Week 5 Scriptures

Isaiah 43:16-21; 

Psalm 126; 

Phil. 3:4-14; 

John 12:1-8

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Fifth Sunday in Lent

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment. Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me. You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.” Psalm 51: 1-12

 “Search me, O God,  and know my heart today;  Try me, O Savior,  Know my thoughts, I pray. See if there be some wicked way in me;  cleanse me from every sin and set me free.” “Search Me, O God”, Psalm 41

To experience the blessings of Resurrection, we are encouraged to face our wrong doings. In this modern world we know how important it is to dial a phone number accurately or write down a password without mistakes. Often a car will not start if the driver fails to press the correct buttons and we can get ourselves in trouble if when travelling we fail to enter the correct pin number of our credit cards. When we use these numbers or passwords, we know that if we make a mistake, even one little mistake, we will not achieve our desired goal.  In our digital world there is no room for mistakes. If you miss one number, there is no mercy.

The Bible clearly teaches us that sin can create a wedge between us and God. The good news of the Lent season is that unlike the digital world, we can seek forgiveness and we can receive it. There is no secret password to open the gates of heaven. The same Bible that tells us that our sins have made a barrier between us and God is the same word of God that reveals God's great desire to forgive us. While both the New and Old Testaments teach forgiveness, the New Covenant is built on the fact that Jesus died on the Cross to forgive all our sins. Our role is to confess, repent and believe while God's role is to forgive our sins and reconcile us to himself. In this world of violence, radicalism, selfishness, fanaticism and greed we are not only called to receive forgiveness but we are called to forgive those who do us harm. This exactly what Jesus taught us as we pray, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Matt. 6:12 (NIV)

We cry with King David O Lord "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." As we receive your grace of forgiveness, Lord, we pray for those who transgress against us. Have mercy on them and on us. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
-Rev. Alex Awad Global Ministries Missionary in Palestine and Israel

Super Saturday

Charles Spurgeon is considered to be one of the greatest preachers who ever lived. In fact, he is sometimes called the "Prince Among Preachers." Even though Spurgeon died over a hundred years ago, people still read his sermons to this day.

According to a story I read, Spurgeon and his wife owned chickens and would sell the eggs their chickens laid. They refused to give the eggs away. Even close relatives were expected to pay for any eggs which they got from the Spurgeons. As a result, some people thought the Spurgeons were selfish and greedy.

The Spurgeons accepted this criticism without defending themselves, and only after Mrs. Spurgeon died was the full story revealed. The Spurgeons never spent one penny of that egg money on themselves. Every penny that the Spurgeons made from the sale of their eggs went to support two elderly widows. Even though he never even mentioned it from the pulpit, that story may have been one of the greatest sermons Spurgeon ever preached. The story reminds me of a poem entitled "Sermons We See," part of which goes like this:

I'd rather see a sermon
than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me
than merely tell the way.
And the best of all the preachers
are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action
is what everybody needs. [1]

"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day." In our Bible story today, we will see how a woman named Mary put her love for Jesus into action for everyone to see.

Jesus was visiting in the home of Mary and Martha whose brother, Lazarus, Jesus had recently raised from the dead. As they sat visiting with Jesus, Mary took a bottle of perfume and poured it on the feet of Jesus. Then she knelt and dried his feet with her hair. Now, this perfume wasn't like the perfume we might buy at the store for a few dollars. It was very expensive. In fact, the Bible says it was worth about a year's wages. This perfume was Mary's most prized possession, the best she had to give. While other people talked about their love for Jesus, Mary showed her love by her actions. She poured her most prized possession on the feet of Jesus.

You might think that others would be impressed that Mary would pour out such expensive perfume on the the feet of Jesus, but that was not the case. In fact, she was criticized. Judas, who later betrayed Jesus, said, "We could have sold this perfume for a year's wages and given the money to the poor." The truth is, Judas didn't care about the poor, the Bible says that as the keeper of the money bag, he often helped himself to that money for his own personal use.

