Jesus the resurrection Alive and Well!!!

40 Days Post Resurrection

Week 1

Video Introduction https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI6eVFbRE5W/?igsh=MW1haDlnenpic2VuZw%3D%3D

The Road to Emmaus

Very sorry for no video introduction, though I hope you understand, we visited at this posting a precious Aunt in Massachusetts how is 99 and it was wonderful.

We actually went over the Lesson, in our Homily, and how it is really the HOLY SPIRIT Alone who opens eyes, and that Jesus could stand in front of us and until our eyes are opened, it won’t be possible to see HIM, as it was for the two disciples on the Road.

I talked about the miss preached stories of the two men in the Field one is taken, the other was left, two woman making bread, one is taken the other is left, as well as the 10 Virgins and lamps, 5 were wise, and had oil and 5 were not wise.

You have probably heard that the ones chosen, and the 5 Wise Virgins “had chosen” wisely, and YET, the Passages NEVER say that.

In the Presbyterian understanding we believe in Providence, and simply put that the LORD alone chooses, and until the HOLY SPIRIT awakens us, cannot see.

Sadly, the to the Pastor preaching choice, tell the audience where you see them choosing, and remember Jesus is the one teaching these parables, and YES nowhere is there a hint of choosing, but them being chosen.

 Of two equally damnable Sinners, the LORD chooses one for undeserved Mercy, and the other for Righteous Damnation.

This is why Paul tells we who the LORD has opened our eyes, NOT to Brag about for it truly was about Grace alone!!

Don’t Believe me, Jesus too tell Peter what we Peter says “YOU are the Christ, YOU are the SON of the Living GOD” that Jesus says what? “Blessed are You Simon Bar Jonah, for You did Not choose Me, But MY FATHER had Chosen You!’

Call To Worship

Psalm 95:6 Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

Processional

Praise to the LORD the Almighty the KING of Creation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXhxbEjfxxc&t=58s

Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, England

Passing of the Peace of Christ

May the Peace of Christ Be With You

ALL: And Also With You.

Take a second to pass the Peace

(This tradition comes from Jesus HIMSELF, if your Church does not practice this ask your leaders why?

Matthew 10:12 "As you enter the house, give it your greeting.

 13 "If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace.)

Hymn

All People That On Earth Do Dwell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-1dQ8t03mE

Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, England

First Reading

Genesis 42:3-13 & 45:1-4

3 Then ten brothers of Joseph went down to buy grain from Egypt.

 4 But Jacob did not send Joseph's brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, "I am afraid that harm may befall him."

 5 So the sons of Israel came to buy grain among those who were coming, for the famine was in the land of Canaan also.

 6 Now Joseph was the ruler over the land; he was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph's brothers came and bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.

 7 ¶ When Joseph saw his brothers he recognized them, but he disguised himself to them and spoke to them harshly. And he said to them, "Where have you come from?" And they said, "From the land of Canaan, to buy food."

 8 But Joseph had recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him.

 9 Joseph remembered the dreams which he had about them, and said to them, "You are spies; you have come to look at the undefended parts of our land."

 10 Then they said to him, "No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food.

 11 "We are all sons of one man; we are honest men, your servants are not spies."

 12 Yet he said to them, "No, but you have come to look at the undefended parts of our land!"

 13 But they said, "Your servants are twelve brothers in all, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and behold, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no longer alive."

Genesis 45:1-4

1 ¶ Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried, "Have everyone go out from me." So there was no man with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers.

 2 He wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard of it.

 3 Then Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.

 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Please come closer to me." And they came closer. And he said, "I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.

This Is the WORD of the LORD

ALL: Thanks Be to GOD

The LORD’S Prayer & Apostles Creed

Matthew 6:9 ¶ And Jesus said "In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

 11 Give us this day our daily bread.

 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Christian What Do You Believe?

I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth:

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, dead, and buried:
He descended into hell;
The third day he rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost;
The Holy Catholic Church;

The Communion of Saints;
The Forgiveness of sins;
The Resurrection of the body,
And the Life everlasting.
Amen.

The Doxology

Praise GOD From Whom All Blessings Flow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kmskQGUIlc

Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Dr. Kristina Rizzotto

Second Reading and Lesson

Jesus the resurrection Alive and Well!!!

40 Days Post Resurrection

Week 1

The Road to Emmaus

Luke 24:13-32

13 ¶ Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem.

 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them.

 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.

 17 And He said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?"

 18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, "Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?"

 19 And He said to them, "What things?" So they said to Him, "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,

 20 "and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him.

 21 "But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened.

 22 "Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us.

 23 "When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive.

 24 "And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see."

 25 Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!

 26 "Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?"

 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

 28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther.

 29 But they constrained Him, saying, "Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." And He went in to stay with them.

 30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.

 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.

 32 And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?"

The Road to Emmaus

In This series, we looked into the proof of Jesus bodily and real resurrection from the dead.

This year our theme is the same, but we will also look further at the physical signs, and also some of the signs of life post resurrection as Jesus gives us this answer in   Matthew 22:30 "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.

 31 "But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying,

 32 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."

Jesus Explaining the Whole Bible is about HIM and HIS rescue of the helpless, and if we had our eyes open, we would have none this:

As we pick up the passage, we join two Disciples walking on the road to Emmaus, they are as I am sure we would be devastated at the crucifixion of Jesus, the Leader;  Luke 24:15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them.

 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.

 17 And He said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?"

Jesus walks up to them and asks “what’s the matter?

They reply, “Are you new to Jerusalem?” we might say today “Did you just land on Earth???” as crucifixions are not hidden, but very public events.

They then answered Jesus showing their real gloom "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,

 20 "and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him.

 21 "But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened.

 22 "Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us.

 23 "When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive.

 24 "And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see."

Sometimes on this side of the resurrection it is taken for granted that they should have believed, and yet in honesty we would be just as surprised today to hear of someone we just visited in the Funeral Home walking around alive.

One my Brother’s just passed away, and I was honored to do the Funeral, but let’s face it did I believe my Brother would get out of the casket and walk around? Of course not!

The Disciples too had the same expectation of one getting up out of their grave and walking up to them!

Yes if they were with Jesus for HIS entire Ministry, they would have seen Jesus raise a couple of children from the dead, heal many from things NO ONE ELSE could period. Then they saw in front of many witnesses the raising of Lazarus, but they also saw Jesus die for real on the cross, and HE looked so helpless!!!

Jesus then said them 25 …"O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! The Scriptures ALL pointed to this moment and to HIM, it was reminiscent of the time in the boat crossing the sea of Galilee when HE said to them about their discussion of not bringing bread, on the heels of the feeding of the 4000, “  Mark 8:17 And Jesus, aware of this, *said to them, "Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet see or understand? Do you have a hardened heart?

 18 "HAVING EYES, DO YOU NOT SEE? AND HAVING EARS, DO YOU NOT HEAR? And do you not remember,

Jesus now explains the plan, and who all of this had to happen to purchase our souls.

Breaking of Bread:

This part is a small sidebar, as it speaks to whether we have communion weekly or as some practice monthly and quarterly.

John Calvin wrestled with having Communion at every Church Meeting let alone weekly, Martin Luther has the same view on communion each week.

What is one of the first things we see Jesus do when post resurrection?

That is correct Broke Bread

Luke 24:30 When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them.

 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight.

There are circles who suggest that we review ourselves more extensively the week we have Communion, but sadly that view does NOT pass muster, as every day is a day of the same review of our sins.

Acts 2:42 ¶ They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Acts 2:46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,

Acts 20:7 ¶ On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight.

Acts 27:35 Having said this, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and he broke it and began to eat.

1Co 10:16 Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ?

 1Co 10:17 Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread.

1Co 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

 1Co 11:27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.

