PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP Today is Ascension Day, and that means that it is a day of great joy for all who believe that Christ rules the world and our lives. —Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison Christ’s ascension means that in heaven there is one who, knowing firsthand the experience of suffering and temptation, … Continue reading A Worship Service – Celebrating the Ascension of our Lord
Prayer of Supplication and Confession – Easter Sunday
O Mighty Father, the tomb calls forth my adoring wonder, for it is empty and Christ is risen! Grant me to be crucified with Christ that I may live a new life, for I wish to be dead and buried to sin, to selfishness, to the world; that I might not hear the voice of … Continue reading Prayer of Supplication and Confession – Easter Sunday
Worship Reflections for Resurrection Sunday
To a Christian, Easter Sunday means everything, when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. — Bernhard Langer The enemies of our joy are banished by our Savior’s resurrection: The finality of death, the fatality of sin, and the seeming futility of life. “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised … Continue reading Worship Reflections for Resurrection Sunday
Good Friday and The Mystery of the Cross
On Good Friday, it is important to meditate on all that is happening at the cross. We especially need to reflect on the mystery of the cross. Here's one practical lesson on the mystery of the cross from the British theologian, Alister McGrath: "Experience cannot be allowed to have the final word--it must be judged … Continue reading Good Friday and The Mystery of the Cross
Good Friday and Three Truths the Cross Enforces
When the Apostle Peter discovered that Jesus would experience humiliation and suffering, he exploded, "God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to you." Then, Jesus' offered a devastating rebuke: "Get behind me, Satan, you are a stumbling block" (16:22-23). Jesus reminded him and us that the son of man came to give His life. This … Continue reading Good Friday and Three Truths the Cross Enforces
Good Friday – A Prayer of Confession of Sin
Merciful Father, we meet each other today at the foot of the cross. We wait with each other as those who inflict wounds on one another: Have mercy on us. As those who spurn Your love for other loves: Be merciful to us. As those who put our trust in power and … Continue reading Good Friday – A Prayer of Confession of Sin
Good Friday – Finding Hope in Suffering
Psalm 129 sets forth one notable feature of our journey of faith that we’d rather not talk about - suffering. In fact, many religions say that it’s an illusion. For some who profess faith in Christ, it causes them to abandon their journey of faith entirely. Where do we find hope when we suffer? Hear … Continue reading Good Friday – Finding Hope in Suffering
Why are we people of the cross?
We cherish the cross of Jesus for many reasons, but one of the fundamental reasons is because of what the cross accomplishes. It saves sinners like us. It reveals the true and living God. It overcomes evil. God's Word paints a vivid, beautiful picture of the salvation we enjoy because of the cross of Jesus … Continue reading Why are we people of the cross?
Treasure the Risen Christ Who Draws Near – Luke 24 Devotional Guide
Link to PDF: Treasure the Risen Christ Who Draws Near
Luke 24, The Walk to Emmaus, & William Cowper’s Poem “Conversation”
William Cowper, one the the greatest of the English poets, says in one of his letters that he once was friends with a man of fine taste who confessed to him that although he could not subscribe to the truth of Christianity, he could never read Luke 24:13-35 without being deeply affected by it, and … Continue reading Luke 24, The Walk to Emmaus, & William Cowper’s Poem “Conversation”
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