The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers for Sunday, February 12, 2023 — Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

 

The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers
Sunday, February 12, 2023
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

God’s Field
Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8;

1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Opening Statement

Today’s readings challenge us to choose life. As the church, we are called to focus on what God’s kingdom requires, what it blesses, and how the worshiping community is to live out its distinct calling to be the body of Christ. Moses reminds the people of their covenant to worship God alone and to walk in the ways of the Lord. Paul helps the congregation at Corinth to understand and reframe its views of leadership, particularly in relation to understanding the gift of growth that comes through the power of the Spirit. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus begins to move his followers from their assumptions about the ways of God: “You have heard that it was said…” to the ways of the gospel: “but I say to you…” The teachings of Jesus confront us with choices, each carrying its own unique consequences. Jesus calls us to choose the practices that will bring God glory and honor.

Opening Prayer
(based on Deuteronomy 30, Matthew 5)

Holy Spirit, guide us as we walk in faith, and guard us against the powers that would draw us away from your love. Help us live according to your commandments, that we might live long in the land you have prepared for us. Prompt us to seek you with our whole heart and guide us to walk in your ways, that we may carry out the vows of the covenant we share. May our words and deeds bring life and faith to others, as we hold fast to the gift of faith. Be near us each and every day, and bless us with your light, that our days may be filled with grace. Amen.

The Collect
(from the Book of Common Prayers)

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Call to Confession
(based on Deuteronomy 30, 1 Corinthians 3)

Loving God, you call us to walk in your ways, observe your commandments, and love you as you have loved us. You offer us a community of abundant blessing, with rich soil to promote dynamic growth. Yet we often turn away from you to satisfy our own wants and desires. We forsake the way of love and forgiveness, giving in to petty jealousies and quarreling, and surrendering our lofty ideals to our baser inclinations. Forgive us, O God. When we flee from your embrace, draw us into community with you and with one another. Shower us with the cleansing waters of humility, that we may reclaim our purpose and find nourishment and growth in labors of love to bring your kingdom in our midst.

Assurance of Pardon
(based on Deuteronomy 30, 1 Corinthians 3)

God is alive and at work nurturing our growth, nourishing our needs, and reconciling us to one another. God hears the confessions of our hearts and forgives generously, sharing love with all who follow in God’s ways. It is through God’s amazing grace that we are forgiven.

Today’s Verse-of-the-Day:
1 Corinthians 13:6-7

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love is not merely a feeling—it is Jesus living in and through us (John 13:34, 35; 15:9–17; 1 John 4:7–21). If we say we believe in God and are maturing in our relationship with Him, but we are not growing in our unconditional love for others, something is wrong with our walk (1 Cor. 13). This is because as Jesus increases in us and we decrease, His loving nature should intensify within us as the evidence of His lordship in our life (Gal. 5:22, 23; 2 Pet. 1:3–8).

Today’s Lectionary Readings:
From the Pentateuch
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Choose life

30:15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

17 But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, 18 I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.

19 This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 119:1-8
Happy are those who walk in the law
Beati immaculati

Happy are they whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD!

Happy are they who observe his decrees
and seek him with all their hearts!

Who never do any wrong,
but always walk in his ways.

You laid down your commandments,
that we should fully keep them.

Oh, that my ways were made so direct
that I might keep your statutes!

Then I should not be put to shame,
when I regard all your commandments.

I will thank you with an unfeigned heart,
when I have learned your righteous judgments.

I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me.

Heavenly Father, You have given us Your law that we might walk according to Your precepts and standards. You have called us to love You with our whole heart, and love our neighbors as ourselves. Indeed, we know this is the pathway to happiness and the way to enjoy eternal life now and forevermore. Thank You for sending Jesus Christ into our world to show us the depth of Your commitment to us. Help us to be likewise committed to You, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, in whose name we pray. Amen. Now hear our prayers as You taught us to pray:

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

From the First Epistle to the Corinthians
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
God gives the growth

3:1 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?

5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

Today’s Gospel Reading
Matthew 5:21-37
The teaching of Christ: forgiveness

5:21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

31 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Click HERE to read today’s Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Nicene Creed

• We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

• And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end.

• And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Communion

A nondenominational serving of bread and wine

Though no video can truly replace the experience of celebrating together in our places of worship, we know that where two or more are gathered, the Lord is present. This table is open to all who recognize Jesus Christ as healer and redeemer. This table is open to all who work to bring God’s Kingdom here on earth. No one is turned away because of life circumstances. No one is barred from this table. No one seeking God’s abundant grace and mercy is turned aside. We see before us the abundance that a life of faith offers as we respond to God’s everlasting mercy in prayer and deed.