 1Co 11:28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

You might be more aware of the cautions in 1st Corinthians 11:27 & 28, while unaware of the invitation to eat often in remembrance proclaim the Lord's death until He comes in verse 26.

Weekly Communion is a physical gift give to us by Jesus, HE breaks bread the with the two Disciples right after HIS resurrection, In Acts we note a breaking of bread throughout and we have a question on whether communion is weekly.

Like unto the Angels:

“…but are like angels of God in heaven.”

This section will be our shortest, as it speaks to why they did not recognize Jesus after HIS resurrection;

First we need to remember Jesus was able to John 5:13 But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while there was a crowd in that place.

John 8:58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am."

 59 Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.

Jesus was able to elude the crowds at will, but we also need to remember that HE also tells us Mt 22:28 "In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had married her."

 29 But Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God.

 30 "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.

 31 "But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God:

 32 'I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD OF JACOB'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living."

We need to remind ourselves of the Transfiguration with the appearance of Moses who physically died, and Elijah who would have been thousands of years old, but in Heaven is recognizable to Peter.

“but are like angels in heaven”,  is a super key, when we think of the appearance of the Angels its not like they have to open doors, and yet are physically there.

Hopefully this helps us understand why the Disciples and Mary Magdalene did not recognize Jesus as HE could reveal and conceal as the FATHER Wills.

Finally it is always important to remember Only those in Christ are promised this life, and body, and HE alone who redeems us as we are truly helpless to redeem ourselves.

Next Week we will look at gathering of the Eleven that Easter Sunday Night

Hymn

The KING of Love my SHEPHERD Is

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu83WQdQ7-Y

Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, England

The LORD’S Feast (Holy Communion)

1st Corinthians 11:23 ¶ For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread;

 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me."

 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."

 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

 27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.

 28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly.

Hymn

Shine Jesus Shine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4hXJ9ax2FY

Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington, London, England

The LORD’S Benediction

Hebrews 13:20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,

 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Let Us Go Forth As Those Who LOVE, and Proclaim Our Risen Savior Jesus Christ

ALL: Thanks Be To GOD, Alleluia, Alleluia,  Alleluia,   AMEN!!

Recessional

Crown With HIM Many Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD-oubDZaIU

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, New York City, New York

Jesus the resurrection Alive and Well!!!

Appearances week 2

The Upper room

Video Introduction Link https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrWkpvkAozY/?igshid=YjNmNGQ3MDY=

Call To Worship

Psalm 95:1 ¶ O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.

Processional

Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR9NHXnbxlU

Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, England

Passing of the Peace of Christ

May the Peace of Christ Be With You

ALL: And Also With You.

Take a second to pass the Peace

(This tradition comes from Jesus HIMSELF, if your Church does not practice this ask your leaders why?

Matthew 10:12 "As you enter the house, give it your greeting.

 13 "If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace.)

Hymn

All Glory Laud And Honor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHN8UAk6Yow

Kings College, Cambridge, England

First Reading

Isaiah 53

1 ¶ Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him.

 3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

 4 ¶ Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted.

 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

 7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.

 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.

 9 And they made His grave with the wicked-But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth.

 10 ¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.

 11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities.

 12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

(NKJV)

This Is The WORD Of The LORD

ALL: Thanks Be To GOD!

The LORD’S Prayer & Apostles Creed

Matthew 6:9 ¶ And Jesus said "In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

 11 Give us this day our daily bread.

 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Christian What Do You Believe?

I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth:

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, dead, and buried:
He descended into hell;
The third day he rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost;
The Holy Catholic Church;

The Communion of Saints;
The Forgiveness of sins;
The Resurrection of the body,
And the Life everlasting.
Amen.

The Doxology

Praise GOD From Whom All Blessings Flow: Tune All Creatures of Our God and King

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD9wTAG8oWs

Faith Presbyterian Church, Tacoma, Washington, Mr. Ron Bechtel Organist

Second Reading & Lesson

Luke 24:33-48

33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together,

 34 saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!"

 35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.

 36 ¶ Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, "Peace to you."

 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit.

 38 And He said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?

 39 "Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have."

 40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.

 41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, "Have you any food here?"

 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb.

 43 And He took it and ate in their presence.

 44 Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me."

 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

 46 Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day,

 47 "and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

 48 "And you are witnesses of these things.

The Holy Gospel of our LORD Jesus Christ

ALL: All Glory to YOU LORD Christ!

What a Stunner!!!

As we looked at last week, someone standing in a room 3 days after we watched him die, and be buried would stun us to put it mildly.

If we are totally honest we would faint on the floor ourselves, and at the least want proof what we are looking at is real!!!

Yet we hear sermons all the time that blast the Apostles for doing what we ourselves would have done, but we always see the Apostles as dopes, while today’s “Theologians” are the geniuses we need to read and quote.

This message is meant to bring us back first to the first Century, take us to today, and then seek to understand how it applies to us as it did then, shockingly THIS is the pattern of Good Sermon Prep, and yet it is not used as it should be.

If you can’t quote the Pastor’s point minutes after the Sermon, don’t be embarrassed as this is common place, and it’s because most sermons are written as we were cautioned against as 3 Sermons and not 3 points so now wonder why you can’t pick out the point that stood out to you.

So you are now saying “what does that have to do with our passage???”

Well, Everything as we need to first understand why this is a stunner.

In 2016, our family lost our Brother Dave, in 2017 our Dad, in 2021 our Mom and my Father In-law in 2023  and as we gathered at the Funeral Homes, and then at the Cemeteries, were we expecting any of them to rise from the dead at that moment? NO, of course not, and though we fully believe they will rise bodily in Christ on the Last Day, we also sure knew that this day was perhaps not that day, and why we got to Cemetery and visit their grave to pay honor.

As I said to Wife Robin, whom I trust thoroughly, had I gotten home and you said to me Dave, Dad, Mom or Pop is alive, I would have said what?

A real question, what would you say??

I need to talk to him and see him personally, right?

We all know this would be our reaction, and it is a refreshing and honest starting place for us to understand what really was going through the Apostles heads that night.

They had just seen Jesus beaten, bloodied, and hanging on a tree, and HE surely died, and now HE stands in our mist for real bodily, and can prove it!

The Apostles react just like we would jaws dropped, and Jesus knew it, and HE understands it so 40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.

 41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, "Have you any food here?"

 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb.

 43 And He took it and ate in their presence.

HE really eats to a sure them HE is real, and really alive.

So this assurance of Jesus Bodily and real resurrection, takes us to how this news applies to us.

It is to assure us that we have a risen Savior, and to that end that GOD really is who HE says HE is, master of ALL!

In the Dress Rehearsals we remember by HIS WORD alone, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, and this shows us what?

Right the LORD is master of ALL, has broken the neck of death, and our Life in Christ alone by faith assured!

This is extremely vital, as we need to be able to witness with this confidence, and self-assured that the LORD is who HE says HE is.

Did you ever wonder why HE set 40 days as a Bench Mark?

Noah and the Flood

Moses with the LORD on Mt Sinai, and the 40 day test of Israel

The Goliath test

Jesus in the Wilderness

And now

Jesus 40 day appearing post resurrection

Let’s answer a question ourselves;

If we were to meet King Charles III, whom previously we had never met for 40 straight days, would we really believe after 40 days that we really met the King?

Of course we would,

How about the same test, we need to go for 40 straight days to meet with the President of the United States, and we did, we would not question whether we actually met him or her would we?

And yet this exactly what the radical unbelieving groups would like us to believe!

I believe we Reformed Protestants get bogged down with our common Texts such as Romans and Paul’s Epistles, while forgetting the real events, and that Jesus said EVERYTHING Paul said earlier. We Simply don’t focus enough on the things like the 40 real days.

It is why I have set as a Goal to return the Church to its calendar, and its Real Events, the 40 days is one of those steps.

