The church organizes for mission
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series V, Cycle B
Theme For The Day: The church organizes for mission and Christ prays that the ways of the world will not subvert that mission but that the Father would keep them in his grace.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Acts 1:15--17, 21--26 (C); Acts 1:15--17, 20--26 (RC); Acts 1:15--26 (E)
The post--resurrection church begins very small, some 120 souls. Once again, Peter takes the lead in filling the slot left by the bloody death of Judas. They selected two men who met the criteria: (1) They had witnessed the resurrected Jesus and they were in the company of Jesus' disciples since the baptism of John. They cast lots, a common Jewish practice, especially as it relates to the service schedule for the priests. Stones with the individual's name were placed into a jar. The one that fell out was held to be the chosen of God. Matthias won the draw and is never again heard from. Is it possible that the church acted prematurely, rather than waiting for the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Some maintain that the apostle Paul was the one that God picked to fill the vacancy left by Judas. It is interesting to note that Judas, from the town near Hebron called Kerioth and the only disciple not to hail from Galilee, turned out to be the betrayer.
Lesson 2: 1 John 5:9--13 (C); 1 John 5:9--15 (E)
John reasons that if we receive the testimony of men about the veracity of something, the testimony of God should be all the more readily received. (Note the legal language here.) God testifies to his Son as the Savior of the world. The Father testified to Jesus through his mighty works, his teachings, at his baptism, at the Transfiguration, and especially the resurrection. Those who believe God have this testimony in their heart and those who do not believe are, in reality, calling God a liar (v. 10). The way to God is very narrow. Only those who trust in God's Son have life eternal. John's purpose for writing is to elicit faith and the assurance that we belong to God (v. 13) and that God will hear our prayers (v. 14).
Lesson 2: 1 John 4:11--16 (RC)
(See Easter 5)
Gospel: John 17:6--19 (C); John 17:11--19 (RC); John 17:11b--19 (E)
In Jesus' high priestly prayer, he prays that the Father would guard his disciples and preserve them from Satan. Jesus thanks the Father that he has kept all his disciples, except Judas, the son of perdition. Perdition suggests eternal lostness, hopelessness and a unrepentant spirit. Jesus contrasts his disciples, who have accepted the truth, to the world, which chooses to remain in spiritual darkness. John's theology does not view human existence in shades of color but in black and white. The disciples are not of the world but are in the world. The term world does not indicate geography but rather the sinful rebellion to which humans have fallen. Jesus sends his disciples into the world with the truth of the gospel.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 1 (C) - "The Lord watches over the way of the righteous..." (v. 6a).
Psalm 68:1--20 (E)
Psalm 102 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
Lord of the Church, you have set us in a sinful world with the light of your gospel. Keep us close to you so that our witness might give light and hope to those who are lost and groping for direction. In the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Acts 1:15--17, 21--26
The difference between sorrow and repentance. The gospels and the book of Acts agree that Judas was sorrowful after he saw the outcome of his treachery. He probably didn't intend that Jesus would die. He may have been trying, in his perverted way, to force the hand of Jesus. At any rate, he hated himself for what he had done and killed himself in a fit of despair. Judas had sorrow, but not godly sorrow that leads to repentance. Repentance looks to God in the hope that God will forgive and that the future can be different than the past. Godless sorrow sucks a person into the black hole of despair and death.
Special election. Judas violently vacated his office of apostle after he betrayed his Lord. When the church was born, after the resurrection, Peter decided that it was time for a special election. The qualifications were established; the candidate would have to be a witness of the resurrection and a long--time follower of the Master (vv. 21--22). After the nominating committee had secured qualified candidates, the church prayed earnestly for God to reveal his will. Then they cast their ballots (lots) and Matthias was chosen. That was the church's first special election. When we view the matter from another perspective, all of Christ's followers have won special election, although not through our own efforts. Listen to Peter describe our election: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9, NRSV).
