Prior Sermon Series and Bible Readings[Audio files of the readings and sermons are posted to the Web site during the week following their delivery.] |
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June 2008 Worship Themes Handling Dynamite: 5 Ways God’s Word Can Rock Our World . . . . A short, lighted fuse on a stick of dynamite changes everything. Something is going to happen and it will involve us. The world around that exploding dynamite is about to get re-arranged. The Greek word for power is dunamis, from which we get the word dynamite. Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power (dynamite) of God for the salvation of everyone who believe. During June we explore five ways to use God’s dynamite. May 31 – June 1 1.
When Parents Teach It To Their Children If you were going to make one choice this week that could change the world of your child, what would it be? Today, God puts life-shaping power (dynamite) in your hands. No matter what your age, or the age of your children, God’s Word shapes and changes lives. What would happen to a community if a whole church committed to using God’s Word in their homes? June 7 - 8 2.
When We Use It To Heal Broken Relationships There is only one tool in this whole world that has the power to rearrange a relationship that is broken . . . and that is the Word of God. Today, scour the data base of your heart and find one relationship that God calls you to renew and resurrect after it has fallen away to nothingness. God shows us how to use the power of the Word of God to make hearts pulse with His love. What happens to a community, when a whole church commits to using God’s Word to heal a relationship? June 14-15 3.
When It Guides Us To Fulfill Our Calling God changed the vocation of the people of Israel. God’s Word gave Moses and the people of Israel a new identity, and a new future when He gave them the covenant. In the same way, God has given you a very specific calling, purpose, and promise and the tool to accomplish it. What would happen to a community if a whole church would hear God’s call to be a “kingdom of priests” today?
June 21-22 4.
When We Tell It Like It Is What do you do when you are compelled to speak out, but the people to whom you speak it to do not want to hear the message? Jeremiah carried dynamite in his heart. There was either going to be an explosion or an implosion. We are a congregation of Jeremiah’s ready to discover God’s amazing provision for those who are faithful conduits of His Word. What would happen to our community if we spoke out with God’s Word when the Holy Spirit prompted us to do so this week? June 28-29 5.
When We Tell God’s Truth (in a “pc” world) Here read of the face-off between two prophets: “nice-news Hananiah” vs “hard-ball, truth-telling Jeremiah.” Christians have been influenced by our culture’s new mores of “political correctness.” “PC” talk is a sure fire way to make the most exciting and critical truths of God’s Word, bland, boring, and impotent. Besides that: it’s dangerous. . . without the truth, people die. What would happen to our community if our congregation would make a commitment to tell God’s truth?
God’s Pentecost People - 2008 We are the people of God, specifically chosen and called by Him to bring His love to the people of our community and the world. Each weekend this month is a special celebration marking some aspect of what it is to be Pentecost people. § May 10-11: The festival of the Pentecost § May 18: The big tent service as an inter-ethnic celebration § May 24-25: The Memorial Day weekend services
May 10-11, 2008 God’s Pentecost People ~ Empowered and Spirited Numbers 11:24-30; Acts 2:1-21; John 7:37-39 Ten days after Jesus had ascended into heaven, and 50 days after His Resurrection, He kept His promise and sent His Spirit. The Holy Spirit has long been known as the most mysterious and unknown of the Holy Trinity. So powerful, that even the Church fears letting control in the hands of the Holy Spirit, for who knows what would happen. Shall we allow Him to fill us, empower us, and spirit us? Come, Holy Spirit, Come! On this Mother’s Day weekend, we also give thanks that God used our mothers to bring us into this world. So many of us can give thanks that we have received the nurture and care of our Father in heaven through His specially chosen agent: our mothers.
May 18, 2008 (at 11 AM in the North Parking Lot Under the Tent) God’s Pentecost People ~ United as Brothers and Sisters in Christ Acts 2:1-21; Revelation 7:9-10; John 17:11 Today, we gather as people united by the blood of Jesus Christ. We may have different colors of skin, different ways of worshiping, different languages with which we offer praise, but we are united in Christ. We have this special opportunity to get a glimpse of heaven as we gather around the throne of the Lamb to sing His praise. While people of different skin colors and languages fight and war against one another, it is the blood of Jesus Christ that unites us. Pentecost people stand out as wonderfully, peculiar people. This weekend there will not be a Saturday night service or 8:15 service Sunday but we will all gather together in our back parking lot (rain or shine) under the big tent with our Jesus First Korean Church, Grace Ethiopian Church, and our newest church, South Asian Church of Christ. There is also a great feast together on Saturday night. Watch for more details in the Communicator.