Next week we are going to look at Thomas gets labeled And Jesus Appears to the 500

Hymn

Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRPcUuoPSvQ&nohtml5=False

Trinity Episcopal Church, Lawrence, Kansas

The LORD’S Feast

United , united in your name

Unidos, Unidos en tu nombre"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erlBVahu49Q

The Episcopal Cathedral Church of St. Peter & St. Paul, Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

The LORD’S Benediction

Jude 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy,

 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

(NAS95)

Let Us Go Forth As Those Who Love And Proclaim Our Risen LORD And Savior Jesus Christ

ALL: Thanks Be To GOD, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, AMEN!!

Recessional

Ye watchers and ye holy ones

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjBleDVU3dA&nohtml5=False

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, New York City, New York

Jesus the resurrection Alive and Well!!!

Appearances week 3    

Thomas gets labeled And Jesus Appears to the 500

Video Introduction https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cro3jFJg5YY/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

The Music we post are on YouTube, but I would also suggest you consider visiting one of these Houses of Worship and join in the wonderful sing too. We have visited most of the Churches in the past, I am sure the music will be a blessing.

Call to Worship

Revelation 5:12 saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the LAMB that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing."

Processional

Praise To The LORD The Almighty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWuF9S4Y1Kc

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, New York City, New York

Passing of the Peace of Christ

May The Peace Of Christ Be With You,

ALL: And Also With You

Please take a moment to pass the Peace

First Reading

Genesis 12:13 "Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you."

 Genesis 12:19 "Why did you say, 'She is my sister,' so that I took her for my wife? Now then, here is your wife, take her and go."

 Genesis 20:2 Abraham said of Sarah his wife, "She is my sister." So Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah.

 Genesis 20:5 "Did he not himself say to me, 'She is my sister'? And she herself said, 'He is my brother.' In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this."

Genesis 26:7 When the men of the place asked about his wife, he said, "She is my sister," for he was afraid to say, "my wife," thinking, "the men of the place might kill me on account of Rebekah, for she is beautiful."

 8 It came about, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out through a window, and saw, and behold, Isaac was caressing his wife Rebekah.

 9 Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, "Behold, certainly she is your wife! How then did you say, 'She is my sister'?" And Isaac said to him, "Because I said, 'I might die on account of her.'"

 10 Abimelech said, "What is this you have done to us? One of the people might easily have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us."

 11 So Abimelech charged all the people, saying, "He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death."

 12 ¶ Now Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. And the LORD blessed him,

This Is The WORD Of The LORD

ALL: Thanks Be To GOD!!

The LORD’S Prayer & Apostles Creed

Matthew 6:9 ¶ And Jesus said "In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

 11 Give us this day our daily bread.

 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Christian What Do You Believe?

I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth:

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, dead, and buried:
He descended into hell;
The third day he rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost;
The Holy Catholic Church;

The Communion of Saints;
The Forgiveness of sins;
The Resurrection of the body,
And the Life everlasting.
Amen.

The Doxology

Praise GOD From Whom All Blessings Flow: Tune All Creatures of Our God and King

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kmskQGUIlc

Dr. Kristine Rizzotto, Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Hymn

How Deep The FATHER’S Love For Us

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD9-omLKwWI&nohtml5=False

Nicole Nordeman

Thomas gets labeled And Jesus Appears to the 500

John 20:22-29

22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

 23 "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

 24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.

 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord." So he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."

 26 ¶ And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!"

 27 Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing."

 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"

 29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

1Co 15:1 ¶ Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand,

 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.

 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

 6 After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep;

 7 then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles;

 8 and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.

 9 For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

This is of course our third message on the Appearances of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ post resurrection and takes us in two directions.

First we will look at the doubter Thomas, and second we will look Paul’s reporting on the appearance to the more then 500.

First Let’s look at our first passage, and the labeling of Thomas

We remember that John records John 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

That Thomas had been absent when Jesus appeared the week before, and had the Disciples physically handle HIM, and ate a piece of fish in front of them, proving HE indeed rose in the Body.

So we need to be honest here, if you remember last week I gave you and example of my brother who recently passed away, and suggested, that if my Wife Robin had seen him alive and well I would have thought what?

Come on, part of learning to love, understand, and see how honest the Bible truly is, is that we read it honestly, and NOT read it as many preach it.

So what would you this of my Wife’s pronouncement?

Of Course (and we do not drink Alcohol, due to the hidden carbs as one reason, the other I don’t like the taste as it taste like something that has gone bad) we would check the liquor cabinet, or feel her forehead  expecting high fever.

But then She adds “I had Dinner with Him and He ate a piece of fish!!”

We need to answer honestly as Thomas would have.

He was not there last week, the last time he saw Jesus HE was beaten bloodied, and VERY Dead!!!

So Thomas says what we humans, and yes the Disciples the week before did say, I need physical proof with my own eyes to prove this.

Why is labeling Thomas a doubter a bad example of preaching

Hopefully by now we already understand why calling Thomas a doubter, and that this is wrong, is an example of bad teaching, as the answer really is two sided, yes of course Thomas, as we should have believed, but NO Thomas reaction is NOT a surprise to Jesus.

The week before, on the word of Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, how did the Apostles take the news?

“Thanks Mary & Mary, we really believe you, thanks so much”

No they “  Luke 24:  11 But these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them.

 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he *saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, marveling at what had happened.

Well let me know answer my feelings had my Wife reported that She even had dinner with my Brother;

I would have lovingly said “Honey, I trust you, but something this miraculous, I have to see for my own eyes.

But then why have so many of us have sat through sermons on how Thomas was such a doubter, and just how WRONG this was?

It sadly comes from teaching that sees us as the important part of the Bible, and not Jesus as the solely important part throughout the Bible.

It does not allow us to see the camel going through the eye of the needle as Humanly IMPOSSIBLE, and also the does not allow us to understand that is exactly the point.

The Bible is about the LORD making the impossible possible by the power of HIS WORD, it is about raising the Dead EVERY Second of the day. But sadly the most preachers don’t really believe we were dead in our trespasses and sins, and that it was impossible for us to come to faith on our own.

Let’s quickly remember something about Thomas, and his reaction, as it is honest, true, yes wrong, but also in a body of work that also had him saying in Bethany, “Let us go to Jerusalem, that we may” what?

That is right Die with HIM.

One of the most honest responses to Jesus in the Bible is found in Mark 9:24 Immediately the boy's father cried out and said, "I do believe; help my unbelief."(NAS95)

This should be on our mind before we judge.

I would love to expand on this point but I want to take some time on the appearance to the more than 500.

Appearing before the 500

1Corithians 15:4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

 6 After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep;

Why switch gears here?

Well as we said at the beginning of this series, the we are focusing on the real proofs of the Bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the appearance before the 500 plus is one of those proofs.

About 30 years ago the Fire Department was asked and I was one of the volunteers in a fund raiser at Hackettstown High School in a Donkey Basketball game.

The gym at our High School at the time seated around 500 plus, convenient but also true, do you think the people who attended that game could say that they indeed saw a Donkey Basketball Game, and would you believe all 500 plus people had they all been interviewed by the press who, as you could not attend the game?

Yes you would, and I could even show you proof of the Jackastronaut certificate we all received.

So why when 500 plus are reported to have seen Jesus that we have those who call Christianity a “Myth”?

Why there still are doubters with so many witnesses

We need to again understand and have preachers who really understand and believe;

Ezekiel 12:2 "Son of man, you live in the midst of the rebellious house, who have eyes to see but do not see, ears to hear but do not hear; for they are a rebellious house.

Matthew 13:13 "Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

It has not changed, we could write and preach the GREATEST Sermon EVER, and unless the HOLY SPIRIT open our Dead Eyes we will NOT believe!

