Good morning!
We're so glad you chose to join us today!
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns with each other. If you have prayer requests to share, you can add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, use this prayer to get started.
Gracious God, we thank you for the freedom we have through Christ. We thank you for freeing us from the burden of our sin and from having to live as though everything depends on our performance.
This morning we also thank you for the church and for the body of believers to which you have joined us. We thank you for those who have yet to know you. We pray for them and for their needs, and we ask that you would help us, in our words or our actions, not to be a stumbling block to their faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Today's lesson is on 1 Corinthians 10:23 - 11:1.
Lesson context
The city of Corinth was one of the great centers of commerce in the Mediterranean world of the first century AD. It was located near a narrow strip of land — an isthmus — that connected two major land masses. The city had a harbor to the east and another to the west. Maritime traffic between Asia and Rome had a choice of routes: either the dangerous and longer route around the Peloponnesian Peninsula or the shortcut of a four-mile limestone trackway between Corinth’s two harbors. Merchants choosing the latter would pay to have their ships hauled in their entirety from one harbor to the other on this road. Like many seaport cities, Corinth was quite worldly and eclectic. Pagan temples and the idolatry they represented characterized the city. The contents of 1 Corinthians indicate that many in the church there had struggled to overcome practices of their former pagan lifestyles. (See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.) Having planted the church in Corinth on his second missionary journey, Paul found it necessary to write to its members while he was in Ephesus on his third journey. Paul was headed toward Corinth at the time, but Ephesus was several days away by sea travel, and the situation couldn’t wait for a personal visit. Reports had come to Paul regarding needed correctives and clarifications in Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul had introduced the difficult issue (for that time) of eating meat that had been offered on pagan altars to idols. Meat that was left over from a pagan sacrifice, initiated by a worshipper who had brought the sacrificial animal, was at the disposal of the officiating priests. What they couldn’t eat personally they would sell in the marketplace. Such meat would be less expensive than other meat because the pagan priests didn’t have any investment to recover. Some Christians wondered about the propriety of buying such meat. In doing so, were they participating in pagan worship and thus compromising their witness for Christ? In this regard, Paul emphasizes two points in 1 Corinthians 8. The first is the awareness that an idol is “nothing” (8:4); therefore those who are mature in knowledge on this point were free to eat such meat. Paul’s second point counterbalances the first: “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak” (8:9). This stresses the importance of demonstrating concern for those having a weak conscience. Such a person might witness a fellow believer eating meat that had been offered to idols and thereby be drawn back into idolatry. Paul had more to say on this issue, and that is today’s text.
Exercising Freedom (10:23-30)
The two statements in this half-verse — “I have the right to do anything — but not everything is beneficial” — are almost an exact repeat in the Greek of what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:12a. “I have a right to do anything” appears to have been something of a proverb among the Corinthian believers. They might have created it to justify certain behaviors in light of their freedom in Christ. However, Paul responds by pointing out something they may not have thought of: What is legally permissible should be considered alongside the issue of what is beneficial. In the second half of this verse, Paul makes a similar point. Even though something might be permissible for us personally, it might not be constructive. Both points spring from the understanding that Christians are not to think only of themselves. We must also consider what impact our actions might have on others. Paul affirms the basic truth that Christians are, indeed, free. In the case at hand, they don’t have to have a guilty conscience about eating food sold in the market because it is all part of the earth that was created by God. That is true regardless of what happened before the meat arrived at the market. The same is true, Paul says, if an unbeliever were to invite a member of the Corinthian church to dinner. However, if someone points out that the meat had been offered in sacrifice to a pagan god, Paul advises the Christian not to eat it — not because it should matter to the Christian but because it seems to matter to the other person.
A modern example
“What’s your verse?” my friend snarled. “Where in the Bible does it say that it’s wrong for me to sleep next to my girlfriend as long as we’re celibate?” My wife and I had asked our guests to sleep in different beds because they were unmarried. Our guest room is right next to the bedroom of our young children, who were learning what to believe about relationships and marriage. (In retrospect, I could have made my expectation clear in advance, but I did not anticipate that they intended to share a bed.) In response, I didn’t quote any Scripture to him, although we had a two-hour conversation and prayed together. It seemed to end well, but he grew angry again and left for a hotel at 1 a.m. Later as I pondered his question, “What’s your verse?”, 1 Corinthians 10:23 came to mind. Our hearts can go to great lengths to justify our actions in terms of the freedoms we enjoy in Christ. But to consider what effect our actions could have on others requires spiritual maturity. Here’s a quick self-check: When an opportunity arises to do something, go somewhere, and so on, is your primary thought about what you desire for yourself or about how your choice may influence others?
