He has risen! He is alive!

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, today we gather to reflect upon one of the most pivotal moments in our faith – the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This sermon will delve into the events that transpired after Jesus breathed His last on the cross and the profound significance these events hold for us today. As we explore the aftermath of the crucifixion, we will draw upon biblical references to illuminate the path for our understanding and spiritual growth. Let us then journey together through the Gospel narratives and discover why these ancient events demand our attention and reverence today.

The Immediate Aftermath of the Crucifixion

The Veil of the Temple Torn in Two

In the Gospel of Matthew, we find a remarkable event that occurred during the moment of Jesus’ death:

Matthew 27:51

And behold, the veil of the temple was rented in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

This veil, which separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple, symbolized the barrier between God and humanity. Its tearing signifies that through Jesus’ sacrifice, this barrier is removed, granting us direct access to God.

The Earthquake and the Resurrection of the Saints

Matthew continues to describe the extraordinary phenomena that followed:

Matthew 27:52-53

 “The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many”

The earthquake and the resurrection of the saints signify the power of Jesus’ death and the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Him.

The Centurion’s Proclamation

The Gospel of Mark records the centurion’s response to Jesus’ death:

Mark 15:39

“When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, ‘Truly this man was the Son of God!'”

This Roman officer, a witness to the crucifixion, recognized Jesus’ divine identity, highlighting the transformative power of His sacrifice.

Jesus’ Burial

The Gospel of John provides details about Jesus’ burial:

John 19:38-39

 “After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So, he came and took away His body. Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight”

The burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus underscores the reverence and care with which His followers treated His body, even in death.

The Significance of These Events Today

Access to God Through Jesus

The tearing of the temple veil symbolizes a new covenant between God and humanity. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are granted direct access to God. The author of Hebrews writes,

Hebrews 10:19-20

“Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh”

We are invited to approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus has made a way for us.

The Promise of Resurrection

The resurrection of the saints at the moment of Jesus’ death serves as a foretaste of the resurrection that awaits all believers. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22:

“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.”

The resurrection of Jesus assures us of our own resurrection and eternal life.

Recognition of Jesus’ Divinity

The centurion’s proclamation:

Mark 15:39

“Truly this man was the Son of God!”

This calls us to recognize Jesus’ divine identity. This recognition is not just an acknowledgment but a call to faith. As Peter declares in Acts 4:12

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

The Call to Follow Jesus’ Example

The actions of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus in burying Jesus with reverence and care remind us of our call to follow Jesus’ example in our lives. Paul exhorts us in Philippians 2:5-8:

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

We are called to embody humility, obedience, and sacrificial love in our daily lives.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion, we are reminded of the profound significance of His sacrifice. The tearing of the temple veil, the resurrection of the saints, the centurion’s proclamation, and Jesus’ burial all point to the transformative power of His death and resurrection. These events call us to recognize our access to God, the promise of resurrection, the divinity of Jesus, and our call to follow His example.

Beloved, let us take notice of these events and their significance in our lives today. Let us approach God with confidence, live in the hope of resurrection, proclaim Jesus’ divine identity, and embody His love and humility. May we honor His sacrifice by living lives that reflect His grace and truth.

Lord’s Prayer by Crossing Barriers Ministry

We all have our ways of praying. There is a prayer for forgiveness, prayer for before meals, prayers for help or direction, and the list goes on. However the bible does give us one prayer.

Self Control by Crossing Barriers Ministry

We have all heard the saying, “Think before you speak”. Doing so can hurt a person seriously. Depending on what is said or who it is said to, the harm could be irreparable.

The Beginning by crossing Barriers Ministry

2025’s number one New Year’s Resolution so far appears to be of a financial nature. Previous years have been of health and fitness nature. Diet, lose weight or get into better shape. My resolution is to lose enough weight to fit into  suit for my son’s wedding later this year.

Lord’s Word

John 1:1-2

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.

The beginning is defined as the point in time or space at which something starts. The New Year is the beginning as it is a point in time where we start the next calendared year and can no longer go back to the previous year.

The bible shows us several examples of the beginning:

Genesis 1 shows us creation;

Genesis 6 with Noak and the Ark;

Acts 1 or Luke 24 when Jesus Ascends to heaven

Three statements from verse 1 that bring out the fact that the word, the sn, was God Himself.