May 24-25, 2008 God’s Pentecost People ~ Remembered and Sent Isaiah 49:8-16a; Romans 1:8-17; Matthew 6:24-34 Like a loving parent, our Father in heaven reminds us that no matter where we are sent, he will always remember us, for we are engraved in the palms of His hands. That promise is especially precious to us as we remember the scars that mark the physical hands of our Lord Jesus. Now, as Pentecost people, we are called and sent into the world as people of promise. On this Memorial Day weekend we also remember the sacrifice of men and women who, in the name of the United States of America, willingly gave their lives that we could enjoy the freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution.
EASTER 2008 Administering Spiritual First Aid In the forty days following the resurrection Jesus appeared to His disciples, gave them the gift of forgiveness, and a resurrection. Then He gave the disciples the joyful responsibility to take the news of His death and resurrection to every person in the world. With amazement, they received His spiritual first aid treatment in His repeated appearances to them. He equipped them to treat a world wounded by sin and death with His amazing spiritual first aid. We are here because of their faithfulness in sharing the life-saving news. During the next six weeks, we will have opportunity to receive our spiritual first aid training in our worship. Two helpers will also be with us during this time of special spiritual first aid training:
Easter 2 - March 29 – 30 Ken Administering Spiritual First Aid: Treated and Sent Acts 5:29-42; I Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31 The disciples needed prompt spiritual first aid treatment and Thomas in particular. They were deeply wounded by Jesus’ death, had lost their hope, and were de-spirited. Jesus comes into their presence and not only brings them healing, hope, and a new breath . . .He also equips them to go and bring spiritual first aid to a wounded, waiting world. What first aid treatment do you need to be able to bring the most important news to those who are wounded, feeling hopeless, and de-spirited? Easter 3 – April 5 - 6 Administering Spiritual First Aid: For Flat-Lined Hopeless Hearts Acts 2:14a, 36-41; I Peter 1;17-25; Luke 24:13-35 If there were a way to do a spiritual cardiogram of your heart of faith what would it register? Two followers of Jesus, who were the walking wounded, described their “hearts burning within us” as Jesus walked with them. He opened up the Scriptures to give them new hope, even before their eyes recognized Him. There’s hope for you . . .There’s hope through you. Easter 4 - Apr 12-13 Administering Spiritual First Aid: Using the Power of The New You Acts 2:42-47; I Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10 Over the last few years we have been shaping ourselves to administer spiritual first aid through ministries like Care Ministry and ALPHA. We have many stories of the ways in which God has brought spiritual life and vitality through those ministries. Now its time to take a further step in helping every person of this faith community (yes, that means you and me) to have the passion, skills, and ability to give the most valuable gift: the gift of spiritual life and breath. Today we are delighted to welcome the founder of Care Ministry, Mr. Ken Houts. Easter 5 - April 19 – 20 Administering Spiritual First Aid: Treatment for Spiritual Stiff Necks Acts 6:1-9;7:2a, 51-60; I Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14 Ever suffer from back pain or even a stiff neck? It happens spiritually all of the time. . . .to all of us. Stephen diagnosed it for some people who could not turn their heads far enough to meet The Healer, Jesus Christ. See if you can find the spiritual first aid treatment for spiritual stubbornness in each of the readings, today? Easter 6 - April 26 – 27 Administering Spiritual First Aid: The Old and The New Covenants Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 10:1-14; Matthew 16:13-17 As the Lord forms and shapes us spiritually, we recognize His plan and power giving spiritual care to all of His people . . .those who are Jews and those who are Gentiles. We have a special opportunity this weekend to welcome Alan Butterworth of Apple of His Eye Outreach, a recognized service organization of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. The ministry exists to boldly proclaim that Jesus is the Messiah to Jewish and Gentile people alike. We are excited to welcome Alan to help us in our love, care, and ministry to our Jewish family members and friends. Easter 7 - May 3 – 4 Administering Spiritual First Aid: The Purple Heart of Ministry Acts 1:12-26; I Peter 4:12-19; 5:6-11; John 17:1-11 You can tell stories of people who ministered to you out of their own suffering and how significant their gift of life is to you. Peter helps us understand the power of a Christian witness, even in the face of suffering. May all of us strive to be so in love with our Lord, that even at great cost, we speak His name, and share His love. The reward for that kind of spiritual first aid is given directly by the Lord of heaven and earth.