Jesus IS THE GREATEST PREACHER ever, and what does HE tell us???

This a real question;

YES HE tells us not even HIS WORDS will be believed if the FATHER has not willed it!

Yet week in and week out we are told how to obey the law, and how we need to change, when the truth is ONLY the LORD Saves us, and ONLY The LORD directs our steps post salvation.

I am not kidding, 90% of (it is higher than this number) all the preachers we have heard coast to coast, and the post we see on social media, tell us how we need to be Holy as GOD is Holy, and how we need to change, when the real Story of the Bible is how only Christ The HOLY SPIRIT changes us!!

I know this is tough to understand, but the truth is You did not find Jesus, as HE was NEVER Lost, HE Found YOU, and that has been the truth throughout the Bible!

You don’t believe me, WHO found who in Genesis Chapter 3 and the fall???

Ge 3:8 They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.

 9 ¶ Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?"

 10 He said, "I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself."

Believe me and this is the great news, if the LORD wants to save you, you can run, and hide but praise be to GOD in Christ Jesus our LORD, HE WILL FIND and redeem you.

The Church Sadly LOVES to Label, as the Synagogues before them, But Jesus loves to redeem we labeled.

And as with ME, we are the worst of the sinners, as there are NO better sinners!

This is the Great news of Easter and the Bible!

Next week we will focus on Jesus the resurrection Alive and Well, and Multiple Appearances  

As we prepare for Ascension Sunday and Pentecost

Hymn

In Christ Alone

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gax8GL7EViE&nohtml5=False

Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington, London, England

The LORD’S Feast

1st Corinthians 11

23 ¶ For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread;

 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me."

 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."

 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

 27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.

 28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly.

Guide Me Oh Though Great Redeemer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=226d7rMiZ2M&nohtml5=False

St. Paul’s Cathedral, City of London, London, England

The LORD’S Benediction

2nd Peter 3:17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;

 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

(NKJV)

Let Us Go Forth As Those Who Love And Proclaim Our Risen LORD and Savior Jesus Christ

Response By All: Thanks Be To GOD, Alleluia, Alleluia, AMEN

Recessional

"Christ for the world we sing"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o-olDrNQEs&nohtml5=False

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, New York City, New York

Jesus the resurrection Alive and Well!!!

Appearances week 4

“All Authority”, Can Also Be Titled “All Responsibility”

Video Introduction https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cr6krCzArCy/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Jesus has never wavered on HIM being the Way, The Truth and the Life, and that NO ONE Comes to the FATHER but by ME, so why do we see so many Church Clubs quoting other “religions” in their weekly Posts and Messages???

One example that I saw this week was to quote Mahatma Ghandhi’s 20th Century “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others, a pure paganism of Jesus’s 1st Century “Anyone who does not take up his cross and follow ME, is not worthy of ME, whoever finds his life will lose it and whoever loses his life for MY sake Will find it”

Sadly, having traveled across the Country and sitting in many Church Clubs of different Denominations it seems the Seminaries are failing in their equipping these Pastors, as the sermons are ones to walk out on, the Music is gibberish and the Parishioners quite Ghandi and Hindu slogans, one of the most Blasphemes is “Karma’s a Bitch”, as if Karma was True, and we ALL got what is rightly do us from the LORD, we would ALL Be consumed to Ashes, DUST!!

Why this is so upsetting, is that these Pastors in ALL the Presbyterian orders swear to understand and teach Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Call, and Perseverance of the Saints, which tells us our personal salvation has to be a work of the FATHER who ordains, the SON who Redeems, and the HOLY SPIRIT who awakens and lives in us guiding us to be more Christ like.

We DO NOT quote other “religions” as a we believe in our Hearts Christianity is Reality, not a religion.

As we will see in the Lesson, all Authority could also be Titled, all the Responsibility, and many of the sufferings Jesus endured.

I do fear the Western Church today in many cases are trying to be so Culturally Relevant, that they have instead achieved irrelevance, in other words that offer no absolutes as in Christ Alone is our rescue, and the enlightening of the HOLY SPIRIT Paramount in our Salvation understanding.

Instead, we have attempted to be so culturally accepted, that we have only achieved losing our True Identity, and made ourselves no different than today’s Service Clubs.

We are to be different, and the LIGHT of Jesus Christ to the world, so I hope as we read All Authority, we actually read Acts to see just what “Leadership” in the Church looks like, as I fear it’s far different than our Western Leadership is experiencing.

Call To Worship

Psalm 95:6 Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

Processional

"Hail the day that sees him rise"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySuq6GVwkN8&nohtml5=False

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, New York City, New York

Passing Of The Peace Of Jesus Christ

May The Peace Of Christ Be With You

ALL: And Also With You

Please take a moment to pass the Peace

Hymn

How Firm A Foundation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-3wMTC8Lq4

First Reading

Genesis 12: 10 & Hebrews 11:8-10

10 ¶ Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land.

 11 And it came to pass, when he was close to entering Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, "Indeed I know that you are a woman of beautiful countenance.

 12 "Therefore it will happen, when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, 'This is his wife'; and they will kill me, but they will let you live.

 13 "Please say you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that I may live because of you."

 14 ¶ So it was, when Abram came into Egypt, that the Egyptians saw the woman, that she was very beautiful.

 15 The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken to Pharaoh's house.

 16 He treated Abram well for her sake. He had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male and female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

 17 But the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife.

 18 And Pharaoh called Abram and said, "What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife?

 19 "Why did you say, 'She is my sister'? I might have taken her as my wife. Now therefore, here is your wife; take her and go your way."

 20 So Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him; and they sent him away, with his wife and all that he had.

(NKJV)

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;

 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

This Is The WORD Of The LORD

ALL: Thanks Be To GOD!!

Hymn

I Vow To Thee My Country

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvouc8Qs_MI

Festival of Remembrance Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington, London, England

The LORD’S Prayer & Nicene Creed

Matthew 6:9 ¶ And Jesus said "In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

 11 Give us this day our daily bread.

 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Christian What Do You Believe?

I believe in one God the Father Almighty,

Maker of heaven and earth,

And of all things visible and invisible:

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God,

Begotten of his Father before all worlds,

God of God, Light of Light,

Very God of very God,

Begotten, not made,

Being of one substance with the Father,

By whom all things were made;

Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from heaven,

And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary,

And was made man,

And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.

He suffered and was buried,

And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures,

And ascended into heaven,

And sitteth on the right hand of the Father.

And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead:

Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost,

The Lord and giver of life,

Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son,

Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified,

Who spake by the Prophets.

And I believe one Catholic and Apostolic Church.

I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins.

And I look for the Resurrection of the dead,

And the life of the world to come.

Amen.

The Doxology

Praise GOD From Whom All Blessings Flow: Tune All Creatures of Our God and King

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD9wTAG8oWs

Faith Presbyterian Church, Tacoma, Washington Organist Mr. Ron Bechtel

Special Hymn (Please read these words)

Blessings (Laura Story)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQan9L3yXjc&nohtml5=False

Second Reading And Lesson

John 20:30&31

30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book;

 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

(NKJV)

Mt 28:11 ¶ Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened.

 12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,

 13 saying, "Tell them, 'His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.'

 14 "And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will appease him and make you secure."

 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

 16 ¶ Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them.

 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

(NKJV)

The Holy Gospel Of Our LORD Jesus Christ

ALL: All Glory To YOU LORD Christ

All Authority

This lesson was written in a three question format that was so wooden it was worth ripping up and starting a new.

Why did I admit this?

Well because I fear when we are taught how to preach, and our three point sermons layout (I normally use a 4 question approach) that we cannot be married to that format when a straight conversation will do better, and this is one of those occasions.

As we talk about Jesus and HIS All Authority it is clear that this has two very opposite understandings and it is important, we not lose sight of this in today’s 21st Century understanding.