His existence is beyond time—“In the beginning was the Word.”

His personal communion with the Father—“The Word was with God.”

His nature is God in essence—“The Word was God.”

The “beginning” here was not at the act of creation; it refers to the existence of the Word when creation came into being. It was at the unbegun beginning. God is not a time Being; He stands outside time in eternity. The Word was in existence at the origin of all things

Note the repetition of the word “was” three times: “was . . . was . . . was.” The verb “was” an absolute state-of-being verb. This indicates that the Word was God. The Word did not merely speak for God; He was God. This shows that the Word was, in His absolute state of being, God. There is no middle ground between God and man or creation.

The definite article before “Word”—that is, “the Word”—shows that the Word is the subject. The fact that the word “God” is a predicate demonstrates that it describes the nature of the Word. The “Word” and “God” are the same in nature and essence. The ultimate effect of ordering the words this way is to emphasize the word “God”—the Word was God Himself.

The word “God” is first in the sentence, giving it emphasis: “God was the Word.” However, the Greek makes “the Word” the subject of the sentence. Placing the word “God” first in the sentence makes it emphatic. The Word is emphatically God Himself.

If John would have put a definite article before both the Word and God, then it would mean that they were the same person, which is the heresy of Sabellianism. This would have contradicted the previous statement, making them distinct.

The apostle John made sure that his readers did not miss the significance of verse 1 by developing verses 2 and 3.

² He [this one]

The word “He” means this one and designates the Word as the specific Agent of creation. “This one” pinpoints the nature of the Word in verse 1. Since the Word was eternally related to the father,

John 5:18

Therefore, the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

John 19:7

The Jews answered him, we have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.

The Word was preexistent with God before creation. He eternally existed with the Father.

The End

2024 was the end of an era for us as we completely shut down weekly outreach activities. We felt that as a ministry there was too much of an overflow and the decrease of volunteers to continue serving the homeless.

Due to lack of volunteers and time allowed, this year’s message program had its problems. a big hit. We started by alternating to blog and podcast but eventually ended up losing weeks.

Also, we ended 2024 with our director being hospital bound and no plan in place to step in if needed. Programs for the year had already ended.

The Beginning

As we ended 2024, we started 2025 with our director hospitalized. We are happy to announce that he is back home and doing well. This is the reason we were off the grid thistle in January.

Plans for the new year:

We will serve the homeless when a specific need arises;

Our pantry will serve twice a month where weather, availability & inventory allow;

We will offer emergency food program starting 2025;

Our Christmas program will continue starting in October;

Our message will be twice a month alternating between blog and podcast till further notice;

God Bless You All

Weekly Bible Reading

John 1 – 10

Generosity Pt. 3 If Everyone Gives by Crossing Barriers Ministry

I was just looking at the summary of our church upcoming annual budget. Particularly I was looking at our campus and the tithes and offerings. As I oversee the collection boxes, it just amazed me how much must be in those few envelopes. Then reality hit me that there were other ways for people to offer their tithes. More importantly, this should be a thought process that I shouldn’t be having but rather am I giving what I can give.

Generosity Pt. 2 Reasons by Crossing Barriers Ministry

Johnny sees the homeless man sitting there every day on his way to work. Today Johnny is feeling charitable and hands the homeless man a twenty-dollar bill. 

Mary’s daughter is selling popcorn to help her class go on a special trip at the end of the year. In addition, the top sales will get a special prize.  Grandma and poppa come along and buy her whole inventory almost guaranteeing she will win. 

Bob always puts a hundred dollars in addition to his regular tithes each week. He feels that God will notice what he does. 

The local church was collecting donations to help a family that lost their home to a fire. Sally, a ten-year-old child, put the twenty dollars that she had just earned for helping clean up a few yards with her father. 

Horizon Baptist Church is growing and looking for volunteers to give some of their time to assist with various functions. Ann will never volunteer while Danny offers to assist with one project. James has put his name on several projects. Then there is Carol who offers to be a leader for many of the projects.  

Whether it’s a material donation or time, have you ever wondered what the motivation behind giving is? Today we are going to explore this topic. 

