Today's guest speaker is TJ Spruill.
BIRTHDAYS Carol Horne, Dana Wilson, Nora Beth Gill
ANNIVERSARIES John & Barb O'Hara, Dave & Susie Cummings SYMPATHY For the Lisa Hamilton family. We will surely miss you and your smile. 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. Missionary Meeting is Tuesday, September 12 at 9:30 am in the Social Hall of Church.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcastro, Sandy Stone, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Ricci Amos, Tiffany Cipoletti, Diane Anderson, Tim Taylor, Suzy Smith, Helen Provenzano, Donna West , Judy Donaldson, Marlene McFeely, Chuck Harton,Wiley Myers, Keith McGill, Ron and Jean Westfall, Billie Wilson, Sue Gregg, Wendy Willard, Marley Smith, Kirkland Cipoletti, Ellen Morris, Mike Durila, Dave Henderson, Ed Horne, Dorothy Caffrey
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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.
Heavenly Father, help us to be authentic Christians. Help us to set ourselves aside for a moment. In our lives, our thoughts and our prayers, help us to care deeply about what those around us are going through today, to think about the trauma, the pain and the grief others are experiencing and how we might lift their burden a bit through our words or actions. Help to us to think about times when our own words or actions might have added to others’ burdens or set a bad example. Forgive us, Lord, and help us to do better. Help us to live as Christians from the inside out. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Luke 11:37-44.
Introduction
After the creation of modern money, an inevitable invention followed: counterfeit money. For example, ancient counterfeiters minted coins made from metals that were less valuable than the authentic coins. The counterfeit coins were dipped in silver to mimic the real coins. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, fraudsters clipped the edges of authentic coins in order to extract bits of the precious metals. From those clippings, they would create a counterfeit coin. Contemporary money has undergone developments to limit counterfeiters. Many modern coins have grooved or milled edges to show that none of the valuable precious metals have been removed. These efforts, while preventing some counterfeiters, have not done away with the practice altogether. Profits await the successful counterfeiter. People sometimes “counterfeit” themselves by pretending to be someone they are not. Scandals arise when people say they believe or value one thing but act in a way that opposes that value. Jesus had no tolerance for hypocritical behavior, especially from the religious leaders of his day.
Lesson context
The Gospel of Luke, along with the book of Acts, makes up a two-volume work that describes Jesus’s life and teaching and how it continued in the early church after Jesus’s resurrection and ascension. Today’s scripture is part of a section in which Jesus teaches and heals while on his way to Jerusalem. In today’s lesson, Jesus shares a meal with a Pharisee. The Pharisees were the most pious among the Jewish religious leaders. They attempted to follow the Law of Moses faithfully. To help them do that, they established a set of traditions and rules for all aspects of life that would make it even more difficult to violate the Law. This was like a “fence” around the Law. However, their zeal for keeping these traditions sometimes kept them from seeing the purpose of the Law itself.
Two people (verses 37-41)
Jesus had been teaching the crowds along the way about wickedness and judgment. At this moment, a Pharisee comes up to him and invites him to eat with him. In Jesus’s time, it was a common practice to invite a teacher to a meal. It allowed the teacher to demonstrate his insight and wisdom in a more intimate setting. But sharing a meal together in Jesus’s time was also a sign of acceptance of the person with whom you ate. For this reason, when the teacher accepted the invitation, it brought a measure of honor to the host. That is also why people avoided extending dinner invitations to social outcasts. Hand-washing was one of the important rituals the Pharisees adhered to in a variety of situations, but especially before meals. In our passage for today, therefore, the Pharisee is surprised when Jesus does not wash his hands before the meal. It is clear from other passages that Jesus did not have any problems with washing itself. It seems, instead, that he did this intentionally, just to provoke a response that led to a teaching moment. When Jesus notices the Pharisee’s surprise, he talks about how the Pharisees make sure the outside of their cup and dish are clean, but they neglect the inside. It becomes clear that Jesus is not talking about literal tableware but about people, when he adds that “inside you are full of greed and wickedness.” In other words, he was saying, the Pharisees were concerned about external practices and appearances, but their attention should be on the inside — on their hearts and their minds. Jesus calls such Pharisees and people who think as they did foolish. He notes that God created human beings — both the external physical parts and our internal mental parts where character and affections are formed. We should not be concerned only about the outward part. We should be concerned about being the people God wants us to be on the inside. When that is our focus, acts of compassion and generosity will naturally flow from us.