First let’s think about what All Authority means in the 1st Century as this will indeed walk us to what it means today.

Just in case we might think that All Authority, does not mean all back then, it really does, as the Jesus clearly tells them that ALL, the Entire Authority in Heaven and on Earth has been given to HIM.

So with this understanding what will we quickly learn?

Does it mean the Disciples will over power all?

Does it mean they will never have a concern?

Well as one walks through the book of Acts we would quickly learn that the answer is Yes as The LORD wills, and absolutely not as HE Wills.

One cannot read the first 8 Chapters of Acts and understand today’s Health and wealth preaching, nor for that matter the Liberal be good and good will happen to you as well as the hijacked Reformed legalism that whose messages eventually tell you what we need to do to keep on the right track.

As we will notice, Peter and John will be tossed in Jail, Ananias, and Sapphira will drop dead when they lie about the sale of their land and the amount they are bringing, Stephen who will give perhaps the best total synopsis of the entire Bible outside of Jesus is in our earthly eyes is “paid off” by being Stoned to death!

WOW What authority, one might be saying, NO Thanks!!!

I want to get back to the Stephen example is a second, but I want to look quickly at today’s Understanding of ALL Authority as I have seen it crisscrossing our Country.

For the record my Wife and I attend only Presbyterian Churches in the PCA, OPC, and EPC, and we have heard these examples week in and week out. As such I will not be reviewing the Health and wealth, nor the Liberal just be good as I have not been in these audiences to give them a fair review.

I want you to think of how these really sounds, and this prayer is uttered almost weekly at an OPC Service “LORD we ask for the desires of our hearts”?

What are your thoughts, REALLY?

It is a prayer that is no better than our very first sin!

Why you ask?

The Serpent tempted us with the “desire of our heart” We could be like GOD, when we NEVER could be, nor should we ask for the “desire of our hearts”!

The GODLY prayer is the one that corrects the failure of Genesis 3 and is the Gethsemane Prayer of Jesus “Not my will be done, but thy will be done” it should be modeled in the prayer, Our FATHER, please grant us the desire of YOUR Heart”!

Remember the LORD’S Model of Prayer that we petition each week,

Mt 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

 9 ¶ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

 11 Give us this day our daily bread.

 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. KJV

We need to see that when Jesus tells us HE has All Authority, HE means it, but that does not mean HE will not use us to complete HIS Mission on this Earth.

Let’s get back to Stephen and His Stoning;

Tell us what did Stephen do wrong???

Did he pray wrong?

Was he being punished for something he did?

Perhaps it was for poor preaching?

He had to have done something wrong according to today’s preaching right?

Of Course the answer is WRONG!

As we noted save Jesus HIMSELF Stephen gives us the greatest summation of the entire Bible period.

So why was Stephen Stoned?

This is actually the answer to our Understanding of All Authority, and the correct model of prayer  when we pray “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

I don’t want to alarm you, but to pray for the desires of our heart, is Satanic, though I am not accusing the individuals who pray this of knowingly being Satanic, just mislead.

A quick jab, these Churches have long ago replaced Bible Studies with Small Groups, that focus on the latest Theological Star’s Book. They have been equally deceived in believing they need a star to understand the Biblical text, and yet  2nd Timothy 3:14-17 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them,

 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

(NAS95)

Clearly tells us to trust the scriptures that are no fallible, and doubt the latest Theologian who IS!

But back to Stephen’s stoning as what did it actually mark?

That is correct that Stephens tour of duty was over and His orders to report HOME given.

What seemed to be a horrific death in our eyes, simply transformed Stephen from as Dr. James Kennedy so well said, “the land of the dying to the land of the living”

Stephen even gazes into Heaven and sees what promise to him?

Acts 7:55 But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God;

 56 and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

So what does this mean about our mission?

We too are here to serve the LORD in all things, and we are assured as Stephen that our Orders to report Home following the completion of our mission are true and written.

Our mission on this Earth is not promised to be easy as is witnessed by so many throughout the World.

It is why I do believe that health and wealth is a heresy is a truly Western phenomenon, as those Christians in third world countries would find this teaching, as it is rubbish!

On last understanding, it also does NOT have anything to do with our being “good”, but everything to do with in Jesus Christ alone HIM through the HOLY SPIRIT making us good.

Please be alert, when the Pastor gets to the “what you need to do live for GOD part” the Sermon is over, You can get up and walk out if you wish, as the LORD Alone walks us to understanding and loving what we need to do.

One Final thought, One of the true fruits of regeneration is a part of the Great Commission, as one who is truly regenerated will witness de facto as a Work of the HOLY SPIRIT. As I like to say when I teach (preach) “the best sermon delivered this week, is the one you walk out the door today, and live the rest of the week”. If you actually think about this it is true, as the Pastor can speak to 500 people a week who then leave and interact with as few as 10 people during the week giving the Church the impact of 5000 each week.

Please don’t fear what to say or how to witness as Jesus Promises what?

“and lo, I am with you ALWAYS, even to the end of the age."

I hope this helps us to understand that Jesus is indeed in charge and that HE really does have All Authority and total victory and eternal Life in HIM ALONE assured!

Next week as we prepare for the Ascension of Jesus We will look at the restoration of Peter.

The LORD’S Feast

1st Corinthians 11:23 ¶ For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread;

 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me."

 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."

 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

 27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.

 28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly.

The Power Of The Cross

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aowdjLeaCYs

Rachel Hamilton

The LORD’S Benediction

Hebrews 13:20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,

 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Let Us Go Forth As Those Who Love and Proclaim Our Risen Savior and KING Jesus Christ!

Thanks Be To GOD, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, AMEN!

Recessional

Hail Thou Once Despised Jesus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izF7tN3rmdY

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, New York City, New York

Jesus the resurrection Alive and Well!!!

The Restoration of Peter, or
This Lesson could also be titled
In the Restoration Business

Video Introduction: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsMZnxrgx9D/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

I do ask this question each year as we head to Ascension Day, and next week Ascension Sunday,

The Question is, without looking, and please don’t peek, What was the Date on the 2023 Calendar was Good Friday, and Easter?

It shows that Jesus had a full 40-day mission to accomplish, as HE showed HIMSELF to HIS followers, and restored Thomas, and Peter.

By the way Good Friday was April 7, 2023 & Easter April 9, 2023 (and Yes I have to look it up each year too)

Today we focus on Peter, and while we do we remember his restoration as a great event, perhaps the HOLY SPIRIT will open our eyes to who, comes to whom in this restorative process? (Hint it is exactly how our Salvation is achieved)

Yes indeed, Jesus comes to Peter, and restores Him, not by making Him repent, but by simply asking Him three questions, and assuring Him.

This goes against so many miss conceptions on how to read the Old Testament, and the “Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and You will be saved and Your Household”, and the “Repent and be saved”, as these are read as Cause and Effect, and not in the True Spirit of the Entire Bible as in Effect and Cause that is the True Biblical Narrative.

We did a series on “You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide” or How Comes To Whom” as the Biblical Narrative has ALWAYS been the LORD call us First.

Our First Reading is the call of the unlikely candidate to be Second King over Israel, and through the HOLY SPIRIT’S leading, read it a fresh allowing the comedy of the selection process to play out, as the kid is the one the LORD selects, and then remember that David’s life is fare from perfect, yet the LORD Opens His eyes and gives Him the Heart to follow.

Appearances week 5

Call To Worship

Isaiah 6:1 ¶ In the year of King Uzziah's death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.

 2 Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.

