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April 29, 2001 LECTIONARY
READINGS Acts 9:1-6, (7-20) The Underlined / Linked
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Are You Going To Do With Your Life?" "What are you going to do with your life?" I can remember quite clearly the day my high school principal asked that question. It took me quite by surprise because I was not used to thinking too far beyond the next few weeks and months at the most. At the beginning of our junior year, some classmates were thinking about where they wanted to go to college, but by and large, not many of us thought in terms of what we might possibly do with a whole life. The time came however, like it does for most of us, when we begin to plan out a pattern for our lives. We will make this career move, live in that neighborhood, have this many children and retire in that state. "What are you going to do with your life?" St. Paul had a plan for his life. He was going to study with the great Rabbi Gamaliel and There is another way to think about this question which I found striking the first time I heard it put this way by Bill Hybels, the pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in suburban Chicago. "What am I going to do with the one and only life God has given to me?"
Discussion and Reflection on the Texts
Connections in the Text The gospel text from John and the passage from Acts contrast the disciples hiding behind locked doors after the crucifixion of Jesus. It is resurrection day (the first day of the week) and the disciples rejoice to see the Lord. They are empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring the message of forgiveness to the world. Acts shows the transformed disciples, with Peter spreading the message of forgiveness in Christ in the face of strong resistance. Revelation affirms that Christians are priests who serve God. John 20:19-31 The gospel text goes out of the way to show that the risen Christ is one and the same with the Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. It is not phantom the disciples are committed to, nor is it a fond wish to perpetuate the message of a good man who died too young. The good news is not the good news of the disciples, but good news about the forgiveness of sins available through the one who stands before the disciples having overcome death. These disciples are commissioned and empowered. "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." The words have never been rescinded. We who gather today are no less sent. We too, are the kingdom of priests ministering in the world. The words about sins forgiven or retained do not mean that disciples can bestow or withhold forgiveness of sins. The messenger proclaims and confirms the action of God. There are further insights on the gospel passage in the sermon on >> John 20:19-31 Acts 5:27-32 The apostles are charged with two offences. [1] They are called in for violating the Sanhedrin's order that they cease their teaching - namely giving witness to Christ and his resurrection. (Not only do they not stop teaching; Peter, on behalf of the group of apostles, continues his proclamation. God has exalted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. [2] The Sanhedrin objects to the apostles' teachings because they "bring this man's blood on us." The final verse implies that it is the apostles who are obedient to God while the Sanhedrin is disobedient. This is not just the doing of human beings, but the work of God's Holy Spirit. Revelation 1:4-8 The Risen Christ who came to the disciples behind closed doors is the same Christ who reigns in heaven and sends a message to the seven churches in Asia. The fullness of the spiritual realm (indicated by the seven spirits who stand before the throne of the Eternal One) is reflected in the seven churches. The heavenly vision is one of perfection and victory - the earthly realm continues to be filled with strife. The message of revelation is a message of encouragement to a struggling church. The Lord is the Alpha and the Omega. That which was begun and promised will come about in spite of all appearances to the contrary. The book of Revelation has been pushed and pulled through a plethora of interpretations - it has been used and misused. There is one dimension of this book, however, that all can come together on. It is one of the most powerful worship books we know of. Here the veil that divides heaven and earth is pulled aside as the saints gather before the throne on a glassy sea and throw down their crowns. The "Holy, Holy, Holy" of the angels rings throughout the heavenly spheres. Elders fall down, incense rises, horns blow and foundations are shaken. Holy and Awesome is the one who is the Alpha and Omega. With the saints and angels of heaven, we too can join as a kingdom of priests crying, "...to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen!"
A Call To Worship (Psalm 150) Leader: Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary;
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Prayer of Confession Assurance
of Pardon A
Prayer of Thanksgiving We praise you for those times you open our hearts to your grace, our eyes to the beauty of your creation and our ears to the gentle call of your voice within. We pray today that you would give us an increase in our ability to see your presence all around us and a heart to embrace the peace you intend for our living. Thank you O gracious God for calling us together in the Body of Christ to rejoice in your presence and feast our spirits on your eternal word. Bind us together in heart and voice that we might declare your praise and thus become the people you have formed for yourself. Amen. A
Prayer of Dedication
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