Benediction
(based on Deuteronomy 30)

As we journey out into the world, may each of us walk in the light of God’s ways, striving to be blameless and just. May our hearts be vessels of God’s love and may the Lord bless us in the land that we are entering. Hold fast. Do not be led astray, and may the love of God be yours this day and forevermore. Go now in peace. Amen.
 

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets].

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Responsive Readings from the Common Book of Prayer (1789).

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers for Sunday, February 12, 2023
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37

“Repentance Means Change” The Gospel Message for Sunday, February 12, 2023 — Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

Our Gospel message comes to us today from the 5th chapter of Matthew, beginning with the 21st verse.

5:21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

31 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. (Matthew 5:21-37)

Dear Heavenly Father, you have revealed yourself to us through your Word, recorded in the Scriptures, spoken by the prophets, but most clearly, through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, your Word become flesh. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, open our hearts and minds to your Word so that we might perceive your presence among us, embrace your truth for our lives, and gain the courage to witness your redeeming grace to others. This we ask in Christ’s holy name. Amen.

“Repentance Means Change”

by Rev. Scott Jensen

Introduction

In Thomas Costain’s history, “The Three Edwards”, he describes the life of Raynald III, a fourteenth-century duke in what is now Belgium. Grossly overweight, Raynald was commonly called by his Latin nickname, Crassus, which means “The Fat.” After a violent quarrel, Raynald’s younger brother Edward led a successful revolt against him. Edward captured Raynald but did not kill him. Instead, he built a room around Raynald in the Nieuwkerk castle and promised him he could regain his title and property as soon as he could leave the room. This wouldn’t have been difficult for most people since the room had several windows and a door of near-normal size, and none was locked or barred. The problem was Raynald’s size; he couldn’t fit through the door. To regain his freedom, he needed to lose weight. But Edward knew his older brother, and each day he sent a variety of delicious foods. Every day he wheeled before Raynald on a cart the tastiest of foods. But instead of dieting his way out of prison, Raynald grew fatter from the food. When Duke Edward was accused of cruelty, he had a ready answer: “My brother is not a prisoner. He may leave when he so wills.” Raynald stayed in that room for ten years and wasn’t released until after Edward died in battle. By then, his health was so ruined he died within a year, a prisoner of his own appetite.

Many of us are like Raynald, trapped by our own sinful desires. We wish we didn’t have these desires, but the delicious temptations wheeled before us often are too hard for our flesh to resist. We each have an appetite for a certain sinful pleasure that whenever we’re tempted by it, we give in. And it’s a cycle of feast and famine, pleasure than guilt. Jesus mentions two specifically: anger and lust. But there are others just as damaging. Perhaps that temptation is gossip, gambling, or pornography—maybe drugs or alcohol. Maybe your irresistible temptation is fatty foods or overspending on your credit card. But whatever it is, many of us lack the willpower to overcome it. The temptation is just too strong.

(adopted from Burgess, Aaron. “Tackling Temptation.”)

Today’s gospel lesson talks about that type of temptation. It talks about sins ingrained in our lives, which we have difficulty avoiding. Jesus talks about sin that gets into our system; it gets into our hearts. This morning, I want to take a closer look at the sin we allow into our lives:

• The source of our sin
• Our response to God’s grace
• The idea of a contrite heart

The Source

Let’s start by taking a closer look at the source of sin in our lives. All of here today are sinners. We have our own struggles and successes. But, sometimes, we knowingly allow sin to get into our life. We choose to put ourselves in situations that set the stage for us to continue our bad habits. A gambler might look up the statistics of his favorite horse race only to fall prey to another bet. A pornography addict might rent an R-rated movie filled with sex scenes, resulting in unpure thoughts and perhaps unclean actions as well. A substance abuser might continue to frequent bars, opium dens, or crack houses. The location itself isn’t the problem. But, allowing that temptation into their life might result in further abuse.

Some might think these are acceptable practices. Looking up statistics isn’t actually gambling. Renting a movie isn’t cheating on your spouse. Going to a bar isn’t the same as drinking. But is that assumption correct? Placing these temptations in our lives leads to the thought and actions that Jesus condemns in the Gospel message. Unclean thoughts lead to unclean actions. The thoughts themselves are part of the problem. The thoughts themselves are a form of sin.

The simple fact is that people like to put themselves in these situations. Take pornography, for example. The economic effect of pornography in the United States is well into the Billions per year. The cost is estimated to be greater than the sums of the National Football League, National Basketball Association, and the National Baseball League combined. That’s a lot of money, that’s a lot of sin.

Jesus spoke about this problem directly. Just thinking lustful thoughts put you into the adultery category. With billions going toward images designed to spur this feeling of lust, that’s a lot of cheating going on.

