Matthew 21
​Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’"
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

If you would like, you may sing along with the hymns as Amy plays. The words to each hymn are below:

Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

Hosanna, loud hosanna,
the little children sang,
through pillared court and temple
the lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had blessed them
close folded to his breast,
the children sang their praises,
the simplest and the best.


From Olivet they followed
mid an exultant crowd,
the victor palm branch waving,
and chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of earth and heaven
rode on in lowly state,
nor scorned that little children
should on his bidding wait.

"Hosanna in the highest!"
that ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer,
the Lord of heaven our King.
O may we ever praise him
with heart and life and voice,
and in his blissful presence
eternally rejoice!

Remember that in this time of physical distancing, we can still connect with others. This is a great time to check in with friends, neighbors, loved ones, and our church family.

​Friday, April 3rd was Evelyn Wood's 98th birthday. We are sure that she would love to get a birthday card from you. 

If you have any prayer requests or joys that you would like to share, you can comment below. If you need anything, please contact Pastor Gary or a session member. For concerns that you would like included on the prayer chain, please contact Linda Miller. If you are in need of food from our food pantry, please contact Becky Phillips. 

Happy Palm Sunday!

We usually open Sunday School with a hymn. Please join in singing this one.

The scripture referenced throughout this lesson has been linked to an online text. If you click on a scripture, it will open up in a new window.

The scripture for this week's lesson is:
Isaiah 42:1-9

Lesson Context:
This lesson begins the second unit of our quarter, which emphasizes God's promises of a just kingdom. The prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah as the champion of justice. Such prophecies, of course, have direct bearing on Palm Sunday. As appropriate, some of these connections will be explored in the commentary below. 

The prophet Isaiah, for his part, had a lengthy ministry, from about 740 to 680 BC. The book featuring his name as its title is comprised of two parts. Isaiah 1-39 has been described as the Book of Judgment; it focuses on the sins of the people of Judah. Isaiah 40-66, the Book of Comfort, looks forward about a century and a half to the time when Judah's exile in Babylon is about to end. We keep in mind that the exile did not even begin until 586 BC. 

The end of exile is foreseen in the chapter preceding our lesson text: God called "one ... in righteousness" (Isaiah 41:2) to bring the captivity to its end. That man was Cyrus, the king of Persia who conquered Babylon in 539 BC (see 44:28 and 45:1, where he is designated "shepherd" and "anointed," respectively). He issued a decree permitting the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem beginning in 538 BC (Ezra 1:1-8).

The word servant occurs more than three dozen times in the book of Isaiah. In chapter 41, the Lord applies it to "Israel, my servant" (Isaiah 41:8-9). This servant was fearful. For that reason, God reassured the people of his love. they didn't need to fear; their exile in Babylon was not evidence that God had cast them away forever. He promised Israel that they were still his covenant people. The Lord encouraged his helpless servant Israel by stating that the people need not fear, because God would help them (41:10, 13, 14). 

The Lord then addressed, in a courtroom setting, the nations and their idols. He challenged the nations to provide evidence that idols had ever correctly predicted the future. After announcing judgment on the false gods, the Lord then proclaimed that he had "stirred up one from the north" (Isaiah 41:25) -- surely once again alluding to Cyrus. Although the Persian emperor hailed "from the east" (41:2), he conquered several kingdoms north of Babylon before eventually attacking Babylon from that direction. Against this backdrop of a pagan king as an instrument of God to rescue an exiled people, Isaiah introduced the intriguing servant of the Lord. 

Today's text is the first of Isaiah's five "servant songs," in which the servant is identified with the Messiah to come (see 49:1-6; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12; 61:1-4). These messianic songs highlight what the servant is to accomplish on behalf of the world. 

Lesson:
Normally, we discuss the lesson during our Sunday class. Please take some time to think about and reflect on each question. If you are reading the lesson with someone else, discuss your thoughts together. If you would like to, you may post some of your thoughts and answers below.
In order to post, click on the word Comments at the bottom. Then, fill in your name, and whatever you would like to add to the discussion in the boxes shown. Finally, click Submit.