Two people -- Judas and Mary. One talked about helping the poor while the other showed us the importance of giving our best for Jesus. I don't know about you, but "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day."

Dear Father, help us to demonstrate our love for you, not in words, but in our actions. Help us to be a sermon that other people can see. Amen.

Friday Worship

http://www.metrolyrics.com/it-is-well-lyrics-bethel-music.html

Lent

Over the season of Lent we have been using a resource with the children called Resurrection Eggs. They are a great tool to show children the symbols of the season.  It also helps them to remember the story and be able to tell their friends.  You can find this resource in many places but here is the link to it at Amazon: Resurrection Eggs

Thought for today from Devozine

SHAPED BY STRUGGLE

Tessa Emily Hall, 22

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As a novelist, I have been taught to give struggles to the main characters in the stories I write. Without struggles, there is no story. Sure, my character might assume that her suffering is never-ending; however, she doesn’t see what I see. She doesn’t see that the pain is causing her to grow and to become stronger. Ultimately, I will craft for her the perfect ending.

I am sure that what we are suffering now cannot compare with the glory that will be shown to us.
Romans 8:18 (CEV)

When I am suffering, I trust that the story of my life is being written by God. And when I view my life from God’s perspective, I remember that my pain isn’t going to last forever. God reassures me that, although the trials I face may be difficult, they have a purpose: They give me an opportunity to grow, to become stronger. And ultimately, God, the author of all life, will weave together a beautiful story with a perfect ending.

How have your past struggles shaped you into the person you are today?

Wednesday Night Bible Study

Lent Wednesday Night Bible Study

Wednesday, March 9
Death & Resurrection From Matt 26–28; Mark 14–16; Luke 22–24; John 13, 17–20

Tell the Story

Jesus and his disciples traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. The Pharisees and other Jewish leaders were becoming more and more upset with Jesus and his teachings. They looked for ways to trap Jesus into saying something so they could arrest him; but Jesus was too wise for them. Many of his stories pointed out the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders – how they taught about doing things one way and then actually did them another, or without the right love in their heart for God.  

Jesus said, “When the Pharisees and teachers share with you God’s commands, listen to them—but don’t follow their example. They don’t live out what they teach.” 

The High Priest met with these leaders to discuss capturing Jesus and putting him to death. “We can’t arrest him during Passover,” they agreed, “or it will create a huge riot.” 

Jesus and his 12 disciples met together in a home to celebrate the Passover. During the meal Jesus picked up some bread, thanked God for it, broke it into pieces. Giving it to his disciples he said, “Take this and eat it, this is my body given for you.” 

Then Jesus picked up a cup of wine and thanked God for it. He gave them the cup and said, “All of you, drink this. It is my blood given for you–a new covenant between God and his people. It is poured out to forgive the sins of many. Remember me when you continue to eat and drink these things together.” 

Jesus told them, “When you see what happens tonight you will all abandon me. It is part of God’s plan that I will be betrayed and die. But don’t fear, I will rise again from the dead!” He knew that his disciple Judas would betray him, bringing Jewish soldiers to capture him later that night when no one was around. 

After the meal, when it was dark, Jesus went to pray. Filled with pain and sorrow, he pleaded with God, “Father, if there is another way besides my death, please let that happen—but I will do whatever you ask.” 

Just as he had finished praying, Judas showed up with an armed mob. He greeted Jesus with a kiss—a sign to show the guards which one they should arrest. 

Jesus said to them, “Am I a dangerous criminal that you need weapons to capture me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple where I’ve been teaching everyday? No! This is part of God’s plan, just as the prophets predicted long ago.” 

When the guards arrested Jesus and dragged him away, the disciples ran away and hid. The guards beat Jesus and brought him before the Jewish leaders for questioning.

 They asked, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of God?” 

Jesus answered, “I am, and you will see me seated next to God in power—coming back on the clouds of heaven.” 

When Jesus said this, the High Priest tore his clothing in horror and said, “Any man who claims to be God must be put to death.” Then they slapped Jesus in the face and spit on him. 