Word from the Lord 

Luke 14:12-14 

Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Matthew 6:1-4 

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Therefore, when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Last week we started a new series called Generosity.  Last week, we learned that it was better to give than receive. The one thing I enjoy about Christmas day is that I get to enjoy watching our grandchildren open their gifts.

Each one of our opening scenarios begs the answer to what motivates their actions of giving. Is it because it’s the right thing to do or is the giver looking for praise or is it something completely different? Caveat: we are just exploring and by no means is this to be judging anyone. 

We pick up in the first verse of the Luke’s scripture where Jesus has been invited to dinner. During a conversation with the host, Jesus shared a principle about living a generous life. The principle states “Give without seeking anything in return. It continues that should a man give seeking a return, will not receive a return although a man who gives that seeks no return will certainly be rewarded. 

Why do People Give?

• People may give to help others, tackle inequality, or feel a sense of duty to give back.  
• Belief in a cause;
• Religious values; 
• Personal experiences;
• Feeling good;
• Tax benefits;
• Egoism;

William Barclay, in his commentary, The Gospel of Luke, is quoted that the only real giving is that which is that which is the uncontrollable outflow of love. 

When we compare the content of both of our scriptures, one common denominator steps forward. A generous life that goes without expecting an earthly reward such as a return dinner invitation as we see in Luke 14:14 or at “Atta boy” as portrayed in Matthew 6:2. 

There is no double dipping when it comes to rewards for generosity.  If you want to collect your rewards here on earth with the applause of men, then you can’t expect a generosity reward from our savior. 

C.H. Spurgeon, in his book titled Spurgeon’s Expositions, Volume 1, states that man should have a single eye to God’s accepting what we give, and to have little or no thought of what man may say according to our charitable gifts. 

The Lord warns against hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is defined as the act of pretending to be someone or something you are not, or to believe something you do not. It can also refer to behavior that contradicts what someone claims to believe or feel. For example, someone who tells you not to eat candy while they eat licorice all day is being hypocritical.  

We are expected by the Lord to do our religious duties based on eternal rewards from God instead of earthly praises and rewards. J.M. Freeman and H.J. Chadwick in their joint literary piece, Manners & Customs of the Bible, says “to sound one’s trumpet today is to flaunt one’s own good works or accomplishments”.

We must be careful of hypocrisy because we are not sure where it will appear from. Take for example this Christian Joke from Christians Unite.com:

“Following a great sermon on lifestyle evangelism one family thought they had better do something to witness to Jesus. So, they invited their neighbors to dinner the following Friday night. When it  came to the meal, the hostess was keen to show their neighbors that they upheld  Christian standards in their home. So, she asked little 5-year-old Johnny to say grace. Little Johnny was a bit shy. ‘I don’t know what to say.’ … ‘Well darling,’ she said, ‘just say what Daddy said at breakfast this morning.’ Obediently, the boy repeated, ‘Oh God, we’ve got those awful people coming to dinner tonight’”

Sometimes knowing our motive is not an easy task. We may think we know it but could be surprised. Matt DeHaan in an article titled “What is your Motive?” published in the Daily Bread, “If our desire is to do right—to give light—we’re acting in the spirit of Christ. But if we only desire to appear right—to get the spotlight—we have the wrong motive”

Where do most people give?

Indonesia 

What do people give? 

Donate clothes;

Volunteer;

Share your experience;

Perform random acts of kindness;

Donate first aid items;

Give others your vulnerability;

Who are those that give?

• The average charitable donor in the US is 64 years old, and giving peaks between the ages of 61 and 75;
• Middle-income earners donate an average of $3,296 per year, while high-net-worth households donate $34,917;
• Single women are more likely to donate than single men, and they tend to donate higher amounts;
• Religious tithers are a significant factor in the overall giving of low-income Americans;
• Personal values and beliefs are the top motivation for affluent households;
• More than 60% of charitable donors also volunteer;
• Religious people are much more likely than the non-religious to donate to charitable causes—including secular causes—and they give much more;

When do people give?

According to research by Nonprofit Source, nearly one-third of annual giving occurs in December, with 10% of all giving coming during the last three days of the year. The holiday season certainly plays a role in the uptick of donations, as people are often more charitable. 

 How do most people give? 