But these are not the only sins that plague the American landscape or the Christian pews across the nation. Anger is another common problem that has infected our communities. We find it easy to find fault, hard to find a forgiving heart. Getting cut off in traffic might offend our sensibilities. Perhaps we even are the aggressive driver forcing our way through the maze of cars and trucks. Anger on our roads has become a big problem. There have even been reported shootings in California due to situations on the road.

Lust, anger, gambling, and money may find times when we choose to put ourselves or our sinful desires ahead of the commands God has given us to fulfill. Some of this comes because we expect forgiveness without repentance. We expect some form of cheap grace where we can do what we want when we want, how we want, all without consequences for the actions we choose to commit.

Cheap Grace

Dietrick Bonhoeffer once said, “Cheap grace is the grace we beset on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, and Communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.

(Rowell, Edward K. and Leadership Journal. “1001 Quotes, Illustrations & Humorous Stories for Preachers, Teachers & Writers.” Baker: Grand Rapids. 1996. Pg. 81.)

Unfortunately, that’s what some of our churches across America expect. Many televangelists have made their fortunes by preaching messages that say: you can become rich, famous, or anything you want. They preach that God wants you to succeed in every endeavor. But that’s not entirely true.

I heard a story once about a man who took on the challenge of a New Year’s resolution. He was overweight and desperately wanted to lose 50 or more pounds. But, he had a weakness for sweets. He prayed to God for the strength to stick to his diet and exercise regimen. He chose to put his faith in God to help him through what was, for him, a difficult situation.

But as the days went on, the challenge of sticking to his diet grew. One day, he prayed to God for guidance on what to do next. As he passed a doughnut shop, he prayed, “God, if you want me to stop by that shop, show me an empty parking space, and I will stop.” Sure enough, as he circled the block for the seventh time, lo and behold, there was an empty parking spot.

Was the man really following the will of God to stop by a doughnut shop? I don’t think so. But, he ensured that the situation would turn the way he chose, by driving around the block seven times. Sometimes, I think we try to credit God with putting us into tempting situations when that’s not really the case. We often put ourselves in places we don’t belong, where we will not just be tempted. We know that we will follow through with the sinful desires that we already know we should be avoiding.

Similar to the overweight man and his diet, we find ourselves circling the block looking for an excuse to fall prey to our own sinful desires. That’s not repentance. That’s our own sinful desires stepping in the way of God’s grace. That’s us, putting our own priorities ahead of what God has already told us not to do.

The grace that God gives us is freely given. However, the faith that is in us should be shining through in all that we are and all that we do. Driving around the block seven times is not the sign of someone dedicated to a diet.

Similarly, a Christian watching pornography is not following through with the commands that Jesus has dictated to us. An alcoholic frequenting bars is not really trying to quit the habit. There is no such thing as cheap grace. We’re expected to have a repentant heart. We’re expected to turn away from the sin that plagues our lives and turn toward the path that Jesus laid out for us. We won’t always succeed. But we shouldn’t be intentionally driving away from the cross, either. We shouldn’t be intentionally circling the block looking for an opportunity to go against God’s commands.

Intentional sin is not repentance. Intentional sin is not really something you’re asking to be forgiven for. It’s only when we turn away from that sin, that lifestyle, that habit that we show God that we’re true followers. It’s only when we change our habits of disobedience that we show how we are faithful followers.

Contrite Repentance

This story probably sums it up best.

J. Edwin Orr, the revivalist and historian, was with Billy Graham when the evangelist addressed a meeting in Beverly Hills attended by the notorious gangster Mickey Cohen. “He expressed some interest in the message,” Orr later wrote, “so several of us talked with him, including Dr. Graham, but he made no commitment until sometime later when another friend urged him to become a Christian.

“This he professed to do, but his life gave no evidence of repentance: ‘the mighty change of mind, heart, and life.’ He rebuked our friend, telling him, ‘You didn’t tell me that I would have to give up my work!’ He meant his rackets and illegal schemes. ‘You didn’t tell me that I’d have to give up my friends!’ He meant his gangster associates, murderers, and thieves.

“He had heard that one person was a Christian cowboy, another was a Christian actress, a third was a Christian senator, and he really thought he could be a Christian gangster.

“The fact is, repentance is the missing note in much modern evangelism.”

(adopted from Morgan, Robert J. “Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations & Quotes: The Ultimate Contemporary Resource for Speakers,” Nelson: Nashville. 2000. Pg. 662-663)

Mickey Cohen wasn’t ready to change his lifestyle to become a Christian, but that’s exactly what Jesus called us to do. When He asked the disciples to follow him, He expected them to follow with all their heart, all their soul, and all their mind. He’s asked us to do the same today.

Closing

With the Gospel lesson, these stories show us that we can cause our own problems in our life. We can put ourselves in situations that will not bring us closer to God but farther from His side.