Since Jews could not execute anyone without official approval, Jesus was brought to the Roman governor, Pilate. The Jewish leaders stirred up the crowds and pressured Pilate to have Jesus put to death. They shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” 

Pilate feared a riot would break out, so he handed Jesus over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified. Crucifixion was the cruelest and most humiliating way to die. 

Jesus was brutally beaten and whipped by the soldiers. They put a crown of sharp thorns on his head and a purple robe around his shoulders. “Hail the King of the Jews!” they laughed. All night, the Roman Soldiers continued to beat Jesus and mock him.  

When morning came, they led Jesus to a place called Skull Hill. Like a criminal, Jesus was nailed to a heavy wooden cross between two thieves. 

Hanging there, he cried out, “Father, please forgive them, they don’t know what they’re doing.” 

At noon, darkness filled the skies blocking out the sun for three hours. Suddenly, the thick curtain hanging in the Temple tore down the middle! 

At that moment Jesus shouted, “Father! I give you my life… it is finished.” Then Jesus breathed his last breath and died. 

The soldiers broke the legs of the criminals crucified next to Jesus to speed up their death. When they found that Jesus was already dead, they didn’t break his legs. To be sure, one of the soldiers stabbed him in the side with a spear—blood and water poured out. 

Late Friday afternoon Jesus’ body was taken down from the cross, wrapped in long strips of cloth, and buried in a rich man’s tomb. A large stone was rolled over the entrance to the tomb and Roman guards were posted to make sure nothing happened to his body. (Pause here for a moment.) 

Early on Sunday morning, some of the women who followed Jesus went to prepare his body for burial. When they arrived at the tomb, they saw the stone rolled away and the soldiers were gone! 

Suddenly, two angels appeared. They said, “Why are you surprised? You are looking for Jesus, but he is not here, he’s been raised from the dead.” The women were excited but afraid and hurried to tell the disciples the amazing news. Some of them ran back to the tomb and looked inside for themselves… 

Jesus was not there!

1. Why was Jesus going to Jerusalem? What do we know about this celebration?

2. Do you think Jesus had a choice in how he died?

3. How does the Passover story we heard earlier remind you of Jesus’ death?

4. Why did the Jewish leaders want to kill Jesus?

5. What did Jesus mean when he said, “Take this and eat it, this is my body given for you” and “…drink this. It is my blood given for you–a new covenant between God and his people”?

6. What was God’s covenant with his people? What do you think the “new covenant” is?

7. Why do you think the curtain in the Temple tore in half? What did the curtain separate?

8. How did Jesus fulfill the prophet’s predictions about the coming Messiah?  He will be beaten, whipped, and wounded  He will be put on trial and thrown in prison.  His hands and feet would be pierced.  He will be killed like a criminal, then buried in a rich man’s tomb.  God will lay the punishment and guilt for all of our sins on him.  His life will be made an offering for us.  Because of Him, many will be made right with God.

9. How is Jesus being raised from the dead significant? What does it show us about him? Application (Optional questions that may help apply the story)

10. What questions do you have about the story? What do you wonder about?

11. What will you remember most about this story?

12. How does this story make a difference in your life?

13. What do you see for the first time in this story?

14. What amazes you the most about Jesus?

15. How was Jesus’ death part of God’s plan?

Scripture Memory Verses

The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again. Luke 24:7  

Choices

I have heard to story a number of times but today I was struck by a detail I had never really pondered before.  Here is the story:

32 There were also two criminals led out with Jesus to be killed. 33 They were led to a place called “The Skull.” There the soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross. They also nailed the criminals to crosses beside Jesus—one on the right and the other on the left.

34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.”[d]

The soldiers threw dice to divide Jesus’ clothes between them. 35 The people stood there watching everything. The Jewish leaders laughed at Jesus. They said, “If he is God’s Chosen One, the Messiah, then let him save himself. He saved others, didn’t he?”