Looking for someone who knows Jesus. The qualifications for the candidate that would fill Judas' vacancy, described above, boil down to this: they were looking for someone who knew Jesus firsthand. The office of apostle required someone who had lived through Jesus' triumphs and tragedies, someone who knew the meaning of loyalty and faithfulness. They were looking for someone who had died and been raised to newness of life with Christ. These requirements are still the key ones today for those who would hold office in Christ's church.
Lesson 2: 1 John 5:9--16
God on the witness stand (vv. 9--11). The O.J. Simpson trial brought before the world the importance of having credible witnesses. The officer who investigated the crime scene, Mark Fuhrman, originally testified that he had not used the word "Nigger" during the past ten years. Later, tapes of him using the "N" word with other racist remarks cast a thick shadow on his credibility as a witness. John asserts that God's testimony remains steadfast and sure, much more reliable than that of humans. God testifies that he has given us eternal life through Jesus, his Son.
Assurance (v. 13). John writes to a church immersed in a culture that put forth many different claims to eternal truth. John writes to steady the hearts of the believers with the assurance that "you many know that you have eternal life." How can a person know he has eternal life? Very simply. "Whoever has the Son has life..." (v. 12). To have indicates possession. To have the Son is more than intellectual assent to his identity as God's Son and Savior of the world. To have the Son means to take hold of him experientially through faith, to cling tenaciously to him in bad times and good, in times of testing and times of triumph.
Thank God for answering your prayers (vv. 14--15). John boldly declares that if we ask anything that accords with God's will, he has already heard us and granted our petition. We may not have received yet that which was asked for but we can have the confidence that it's in the bag. God is merely processing our request, waiting to send it at the proper time. Therefore, we should thank God for answering our prayers even before we take delivery of the item requested. There's only one condition - our prayers must be in sync with God's will.
Gospel: John 17:6--19
Name recognition. When a candidate seeks office, he or she aims to gain widespread name recognition. That's how great military leaders and movie actors have attained eminent office. Without name recognition you're dead in the water whether you seek an office or desire to sell a product. This pericope begins with Jesus' assertion that he has made God's name known (v. 6). The biblical concept of revealing God's name goes far beyond our modern--day concept of name recognition. To make God's name known equates to making God's real character, purpose and person known. Jesus was not able to make God's name known to everybody but only to those who would accept the truth. In contrast, the modern--day business of gaining name recognition may actually seek to conceal the real character and intention of the person behind the name. Publicity experts seek to widely market an image rather than the real person behind the name.
Pass the word (v. 8). Jesus claims the he has passed on to his disciples the message that the Father first gave him. His good news of grace and forgiveness was not his idea, it came from the Father. We in turn are given the mission of passing on to others what we have received from the Father through the Son.
Out of this world (v. 16). Those whom God has called to be his own are really out of this world. They live in the world but the world does not live in them. The ethic of Christ and his kingdom are opposed to the predominant value system of the world. The world puts forth self--expression and self--aggrandizement as its highest values, while those who belong to Christ seek to be servants of God's will. Christians must never forget that we live as a minority within the predominant world view. Our vision for life comes from beyond this world. A major factor in the malaise that grips most so--called mainline churches relates to their having become too identified with the secular world view.
Heaven--sent (v. 18). As the Father sent Jesus into the world with the message of salvation, so God sends us into the world. God doesn't want us to live in a religious ghetto, sealed off from the rest of the world. Nor does the Lord send us, like tourists, to a foreign country where we see the sights but don't mingle with the natives. We are heaven--sent into the world, not only to know the world but to make God's Word known in the world.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Acts 1:15--17, 21--26
Sermon Title: Special Election
Sermon Angle: The apostolic office of Judas became vacant after his betrayal of his Lord and his self--imposed punishment. Peter called a special election but asked God to make his will known in the choosing (v. 24). We are not all chosen to be elected officials in the church but we are all called, by our election in baptism, to fulfill some special role as Christ's disciples. (See "Theological Reflection On The Lessons").