Three woes (verses 42-44)
Next Jesus pronounces a series of “woes” upon the Pharisees and those who follow their example. The Hebrew prophets often used the term “woe” in the Old Testament to pronounce approaching pain and doom upon certain people. (See, for example, Amos 6.) The reason for the first woe is that the Pharisees paid diligent attention to relatively unimportant aspects of their faith while ignoring the most important aspects. Because the Law called for Jews to give a tithe of their goods, the Pharisees went as far as to give a tenth of herbs such as mint and rue, which often grew wild and would be difficult to estimate. However, when it came to seeking justice and loving God, they showed little concern. Such requirements should have been their greatest concern. The heart of the Law, as Jesus states elsewhere, is the command to love God (Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:36-38) and to love others (Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39). God’s people observe the command to love God by loving others. Instead, Jesus says, the Pharisees were attempting to show their love for God with meticulous precision while completely ignoring the command to love others. What’s more, they took pride in their strict observances instead of living lives marked by mercy and justice. (Micah 6:8) That brings Jesus to the reason for his second “woe.” The Pharisees, he says, love public displays of importance. They love being seated in the most important seats of the synagogue and being greeted with respect in the marketplace. The problem, it seems, is that a major underlying reason for the Pharisees’s faith was to draw attention to themselves and not to show love for God or for others. The final “woe” is because of the example the Pharisees set for others. Because they were seen as leaders in the faith and as examples for others to follow, their misguided faith caused others to distort the faith as well. Jesus uses the analogy of people walking over an unmarked grave. Jewish people were deemed defiled and ritually unclean if they came in contact with a dead body. The Pharisees, Jesus is saying, were like unmarked graves which people walk over and thus become defiled without even knowing it. By example, they were promoting an idea that being a faithful Jew was only about adhering to ceremonial laws and not about caring for others. Those who saw them and followed their example might think they were giving pure and faithful lives. In fact, without realizing it, they were defiled by their lack of attention to the most important commandments, just as the Pharisees were.
Hypocritical behavior
Born into slavery in Edenton, North Carolina, Harriet Jacobs understood firsthand the horror of being controlled by other people. She suffered inhumane conditions as a slave. Her slave master sexually harassed her and, when she did not submit, he threatened to sell her children. Instead, she hid in a tiny crawl space under the roof of her grandmother’s house. For seven years she hid in the space so small that she could not stand up, until she managed to escape to the North, where she was united with her children and her brother. She detailed her experiences in her autobiography, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, which she wrote under the pseudonym Linda Brent. In the book, she questioned how the religious leaders of her day could ignore slavery or even use Scripture to justify it. She wondered whether they were blind or hypocrites. The Pharisees of Jesus’s day acted hypocritically. Although their public displays of observance to the Law portrayed them as devoted and faithful Jews, their actions toward others revealed hearts that cared only about themselves. They had failed to show mercy and justice. They had become prideful. They were a deadly influence on others. Hypocrisy is still an issue today. Where do hypocritical impulses arise in your heart?
Conclusion
In many ways, faults similar to those Jesus pointed out in the Pharisees can be found in people today. The Pharisees prioritized outward displays of holiness, while failing to do the important work of love, mercy, and justice. Pursuing counterfeit displays of holiness, while potentially easier than going after what God requires, leaves people as hypocrites. God wants his people to experience holiness in all aspects of their lives. Followers of Jesus must remember to honor the commands to love God, show justice, and demonstrate merciful love, above any other traditions. Only then will believers exercise a “pure” religion before God (James 1:27). A failure to do so indicates that one’s heart has not been transformed. Consider the following questions: Does your behavior lead you to love God more deeply? Does your behavior lead you to act justly or advocate for justice for others? If you can answer positively to both questions, then you are on the right track to loving God and your neighbor.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we desire to be holy people. Take away our need to impress others, and impress on us the image of your Son, Jesus Christ. Show us how we might be generous with the gifts you have given us so that we might love you and our neighbors. In the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Questions for discussion
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the American Standard Version.