Exercising Responsibility (10:31-33 and 11:1)
Paul continues to maintain the tension between Christian freedom and restraint, but now he adds important context. Everything we do must be done for the glory of God. No matter what we do, we must honor that imperative. Scripture is filled with the understanding that the purpose of everything that has been created is to glorify God. That imperative transcends every time, place or culture. Therefore, whatever we do, it should be with the intent of giving glory to God. And if our actions cause another to stumble in his faith, that does not bring God glory. It could actually cause someone to abandon the faith or to veer from the kind of faith that God desires. In verses 32 and 33, Paul uses himself as an example. He does not do whatever he pleases. Instead, he thinks about what a Jew would need or what a Greek would need so that he can present the Christian faith to that person in the best possible way. He wants the Christian of the Corinthian church to imitate him in that regard. It might seem egotistical for Paul to point to himself as an example. That would be a concern for most of us. But in Paul’s case, it was true. This was “simply an honest, straightforward assessment of the kind of man he was,” the lesson states. In the following verse, (11:1), Paul offers another caveat. He is not the prime example. Even he is only following the example that Christ set. Jesus did not live with his own desires in mind. Instead, at every turn Jesus did and said whatever best met the needs of the other person. Even in his death on the cross, Jesus set aside his own desires in order to save as many people as possible.
Conclusion
A certain Christian publication featured a series of tributes to a Christian leader who had gone to be with the Lord. That this man’s life and ministry had an impact on countless numbers of people was clear from the words written about him. Among the tributes included was one statement that caught my attention: “He made us better.” To make others better is part of what it means to edify others — the key word in our lesson title. Sadly, we are surrounded by influences that make us anything but better. The behavior on display in media of many kinds often features and even glorifies the worst in human conduct. These won’t make us better except possibly as cautionary tales. As followers of Jesus in a fallen world, we will not win every person with whom we share our faith in Jesus. But we can, as salt and light, seek to make the people we encounter better, or at least add some brightness to their lives, because we brought something of the spirit and character of Jesus into their lives. Paul’s primary concern in our lesson text is making the edification of others a priority within the body of Christ. The example he gives of eating meat offered to idols is not an issue for most believers today. Modern equivalents might be those places and things that observers come to associate with us when they see us — places and things that work against holiness. Do we have Christian freedom to attend movies that are rated other than “G”? Yes, indeed. But how will doing so affect the openness to receive the gospel of those who see us at such movies? This is, of course, an all-the-time challenge. It involves our lives out in the public arena, which must be lived with a sense of duty both to glorify God and as a witness to others (believers and unbelievers). It involves the kind of freedom that is anchored in personal holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16) without legalism or hypocrisy (Matthew 23:16-26). It involves foregoing our “rights,” as Paul did. (1 Corinthians 8:9; 9:15, 18) for the good of others. This of the person who introduced you to Christ. That person wasn’t perfect, and neither will you be. But that doesn’t mean the standard of Matthew 5:48 should be lowered! Resolve to be like the one above who “made us better” as if eternal destinies are at stake. As we ponder these things in our hearts, may it be said of us as Paul said of himself near the close of his life, “I endure everything for the sake of the elect that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:10).
Prayer
Father, thank you for the freedom in Jesus that liberates people from slavery to sin. In this world where freedom is often misunderstood and abused, help us to represent our freedom in Jesus in a way that honors you and edifies others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Questions for discussion
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the Tree of Life Version.
Next week, we will be starting the winter quarter, Faith That Pleases God. It will also be the first Sunday of Advent.
Our lesson will be on Ruth 1:6-18, 22.
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Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
This is our first week meeting after the early worship service. If you haven't joined us for Sunday School before, we would really enjoy having you!