Outline:
1. Judas' betrayal left a leadership gap.
2. Peter called a special election of qualified candidates.
3. Our church has leadership gaps.
- Ask God for guidance to find those whom God has elected to these posts.
- Consider: are we fulfilling our role as Christ's elect?
Sermon Title: When You're Not The Number One Pick
Sermon Angle: Many folks in our society set their sights to be #1, the first chosen and the best. Recall the Jessica Savitch story in the previous chapter. We take a keen interest in the identity of the #1 pick for the National Football League or National Basketball Association. Judas was not the first one selected by Jesus but he was picked to be on the first team, the starting lineup; sadly, his dishonorable conduct disqualified him. Two men were chosen as candidates to fill the slot but only one of these men was chosen. The winner was #2 for Judas' position and the loser was kicked to the #3 position, or lower. If these men had big egos, they might have taken offense that they were not the #1 pick. Apparently, that was not the case because we don't know anything much about either of them. They weren't as ambitious as Judas but they were apparently willing to serve wherever they were needed. They had taken Jesus' lesson to heart; his disciples were not to distinguish themselves through status but service.
Outline:
1. Give some examples of the drive to be the #1 pick.
2. Judas sought position (treasurer) and power (the reason of his betrayal).
3. Seeking status and power can lead to death (spiritual and physical).
4. Matthias was second string - he wasn't a star but he was apparently an effective team player.
5. Fill the position God calls you to, with honor.
__________
Cal Ripken, the shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles, broke Lou Gehrig's record by having played in 2,131 consecutive games as of September 6, 1995. A downpour of praise for the stalwart player seemed to go on and on but nobody went running for cover. When he took off his jersey and cap and presented it to his wife and two small children, the torrent of emotion gushed precipitously. He returned to the dugout but the crowd would not abate the revelry, and so a couple of his teammates pushed him out of the dugout to parade around the periphery of the field - bowing, waving, acknowledging, and shaking hands with fans and coaches. Finally Cal's energy was spent. He trotted into the dugout and refused to re--emerge. Finally, reluctantly, the applause came to a conclusion after 22 minutes. What was all the hoopla about? Is he a baseball star of the calibre of Babe Ruth or Mickey Mantle? No, that's not it. He's good! Real good! But not that great. What is it then? Ripken was called to do a job and he carried out that call with tenacity, faithfulness and don't forget joy! Sure, he's making millions but he also gives his all. That's more than you can say about the majority of big league baseball players. Cal Ripken shows what can happen when a person doesn't concern himself with being #1 but lives life with gusto, fervor and tenacity, faithful to his call. People come to recognize eventually that there is something stellar about that kind of life. Baseball, the American icon, has become badly tarnished of late. Cal Ripken helped restore some of its luster.
Lesson 2: 1 John 5:9--16
Sermon Title: Witness Within
Sermon Angle: John employs legal language when he speaks of the testimony or witness of God. He writes: "Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts" (v. 10). That testimony comes through the Bible but is confirmed to us by the witness within our hearts, the Holy Spirit.
Outline:
1. Knowing the truth depends on having faithful witnesses.
2. Jesus witnesses to the saving love of God.
3. God witnesses to Jesus, his Son, through the external word and the Holy Spirit.
4. The witness of the Word is confirmed by the witness within.
Sermon Title: Stand Up, Stand Up With Jesus!
Sermon Angle: One of the most vivid signs that death was sucking the life from my father occurred when his legs buckled beneath him as he was mounting the stairs. Eventually he lay prostrate, then silent. Lying down symbolizes both sleep and death; maybe that's why we confuse the two. Life and vitality has us standing erect, tall and strong. As we travel through this world, Christ can keep us standing when we are dealt a gut--wrenching blow. Christ keeps us standing after we die as well, through the power of his resurrection. "God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son" (v. 11).