• What are some issues you believe the Lord doesn't want you to voice publicly "in the street" (verse 2) in imitation of this characteristic? Why? How do Matthew 5:14-16; 6:5; and 22:9 inform your response?
• Which characteristic of Jesus most stirs you to act and speak on His behalf: that of Matthew 12:20 (which quotes Isaiah 42:3) or of Matthew 21:12-13? Why? What examples can you list of situations calling for a Matthew 12:20 response rather than one of Matthew 21:12-13 -- and vice versa?
• In what ways might your life change, were you to be more consistent at reminding yourself of God's position and role of Creator? How can your church encourage its members to do likewise?
• What can you do to improve your ability to recognize the various physical, spiritual, and emotional prisons that restrict your fellow Christians' effectiveness for Christ? How do Galatians 3:23 and Hebrews 13:3 help define your task in this regard?
• What's the best way for Christians to guard against glorifying anything or anyone except God? Or is there a single best way? Explain. Considering texts such as Romans 16:3, 4, 6, 7, 10, and 12, how will you know when praise of a person crosses the line?

Conclusion:
The biblical concept of judgment represents God's righteous world order. At his first coming, Jesus treated people more than justly; when Jesus walked the earth, he overcame enemies with gentleness and love. When he returns, he will judge the world based on how each person treated "the least of these" (Matthew 25:45). At his first coming, the Lord's servant inaugurated God's just and right order from a position of apparent weakness when compared to worldly strength; in so doing, he is an example for us so that we can "follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21-23). 

We have a part to play in the servant's task of bringing light to the nations and to our neighbors who live in darkness. The Holy Spirit, working through Scripture and circumstances, motivates Christ's followers to take his gospel to the ends of the earth. For more than 2,000 years, Christians have borne witness to Jesus through evangelism (see Matthew 28:18-20) and ministries of mercy; establishing hospitals and schools, caring for prisoners and the poor, and participating in countless other charities (Matthew 25:34-40). 

Particularly challenging for most of us is following the manner and attitude of the servant's life and ministry. It's not easy to surrender the self-centeredness and assertiveness that has been with us since birth in the surrounding culture. But God's Word calls us to pattern our lives after his servant Jesus (Philippians 2:4-8). How will you follow the example of Jesus? How will you serve?

Prayer:
We thank you, Father, for sending the promised servant to save us and inaugurate your justice on earth. May the Holy Spirit empower us with the courage to follow your servant's humble example as we serve him and those around us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Benediction: Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Amen.

Good morning! Welcome! We're so glad you could be with us.
Please join us for an opening hymn.

This week's scripture lesson is Psalm 130. 

Psalm 130
​A song of ascents.
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
2     Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
    to my cry for mercy.
3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
    Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
    so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
    and in his word I put my hope.
6 I wait for the Lord
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
    for with the Lord is unfailing love
    and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel
    from all their sins.

Sermon
​

Please join us for a word of prayer

Gracious Heavenly Father, as we have been given the great privilege to share in worship today, we truly miss the close fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ as we gather in our homes versus in the sanctuary of our church. Regardless of how and where it takes place we still feel the love and warmth of Your holy presence. We continue to ask for patience during these times of separation and social distancing. As our scripture lesson for today pointed out, we do indeed look to You to provide answers and reassurance when it comes to our cries for help. It also does indeed remind of us of the times we didn’t take the opportunity to thank and praise You for the many blessings You shower on us on so many occasions.

Today, we pray for those that are fighting this devastating disease, and even more so for those who have lost loved ones. Today, let us remember those who are hospitalized and those who are taking care of them as so many healthcare workers have given so many hours to this cause. We ask that You, O Lord, provide each of them with a great sense of Your peace and presence. As we begin a new week, whether it be at home, work or taking care of others, we ask that Your continued strength be with us. Surround us with the power of Your presence as each new day unfolds. We ask all these things in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen           

Please join us for our final hymn

Thank you for joining us today! 