Epiphany is the great revealing of the true identity and purpose of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Epiphany is also the time we anticipated during Whisper in the Whirlwind where God would reveal His purpose and direction for Prince of Peace. Revealing Our Gifts January 5-6, 2008 Epiphany Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12 Following a star to a destination unknown, the Magi took the journey of their lives to finally meet the King of Kings. The gift at the end of the journey is revealed to them . . . even as they present their precious gifts to the King. Have you revealed your gift to the King? Revealing God’s Purpose in our Life January 12-13, 2008 The Baptism of Our Lord Isaiah 42:1-9; Romans 6:1-11; Matthew 3:13-17 Whisper in the Whirlwind has been a time of listening for God’s leading. Over the past months as we paused to listen, our Lord has revealed His purpose and direction for our lives. He is calling us to use our gifts “open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” How is it that God seeks to use His life to fulfill His purpose? Revealing God’s Call for Life January 19-20, 2008 Second Sunday after Epiphany Isaiah 49:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42a God has a design and purpose for every life. Week after week we recognize that no one comes into this church by accident. Isaiah’s words remind us that God’s call begins before we are even born. Paul reveals that we are God’s called people. The Gospel shows Jesus engaged in calling his disciples. Prince of Peace seeks to fulfill her calling as a church that stands strong for the rights of every individual born and unborn, of every ethnic and creedal background through out their lives, until God calls them to their heavenly home. Pay attention to the way in which God calls you to take a stand for someone’s life. Revealing the Way to Life January 26-27, 2008 Third Sunday after Epiphany Isaiah 9:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-25 Jesus walked specifically among people who lived in some form of darkness. The Light shines most brightly when it is very dark. We all experience dark moments. Some people live their lives in the dark. God calls us to be people of the Light who courageously carry the Light of Christ into the darkest places of our community. To whom will you carry the Light of Christ this week? Revealing The Lord of Life February 2-3, 2008 The Transfiguration of Our Lord Exodus 24:8-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 Jesus showed Peter, James, and John His real identity. Peter was so moved by what He saw that he was still talking about that moment in time decades later at the end of his life. Jesus fulfills His purpose and His calling as he descends from the mountain top to the valley of Good Friday. We follow Him now.
Listening for God's Whirlwind Whispers in November and December 2007
Risking Everything in Gift-Giving Advent 1:
December 1 & 2, 2007 ADVENTure #1: Build an ark! Pick up your Advent Ark building materials at church today. Prince of Peace is the Home Depot where you can pick up everything you need to be ready for the great and glorious day of the return of Jesus Christ. Our advent arks are built with faith in the promises that God gives us in Jesus Christ. Blueprints are found in the Epistle for today. Completion is found in Jesus Christ. In response to God’s great promise:
Advent 2:
December 8 & 9, 2007 Picture this . . . your Christmas tree loses all of its needles, but you see a new shoot coming out of the bottom of the trunk, roots start developing all around your Christmas tree stand, and it grows up through your ceiling, through the rooms of your house and out the roof. The fruit of the tree brings extra love, and hope, and peace, and joy to all in your house and every one who comes near your house. ADVENTure #2: Risk letting Jesse’s shoots grow in you and see how it changes your interaction with God, your family, and your friends. Advent 3:
December 15 & 16, 2007 John the Baptist built a road through which people could hear and see Jesus Christ. He put everything on the line so that the Lamb of God could travel the road to meet His people. God used someone as a John the Baptist in your life that got you on the King’s Highway. Through that person, God gave you the most important gift you’ve ever received. ADVENTure #3: You’re the bridge between Jesus Christ and your friend. Ready to risk it all to get that bridge built? Advent 4:
December 22 & 23, 2007 Visitors traveling through the Springfield Interchange the first time are overwhelmed attempting to figure out which sign will lead them to their destination. Two men in the readings for the day received signs from God. One of them refused the sign and missed an opportunity. One of them believed the sign and fulfilled a very special calling and mission. We are still receiving God’s signs through which he leads us to receive His Son and to fulfill a very unique calling. ADVENTure #4 God has sent His Son as His most significant sign. What unique calling is He giving to you? ….to Prince of Peace? Location, Location, Location! Midweek Advent Services December 5, 2007 Behind, but with Hope After the fall into sin Adam tried to hide himself from God. Sin separates. In grace God came looking for Adam saying, “Adam, where are you?” To save us all God comes seeking us; He knows where we are. He locates Himself in His Word and Church so we can know that He has come to save us. Advent proclaims that God comes to surround us with His love. By His saving and living Word, Jesus the Christ, God creates in sinners His gifts of faith, hope, and love, changing us from enemies into friends, sinners into saints. By there gifts Christ lives in us to give us :”the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27b).
December 12, 2007 Buffeted, but on Faith Our first midweek Advent service was centered on following our Lord with the certain and joyful hope of salvation and eternal life. We know that our hope is challenged daily by the changes and chances of life. What keeps hope alive is God’s miraculous gift of faith. God-given faith is up to the task for facing the challenges of life because faith is no mere feeling or emotion, nothing of our own making decision or will. Faith is the gift of God that holds on to God’s objective Word and promises in the face of anything and everything that would seem to speak against it.. When we are armed with “the shield of faith” (Ephesians 6:16) that is, the teaching of the Word of God, it preserves us from doubt and gives courage for each day.
December 19, 2007 Surrounded by the Father’s Love So far in our midweek Advent services we have heard of God’s gifts of hope for salvation and faith in God’s objective Word. According to St. Paul’s famous words, there is one more gift that is “greater” than the other two. He writes, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Faith as trust in God will never case. Likewise hope as the expectation of the ever-new unfolding of glory in eternity. But love is “greater: for love alone makes us partakers in the very essence of God, for “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (1 John 4:16).
Our Response to God’s Yes: Thanks-Living!
November 10 & 11, 2007 The stories of the Gospels are the remembering of the apostles as they recounted the amazing stories of Jesus. Prince of Peace as a congregation has 45 years of God-stories. Thanks-living gives glory to the Jesus Christ for His work among us past, present, and future, too. The Thanks-Living question:
November 17 & 18, 2007 Our God is rich in mercy and abounding in love. His heart is so big toward us that He loved us even when we rebelled against Him. His love has no boundaries, borders, or barriers. He calls His children to be rich in mercy and abounding in love towards one another. Big hearted-living refuses to be stingy in love towards God or one another. The Thanks-living question
November 24 & 25, 2007
Christ the King The thief on the cross to Jesus’ right is a model of “thanks-living.” While being crucified he heard The Judge of the Living and the Dead proclaim Him forgiven and free. Suffering on a cross, along side of Jesus, he was thank-filled and triumphant as he used that moment to proclaim the goodness of Christ. The Thanks-Living Question
September to November 2007 Listening for a Whisper in the Whirlwind Finding God’s Voice in the Chaos of the World Our worship during Fall is seeking answers to questions of spiritual discernment:
September God Shows Us His Will As He Meets Us in Sacred Space Objective: The worshiper will be asked to be intentional about
God leads people to sacred places where He speaks to them. The next three weeks will give you specific thought about the sacred spaces God is arranging where He can meet you. Each weekend will give you a special opportunity to move God’s promise into action. September 15 & 16 Find Sacred Space . . .In the Quiet Place We will have many more opportunities to hear the voice of God if we remove ourselves from the cacophony of noise. In that quiet place God enunciates His plans to those who wait for Him. Today’s task: Choose the quiet place you can use each and every day.
