gathered fifty
participants to read and retell the prodigal son story. This time an
overwhelming forty-two of the fifty participants mentioned the famine. Why?
Just seventy years before, 670,000 people died of starvation after a siege of
the capital city began a three-year famine (World War 1). Famine was very much
a part of the history and imagination of the Russian participants. (E. Randolph
Richards and Brandon J. O'Brien, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Misreading
Scripture With Western Eyes</i>, IVP, 2012)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Russian participants saw the world through a lens that included famine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We Westerners - not so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Studying (the teachings of the Apostles - the
Bible) teaches our children, and us a Biblical world view - so that they/we see
the world through the eyes of Christ. So that we love our neighbors as
ourselves. And can even answer the question posed in Scripture, "Who is my
neighbor?" Reading Scripture gives us a lens by which to view all time,
history, places, events, all people, nations, and viruses...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Transition: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Listen to Ephesians 2:19-22</b></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">19 </span></sup></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and
strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of
his household,</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">20 </span></sup></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">built on the foundation of the
apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief
cornerstone</span></u></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">21 </span></sup></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">In him the whole building is joined together
and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">22 </span></sup></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">And in him
you too are <u>being built together</u> to become a dwelling in which God lives
by his Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">We are both "</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">built on the <u>foundation
of the apostles and prophets</u>, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief
cornerstone" (our devotion listed), and "being built <u>together</u>"
(our next devotion from our<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>passage
today).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was true of the early
Church of Acts, the later Church of Ephesus, and still true of our "as of
late" Church. <span style="mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">They Devoted Themselves to FELLOWSHIP<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">42</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"They devoted themselves to the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">apostles' teaching and to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">fellowship</b>..."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
doesn’t say that they devoted themselves to “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the</i> fellowship;” rather, they devoted themselves "to
fellowship.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this instance it is not
a reference to being devoted to a group or a cause - but they were devoted to
an ACTION. The word we translate “fellowship” is the Greek word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When we
hear “fellowship,” what do we think of? Cookies and coffee before Church... on
a normal Sunday? Hey, nothing wrong with cookies and coffee, but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>, Biblical fellowship, runs a
lot deeper than that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the first
time this word appears in the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
root Greek word of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i> is the
word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonos</i>, which means: a sharer,
a companion, one who is a partaker, a partner with others. They were devoted to
building, fostering, growing increasing their fellowship - and because of that they
took action!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Koinonia</i> refers to having things in
common, sharing in the common things. It starts with what we all have in common
as Christians. We all believe in one true God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul talks about what we
have as the Body of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="background: white; line-height: 15.05pt; margin-bottom: 6.25pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">1 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"As a prisoner for the
Lord, then, I urge</span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one
another in love.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
through the bond of peace.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There
is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when
you were called;</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></b><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">one Lord, one
faith, one </span></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">baptism;</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></b><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">6 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">one God and Father of all, who is over all and
through all and in all."</span></b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">The active, action filled, sharing in the common things
is what makes us a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i>, a
fellowship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Illustration</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"> (the nature of true fellowship)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">In (the movie) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring</i>, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood),
a hobbit, is given the unenviable task of destroying a ring in The Cracks of
Doom in a dark and evil land called Mordor. His task is fraught with mortal
danger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Gandalf, the wizard, understands such a perilous journey
could cause anyone to become discouraged. Gandalf encourages Frodo's best
friend, Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin), to accompany Frodo on the trip. In fact,
Gandalf makes Samwise promise he will never leave Frodo. Several other brave
individuals accompany Frodo as well. These nine travelers become the
"Fellowship of the Ring."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Well into the journey, the lives of those in the
Fellowship have been endangered on multiple occasions. Concerned for the safety
of his friends, Frodo makes a private and noble decision to slip away from his
friends and make the remainder of the journey on his own. Frodo steps into a
boat and quietly pushes away from the shore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Suddenly, the branches on the sloping hill above the
shore begin to snap and give way to a tiny hobbit warrior. Samwise Gamgee
crashes through the branches and onto the shore shouting, "Frodo! Mr.
Frodo!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Frodo yells back, "Go back, Sam! I'm going to Mordor
alone!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Sam is not deterred. He continues toward Frodo, splashing
into the river up to his waist. "Of course you are, and I'm coming with
you!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"You can't swim!" Frodo shouts. "Sam!
Sam!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Sam tries desperately to swim out to the boat. Frodo
watches as Sam begins to sink beneath the murky surface of the river.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Frodo reaches down and grabs Sam's wrist, pulling him up
and into the boat. Frodo looks at Sam as if to say, "Why? Why would you
risk your life attempting to swim out to me?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">A soaking wet Sam sees the question in Frodo's eyes and
says, "I made a promise, Mr. Frodo. A promise. 'Don't you leave him,
Samwise Gamgee.' And I don't mean to. I don't mean to."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Frodo embraces Sam. "Come on," he smiles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That
common life and fellowship shows itself in how we care for one another.
Love–love for our brothers and sisters in the family, expressed in helpful,
practical ways. When some of us are hurting, we’re all hurting. When some of us
rejoice, we all rejoice. When we see a brother or sister in the family in need,
we act to meet that need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">That sharing in Spiritual things together extended to the
joyful and literal sharing of material things together as well.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">They Devoted Themselves to SHARING<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">44</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">All the believers were together and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">had everything in common.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">45</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Selling their possessions and goods,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">they gave to anyone as he had need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">46</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Every day they continued to meet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">together in the temple courts. They<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">broke bread in their homes and ate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">together with glad and sincere hearts,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">47</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">praising God and enjoying the favor of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">all
the people.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Today’s
reading is part of the account of the reaction of a group of “devout Jews” (Acts
2:5) to one of the first Christian sermons. The sermon (Acts 2:14-36) was
delivered by Peter on the occasion of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit
upon a group of Jesus’ followers and bystanders (Acts 2:1-13). Today’s passage
describes, in part, the aftermath of that momentous event. Today’s lesson is a
description — the first of several in Acts — of one of the earliest Christian
communities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are changed lives
living in changed way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
reaction to this apparently incontrovertible proof of Jesus’ identity as “both
Lord and Messiah” (Acts 2:36) is that those who heard it were “cut to the
heart” (acts 2:37) and sought guidance from the apostles, and the best
practices. Peter responds that the bystanders need to repent and be baptized in
the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, and then they will
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:black;
mso-themecolor:text1'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Not
everybody in Jerusalem sold and gave away everything. We read in verse 46
that they met in one another's homes. But I thought they'd all sold their
homes and their furniture and their possessions! Apparently not. The giving
and selling were voluntary—as it should be today. I think I hear sighs of
relief in the church. You were afraid I was going to tell you to go and
sell everything. No, that's not the vocation of every Christian.
Nevertheless, we should not avoid the challenge of these verses. Those
early Christians loved one another—hardly surprising, since the fruit of
the Spirit is love. They cared for their poor sisters and brothers who were
less fortunate than themselves. They shared their goods. They shared their
homes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</v:shape><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Something
truly amazing happens and the Church is born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Coming into fellowship with God
brings us into fellowship with each other. Being devoted to God births<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>devotion to each other... this is the Lord's
will, and is what is so winsome about the Body of Christ, the Church. This kind
of fellowship and sharing.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Illustration </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">(Craig Barnes, “The post-anxiety church,” <i>The
Christian Century</i>, January 29, 2016)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">When I speak at denominational gatherings, pastors often
ask me to say something about the future of the church. The subtext of their
invitations is, “If you have any ideas for survival, let us know.” The future
of the church is a question that makes it way deep into my bones. I worry, too.
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">But the church has never looked less
attractive than when it dresses in anxiety.</b> Historically, that’s when we’ve
made our worst mistakes...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Little
good comes from getting fixated on the empty pews. The ... church has to stop
fretting about its future. The anxiety takes up the air and leaves the church
too lethargic to offer anything to the world. The alternative response is for
the church to do what it’s always done at its best, what it did from the
beginning: stop thinking about its future and sacrifice itself to its mission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When I
was working my way through a graduate program in the history of Christianity, I
became convinced that there is no rational explanation for the church’s
survival over the past 2,000 years — there were many compelling political,
intellectual and social reasons for it to have gone out of business long ago.
And none of those threats were ever as dangerous to the church as it was to
itself. We’ve always been our own worst enemy when we fail to live out of the
gospel we proclaim. But still the church perseveres.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The only
possible explanation for the church’s survival is that Jesus Christ chose to
use it to continue his mission of bringing the kingdom of God to earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
is the picture we get in Acts 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
lacked for nothing when they were continuing Christ's mission.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So...
Unwritten rules. This is an important discussion because we all know what
happens when unwritten rules are broken. It’s not pretty. Benches clear.
Dugouts empty. Fists and punches are thrown. Bats fly. Players can actually get
ejected from the game! All because some unwritten rule — like brushing back the
pitcher who’s up to bat — is broken.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Instead
of stating it in the negative - breaking unwritten rules - let's state it
positively: Living by the rules - more specifically, living as Christ would
have us live - bears so much fruit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">...They broke
bread in their homes and ate<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">together with
glad and sincere hearts,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">47</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">praising God and enjoying the favor of<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">all the
people. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And the Lord added to<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">their number daily those who were being saved.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Oh how God can work through such
a Church!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Finally, take note<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">They Devoted Themselves to the BREAKING OF BREAD<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">42</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">They devoted themselves to the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">apostles' teaching and to the fellowship,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">to the
breaking of bread and to prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="deck" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A
few years/centuries later, the church squabbled over many things regarding the
Breaking of Bread - which is most assuredly a reference to the Lord's
Supper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let's say that something got
lost over time and they were devoted to something else... and that somethign
else, anything else, makes us that much more not the Church God calls us to
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Someone
has said that the four most disputed words in the entire history of the church
are "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">This is my Body</b>."
Historically that little clip of four words has engendered massive arguments. How
is it the Body of Christ? and how literally is it the Body of Christ? and how
exactly is God present? Transubstantiation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Consubstantiation? Catholic? Protestant? Or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">protest</b>ant?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="deck" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="line-height: normal; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Right
up front - the Lord's Supper rightfully serves as a center and symbol of
Christian unity.<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1
Corinthians 11 - which we use so often use for our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Words of Institution</i> ("On<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the night in which the Lord Jesus was betrayed..." the words spoken
during all communion services) and hold dear as our understanding of what
Communion means... Paul has to say out loud and make explicit an unwritten
rule. And he is disgusted that he needs to do this...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Verse
20 (of 1 Corinthians 11), "When you come together, it is not the Lord's
Supper you eat." No sirree. You're enjoying your caviar. "As you eat,
each one of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry
and another gets drunk." Now you come to the part of the service where you
actually have the Lord's Supper. Where is the unity in all of this? "Don't
you have homes to eat and drink in?" The Lord's Supper isn't primarily
about satisfying your physical needs. "You despise the church of God and
humiliate those people who have nothing." Paul is blistering. "What
shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">He comes to
this again in verse 33, "So then, my brothers, when you come together to
eat, wait for each other. If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that
when you meet together it may not result in judgment." In other words, he
gets rid of all this " table fellowship " if all it's going to do is
generate more animosity and resentment and bitterness and feelings of
superiority and inferiority and inclusion and exclusion. This rite that is
supposed to be a center point of Christian unity has become the focal point for
division. (D. A. Carson)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They
were breaking some unwritten rules that undermined the whole affair. Their mind
and devotion was on food, or themselves, at the expense of fellowship with God
and each other. The Lord's Supper, the Breaking of the Bread in this case - is
all about Sacramental fellowship - regardless of how any denomination wants to
view it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like baptism is not about
how much water is used, so Communion is way more real than even the taste and
smell and elements, bread and wine. Hear 1 Corinthians 10:16 (which contains
our new word, Koinonia)...<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16 </span></sup></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Is not the cup of
thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation/<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koinonia</i></b> in the blood of
Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">/<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">koinonia</b></i>
in the body of Christ?</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4 style="line-height: normal; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">What is meant in the context is
that the cup of thanksgiving, the rite itself constitutes a fellowship of
Christ, a fellowship of the blood of Christ, a fellowship of the Body of
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Koinonia</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
with each other and with Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The
Lord's Supper serves as a center as well as a symbol of Christian unity.<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Conclusion</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">: Verse 43<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In one
of the "eatingest" congregations... if we talk about being FULL - and
you might think of full of Jessie's Shepherd Pie, or Mag's smoked Salmon, Joe's
Pasole, Darla's Jean Bars, Joy's bread, Irene's cake, Hank's Split Pea Soup, Sheri's
chocolate truffles, anything Mary Lynn or Beverly make... it is a long list -like
I said, eatingest congregations (I love it)...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That early Church was FULL...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">43</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Everyone was
filled with awe, and<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">many wonders
and miraculous signs<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">were done by the apostles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Their needs were met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were full.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I dare say that not all<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>their needs were food related.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Illustration </span></b><i><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">(</span></i><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Ronnie
Floyd, </span></i><span class="text2"><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Our
Last Great Hope</span></i></span><i><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">, Thomas
Nelson, 2011</span></i><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">, pp.
167-169</span></i><i><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">)</span></i><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There was a man named Jeremiah
Lanphier who lived in New York City during the 1850s. Those were years of
tension, when the shadow of war loomed over America. There were strikes,
depressions, tailing banks, long jobless lines, and an air of simmering
violence. In this setting, Lanphier accepted a calling as a full-time city evangelist.
He walked the streets, knocked on doors, put up posters, and prayed
constantly—all to no visible result.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As his discouragement increased,
Lanphier looked for some kind of new idea, some possibility for breakthrough.
New York was a business town; maybe the men would come to a luncheon. So he
nailed up his signs, calling for a noon lunch in the Old Dutch Church on Fulton
Street. When the hour came, he sat and waited until finally a single visitor
arrived. Several minutes later, a couple of stragglers peeked through the door.
The handful of them had a nice meal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lanphier gave his idea another go on
the following week. Twenty men attended; at least it was a start. But then
forty came on the third week. The men were getting to know each other by this
time, and one of them suggested he'd be willing to come for food and prayer
every day. Lanphier thought that was a good sign, and he ramped up his efforts
for a daily meal and prayer time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Before long, the building was
overflowing. The luncheon had to move again and again, so high was the demand.
The most intriguing element of the "Fulton Street Revival," as they
called the phenomenon, was the ripple effect. Offices began closing for prayer
at noon …. Fulton Street was the talk of the town, with men telegraphing prayer
news back and forth between New York City and other cities—yes, other cities
had started their own franchises; other godly meetings were launching in New
York.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The center of the meeting was
prayer, and it was okay to come late or leave early, as needed …. Men stood and
shared testimonies. [This was not] a place for the well-known preachers of the
day—this was about the working class, businessmen who wanted to share the
things of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Some historians went so far as to
refer to the Fulton Street Revival as the Third Great Awakening, because it
lasted for two years and saw as many as one million decisions for Christ. Given
the influence of New York City, no one could estimate the national and
international impact that spread out from Jeremiah Lanphier's simple lunch
break FELLOWSHIPS.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">What does a Spirit-filled
church look like? What evidence did that first century Church give of the
presence and power of the Holy Spirit in its midst? Almost like bring two
loaves of bread and a few fish to Jesus - the 5,000 had their fill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"And
the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-48650337476407718662020-04-25T06:36:00.003-07:002020-04-27T15:57:44.921-07:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">SUNDAY,
APRIL 26, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Read
Psalm 145<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here are Preaching Notes for the
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will live-stream at 10:30 a.m.
this Sunday via Facebook, you can meet in your car in the Church parking lot,
and then it will be available after that online - look for the link on Church
website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"Praise God Every Day"</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Introduction </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A first grade teacher gave her class
a fun assignment—to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful.
It was Thanksgiving and though most of the class might be considered to be from
poor families, they would still be celebrating the holiday with turkey and
other traditional goodies of the season. These, the teacher thought, would be
the subjects of most of her student's art. And they were. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But Douglas made a different kind of
picture. Douglas was a different kind of boy. He was the teacher's true child
of misery, frail and unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was
likely to stand close by her side. One could only guess at the pain Douglas
felt behind those sad eyes. Yes, his picture was different. When asked to draw
a picture of something for which he was thankful, he drew a hand. Nothing else.
Just an empty hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>His abstract image captured the
imagination of the other students. The teacher asked the class, “Whose hand
could it be?” One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers
raise turkeys. Another suggested a police officer, because the police protect
and care for people. Still others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds
us. And so the discussion went—until the teacher almost forgot the young artist
himself. When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at
Douglas' desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The little boy looked away and
murmured, "It's yours, teacher." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">She
recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as
she had the other students. How often had she said, "Take my hand,
Douglas, we'll go outside." Or, "Let me show you how to hold your
pencil." Or, "Let's do this together." Douglas was most thankful
for his teacher's hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Today
Psalm 145 encourages us to think about God’s hand in our life.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Psalm of David<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Some, but not every Psalm,
has a superscription -- which is the little title line that often precedes the
actual verse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They usually tell you who
wrote the Psalm or gives you musical directions. Superscriptions are actually
in the Hebrew text, and not something added by English translators like typical
section headings that help people like me find my way around the Bible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In Psalm 145 the
superscription reads <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tehilla ledawid</i>,
"a hymn of David."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously
most if not all of the Psalms are put to music and meant to be sung, but this
is the only Psalm that uses the word that labels it as a "Hymn," or
"Hymn of Praise."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You have probably heard
the book of Psalms called the Psalter. This just another way of saying the book
of Psalms is a hymnal. In a superscription in Psalm 145 has traditionally been
used to describe all of the book of Psalms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hebrew Poetry<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Poetry can employ any of several different
literary devices. Rhyming is just one such tool, but not the one that applies
today - especially since Psalm 145 is in Hebrew. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Another obvious/common poetic device
is that of an acrostic (alphabetic) poem in which each line or set of lines is
begun with a subsequent letter of the alphabet (e.g., Psalms 34, 37, 111, 112).
The most extended acrostic poem is Psalm 119 in which the letter stanza consist
of eight lines each. So - verses 1–8 begin with the first letter of the Hebrew
alphabet, verses 9–16 with the second letter, and so on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Psalm
145 is an acrostic poem</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are 21 lines, each beginning with a successive letter of the
Hebrew alphabet (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aleph, bet, gimel,
daleth</i>, etc.). One letter of the alphabet (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nun</i>) is lacking from the oldest Hebrew text, but another (though
newer) Hebrew manuscript and several other ancient translations include the
missing verse/letter as the second half of verse 13.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most English versions include it - you will
notice verse 13 is four lines instead of two because of the addition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Another basic constituent of Hebrew
poetry is the device of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">parallelism</b>,
a technique in which lines are ordinarily end-stopped and balanced according to
meaning, syntax, and/or sound. For example: "You who dwell in the shelter
of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty" (Ps 91:1).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The various elements balance each other: you
who dwell /who abide; in the shelter /in the shadow; of the Most High /of the
Almighty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Synonymous
parallelism</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> is where the same thought is repeated twice
in different but synonymous (‘nearly the same’) words. For example:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> "</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The cords of death encompassed me; the
torrents of destruction assailed me" (Psalm 18:4). <u>So the verse has two
lines, with parallel meaning</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing
this helps us read Hebrew poetry, the Psalms in particular, and interpret what
is being said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helps too because poetry
is artful language and not just some kind of literal/literary science.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Enough about Hebrew, poetry, for now this is all you
need to know-etry... We have talked about how Hebrew poetry communicates, now
let's talk about what Psalm 145 is saying. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Some specific ways that God’s hand touches our life</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Writing the elementary-age lesson that
went in the Sunday In A Box for this week - I thought about how in Psalm 145 David
was making a list of his reasons for praising God. His reasons for giving
thanks to God. It occurred to me that most often when I give thanks and I make
a list, and it is a list of things. I thank God for stuff. And then I was
reminded that it is also right for us to move beyond "stuff and thank God
for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">who</i> God is as well. David does a
good job of both of those...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you went through Psalm 145 with two
different color highlighters, and with one color you highlighted every<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">thing</b> that God does for us... then if
you used a second color and you highlighted the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">attributes</b> of God (who God is) - then most of the Psalm is now
highlighted. But, the Psalm would not be cleanly divided (like first half is
one color and second half another). Both of these themes permeate David's "list."