If you have any prayer requests or joys that you would like to share, you can comment below. If you need anything, please contact Pastor Gary or a session member. For concerns that you would like included on the prayer chain, please contact Linda Miller. If you are in need of food from our food pantry, please contact Becky Phillips. 

Remember that in this time of physical distancing, we can still connect with others. This is a great time to check in with friends, neighbors and loved ones. 

In Sunday School, we have been listening to, and singing along with, Alan Jackson on a gospel album. We thought that we could listen to Alan again this week for our opening hymn!

The scripture for this week's lesson is:
Malachi 2:1-9
​Malachi 3:5-6
​You can click on the scripture above to open the text in a new window.

Lesson Context
Malachi mentions no kings at the beginning of his book. This makes establishing an approximate date for the prophet's ministry challenging. Even so, the book's contents offer some clues.

The issues addressed by Malachi are similar to those facing God's people in the time of Nehemiah in the fifth century BC. With permission from King Artaxerxes of Persia, Nehemiah had traveled from Persia to Judah around 445 BC to rebuild Jerusalem's walls.

​Some issues addressed by both Nehemiah and Malachi include mixed marriages (Nehemiah 13:23-27; Malachi 2:11), the failure to tithe (Nehemiah 13:10-14; Malachi 3:8-10), and corrupt priests (Nehemiah 13:4-9; Malachi 1:6-2:9). These similarities point to a date for Malachi that is post-exilic. That means the setting is an era after the exile in Babylon ends in 538 BC (see Ezra 1:1-4)

Bolstering the conclusion that Malachi is post-exilic is the use of the title "governor" (Malachi 1:8). This was Nehemiah's official title (see Nehemiah 5:14; compare Haggai 1:1; 2:21); before the exile, Judah had kings, not governors. Based on these and other facts, scholars conclude that Malachi is chronologically the last of the prophets, of about 430 BC. 

The Babylonian captivity occurred between the ministries of Micah (last week's lesson) and Malachi. The delinquent leadership against which Micah spoke so passionately had resurfaced in Malachi's day. And it was just as displeasing to the Lord in Malachi's time as it had been in Micah's. 

Lesson
​​Normally, we discuss the lesson during our Sunday class. Please take some time to think about and reflect on each question. If you are reading the lesson with someone else, discuss your thoughts together. If you would like to, you may post some of your thoughts and answers below.

• What are some ways to discern a pending problem of cursed blessings today? When difficult times do come, how will you determine if the problem is one of cursed blessings rather than random occurrence?
• How can churches do a better job in the area of holding their leaders accountable? Which of these texts best support your response: Matthew 18:15-17; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; Titus 1:10-16; Titus 3:10? Why?
• In what ways is the admonishment to the priests applicable to Christians today, given the reality of our own priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)? If no one seeks God's Word from you as a messenger of the Lord, what problem and solution do you see?
• What are some good ways your church can acknowledge its leaders who are doing the opposite of Malachi 2:8? What will be your part in this initiative?
• In what ways can you use Malachi 3:5 as a source of comfort or encouragement in the face of today's negative headlines? In what ways can you be an empathizer in passing that encouragement along to the oppressed as named in this text?

Conclusion
Malachi's words should serve as sobering warnings to leaders in the church. Dangers abound when we become casual about doing God's work. It's a small step from an attitude of indifference to one of antibiblical rationalizing by those who serve the Lord in leadership positions. The late Dallas Willard once observed, "The greatest threat to devotion to Christ is service for Christ."

Those who earn wages by serving the church or a parachurch ministry can come to see what they do merely as a source of income. They forget that theirs is a ministry done in service to the Lord and for his glory. Certain words and actions become part of the routine, of what is expected according to their job description. It's a slippery slope. 

One source of help may be for the leader to arrange to meet with a group of fellow leaders (either within or outside of the congregation) for mutual prayer and encouragement. Many have found such accountability groups greatly beneficial in keeping them spiritually sharp and providing valuable counsel when temptations or other challenges occur (compare Malachi 3:16). 