Next week's lesson is on Luke 14:1-6.
Today's guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Announcements Choir CALL TO WORSHIP Rise and greet the morning. Cast off your sleep and doubt. Arise, meet the risen Christ. Who comforts our grieving hearts, Who encourages our faltering steps, Who splinters us with laughter, Who wrinkles us with compassion, Who raises us to heaven, Who knows us as we shall be fully known. INVOCATION Rev. Mason
* HYMN “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus” # 260
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON) Merciful Savior, although blind, we think we see. We are blind to Your presence among us in those who are poor and lonely. We have made invisible those who are in mental or emotional need. We look away from the refugee, the hungry, the homeless in the midst of overwhelming need. We convince ourselves that You came to save people just like us, and therefore, what concerns us must concern You. For our self-focus, Lord, we ask your forgiveness. For our lack of compassion and our complicity in the inequalities between peoples, forgive us. Open our eyes and our hearts to see the truth and turn us away from ourselves that we might desire and pursue your way of righteousness, justice, and peace. We thank You for Your mercy, O Christ. Amen. * Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri (Hymnal page 581) *Passing the Peace The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also, with you. CHILDREN’S CHAT Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading Psalm 116: 1-4, 12-19 Don Herschell Luke 24: 13 - 35 The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God! Sermon “Being Fully Known” *HYMN “Open My Eyes, That I May See” # 451 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People Rev. Mason The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN “Be Still, My Soul” #819 *Benediction Choir Postlude
Today's guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
Prelude
ANNOUNCEMENTS Choir CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 29) Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness. The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful. The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; The Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to His people; The Lord blesses His people with peace. INVOCATION
* HYMN “Rejoice, the Lord is King!” # 363
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON) Almighty God, in raising Jesus from the grave, You shattered the power of sin and death. We confess that we remain captive to doubt and fear, bound by the ways that lead to death. We overlook the poor and the hungry and pass by those who mourn. We choose to walk in the selfish ways of this world. Forgive us, O God of Mercy, and help us to trust Your power to change our lives and make us new. Usher us into the joy of abundant life given in Jesus Christ, the risen Lord. * Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri (Hymnal page 581) *Passing the Peace The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also, with you. CHILDREN’S CHAT Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading Psalm 1 Debbie Durila Luke 24: 13 - 32 The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God! Sermon: “Hitchhiking With Jesus” *HYMN “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” #353 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology (Hymnal page 606) *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN “Lift High the Cross # 826 *Benediction Choir Postlude
He is Risen!
Happy Easter!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together, we share our joys and concerns together. If you have any prayer requests you would like to share, you can add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Lord God, You loved this world so much, that you gave your one and only Son, that we might be called your children too. Lord, help us to live in the gladness and grace of Easter Sunday, every day. Let us have hearts of thankfulness for your sacrifice.
Let us have eyes that look upon your grace and rejoice in our salvation. Help us to walk in that mighty grace and tell your good news to the world. All for your glory do we pray, Lord, Amen.
Today's lesson is on Luke 24:13-27, 30-31.
Lesson Context
Today's lesson follows directly after the women found the empty tomb. Our book says that many Jews at the time believed in the bodily resurrection of the dead. This idea is rooted in certain Old Testament prophetic texts (example Daniel 12:1-3, 13). In the time between the Old and New Testaments, this doctrine was developed further. However, not all Jews believed in the resurrection (Acts 23:8). Jesus' followers, though skeptical of the empty tomb, would not have entirely dismissed the possibility.
The Journey Begins
Two of Jesus followers who had heard the women's report were walking to a village called Emmaus. Emmaus was close enough to Jerusalem that they would have made the walk in a day. Our book says we do not know the exact location of the village. This is the only mention of the place in the New Testament. The men were discussing what had happened. Our book says the word used suggests a strong debate. Jesus came up and walked with the men. However, they were kept from recognizing him. This could mean that either God obscured their vision in some way, or that Jesus' physical appearance was changed from before his burial.