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let's consider the
things that God does for us.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We Give Thanks (Praise) for everyTHING God has done<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Just
copying some of the language - here's a list of things that God does in Psalm
145: he is good to all, gives them food, saves them, fulfills the desires of
those who fear him, upholds, lifts up, satisfies, watches over, is near to
all...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">In reference to doing 'things,' such "works/deeds" are
brought about by God's power/greatness...</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Great</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> is the Lord and most worthy of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">praise;
his <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">greatness</b> no one can fathom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One generation will commend your<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">works</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> to another; they will tell of
your<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">mighty acts</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They will speak of the glorious
splendor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">of
your majesty, and I will meditate on<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">your
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">wonderful works</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They will tell of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">power</b> of your<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">awesome works</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, and I will proclaim your<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">great deeds</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Works, Deeds, Power, Greatness... is the language
used to describe everything God has done for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God is Great, God
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">is Powerful, and God is Mighty<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Historically, many have taken the
adjective <i>Great </i>and made it part of their name: Alexander <i>the Great</i>,
Peter <i>the Great</i>, Catherine <i>the Great. </i>However<i>, </i>we
recognize that God alone is great! Furthermore, his greatness is unsearchable
(v. 3). No one ever has or ever will fully fathom the depths of his greatness
(check out God's love in Ephesains 3:17–19). Not all the minds of all the ages
using the most advanced scientific equipment can capture all that God is. The
glorious splendor of God’s majesty is blinding and breathtaking and beyond
comprehension or calculation (v. 5). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">God's
mighty acts are awe-inspiring and his greatness is without limit and that even
with intensive search no one can find its depths. <i>Psalm 145:3 “Great is the
LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” </i>The word
“fathom” comes from the ancient word <i>fadym </i>which was the word for
"thread." A thread was used to measure the distance between two
things. Our word "fathom" then came to mean to measure something,
such as the depth of water under a ship to see if it can safely pass over. The
question we ask this morning, “Is God sufficient for our needs?” Is God deep
enough to supply what we are lacking? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Can we safely trust God to be mighty enough,
powerful enough, and near enough to help? Are God’s resources adequate for our
need?</i></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We
are used to limitations in life: We all have a limited amount of time. We have
a limited amount of patience. We have a limited amount of money. We have a
limited amount of strength. We have a limited amount of insight. But God has no
limits. We can never exhaust the resources of God with our needs. How can we
understand the unlimited nature of God’s greatness? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Illustration:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> (David Finch)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was a teenager I went to Lake Tahoe for
the first time. I was impressed with the vastness (and coldness) of the lake. I
also heard the legend that the bottom of Lake Tahoe has never been found. It
was easy to believe when I looked at the beautiful blue lake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The
truth is that Lake Tahoe is the eighth deepest lake in the world. On July 4,
1875, two men actually discovered the deepest point in the lake to be 1645 feet
by lowering a weighted champagne bottle on fishing line from the side of their
boat. Following the invention of sonar, soundings by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration confirmed that depth. Lake Tahoe is so large that if
the lake were tipped over, its contents would cover California in 14.5 inches
of water. Tahoe could provide every person in the United States with 50 gallons
of water per day for 5 years. The evaporation alone from Tahoe over the course
of one year could supply a city the size of Los Angeles for 5 years. And Lake
Tahoe is a small lake compared to Lake Superior (120 times as large) and the
world’s largest lake, the Caspian Sea (576 times as large).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Your
use of water could never personally exhaust the limits of Lake Tahoe. In the
same way whatever your need might be you can never exhaust God’s supply. In
Philippians 4:19 we are told “And my God will meet all your needs according to
his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">He
provides food and sustains </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">all life. Think of the vastness of the
universe. Our sun is 93 million miles away; a light year is almost 6 trillion
miles, and the Milky Way is 100,000 light years in diameter, and that is a
small galaxy. He upholds it all (v. 15–16).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">In
ancient Greece it was customary for peddlers who walked the streets with their
wares to cry out, "What do you lack?" The idea was to let people know
they were in the vicinity, and also rouse the curiosity of the people. Coming
out of their houses they would want to know what the peddler was selling. It
might be something they lacked and needed, or simply something they desired. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">What
do you lack? God has exactly what you need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>To know that God is powerful is
good. To know that God's character is gracious takes our praise to the next
level. A person who recognizes that God is gracious, loving, and merciful
understands God more completely than a person who merely realizes that God is
powerful. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>David is better than most at giving
thanks for who God is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of
talking about just 'things,' and what God can do, he gives thanks that God is
powerful, kind, close to all who call on him, and wonderfully good.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We Give Thanks (Praise) for WHO God is...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They will celebrate your abundant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">goodness</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and joyfully sing of your <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">righteousness</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Lord is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">gracious</b> and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">compassionate</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">slow to anger</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">rich in
love</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Lord is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">good</b> to all; he has<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">compassion</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> on all he has made.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Use
your Hebrew poetry knowledge to see how Good/Compassion are used as synonymous parallels...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">This
is just a partial list of God's attributes in Psalm 145: righteous,
compassionate, gracious, good, slow to anger, near to all, rich in love,
loving, faithful, holy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">God's Goodness<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Our
concept of goodness needs stretching. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We
throw that word—<i>good</i>—around barely even grasping its full meaning. Some
department store Santa asks little Timmy, “Were you good this year?” and Timmy
says, “Oh, yes, Santa, I only kicked my sister a few times.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo4; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">What
if you ask your spouse, "Where have you been?" and they answer,
“Don’t worry, honey, I was good.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
is not very satisfying, is it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Or
the head of a sales team skirts a scolding for failing to close a key deal by
playing on the boss’ vanity: “I know if they’d had a chance to meet you, Steve,
they’d have bitten for sure.” On the way out of the meeting, a co-worker
whispers slyly, “Oh, you’re good.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Do
you get the picture? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The concept of good,
for us, is a sort of squishy thing</b>. I’m good because I could have been
worse. I’m good because others are worse. It’s not quite the same, however, as
actually <i>being </i>good, is it? Even when selfishness or pride isn’t the
driving motivation, we often settle into a limited definition of <i>good </i>simply
because we lack experience with something more good still. For example, people
thought the iPhone 10 was good, until an even better iPhone 11 was produced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo4; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Verse 9: "The Lord is good to all."</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> The message of the Scriptures is that God
alone is good in the absolute sense. In fact, the Anglo-Saxon word <i>good </i>comes
from the word <i>God</i>. In its original definition, goodness meant godliness.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">If
we’ve seen any deterioration of goodness in our time—and the daily news and our
experience plainly suggests we have—it is because we have turned our gaze away
from God and forgotten what goodness looks like. “O taste and see that the Lord
is good. How blessed is the one who takes refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God is Gracious<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Like
the prodigal son who was welcomed home after his rebellion, so God welcomes
home his children. This is Grace. In spite of all the wrong that I have done,
the Lord is gracious and compassionate to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">During
a British conference on comparative religions, experts debated what, if any,
belief was unique to Christianity. They began eliminating possibilities. The
Incarnation? Other religions had different versions of gods appearing in human
form. Resurrection? Again, other religions had accounts of return from the
dead. The debate went on for some time until C. S. Lewis wandered into the
room. “What's the rumpus about?” he asked, and heard in reply that his
colleagues were discussing Christianity's unique contribution among world
religions. Lewis responded, “Oh, that's easy. It's grace.” After some
discussion, the others had to agree. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The
notion of God's love coming to us free of charge, no strings attached, seems to
go against every instinct of humanity. Other religions, if you listen closely
to their teaching - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">offer a way to earn
approval.</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Only Christianity dares to
make God's love unconditional</b>. God’s grace sets us free from trying to earn
God’s forgiveness. Common sense tells us that we can never meet the standards
of God’s holiness. Grace tells us that everything is all right in spite of so
much in you being so wrong. God is: - righteous, compassionate, gracious, good,
slow to anger, near to all, rich in love, loving, faithful, holy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In an earlier psalm we are
reminded of God’s grace and mercy toward us. “He does not treat us as our sins
deserve or repay us according to our iniquities” (Psalm 103:10).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">One
of the most famous sermons ever preached was the sermon by Jonathan Edwards
entitled “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” It is a remarkable sermon,
designed to stir a complacent congregation. In it Edwards warns his audience
that they are in danger of being cast into Hell at any moment. “Your wickedness
makes you as it were heavy as lead, and to tend downwards with great weight and
pressure towards hell,” Edwards says, “and if God should let you go, you would
immediately sink and swiftly descend and plunge into bottomless gulf, and your
healthy constitution, and your own care and prudence, and best contrivance, and
all your righteousness, would have no more influence to uphold you and keep you
out of hell, than a spider’s web would have to stop a falling rock.” The
picture Edwards paints is not a pretty one. “Were it not for the sovereign
pleasure of God, the earth would not bear you one moment; for you are a burden
to it….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">So
why doesn’t God just let us go? What is stopping us from this terrible descent?
David tells us: Though God’s wrath is real, it is not quickly stirred. He is
“slow to anger.” But more than that, David says God is “rich in love.” This is
the committed love of God that compels him to keep his promises even when we do
not keep ours. It is faithful love that is often expressed in the form of a
covenant. And amazingly, it is an attribute of God’s faithfulness that is often
emphasized in contexts where God’s people have been unfaithful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God is faithful</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In addition to God's power
and love, we should praise God because he helps those who are bowed down with
grief or adversity. He has promised never leave us. God has proven throughout
history he is faithful. God keeps his promises. God lifts up those who have
fallen. God sustains those who are ready to fall. God provides for our needs
and desires. In Psalm 94:18 we read, “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your
love, O Lord, supported me.” And again in Psalm 37, “The steps of the Godly are
directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they
stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">For the
Lord holds them by the hand.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Another attribute: God is near </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Another characteristic of
God we see in this Psalm is God's nearness to us. God is nearby to each of us
and attentive to our special needs. He promises to hear our prayers and save
us. These are great and powerful promises. We see this characteristic played
out throughout scripture: he is near to all of us, he fulfills desires, and he
watches over all.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So what should
our rightful response be in the face of all that God has done and all that God
is? Here's a list of verbs in the Psalm that can help spell out an answer - we
are to: praise, extol, command, tell, speak, meditate, proclaim, celebrate,
sing, call on...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>We are to praise God</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">PRAISE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The
word "every/all" is repeated 16 times throughout the Psalm,
emphasizing the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unlimited</i></b> comprehensiveness of <u>who</u> will praise the Lord
and of <u>that for which the Lord is to be praised</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"Every/All, Unlimited..."
these describe God, but not us. Thus praise needs to be directed beyond
ourselves to that which is truly worthy of worship. </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(praise/worship
might be synonymous parallels in most verses BTW)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The mighty acts of God inspired awe
and even fear in those who experienced them. Contrast this with the perspective
that shapes the worship experience in so many churches today. We are more
concerned with comfort and familiarity. We want to sing songs that we like and
hear an interesting sermon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Illustration:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> (John Koessler) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Some years ago when I had a job
working in the mailroom for one a major auto company, I came across a magazine
that focused on the city of Dallas, Texas. As I thumbed through it, I was
amazed to find that one of the regular features of that magazine was a review
of area churches. It was just like the review you might read of a play or a
local restaurant, only it focused on the church service. It rated the music,
the sermon, and the general feel of the church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is the mentality that Skye
Jethani writes about in his recent book <i>The Divine Commodity</i>. Jethani
argues that churches today have turned God into a commodity—that they are
marketing experiences and producing consumers instead of worshipers. Jethani
describes the thinking this way: “If our worship gatherings are energetic,
stimulating, and exciting enough then people will attend, receive what’s being
communicated, and be spiritually transformed.” “The justification for this
approach is simple,” Jethani explains, “people won’t come to a church that’s boring.
And what qualifies as boring is defined by our consumer/experience economy.” So
the Disneyworld becomes the standard of comparison for Sunday school. And Conan
Obrien becomes our role model for preaching. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In Consumer Christianity</i>,” Jethani writes, “the shepherd becomes
showman.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There
should be a kind of worship <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i>
commendation going on. When you love and believe something, you talk about it
with gusto. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">People love all sorts of things. I love my family, woodworking,
Pringles, football, and a host of other things. I talk about all these things;
you do not have to coerce me to do so.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is obvious,
from start to finish, this psalm is aimed at showing the greatness of God and
inviting others into the joyful worship of our great God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Seeing God for who he truly is results
in joyful worship and compelling commendation/praise. We adore and talk about
what we love. This message was meant to put the focus on who God is so that we
recognize our love and joy should be directed toward him. A heart flooded with
thoughts of the splendor of God and what he does can no more conceive of an end
of praise than it can conceive of an end of God himself!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The way the book of Psalms ends
contributes to the perspective of David and the book as a whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last Psalm with David's name in the
superscription is 145.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It concludes with
his resolution that, "<span style="color: black;">My mouth will speak in
praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and
ever" (145:21).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The five Psalms
that follow (146-150) all begin and end with "Praise the Lord,"
(which is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hallelu Yah</i> in the
Hebrew).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the sequels to Psalm 145,
they represent the book's fulfillment of David's resolve to praise God
forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is doing what he said he was
going to do, and praises God every single day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We know people with
talent. David had talent. He was a singer, a songwriter, amongst so many other
things. We've heard today in worship and have heard even recently some
beautiful music! Some people with real talent. We tend to shy away and reserve
praise for people like that. Our voice is too small. Our offering to meager.
The day will come, when we will all praise the Lord. And it will come easily.
It will pour out of us. On that day when we reach heaven, and are in the
presence of God it will just pour out of us! One of the greatest gifts the
church gave my family was the trip, a vacation. We planned it out. We went to
California and planned our route - where we would stop. High on the list was to
see those great big redwoods and sequoias. We did our homework. How to get
there. What to expect. We looked at the old pictures where the trees were so
large that they had cut tunnels in them with old cars going through them. We
read about the tallest and the biggest and the grandest trees in the whole of
the United States. We had high expectations. But when we got there, when we
stood at the base of the trunk, and it went from here to here. When it filled
our site completely. When we looked up and stared at how huge it was. Wow! Wow!
Despite all the talking about the trees, being there in the presence of that
tree was more than amazing. Overwhelming. -- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">When we are in the presence of God we will be overwhelmed. Overcome.
With joy and gladness in praise and worship and it will pour out of us! It will
come so easily from us. We will join a host of angels and seeing God's praise.
And everything else will fade away and all of this world as well.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">On
this side of heaven... If we think of God’s nature—his grace, his power, and
his goodness—I can’t help noticing how they are all embodied in the person and
work of Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose again by the power of the
Almighty. On this side of the Cross, the most appropriate way to give praise to
God is to bow the knee to Christ. For the Psalmist the most obvious way to
respond to the grace, power, and goodness of God is through speech. Verse 21
says: “My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his
holy name for ever and ever.” But for us, this side of the Cross, the only way
to praise his holy name is to praise the name of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You
open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Today
Psalm 145 encourages us to think about God’s hand in our life, and Give Thanks/Praise.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Psalm 145<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">praise your name for ever and ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Every
day I will praise you and extol<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">your name for ever and ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Great
is the Lord and most worthy of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">praise; his greatness no one can fathom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One
generation will commend your<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">works to another; they will tell of your<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">mighty acts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They
will speak of the glorious splendor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">of your majesty, and I will meditate on<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">your wonderful works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They
will tell of the power of your<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">awesome works, and I will proclaim your<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">great deeds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They
will celebrate your abundant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">goodness and joyfully sing of your<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">righteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Lord is gracious and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Lord is good to all; he has<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">compassion on all he has made.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">All
you have made will praise you, O<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lord ; your saints will extol you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They
will tell of the glory of your<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">kingdom and speak of your might,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">so
that all men may know of your<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">mighty acts and the glorious splendor of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">your kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Your
kingdom is an everlasting<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">kingdom, and your dominion endures<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">through all generations. The Lord is<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">faithful to all his promises and loving<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">toward all he has made.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Lord upholds all those who fall<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and lifts up all who are bowed down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">15</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
eyes of all look to you, and you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">give them their food at the proper time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You
open your hand and satisfy the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">desires of every living thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">17</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Lord is righteous in all his ways<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and loving toward all he has made.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">18</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Lord is near to all who call on him,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">to all who call on him in truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">19</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He
fulfills the desires of those who fear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">him; he hears their cry and saves them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">20</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Lord watches over all who love<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">him, but all the wicked he will destroy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">21</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My
mouth will speak in praise of the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lord. Let every creature praise his holy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">name for ever and ever.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br /><br />
Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-4207037292814213612020-04-17T09:39:00.000-07:002020-04-17T09:39:02.235-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A Bulletin Piece for</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2020<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">A Prayer for the Day</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> (by Walter
Brueggeman, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Prayers for a Privileged
People, </i>2008)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">From Whom no Secrets
Are Hid....<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">(a phrase
from the traditional Collect for Purity)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The
priest says, "Almighty God. . . from whom no secrets are hid."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We rush to the next phrase but now
linger there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We
are rich conundrums of secrets, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we weave a pattern of lies in order
to be <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>well thought of, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>we engage in subterfuge about our
truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We
carry old secrets too painful to utter, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>too shameful to acknowledge, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>too burdensome to bear, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of failures we cannot undo, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of alienations we regret but cannot
fix, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>of grandiose exhibits we cannot
curb. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">And
you know them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You know them all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And so we take a deep sigh in your
presence, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>no longer needing to
pretend and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>cover
up and <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>deny.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We
mostly do not have big sins to confess, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>only modest shames that do not <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>fit
our hoped-for selves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">And
then we find that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">your knowing</i> is
more <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>powerful than <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our secrets</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">You
know and do not turn away, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and our secrets that seemed too
powerful <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>are emptied of strength,
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>secrets that seemed too burdensome <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>are
now less severe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We
marvel that when you find us out <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>you stay with us, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>taking us seriously, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>taking our secrets soberly, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>but not ultimately, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>overpowering our little failure <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>with your massive love <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>and
abiding patience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We
long to be fully, honestly <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>exposed to your gaze of
gentleness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the moment of your knowing <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>we are eased
and lightened,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>and we feel the surge of joy move in
our bodies, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>because we are not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ours</i> in cringing <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>but
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yours</i> in communion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We
are yours and find the truth before you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>makes us free for <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>wonder, love, and praise
-- and new life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-54061615220338188712020-04-17T09:38:00.001-07:002020-04-17T09:38:30.540-07:00Preaching notes for Sunday, April 19 - John 21<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">SUNDAY,
APRIL 19, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1; page-break-after: avoid; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Read John 21:1-18<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -13.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here are Preaching Notes for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will live-stream at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday
via Facebook, then it will be available after that online - look for the link
on Church website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Gospel of John Sermon Series: That You May Believe<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"The Last Breakfast"</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">INTRO: Binge Watching Lately?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I'm not sure when the phrase
"binge watching" became popularized, but I suspect it is at its
highest point of relevance. In the time given as we 'shelter in place,' Netflix
and Amazon Prime and all kinds television stations and cable channels have come
to prominence. I have carefully listened for recommendations. My family has our
own shows that we favor. Most recently it has been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Great British Bake Off</i>. It is a British television baking competition
in which a group of amateur bakers compete against each other in a series of
rounds, attempting to impress a group of judges with their baking skills, with
a contestant being eliminated in each round, and the winner being selected from
the contestants who reach the finals. The first episode was aired in 2010
on less mainstream channels and has since become hugely popular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The series is credited with reinvigorating
interest in baking throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, with shops in the
UK reporting sharp rises in sales of baking ingredients and accessories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love 'Bread Week,' and the pastries, and,
and, and... I want to try a meat-pie so badly!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Amateur bakers: some finishing up
high school, others in retirement. Each show has an introductory round, a
technical challenge, and then a showstopper. The technical challenge is a
recipe (from one of their judge's very own recipes) that they have never seen
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>...They do their best. But the
other two recipes for the week's episode are ones that they have been able to
practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing the theme for the week
(bread, cakes, for example), they develop, practice, and refine their
recipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They bring their best and
execute it for the judges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very fun to
watch (it is hard not to get hungry).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
disciples have spent three full years with the master chef. They have gotten to
watch the best, taste the best, have been encouraged and taught and challenged
to follow His recipes. They have become amazing amateur chefs. But when Jesus
departs, when their teacher is put to death, crucified, dead and buried... even
after His resurrection, they are lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They do not have a recipe for what to do next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of you are great bakers and don't follow
recipes any more for foods that are made often and your favorites, but these disciples
act like they have never seen an oven before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are reminded of just how amateur they are compared to the Master
Chef and the Kitchen is closed in his absence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Peter as FAILED BAKER (he's gone
back to fishing)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">John says that out of all those
resurrection appearances this is the third time Jesus appeared to his
disciples. Some time has passed since appearing to Thomas and the others - we
know more than a week. How much more might be up for grabs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Seven of the disciples are there:
Peter, James and John, two others unnamed. Nathanael is along, and Thomas the
twin is there as well. They go out to fish at night, and they catch nothing
(I’ve fished with those guys).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">the early morning hours, a person on the seashore calls out,
“Children, have you any fish?” "No" is the answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Acting like failed bakers - they
have left the kitchen and gone back to fishing... and now are failed fishermen
as well. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Our familiarity with FAILURE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A book called, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Book of
Failures</i> is filled with all kinds of failures that people have made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example - in the late 60''s early 70's Arthur
Pedrick patented 162 inventions, but not one of them was ever taken up
commercially. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Among his
greatest inventions were a bicycle with amphibious capacity, and an arrangement
whereby a car might be driven from the backseat.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The grandest scheme of Mr.