 3 And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory."

 4 And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke.

Processional

Alleluia, Sing To Jesus

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcD8r3UOMrM

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal New York City, New York

Passing Of The Peace

May The Peace Of Christ Be With You

ALL: And Also With You

Please Take  A Moment To Pass The Peace

Hymn

Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d9RJMOP9Tw

St. Paul’s Cathedral, City of London, London, England

First Reading

1Sa 16:1 ¶ Now the LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have selected a king for Myself among his sons."

 2 But Samuel said, "How can I go? When Saul hears of it, he will kill me." And the LORD said, "Take a heifer with you and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.'

 3 "You shall invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for Me the one whom I designate to you."

 4 So Samuel did what the LORD said, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and said, "Do you come in peace?"

 5 He said, "In peace; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." He also consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

 6 ¶ When they entered, he looked at Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD'S anointed is before Him."

 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either."

 9 Next Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, 'The LORD has not chosen this one either."

 10 Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, "The LORD has not chosen these."

 11 And Samuel said to Jesse, "Are these all the children?" And he said, "There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep." Then Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here."

 12 So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, "Arise, anoint him; for this is he."

 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.This Is

The WORD Of The LORD

ALL: Thanks Be To GOD!!

The LORD’S Prayer & Nicene Creed

Matthew 6:9 ¶ And Jesus said "In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

 11 Give us this day our daily bread.

 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Christian What Do You Believe?

I believe in one God the Father Almighty,

Maker of heaven and earth,

And of all things visible and invisible:

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God,

Begotten of his Father before all worlds,

God of God, Light of Light,

Very God of very God,

Begotten, not made,

Being of one substance with the Father,

By whom all things were made;

Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from heaven,

And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary,

And was made man,

And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.

He suffered and was buried,

And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures,

And ascended into heaven,

And sitteth on the right hand of the Father.

And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead:

Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost,

The Lord and giver of life,

Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son,

Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified,

Who spake by the Prophets.

And I believe one Catholic and Apostolic Church.

I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins.

And I look for the Resurrection of the dead,

And the life of the world to come.

Amen.

The Doxology

Praise GOD From Whom All Blessings Flow: Tune All Creatures of Our God and King

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1JOnVnLQd0

Faith Presbyterian Church, Tacoma, Washington, Ron Bechtel Organist

Second Reading & Lesson

The Restoration of Peter

John 21:1-24

1 ¶ After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself:

 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together.

 3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.

 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

 5 Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?" They answered Him, "No."

 6 And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.

 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.

 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish.

 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.

 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught."

 11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.

 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast." Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are You?" --knowing that it was the Lord.

 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.

 14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.

 15 ¶ So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs."

 16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep."

 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.

 18 "Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish."

 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me."

 20 ¶ Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?"

 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, "But Lord, what about this man?"

 22 Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me."

 23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?"

 24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.

The HOLY Gospel Of Our LORD Jesus Christ

ALL: All Glory To YOU LORD Christ!!

The Restoration of Peter, or
This Lesson could also be titled
In the Restoration Business

Wow next week we celebrate our LORD Jesus true Accession to the FATHER after HIS post Resurrection 40 Day full documented Ministry.

Each Week in the Church Calendar are true proofs of the text of the Bible and just how real it is, so let's visit this last Chapter of the Gospel of John and the Restoration of Peter.

My Wife and I up until 2016 loved watching the American Restorations program where Rick Dale and his family and crew took what we would call Real Junk, Garbage and turn it into a masterpiece. We even had the privilege to view and photograph the old Coca-Cola bottle refrigerated cart transformed into a Dodger Dog Cart for the San Manuel Casino in San Bernardino, California, it looked GREAT!
But why are we attracted to watching restorations, and why do we root for those who come back from the failure to full restoration?
I think of the return to respectability of President Richard Nixon who in disgrace resigned the Presidency in 1974 , and who at his death in 1994 was revered for his foreign policy, and was invited back to the White House by President Clinton as an adviser.
We can also think of Charles Colson again from the Nixon administration who served seven months in prison in 1974 after pleading guilty to obstruction of justice, back when we actually punished our politicians for such things, who went onto to become an Evangelical Christian leader who founded Prison Fellowship and BreakPoint. We could name David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam who the LORD used Prison to open his eyes, or Manuel Noriega who had his eyes open too in Prison by the HOLY SPIRIT.
But why are we surprised by the rebirth of Public figures, and why are we skeptical?
Sure there are those do use such “rebirths” as a license to steal, and that can cause us to lean toward skepticism, but still we seem skeptical of ALL such restorations.
Though I thought I was well aware of the Restoration work throughout the Bible, but our scripture today caused me to focus on not just the Restoration of Peter, but the fact that Restoration REAL Theme of the Bible!
In fact we need to bypass countless Restorations before we get to Peter, in the Old Testament as we think of Adam & Eve, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Samson, David each of whom stumbled and really BIG in some cases, just to name a few as it is really all about the restoration isn’t it.
That brings us to Peter;
I fear sometimes my comments are tough on the tradition sermons we have all heard on the Apostles, but it is only because these messages are so similar and by NOT really looking at the person of whom they are preaching they MISS the real point of the entire Scripture!
One Example comes from an Old Testament teacher who once said to a class that the Hebrews 11 list of names, the “Honor Role of the Faith” but when one looks at these people we come to the conclusion the list actually tells us plainly that the LORD alone chooses and gives faith as each name listed is proof of Grace and Mercy of the FATHER alone!
So now let’s look at Peter in more detail as we have heard he is impulsive, a true type A personality, and reckless of speech, and we have all heard this.
But I would also suggest Peter is everything a Jewish boy raised in the faith should be and as we dig just a little we see why.
It is Peter who by the Grace of GOD proclaims Jesus as the Christ, the SON of the LIVING GOD!
It is Peter who at the Transfiguration suggest booths be built for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus, as a trained Jewish kid would and should say
It is Peter who walks on water, and yet we hear the negative, when I would have sunk like a rock, or as the others NOT gotten out the boat, so great is my faith
It is Peter who asks the question each of us ask every day, how many times are we to forgive, when let’s be honest we have all heard and I fear if you are like me said “So and So does that same thing time and time again”
Jesus of course tells us plainly that our standard of forgiving is HIS, period!!!

And it is Peter who objects to having his feet washed, as ALL should have objected as even a Jewish slave was NOT allowed to wash feet so demeaning was this task.
So when HE restores Peter, HE again shows us that we must be in the forgiving and restoration business.
Is there pain in this Restoration?
Yes Peter was we hopefully are aware of is the poster kid for a good Jewish upbringing understands what it means to be asked a question 3 times, and as we reread this tell me what his reaction is;
Joh 21:15 ¶ So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus *said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He *said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He *said to him, "Tend My lambs."
16 He *said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He *said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He *said to him, "Shepherd My sheep."
17 He *said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus *said to him, "Tend My sheep.
18 "Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go."
19 Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He *said to him, "Follow Me!"
Real Question, Notice Jesus also addresses Peter as what, and When Did HE also address him as this?
Simon Bar Jonah, Simon Son of Jonah, the same address when Peter told HIM “YOU are the Christ the SON of the LIVING GOD!”
Many suggest correctly that Jesus is asking Him 3 time because Peter denied HIM 3 times, and yes that is true, but Jesus is also in the Complete Restoration Business, and HE is installing Peter as you notice to feed the Lambs, then Tend the Sheep, and finally to feed the Sheep.
These are the same steps a Church should look to when choosing a Pastor, can the really feed the Lambs, then tend all of the Sheep, and finally feed all of the Sheep?
I had a person who said some untrue things about me, and them my Wife, and when I went to him to try to restore the relationship, as I had already given full forgiveness of this person’s untrue statements, but when we met, the person suggested the “Harm” I had done to him needed a process to be fulfilled for me to be forgiven. This showed the individual has no understanding of Jesus Christ Forgiveness model, and we see these in the Woman at the Well, the Woman brought in Prostitution, as they where asked what steps to perform for forgiveness? None, and AFTER they were told they were forgiven, Jesus then said "Go and sin no more" as this would be the sign of true regeneration.
The sad part of this story is I was judged as the only one forthright (honest) during the investigation, and it was my Wife and I who were harmed.
I say this to Explain that NONE of this history matters as NOTHING would make me happier than a RESTORED relationship with this person, and it is all in this persons hands as I have forgiven them.
So you thought I forgot the first question in this lesson didn’t you? Well, NO I didn’t.
Why are we attracted to watching restorations, and why do we root for those who come back from the failure to full restoration?
Let me be blunt here, It’s because it’s a model of the LORD’S Business, as HE takes a Wreck like (ME) us washes us up in Christ blood the very Blood you and I pierced in our sins for real. HE Restores Us, and though Christ we shine on this Earth For HIM, upon our Home going HE really sees us as HIS SON!
We are restored to and through the Righteousness of Jesus Christ!
THIS IS A REAL QUESTION: As with the Restoration of anything, even us in reconstructive plastic surgery all the work is done by who?
The ONE RESTORING, and NOT the item or person being restored as in our Salvation everything is done by our LORD in Christ Jesus.
As in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery our restoration though completely done by Christ, it can be painful in the process of the recovery.
So that is why we are in the Restoration Business, and why we love the Restoration of Peter, as if we are really honest, for those in Christ, it is our Story!
Next week is Ascension Sunday and ends our 40 days of true appearances post resurrection of Jesus.