41% was given to Natural disasters; 

32% was given to Religion; 

16% was given to education 

12% was given to Human Services 

7 Simple Ways to Give and Why Giving Is Good for You

1. Spend Money on Others.
2. Spend Time with Others;
3. Volunteer;
4. Be Emotionally Available;
5. Perform Acts of Kindness;
6. Compliment Someone;
7. Make Someone Laugh;

 We close with this simple prayer from the internet:

“Gracious God, you are the giver and provider of all things. We give thanks for who you are and what you have given. We ask that this offering would honor your name. Amen.”

What are your motives for giving?

Scripture Reading

1 Corinthians 2:9

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Bible Reading Assignment

Titus 1-3

1 John 1-2

PODCAST 

God’s Disciples Pt. 6 In Action by Crossing Barriers Ministry

Word from God

Matthew 28:19

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

We as Christians are commanded by God’s word to go and create others to be Christians. Sounds like an easy request, however if it was such an easy request, then how come there are 38% Americans that are not?

God’s Disciples Pt. 5 Sharing the Gospel by Crossing Barriers Ministry

Ever wonder why all these individuals, groups, / or teams are doing things for people. They all have a purpose but some of them are doing it for the love of Jesus.

We have teens trying to raise money for a mission trip they are going on later in the summer. Every year a team of teenagers go to Arlington TX to work on a service project that shows their love for Christ as well it gives them a chance to share the gospel.

We have a group of college students that come from all over to spend eight weeks away from home. In fairness they do get a stipend. In addition to being from home they sleep on cots or mattresses but receive three good meals. Every year is different, but they do their share of service projects or assisting with disasters. We give them team building skills, a look at Christian work, sharing the Lord’s work & work , and a job reference. They give us 8 weeks of learning disaster relief and sharing the gospel.

You have local ministries such as the different churches that come around and offer you food. Some do it for the right reasons.

You have Message & a Meal. They offer you a hot meal but to get to that hot meal, Pastor Paul is sharing the praises of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Those of you that have been with us for a while, know about my involvement with Disaster Relief. We are a mission under the Southern Baptist Convention charged with Help, Hope & Healing. Thousands of volunteers annually leave their home for weeks at a time just to help those in need after a disaster such as hurricanes or floods. Though chain saw and mud out are our primary services, we can feed the community or offer them a laundry & shower service. No matter what avenue we offer, or a person uses, they see the love of Jesus and we have an opportunity or share the gospel. When a chainsaw crew or mud out crew completes a job for the homeowner, they all get together with the homeowner and present a bible and pray with the homeowner.

Sharing of the gospel can start just by offering a bottle of water.

Matthew 28:19

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

This is the main passage taking us through the five traits of being a disciple. This is the order that we are given as Christians to follow. We become a Christian and its our job to bring others to Christ.

Week one we needed to demonstrate a passion to know, love and become like Christ. The second week we must demonstrate that we know and live from the scriptures. We must be pursuing biblical community was week three. Last week we needed to live among those that do not know or follow Jesus. Now we move onto the final step and that is advancing the gospel through spiritual nations.

Mark 16:15-16

And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Plain and simple, Mark is telling us four things:

1. We are instructed to go into all the world. That is not just our community but all the world;
2. We are instructed to preach to everyone. This means not just the ones that come to listen but to those that want nothing to do with the gospel;
3. Those that believe, come to Jesus, are baptized;
4. Others are sent to Hell;

Advancing the Gospel

The advancement of the gospel can benefit from difficult personal circumstances: By showing non-believers the reality of our relationship to Christ. By showing, believers our examples of joy and faithfulness (Which gives them the courage to proclaim the gospel).

Philippians 1:12-18

But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Even though Paul is in prison, the gospel may not be getting out but it was still being spread to those around him. Although he is in prison, he does not feel like he is at the mercy of the human authority but believes that Christ will have the solution for him.

Fellow missionaries have been discouraged with sharing the gospel because of Paul’s imprisonment. Because of envy or bitter disagreement over fundamental beliefs, Paul considers some of the missionaries as his rivals.

Paul was constantly taking criticism for his view of the gospel—specifically, for not requiring non-Jewish Christians to adopt the Jewish law. In these verses, Paul is contrasting fellow missionaries of goodwill, who recognized his authority and accepted his gospel, and those of envy and ambition, who opposed him (requiring him to defend his approach). Ultimately, Paul is rejoicing in all efforts of sharing the gospel, even those efforts of the detractors.