Pedrick was to irrigate the deserts of the world by sending a constant supply
of snowballs from the polar regions through a network of giant pea shooters. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A favorite story in the book was about an elderly lady in South London
who called a group of firefighters to rescue her cat from a tree. The fire
fighters were otherwise occupied but members of the British Army responded (as
arranged) to respond instead. After rescuing the cat, they backed out of her
driveway, driving right over her cat!</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Epic failure for Peter in
particular...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 38.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Peter was one of the most intimate, trusted followers of
Jesus. Jesus personally called him to come and follow him. Peter spent three
years with Jesus by his side, listening and learning from his teaching,
witnessing his miracles, watching every move that Jesus made. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">He was personally mentored and molded for a
life as a fellow baker. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 38.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Yet on the evening of the last supper - Jesus pulled
Peter to the side. He told Peter that he was about to be betrayed, turned over
to the authorities, and crucified. But on the third day, he would rise again.
He told Peter to take heart, to not lose faith as those events began to unfold.
The other disciples would need his leadership, his courage, his strength. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 38.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">And Peter looked Jesus in the eye, and said, "You
can count on me. I will never let you down. Others might, but not me. I’m your
man. I would lay down my life for you.” But Jesus looked right back at Peter,
and said, "Would you really? Before the dawn comes, before the rooster
crows in the morning, you will disown me three times." Peter was stunned
-probably got his feelings hurt s he does in our passage today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 38.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">He probably resolved even deeper in his heart that he
would never, ever, turn away—that he would show Jesus how faithful he could be.
But he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did turn away and deny
knowing Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 38.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">He was even among the group that first heard the women
coming back from the tomb on Sunday morning, claiming that it was empty. He
heard the rumor that Jesus was alive again; that God had raised him back to
life. He was present on those two Sunday nights in the Upper Room when Jesus
appeared to the disciples. He saw Jesus extend his hands and let Thomas examine
the nail prints. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 38.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">But at this
point no recipe comes to mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
souffle has fallen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His biscuits are
burned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He simply tells the others,
"I'm going fishing..." and they follow him.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well... he did prove to be a leader... six
others follow him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Then Jesus makes him a Baker
again... John 21:7-9 says,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then the disciple whom Jesus loved
said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him
say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for
he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The other disciples followed in
the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about
a hundred yards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When they landed, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">they saw a fire of burning coals there</b>
with fish on it, and some bread.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 38.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">And the way that John writes heightens the sorrow of the
moment - the only other place that the phrase <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">charcoal fire</i> appears is when Peter denied Christ (John 18:13-27),
standing in the courtyard in the middle of the night - right before the rooster
crows. What a bitter reminder that must have been for him. Every where he
turns, his failure confronts him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Jesus asks him three times:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">15</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When they had finished eating,
Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">do you truly love me more than these?</b>" "Yes, Lord,"
he said, "you know that I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">love</i></b> you." Jesus said,
"Feed my lambs."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Again Jesus said, "Simon son
of John, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">do you truly love me?</b>"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">love</i></b> you." Jesus
said, "Take care of my sheep."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">17</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The third time he said to him,
"Simon son of John, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">do you love me?</b>"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love
me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">love</i></b>
you."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">18</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The words that Jesus asks of Peter are interesting: Do
you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">agape</i> me? You've probably been
hanging around the church world long enough to know that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">agape</i> love is the highest form of love. The Greek used four
different words for love, and this one is not an emotional response; it is less
about feelings and more about choices and volition. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Agape</i> love is a commitment to loving regardless of what comes - it
is unselfish. It is a choice that I make to care for you and your needs
unconditionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the word most
often used of God's love for us. Jesus says: Peter, do you<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> agape</i> me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Peter replies: Yes, Lord, you know that I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">phileo</i> you. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Phileo</i> is the word for brotherly love (like Phila-delphia). I've
heard it said that in this story, Jesus is trying to ratchet up Peter's level
of commitment. But that theory doesn't have much strength because Jesus' third
question he asks: Peter, do you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">phileo</i>
me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">In John, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">phileo</i>
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">agape</i> are sometimes used interchangeably.
To be fair to Peter, he may be saying: It is not just the volitional commitment
of my heart. Lord. We've been together for three years. We are bonded. You are
like a brother to me. This goes deep with me, Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the steeper his love - the deeper his
failure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
point is that <em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">agape</span></em>
love is not simply an impulse generated from feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, <em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">agape</span></em> love is an exercise of the will, a deliberate
choice. This is why God can command us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44;
Exodus 23:1-5). He is not commanding us to “have a good feeling” for our
enemies, but to act in a loving way toward them. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The world equates love for a person as having strong
feelings toward them or feeling strongly about that person. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jesus defines love in terms of obedience</b>.
Jesus asked Peter three times, one for every time Peter denied him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three different times, so we don't miss the
point, Jesus is saying: If you love me, you will care about what I care about.
That's how I'll know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You've
heard about the Last Supper - this is the last breakfast</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,
and it too is important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus called
all his disciples to manifest their love by keeping his commands (John 14:15).
But if Peter loves Jesus and still wants to follow him to death (John 13:37),
then he may demonstrate that love by carrying out this particular command to
care for Jesus' flock, even to the point of giving his life for the sheep (John
10:11).</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"Do you love me more than these?"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">15</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">...Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John,
do you truly love me more than these?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"These," what does that
mean? My first thought is that Jesus is talking about the other disciples. But
is Jesus really going to launch a love contest when they already argue about
who will be the "greatest in the kingdom?" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And don't forget that weird number in
this story: 153. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such an exact number
for that pile of slimy, scaly fish. Jesus is saying: Peter, do you love me more
than net full of fish - the fisherman's dream?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What are the fish in your life? Are
they your own dreams, your desire for comfort, or some sin that you've chosen
over the fullness of Jesus? I want you to hear Jesus say: Do you love me more
than those fish? Doesn't really matter if we do not know the specific reference
being made, "These?" -- it is the same question to each of us, "
Do you love me more than those these - whatever these may be?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"Restore" (Peter) - by definition: to bring back (a
previous right, practice, custom, or situation); reinstate.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why would Peter jump off the side of
the boat and run to meet Christ? In a sense this has happened efore. In Luke 5
Jesus is ministering to the crowds with his back to the sea. The crowds are
pressing in him. Standing in the shallows of the water, he sees fishermen
mending their nets. He says: Would you put me in your boat and row me out a
little bit so I can finish teaching?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They agreed, rowed Jesus out a little
bit, he finished his teaching, and the crowd dispersed. He then turned to the
fishermen and he said: How's fishin'? They replied: It stinks! We fished all
night and caught nothing. He said: Let's ride out just a little ways farther,
and cast your nets on the other side of the boat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When they did, the net was so full of
fish that it began to break with the weight of them. At that moment, Peter
falls on his face before Christ and shouts, "Depart from me! Woe is me! I
am a sinner!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Peter is so struck by Jesus' authoritative
teaching—and by the person whom the fish obey—that he cries out as a repentant
sinner. As Jesus always does to the repentant sinner's cry, he gives not a word
of judgment, but the motion of mercy. He says: Peter, get up. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Follow me. From now on you will no longer
be a fisher of fish, but you will become a fisher of <i>men</i>.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">A</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> fisher of <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">men</span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> - that is what Peter was supposed to
be doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get to baking Peter!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
throughout this, did you notice how Jesus addressed Peter? He didn’t call him
“Peter.” He called him “Simon, Son of Jonah.” It was formal. Solemn. Intensely
serious. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What
was so serious to Jesus? The question he asked Peter. He didn’t ask, “What were
you thinking!” Not, “Are you sorry for what you’ve done?” Not, “Do you promise
that this will never happen again?” He asked, “Do you love me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then feed my sheep."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Recipe for FEEDING sheep<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Hear the dialogue between Jesus and Peter again, If we
love him then we must...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">15</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When they had finished eating,
Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more
than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">love
you." Jesus said, "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Feed my
lambs</b>."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Again Jesus said, "Simon son
of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know
that I love you." Jesus said, "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Take
care of my sheep</b>."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">17</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The third time he said to him,
"Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus
asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you
know all things; you know that I love you."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">18</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus said, "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Feed
my sheep</b>.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"Feed my lambs," Jesus says in verses 15 and 17.
The Greek word used here is first a very specific word, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">boske</i>, meaning to graze her feet on growing grasses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a responsibility to feed others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In verse 16, Jesus uses a different word,
instead of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">boske</i>, he says, "take
care of my sheep."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The word in verse
16 is different - it is the Greek word, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pomian</i>e,
which is a much broader term. This ministry of feeding is multi dimensional. It
is all dimensions of shepherding a flock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Taking care of the sheep/people, is watching over them, talking to them,
gathering them together (as we can), visiting them, putting clothes on them,
protecting them from waves of harm and danger, praying with them, listening to
them, helping them in difficult times. "Simon, son of John, do you love
me? Tend/feed my sheep."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">At the start, the Christian church was all about that. If
you read from Acts 2 you get the very first glimpse of the early church. It
says that the original church met primarily in people's homes, devoting
themselves to God's teachings, praising God, eating with glad and sincere
hearts, and giving to anyone as they had need. I like whatever similarity you
derive from the early Church and our present <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stay in Place</i> culture - it can be done. It should be done. We are
to take care of the flock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Peter will be a British
Baking Champion - he makes it to the final round<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">19</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus said this to indicate the kind
of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow
me!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Verse 19, “Jesus said this to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">indicate</b>....” " Indicate" - this word in the Greek is
often translated as 'signs' or 'miracles.' The Gospel of John loves that language
of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">signs</i>... A form of this word is in
the purpose statement of this Gospel: “These signs (indications that He is God)
are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that by believing you might have life in his name” (John 20:31). Verse 19
could be translated as, "J</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">esus
said this to <u>SIGN</u>ify the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God."</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The task of shepherding the flock entrusted to Peter
draws on Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd who guides the sheep to pasture and
protects them from predators (John 10:1-18). Jesus subsequently foretells
Peter's destiny, by his death, Peter will glorify God, even as Jesus' death on
the cross glorified God (John 17:1, 4). The description of Peter "stretching
out his hands" and being led by another where he does not wish to go
probably alludes to the practice of tying a condemned person's arms to the
crossbeam, which he then carried to the place of crucifixion. According to
tradition, Peter died by crucifixion during the persecution of Christians under
Nero's reign in the A.D. 60's. By the time John was written, Peter had kept his
vow to follow Jesus, wherever that path might lead, even unto death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tradition also says that Peter found himself
unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as his Lord, so he insisted that he
be crucified upside down (thus an unlike manner). One symbol used of Peter is
an upside down cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Putting
this all together - an Illustration of "Baking"</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The late Dr. Fred Craddock tells the
story of the first time he ever went to talk to a pastor about something that
was personal. It was very difficult, he said, to do that. He and some fellows
were working at a box factory, and one day they went downtown to get a hot dog
or hamburger for lunch. He still had on his nail apron and they had on theirs,
because that's what they did - they drove nails to make those boxes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As they were walking down the
street, they passed a blind man on the sidewalk with a guitar and a sign that
read, "I'm blind, please help me." He had a little tin cup taped to
the neck of his guitar. Well, the three of them decided they were going to play
a trick on this man, so they reached into their apron and took out several
nails, and each of them very noisily deposited them in that tin cup. The blind
man said, "Thank you, thank you very much. May God bless you. Thank you
very much."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Craddock said that that incident
began to eat at him - it had been an ugly and a terrible thing to do, and he
simply could not get rid of it. So he did what people do in desperation. He
went to see his pastor. He confessed what he had done, and the pastor sat
behind his desk and said, "Are you aware that this country is at
war?" because this was during the last days of the Second World War.
"People are dying by the hundreds every day; soldiers have been away from
their families for years. We don't know how this whole thing is going, people
dying, starving. And you are worried about nails in a blind man's cup?"
And the pastor sent him away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But Fred's problem would not go
away. Finally, he went to see his youth pastor, a very wise woman by the name
of Mignonne. He told her what he had done, and she told him that it was,
indeed, a terrible, terrible thing to do, and that she felt the pain of it even
as he did. And then she said, "God forgives you for that, but why don't
you, next week when you have your lunch hour, why don't you go to that same
blind man and tell him what you did, and ask him to forgive you, and then, if
you have a nickel or a dime or a quarter, give it to him." And Craddock
says that is exactly what he did, and the poor man forgave him. "I know
how it is," the man said. "Lots of boys are full of mischief." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">His story Illustrates two things: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">First, There is only one recipe for restoration and it goes through God's
mercy.</b> In this story it looked liked confession - the assurance of
forgiveness was a big deal and came only after the sin was acknowledged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus' resurrection was a victory over sin
and death and not a path we could have blazed for ourselves -thus only through
God's mercy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Second, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the love shared with the blind man
proceeded from his love for God</b>. It flows/proceeds only in that
direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is a timeless recipe for
all of us. If we love Jesus, then we will feed his sheep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">This is the Recipe for Feeding
SHEEP because it is time for us to do some baking...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">It is important to note how Jesus frames the first part
of the question. He asked Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
The important message to Peter here is the motivation for Christian vocation,
or feeding sheep, has its roots in our love and devotion to Jesus Christ. Jesus
does not ask Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love the sheep?" or "do
you love the members of the church in Jerusalem?" As you and I know, the
sheep are not always easy to love. In this text, Christ instructs us that none
of us can faithfully and diligently prepare for and fulfill His high calling
upon our lives as faithful bakers, recipe followers of Christ, unless we look
beyond a person's personal merits, and our own shortcomings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">It is not easy to serve men and women from totally
different social, economic, and historical backgrounds. Some are weak; some are
strong. Those who are strong may not be gentle. Those who are gentle may be
slow. Those who are not slow may be hard to teach. Therefore, you and I would
not persevere and in our sheep feeding and shepherding task unless the love of
Christ were our motivation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Show-Stopper recipe -- we
will only persevere in our sheep feeding and shepherding tasks if the love of
Christ is our motivation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Feed my Sheep...Lets substitute a few other appropriate
words in there for Sheep: Neighbor, crazy uncle, stir crazy child, spouse who
lacks confidence, teacher, mean guy down the street, coworker, best friend,
customer, boss, political ranter, parents, our 'EX'es...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">That list could get longer and longer, couldn't it? Now
let's make it <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>even a little bit harder.
Let's use actual names... Feed my sheep. Feed Stephen. Feed Amy. Feed Allison,
Tommy, Paul, Jane, Lori, Betsy, Fred, William, Gayle, Jake, Linda, and Rose…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"FRIEND, DO YOU LOVE ME?
FEED MY SHEEP!"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-16415986779727464312020-04-15T06:13:00.004-07:002020-04-15T06:14:09.385-07:00Sunday in a Box<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">True
confessions.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
As a church we have been riding that learning curve like a first time surf boarder.
The last four weeks, the churches that already provided online worship just
transitioned seamlessly into quarantine. I'm grateful for those who worked hard
to help us and make our new use of technology possible... to manage it, and we
continue to try to improve upon it. Early on, and this is my confession, it was
fairly overwhelming and I'll just mention in one area: Families want to tune in
online, they can find bigger churches, better technology, better recording
means, better music, better preaching, you name it. So I struggled – what do we
have to offer in particular that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>they
can't find better elsewhere. I decided it has to be some sense of family and
some sense of t being personal. And so, people worked hard to find a way to stay
in touch.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sunday</i></span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> in a Box</span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> (Sunday School lessons for various
ages with crafts, story, etc) is an outgrowth of that. Something we could offer
in particular because we are family. We know that most Christian education
takes place in the home (far exceeds what we can offer in the church even during
normal times) - this is true of everyone. And so... to continue Sunday School and
to encourage families who needed to worship in place, we desired to offer some
resources.(plus there is a little solace in that maybe we are all doing the
same lesson on the same day the same time.) Super enchanting as well to think
about families worshiping together - moms and dads in a different and
deliberate way being Sunday school teachers to their kids. I just love the idea
of dad and mom the kids sitting around the table working on crafts, talking
about the story, etc. Saying their prayers together - that blesses me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">true confession number two</b>: as we continue to improve Facebook and
posting videos and all of those connections, I have been blessed in such a huge
way by folks we don't see as often or get to be with as often -- chiming in and
making their presence known. Church family, church friends, thank you brothers
and sisters in Christ! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>#encouragement <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-12703809824423400082020-04-13T13:26:00.001-07:002020-04-13T13:26:21.435-07:00Easter Children's message<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Children's Message<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Carlise Villa in the Bunny Costume - </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Thank you thank you thank you. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The livestream service on Sunday
- sitting (hiding) behind the church pedestal on the church side. I will do is
greet everyone and then I will invite all the children to come to the
children's message then you stand up and come around the pedestal to where I am
and we will have our conversation. </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Stephen:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> Easter bunnies, and pretty Easter baskets. One thing that
all of us think of when we think of Easter is Easter eggs. How many of you have
ever been on an Easter egg hunt?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey!