The Travelers Lament
Jesus starts a conversation by asking what they are talking about. The men are surprised! How could this man not know about all the things that had just happened in Jerusalem? Ironically, that man was the only person who fully understood the events of that week. The two men explain that Jesus of Nazareth was crucified. They said he was a prophet, and that there was hope he would redeem Israel. As we have discussed before, the Jews were hoping for a political redemption, which would free them from oppressive foreign occupation. By speaking of the only who was going to redeem Israel, the travelers likely believed that Jesus was going to save their people from foreign oppression. To see Jesus put to death in a horrifying manner brought them disappointment. Further, this was the third day after Jesus died, when Jesus promised his disciples that he would be resurrected. If these two men had heard of that promise, they had left Jerusalem without experiencing the fulfillment of the promise. The men recounted that the women found the empty tomb that morning, and that at least Peter (and maybe also John) confirmed the empty tomb. But the men had not seen their resurrected Lord.
The Stranger Responds
Jesus calls the two men on the road foolish. This follows the tradition of Hebrew wisdom literature, like the book of Proverbs, which calls out the folly of fools. Jesus referred to all the things our Old Testament said regarding the Messiah. In Jesus' day, the scripture would have been traditionally seen in three categories:
As the travelers reached Emmaus, they invited the unknown stranger to stay with them as an act of hospitality. When they sat down to eat, Jesus acted as the host by giving thanks and breaking the bread. At this point, the men recognize Jesus. Then, Jesus vanishes. Our book says that his being recognized and yet vanishing from the men's sight indicates both a continuity and a discontinuity with his physical body after the resurrection. The men then returned to Jerusalem and told the other disciples of their experience with the resurrected Christ.
Conclusion
The travelers in today's scripture had an experience that brought about a personal revolution. Their saddened outlook was transformed when they shared a meal with the resurrected Lord. This revolution brought the two travelers joy, enthusiasm and peace. It also meant reordered priorities; they received a correction and were reminded of how scripture pointed to Christ's resurrection and the resulting revolution. Are you attentive to the ways the resurrection can change your expectations -- and your life? Prayer Heavenly Father, Jesus' resurrection has changed the world. Show us how we might better teach your Word for other people to believe in you. In the name of the resurrected Jesus. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the New Revised Standard Version.
Next week's lesson will be on John 21:1-14.
Our guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
Prelude
Choir “ Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” ANNOUNCEMENTS: Call to Worship: “from Psalm 28” To You I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. If You remain silent, I will feel as if I have fallen in the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to You for help, as I lift up my hands toward Your Holy Holies. Praise be to the Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in Him and I am helped. I leap with joy as I give thanks to Him in song. The Lord is the strength of His people, A fortress of salvation for His anointed one. Save Your people, Lord, and bless Your inheritance. be their Shepherd and carry them forever.
* Hymn “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna #197
Prayer of Confession (unison) O Lord, we’ve heard the old, old story and we confess our Sin of indifference. Forgive our faithlessness, O Faithful God! We have apathy—see beyond our apathy. We have thoughtlessness—see beyond our thoughtlessness. We are self-centered—see beyond our self-centeredness. We make wrong choices—turn our heads toward right choices. My Lord God, I am sorry, Brush against me when I least expect it. Inspire us to tell the old, old story of Your love to all we meet. * Time of silent prayer *Assurance Of Pardon: Response – Gloria Patri (page 581) Passing the peace The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also, with you! Children’s Chat Prayer for illumination The Word of God Scripture reading: Luke 19: 28 – 40 Matthew 21: 1 – 11 Sermon: “ Sent My Coat To The Cleaners” Responding to the Word *Hymn “All Glory, Laud, and Honor # 196 *Apostles Creed (copy next to prayer list) Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology (page 606) *Prayer of Dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *Hymn “What Wondrous Love is This # 215 *Benediction Choir “There is a Green Hill Far Away”
BIRTHDAYS : Evelyn Wood, Bobbie Clifford
SYMPATHY : To the Family of Joyce Nichols To Family of Carol Horne’s Niece Jennifer Sovocool ANNOUNCEMENTS: 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. Prayers are needed for John O’Hara. This afternoon is the last of the Lenten services. This one is at Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church at 4:00PM Rev. Terry Lucarelli, Preaching Ruling elder Dale Rush, Liturgist THE DISCIPLE SIMON PETER, JOHN 21: 4-19 Holy Week Services Choir Practice, Thursday at 2 pm Maundy Thursday, 5 pm at Upper Buffalo Good Friday, 7 pm at North Buffalo Easter Sunrise Service and Breakfast 7 am at North Buffalo Breakfast and Worship 9 am at Upper Buffalo Worship and Communion 11 am at North Buffalo
CONTINUING PRAYER LIST
Chuck Dicks, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcastro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Nancy Hepinger, Sarah Wilson, Bill Poland, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Evelyn Wood, Ricci Amos, Tiffany Cipoletti, Diane Anderson, Tim Taylor, Suzy Smith, Ed Horne, Helen Provenzano, Jean Westfall, Lori Doxtator Walker, Ruth Buterbaugh, Ron Westfall, Taylor Shrontz Kopacko, Heather Waltz Simpson, Richard Ward, Donna West, Judy Clutter Donaldson, Mike Fisher’s co-worker Vincent, Marlene McFeely, Susan Paul, Chuck Harton, Robert Paxton, Wiley Myers, John O’Hara
Good morning!