Hymn

To GOD Be The Glory

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-15v9iworAU

Royal Albert Hall, London, England

The LORD’S Feast

1Co 11:23 ¶ For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread;

 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me."

 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."

 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

Ah Holy Jesus How Has That Offended

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-_QXjQ_2eg

Faith Presbyterian Church, Tacoma, Washington, Ron Bechtel Organist

The LORD’S Benediction

Numbers 6:24 May "The LORD bless you and keep you;

 25 The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you;

 26 The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace."'

Let Us Go Forth As Those Who Love and Proclaim Our Risen LORD And Savior Jesus Christ

ALL Thanks Be To GOD, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, AMEN!!

Recessional

HE Is Risen, HE Is Risen

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILd3P8IvTdI

The Episcopal Cathedral Church Of Saints Peter and Paul, Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

Ascension Day Vespers

Video Introduction https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsZaUhKARVP/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Call to Vespers

Psalm 22:29-31

31 All the prosperous of the earth will eat and worship, All those who go down to the dust will bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep his soul alive.

 30 Posterity will serve Him; It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation.

 31 They will come and will declare His righteousness To a people who will be born, that He has performed it.

(NAS95)

Processional

All Glory Laud And Honor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHN8UAk6Yow

Kings College, Cambridge, England

May The Peace Of Christ Be With You

Response By All: And Also With You

This tradition dates back to Boaz’s address as he comes to the field outside of Bethlehem in Ruth Chapter 2

First Reading

Psalm 22

1 ¶ <<For the choir director; upon Aijeleth Hashshahar. A Psalm of David.>> My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning.

 2 O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; And by night, but I have no rest.

 3 Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.

 4 In You our fathers trusted; They trusted and You delivered them.

 5 To You they cried out and were delivered; In You they trusted and were not disappointed.

 6 But I am a worm and not a man, A reproach of men and despised by the people.

 7 All who see me sneer at me; They separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying,

 8 "Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him."

 9 Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; You made me trust when upon my mother's breasts.

 10 Upon You I was cast from birth; You have been my God from my mother's womb.

 11 ¶ Be not far from me, for trouble is near; For there is none to help.

 12 Many bulls have surrounded me; Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.

 13 They open wide their mouth at me, As a ravening and a roaring lion.

 14 I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It is melted within me.

 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And my tongue cleaves to my jaws; And You lay me in the dust of death.

 16 For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet.

 17 I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me;

 18 They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots.

 19 But You, O LORD, be not far off; O You my help, hasten to my assistance.

 20 Deliver my soul from the sword, My only life from the power of the dog.

 21 Save me from the lion's mouth; From the horns of the wild oxen You answer me.

 22 ¶ I will tell of Your name to my brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.

 23 You who fear the LORD, praise Him; All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel.

 24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for help, He heard.

 25 From You comes my praise in the great assembly; I shall pay my vows before those who fear Him.

 26 The afflicted will eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the LORD. Let your heart live forever!

 27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, And all the families of the nations will worship before You.

 28 For the kingdom is the LORD'S And He rules over the nations.

 29 All the prosperous of the earth will eat and worship, All those who go down to the dust will bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep his soul alive.

 30 Posterity will serve Him; It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation.

 31 They will come and will declare His righteousness To a people who will be born, that He has performed it.

(NAS95)

This Is The WORD Of The LORD

Response By All: Thanks Be To GOD!

Hymn

The Strife Is Over, The Battle Won!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGVazujx9Lc

The Cathedral Church Of Saint Peter & Saint Paul, Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

Second Reading

Acts Chapter 1: 1-11

1 ¶ The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach,

 2 until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen.

 3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.

 4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, "Which," He said, "you heard of from Me;

 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

 6 ¶ So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?"

 7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority;

 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

 9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.

 11 They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven."

This Is The WORD Of The LORD

Response By All: Thanks Be To GOD!

The Feast Of The LORD

1Co 11:23 ¶ For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread;

 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me."

 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."

 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

Hymn

Hail Thee Festival Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzk-2RManE8

The LORD’S Benediction

Acts 1:10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.

 11 They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven."

Let Us Go Forth As Those Who Love And Proclaim Our Risen KING and Savior Jesus Christ

Response By All: Thanks Be To GOD, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, AMEN!

Recessional

HE Is Risen, HE Is Risen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyOSU4M9ksA

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, New York City, New York

Ascension Sunday

40 days since the Resurrection

The Essential Ascension of Jesus and the significance of Two

Video Introduction https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsfBoRdgyy0/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

I am sure you might remember that as a kid I was born into a Baptist family and when our family move we became a United Presbyterian in 1963, in case you wondered I was Baptized as an Adult at First Presbyterian in Hackettstown, NJ when I was confirmed into membership as an 8th Grader.

I later became a member of an Orthodox Presbyterian Church, serving as Moderator of the Deacons for almost 20 years, next I would become a Member, Intern Pastor, and Gain my License at Seacrest Presbyterian a Presbyterian Church of America Church.

So, just how did I become a PresbyAnglican?

A PresbyAnglican is fully Presbyterian in polity, while fully Anglican in Worship trappings.

Well, I believe the HOLY SPIRIT opened my eyes to just how the Church Calendar in the “Reformed or Orthodox” Presbyterian order had become ignored, and even little importance of the significance in the True and Vital Biblical Narrative of the Steps taken be Our TRIUNE GOD in effecting our salvation.

You see, I really never was emersed in the Advent, Lenten, and Post Resurrection importance of the Bible, in fact we actually had arguments with the Pastor and Elders at the OPC Church on just why we needed to Have a Christmas Eve Service, they finally, after “reminding” us that there is no command in the Bible to have such services, allowed us to conduct a Christmas Eve Vespers, that most of them WOULD NOT Attend.

Late in my time as Deacon Moderator, I became aware of the Need for a processional and recessional during worship, but mostly to get the socializers to get in their seats to focus on Worship the Living GOD.

It was in Seminary that I also had my Eyes opened to Weekly LORD’S Suppers, and Eventually the Procession of the Cross, that in fact dates back to the Emperor Constantine, and is not a form of Idol worship, but simply as with the Elements Of The LORD’S simply represents the presence of our LORD, but in NO way is worshiped as our LORD.