Here comes the Easter bunny now!</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">EB: </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">(wave at the camera)</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stephen: I have to tell you all - I'm a little surprised to
see the Easter Bunny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't remember
the Bunny being in the Easter story.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">EB: I am not in the Easter story - but I am in the Bible. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Stephen: (I look in the Bible) Hey - </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Bunnies or rabbits do not appear in the
Bible except for one verse. The rabbit is listed next to the rock-badger in a
list of things not to eat. </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">EB: I know!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you,
God!</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Stephen: So, Easter Bunny -what are you doing here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you hiding Eggs</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">EB: There will be time for that later. I came to worship.</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Stephen: Worship?</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">EB: YES - this is a great day to worship. I like celebrating!</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Stephen: that's exactly what worship is, isn't it? Worship is
a form of celebration!</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">EB: <u>EGG</u>-xactly.</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Stephen: </span></i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">EGG-xactly? I get it, EGG-XACTLY.</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">EB: You are right - there are no Bunnies in the Easter story
- but I like to think that I can help tell the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a little shy, though, that is why you
don't see me very often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">(whispers in Stephen's ear)</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stephen: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uh huh... I
see.. Really? (nodding and responding to the pretend whispering).<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stephen: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what our shy Easter Bunny was telling
me...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the fun things about hiding
eggs is that when we find them, there is such joy and celebration. On that
Easter morning when the women and disciples went looking for Jesus, at first
they could not find him. But then when they did, they were filled with joy and
excitement and amazement. Easter Bunny, I love that part two. Thank you for
helping us celebrate and worshiping today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">EB: Praise God and don't eat rabbits.- He is risen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happy Easter - Let us Worship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Stephen: Hey... I'm supposed to say that. Let us Worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before you go children - let's pray.....
(Stephen prays)</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">EB: </span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">(During my prayer -go quietly)</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-31627586478505662162020-04-10T12:55:00.001-07:002020-04-10T12:55:05.968-07:00Easter 2020 Message John 20<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">EASTER
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preaching Notes - John 20:1-18<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is the message
for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be live-streamed at
10:30 a.m. this Sunday via Facebook, then available after that online/video.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The manuscript is included for those that do not
use/prefer the internet, and or want the extra pieces included with the manuscript
(bulletin pieces).<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Gospel of John Sermon Series: That You May Believe<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"There Are No Bunnies at Funerals"</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">INTRO: <span style="background: white;">This Is the most heavily guarded place on Earth...</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Saying something is “as secure as Fort Knox”
implies way stronger protection than you might have realized. It houses 9,208,866
pounds of gold behind a 22 ton door. Fort Knox has been called the most secure vault
on the planet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">You won’t be able to get too close to the
United States Bullion Depository (the proper name of Fort Knox) because it’s surrounded
by a steel fence. Even the building itself is hardcore, made of concrete-lined granite
and reinforced by steel to help it withstand attacks (according to the U.S. Treasury).
If anything were to happen, the site also happens to share its home with 40,000
soldiers, family members, and civilian employees at the Fort Knox Army post. The
building also has its own emergency power plant and water system. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">You would have to get past armed guards,
missile tanks, Apache helicopters, infrared surveillance, and video cameras. It
is equipped with the latest and most modern protective devices which are kept
secret.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">At the height of World War II, Fort Knox
had the privilege of housing some of the most precious documents in the world: the
Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, Abraham Lincoln's
Gettysburg Address, and a Gutenberg Bible. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The combination to that door has been disseminated
to 10 different staff people. Each person has a partial code; no one person knows
the total code. The code has to be inserted one person at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And yet our Inheritance,
'which is worth far more than gold,' is even more secure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">1 Peter 1 says...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">3 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great
mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus
Christ from the dead, </span></b><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">4 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This
inheritance is kept in heaven for you</span></b><span style="color: black;">,
</span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">5 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black;">who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the
salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. </span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">6 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black;">In
all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to
suffer grief in all kinds of trials. </span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">7 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black;">These have come so that
the proven genuineness of your faith—<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">of greater
worth than gold</b>, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise,
glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. </span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">8 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black;">Though
you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you
believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, </span><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt;">9 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black;">for
you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Did you hear me say, God "</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">has given us new birth into a living
hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">All this because of Christ's resurrection -
because of</b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> Easter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Jesus conquered sin and death - what
enemy can rob us of the gift/inheritance?</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I LOVE THAT THIS IS AN ACTUAL FIRST-HAND
ACCOUNT OF EASTER<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">I don't
always think of it in that way... </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">but this is not secondhand
information for John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood and
peered into the empty tomb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HE was sin
the upper room when Jesus returned to them. WOW!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A great
testimony - first had account:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Have you noticed how much running there is in
this text?</b> Everybody in this passage is running. You have to use your Apple
I-phone 11 camera to catch them. You don't have much running in the Bible, not much
running in the Gospels. But in this paragraph everyone seems to be out at a mile
sprint. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why this running?
And of all places, the place that they're running is in a cemetery. We see running
in a lot of places but not very much in a cemetery. In cemeteries we walk lightly
on our hearts as if through a land mine. We walk softly through these stones of
memory with reverence. That's okay. But no one goes running, not in cemeteries.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What is it
about the Easter morning story that sent people running in the cemetery? <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Answer: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">When Mary Magdalena learns that Jesus is alive - she goes running! </b>Running
back to the disciples to tell them the good news. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">I think this next part is so funny. John has a footrace with
Peter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>think of it this way - when the author
of the Gospel of John, John who was one of th 12, John the "beloved" disciple,
writes he never refers to himself in the first person. He never even uses his own
name, but just refers to himself as the 'beloved disciple.' I think it's funny that
when John tells of Mary's return - he and Peter have a footrace to the tomb. John,
who is so modest that he won't use his own name, says that, "Oh! By the way,
I beat Peter to the tomb. Peter ran fast, but the 'beloved disciple' ran faster."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[</span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So
she came running to <u>Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved</u>,
and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where
they have put him!"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span></u><u><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter
and reached the tomb first</span></u><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.]<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -.25in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We should
all run to tell of the Good news of Easter... <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Easter is essential to the Gospel message, essential to Christian
belief, and essential for Salvation.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">call 1
Corinthians 15 the Resurrection Chapter, and he begins by saying very clearly -
"<span style="background: white; color: black;">Now, brothers and sisters, I
want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you</span>..."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1 Corinthians 15:12-19</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<h3 style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="text1cor-15-12"><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">12 </span></sup></span><span class="text1cor-15-12"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">But if it is preached that Christ
has been raised from the dead,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span class="text1cor-15-12"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">how
can some of you say that there is no resurrection</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span class="text1cor-15-12"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">of the dead?</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span class="text1cor-15-13"><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">13 </span></sup></span><span class="text1cor-15-13"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">If there is no resurrection of the
dead, then not even Christ has been raised.</span></span><span class="text1cor-15-14"><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">14 </span></sup></span><span class="text1cor-15-14"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">And
if Christ has not been raised,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span class="text1cor-15-14"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">our
preaching is useless and so is your faith</span></span><span class="text1cor-15-14"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span class="text1cor-15-15"><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">15 </span></sup></span><span class="text1cor-15-15"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">More than that, we are then found
to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised
Christ from the dead.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span class="text1cor-15-15"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">But
he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.</span></span><span class="text1cor-15-16"><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">16 </span></sup></span><span class="text1cor-15-16"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">For if the dead are not raised, then
Christ has not been raised either.</span></span><span class="text1cor-15-17"><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">17 </span></sup></span><span class="text1cor-15-17"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">And
if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins</span></span><span class="text1cor-15-17"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span class="text1cor-15-18"><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">18 </span></sup></span><span class="text1cor-15-18"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Then those also who have fallen asleep</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span class="text1cor-15-18"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">in Christ are lost.</span></span><span class="text1cor-15-19"><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">19 </span></sup></span><span class="text1cor-15-19"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">If
only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.</span></span><span class="text1cor-15-19"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What is
the Good news of Easter? <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Our
Resurrection Chapter </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">(1 Corinthians
15)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> points to two things in particular...<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">1)</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EASTER ENABLES US TO FACE THE REALITY OF
OUR SIN<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">1 Corinthians 15:19 "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith
is futile; you are still in your sins."</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Forgiveness is one of God's best gifts. Karl
Menninger, the famed psychiatrist, once said that if he could convince the patients
in psychiatric hospitals that their sins were forgiven, 75% of them could walk out
the next day! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Actual real life honest to goodness
forgiveness that cannot be bought, or substituted with material things or good
works or assuaged with popularity or success -- only comes from Christ and the
Cross.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">This is not Amazon Primed free delivery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I comes with a heavy price...</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We haven't done a lot of reading from
the Old Testament recently because<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of our
study in John... But sin has always been the problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paying our debt for sin has always been the
problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needing a Savior has always
been necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Listen to the drastic plan/price required...</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Isaiah 53:5-6<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He was despised and rejected by men,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">a man
of sorrows and acquainted with grief; <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and as one from whom men hide their
faces<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">he was
despised, and we esteemed him not.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Surely he has borne our griefs<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and carried
our sorrows;<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">yet we esteemed him stricken,<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">smitten
by God, and afflicted.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But he was pierced for our transgressions;<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">he was
crushed for our iniquities;<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">upon him was the chastisement that
brought us peace,<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and with
his wounds we are healed.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All we
like sheep have gone astray;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">we have turned—every one—to
his own way;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and the
Lord has laid on him<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the iniquity of us all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He was
oppressed, and he was afflicted,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">yet he opened not his mouth;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and like a sheep that before
its shearers is silent,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">so he opened not his mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By oppression
and judgment he was taken away;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and as for his generation,
who considered<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">that he
was cut off out of the land of the living,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">stricken for the transgression
of my people?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And they
made his grave with the wicked<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and with a rich man in his
death,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">although
he had done no violence,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and there was no deceit in
his mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yet it was the will of the Lord to
crush him;<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">he has
put him to grief; <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">when his soul makes an offering for
guilt,<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">he shall see his offspring;
he shall prolong his days;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">the will
of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">11 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Out of
the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">by his
knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">make many to be accounted righteous,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 5.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and he
shall bear their iniquities.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Let's face the reality of our sin...</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The truth is that all of us have some skeleton
or two hidden in our closet — something we've done or said or thought, of which,
in our best moments, we are deeply and sadly ashamed. Our conscience nags us, torments
us, condemns us. It was the witty Mark Twain who said, "Man is the only animal
that blushes, and the only animal that needs to." <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We are ashamed, are we not, of things we've
done in the past? If you have sin - you are not free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have a debt. Instead of being able to look
one another in the face, we want to run away and hide when our conscience troubles
us. But, the Gospel truth begins with the assurance there is forgiveness with God.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Several times during his public ministry,
Jesus said to somebody, "Your sins are forgiven." And in the upper room
on his last night on earth, he referred to the Communion cup as his "blood
which was shed for many for the forgiveness of sins." <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black;">God
has so loved the world that he has addressed the very thing that should scare us
the most and brings death to all. He has gone to the worst enemy we have, death,
and said, “You, death, will not have the last word.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo16; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We are always in danger of trivializing
the Gospel and in danger of minimizing what God by His resurrection power has
done for us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo16; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Easter is the
ultimate "Act of God"</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> (something so horrendous or huge
that only God is capable of generating).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tornadoes will not win. Tidal waves will not win. He rises from the grave.
He overcomes death. <span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo16; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Let's not talk of becoming a Christian
as if it were really no more than turning over a new leaf or maybe becoming a
little religious or making a few superficial changes to our usual pattern of
life... we stop cussing, stop gossiping... etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If so - then when you scratch the surface, we are the same old pagans
underneath; no real change has taken place. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo16; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">That does not sound like the miracle
that Easter is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does not sound like
any real power was/is needed to save us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo16; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Becoming a Christian is nothing less
than a resurrection from spiritual death and the beginning of an entirely new
life in the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The same God of
supernatural power who raised Jesus from physical death can raise us from
spiritual death and make us alive and alert to spiritual things. We can know
that God can raise us from that death because he raised Christ. He can change
us, because he changed Christ.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo16; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">God rolls the stone away from the grave for us too - for new life!</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Illustration
</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">(Rick Warren)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo15; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"How long do you remember a bill that's been paid? I
don't remember it at all. Once it's paid, I forget it. The point is this: once
God's forgiven it, I can forget it. That's good news! Even if there was no such
thing as heaven or hell—and there is—it would be worth becoming a Christian
just to have a clear conscience; just to know I am free from all those things
I've done wrong. Because Jesus is who he said he was, my past can be forgiven.
I don't have to carry a load of guilt around. It's unnecessary."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our second Resurrection chapter
point to make...<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2) EASTER ENABLES US TO FACE THE
REALITY OF DEATH<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1 Corinthians 15:12 "</span><span class="text1cor-15-12"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">But if it is preached
that Christ has been raised from the dead,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></span><span class="text1cor-15-12"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">how can some of
you say that there is no resurrection</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></span><span class="text1cor-15-12"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">of the dead?</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">How vigorously
we resist talking about the claim that death has on us</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">! We presume to
prop up the Easter Gospel with talk about the rebirth of nature or the hatching
of butterflies. We rush to buy books by and about people who have died and been
resuscitated and who tell of their experiences on the other side. Worst of all we
go to, or take part in, funerals where the Easter message is trivialized or even
denied by someone telling cute little anecdotes about the deceased to cover over
the reality of death. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Ephesians
2:4-8 (ESV)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, <b><sup>5
</sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">even when we were dead in our
trespasses, made us alive together with Christ</b>—by grace you have been
saved— <sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">6 </span></sup><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">and raised us up with him</b> and seated us
with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, <b><sup>7 </sup></b>so that in
the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness
toward us in Christ Jesus. <b><sup>8 </sup></b>For by grace you have been saved
through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Easter is all about sin and death and resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can't tell the story without these 'grave
matters' (bad pun).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Illustration</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> (told by John Rogers)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo14; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"Some time ago, I attended the funeral of a friend's
daughter, a wonderful, gifted 19-year-old girl who'd been killed in an automobile
accident. The minister began the service by saying as Shakespeare said, "'The
evil that men do lives after them, the good is oft interred with their bones.' This
was certainly true of this girl." He then went on to tell about how much this
young woman had loved children, how she had enjoyed volunteering in the nursery
at his church, and how he was certain now that she had been given the job of supervising
the nursery in Heaven. I came away from that service angry because family, friends,
and fellow believers who come to that service hoping to find bread were fed stones.
That young woman and her family at least believed in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
You could not have told from the minister's remarks that he believed it. What he
had said trivialized the Gospel and never really seemed to understand that people
might well die in the hope of its truth. Indeed, death was hardly mentioned, it
was as if the deceased had inadvertently caused an embarrassing unpleasantness that
needed to be covered up. So the minister told cute, clever little stories – stories
that were not offended by the complicated, tragic, chaotic, and unanswerable events
of life. There was in that service no honest encounter with the cross, and consequently
no strong word of resurrection offered in, to, and over against the tragedy of this
death." <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let me say that Easter/Resurrection is the
only thing we Christians can stand upon and the only thing that
"preaches" at a funeral.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We are not going to be talking about Bunnies
at a Funeral.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Let's not trivialize the Gospel.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo14; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Don't get me
wrong - I love dying Easter eggs. I love chocolate bunnies. I loved the hunting
of eggs in the hiding of eggs. I love all the excitement. I love celebrating
Easter. I love Easter outfits! All these things are well and good to me... when
they are subservient to Gospel truth. Here is the difference - I can enjoy them
because they are HOW we celebrate and not WHAT we celebrate. This is not true
in every household.</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo14; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Just like I don't generally celebrate a birthday without
a birthday boy or a birthday girl in particular, we don't celebrate Easter
without Sin/Death/Resurrection. Birthdays can have cakes or piñatas or whatever
you want</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">, we can hide
eggs and buy outfits or whatever you want, but without the Gospel truth it is
all just an excuse to eat cake. (as if I have ever needed an excuse to eat cake
BTW).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo14; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We tell the story of death and resurrection
at every funeral service and don't mention bunnies. Instead we talk about
Easter. Let's preach Gospel Truth or else we have trivialized the work of
Christ, His sacrifice, and God's plan set in motion before creation.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">He linked our forgiveness with his death.
He taught that he was going to die, and that our sin, guilt, and condemnation --
our debts, would be paid<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in his own innocent
person in order that we might be forgiven. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">That's what the Bible says. Jesus
has already paid for your way to heaven. This is news you can use. A Christian is
not somebody who accepts a religion. A Christian is somebody who has this relationship
with God.<span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The first one he speaks to on the third day is totally
preoccupied with grieving and cannot perceive what is going on around her. He speaks
to Mary. When he speaks to her, he calls her by name. He is fulfilling what he said
was his role as the Good Shepherd in John 10:27: “My sheep listen to my voice; I
know them, and they follow me.” It’s really incredible. And when our day comes
I expect Him to call our name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God calls
to us out of a barren place and into Heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">More talk of trivializing God's
goodness to us...<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">CONCLUSION/another APPLICATION<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">: </span>My Recent Complaining is a form of
trivializing...</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">On another day we could spend hours connecting Old Testament
prophecies and connections to Easter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially
the Passover meal with Communion, and the sacrificial system and Christ's death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been
sacrificed" 1 Corinthians 5:7 (one quick reference from so many others to choose
from).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Exodus was the only grand (archetypal)
story of salvation that New Testament writers knew. The Israelites' enslavement
to their Egyptian masters rather naturally suggests human enslavement to sin and
death, and their ultimate liberation through the wondrous and terrible intervention
of God readily recalls Christ's triumphal liberation from death and hell. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Exodus instructs us that Christ's death and
resurrection is also the foundational narrative of a new nation, a nation that would
not be defined by ethnic identification but by adoption into the Body of Christ.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another
connection I have between Exodus and Easter is - my complaining...<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Think about the Israelites coming out of
Egypt. They go into the desert and at first they seem happy - saved from
Pharaoh, they worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
expecting the "good life" now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But what awaits them? A journey filled with sand. Filled with questions of,
"what shall we eat and what shall we drink." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These questions are all valid, real-life daily
questions. So, has God tricked us? Is this what God promised us? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"Let us go back to Egypt and our pots
of meat and the things that are familiar to us." They complained about how
good it was and how rough it is now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">I have been complaining about where I am
right now considering the state our world is in. I have said I want to go back
in time when the shelves were all full of toilet paper and my preferred snacks.
If I know my Israelites, and I do - I am one... they were complaining in Egypt
about how rough it was then too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
pretty sure I was complaining two months ago too... about someething.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We want
to go back as if we never complained about anything in the past. Liar, liar,
pants on fire!<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We want "the way it was." What
we are experiencing now, I do not like. I am not enjoying this. Do I hear an
"Amen?" Our current journey looks barren and it looks deserty and it looks
dry. We want to go back, as if we never had a complaint before.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">But what awaits ahead is the Promised Land.