When we meet together in person, we take some time to share our joys and concerns. If you have any prayer requests, you can add them as a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the source of life and the fountain-spring of love. Help me to carry out Your will for my life, and may I love as Christ loves. I pray that I would do no wrong, in thought, word, or deed, to my family, friends, or neighbors. And help me to show the love of Christ to all with whom I come in contact today. This I ask in Jesus' precious name and for His greater glory. AMEN.
Today's lesson is on Romans 13:8-10 and 1 Corinthians 13:8-13.
The actions and attitudes of Christian love improve our spiritual view in critical areas. First as we express that love, we begin to see more and more opportunities to express it. Second, this improved spiritual vision will cause us to see that to minister to others in love is to serve God. “Whoever loves God is known by God.” In Corinthians, Paul says “Let all that you do be done in love." In 1 John, chapter 4, we read, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. We love because he first loved us." Proverbs says, “A friend loves at all times.” In the last verse of today’s text, Paul says, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Chris Tiegreen, writer and editor of a devotional magazine, says “Faith lasts only until it becomes sight, and hope lasts only until it’s fulfilled, but love lasts forever."
Prayer
Father, we live in a time where love is perhaps more desperately sought after than ever before. Forgive us when we become callous to the needs around us. Help us to follow the example of Jesus and to see others as he sees them. In his name we pray. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the Revised Standard Version.
Next week's lesson will be on Colossians 2:16-23.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
Starting next week, our in person Sunday School class will be after the worship service.
Worship will start at 9:45 am. Sunday School will start at 11 am.
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns. Take some time to consider the past week, and any prayer requests you might have. When you are ready, use the prayer below to get started.
Loving God, Creator of dignity and all that lives. Help us be bridges. We must have your grace to endure and your wisdom to bring harmony where there is strife, transform us to peacemakers and bridgemakers. We are all God's children. Amen.
This week's lesson is on Acts 15:1-11.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns. Consider the last week, and any prayer requests you may have. If you have any prayer requests to share, you can add them as a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Dear Father, God of the living,
Thank you that Christ's revelation of himself within my soul as Lord of my life and as the living Spirit of truth and holiness testifies that he is not dead but alive forevermore. Thank you that he lives in my heart. By your grace, and by my faith in what you did, I am what I am. The resurrection is preached and I believe it. Thank you, Father! Thank you that I don't have to believe that death ends it all either for Jesus or for me! In the name of Jesus I come, thanking you for your resurrection power and asking that I may live so as to always have hope of sharing in it. Amen.
This week's lesson is on 1 Corinthians 15:20-28.
Lesson Context
The book of 1 Corinthians is a letter written by Paul to the church in the city of Corinth. The church there had major problems, and the letter was meant to help the people understand. This text comes from the next to last section of the book, where Paul discusses the resurrection. Our book says that God will raise the dead so that they are alive as a unity of body and spirit. They will be in fellowship with those who are still alive at Christ's second coming. This will be the ultimate victory of God. Some members of the church in Corinth did not believe the idea that God would raise the dead. This may have been due to pagan Greek philosophy, which viewed the body as a prison from which one's spirit desired to escape. Paul argued that God does raise the dead because God raised Christ from the dead. He recounted the many people who saw Jesus after his resurrection, alive in his body that had been dead and entombed. He considered himself the last of these witnesses.
Guaranteed Victory
For ancient Israel, the day of firstfruits, or the Festival of Weeks (for today's Jewish people, Shavuot), involved a sacrifice of the produce of the land. This was to express that all that was harvested came from God and was dedicated to God. With this offering, the faithful pledged to God not just this one offering but the entirety of their harvest. Paul says that Christ is the firstfruits, which God has provided. What was begun with Christ's resurrection will be completed with the resurrection of God's people. Christ's resurrection tells us that God is not finished. We have much to look forward to. Paul puts Christ's resurrection within the context of the entire biblical story. God intended to sustain people's lives as they depended on him. But people rebelled, and separated humans from God's sustaining power. Humanity brought death upon itself, both the loss of physical life and the ruin of God's goodness in our lives. Resurrection reverses all of this.
