4th Sunday of the Year - Knowledge puffs up, Love builds up
The line between making a helpful assessment of something and holding forth on something because I am so sure of the correctness of my views, is a thin and perilous one.
It is one I am sure I have crossed to the detriment of others.
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind – then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2)
The calling of Samuel in the Old Testament reading this morning is a powerful call to action.
The Baptism of Christ – Our Response
Approaching God. You spoke, O Lord, over the deep at creation; you roared, God of Glory in the waters of the flood; you thundered, Mighty God, from the clouds on the mountain: your voice, O Lord, is powerful, your voice is full of majesty; all your people cry “Glory!”
4th Sunday in Advent
Christians easily seem to get the wrong idea about how God speaks to ordinary people to invite them to become a part of God's work.
Preparation in Action
Today is the Third Sunday in Advent. The overall theme of Advent is preparation, and on the first Sunday we looked at Our Preparation (commitment to God). Last Sunday we looked at God's Preparation (comfort). Today we look at Preparation in Action.
Advent 2
Heavenly Father, you sent your messengers the prophets and in time John the Baptist to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus
Grant that we who have received Him in His first coming may seek to prepare and make ready your way and the hearts of those we meet that turning from the world and its ways they may receive the gift of yourself in Jesus.
Advent 1 - Our Preparation
Almighty Father
Your Son came to us in humility as our Saviour,
and at the last day He will come again
in glory as our judge:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour."
(Luke 4:14-21)
Welcome!
33rd Sunday of the Year
New Vision - Renewed Mission
It is amazing what people can achieve, what they can put up with, when they have a clear goal. The clearer the goal, the more detailed the understanding of it, the greater the energy that is released to achieve that goal. "Without a vision the people perish" (Prov. 29:18).