Spiritual Nations

Psalm 86:9

All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; And shall glorify thy name.

The nations that are under the jurisdiction of other gods will break free of them and come and worship their creator, the God of Israel. This is where the psalmist commits to glorifying God’s name after he is transformed.

Major Point

Disciple makers are personally involved with helping others move closer to Christ as Savior and Lord. They meet Life-to-Life to help non-believers understand who Jesus claims to be, and to establish young believers in their faith.

Share the Gospel

There are many ways of sharing the gospel as there are many ways to start that conversation. I feel more comfortable allowing them to come to me but whatever works. If you must engage in a conversation, use something that you have in common. I use the three-story method:

You tell your story:

They tell their story; and

You share Jesus’ story.

Remember

Not every sharing of the gospel will lead to a salvation. But you could be the seed planter, or you may be the harvester that is cultivating a seed that was planted by someone else.

Challenge

Go share the gospel:

Pray

Prayer should always be the first step of everything we do. Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance as you prepare to share the gospel.

Engage

It sounds stupid but to get started you must start a conversation. S stated above, use something that you have in common if need be or maybe invite them to a church event.

Listen

One of the golden rules for us chaplains is 80% listen and 20% speak. Show you care by listening. The more you listen, the more they see that you care.

Share

If you have listened, you have figured out their needs. Use this to pray for them and offer to share the story. If they declined, you have planted the seed. What the next person does will determine if the seed you planted dies or gets cultivated. If you get to tell the story of Jesus, then you have cultivated the seed.

Remember you may have planted the seed but someone else or several someone else may bring the seed to bloom.

Salvation

A    Admit you are a sinner;  

B    Believe that Jesus is our Lord, died and rose again; 

C Confess to the world, usually a baptism;

Salvation Prayer

Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for me and rose from the dead. I trust you as my Lord and Savior and pray that you guide my life and help me to do your will.

ARE YOU A DISCIPLE MAKER OF GOD

Scripture Reading

John 5:9

And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 15-16

2 Corinthians 1 – 3

PODCAST

God’s Disciples Pt. 3 Community by Crossing Barriers Ministry

Story of McDonalds

They started off selling burgers earning pennies on each one. They were growing but at a slow pace. Then someone said that you are selling the wrong thing, you need to be selling real estate. Hence, the explosion of the McDonald’s franchises. 2022 survey has them ranked as the number one fast food burger joint.

Another analogy might be trying to sell chili in 110-degree temperatures. You might make more money selling ice cream. They list Ben & Jerry’s as number one but Culvers and Dairy Queen as customer favorites.

These examples just show that we need to be in the right place as Christians.

Word from God

Matthew 28:19

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

We as Christians are commanded by God’s word to go and create others to be Christians. Sounds like an easy request, however if it was such an easy request, then how come there are 38% Americans that are not?

We have started a new series called God’s Servants. This is a five-part series that shows us what it takes to be a “Disciple maker” and this is step three.

Week one we learned that a disciple maker must not only know, love Christ, and attempt to be like Christ. They also must demonstrate these qualities. Not just when it looks good but all the time. Week two shows disciple makers that they know the scriptures and live by the scriptures

This week we move to the third trait which is “Pursuing Biblical Community”.

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Paul teaches us six things that teaches us towards this week’s biblical trait:

Gathered

Early Christians were known to gather in the homes of the wealthy patron.

Acts 2:46

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Eating together or the breaking of the bread is all considered worship.

Ceremonial Meal

The gathering of the Christians included a meal as well as observance of the Lord’s Supper.

1 Corinthians 10:16-17

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

Paul explains the elements of the Lord’s Supper and the biblical references. The bread represents the body of Christ while the blood represents His blood.

Exercise Prophetic Gifts

Paul teaches us in the third 33 verses of the Book of 1^st Corinthians of the gifts that we have. We all receive these when we come to Christ.

Worship

Some time during this meeting we are join in singing praises to our Lord.

Ephesians 5:19

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Refers to a variety of songs used in Christian worship, and some may come from the Old Testament.