Plan for Victory
Paul offers a sequence of events for God's plan, though not a timeline. First, Christ was raised from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. Next, those who belong to him. This could refer to the dead in Christ who are raised when he comes, those still alive when Christ returns, or both. Then, the present age, when sin and evil seem to prevail, will end. Christ's return is not something for the faithful to fear. It means resurrection life. It means the defeat of evil in all its manifestations. It means the end of suffering. It means joy and peace. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. God pronounced death as the punishment for sin. The victory of God means the end of death. God destroys death by raising his people from the dead, uniting their spirits with resurrected bodies, and bringing them into eternal, unbroken fellowship with God and with one another.
Total Victory
All of Christ's enemies will be trodden under foot. Everything is subject to the Christ with one exception: God the Father, the one who brings the enemies under the king's authority. When the plan has been completed, the Son will willingly subject himself to the Father. God becomes all in all.
Conclusion
A Christian's mind often goes to the promise of God that death is followed by life with God in heaven. That promise is real, true, important, and a real comfort as we consider our mortality. But today's passage reminds us that there is even more to look forward to. Biblical scholar and professor N.T. Wright says life after death is followed by "life after life after death." Raised from the dead, God's people are made whole. The life to come will bring us together with all of God's people from across the ages. We can only imagine what God has in store for us.
Prayer
Great God, your ways are far above our ways. Your promises to us are more than we can imagine. May we live in the light of your promised kingdom. We look forward to seeing the promise of resurrection fulfilled. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the King James Version.
Next week, we start the fall quarter.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we take some time to share about our last week. This includes our joys and concerns. If you have any prayer requests you would like to share, you can add them as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Dear Father,
Help me to live according to your Holy Scriptures. That is why I pray to you in their very words. I want to be conformed to your will, for you will what is best for me. Help me not to be puffed up against my brothers and sisters in Christ. For who sees any difference in me. We all have been freely justified by your grace, forgiven of our sins. What have I that I have not been given? I cannot boast of anything as if it were not a gift. Whatever I am or have, Father, you have given. I would not be addressing this prayer to you if you had not called me to be your servant, your child, and your warrior in prayer. Thank you for calling me. Thank you for all your gifts. You are so gracious, so kind, so bountiful, so wonderful. My God, let me walk humbly with you all my days. In the name of Jesus, who calls us to his own kingdom and glory. Amen.
This week's lesson is on 1 Corinthians 4:1-6, 17-21.
Paul’s language towards the Corinthians is sharply and appropriately judgmental. Paul founded the church in Corinth. A few years after leaving the church, Paul heard some disturbing reports about the church. They were full of pride and were excusing sexual immorality. Spiritual gifts were being used improperly, and there was rampant misunderstanding of key Christian doctrines. The apostle Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthians in an attempt to restore the Corinthian church to its foundation—Jesus Christ.
The church was plagued by divisions. The believers in Corinth were dividing into groups loyal to certain spiritual leaders. Paul exhorted the Corinthian believers to be united because of devotion to Christ. Many in the church were essentially approving of an immoral relationship. Paul commanded them to expel the wicked man from the church. The Corinthian believers were taking each other to court. Paul taught the Corinthians that it would be better to be taken advantage of than to damage their Christian testimony.
Prayer
God, we come to you in repentance of the arrogance that we all have been guilty of at times. May we abandon our focus on our supposed entitlements and focus instead on the entitlements Jesus voluntarily gave up so that we might live with him eternally. In his name we pray. Amen!
Thought to Remember
With God as our judge, the church lives in humble fellowship.
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New Living Translation.
Next week's lesson will be on 1 Corinthians 15:20-28.
Today's guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason.