There is only one way and it is forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This life is a journey. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I have complained
about the last four weeks and I have been found to "PREcomplain"
about the next 4.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there such a
thing as a PREcomplainer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are
listening to him (me) - my apologies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">My life is a long journey (God willing,)
and I am complaining about this little stretch when so far I have personally lacked
for little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that is not true for
everyone, for sure, but it is for me. I am so short sighted. What am I missing?
Do I not have daily bread?! I must be missing gratitude.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The sun rising every single day, that's what
I should be noticing. Just like the sun dawned on that third day - so it did
today and so it will tomorrow and so it will on my last day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo13; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Israelites awaited a Promised Land,
and since I know my Israelites - I know the trip was made exponentially longer
(40 years) because of their complaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At the end of their/my journey is a Promised Land... (1 Corinthians 1:4
"</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">...this inheritance is kept in heaven for you.")</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This
is not a complaint from Paul, instead he makes the argument...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">...that we would be “the most miserable people in the
world” (1 Corinthians 15:19) if Christ had not been raised form the dead, for
us no less. Because we would have to face every trial, struggle, and sacrifice
demanded of us in this life without Him. Thank God that He had a better plan!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our point
of view changes since we are on this side of Easter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Looking down from the cross the view is all SIN.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">But looking out from the tomb, the view is all Sun/SON.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Satan thinks the tomb is well guarded...
impenetrable, and a vault that is harder to breech than Fort Knox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we shall not be robbed of our reasons to celebrate.
</span></b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Remember what we read - 1 Peter 1:3-4, </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"Praise be
to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given
us new birth into a living hope<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never
perish, spoil or fade."</b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy
Easter! Happy Easter indeed!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">bulletin pieces<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Words of Greeting<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The women came running to tell us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christ
is risen. Christ is risen, indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Out of darkness, light has come.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christ
is risen. Christ is risen, indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The tomb is empty, our hearts are full.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christ
is risen. Christ is risen, indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our mourning has been turned to dancing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christ
is risen. Christ is risen, indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our tears have been turned to laughter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christ
is risen. Christ is risen, indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The stone moved away from the door of the tomb.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christ
is risen. Christ is risen, indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Captives at liberty, prisoners set free.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christ
is risen. Christ is risen, indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Death clothes cast aside to bind up broken hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christ
is risen. Christ is risen, indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The lowly are lifted, the mighty brought down.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christ
is risen. Christ is risen, indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today the promise of God is fulfilled in our hearing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christ
is risen. Christ is risen, indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Affirmation of Faith </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">(written by Ed
Baker)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">I believe in the
resurrection</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">. I believe that
Jesus died on the cross, his hands and feet held to the wood by metal spikes. I
believe that his body was pierced by the soldier’s spear, and even the sun was darkened
as all creation grieved the death of God’s eternal Son.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">I believe in the
resurrection</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">. I believe that
Jesus’ body was placed in a borrowed tomb, where it lay for three days. I believe
that the power of God, his heavenly Father, brought life to his dead body and rolled
the stone away from the entrance so all might see that Jesus was no longer there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">I believe in the
resurrection</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">. I believe that
the unbelievable story of the women was true, just as the angel had announced: “He
is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">I believe in the
resurrection</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">. I believe that
there is no force in the universe that could stop, hinder, contain, or successfully
oppose the risen Savior, my Lord, Jesus Christ. No nails are long enough to hold
him to any cross unless he wills it to be so. No tomb can be sealed so tightly—by
Pilate or Herod, or Caesar himself. Were there an army of a thousand men guarding
the tomb, it would make no difference. Jesus said he would lay down his life and
take it up again. And he did.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">I believe in the
resurrection</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">. I believe that
Jesus appeared to eleven discouraged, defeated, demoralized disciples in a room
where the doors were locked and all hope was lost. I believe that when he showed
them his nail-pierced hands and his spear-pierced side, they fell at his feet and
cried out, “My Lord and my God!” I believe that in the days that followed, hundreds
saw him alive. All their doubt was removed; their fear was gone. What could the
world do to them? Jesus was alive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">I believe in the
resurrection</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">. I believe that
Jesus lives today—as powerfully and perfectly alive as he was two thousand years
ago, and for all time past and yet to come. I believe he empowers his followers
to follow in his footsteps, fight the forces of evil, and find their peace and joy
and eternal hope in him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">I believe in the
resurrection</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">. I believe that
Jesus calls women, men, and children to join him in changing the world, one heart
and life at a time, starting with their own. One day soon, he will come again on
the clouds of heaven with an army of celestial warriors whose numbers are beyond
counting and whose power is beyond imagining. Then Jesus will establish his eternal
kingdom, where there will be no more soldiers or spears or sepulchers or battles
or bleeding wounds or crosses.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I believe all
this because<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">I believe in the
resurrection</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">John 20:1-18<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8pt;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" />
</span>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Early on the first day of the week,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">while
it was still dark, Mary Magdalene<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">went
to the tomb and saw that the stone<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">had
been removed from the entrance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So she came running to Simon Peter<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and
the other disciple, the one Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">loved,
and said, "They have taken the<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lord
out of the tomb, and we don't know<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">where
they have put him!"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So Peter and the other disciple started<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">for
the tomb.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Both were running, but the other<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">disciple
outran Peter and reached the tomb first.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He bent over and looked in at the strips<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">of
linen lying there but did not go in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then Simon Peter, who was behind<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">him,
arrived and went into the tomb. He<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">saw
the strips of linen lying there,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">as well as the burial cloth that had
been<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">around
Jesus' head. The cloth was<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">folded
up by itself, separate from the linen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Finally the other disciple, who had<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">reached
the tomb first, also went inside.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He
saw and believed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(They still did not understand from<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Scripture
that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then the disciples went back to their
homes,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">but Mary stood outside the tomb crying.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As
she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and saw two angels in white, seated<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">where
Jesus' body had been, one at the<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">head
and the other at the foot.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They asked her, "Woman, why are
you crying?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"They have taken my Lord away,"
she<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">said,
"and I don't know where they have<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">put
him." At this, she turned around and<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">saw
Jesus standing there, but she did<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">not
realize that it was Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">15</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"Woman," he said, "why
are you<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">crying?
Who is it you are looking for?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thinking
he was the gardener, she said,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Sir,
if you have carried him away, tell<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">me
where you have put him, and I will get him."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">16</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus said to her, "Mary."
She turned<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">toward
him and cried out in Aramaic,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Rabboni!"
(which means Teacher).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">17</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus said, "Do not hold on to
me, for I<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">have
not yet returned to the Father. Go<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">instead
to my brothers and tell them, 'I<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">am
returning to my Father and your<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Father,
to my God and your God.' "<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">18</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mary Magdalene went to the disciples<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">with
the news: "I have seen the Lord!"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 22.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And
she told them that he had said<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">these
things to her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-84619153442985639342020-04-10T12:53:00.001-07:002020-04-10T12:53:25.227-07:00DIY Easter Sunrise Service<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt;">DIY Easter
Sunrise Service April 12, 2020 6:30 a.m.</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">THE BIG IDEA<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I love
Easter Sunrise Services... and especially at Lake Van, and even when it was
freezing outside and no one wanted to sit on a metal bench. People can attend
in their pajamas or sweats and no one holds that against them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh... the hot chocolate and donuts are a part
of my Easter day ritual too...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This year it
may look different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lake Van was never
Jerusalem anyway - so we are going to say that 'different' is OK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't hesitate to celebrate an Easter Sunrise
Service with your family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun will
rise about 6:30 (it will start dawning a little earlier than that).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Choose your vantage point - from a window in
your house, in a field, through a car windshield, or on lawn chairs along the
road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hot chocolate, coffee, Chai or
donuts are optional. Then read the Easter story and imagine, reflect, remember,
give thanks, and worship. If you wish - use the following for your reflection
or read the Easter account from any of the Gospels: Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke
24, or John 20.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">SUNRISE REFELECTION<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">READ: Matthew 28:1–10 <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now after the Sabbath, toward the
dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to
see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the
Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.
His </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">appearance was like lightning, and his
clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like
dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that
you seek Jesus who was crucified<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">.
He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and
behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have
told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and
ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!”
And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said
to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there
they will see me.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">REFLECT<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How often have we recently considered
all of the changes we have been experiencing to what would normally have been
forgettable routine daily activities? How often have we grumbled about the
crazy behavior of the world around us - with grocery habits in the balance? How
many have spent more time at home and more time together as a family? How our
days have changed. A friend said that she has not spent her extra time at home
deep cleaning like others, but baking and cooking instead (she is brilliant). But,
in general, we are very discontent with all the changes and upheaval.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Talking about
"discontent," it is a perfect time to consider the atmosphere of turmoil,
confusion, and outright fear of those living through that final week leading up
to what we call Easter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being
"discontent' is such a piddly little whine in lieu of the upheaval of the
disciples, friends and followers of Jesus. Their thoughts were not concerned
with changes to their routines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Here is your point for reflection
with regard to our current lack of contentment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I suggest that we most often learn to be content in one of two ways: 1)
be thankful, and 2) be deprived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
first way lends perspective and the second teaches us to do without the hard
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think all my lessons are taught
the hard way... but what if I chose to practice gratitude instead?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">REFLECT or SHARE your thoughts
regarding each of these ways to learn/know contentment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Try it now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Practice gratitude and lend perspective to
all that you may have complained about recently. We, as children of God, have
the very most to be thankful for on this Resurrection day. Name in your heart
and/or share with each other what you are grateful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find the reasons to be thankful.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Spend some time now in quiet
appreciation and love for God. Consider this Easter morning what God has done
for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Allow the Sunrise to be a gift
and sign of promise and hope - God speaking love to you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">SILENCE<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">PRAY<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dear Lord, e</span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">ach dawn proclaims resurrection. Every sunrise tells of a new beginning
and all creation sings for joy. From the start of time, Father and Creator, you
painted each day with light, fashioned beauty from mountain heights to valley
lows, and caused praise to whistle through trees and splash on shores.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="background: white;">When
we take to hurrying through beauty, bruising each other and taking blessings
for granted along the way, you would slow our hearts or possibly throw the
world into turmoil so that we might consider what is most important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holy Spirit work in our hearts that
contentment would be a part of our witness to the world around us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Holy and
loving are you, Lord, for each dawn is a resurrection gift, an opportunity to
deepen relationships, forgive ourselves and those near to us, make peace and
share love. Every sunrise rolls back the stones of doubt and lets hallelujahs
loose. Wondrous and great are you, Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We pray and give
thanks in Jesus' name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span></b>
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">SOME HYMN LYRICS: for those that
sing, love, know, or just Google the songs...<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Because
He Lives<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">God
sent His Son —they called Him Jesus;</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">He
came to love, heal and forgive.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">He
lived and died to buy my pardon;</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">An
empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk37327964"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Chorus</span></i></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk37327964;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk37327964;"></span>
</span><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 108.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Because
He lives I can face tomorrow;</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 108.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Because
He lives, all fear is gone.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 108.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Because
I know He holds the future,</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 108.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">And
life is worth the living just because He lives.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">How sweet to hold a
newborn baby,</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">And feel the pride and
joy he gives;</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">But greater still the
calm assurance:</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">This child can face
uncertain days because He lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Chorus</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">And
then one day I’ll cross the river;</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I’ll
fight life’s final war with pain.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">And
then, as death gives way to vict’ry, </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I’ll
see the lights of glory and I’ll know He reigns. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chorus<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Words by Gloria Gaither and William J. Gaither</span><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Music by William J. Gaither</span><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">© 1971 by William J. Gaither</span><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">CCLI
# 1966800</span><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christ
Arose<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Low in the grave He
lay-</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jesus, my Savior!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Waiting the coming day-</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jesus, my Lord!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Chorus</span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 108.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Up from the grave He arose,</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 108.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">With a mighty triumph o'er His foes.</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 108.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He arose a victor from the dark domain,</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 108.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">And He lives forever with His saints to reign.</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 108.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">He arose! He arose!</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hallelujah! Christ arose!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Vainly they watch His
bed-</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jesus, my Savior!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Vainly they seal the
dead-</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jesus, my Lord!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chorus<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Death
cannot keep his prey-</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jesus,
my Savior!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">He
tore the bars away-</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Jesus,
my Lord!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Chorus</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Words and Music by Robert Lowry</span><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">CCLI # 1966800</span><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Christ
the Lord is Risen Today<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Christ the Lord is
risen today.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">
Alleluia!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Sons of men and angels
say: Alleluia!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Raise your joys and
triumphs high. Alleluia!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sing, ye heavens, and
earth, reply: Alleluia!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Lives again our
glorious King. Alleluia!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Where, O death, is now
thy sting? Alleluia!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Dying once, He all doth
save. Alleluia!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Where thy victory, O
grave? Alleluia!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Love's redeeming work
is done. Alleluia!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Fought the fight, the
battle won. Alleluia!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Death in vain forbids
Him rise. Alleluia!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Christ has opened
paradise. Alleluia!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Soar we now where Christ has led. Alleluia!</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Following our exalted Head. Alleluia!</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Made like Him, like Him we rise. Alleluia!</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ours the cross, the grave, the skies. Alleluia!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Words by Charles
Wesley</span><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Music by Lyra
Davidica, 1708; last stanza setting and choral ending by Don Hart</span><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 90%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 72.7pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: -36.7pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">© 1997 by
Integrity’s Hosanna Music and Word Music</span><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; line-height: 90%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .5in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">CCLI # 1966800</span><span style="font-size: 6.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-80877371594801142512020-04-05T04:50:00.003-07:002020-04-05T04:50:41.297-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">bulletin pieces<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Words of Greeting </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(adapting
from John 13:34-35)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One:
In the name of Jesus, who washed feet and suffered long;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All: Let us love one another!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One:
In the name of Jesus, who broke the bread and served the cup;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All: Let us love one another!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One:
In the name of Jesus, who willingly gave himself up to death on a cross;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All: Let us love one another!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One:
In the name of Jesus, who gave us a new commandment;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All: Let us love one another!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One:
In the name of Jesus, who died, was buried, who rose and ascended;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All: Let us love one another!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One:
Brothers and sisters, let us love one another, according to the way of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 31.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -13.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All: For by this, everyone will know
that we are his disciples, if we love one another. Amen!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Prayer
of Confession </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">(read </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Luke 22:54-62
if you wish)</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">On the same night as the foot washing form
today's Scripture reading, Jesus tells Peter that he will deny him 3
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Ann Weems</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> writes in a poem called, “We All
Have Our Courtyards”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">From Advent’s Alleluia to Easter’s Morning
Light, Westminster John Knox Press, 2010)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We all have our courtyards,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">those times and place we face<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">like Peter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">when we must decide<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">to stand up and say<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">whether we know him or not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Those crossroads in our lives,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">when we go along with things as they are,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">or we say, as Luther did,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here I stand, I can do no other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We all have our courtyards…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lent is the time to prepare<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">for our courtyards,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">the time to listen to who he says he is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And he did, you know,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He did tell us who he is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He is that one who brings good news to the poor,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">freedom to the oppressed,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">sight to the blind…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">that Holy One who said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Follow me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Feed my sheep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The courtyard she refers to is the place
where Peter watched Jesus from a distance after he was arrested in the garden -
betrayed with a kiss. The courtyard was in Jerusalem outside the home of the
High Priest where Jesus was being questioned - wrongly accused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three times Peter denied knowing Jesus; and
then the cock crowed, exactly as Jesus predicted it would.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>is not just Judas who betrays Jesus, but each of us in our own
ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us seek God's
forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Extra Piece referenced in the
message...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here’s
Jamie’s full name. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Rhoshandiatellyneshiaunneveshenkescianneshaimondrischlyndasaccarnaerenquellenendrasamecashaunettethalemeicoleshiwhalhinive'onchellecaundenesheaalausondrilynnejeanetrimyranaekuesaundrilynnezekeriakenvaunetradevonneyavondalatarneskcaevontaepreonkeinesceellaviavelzadawnefriendsettajessicannelesciajoyvaelloydietteyvettesparklenesceaundrieaquenttaekatilyaevea'shauwneoraliaevaekizzieshiyjuanewandalecciannereneitheliapreciousnesceverroneccaloveliatyronevekacarrionnehenriettaescecleonpatrarutheliacharsalynnmeokcamonaeloiesalynnecsiannemerciadellesciaustillaparissalondonveshadenequamonecaalexetiozetiaquaniaenglaundneshiafrancethosharomeshaunnehawaineakowethauandavernellchishankcarlinaaddoneillesciachristondrafawndrealaotrelleoctavionnemiariasarahtashabnequckagailenaxeteshiataharadaponsadeloriakoentescacraigneckadellanierstellavonnemyiatangoneshiadianacorvettinagodtawndrashirlenescekilokoneyasharrontannamyantoniaaquinettesequioadaurilessiaquatandamerceddiamaebellecescajamesauwnneltomecapolotyoajohnyaetheodoradilcyanakoyaanisqatsiuthawyhaiashieakhauwnnewilliams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">“Birth of a record: 1,000-plus letters in girl’s
name.” The Seattle Times, January 22, 1991.
community.seattletimes.nwsource.com.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-60126854244884406462020-04-05T04:49:00.001-07:002020-04-05T04:49:50.154-07:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Preaching
Notes - JOHN 13<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here
is the message for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be
live-streamed at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday via Facebook, then available after that
as online/video.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>manuscript is included for those that do not use/prefer
the internet, and or want the extra pieces included with the manuscript (Words
of Greeting, Prayer of Confession, fuller citations, etc.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Gospel of
John Sermon Series: That You May Believe<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"Doing
What Jesus Does..."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Introduction</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What’s in a name?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Quite a bit
actually, if you have a name like the lady who is known as Jameshawnnel, or
Jamie for short.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her name has more
than 1,000 letters in it, including the titles of movies, cars, countries and
cities. It is an amalgamation of 100 shorter first names. It has 1,023 letters
and two apostrophes. Her middle name has only 36 letters. Jamie’s name also
includes the names of many of her relatives and words such as “friend” and
“love.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Registering her
name was not easy for the clerks in the registrar’s office in Houston, Texas.