Speaking honestly to one another can be of immeasurable value in avoiding the spiritual barrenness that brought God's harsh criticism of the priests in Malachi's day. Inviting candid feedback from a fellow servant of Christ is always preferable to being on the receiving end of God's correction!

Prayer
Father, keep us from handling sacred duties in such a way that we lose sight of you. Empower our church to remember our covenant with you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Benediction: Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Amen.

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
​1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

​This is a great time for us to remember our older folks and people who may not be able to get out. We as a church need to make sure they have the things they need like food or medicine.

​If you need anything at this time, please reach out to Pastor Gary or a session member. If you have prayer requests that you feel comfortable sharing online, you can leave a comment on this post. If you have more personal prayer requests, you can contact Linda Miller for the prayer chain. 

Other Scriptures
​Isaiah 41:10  
So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 46 :1
God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.

Philippians 4:6 
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Psalm 94:19
When anxiety was great within me,
    your consolation brought me joy.

We normally start Sunday School by singing a hymn. Lisa was kind enough to share this one.

The scripture for this week's lesson is:
Micah 3:1-3
Micah 3:9-12
Micah 6:6-8

Lesson Context
The book of Micah is another of the 12 Minor Prophets. Micah's ministry took place in the second half of the eighth century BC. His times were full of turmoil and uncertainty for both Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom). The Assyrians were a formidable threat to both kingdoms. They were the instrument in God's hands to carry out his judgment against Israel when the capital city of Samaria fell in 722 BC. 

Micah's ministry may have overlapped with that of Amos. Micah and Isaiah were contemporaries. Both ministered in Jerusalem. Micah's message included words of judgment against both Israel and Judah. His book begins with a reference to Samaria and Jerusalem, representing both Israel and Judah respectively. Both are indicted for rebellion against the Lord.

Lesson
Normally, we would discuss this lesson in Sunday School. We are unable to do this in person. However, we can still have a discussion. The book poses several questions to reflect on. If you would like to, you may post some of your thoughts and answers below.

• How would you explain to someone the different between good and evil? Considering 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, how would your explanation to Christians differ from an explanation to unbelievers, if at all? Why?
• What modern imagery would you use to describe corrupt leaders today? Why? How do you harmonize your response with Acts 23:5; Romans 13:1,2,7; 1 Timothy 2:1-2, 1 Peter 2:17; and Jude 8,9?
• What plan can you make to identify and improve the requirement in Micah 6:8 that is most lacking in your life? How would you expect attention to the other two requirements to influence the one most lacking?
• Which prophetic words of this lesson challenge you most to act? Why? What is your plan for action?

Conclusion
Micah courageously confronted the tragic lack of godly leadership for the people of God. While Micah's words in the concluding portion of our printed text apply to all God's people, they most certainly need to be exemplified in the lives of their leaders. One thinks of how Jesus looked at the masses in his day and saw them as "sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36). The same terminology could have been used to describe the people in Micah's day, given how corrupt the leadership had become. What a difference it would have made if those leaders had taken the words in Micah 6:8 to heart!

Church leaders today would do well to make those words their standard of conduct. But whether Christian leaders are aligned with God's will or not, the priesthood of all believers must still bring their lives to God as sacrifices (Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 2:5). Jesus has paid the price (Hebrews 7:27-28). We do not worry about offering rivers of oil or thousands of animal sacrifices. Let us therefore search our hearts for strongholds that resist practicing justice and mercy. In humility, may we seek to please the Lord with our whole lives. 

Prayer
Father, thank you for godly leaders! May the power of your Holy Spirit help us all to seek and do your will, even when -- and especially when -- our leaders stray from your paths. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

During this time of social distancing, we as a church can still gather online. Each Sunday morning during the church closure, we will post a scripture lesson and sermon. 

If you need anything during this time, please contact Pastor Gary or a session member. If you have prayer requests, you can comment on a post here, send an email to the church email account, or contact Linda Miller for the prayer chain.