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December 1 Worship

11/24/2013

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December 1 marks the start of Advent and actually the beginning of a new church year.   In this season of Advent my focus in preaching will be on the appointed readings that come from the prophet Isaiah.  He is gives us words that point to the coming of the Messiah as well as an ideal situation that God would usher in at the end of time.

The reading for this Sunday comes from Isaiah 2 that animates us with a picture of Jerusalem being the center of the Earth, where all nations would be coming to it.

"In days to come the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it."  Is. 2:1-5

The people make their way to this place because they want to be taught God's ways and want to walk in God's ways.  Can you imagine such a situation existing?  Would that all people would come to acknowledge God and would not want anything less than to live in God's ways!

I especially like the great vision that Isaiah holds out for us:  "they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks." (Is. 2:4)  What a scene of peace.  Can you think of our weapons of warfare today - tanks, missiles, drones, - all being converted into tools for the good of the earth?  What would it be like if folks only wanted peace.  Let us hold onto Isaiah's words and meditate upon them during this Advent season.

You might want to read the whole text from Isaiah 2:1-5.  May your reflection on this words be a blessing to you in preparation for your worship.

Discipleship Questions for Reflection

Do you see anything happening in our world today where many nations seem to have a singular focus to work for the good of humanity?

What might be ways that the church today could help to connect people from many walks of life and nations?
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November 24 Worship

11/17/2013

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This coming Sunday marks the end of the church year.  It is known as "Christ the King."  The entire church year is taken from the life of Christ - beginning with the birth of Christ (Advent), his death and resurrection (Lent and Easter), his ascension (after which the Spirit takes over and we celebrate the Pentecost season) and then we come to honor Christ as King.

The reading from Colossians for this Sunday directs us to Jesus as being the image of the invisible God.  (Col. 1:15)  The text continues by giving us a cosmic view of Christ who is intimately tied in with creation.

"All things have been created through him and for him."  verse 16

"In him all things hold together."  verse 17

Can you see the magnificent role that Jesus has played with creation?  He is the agent and goal of creation.  The apostle Paul gives us this insight that  everything in heaven and on earth came into existence because of him - even what we cannot see!   Can you begin to comprehend this?

On this day we also celebrate Jesus as the "head of the body, the church" (verse 18)  He also rules over his redeemed.  We must look at how we are living under Jesus' rule as our King.

You might want to study the entire selection and meditate on it - Colossians 1:15-20.  May God's blessing being upon your study of this text.

Discipleship Questions for Reflection

Are there any ways in which we in church may not be doing a good job in living under Christ as King and his rule?

What can you do to affirm his kingship in your life?


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November 17 Worship

11/10/2013

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Oftentimes, we wonder: Who is in charge?  Maybe, it is when you have a problem with customer service and need your problem to be resolved; or maybe it is a situation where you are wondering about the prevalence of crime and are wondering who is responsible.  Sometimes, it seems like evil has the upper hand. 

The Bible tells us that for this world the one who is in charge and who will have the last word is God!  On Sunday, I will be drawing on the appointed reading from the prophet Malachi.  Here are the words:  

"See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says thte Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.  But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings."  Malachi 4:1-2  NRSV

Yes, don't we all worry about justice being done in our world; and now in this text it indicates that at the end of time there will be God's justice for those who are bent on evil.  For those who are faithful, there is a promise of healing.  While things might seem to be out of control, God will still win out in the end.

Discipleship Questions for Reflection

Jesus is the ultimately that "sun of righteousness" who will bring healing.  How do you think this healing will play out? 

Dig deeper into that term - the sun of righteousness.  What might it all say about him with that image?


You are welcome to leave any comments that will help give input for Sunday's message.  May God's blessing be upon you as you prepare yourself for worship!


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November 10 Worship

11/4/2013

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It's interesting how much the Bible talks about GIVING - whether it was the tithe, helping the poor, or rendering unto the government its due and to God what God rightfully deserves.  The theme of giving runs from beginning to end in Scripture.

This Sunday my message will focus on the theme of being a good steward.  I will reflect on the role of the tithe in the Old Testament as well as considering the generosity of God toward us.  It's really this generosity that above everything else ought to motivate us to be generous in our own giving.

We are to be motivated by the generosity of God in sending Jesus to be our Savior.  This action is the supreme sacrifice - one made out of love.  Can we not respond in kind to all the blessings we therefore receive.  I'm sure you can begin to count them!

Reflect for a moment on a piece of wisdom from Proverbs 11:24:  "Some give freely, yet grow richer; others withhold what is due, and only suffer want."  What do you make of this?  To withhold giving to the church or to the poor often is done because of insecurity - or should I say -  lack of trust in God.  Our giving is always a response to what God has done and promises.

Discipleship Question for Reflection

If you were to receive an extremely generous cash gift - no strings attached - what would you do with it?  Consider how stewardship would play out in your life.
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    I invite you to reflect on these words of Scripture in preparing for worship.

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    Pastor Marty Pauschke

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