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"Son of Man" was the most deliberately chosen title...

Illustration
First Sunday in Lent - C
Romans 10:8b-13
Ron Love
"Son of Man" was the most deliberately chosen title that Jesus selected for himself. It is used 82 times in the New Testament. With few exceptions Jesus always pronounced the title upon himself. One exception was an individual questioning Jesus with these words: "We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" (John 12:34). The anonymous one from the crowd asked: "Who is this Son of Man and why must he be lifted up?" The man was understandably confused, for Jesus had redefined "Son of Man."

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* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready to hear today’s story? (Let them respond.) Let’s get started!

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In the church, we speak often of "salvation." But what do we mean by that term? Certainly several different meanings are given us in the scriptures. The Apostle Paul understood "salvation" to include our resurrection from the dead, our vindication in Christ at the last judgment, and our entrance into the eternal Kingdom of God. And certainly Third Isaiah's understanding is preparatory for that, for in this sixth century B.C. prophetic text, "salvation" means to live abundantly in God's presence.

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There is, in this congregation, a running conversation as to what to call this structural wonder that rises above my head. Is it a dome? Or is it a lantern? The answer, of course, is both/and, depending on your perspective. It is a modern dome - the 1960s version of those elegant Byzantine basilicas that grace much of Europe, reminiscent of glittery mosaics and luminous paintings proclaiming the powerful promises of God. But functionally, architecturally, it is also a lantern, transparently receiving and then sending forth the light of God's creative and healing Spirit.
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Order For Confession And Forgiveness
P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.

P: God calls us from our rebellion, from our bondage of sin to seek him and to delight in his ways. He calls us to fast in humility, to serve our neighbor, to share our bread with the hungry, and to bring the homeless poor into our houses. He calls free the bonds of the oppressed. Let us, therefore, examine our hearts in the light of his commands.

Silence for reflection and confession

P: Gracious and holy God,

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