Happy Palm Sunday! We're so glad you are joining us today!
When we meet together, we share our joys and concerns. Consider the past week, and any prayer requests you may have. If you would like, you can share them in the comments. When you are ready, get started with the prayer below (source).
Father, Palm Sunday is a reminder of the unexpected, yet fully anticipated, King of Kings. Jesus did not look like the Messiah Your people hoped for. The way He entered the Holy City of Jerusalem on that day, riding a young donkey as a significant sign of peace and fulfillment of prophecy, did not align with their expectations of a military conqueror. Much of our daily lives don’t align with our expectations, Father. So much of our lives don’t make sense. This Palm Sunday, let us embrace the unexpected entrance of our Savior, Jesus. He is Peace. Let us apply this incredible truth to our lives. Peace mattered to Jesus. He came to bring us Peace. He is peace. Father, how quickly we forget the Peace we possess in Christ! Remind us, minute by minute, as we navigate difficult days and trying times. Father, we need Peace to live life to the full, as Jesus died for us to live. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Luke 24:1-12.
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New Living Translation.
Next week's lesson is on Luke 24:13-27, 30-31.
Today's guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Carol Smith Choir For the Beauty of the Earth 14 ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I ever be afraid? One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord for all my days. I want to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord. He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle. Teach me Your ways, O Lord; lead me in a straight path. I am confident I will see the goodness of the Lord. Your face I will always seek. Wait for the Lord: be strong and take courage and wait for the Lord. INVOCATION
* HYMN “ Bless Be the Tie That Binds” # 306
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON) Great God of this life, we confess that we have been unfaithful to You. We have worshiped other gods; money, power, greed, And convenience. We have served our own self-interest instead Of serving You. Your people and Your kingdom. We have sinned. Forgive us, Gracious God, and bring us back into the fullness of our relationship with you. You never let us down. We are honored to call You our Father. We are amazed that Your Son died for us. * Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri (Hymnal page 581) *Passing the Peace L: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P: And also, with you. CHILDREN’S CHAT Prayer for Illumination The Word of God Scripture reading: Luke 13: 22-30 Lisa Hamilton Luke 8: 1- 8 L: The Word of the Lord P: Thanks be to God! Sermon “Cary Grant’s Ears “ Responding to the Word *HYMN “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” # 224 *Apostles Creed (copy next to prayer list) Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology (Hymnal page 606) *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN “ Great is Thy Faithfulness” # 39 *Choir All Things Bright and Beautiful 20 *Benediction Postlude
BIRTHDAYS : John Cole, Mike Durila Sr.