PENTECOST SUNDAY
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND May 28, 2023 +Rev. Dave Mason 11:00 a.m. Gathering Around the Word Prelude Announcements: Choir Call to Worship: We have gathered to rejoice in our oneness in Jesus Christ! Each of us experiences faith and life in a unique Way. Yet we have one God, one faith and one baptism, and One Spirit who unites us all. Let us lift our hearts as one, in songs of praise, in prayer, and in listening for God’s Word. Even when we leave this place, let us be joined in Common concern for humanity, like that shown by Jesus Christ. Amen. INVOCATION
*HYMN God of the Ages # 331
*Prayer of Confession: Unison Jesus, we want to live like You. We cannot do that on our own. We need Your mercy and grace day after day after day. We confess our weakness; we continually give into temptation But rather than throw up our hands in failure, we choose to admit our constant need for You. Demonstrate Your power through our weakness. You have defeated our sin by Your death on the cross. Let us live in the truth of who we are in You, not who we were before. Make us holy; make us like You. Amen. *Time of Silent Prayer: *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri *The peace of the Lord, Jesus Christ be with You. And also with you. *Passing the peace Children’s chat Prayer of Illumination Scripture reading Psalm 104: 24 – 35 Debbie Durila 1 Corinthians 12: 3 – 13 Sermon “E PLURIBUS UNUM” *HYMN Come Holy Spirit # 280 Apostles Creed Presentation of tithes and offering Offertory * Doxology Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people The Lord’s Prayer INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE Let Us Break Bread Together # 525 Communion Alleluia INVOCATION A Hymn of Joy We Sing ( see insert) *Hymn Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory # 354 *Benediction *Choir Postlude
BIRTHDAYS: Tammy Rodgers, Blake Lindley, Adam Gill
ANNIVERSARYS: Bob & Betty Fisher SYMPATHY: To the Family Shawn Durila Nephew of Debbie Durila To the Family of Kevin Patterson Brother of Amy Molinaro To the Family of Grace Baker in England Sister of Frank Baker ANNOUNCEMENTS: Nellie Baker has requested prayers for her cousin, Don Oatman. He is having surgery for foot removal. Remember our food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the Community that may be in need at this time. After several people stated to me that they would like to have the Joys and Concerns back in the bulletin, here they are again. Thank you for the feed back. Prayer list will also be on the back of the Joys and Concerns again.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcastro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Evelyn Wood, Ricci Amos, Tiffany Cipoletti, Diane Anderson, Tim Taylor, Suzy Smith, Helen Provenzano, Richard Ward, Donna West, Judy Donaldson, Marlene McFeely, Chuck Harton, Robert Paxton, Wiley Myers, Keith McGill, Billie Wilson, Frank and Nellie Baker, Don Oatman
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together, we take time to share our joys and concerns together. Consider your past week. If you have any prayer requests, you can add them to this post as a comment. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Almighty and everlasting God,
You are always more ready to hear than we are to pray, and to give more than we desire or deserve. Pour down upon us the abundance of Your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is convicted, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.
Today's lesson is on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.
Our Sunday School lesson is titled Résumé of Those Called. Paul is addressing a division in the church between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom.
Conclusion
Martin Luther believed that Godly wisdom was ordained by God and worldly wisdom is a human doctrine of glory which leads to the blinding of hearts. To the world the brutal execution of Jesus does not seem like a victory. God’s power and salvation is revealed in the resurrection. Prayer Father, we bow our hearts before you. Your ways are far beyond the ways of human wisdom. May we rely on your strength and wisdom as we put our trust in your Son. It is in his name we pray. Amen. Thought to Remember God's ways seem foolish to a world impressed by cleverness and success.
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New International Version.
Next week's lesson is on 2 Timothy 1:3-14.
Our guest speaker this week is Rev. Renny Domske.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 13 How Long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How Long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? My enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. Look on me and answer me, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, so I do not sleep in death. Yet I trust in Your unfailing love for me; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, the Lord my God, for my God has surely been good to me.
Today’s guest speaker is Dr. Renny Domske.
All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. Birthdays, anniversaries, the prayer list and announcements can be found at the bottom of this service.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS CHORAL INTROIT “40 Days and 40 Nights” CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 5 Leader: Give ear to my words, O Lord. Consider my sighings, . for to You I pray. People: Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God. In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice. Leader: In the morning I lay my requests before You. I by Your great mercy will come into Your house. People: You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil. The arrogant cannot stand in Your presence. Leader: Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness. Make Straight Your way before me. People: I by Your great mercy will come into Your house. In reverence will I bow down toward Your great Temple.
Today’s guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske
All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. Birthdays, anniversaries, the prayer list and announcements can be found at the bottom of this service. Please click here to view the information from our bulletin insert about contributing to the Presbyterian Church's humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS CHORAL INTROIT “40 Days and 40 Nights” CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 4 Leader: Answer me when I call You, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress. People: Be merciful to me and hear my prayer. Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself. Leader: In Your anger do not sin- -trust in the Lord. When you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. People: Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of Your face shine upon us, O Lord. Leader: You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. People: I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. |
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