Lectionary
Next Week's Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm
118:1-2, 19-29; 31:9-16
New Testament
2Philippians 2:5-11
Gospel
Luke 19:28-40;
22:14-23, 56
Next Week's Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm
118:1-2, 19-29; 31:9-16
New Testament
2Philippians 2:5-11
Gospel
Luke 19:28-40;
22:14-23, 56
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
On this coming fifth Sunday in the holy season of Lent we continue with our Lenten theme of preparation. Lent is a time for us to prepare ourselves for a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God through careful self-examination, repenting of all those things creating distance between us and God, and then fully embracing the forgiving grace our Lord is so anxious to give. In this week’s lectionary passage from Philippians 3:4b-14, the Apostle Paul makes a dramatic announcement. He has abandoned all those advantages he thought he had earned in the Jewish religion, all those things he assumed were of value to God, in favor of what he now knows has the ultimate value: “knowing Christ Jesus.” For Paul, knowing Jesus as his Lord and belonging to him provided more joy than he had ever experienced. As we reflect on Paul’s epiphany we might reasonably ask ourselves: what does it really mean for us modern day Christians to “know” Jesus Christ? In this week’s sermon we’ll explore some important answers to that question.
OUR WEEKLY PRAYER
Lord Jesus, perfect and divine Son;
You who came into the world so we might know you and the Father better.
Open our eyes, our ears, and our minds to your truth for our lives,
So we might come to truly “know” who you are and serve you in the world.
In your holy name we pray. Amen.
On this coming fifth Sunday in the holy season of Lent we continue with our Lenten theme of preparation. Lent is a time for us to prepare ourselves for a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God through careful self-examination, repenting of all those things creating distance between us and God, and then fully embracing the forgiving grace our Lord is so anxious to give. In this week’s lectionary passage from Philippians 3:4b-14, the Apostle Paul makes a dramatic announcement. He has abandoned all those advantages he thought he had earned in the Jewish religion, all those things he assumed were of value to God, in favor of what he now knows has the ultimate value: “knowing Christ Jesus.” For Paul, knowing Jesus as his Lord and belonging to him provided more joy than he had ever experienced. As we reflect on Paul’s epiphany we might reasonably ask ourselves: what does it really mean for us modern day Christians to “know” Jesus Christ? In this week’s sermon we’ll explore some important answers to that question.
OUR WEEKLY PRAYER
Lord Jesus, perfect and divine Son;
You who came into the world so we might know you and the Father better.
Open our eyes, our ears, and our minds to your truth for our lives,
So we might come to truly “know” who you are and serve you in the world.
In your holy name we pray. Amen.