36 Even the soldiers laughed at Jesus and made fun of him. They came and offered him some sour wine. 37 They said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 (At the top of the cross these words were written: “ this is the king of the jews.”)

39 One of the criminals hanging there began to shout insults at Jesus: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Then save yourself, and save us too!”

40 But the other criminal stopped him. He said, “You should fear God. All of us will die soon. 41 You and I are guilty. We deserve to die because we did wrong. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you begin ruling as king!”

43 Then Jesus said to him, “I promise you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

From the book of Luke Chapter 23

There are many things about this text that stands out to me but today I want to focus on the fact that Jesus was hanging between two criminals. He could have been there by Himself. There could have been many around Him. Or just one. But there were two criminals one on each side.  Today it was brought to my attention that it is like our lives.  We have a choice between two options. Like the one thief we can deny Jesus as the Son of God. Or like the other we can choose to believe in Him and live with Him in paradise.

Choice seems easy but are you daily choosing to live for Christ? We daily make the choice of which option we want to take.  Are we going to mock Him or are we going to follow Him.

Mocking Him doesn't mean literally throwing insults, although we do that too. We mock Him through our lack of faith, through our actions that are not like what He has asked us to be like, the intolerance and not loving others. Our mocking comes in many forms.  Not just words. 

To follow, means to deny ourselves of what we want. It means we say yes to whatever God is saying we need to do. Following means even if we have to die for our belief, we will.  Here is a story to end with about someone who gave it all to follow Jesus.

Shakeela Bibi smiled to herself as she took a pan out of the oven.  Yesterday she and her husband had attended the small Presbyterian church near their home.  The message had been such an encouragement to her, that she had decided to go the Monday afternoon Bible study—and she had made bread for the occasion.

Setting the bread on the counter, Shakeela took a deep breath, savoring the aroma of the hot loaf.  If the bread tasted half as good as it smelled, then the others at the Bible study would certainly enjoy it.

As Shakeela wrapped the loaf in a clean cloth, she heard people shouting and the repeated sound of wood hitting another object.  She thought little of it—the local boys would often use bamboo rods to play cricket and the games could get quite competitive.

Stepping out the front door Shakeela squinted in the bright sunlight and looked around to see where the boys were playing.  The sight in front of her did not look like a cricket game.  As her eyes adjusted to the light, Shakeela realized that there was a group of men with gun and clubs were moving towards the church.

Recognizing where the men were headed and what they must be intending to do, Shakeela dropped her bread and started sprinting towards the church—someone had to warn the believers inside!

When the group of men saw the woman running towards the church, they quickened their pace and began hurling insults at her.  Hearing the commotion outside, some of the Christians in the church stepped outside—that was when the first gun shot was fired upwards and the cross at the top of the church came crashing down.

In panic, Shakeela realized that she would not make it inside of the church before the mob reached her, and froze.  For a brief second, the world around her also seemed to freeze.  To her left Shakeela saw looks of pure hatred on the faces of the approaching men, their weapons raised in malice.  The faces of the Christians behind her were painted with shock and fear.

A blow to her shoulder brought Shakeela back to the present.  She fell to the ground as a second bamboo club slammed into her back.  Rolling over, she tried to put up her hands to shield her face, but the next blow hit her arm so hard that she heard a cracking sound and an immeasurable amount of pain came shooting up her arm.  Without even her hands to protect her face, she was at the mercy of the man standing over her.

But no mercy was extended.

Over and over the man beat her head and face.  With each blow the world became darker.  Each time the bamboo hit her, the pain became greater.  The taste of blood filled her mouth, stars exploded before her eyes, and screams echoed in her ears.

Then in a moment it all stopped.

An hour later, a man knelt on the ground next to a body.  With gentle hands, he wrapped the lifeless form of his wife in a clean cloth, and quietly carried her away, tears streaming down his face.

Please remember Shakeela Bibi, a brave Chistian martyr, and her family in your prayers.  https://www.opendoors.org.nz/persecutedchristians/christianstories/shakeelabibi