Outline:
1. Have you experienced life when you couldn't stand up any more?
2. The forces of death knock us down but his Spirit within sustains us (v. 10).
3. Death steals our physical life but the risen Lord gives us life (vv. 11--12).
4. We stand up strong through faith in Christ and the power of the Spirit.
Gospel: John 17:6--19
Sermon Title: Our Marriage To God
Sermon Angle: In Jesus' high priestly prayer he asserts that he has given his followers God's name and made that name known. As God's baptized children we are given the name of God - Father, Son and Spirit. To carry God's name is more than a label, it means to enter into the deepest of all relationships, earthly or celestial. Jesus claims to have made God's character and person known to us. The spirit of God permeates his name. The closest counterpart, in the earthly plain of relationships, is marriage. In marriage, not only does the bride usually take on the groom's name but comes to know and love that which the name signifies. The groom likewise first comes to know the name of his beloved and then the person behind the name. Revealing our name signifies a process of unveiling and of making our deepest selves known. Marriage, as it was intended to be, presents us with an apt illustration of the believer's relationship with God.
Outline:
1. Marriage is a relationship of intimacy beginning with our names.
2. In the biblical sense, to disclose one's name was more than sharing a label; it meant to reveal one's character and person.
3. Christ has given us God's name - we come to know him personally.
4. Let us honor that name in all that we do.
Sermon Title: Great Is The Power Of His Name
Sermon Angle: Jesus prays that the Father will protect his disciples through the power of his name (v. 11). There is also power in the name of Jesus, when we come to know and serve the One represented by that name. The name of Jesus is not magic, like in some vampire movie, when the fiend is stopped by the mere sight of the cross. No, there is power when we enter into a personal relationship with the God we come to know in Jesus' name. When we lift up the name of Jesus in genuine prayer, praise and thanksgiving, we are empowered for life and ministry.
Outline:
1. God's children carry his name. This implies a familial relationship.
2. Jesus prays that the Father would protect and keep those who know his name.
- Protection does not mean sheltering from all adversity.
- Rather, Jesus prays that God will keep his children in the true faith.
3. There is power in the name of Jesus.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Acts 1:15--17, 21--26 (C); Acts 1:15--17, 20--26 (RC); Acts 1:15--26 (E)
The post--resurrection church begins very small, some 120 souls. Once again, Peter takes the lead in filling the slot left by the bloody death of Judas. They selected two men who met the criteria: (1) They had witnessed the resurrected Jesus and they were in the company of Jesus' disciples since the baptism of John. They cast lots, a common Jewish practice, especially as it relates to the service schedule for the priests. Stones with the individual's name were placed into a jar. The one that fell out was held to be the chosen of God. Matthias won the draw and is never again heard from. Is it possible that the church acted prematurely, rather than waiting for the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Some maintain that the apostle Paul was the one that God picked to fill the vacancy left by Judas. It is interesting to note that Judas, from the town near Hebron called Kerioth and the only disciple not to hail from Galilee, turned out to be the betrayer.
Lesson 2: 1 John 5:9--13 (C); 1 John 5:9--15 (E)
John reasons that if we receive the testimony of men about the veracity of something, the testimony of God should be all the more readily received. (Note the legal language here.) God testifies to his Son as the Savior of the world. The Father testified to Jesus through his mighty works, his teachings, at his baptism, at the Transfiguration, and especially the resurrection. Those who believe God have this testimony in their heart and those who do not believe are, in reality, calling God a liar (v. 10). The way to God is very narrow. Only those who trust in God's Son have life eternal. John's purpose for writing is to elicit faith and the assurance that we belong to God (v. 13) and that God will hear our prayers (v. 14).