September 22 & 23 Find Sacred Space . . . In the Last Place We Want to Go Often we resist going to the place that God is leading us. Our prejudices, our fears, our misconceptions, our spirit not aligned with God’s Spirit can leave us stranded out of God’s will. A big clue for all of us: the last place Jesus wanted to go is the most sacred meeting place between God and people. Today’s task: Make a list of places you don’t want to go or topics you refuse to talk about or that anger you. God wants to meet you there.
September 29 & 30 Find Sacred Space . . .Deep in His Word God’s Word gives clear direction. In order to hear God’s voice, every Christian (that means me and you) needs a daily time to listen and hear God’s voice. Today’s task: Commit time to reading God’s Word every day. If it helps keep you accountable we encourage you to tell one of your brothers or sisters in Christ what you are attempting to do.
Listening for a Whisper in the Whirlwind Finding God’s Voice in the Chaos of the World Our worship during Fall is seeking answers to questions of spiritual discernment:
In September we looked at the importance of discovering that God was drawing us to sacred spaces to meet with Him, October is the time God fits us with new spiritual lenses to see His work in our lives. October Answers: God Shows Us His Will as We Spot God’s “Yes” in Our Lives Objective: The worshiper will be challenged to identify the specific ways God gives direction by working in and through the details of their lives. God is always working in your life. He is working through every little detail. He lets no opportunity go. Unless you are putting on the “God at work” lenses, you may miss His miracles, His answers to your prayers, His direction in your life. During October we’ll take the next step in understanding how God helps us in our decision making as individuals and as a congregation. October 6 & 7 God’s Yes: When We’re Engaged in Struggle Often our Father in heaven allows us to struggle. He moves us out of our comfort zone, out of our ability, resource, and energy so that we have to depend on Him and really see Him at work. Through the struggle He is always seeking to teach us something of who He is and what He is seeking from us or through us. Today’s task: Identify the “Yes” of God behind the challenge you are currently facing. What is one gift God is giving you through your current struggle? Talk about it at your family dinner table or with a friend.
October 13 & 14 God’s Yes The Inexplicable Coincidence Some people call them “God moments.” It’s usually a divine appointment, an amazing coincidence, or something that you just can’t explain. God’s Word tells us what it is: it is the way in which God is opening a door for you. There something more to follow, to see, to learn, to experience. Today’s task: See if you can identify a “God-moment” in your life this week. How might God seek to work in your life through that coincidence?
October 20 & 21 God’s Yes: Affirmed When Others Say “No” Just because everyone at church votes “yes” does not mean that God voted the same way. Today we recognize that we need to learn how God is voting before we decide the right pathway for our lives. Today’s task: Identify specific ways that you end up voting the opposite way of those around you. Does God speak clearly about the issue? Do a little research in God’s Word. Pray about it and ask God to reveal His vote to you.
October 27 & 28 God’s Yes: Grace~The Family DNA Martin Luther heard the grace-filled tone of God’s voice and it changed his life, the lives of many in Germany, and since then the lives of people all around the world. God’s “yes” gives us the courage to make critical decisions because we know that even in our failure, God’s grace abounds. It’s in our family DNA. Today’s Task: Think about this: You are a grace person. God embraces you with His total and absolute love. If that is who God has made you, how could that impact your decisions this week. This is a topic to discuss with your friend or family. Reformation Day Readings
Listening for a Whisper in the Whirlwind Finding God’s Voice in the Chaos of the World We have devoted our worship time in September and October to seek answers to questions of spiritual discernment:
After struggling to know which way God is leading us to go, we are taking our initial steps. This is the time when we make a commitment to follow Him . . .the whole way. As we take these first steps you can be sure that our Enemy will do absolutely everything to distract and discourage and us from going that way. We need God’s grace and strength to follow Him and stay on His road. November Answers God Shows Us His Will as We Commit to His Way All the Way We’ve been exploring the ways in which God gives us direction in our lives, and the ways that we can hear his “yes” and “no” in such a way that it guides us through our lives. Once making a decision to step out in a certain direction, we are committed. In our commitment to follow our Lord we will be pushed and pulled in every possible way because our enemy Satan seeks to take us off course. We’ll hear about a commitment that can make us bolder and more courageous in stepping up to our challenges. Objective: The worshiper and worshiping community is given an opportunity to:
November 3 & 4 Saints Committed to His Way There are people that have gone before us who are heroes in the faith. With eyes on the Lord Jesus they made their choice and lived out that commitment. Today, as we pause to remember these special gifts of God, we recognize that God has positioned these people, and even the circumstances around their lives, to help us listen and understand His voice. Readings for All Saints Day
2007
Summer Worship Series Once in a while when we worship, we all feel it . . . the electrical power of the Holy Spirit. Other times the “gentle whisper” Elijah experienced beckons us. Spiritual synapses jolt us as we hear the Word of God in a new way. There are times when we hear the Word of God, the sword of the Spirit cuts through our heart like a hot knife through butter. Sometimes it is a child’s voice in the children’s sermon through which the Father speaks to mature men and women. The sounds, the smells, the sights are all used by God to shape your life in a whole new way. This is worship. Each summer our worship focus goes “Back to Basics.” This year the focus of our spiritual formation is under the title: Encountering God in Worship. Whenever people put themselves in the pathway to intersect with God, one never knows what might happen. We will seek to take you more deeply in the conversation of why we do what we do in a worship service. As you come each week, we encourage you to bring your Bible, take notes, consider ways that you can make yourself more available for God to break into your life. Our objective: that we can experience the passionate love of Jesus Christ in deeper, richer ways as we make ourselves available to Him in worship. While summer vacation, rest, and relaxation is good, please remember to worship wherever you are each weekend. And of course, if we are in town, your Father desires to spend time with you.
June 23-24, 2007
The Power of a Name ~ The Invocation
June 30-Jul1, 2007
A Deep
Cleaning ~ The Confession and Absolution
July 14-15.
2007 Text Messaging ~ The Word of God
July 29-30,
2007 I Believe You …No Matter What ~ The Creed
August 4/5 Dialogue with God—The Prayers We follow the example of Jesus’ disciples as we ask our Lord, to teach us how to pray. It’s not the eloquence of the prayer that matters . . .but it is the expression of our hearts to which God listens. In addition, God’s curricu lum for us is to learn to listen for His voice.
August 11/12 Setting the Table It’s time to set the table, wash our hands, and prepare to gather around our Father’s table. Here the question is: How can we prepare ourselves to be at the same table as our Father in heaven and each of our brothers and sisters?
August 18/19 Time to Eat We quip, “Eating is one of Prince of Peace’s spiritual gifts.” While eating Is one of our great gifts it is also the great design of our Lord to deliver the most important gifts that will nourish hungry spirits. What really is happening when we come to this table?
August 25/26 What Do You Say? - The Thanksgiving We all grew up with the parental reminder, “what do you say?” We knew im mediately that was the clue to say, “Thank you for _____.” Hearts bubbling over with thanksgiving to God are prompted to live a live of thanks.
September 1/2
The
Blessing Our worship service always ends with a blessing. As you leave the house of God the aura of God’s radiance is shining around you. Even as we are filled with God’s good things, we are sent to be a blessing of God to all we meet. The Lord bless you and keep you!
The Church Ablaze
June 16-17, 2007
Jesus was sent to break down all barriers that would keep people from coming close to His Father. Any walls that need to come down in or around you today?
Reconciliation: The Raising of Dead Relationships . . .We have celebrated the resurrection of Jesus and in the creed we profess faith in the fact that one day he will return and raise up our dead and decayed bodies to be with our spirits in eternal life. But do you dare to believe that Jesus Christ has the power to raise up relationships that are dying, dead, or decayed? We believe in miracles . . .and over the next 6 weeks we pray that you will experience the miracle of new life in a relationship that has died. April 4/15 Reconciliation: The Raising of Dead Relationships. . .By Sharing the Peace Acts 5:12-20; (21-32); Rev. 1:4-18; John 20:19-31 If we believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ’s body, is it possible that your relationship with (fill in the blank) ____________ can also be raised from the dead? How do you know how to fill in the blank?
When the disciples encountered Jesus Christ alive it was still an impossibility |