They had to use seven other birth certificates and glue and staples just to
register her name. It was such a laborious process that the rules were changed
prohibiting names that wouldn’t fit in “two typewritten lines in the 5 1/8 inch
space on the official birth certificate.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jamie’s mother
explained that she chose this name, which holds the Guinness record (at that
time, at least) as the world’s longest, because she “wanted it to be
unique.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clearly, she succeeded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>"Jesus"
only has five letters, not 1,023 like Jamie’s. But what a name! It’s a name
about which sermons have been preached, by which lives have been transformed,
on behalf of which people have fanned out to the corners of the earth. It’s a
name so powerful that bodies have been healed, hospitals have been built,
schools have been established, people have been rescued and sins have been
forgiven. All of it — in this name, Jesus!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remember...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Philippians
2:9-11</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Therefore
God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and
under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to
the glory of God the Father.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">As
you would expect - a powerful name is accompanied by great power...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">John 3:3-4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus knew that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the Father had put all things under his
power</b>, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">so he got up from the meal, took off his outer
clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">So</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
what does Jesus do with that power?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--
He washes the feet of his disciples.</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">All
the power in the world... and he uses it to wash feet?!</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Foot Washing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The practice of foot washing was originally an act of
hospitality in Palestinian homes, performed for guests (who wore sandals and
walked on dusty roads) by a servant. It was a sign of hospitality and most
frequently done in contexts where the washing precedes a meal or banquet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was almost exclusively the duty of slaves
or servants. Servants draw the water, wash the feet, and dispose of the
water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To wash another’s feet symbolized
the subjugation of one person to another. Those who received foot washing
from another were social superiors of those who performed the task.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">It was a total surprise that Jesus would do the work of
the slave - he is the teacher after all...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Let's look at two people present
that night: Judas and Peter<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Judas: What do we learn from
Jesus washing his feet?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Judas is not necessarily our favorite guy, right? He is
the scoundrel of Scripture. He is the one who turned our Lord over to the
treacherous hands of those who would crucify him. He's not our hero. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">I'm sure you have been around a lot of people at the
point that they name their child... "What are you going to name your
boy?" They say, "Well, we thought about it. We thought maybe we'd
name him Peter or Thomas or James. John is a real nice name. We didn't like Paul
a whole lot. But we've decided to name our boy Judas. I mean, we kind of like
it. It's cute. It's got a cute little ring to it. When he grows up, we hope
he'll be just like Judas." No, we never hear that because Judas is not our
guy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Picture this scene<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Scholars say the partakers of this meal would have been
seated at a U shaped table unlike our modern era where the table tends to be
rectangular and the guest of honor seated at one end of the table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">If you’ve ever seen daVinci’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last Supper</i>, it was kind of like that with the host sitting in
the center. They’re reclined on couches, and there were two places of honor as
people sat around the host. One was to the host’s right, and one immediately to
the host’s left. It’s obvious from the text that John the Beloved Disciple (author
of the Gospel) was sitting to the right of Jesus. They were on couches and
literally leaned on the breast of the person to their left/next to them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">But, interestingly, most scholars think that Judas was
the one seated to the left of Christ—which, by the way, was the place of
highest honor. I want you to think about that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One
reason the scholars believe Judas is seated immediately to the left of Christ
is because that would be the only way Christ could pull off what he does next.
He takes this morsel of bread, and dips it into a very special mixture of
raisins, dates, and sour wine. He takes a chunk of the bread and puts it in
there, dips it, and hands it to Judas. What you need to know is that, when a
host would do this, he was making a statement of honor and love. In that
culture to receive this morsel dipped in that sauce was to be highly honored at
the dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">What was Jesus saying by doing this? -- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">It was an amazing display of love.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">John 13:2 (Jesus knew what was to take place)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"The
evening meal was being served, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the
devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus</b>."
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Jesus washes
all their feet, including that of the man who within hours would betray him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Jesus
knew who would betray him, but the disciples did not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"Jesus
was troubled in spirit and testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is
going to betray me."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">His disciples stared at one another</b> (picture
that, them staring t each other - it is funny to think about!), at a loss to
know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was
reclining next to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simon Peter
motioned to this disciple and said, "Ask him which one he means."
Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I
will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish." Then,
dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Judas Iscariot, son of Simon."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">John 13:21-26)</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">It is my guess that we all know this story...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">I only ever have two pieces of advice when it comes to
dealing with people who you struggled with. Whether they are just annoying, or
considered an enemy. You heard me say both before, they serve me, personally,
very very well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">first</b> is
simply that you pray for them. That just makes sense - sounds like the easy
children's sermon answer that applies to everything, but I mean it: pray for
them. Consistently. What happens is that you begin the transition from praying <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">about</i> them to praying <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for</i> them. You begin to seek what is best
for them and that changes us and changes the way that you feel about them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">second</b> is
not unlike this and you see it so clearly in Jesus who washes even Judas's
feet, knowing what is to take place later that evening. This is my advice:
treat others not according to who they are, but according to who you are. That
other person may truly be unkind, but I am only going to act in kindness to the
best of my ability - my Spirit empowered ability. That person may have honestly
hurt you, but I will do no harm. I will not fight them on their level, I will
not have an attitude of eye for eye and a tooth for tooth. I am a child of God
and I will act like it even if they do not, even if the world can justify
returning fire with fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In so doing, it
generates patience in me. It generates compassion. It makes me a better person.
I will not stoop to their level but try to arise to Christ's level. And it creates
an opportunity for them to lay down their arms as well. More than that, I look
ever more like my Savior. May I would love others as he loves me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">John 13:34-35<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">34</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"A new command I give you:
Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">35</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">By this all men will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">You are never going to hear something more practical come
out of this pulpit, from me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Let's look at Peter: His
Resistance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">John13:5-10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After that, he poured water into a
basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that
was wrapped around him. </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He came to Simon Peter, who said
to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am
doing, but later you will understand." </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"No," said Peter,
"you shall never wash my feet."</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no
part with me." </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"Then, Lord," Simon
Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath
needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though
not every one of you."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">If Peter understood clearly that Jesus was the master,
and in comparison he was the servant, he should have taken it upon himself to
wash everyone else's feet. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jesus says,
because I am the master, I will wash everyone else's feet.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Peter acted in disbelief when he saw the Lord Himself
perform the menial task. Not only had Peter failed to show the service and love
to the Lord, he failed to love his brothers as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Remember that Peter will betray
Jesus too, in yet another way...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">John 13:33, 36-38<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">33</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"My children, I will be with
you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so
I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.... </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">36</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you
going?" Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but
you will follow later." </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">37</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Peter asked, "Lord, why can't
I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">38</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down
your life for me? <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I tell you the</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">truth, before the rooster crows, you will
disown me three times!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We know this story as well... (Luke 22:54-62)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">I heard the story recently of a man who ran a grocery store
during the Second World War - see if this does not hit home these recent
weeks... He was there just before the President announced the rationing, which
was going to take place on some of the staples you’d find in a grocery store.
He tells that an elderly lady came into his grocery store, went back, and
started loading her basket up with piles of sugar and all of the things that
were about to be rationed. As she was going through the cashier’s aisle, he
said, “Madam, I can’t let you take all of those things.” She said, “Well, why
not? I just wanted to get them before all the hoarders got here.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Like her,</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we rarely see the depth of our own sin.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Peter in no
way can imagine not going to his death with Jesus.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> (</span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">37</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I
will lay down my life for you.")</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just as our prayer of confession
suggests - we all have our courtyards... (where we deny knowing Christ).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All sin is a form of betrayal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We choose our way over God's way -- that's
sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We put our will and desires and
pleasures before God - that is betrayal.. That is sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Disobedience is sin/betrayal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">We should be following his
Example<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Christ’s ultimate service for mankind was his willingness
to give His life for us, which was to happen the next afternoon. His example of
humility, service and generosity is all the more poignant because of its
contrast with the attitude of the rest of humanity. Our natural tendency is to
look for ways to make others serve us. God’s way, on the other hand, is
unpretentious, willing service to others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">"Contemporary society is obsessed with love. From
romantic movies to popular songs to cheap paperback novels, romance is a
primary theme in both entertainment and in everyday conversations. It is also
big business, as newspaper columnists, talk shows, and Internet websites offer
pertinent advice to the lovelorn. But despite all the world's talk about love,
very few people actually understand the real thing. The modern world's version
of love is unabashedly narcissistic, totally self focused, shamelessly
manipulative. It sees others merely as a means of self gratification. Not
surprisingly, relationships between selfish people usually do not last. If your
current partner fails to live up to expectations (or they find someone more
exciting), they move on." (John Macarthur)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">That is not Jesus - who washed even Judas' feet<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Illustration</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">:<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Ah but Your Land is Beautiful</i> (Alan
Paton) excerpt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">In Alan Paton's historical novel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ah but Your Land is Beautiful</i>, he tells a story from the early days
of post-World War II apartheid in South Africa. A climactic scene in this novel
is on Maundy Thursday of Holy Week a highly placed white judge is invited to
the black church of his family's housekeeper at the urgent invitation of the
black Pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He slips in the back
unnoticed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simply by worshiping in this
church the judge risks his career. But the Pastor has also asked that he
participate in the foot washing ritual... commemorating the night we read about
in John 13.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The feet presented to him are those of a woman who has
worked as a servant in his house for more than 30 years. Some of the worshipers
gasp as Jan Christian Olivier kneels before the little old lady, Martha
Fortuin. As he is washing the housekeeper's feet, he thinks of the countless
times she bathed his own children, washing and kissing them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story concludes, then he took both her
feet in his own hands with gentleness, for they were no doubt tired with much
serving, and he kissed them both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The judge's presence and participation had been planned
by the minister and agreed to by himself as a statement, but the kisses arise
naturally within the moment. At the sight of selfless love, The Holy Church of
Zion fell a-weeping. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">This is the example we have to
follow...<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">John 13:1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It was just before the Passover
Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to
the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he now showed them the full extent of his love</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">John 13:12-15<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When he had finished washing their
feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand
what I have done for you?" he asked them. </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"You
call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your
feet, you also should wash one another's feet. </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">15</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have set you an example that you
should do as I have done for you.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Peter does not understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter wants his body washed - and Jesus says
that on that physical level only his feet are dirty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But betrayal an disobedience are a matter of
your inside being dirty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Francis Schaeffer, has a profound notion about the text
in 1 Corinthians 3. First Corinthians 3 says that, at the end of our lives, we
will be led before Christ. And, in a very powerful metaphor, the text says that
all we have built during our lives—wood, hay, stubble, gold, silver, precious
stones—will be tried by fire. The wood, hay and stubble are not necessarily
evil deeds, but just the worthless things, the things that don't count for
eternity. And when we come before Christ, the blazing fire of his glory will
burn away everything in our lives that is wood, hay and stubble. Only those
things of Christ and for Christ and for eternity will remain for us to present
to him. Schaeffer says on that day there will be many whom he termed as
"ash heap Christians" who will stand before the Lord, having all of
life burned away, all the stuff—the cash, the comfort—that didn't count for
eternity. And they will stand in a pile of knee-deep ashes with nothing to
present to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">1 Corinthians 3:12-15<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If anyone
builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or
straw,</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">their
work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to
light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of
each person’s work.</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If what
has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.</span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">15 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If it is burned
up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one
escaping through the flames.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">To
illustrate:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">When my children were younger they participated in
various science Olympiad's. I loved it. It was fun working on those projects
together. One particular project was to build a bridge out of wood, using pieces
about the thickness of matchsticks. You had to design a bridge, that was light
but structurally sound, and then put it to the test. The bridge spanned a
certain distance, then you hung a weight from the middle of it, and added to
that weight until it finally gave in. If you built something of substance, it
would hold up when it was tested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">If our life holds up, when the chaff and dross and
worthless things are burned away, what will be left will not be good works, so
to speak - as if good works get us into heaven. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The good works represent obedience. That's what will hold up. Not a
particular list of good deeds, but have we been faithful? Were we obedient? Did
we follow his example? Do we serve and love?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Buckner Fanning tells a story from visiting
Czechoslovakia a number of years ago, and the government had come and taken the
church building away from a group of believers, and they had looked for months
for a place to worship. He said when he went back to Czechoslovakia a second
time, they had found a building, and the building they had purchased was right
in the center of a graveyard. Nobody else wanted the building. You can’t
imagine selling dresses when people have to walk through a cemetery to get to your
place of business. So the church got it. And you know what they called that
church? "The Church of the Resurrection." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">That’s what it’s all about. That’s where we are. Planted
right in the middle of the dead and the dying. We’re the Church of light
planted right in the middle of the darkness. Judas didn’t understand that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo2; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There
is a correlation between<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>obedience, and
commands - right?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">34</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"A new command I give you:
Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">35</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">By this all men will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Benediction: Philippians 2 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with
Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the
Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">then
make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love,
being one in spirit and of one mind.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Do
nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value
others above yourselves,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">not
looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>5 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as
Christ Jesus:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Who,
being in very nature God,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 5.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">did not consider equality with God <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>something to be used to his own advantage;</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">rather,
he made himself nothing</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 5.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">by taking the very nature of a servant,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 5.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">being made in human likeness.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And
being found in appearance as a man,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 5.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">he humbled himself</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 5.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">by becoming obedient to death—</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="indent-2-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">even death on a cross!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Therefore
God exalted him to the highest place</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 5.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and gave him the name that is above every name,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">that
at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 5.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">in heaven and on earth and under the earth,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and
every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 5.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">to the glory of God the Father.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-41182055227870620312020-03-28T21:34:00.002-07:002020-03-28T21:34:30.093-07:00Scripture notes for March 29, 2020 (as per the preaching notes)<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">John 17:1-26 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After
Jesus said this, he looked<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">toward heaven and prayed:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Father, the time has come</u></b>. <span style="background: lime; mso-highlight: lime;">Glorify</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">your Son, <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">so that</span> your Son may <span style="background: lime; mso-highlight: lime;">glorify</span> you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For you granted him authority over all<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">people <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">so that</span> he might give eternal life to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">all those you have given him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now
this is eternal life: <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">that</span>
they may<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">know you, the only true God, and Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Christ, whom you have sent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
have brought you <span style="background: lime; mso-highlight: lime;">glory</span>
on earth by<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">completing the work you gave me to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And
now, Father, <span style="background: lime; mso-highlight: lime;">glorify</span> me
in your<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">presence with the <span style="background: lime; mso-highlight: lime;">glory</span> I had with you before the </span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: silver; mso-themecolor: text1;">world</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> began.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"I
have revealed you to those whom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">you gave me out of the </span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: silver; mso-themecolor: text1;">world</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.
They<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">were yours; you gave them to me and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">they have obeyed </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">your word.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now
they know that everything you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">have given me comes from you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For
I gave them </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">the words you</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> gave me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and they accepted them. They knew</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">with certainty that I came from
you,</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">they believed that you sent me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
pray for them. I am not praying for the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background: silver; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: silver; mso-themecolor: text1;">world</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, but
for those you have given me, for they are yours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">All
I have is yours, and all you have is<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">mine. And <span style="background: lime; mso-highlight: lime;">glory</span> has come to me through them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
will remain in the </span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: silver; mso-themecolor: text1;">world</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> no longer, but<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">they are still in the </span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: silver; mso-themecolor: text1;">world</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, and
I am<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">coming to you. </span><span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-themecolor: text1;">Holy Father, protect<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-themecolor: text1;">them by the power of your name</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">--the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">name you gave me--<span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">so that</span> they may be<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">one as we are one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">While
I was with them, I protected<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">them and kept them safe by that name<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">you gave me. None has been lost<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">except the one doomed to destruction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background: aqua; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: aqua;">so that</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Scripture would be fulfilled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"I
am coming to you now, but I say<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">these things while I am still in the </span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: silver; mso-themecolor: text1;">world</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background: aqua; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: aqua;">so that</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> they may have the full measure<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">of my joy within them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
have given them your </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">word</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
and the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background: silver; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: silver; mso-themecolor: text1;">world</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">has
hated them, for they are not of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">the </span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: silver; mso-themecolor: text1;">world</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> any more than I am of the </span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: silver; mso-themecolor: text1;">world</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-themecolor: text1;">15</span><span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-themecolor: text1;">My prayer is not
that you take them<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-themecolor: text1;">out of the </span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: silver; mso-themecolor: text1;">world</span><span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-themecolor: text1;"> but that you protect<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-themecolor: text1;">them from the evil one.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">16</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">They are not of the</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: silver; mso-themecolor: text1;">world</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,
even as I am not of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-themecolor: text1;">17</span><span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-themecolor: text1;">Sanctify them by
the truth;</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">your word</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> is truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">18</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As
you sent me into the </span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: silver; mso-themecolor: text1;">world</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, I have<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">sent them into the </span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: silver; mso-themecolor: text1;">world</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">19</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For
them I sanctify myself, <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">that</span>
they<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">too may be truly sanctified.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">20</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"My
prayer is not for them alone. I pray<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">also for those who will believe in me through their
message,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-themecolor: text1;">21</span><span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-themecolor: text1;">that all of them
may be one</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,
Father,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">just as you are in me and I am in you.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">May they also be in us <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">so that</span> the <span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">world</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">may believe that you have sent
me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">22</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
have given them the <span style="background: lime; mso-highlight: lime;">glory</span>
that you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">gave me, <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">that</span> they may be one as we are one:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">23</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
in them and you in me. </span><span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-themecolor: text1;">May they be<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-themecolor: text1;">brought to complete unity</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">to let</span> the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background: silver; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: silver; mso-themecolor: text1;">world</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> know
that you sent me and have<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">loved them even as you have loved
me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">24</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"Father</span><span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-themecolor: text1;">, I want those you have given<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-themecolor: text1;">me to be with me where I am, and to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: yellow; mso-themecolor: text1;">see my</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <span style="background: lime; mso-highlight: lime;">glory</span>,
the <span style="background: lime; mso-highlight: lime;">glory</span> you have
given<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">me because you loved me before
the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">creation of the <span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">world</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">25</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"Righteous
Father, though the </span><span style="background: silver; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: silver; mso-themecolor: text1;">world</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">does not know you, I know you,
and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">they know that you have sent me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 6.5pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">26</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
have made you known to them, and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">will continue to make you known <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">in<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="background: aqua; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-highlight: aqua; mso-themecolor: text1;">order that</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> the love you have for me may<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">be in them and that I myself may
be in them."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-9325531094891499182020-03-28T21:33:00.001-07:002020-03-28T21:34:48.419-07:00<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">"What
Jesus Prays, When He Prays For Us"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">March 9,
2020 preaching notes (not a proper manuscript)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Read John
17:1-26<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Intro<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">This winter/spring we have been working our way through
the Gospel of John. Many of you have been following along with our series entitled,
"That You May Believe." That's a very common title for a series in
John because the author is very explicit about his purpose for writing the
gospel. John 20:30-31 says, "Jesus performed many other signs in the
presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are
written <u>that you may believe</u> that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of God,
and that by believing you may have life in his name."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">That You May Believe<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The way we chose to do this study has been to look at the
stories about Jesus that are unique to John’s Gospel (and not recorded in
Matthew, Mark, or Luke).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such stories as<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Changing the water into wine at Cana (2:1–12) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nicodemus knocking at his door at night (3:1–21) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The encounter with the Samaritan woman at a well (4:1–42)
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The healing of a crippled man at the pool (5:1–18) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The adulterous woman and the attempt to stone her
(7:53–8:11) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The healing of a man born blind (9:1–41) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The raising of Lazarus (11:1–44) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Next week, we actually go back a few chapters, or what
would have been just an hour or so real time for the disciples, and will read
about the washing of the disciples’ feet in John 13:1–20.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The foot washing is the beginning of the evening
before Jesus is taken from the disciples and led to the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 13 through 17 is the night of the last
supper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our reading of Chapter 17 is the end of that evening
together as they celebrated the Passover for the last time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 17 contains the longest recorded prayer
of Jesus. He prays after finishing his final instructions to the disciples and
before he is betrayed/arrested/crucified. Jesus first prays for himself, then
he prays for the disciples, and he closes by praying for all believers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The prayer is commonly called Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sometimes we call this The Real Lord's Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">You can tell a lot about people
by listening how they pray...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">You can tell a lot about people by listening how they
pray. In the mountains of North Carolina there was a mountaineer leaning
against a tree when a tourist drove by and he noticed the mountaineer's house
was on fire. He said, "Good man, your house is on fire!" The
mountaineer said, "I know it." "Aren't you going to do
something?" He said, "I am doing something. Ever since the fire
started, I've been praying for rain." The man was lazy, and you could see
the reflection of his nature in the prayer he prayed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">A little girl's brother set a trap to catch birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little girl thought it was wrong, and her
demeanor was sad and woebegone. Then one day her demeanor changed. Her mother
asked what had happened. "I prayed for my brother to be a better
boy." "What else did you pray?" "That the trap would not
catch any birds." "What else?" the mother said. "I went out
and kicked the trap to pieces." She was not a sitter; she was a doer. She
was going to help God out a bit. (Stephen Brown)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">If/since you can tell a lot about a person by their
prayers - I am thinking of one in particular friend -- when she prays, you know
she is praying from a firsthand knowledge of the Holy One... an intimate
relationship with God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Who prays for you? I lost two huge prayer warriors when my
grandmother died. When my mother died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God bless them both...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">And I'll be honest, there are certain members who
consistently and sincerely pray for me and that really blesses me. It also
makes me think, "they must really think I need it too."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would be right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">There are many references to
Jesus praying but only a few recorded prayers of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Remember he prays out loud for everyone to hear when he
raises Lazarus back to life in John 11:1-44.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus gives thanks when he breaks bread and feeds the
5,000 in John 6:1-14 but we don't have those exact words...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">In the other Gospels, their versions/writing of Jesus
breaking the bread at the Last Supper before telling them to "take, and
eat - this is my body broken for you..." but not the exact words of those
prayers...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Makes what we know as The Lord's Prayer found in Matthew
6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4 very special.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then there are the profound prayers of Jesus on the cross
- speaking to his Father in heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Luke 23:34, "Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what
they are doing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmm... I reckon God
heard and answered that prayer... think about that one...</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Gospel of John and his way of
writing is great - like splashing through puddles. One preaching professor was
fond of saying that "the Gospel of John is like a puddle of water - it is
so shallow that a gnat can wade in it and so deep that an elephant can drown in
it." It is often a favorite place for new Bible readers to begin.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus begins his prayer by
saying, "The time has come"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Earlier in John's Gospel the point had been emphasized
that the era of the Messiah/Christ had not yet come. But now he opened his
prayer with a dramatic declaration that the hour <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">has</i> come. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo7; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">John 2:4 at
the wedding at Cana, </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">"When
the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more
wine."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus replied, "Dear
woman, why do you involve me? My time has not yet come."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo7; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">John 4 - Jesus with the Samaritan
woman. "You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do
know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(implying it had not yet come)</i>and has now come when the true
worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind
of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship
in spirit and in truth."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo7; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">John 7 - Jesus being pressured by
his brothers: "No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret.
Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For even his own brothers did not believe in
him. Therefore Jesus told them, "The right time for me has not yet come;
for you any time is right."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo7; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">And (John 7) the religious
authorities pressured him to do miracles: "Then Jesus, still teaching in
the temple courts, cried out, "Yes, you know me, and you know where I am
from. I am not here on my own, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him,
but I know him because I am from him and he sent me."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this they tried to seize him, but no one
laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo7; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">John 8 - the
Pharisees challenge Jesus: </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also." He spoke
these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the
offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his time had not yet come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo7; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">It is only at
the start of this rather special night together that Jesus says his time has
come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 13, </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">"It was just before the
Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world
and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed
them the full extent of his love."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">John 17 begins (1-2), "After Jesus said this, he
looked toward </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">heaven
and prayed: "Father, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>the time
has come</u></b>. Glorify your Son, so that your Son may glorify you. For you
granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all
those you have given him."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The unfolding drama of redemptive history finally reached
a critical point. Hold on to your seats... Plans made in eternity past were
finding their culmination in time. The era had come in which the Son of Man,
Jesus, would offer himself as the perfect and only atoning sacrifice for sin.
The hour had come when Jesus would be made a sin offering for believers that
they might be the righteousness of God in him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">"For God so loved the w</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">orld that he gave his one and only
Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>--How long had God's people been waiting?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">With the hour of supreme suffering and even greater glory
at hand, and with his poor and terrified disciples contemplating his departure,
the Lord lifted his eyes to heaven and prayed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">...Don't you know they were listening. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">After I read the Scripture for
the week in my Bible several times, I often then print it off so that I can
start making notes beside verses. This week I began to highlight certain words
that kept repeating throughout the passage. One of the words is
"glory." (On the attached Scripture document I've highlighted it like
I did on my working copy.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing that
how a person says something has a lot to do with what they are saying, I found
this important.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">"Glorify your son that the
son may glorify you."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The phrase refers to the consummation of Jesus' earthly
ministry, encompassing his death, resurrection, and being raised up to heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a small thing -- the time had come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let's take a quick look at the word 'glory' that John
uses over and over in the passage:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Old Testament word for “glory” comes from the Hebrew
word for weight, or heaviness - with greater value being assigned to that which
is weightier</span></u><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we say
somebody is "throwing their weight around," then they are using
whatever influence or power or authority they might have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>So behind the idea of glory is the
assigning of great value (weight) and worth</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">For example, when Joseph finally revealed himself to his
brothers in Egypt, he instructed them, “So you shall tell my father of all my
glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring my
father down here.” In other words, he wanted his greatness, his privileged
position and exalted status and power, to be reported to Jacob.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Greek word for “glory” is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">doxa</i> (DOX-ah). In classical times the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">doxa</i> of a person meant merely the “opinion” others held of him, or
his “reputation.” It was simply what a person “seemed” to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">In the New Testament, the word “glory” conveys the same
idea. A man’s glory is his good reputation. It is that about him which is
praiseworthy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus uses the word this way in Matthew 6:2 (KJV),
“Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as
the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have
glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” These people
made a production of their giving so that the greatness of their generosity
would be observed by many people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">But then the Bible gives <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">doxa</i> a whole new dimension of meaning. It now meant the expression
of who or what someone <u>really</u> was. And more than that, the word began to
be reserved for special application to God. His glory – his power, majesty, and
splendor – is in a class by itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">So when the Bible speaks of the glory of God it is
referring to God's worth and honor and greatness. We could say that God's
majesty or supremacy are in view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">In fact, so great is God's glory that it emanates like
light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He who dwells in unapproachable
light (1 Tim 6:16) makes unnecessary the light of the sun or the moon, “for the
glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp” (Rev 21:23). Such is the
glory – the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">doxa</i> – of God. Remember
this the next time you sing the Dox-ology.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">All of creation has as its goal and purpose the glory of God.
He created everything for his own glory. Everything that exists has its
existence from God and for God. Romans 11:36 says, “For of Him and through Him
and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">John Calvin says that creation is the theater of God’s
glory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mary sang,
“My soul magnifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46). She was glorifying God—declaring God's
greatness and power and ascribing honor to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Therefore,
whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1
Corinthians 10:31). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">God chose his
people for his glory:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"> "For he
chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in
his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus
Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his
glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves...in order
that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise
of his glory." (</span><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ephesians%201.4-6" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none;">Ephesians 1:4-6</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">, </span><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ephesians%201.12" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none;">12</span></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">)</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus' request for glorification
was a prayer that God's eternal purposes would be fulfilled in the cross
exactly as God had ordained. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">In fact, it is through the cross that all of God's saving
purposes are made possible. Jesus will forever bear the scars of the cross,
thus being forever marked with the honor of his accomplishments there. In doing
this, Jesus was not seeking merely his own glory, but it would display God's
glory and greatness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The cross displayed God's glory like no other event in
history, revealing his righteousness, his justice, and holiness in requiring
the precious blood of his son, "a lamb unblemished and spotless" (1 Peter
1:19) as atonement for sin (Romans 3:25). At the same time, dramatically
demonstrating God's grace, God's mercy, and love in the sending of his only son
to die for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let me read John 17:1-6 again... you will hear the word "glory"
many times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but also listen for the
"SO THATS..."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The phrase, "so
that," occurs a dozen times throughout 26 verses.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt;">1</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">After Jesus said this, he looked
toward heaven and prayed: </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt;">2</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">"<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Father, the time has come</u></b>. <span style="background: lime; mso-highlight: lime;">Glorify</span> your Son, <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">so that</span> your Son may <span style="background: lime; mso-highlight: lime;">glorify</span> you. For you granted him authority over all<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">people
<span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">so that</span> he might give
eternal life to all those you have given him. </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt;">3</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now
this is eternal life: <span style="background: aqua; mso-highlight: aqua;">that</span>
they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-size: 8.0pt;">4</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">I have brought you <span style="background: lime; mso-highlight: lime;">glory</span> on earth by completing the work you gave me to
do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The "So Thats..."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Everything that Jesus requested in his prayer has a
purpose, that purpose is not for his own benefit, or for the benefit of the
disciples. But in fulfillment of God's will. SO THAT we might have eternal
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The examples from our
reading:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">...so that your Son may glorify you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">...so that he might give eternal life to all (those who
believe)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">...that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus
Christ, whom you have sent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">...so that they may be one as we are one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">...so that Scripture would be fulfilled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">...so that they may have the full measure of my joy
within them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">...that they too may be truly sanctified.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">...so that the world may believe that you have sent me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">...in order that the love you have for me may be in them
and that I myself may be in them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
if we prayed with such purpose?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't
you think our obedience level would skyrocket?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mine would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">What if each
part of my prayer had a "so that" to clarify why it is important..
because some of my prayers, if honest, I might pray some things so that...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo13; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">so that I m more comfortable... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">so that I do not get embarrassed...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">so that I would not have to apologize...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Wow - my ability to pray for what
God wants would increase and my desires would begin to fade.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Just
curious...<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">If your spouse were praying for
you - what would they be asking or saying?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">If your mother were praying for
you, what would she be saying?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">What does Jesus pray on our
behalf specifically?</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Reading through Jesus' prayer for his disciples (for us)
on the eve of his glorification - on/through the cross... He prays for four
things in particular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(We are not going
to spend equal time on them.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">1) verse
11/15, "Holy Father, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">protect</b>
them by the power of your name<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">2)
verse 17, "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sanctify</b> them by the
truth; your word is truth."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">3)
verse 21 Jesus prays for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">unity</b>.
"<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">That all of them may be one</b>, Father,
just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world
may believe that you have sent me."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">4)
verse 24, "I want those you have given me <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to be with me where I am</b> and to see my glory, the glory you have
given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let's look at Sanctification </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">(the second theme Jesus prays for us)</span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">John 17:17, "<u>Sanctify</u> them by the truth; your
word is truth."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Talking about "sanctification" is the same as
talking about "holiness." The language is often misunderstood as
referring to the doing of good deeds, going above and beyond the call of duty,
or trying to be 'holier than thou.' But the governing idea of holiness is that
of being <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>set apart</u></i> –
particularly for God's special purpose. Israel is a holy nation, not because it
behaves better or is greater than any other nation, but because God has elected
it (chosen it) to be a light to the Gentiles. God has set it apart for a purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Deuteronomy 7: 6-8, "For you are a people
holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has
chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his
people, his treasured possession. The Lord did not set his affection
on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples,
for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because
the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your
ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you
from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of
Egypt."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another word that John uses over and over again in this
passage is the word, "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">world</b>."
It does not have near as many geographical implications as it does theological
implications. Particularly in the Gospel of John, 'world' connotes those
elements of the created order that have actively sought to distance themselves
from God. <u>The world is a hostile place to those who dedicate themselves to
God</u>. For this reason, those who remain there need to be set apart and to
recognize the degree that they do not belong to the world. Jesus prays that his
followers will be sanctified, made holy, set apart, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>so that</u></b> they may bring the good news <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>to the world</u></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">(part of a prayer by Malcolm Muggeridge) "The only
ultimate disaster that can befall us is to feel ourselves to be at home here on
earth. As long as we are aliens we cannot forget our true homeland which is
that other kingdom" Christ speaks of (God's Kingdom).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Note that Jesus did not pray that his disciples should be
taken out of the world. He never prayed that they might find escape, he prayed
that they might find victory. John 17:15, "My prayer is not that you take
them out of the world but that you <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">protect</b>
them from the evil one."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus prays these things for us
with a purpose in mind... (So That...)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let's put some of these things together. Jesus prays for
us with great purpose. He asked that we be sanctified, set apart for a purpose.
That we would be one/unified for the purpose of exemplifying and sharing God's
greatness with the world. Jesus prays for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">unity</b>.
"<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">That all of them may be one</b>...
so that the world may believe that you have sent me." He prays this for
God to be glorified through us as well. He prays that God would accomplish this
through that which was/is about to take place upon the cross. He asks that we
be protected -- we need protection because we are to remain in this world and
not be removed from it. God has a purpose for us being here. We have been set
apart for God - not the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that doing
God's work we make a difference in this world. We are the salt of the earth, a
light for others....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Think about it this way. In order
to make a difference we must be different. Let me say that again, in order to
make a difference we must be different!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">It seems like every conflict in
Scripture is because of the difference between God's ways and our ways. The
difference between the world as God would have it and the world that we have
made it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">I'm
reminded of an old article I read by Nicholas van Hoffman... At various points
in it I was convicted, or defensive, or disagreed, or thought it rather
political, or was in agreement with it while pointing a finger at others… You
decide for yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">
</span><br />
<hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" />
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">
</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Mush God<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">By
Nicholas van Hoffman </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">(1978)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Mush God has been known to appear all over the world
on Sunday mornings to a great many people wanting to relax and read the Sunday
paper and have a nice hot cup of coffee. He is always there to soothe you and
put your mind at rest. Always ready to tell you that you deserve the rest today
because you have worked so hard during the week. He is also eager to tell you
about that really important game on TV, or to remind you about all the things
that you need to do around the house this Sunday morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">During the week the Mush God appears all over the place.
He appears with politicians at ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and to clergymen
speaking at the start of all the various government legislative proceedings. In
fact the Mush God is the god that politicians always seem to turn to. The Mush
God just adores politicians.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Mush God is also the father of the innocuous and
harmless prayer. Most people just love to hear the Mush God speak. You could
easily get him to give an opening prayer at the start of a hooker's convention,
and he would gladly promise that no one at all would be offended. The Mush God
is very proud that his beliefs and doctrines are completely non-irritating and
non-offensive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">This Mush God loves to interact with other people and he
especially loves to show up whenever spiritual questions are being debated. He
just loves to talk about his views on tolerance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Mush God has no theology to speak of. His is a pure
Cream of Wheat type of divinity. Here is finally a God that doesn't believe in
strictness and rigidity. His laws seem to be made out of rubber because they
bend so much. You can take any of his laws and mold them in a much more
"useful" manner. People just love this Mush God because he is so very
easy to get along with. What a convenient god. Oh thank heavens for the Mush
God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Mush God has no particular credo, no tenets of faith,
nothing that would make it difficult for either the believer or the nonbeliever
alike to lower their heads when he speaks. In fact the Mush God is not a
jealous god at all, and will gladly share the platform with any other gods that
anyone might have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Call him the god of the Rotary, or the god of the
optimists. This god is the protector of the Buddy System. The Mush God is the
Lord of secular ritual.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Mush God is a serviceable god who will fit in
anywhere. His laws are chiseled not on tablets of stone, but they are written
on sand which allows his laws to be open to amendment, qualification, change,
and erasure. His laws can easily blend in with the beliefs of anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here is a God that will compromise with you. He will
gladly relax the rules. He will make allowances and declare all wars, of any
type, to be holy wars. Here is a god that is all too happy to look the other
way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here is a god who is a good friend to everyone, in fact
the Mush God tells all his friends that they can do no wrong, that all
activities are fine with him. And most people just love him for that and are
all too happy to follow him, where ever he might lead them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">"The
world" is not a geographical term as much as it is a theological term to
describe all the forces, spiritual and historical, arrayed against the work of
the Father through the son.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
mush god does not make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A mush
god would never have been crucified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Neither
are you a disciple if you look like the world... rather than God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Since
Jesus prayed this prayer in John Chapter 17, I reckon God heard it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read the chapter again.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-19452295224219646082020-03-28T21:32:00.001-07:002020-03-28T21:32:01.018-07:00<br />
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f3864; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">March 29, 2020 - a prayer to use for the day, taken from: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Every Moment Holy </i></span></b><span style="color: #1f3864; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">(2017) by Douglas
Kaine McKelvey<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</b>This is a book of liturgies for the
ordinary events of daily life--liturgies such as "A Liturgy for Feasting
with Friends" or "A Liturgy for Laundering" or "A Liturgy
for the First Hearthfire of the Season." These are ways of reminding us
that our lives are shot through with sacred purpose even when, especially when,
we are too busy or too caught up in our busyness to notice.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My thanksgiving to a friend who shared this
book with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1f3864; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">I suggest,
especially since this is in a responsive reading format, that you read the
Leader's part (not in bold), then think about the question or thought that is
posed before reading the People's response (in bold).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In such a manner there is no way for you to
just read it without actually praying it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1f3864; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 128;">The Hours:
Daybreak<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Leader:
O children of the Living God, what is your Father’s greatest desire for you
this day?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">People:
That we should love our eternal King with all our hearts, with all our souls,
with all our minds and with all our strength.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And
how would you show this love?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">By
remembering him at all times.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">By
cultivating thankfulness for his many blessings, and trusting his good
providence for the meeting of our needs. By loving all whose lives intersect
our own. By choosing to serve rather than to be served, to be wounded rather
than to wound, and by bearing patiently with the failings of others, extending
the same kindness, mercy, and compassion that God in Christ has so graciously
offered us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We
would also love him by serving with faithfulness and due passion in our various
vocations, by delighting in all things he has created for our benefit and
pleasure, and by caring well for all he has given us to steward.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">O
children of the Living God, you would do well to practice your love in these
ways today!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Do
you now possess the needed strength to perfectly accomplish such holy
requirements?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We
do not. We are weak and inconsistent, and often buffeted by fear and pride and
selfishness. But being impoverished and ill-equipped as we are, we will look to
the grace of God and to the sanctifying work of the Spirit to accomplish his
purposes in and through us this day, as we, in grateful response, seek to
choose that which pleases him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We
open our hearts anew to you this morning, O Lord, that the love of the Father
and the life of Christ and the breath of the Spirit would quicken within us a
greater affection for your ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Work
your will in us, Lord Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let
us now bring before our gracious God any petitions relevant to this day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">O
Lord, hear our prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">NOW
OFFER SPECIFIC PRAYERS<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">O
children of God, casting your cares upon his strong shoulders, now surrender
your own agendas for this day, and instead be led by the workings of his
Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Open
our eyes and our hearts, O Lord, to your words and truth.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May
these words of God bring to each of us conviction, challenge, and comfort, as
our lives and choices this day require.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Shape
us even now, O Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Prepare
our bodies for the labors of this day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Give
us strength and health to complete them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Prepare
our minds for<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> the demands of this day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Grant
us clarity, creativity, and discernment.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Prepare
our souls for those sorrows and joys and celebrations and disappointments we
will encounter, that every circumstance would serve only to draw us nearer to
you.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">May
our words, our choices, and our actions today be offered as true expressions of
worship.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now
you who are loved of God, step forward into this new day appointed by him, that
you might journey through its hours in the peace and the grace and the love of
your Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lead
us this day, Lord Christ, that we might walk its paths in the light of the hope
of our coming redemption.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Amen.