Lesson 2: 1 John 4:11--16 (RC)
(See Easter 5)
Gospel: John 17:6--19 (C); John 17:11--19 (RC); John 17:11b--19 (E)
In Jesus' high priestly prayer, he prays that the Father would guard his disciples and preserve them from Satan. Jesus thanks the Father that he has kept all his disciples, except Judas, the son of perdition. Perdition suggests eternal lostness, hopelessness and a unrepentant spirit. Jesus contrasts his disciples, who have accepted the truth, to the world, which chooses to remain in spiritual darkness. John's theology does not view human existence in shades of color but in black and white. The disciples are not of the world but are in the world. The term world does not indicate geography but rather the sinful rebellion to which humans have fallen. Jesus sends his disciples into the world with the truth of the gospel.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 1 (C) - "The Lord watches over the way of the righteous..." (v. 6a).
Psalm 68:1--20 (E)
Psalm 102 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
Lord of the Church, you have set us in a sinful world with the light of your gospel. Keep us close to you so that our witness might give light and hope to those who are lost and groping for direction. In the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Acts 1:15--17, 21--26
The difference between sorrow and repentance. The gospels and the book of Acts agree that Judas was sorrowful after he saw the outcome of his treachery. He probably didn't intend that Jesus would die. He may have been trying, in his perverted way, to force the hand of Jesus. At any rate, he hated himself for what he had done and killed himself in a fit of despair. Judas had sorrow, but not godly sorrow that leads to repentance. Repentance looks to God in the hope that God will forgive and that the future can be different than the past. Godless sorrow sucks a person into the black hole of despair and death.
Special election. Judas violently vacated his office of apostle after he betrayed his Lord. When the church was born, after the resurrection, Peter decided that it was time for a special election. The qualifications were established; the candidate would have to be a witness of the resurrection and a long--time follower of the Master (vv. 21--22). After the nominating committee had secured qualified candidates, the church prayed earnestly for God to reveal his will. Then they cast their ballots (lots) and Matthias was chosen. That was the church's first special election. When we view the matter from another perspective, all of Christ's followers have won special election, although not through our own efforts. Listen to Peter describe our election: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9, NRSV).
Looking for someone who knows Jesus. The qualifications for the candidate that would fill Judas' vacancy, described above, boil down to this: they were looking for someone who knew Jesus firsthand. The office of apostle required someone who had lived through Jesus' triumphs and tragedies, someone who knew the meaning of loyalty and faithfulness. They were looking for someone who had died and been raised to newness of life with Christ. These requirements are still the key ones today for those who would hold office in Christ's church.
Lesson 2: 1 John 5:9--16
God on the witness stand (vv. 9--11). The O.J. Simpson trial brought before the world the importance of having credible witnesses. The officer who investigated the crime scene, Mark Fuhrman, originally testified that he had not used the word "Nigger" during the past ten years. Later, tapes of him using the "N" word with other racist remarks cast a thick shadow on his credibility as a witness. John asserts that God's testimony remains steadfast and sure, much more reliable than that of humans. God testifies that he has given us eternal life through Jesus, his Son.
Assurance (v. 13). John writes to a church immersed in a culture that put forth many different claims to eternal truth. John writes to steady the hearts of the believers with the assurance that "you many know that you have eternal life." How can a person know he has eternal life? Very simply. "Whoever has the Son has life..." (v. 12). To have indicates possession. To have the Son is more than intellectual assent to his identity as God's Son and Savior of the world. To have the Son means to take hold of him experientially through faith, to cling tenaciously to him in bad times and good, in times of testing and times of triumph.
Thank God for answering your prayers (vv. 14--15). John boldly declares that if we ask anything that accords with God's will, he has already heard us and granted our petition. We may not have received yet that which was asked for but we can have the confidence that it's in the bag. God is merely processing our request, waiting to send it at the proper time. Therefore, we should thank God for answering our prayers even before we take delivery of the item requested. There's only one condition - our prayers must be in sync with God's will.