It really is why each year we will walk diligently through the Great and True events found in the Bible and of course throughout the Calendar year.

One of Our Friends in the Roman Catholic Church titled His Lesson, “The Need For Jesus To Ascend To Heaven”, and though I did not have time to read His post, (Wish I did), I would simply suggest two thoughts:

Jesus lived the full life from conception to death just as we humans will go through, then took a necessary proof step in HIS mission by HIS true resurrection from the dead as we will, and true Ascension to Heaven as We Will in Christ alone.   

I pray the HOLY SPIRIT causes us to never be bored by these annual Celebrations, and just as we are not bored by yearly US Holidays.

Let’s run to Worship as We celebrate the true accension of our LORD Jesus Christ.

Call To Worship

 Psalm 95:6 Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

Processional

Hail The Day That Sees HIM Rise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySuq6GVwkN8

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, New York City, New York

Passing of the Peace of Christ

May The Peace Of Christ Be With You

Response By All: And Also With You

Please Take A Minute To Pass The Peace Of Christ

Hymn

Praise To The LORD The Almighty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JvCmvlm-Qg&t=16s

Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, England

First Reading

Genesis 18: 1-10, Exodus 25:17-19, Mark 6:7, Luke 10:1, John 20:11-16

1¶ Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day.

 2 When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth,

 3 and said, "My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by.

 4 "Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree;

 5 and I will bring a piece of bread, that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant." And they said, "So do, as you have said."

 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, "Quickly, prepare three measures of fine flour, knead it and make bread cakes."

 7 Abraham also ran to the herd, and took a tender and choice calf and gave it to the servant, and he hurried to prepare it.

 8 He took curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and placed it before them; and he was standing by them under the tree as they ate.

 9 ¶ Then they said to him, "Where is Sarah your wife?" And he said, "There, in the tent."

 10 He said, "I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him.

Exodus 25:17-19

17 "You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and one and a half cubits wide.

 18 "you shall make two cherubim of gold, make them of hammered work at the two ends of the mercy seat.

 19 "Make one cherub at one end and one cherub at the other end; you shall make the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat at its two ends.

Mark 6:7 ¶ And He *summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits;

 Luke 10:1 ¶ Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come.

(NAS95)

John 20:11-16

11 ¶ But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb;

 12 and she *saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying.

 13 And they *said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She *said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him."

 14 When she had said this, she turned around and *saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.

 15 Jesus *said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she *said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away."

 16 Jesus *said to her, "Mary!" She turned and *said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (which means, Teacher).

This Is The WORD Of The LORD

Response By All: Thanks Be To GOD!

The LORD’S Prayer & Apostles Creed

Matthew 6:9 ¶ And Jesus said "In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

 11 Give us this day our daily bread.

 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Christian What Do You Believe?

I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth:

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, dead, and buried:
He descended into hell;
The third day he rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost;
The Holy Catholic Church;

The Communion of Saints;
The Forgiveness of sins;
The Resurrection of the body,
And the Life everlasting.
Amen.

The Doxology

Praise GOD From Whom All Blessings Flow: Tune All Creatures of Our God and King

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1JOnVnLQd0

Faith Presbyterian Church, Tacoma, Washington, Organist Mr. Ron Bechtel

Jesus Shall Reign

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18AlMS43Gck

Faith Presbyterian Church, Tacoma, Washington, Organist Mr. Ron Bechtel

Second Reading and Lesson

The Ascension of Jesus and the significance of Two

Ac 1:1 ¶ The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach,

 2 until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen.

 3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.

 4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, "Which," He said, "you heard of from Me;

 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

 6 ¶ So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?"

 7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority;

 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

 9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.

 11 They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven."

This Is The WORD Of The LORD

Response By All: Thanks Be To GOD

As With ALL of Jesus Ministries, they showed HIS total Mastery over Creation, while in fact suspending the Natural Order of things for the super Natural.

What do I mean (I really hope you did not have to ask that), as we walk through Jesus Earthly Ministry, we see time after time things done by HIM that are just Mind Blowing.

Think of Dr. Luke’s investigation as He gets to record things a Man of Medicine knows better than any just does NOT happen, like the Lepers Cleansed, the Lame Leap, The Blind See, the Dead Raised, Walking on water, and we could go on.

So Jesus Ascension is as necessary a revealing of the Mastery Jesus the Creator has over Creation, as well The Ascension of Our LORD Jesus Christ is a witnessed event, and for the record we need to allow the Bible, and Dr. Luke under the inspiration of the HOLY SPIRIT, as he has recorded this event twice in Luke and in Acts in detail.

I would also like to walk quickly through our readings today as the LORD talks, and appears with two a number of times.

First the Ascension;

The Ascension is recorded in three books, Mark, Luke and Acts, it occurred with witnesses and is similar to the ascension of Elijah, and the Transfiguration as these events ARE witnessed.

The Ascension, like our first reading and the LORD at the Oaks of Mamre, the Transfiguration, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection have what in common?

That is right they are ALL attended by two others.

This significant as it should be the Churches rule for witnessing for Jesus as teams are strongest two by two, and problems really develop by one going out on their own.

Next we need to fully acknowledge that the LORD does not need help, yet HE as ALL powerful as HE truly is yet is accompanied at so many of these events, and will be accompanied by HIS Legions on the Last Day Revelation 19:11 ¶ And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.

 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself.

 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.

 14 And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses.

 15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.

 16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

And yet we really know the LORD Spoke the World into creation, and is quite capable of Speaking it out and Speaking in the New Heaven & Earth.

As we see the examples of the two there is also one other really cool example and Dr. Warren Gauge get full credit for seeing this;

Look at the picture of the Ark of the Covenant and what do you see?

Exodus 25:19 "Make one cherub at one end and one cherub at the other end; you shall make the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat at its two ends.

As Cherubs are on either Side of the Ark

Now look at John’s Tomb Recollection and what do we see?

John 20:11 ¶ But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb;

 12 and she *saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying.

It is telling us what?

What the Ark was, and who it always pointing to, Jesus Christ and his Sacrifice.

As I promised I want the Passages to do the talking so I will end with this caution, Please don’t send out one person at a time ever to witness, as the Bible is full of examples of the reason for two, and it really does protect the one being witnessed to, and the one witnessing.

One last very quick observation, as it has to deal with the Church in the developed West.

We in the West, have been instructed to doubt the appearance in visions of Our LORD Jesus Christ in the modern conversion process, and yet, it is not unheard of in the East.

I tend to think we in the over educated West are to be pitied, in some ways as Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today and Forever, and is quite capable of appearing on a Damascus road to St. Paul, or to St. John throughout HIS Revelation to him, as HE would be in the Middle East, or in Allamuchy, New Jersey for that matter today.

Jesus and HIS Name IS as Powerful as it was THEN, is TODAY, and will be TOMMOROW, do you believe that?

If you don’t show me the scripture that says it has been changed.

Let us stand and rejoice as we Celebrate the Ascension of Our LORD Jesus Christ who will return in the Clouds as HE Ascended.

Next Week we wear red in Celebration of Pentecost Sunday 

Love Devine, All Loves Excelling 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=233EE1w83oc

The Cathedral Church Of Saint Peter & Saint Paul, Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

The LORD’S Table

1Co 11:23 ¶ For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread;

 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me."

 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."

 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

 27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.

 28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly.

The KING Of Love My SHEPHERD Is

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJCthrlK8W0

Trinity Episcopal Church, New York City, New York

The LORD’S Benediction

Jude 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy,

 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

(NAS95)

Let Us Go Forth As Those Who Love And Proclaim Our Risen LORD And Savior Jesus Christ

Response By All: Thanks Be To GOD, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, AMEN!

Recessional

LORD Dismiss Us With YOUR Blessing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NofzlODij2k

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, New York City, New York