Dietrick Bonhoeffer was right. Grace isn’t cheap. We’re expected to turn away from our sinful past and repent. We’re expected to turn away in thought as well as word and deed. We’re expected to scrub our inner self as well as our outer actions to make ourselves clean. The message Jesus gave us today is one of a clean heart.

Like Raynald III, we need to change our lifestyle away from our old bad habits, and towards the lifestyle Jesus has outlined for us. We need to be ready to change what goes into us so that we can also change our outward selves. Each of us is in our own sinful prison that we are having difficulty getting out of. We need to be prepared to drop the habits that are keeping us away from God and isolated in our own cells.

Like the man who chose to diet, we need to drive past that sinful temptation and continue to work on being better people. If we choose to continue to drive near our temptations, we will eventually give in to their call and submit to their authority rather than submit to the will of God. Don’t drive near the temptation. Drive past it.

Mickey Cohen learned the lesson that we all need to embrace. Being a Christian means changing ourselves and turning away from the sinful habits, locations, and friends and towards the path Jesus laid for us.

But that path is not easy. We need to do what we can to rein in our emotions and our feelings. We need to monitor ourselves for unclean thoughts and turn towards pure thoughts.

I’d like to close with these words that sum up where we need to put our trust. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he wrote: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, I look up to you in this time of change. Allow me to have the courage to change my life for the better. Allow all my burdens to be risen up to you as I know that You will see me through. Forgive those who have done evil, and allow me to do the same. Teach me to love with an open heart and an open spirit. Take time for me today to help with all the trials you have set out for me, and allow me the strength and energy to follow you. Give me the blessings to find a new home, keep my family together, and bless those who are away. May they be strong and know how much love is out there. Let them know you, and I are thinking of them and missing them dearly. Bless me with love, strength, wisdom, health, courage, forgiveness, and a willingness to learn. Amen.

 

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Scripture is taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Sermon contributed by Rev. Scott Jensen.
A sermon based on both the Law and the Gospel. Jesus explained what sin was. We need to head His command and turn away from temptation.

The Morning Prayer for Sunday, February 12, 2023

 

The Morning Prayer
Sunday, February 12, 2023

Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
Luke 10:20, RSV

Dear Father in heaven, we thank you with all our hearts for showing your power in us and for overcoming so much that is hostile and that threatens to harm our life. We thank you for the countless wonders you do for our sake. We rejoice and thank you most of all for allowing us to know that you are writing our names in heaven. Where our names are, there we are too. Where our Lord Jesus Christ is, there we want to be too, and our words and our actions should come from him. Keep us faithful in this, and let us serve you with gladness on every path we tread. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Sunday, February 12, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Sunday, February 12, 2023

1 Corinthians 13:6-7

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love is not merely a feeling—it is Jesus living in and through us (John 13:34, 35; 15:9–17; 1 John 4:7–21). If we say we believe in God and are maturing in our relationship with Him, but we are not growing in our unconditional love for others, something is wrong with our walk (1 Cor. 13). This is because as Jesus increases in us and we decrease, His loving nature should intensify within us as the evidence of His lordship in our life (Gal. 5:22, 23; 2 Pet. 1:3–8).

Read all of First Corinthians Chapter 13

Listen to First Corinthians Chapter 13

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Travel the World from Home — Where David Defeated Goliath: Shephelah

 

The Holy Land:
Connecting the Land with Its Stories
Where David Defeated Goliath: Shephelah
Season 2 — Episode 8

The fertile Elah Valley is highly desired land in what is known as the Shephelah. The Mediterranean is west, and Bethlehem and Jerusalem are to the east. Here, one of the most well-loved Bible stories took place: David defeating the giant, Goliath, with a stone and slingshot. But Jack Beck shares the rest of the dramatic story including a national security crisis, King Saul who failed to lead his people, and a simple shepherd boy who God prepared for greatness. As we listen to the story, we can ask ourselves: Will we imitate David by putting our trust in God to equip us for the challenge? Or will we shrink back in fear like Saul?

In Episode 8, We start our journey in the Shephelah with Peter and Batsheva who own a vineyard. As we walk the land, we come to understand how this agriculturally rich area was something worth fighting for. Jack recaps the drama of the David and Goliath ordeal, yet brings to light the story behind the story … that a young shepherd boy chosen and equipped by God rose to the challenge, while King Saul failed in his mission.  And in the mix, we have a few laughs as Jack demonstrates why his expertise is Bible teaching, not operating a slingshot.

So join us for this behind-the-scenes look at the famous David vs. Goliath story and learn that our choices will either move us away from God or toward Him.

Season 2 — Episode 8 | Where David Defeated Goliath: Shephelah