Prayer

An important activity to take place during a meeting such as this. Generally it will happen at least a few times throughout the service.

1 Corinthians 11:4-5

Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

The first part of this scripture, Paul may be referring to a head covering used in Roman religious practice. Socially elite believers may have continued to wear such head coverings when gathering for worship. If so, they brought attention to themselves and may have ostracized those who felt socially inferior, causing division in the church community.

He second part of the scripture, Paul demonstrates the difference between prayers and Prophesies as well as refers to uncovered head. Prophesies refers to inspired speech to edify and encourage the church community. Prayer refers to public prayer.

Women were encouraged back then to wear something on their heads during the time f worship. Women were encouraged to fulfil that requirement. It was considered a dishonor to men if women were to look like a man.

Instruction

We all need to be instructed whether it be through a sermon from the word of the Lord or through a bible study.

1 Corinthians 14:26

How is it then, brethren? When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

Paul teaches us that when we come together, we are referring to the assembly of believers. A Psalm refers to either a psalm of the Old Testament or a Christian song. Edification refers to the purpose of the worship gathering.

Modern Times

Today, many of these things that Paul has taught us still hold true today. Meeting places where Christians gathered include churches but there are still other places such as homes, store fronts, and even some in parks. We are told that 1 of every five are involved with house churches.

There are denominations that have a meal before or after worship while others do it on a periodic basis. There are also some denominations that share the Lord’s Supper every week while others do it on a more periodic timetable. Most churches today have some sort of coffee bar which may include an item to eat.

The prophetic gifts are the word of knowledge, increased faith, the gifts of healing, the gift of miracles, prophecy, the discernment of spirits, kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues. They are used by different folks before the service, during the service, and after the service.

No matter where you all gather, you will worship the Lord. Most services will open with worship and close with song as the benediction.

Prayer is a major part of any gathering resulting in a lot of prayers. You have opening prayer, prayer before the message, prayer at the end of the message or the alter call, and of course closing prayer. Some meetings after Covid have returned to the traditional method of offering and there would be a prayer for that as well. Most churches today are keeping their offerings the same way as they did during Covid.

Instruction comes in many ways. The two primary ways in a gathering would be the sermon (Known as the message) or through bible study. Lets not discount Christians that read their bibles daily, attend other biblical programs or just conversations with others.

Current Day Example

Guests are created by a volunteer trained for receiving guests;

New guests are sought out by trained welcome volunteers;

All guests have the opportunity for coffee and a donut and mingle;

There is a Sunday School class available for anyone that wishes to attend;

Service is open with worship;

As we close out worship there is a prayer;

A closed-circuit video announces upcoming events over all campuses;

A selected volunteer reads the weekly scripture;

The pastor says another prayer;

We are instructed through the message that we are given by the pastor;

We then have a closing message prayer, or a call to the altar prayer of is this is the week we will have the Lord’s Supper;

We will then worship again;

We are dismissed with campus messages and a scripture reading;

New guests have a chance t meet with the pastor while other guests could meet with one of the Elders;

The guests have the sign to fellowship before leaving. In our environment there is no rushing people out.

Challenge:

This week’s challenge is to incorporate Pursuing Community.

Find a meeting place. A church, house church or a local location. You could always attend the church of the person who gave this message to you;

Enjoy and mingle if the opportunity arises but don’t fail the meeting because they don’t have it.

Allow prophetic gifts to work. They will work when they’re ready not when you are ready.

Let loose and let your voice be heard during worship. If you can’t at least sing the words to yourself.

Let the prayers speak to you.

Listen to the message and yes, it is directed at you as well as everybody.

Don’t be afraid to become a Christian to become a disciple maker.

Weekly Scripture Reading

Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, And I will sing praises unto thy name.

Bible Reading Assignment

1 Corinthians 5 – 9

PODCAST

God’s Disciples Pt 2 Know & Live by God’s Word by Crossing Barriers Ministry

• 2021 survey, 11% of Americans read their bible daily;
• Average bible study lasts about 30 minutes;
• In 2022, 49% of Americans view the Bible as inspired by God, but not everything in it is to be taken literally;
• 29% say the Bible is a collection of fables, history and moral precepts recorded by man;
• And 20% of Americans say it is the actual word of God to be taken literally;