Gospel: John 17:6--19
Name recognition. When a candidate seeks office, he or she aims to gain widespread name recognition. That's how great military leaders and movie actors have attained eminent office. Without name recognition you're dead in the water whether you seek an office or desire to sell a product. This pericope begins with Jesus' assertion that he has made God's name known (v. 6). The biblical concept of revealing God's name goes far beyond our modern--day concept of name recognition. To make God's name known equates to making God's real character, purpose and person known. Jesus was not able to make God's name known to everybody but only to those who would accept the truth. In contrast, the modern--day business of gaining name recognition may actually seek to conceal the real character and intention of the person behind the name. Publicity experts seek to widely market an image rather than the real person behind the name.
Pass the word (v. 8). Jesus claims the he has passed on to his disciples the message that the Father first gave him. His good news of grace and forgiveness was not his idea, it came from the Father. We in turn are given the mission of passing on to others what we have received from the Father through the Son.
Out of this world (v. 16). Those whom God has called to be his own are really out of this world. They live in the world but the world does not live in them. The ethic of Christ and his kingdom are opposed to the predominant value system of the world. The world puts forth self--expression and self--aggrandizement as its highest values, while those who belong to Christ seek to be servants of God's will. Christians must never forget that we live as a minority within the predominant world view. Our vision for life comes from beyond this world. A major factor in the malaise that grips most so--called mainline churches relates to their having become too identified with the secular world view.
Heaven--sent (v. 18). As the Father sent Jesus into the world with the message of salvation, so God sends us into the world. God doesn't want us to live in a religious ghetto, sealed off from the rest of the world. Nor does the Lord send us, like tourists, to a foreign country where we see the sights but don't mingle with the natives. We are heaven--sent into the world, not only to know the world but to make God's Word known in the world.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Acts 1:15--17, 21--26
Sermon Title: Special Election
Sermon Angle: The apostolic office of Judas became vacant after his betrayal of his Lord and his self--imposed punishment. Peter called a special election but asked God to make his will known in the choosing (v. 24). We are not all chosen to be elected officials in the church but we are all called, by our election in baptism, to fulfill some special role as Christ's disciples. (See "Theological Reflection On The Lessons").
Outline:
1. Judas' betrayal left a leadership gap.
2. Peter called a special election of qualified candidates.
3. Our church has leadership gaps.
- Ask God for guidance to find those whom God has elected to these posts.
- Consider: are we fulfilling our role as Christ's elect?
Sermon Title: When You're Not The Number One Pick
Sermon Angle: Many folks in our society set their sights to be #1, the first chosen and the best. Recall the Jessica Savitch story in the previous chapter. We take a keen interest in the identity of the #1 pick for the National Football League or National Basketball Association. Judas was not the first one selected by Jesus but he was picked to be on the first team, the starting lineup; sadly, his dishonorable conduct disqualified him. Two men were chosen as candidates to fill the slot but only one of these men was chosen. The winner was #2 for Judas' position and the loser was kicked to the #3 position, or lower. If these men had big egos, they might have taken offense that they were not the #1 pick. Apparently, that was not the case because we don't know anything much about either of them. They weren't as ambitious as Judas but they were apparently willing to serve wherever they were needed. They had taken Jesus' lesson to heart; his disciples were not to distinguish themselves through status but service.
Outline:
1. Give some examples of the drive to be the #1 pick.
2. Judas sought position (treasurer) and power (the reason of his betrayal).
3. Seeking status and power can lead to death (spiritual and physical).
4. Matthias was second string - he wasn't a star but he was apparently an effective team player.
5. Fill the position God calls you to, with honor.
__________
Cal Ripken, the shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles, broke Lou Gehrig's record by having played in 2,131 consecutive games as of September 6, 1995. A downpour of praise for the stalwart player seemed to go on and on but nobody went running for cover. When he took off his jersey and cap and presented it to his wife and two small children, the torrent of emotion gushed precipitously. He returned to the dugout but the crowd would not abate the revelry, and so a couple of his teammates pushed him out of the dugout to parade around the periphery of the field - bowing, waving, acknowledging, and shaking hands with fans and coaches. Finally Cal's energy was spent. He trotted into the dugout and refused to re--emerge. Finally, reluctantly, the applause came to a conclusion after 22 minutes. What was all the hoopla about? Is he a baseball star of the calibre of Babe Ruth or Mickey Mantle? No, that's not it. He's good! Real good! But not that great. What is it then? Ripken was called to do a job and he carried out that call with tenacity, faithfulness and don't forget joy! Sure, he's making millions but he also gives his all. That's more than you can say about the majority of big league baseball players. Cal Ripken shows what can happen when a person doesn't concern himself with being #1 but lives life with gusto, fervor and tenacity, faithful to his call. People come to recognize eventually that there is something stellar about that kind of life. Baseball, the American icon, has become badly tarnished of late. Cal Ripken helped restore some of its luster.
Lesson 2: 1 John 5:9--16
Sermon Title: Witness Within
Sermon Angle: John employs legal language when he speaks of the testimony or witness of God. He writes: "Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts" (v. 10). That testimony comes through the Bible but is confirmed to us by the witness within our hearts, the Holy Spirit.
Outline:
1. Knowing the truth depends on having faithful witnesses.
2. Jesus witnesses to the saving love of God.
3. God witnesses to Jesus, his Son, through the external word and the Holy Spirit.
4. The witness of the Word is confirmed by the witness within.
Sermon Title: Stand Up, Stand Up With Jesus!
Sermon Angle: One of the most vivid signs that death was sucking the life from my father occurred when his legs buckled beneath him as he was mounting the stairs. Eventually he lay prostrate, then silent. Lying down symbolizes both sleep and death; maybe that's why we confuse the two. Life and vitality has us standing erect, tall and strong. As we travel through this world, Christ can keep us standing when we are dealt a gut--wrenching blow. Christ keeps us standing after we die as well, through the power of his resurrection. "God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son" (v. 11).
Outline:
1. Have you experienced life when you couldn't stand up any more?
2. The forces of death knock us down but his Spirit within sustains us (v. 10).
3. Death steals our physical life but the risen Lord gives us life (vv. 11--12).
4. We stand up strong through faith in Christ and the power of the Spirit.
Gospel: John 17:6--19
Sermon Title: Our Marriage To God
Sermon Angle: In Jesus' high priestly prayer he asserts that he has given his followers God's name and made that name known. As God's baptized children we are given the name of God - Father, Son and Spirit. To carry God's name is more than a label, it means to enter into the deepest of all relationships, earthly or celestial. Jesus claims to have made God's character and person known to us. The spirit of God permeates his name. The closest counterpart, in the earthly plain of relationships, is marriage. In marriage, not only does the bride usually take on the groom's name but comes to know and love that which the name signifies. The groom likewise first comes to know the name of his beloved and then the person behind the name. Revealing our name signifies a process of unveiling and of making our deepest selves known. Marriage, as it was intended to be, presents us with an apt illustration of the believer's relationship with God.
Outline:
1. Marriage is a relationship of intimacy beginning with our names.
2. In the biblical sense, to disclose one's name was more than sharing a label; it meant to reveal one's character and person.
3. Christ has given us God's name - we come to know him personally.
4. Let us honor that name in all that we do.
Sermon Title: Great Is The Power Of His Name
Sermon Angle: Jesus prays that the Father will protect his disciples through the power of his name (v. 11). There is also power in the name of Jesus, when we come to know and serve the One represented by that name. The name of Jesus is not magic, like in some vampire movie, when the fiend is stopped by the mere sight of the cross. No, there is power when we enter into a personal relationship with the God we come to know in Jesus' name. When we lift up the name of Jesus in genuine prayer, praise and thanksgiving, we are empowered for life and ministry.
Outline:
1. God's children carry his name. This implies a familial relationship.
2. Jesus prays that the Father would protect and keep those who know his name.
- Protection does not mean sheltering from all adversity.
- Rather, Jesus prays that God will keep his children in the true faith.
3. There is power in the name of Jesus.