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-84887000789742730432020-03-22T07:55:00.001-07:002020-03-22T07:55:39.815-07:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rough preaching notes for the day - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hagerman</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Intro:</span></b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"> the hippo ranching scheme (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">American Hippopotamus</i> by Jon Mooallem)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape alt="http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/wiredscience/2013/12/hippo-ranch.jpg" href="http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/wiredscience/2013/12/hippo-ranch.jpg" id="Picture_x0020_1" o:button="t" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 114.3pt; margin-left: 343pt; margin-top: 13.05pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 194.55pt; z-index: 1;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:fill></v:shape><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This is a true story even though
it’s composed of many details that will seem ludicrous. In the early years of the
last century, the U.S. Congress considered a bold and ingenious plan that would
simultaneously solve two pressing problems — a national meat shortage and a
growing ecological crisis. The plan was this: hippopotamus ranching.</span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; letter-spacing: 2.4pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hippos imported from Africa and
raised in the bayous of Louisiana, proponents argued, would provide a delicious
new source of protein for a meat-hungry nation. In the process, the animals
would gobble up the invasive water hyacinth that was killing fish and choking
off waterways. It would be an epic win-win. A bill was introduced in Congress,
and newspaper editorials extolled the culinary virtues of “lake cow bacon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The dawn of hippopotamus ranching in
America was 1910. There was a very serious meat shortage. These were peak years
of immigration, cities were exploding, the meat industry was getting bigger and
uglier but it could not keep up. America had always solved its problems by
moving west, but now the frontier was closed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The idea was that you could harness
land that wasn’t productive for grazing cattle, like swamps and bayous. So
you’d transplant the hippos into these environments that aren’t totally unlike
where they live in Africa. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same
time, there was a real problem with invasive water hyacinth plants; there still
is in fact. So a Louisiana Congressman named Robert Broussard decided he could
solve the water hyacinth problem by bringing in hippos to eat up the plants.
You were literally taking one problem and using it to solve another problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Though
under serious consideration, it never came to fruition before the meat shortage
was solved in other ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Was
it a good idea/<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- maybe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not every idea is a good one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Many
years ago, hungry Chinese farmers theorized that they could eat their big
potatoes and use the small ones for seed. And so they did - they ate the big
potatoes and planted the small ones. As a result of this, over the years,
nature eventually reduced the size of all the potatoes they <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">harvested</span> to marbles. They learned
through this bitter experience that they could not have the best things of life
for themselves and use their leftovers for seed. The law of the <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">harvest</span> reflected the planting!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: -.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Peter thinks that Jesus' idea
of going to Jerusalem, suffering, dying -- is a very bad idea and no
conceivable good can come from it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Jesus explains and Peter thinks
it is up for discussion...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Verse 21:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> "From that
time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem
and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers
of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mt+16%3A21"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Verse 21</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> of chapter 16 marks a
transition in Matthew's story of Jesus. Unlike Mark, Matthew separates </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mt+16%3A21-28"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">verses 21-28</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> from the preceding verses.
Not only do Jerusalem and its events begin to loom larger, but also in this
section of the Gospel the teachings of Jesus are directed almost exclusively to
the disciples, rather than to the crowds as well. Jesus' focus is on preparing
the disciples for his impending death. (Unlike Mark, Matthew separates Peter's
confession in </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mt+16%3A16"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">verse 16</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> from the rebuke of Peter
in </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mt+16%3A22-23"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">verses 22-23</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> - Peter seems a little
less of a spiritual roller coaster.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
Jesus explained is the core of the Gospel message:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> "He
must <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">go to Jerusalem</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">suffer many things</b> at the hands of the
elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">must be killed</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">on the
third day be raised to life</b>."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Gospel is the Good News. What do you need to believe to be
saved?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the Good news/Gospel?
This is it! This is the saving work of Christ. Matthew 16 is a foreshadowing of
1 Corinthians 15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are essentially
identical except one comes before and one after Jesus' death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1 Corinthians 15:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Now, brothers and sisters, I
want to <u>remind you of the gospel</u> I preached to you, which you
received and on which you have taken your stand.<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #3365cd;">2</span> <u>By this gospel you are saved</u>, if
you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have
believed in vain.<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> For what I received I
passed on to you as of first importance: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">that Christ died for our sins</b> according to the Scriptures,<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #3365cd;">4</span> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">that he was buried</b>, that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">he was raised on the third day</b> according
to the Scriptures,<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #3365cd;">5</span> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">that
he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve</b>... and others.<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I said the name Cephas - this is Peter<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The name <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cephas</i> is
a boy's name of Aramaic origin meaning "rock." The apostle Simon was
called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cepha</i>s by Jesus
because he was to be the rock upon which the Christian church was to be built.
In most versions of the New Testament, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cephas</i> is
translated into <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Petros</i> in Greek, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Peter</i> in English.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">22</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Peter
took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said.
"This shall never happen to you!" </span><span style="color: #3365cd; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">23</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus
turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block
to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Peter's
response to Jesus indicates that Peter has not adequately understood or
accepted the way of Jesus. He doesn't understand that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it is not up for discussion - this is
something that must be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact,
Peter has now placed himself in opposition to God and in league with Satan. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How did this happen? How is it we find ourselves<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In League with Satan?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Questions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Want to get rich fast?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Want to play a wicked
guitar without practicing?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Want to marry the most
beautiful woman, or most handsome man, in the world?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Want to write a series
of best-selling novels?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You might be able to do
all of those things and more on your own, but you also might need to make a
deal with the devil. If you don't know how to do that, check out the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eHow</i> article (an internet How-To site)
on the subject. Here are the quick steps for dealing with the devil: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Make an appointment with
the devil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hire a lawyer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aim high. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be specific. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Read the fine
print. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Enjoy the ride while it
lasts but be sure to keep yourself in good health. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Beat the devil at his
own game and you'll win big. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sounds attractive,
right? In a quick fix culture, most people are looking for the easy way to an
easy life, especially if the personal cost is relatively low. One way of
getting whatever you desire comes with an attractive payment plan - nothing up
front but everything paid in full at death. The price? Only your immortal and
eternal soul, which, if you're really looking for the quick fix solution to
fame and fortune, you're probably not using anyway! Interested? Apply at
midnight at the most remote crossroads in your area. Ask for Satan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">History is full of
legends of people who made such a deal with the devil. Faust, the protagonist
of the classic German legend made famous by Goethe, exchanged his soul for
unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures. The term "Faustian
bargain" has ever since been a sophisticated way to question the meteoric
rise of a person to fame and fortune who did not seem to pay his dues in
diligence and hard work. Musicians are especially associated with the Faustian
bargain. Niccolo Paganini, the late 18th-early 19th century violinist who many
still believe was the greatest who ever lived, played the violin with such
force and velocity that one Vienna concertgoer swore that he saw the devil
helping Paganini play. The violinist's fiercely difficult works led others to
believe that he was the son of the devil himself. Two legendary, early-20th
century, Mississippi-delta guitarists, Tommy Johnson and Robert Johnson (not
related), are similarly associated with making a deal with the devil down at a
crossroads, exchanging their souls for a wicked good ability to play the
blues. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus has already turned Satan down when he (Satan) tried to make
a deal...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mathew 4:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the
devil.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <span class="text"><b><sup>2 </sup></b>After fasting forty days and forty
nights, he was hungry.</span> <span class="text"><b><sup>3 </sup></b>The
tempter came to him and said, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“If you are the Son of God, tell these
stones to become bread.”</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.85pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt;">
<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">4 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Jesus
answered, </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every
word that comes from the mouth of God.’”</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.85pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt;">
<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">5 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then the
devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of
the temple.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <span class="text"><b><sup>6 </sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“If
you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:</i></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“‘He will command his angels concerning you,</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">and
they will lift you up in their hands,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">so
that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">7 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Jesus
answered him, </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.85pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt;">
<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">8 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Again,
the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of
the world and their splendor.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <span class="text"><b><sup>9 </sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“All this I will give you,” he said, “if
you will bow down and worship me.”</b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.85pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt;">
<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">10 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Jesus said
to him, </span></i></b></span><span class="woj"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Away from me, Satan!</span></i></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> For it is written:
‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.85pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt;">
<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">11 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then the
devil left him, and angels came and attended him.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The devil offered
multiple deals which were all turned down. If anyone had reason to take a deal,
it was Jesus, who knew he was facing a horrifyingly painful death if he kept
doing and saying the things he had been doing and saying around Judea. If a
deal with the devil is about skipping the hard parts, Jesus understood that his
life was nothing but hard parts and yet he wasn't going to skip them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Satan offers an easy fix... (for your soul) a way without the
cross... Jesus offers the Cross<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Several
narrative features draw attention to this conflict, to these competing
worldviews (i.e., divine versus human) that ultimately prove to be
incompatible. For instance, whereas Jesus attempts "to show" his
disciples what "must" come to pass, Peter scolds Jesus and
audaciously invokes God in an attempt to ensure that what Jesus declared is
never realized. Second, Jesus' reproof, including invoking Satan's name, draws
further attention to the irreconcilable nature of the opposing perspectives.
"Satan" means "Adversary." It is found only three other
times in Matthew (at the conclusion of Jesus' temptation [4:10]; and twice when
the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the authority of Beelzebub
[12:22-32]) The final narrative feature that underscores the conflicting
worldviews is Jesus' designation of Peter as "a stumbling block." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">"Stumbling
Block" is the Greek word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">skandalon</i>.
The word was originally used of an animal trap, in particular the part where
the bait was placed. The term eventually came to be used of luring a person
into captivity or destruction. Satan was using Peter to set a trap for Jesus.
If Satan, the Adversary, was adverse to the idea of Jesus going to the cross,
then there must be great Godly worth in it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Satan offers an easy fix... (for your soul)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus offers the Cross<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Recognizing
these Competing Worldviews<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Working with the disciples had to be hard. The story is told about
a small, country church when the pastor called a special meeting of the
congregation to approve the purchase of a brand-new chandelier. After some
discussion, pro and con, an old farmer stood up and said, "Buying a new
chandelier may seem like a good idea to you, but I'm against it for three reasons.
First of all, it's too expensive and can't afford one. Second, there isn't
anybody around here who knows how to play one. And third, what we really need
in this church is a new light fixture."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Back to the Scripture...<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">24</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then
Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">deny himself and</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">take up his cross and follow me</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">25</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me
will find it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">26</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What good
will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">soul? Or what can a man give in
exchange for his soul?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Peter
is misguided because he is "setting his mind not on divine things but on
human things."</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Man
cannot have Christ on their own terms. To reject the way of the cross is to
reject Christ, no matter how much he may be professed and praised.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Although
genuine Christians may fall short on their commitment at times, those who wish
to follow Christ should understand from the start they are surrendering their
lives to Christ. Those who do not acknowledge Jesus as Lord, as having the
right to demand of them anything, including their lives, have yet to be fully
converted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Define "Cross" </span></b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">We
could define what is meant by "take up your <u>cross</u>" in a lot of
different ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We use the term loosely regarding
things that we do not enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"My
husband does not do things in a timely manner, it is a cross I have to
bear."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"My wife nags me all
the time....this is my cross."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These things are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> your
cross to bear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They might be true, you
may not enjoy them, but let's not belittle discipleship or the high calling on
our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For today, and considering
the context of Peter's aversion to Jesus going to his death/Jerusalem/suffering
-- let's define "cross" as those places where our will is not God's
will... that point of conflict is our cross."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those places in our lives that we desire the
world and not God - some people say those are the places we have yet to be
converted (if that helps)...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Our will is not God's will...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">The
story is told (by Alvin Bader Griend) that when World War II era bombers were
hit by enemy fire, a few extra pounds could mean the difference between life
and death… Discarding extra weight wasn't so hard if it meant impersonal items
like guns, seats, and so on. But if things got so crucial that staying aloft
was questionable, the order would come to throw out cameras, souvenirs, and
even parachutes. That's when the grumbling would begin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Most
of us don't have nearly as much problem giving up some of the old sinful habits
and practices as we do when it comes to surrendering the steering wheel and the
driver's seat (control) of our lives to God. Much like those World War II
bombers, that's when the grumbling begins - when it gets personal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">(Re)think
about today's Prayer of Confession - and where we are unconverted still...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"We
have this secret fear, Lord, that in living the life you want of us we will </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">somehow be<span style="color: black;"> missing out
while the world is having fun. We want to be a saint, but we also want to feel
every sensation experienced by sinners; we want to be innocent and pure, but we
also want to experience and taste all of life; we want to serve the poor and
have a simple lifestyle, but we also want all the comforts of the rich; we want
to have the depth afforded by solitude, but we also do not want to miss
anything; we want to pray, but we also want to watch television, read, talk to
friends, and go out. O God, forgive us. Change our hearts so that we want but
one thing, that your will would be our will.</span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">When
Peter rebukes Jesus, he oversteps his place as a disciple. Correcting a teacher
was rare, and some sages/practices believed teaching the law even in the
presence of one's teacher merited death from God. Disciples
"followed" their teachers, literally remaining behind them out of
respect when they walked. Thus, though Jesus turned to confront Peter literally
behind him, he now <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ordered him to get
behind him figuratively, returning to a position of discipleship</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Dying (denying) to self...
which ends the conflict/battle<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Here's
a (silly) way to think about applying this to our lives. "You have got put
down the ducky if you want to play the saxophone." This is an all-time
favorite Sesame Street song. Remember some stars as Paul Simon or Gladys Knight
and the Pips, or, well you can name a star, they loved singing the song about
putting down the ducky. Imagine a little three-year-old (or Ernie) deciding
they want to play the saxophone, and won't put down their ducky. You're telling
the little three-year-old, "okay, you want to play the saxophone, you've
got to put down the ducky." And the three-year-old is going, "it's so
hard to put down the ducky. I really don't want to put down my ducky." I
totally relate. But if you want to play the saxophone you've got to put down
the ducky. Then you can make music and play the saxophone, but you've got to
have both hands. If you want to follow the Lord Jesus, you've got to put down
the ducky. What does it take to be a Christian? You have got to deny yourself,
put down the ducky, and take up your cross.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">When our lives conform to God's
will, then our cross looks a little different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The conflict is less between us and God and more between us and the
world... <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Once
we get our lives in line with Christ then our cross, by extension, is that
point where the world's ways/values are not God's ways. This collision and
conflict becomes our cross to bear, and a point of suffering for sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don't like it, but we must proceed
anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Facing
the opposition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan is adverse to
God's ways, he is the Adversary. and so by extension - he is adverse to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The battle is real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is our Adversary as well if we are on
God's side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"If you please God,
it does not matter whom you displease. And if you displease Him, it does not
matter whom you please." (Steven J. Lawson, <i>The Kind of
Preaching God Blesses</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Expect
the conflict and to go to war...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Remember
that suffering can serve as a refining process too. Someone has written...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Man
judgeth man in ignorance, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>he seeth but in part; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Our
trust is in our maker, God, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>who searches every heart; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">And
every wrong and every woe, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>when put beneath our feet, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">As
stepping-stones may help us on <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to his eternal mercy-seat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">And
teach us still to smile, O Lord, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>though sharp the stones may be, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Remembering
that they bring us near <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>to Thee, dear Lord, to Thee!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Our very great reward and
promise: Eternal Life<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">27</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For the
Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he
will reward each person according to what he has done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3365cd; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">28</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I tell
you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see
the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">Conclusion</span></b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"> (adapted from an old
devotional reading)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Do you read religion/worship page in
the newspaper? What words welcome you to each congregation? Caring people.
Professional nursery care. Convenient parking. Yoga classes. Air conditioning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A congregation may have
conversations about attracting new members with a more comfortable sanctuary,
or different style of music, or a new and improved preacher. We don't place
many ads that promise crosses. The slogan for the evangelism campaign isn't
usually, "Come suffer with us!" The brochure for prospective members
doesn't usually read, "Long sermons. Adult education required. Don't even
think about not tithing here!" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The truth is that we are following
in Jesus' footsteps. That path includes a staggering journey under the weight
of a cross. What to do? Turn these words of Jesus over in your heart. Ask the
Holy Spirit to help you recognize your cross. Celebrate with your fellow saints
the staggering journey. Welcome new souls with Jesus' promise of a cross... and
eternity at the end of the journey. May you <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-39866783451559468102020-03-20T15:12:00.001-07:002020-03-20T15:12:28.111-07:00<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Fall Preaching Series on <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">THE MINOR PROPHETS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">God's Mechanic: MALACHI<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Historical
Context<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The final book of the Old Testament
- the name Malachi in Hebrew simply meant “messenger,” which points to
Malachi’s role as a prophet of the Lord, delivering God’s message to God’s
people. There is no other identifying information about him, leaving out
markers typical of other prophets such as his father’s name or the current
leader of Israel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">However,
based on the content of the book, it becomes clear that Malachi delivered his
message of judgment to a Judean audience familiar with worshipping at the
temple in Jerusalem (2:11). The people of Judah had turned away from the true
worship of the Lord, leaving themselves under judgment and in need of
salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The historical setting for the book
is given (roughly) in Malachi 1:8. Here the prophet used the Persian word for
governor, indicating a time period between 538–333 BC, when the Persian Empire
ruled the Promised Land. Malachi also wrote about the corruption of the temple
sacrifices, meaning that he likely delivered his message many years after the
Israelites rebuilt the temple in 515 BC. The prophet’s concerns mirror those of
Nehemiah’s, suggesting that Malachi prophesied to the people while Nehemiah
left the city for several years, beginning in 432 BC (Nehemiah 13:6).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Message/Theme/Audience<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Though the temple had been rebuilt,
the fervor of those early returning Israelites gave way to a thorough apathy
for the things of God. This led to rampant corruption among the priesthood and
a spiritual lethargy among the people. Malachi came along at a time when the
people were struggling to believe that God loved them (1:2). The people focused
on their unfortunate circumstances and refused to account for their own sinful
deeds. So God pointed the finger back at them, and through Malachi, God told
the people where they had fallen short of their covenant with Him. If they
hoped to see changes, they needed to take responsibility for their own actions
and serve God faithfully according to the promise their fathers had made to God
on Mount Sinai all those years before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Malachi’s convictions about idolatry
(2:10–12), easy divorce (2:13–16), and social injustice (3:5) suggest he is a
man of commitment and integrity. He was also a man of courage, because he
scolded the influential priestly class and social elites (1:1–14; 2:1–4;
3:2–4). Malachi calls Israel to repent in order to renew their covenant with
God (1:2–5; 3:7). This will enable the priests and people of God to restore
proper temple worship (1:10–14; 3:9–10) and practice social justice within the
community (3:5).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7852071092316372853.post-86704919053599803202020-03-20T15:11:00.004-07:002020-03-20T15:11:56.623-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2019<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">bulletin pieces<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Words of Greeting: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk26262833">Matthew 3:1-6<o:p></o:p></a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">One: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In those
days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying,
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."</span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">All:
</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This
is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one
calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for
him.' "</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">One: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">John's
clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist.
His food was locusts and wild honey.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">All:
</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">People
went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the
Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As
Christians we have been taught right from wrong. Not only that, we have a responsibility to
teach others. When we sin, we will be held accountable on both these levels -
as were the Children of God in Malachi's time:
<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Prayer of Confession: Malachi 2:7-8, 10<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">One: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"For the lips of a
priest ought to preserve knowledge, and from his mouth men should seek
instruction because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty. But you have
turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated
the covenant with Levi," says the Lord Almighty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">All: </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Have
we not all one Father? Did not one God create us? Why do we profane the
covenant of our fathers by breaking faith with one another?</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>(Silent
Prayer and Reflection)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">To be forgiven - what does
it feel like? For we are promised God's mercy if we turn to God. Here is an image that the prophet Micah
paints for us...<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Assurance of Pardon:
Malachi 4:2<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">One:
"But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with
healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from
the stall.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"
Friends, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">believe the good news of the Gospel!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">All: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Scripture
Reading Malachi
1:11-14<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Scripture Reading Malachi
3:7-12<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Minor Prophets: Malachi </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> "Open the Floodgates"</span></b>Stephen Deutschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16882470213235599228noreply@blogger.com0