Thursday, January 24, 2008

5a-- Remembering His coming again

Video Clip:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBcndFWZvUA


Setting: At the end of their adventure, Aslan crowns the four children as kings and queens of Narnia. Aslan, for those of you who are unfamiliar with the story, is a representation of Jesus as the Lion of Judah--Strong, fearsome, gentle, kind, a savior.

When Jesus gave us the memorial meal which we call "The Lord's Supper", he used these words, in Matt 26:27-29
27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." NIV

When we share in communion, we often think back asking for forgiveness, but Jesus also invites us to think forward to that day when he comes again to bring us victoriously into his Kingdom and invites us to reign with him. 2 Tim 2:12says, 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. NIV

This morning we invite you to look forward to that time when you too shall reign with Jesus. It may not feel like it right now, but the Lord's Supper reminds that we are victorious.

Friday, January 4, 2008

4a Celebration together

Video clip:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_HFCYz4x6o

The church is God's family. Jesus is passionately in love with it and is pleased when we all gather, set aside our differences and celebrate His love for us. Look what the apostle Paul says in

Eph 4:1-6 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called- 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.NIV

As the family of God this morning, let us become an island of togetherness, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit, bearing with one another, through all of our foibles and idiosycrasies, in love.

As you share the bread and the juice this morning, will you look around you and celebrate the other brothers and sisters that God has brought into your life. In the name of Jesus and by his death, would you raise your cup in a toast to Jesus Christ and His family.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Theme-- New Year

Film Clip http://wingclips.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16527&substring=forgiveness

In this clip from Secret of the Cave, A town, filled with unhappiness and disjointed relationships is brought together by the mysterious ringing of the church bell, unheard for many years.

Each year we mark the beginning again of the 365 1/4 day cycle of the earth around the sun. But even more, the New Year for us marks a time to begin again. The prophet Jeremiah in the book of Lamentations reminds us that God's cycle of grace is a repeating one.

Lam 3:22-2622 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. NIV


This morning, as we partake of communion, let us remember that God's grace, his love, his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Notice that our Scripture says, it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

A town is torn by anger, hatred, and dysfunction, as you meditate on this scripture and the clip, let the love of God and his forgiveness be renewed again in your life.

Prayer

Then clip. after clip. let the serving of emblems proceed without further word.