SYMPATHY To the Family of Donald Casto (Uncle of Don Herschell) ANNOUNCEMENTS: 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. Marlene Huffman’s brother Chuck Harton has a very bad heart but won’t go to the hospital because his wife has dementia, and he will not leave her. Bless this man for his commitment and pray for him. Lenten service is at U.P. Church of Claysville today at 2:30 PM. Please note the time Worship and Music by One Voice ministry. Apr 2 Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church at 4:00PM Rev. Terry Lucarelli, Preaching Ruling elder Dale Rush, Liturgist THE DISCIPLE SIMON PETER, JOHN 21: 4-19
CONTINUING PRAYER LIST
Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, Tim Knabenshue, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcascro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Nancy Hepinger, Sarah Wilson, Bill Poland, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Evelyn Wood, Brandon Bell, Ricci Amos, Nancy Diaz, Gianna Perry, Tiffany Cipoletti, Diane Anderson,Jim Durila, Tim Taylor, Suzy Smith, Ed Horne, Helen Provenzano, Jean Westfall, Lori Doxtator Walker, Ruth Buterbaugh, Carol Knabenshue Richard Wagner, Ed Caffrey, Jeff Durila,Ron Westfall, Taylor Shrontz Kopacko, Heather Waltz Simpson, Joyce Nichols, Richard Ward, Donna West, John O’Hara, Judy Clutter Donaldson, Mike Fisher’s co-worker Vincent, Susan Paul, Kathy Durila, Chuck Harton
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we take some time to share our joys and concerns together. If you have any prayer requests to share, please include them in the comments on this post, or let someone at the church know. When you are ready, please use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Father God, we gather here today under your care and protection. Thank you for your lovingkindness that never fails us. We thank you for those with us, that you would guide our thoughts and actions to bring you glory. Strengthen us and fill us with your peace. May we love and serve each other as Jesus has shown us. Fill us with the Holy Spirit to do your good work on earth. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Luke 15:11-24.
What is the meaning of this parable? The character of the forgiving father is a picture of God. In the story, Jesus identifies with God in His loving attitude toward the lost, symbolized by the younger son. The older brother represents the self-righteous. The major theme of this parable is restoration of a believer into fellowship with the Father. The father waits and watches eagerly for his son’s return. In this story we see the graciousness of the father overshadowing the sinfulness of the son. It is the memory of the father’s goodness that brings the prodigal son to repentance.
Although asking for his share was perfectly within his rights it is not a loving thing to do. It implied that he wished his father dead. His inheritance would have been ½ of the older brothers, which is roughly ⅓ of the entire estate. Like the younger son, we all possess a foolish ambition to be independent. This son learned the hard way that covetousness leads to a life of dissatisfaction and disappointment. He also learned that the most valuable things in life are things we cannot buy or replace. In the foreign land, the son squanders al his inheritance on selfish, shallow fulfillment, losing everything. he finds himself in the detestable job of feeding pigs. Even these unclean animals were better off than he was. The results of sin are never pretty. He begins to see his father in a new light and Hope begins to dawn in his heart. He longs to return to his father. His plan is genuine repentance. “I am not worthy to be your son.” When the father sees him, he runs to him, embraces him and kisses him. The father does not question or lecture him. He joyfully forgives him and receives him back into fellowship. God’s heart if full of compassion for His children: He stands ready to welcome returning dimmers back with joyous celebration. The son is transformed into the guest of honor in a rich man’s home. The actions of the father show us that “the Lord does not treat us as our sins deserve of repay us according to our sins. Instead of condemnation there is rejoicing for a son who “was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” The tragic character in the parable is the older son. He becomes angry and refuses to go into the house. His words and actins reveal hid relationship with his father was based on works and merit. He despises his younger brother as deserving. He does not understand grace and has no room for forgiveness. Grace toward his brother makes him angry. He thinks the brother does not deserve a party and disowned him as a brother. Grace and acceptance is beyond his understanding. His focus was on himself and his own service; as a result, he had no joy in hid brother’s return. He had allowed bitterness to take root in his heart to the point that he was unable to show compassion toward his brother. The older brother - and the religious leaders of Jesus’ day - failed to realize that “anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever hates his brother is in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him” (1 John 2:9-11). This story is one of the most beautiful pictures of God’s grace. God is ready to forgive. He will save the contrite, not by works but by His grace, through faith.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are loving, merciful and kind. We rejoice that you accept us into your family and love us. Help us reveal your kindness and generosity to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New International Version.
Next week's lesson will be on Matthew 18:1-9.
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