Epiphany 3
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook - SERIES C
The Lessons
Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 8-10 (C)
Nehemiah 8:2-6, 8-10, (RC)
Ezra reads the Book of the Law to the returned Exiles.
The book of Nehemiah tells the story of the return of the Exiles under Governor Nehemiah during the reign of Artaxerxes. Under Nehemiah the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt and various reforms were introduced. He is known for his relationship with Yahweh and his frequent prayers. Today's pericope tells us of the gathering of the people for the reading of the Mosaic law by Ezra, the priest and scribe. When the people heard the Law, they wept, but they were admonished to rejoice and celebrate.
Isaiah 61:1-6 (L)
God anoints his servant with the Spirit to help the afflicted.
1 Corinthians 12:12-30 (C, RC)
1 Corinthians 12:12-31, 26-27 (L)
Members with a diversity of spiritual gifts are one in the body of Christ.
In the first reading in this series begun last Sunday, Paul taught that the Spirit gave each person a gift. While there was a diversity of gifts, a problem in the church developed. Members became individualistic and proud by belittling the gifts of others. Today's passage deals with this problem. The solution is in the metaphor of the church as the body of Christ. The church is the body of Christ and the people are members of the body. Each part of the human body is essential and has its function. No one organ can claim uniqueness nor superiority. Each member is important for the well-being of the body. While all members are of equal importance, some were given special tasks: apostles, prophets, teachers, et al.
Luke 4:14-21 (C, L)
Luke 4:1-4, 14-21 (RC)
Jesus began his ministry in the synagogue at Nazareth.
In today's Gospel we have Part 1 of Luke's account of Jesus' beginning his ministry in his home-town, Nazareth. Part 2 comes next Sunday. The preacher may wish to preach a two-part sermon on two Sundays - a mini-series. Part 1 deals with Jesus' reading the Word; Part 2 with Jesus' preaching the Word. As was his custom, Jesus goes to the synagogue to worship. He reads the Scripture lesson for the day, probably according to the Jewish lectionary. Then he sits down and simply announces that he fulfilled this prophecy.
Prayer of the Day
"Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit that we, too, may bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the broken-hearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives."
Hymn of the Day
"Hail to the Lord's Anointed"
Theme of the Day: Hearing the Word Read
Gospel - The synagogue of Nazareth heard Jesus read the Word. (Gospel)
Lesson 1 - The Israelites heard Ezra read the Word. (Law)
Lesson 2 - (Given in course, Lesson 2 is not necessarily in harmony with the other Lessons.)
In both Gospel and Lesson 1 the Word is read to the people. Ezra read the Law. Jesus read the assigned Lesson of the day from the prophets - the Gospel. As mentioned earlier, the lections today constitute half of the message. Today is the read Word. Next Sunday it will be the preached Word. The reading of the Word is an essential element in a worship service. The Psalm harmonizes with Lesson 1 - the Law. The prayer refers to the Gospel lesson. Lesson 2 is the second in the series from 1 Corinthians 12-15.
Theological Reflections
Gospel: Luke 4:14-21
1. Custom (v. 16). As it was the custom of his parents to go annually to Jerusalem to worship, Jesus had the custom of going to the synagogue each sabbath. The way he was raised, continued in adult-hood. Children usually follow the example of their parents. If children are forced to go to church while the parents remain home, it is only a matter of time until the children stop going to church.
2. Found (v. 17). The book of Isaiah was handed to Jesus to read the Scripture lesson in the worship service. There is no suggestion in the record that he had to ask what he should read nor did he ask where the passage was to be found. He simply and easily found the place to read. It was a passage about the servant who was anointed by the Spirit to preach. Apparently, Jesus knew his Bible so well that he could immediately turn to the desired passage. Our lack of Biblical knowledge is revealed when we look for the book of Hezekiah or turn to the Old Testament for the book of Hebrews.
3. Fulfilled (v. 21). Here is a stunning word. No one in all of Jewish history was able to say, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." Jesus did not only read the Word; he was the Word incarnate. Though the people in the synagogue may not have understood what he said, he was telling them he was the promised Servant, anointed with the Spirit, who came to proclaim the Kingdom.
Lesson 1: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 8-10
1. He (v. 3). Who read the Word to the people? The reader was none other than the priest and scribe, Ezra. In recent years some churches have introduced lay readers of the first two Lessons to symbolize the laity's part in the leadership of the worship service. As a result, often a lay reader cannot be heard, mispronounces words, adds or leaves out a word, and misinterprets the reading by placing emphasis on the wrong words or phrases. As a result the Word thereby is distorted, mangled, and misinterpreted to the disadvantage of the people. Following the example of Ezra, the pastor is usually the best qualified to read the Word in worship.
2. Pulpit (v. 4). For the first time in the Bible we read about the building and use of a pulpit for the reading of the Word. Traditionally the lectern was the place for Scripture reading and the pulpit for the preaching of the Word. Note that it was a high pulpit so that the crowd of people could see. Today also the pulpit needs to be elevated so that the congregation can see the preacher and gain the message through non-verbal communication.
3. Stood (v. 5). When Ezra opened the Bible, the people stood for the hearing of the Word. Standing expresses reverence for the Word and for the One behind the Word. Through the reading of the Bible God speaks to his people. In our day many churches practice standing for the reading of the Gospel lesson.
4. Sense (v. 8) It is not enough to hear the Word read. There should be understanding of what is read. Philip asked the Ethiopean eunuch, "Do you understand what you are reading?" To help people understand, Ezra had aides who translated the Hebrew into the tongue of the people and explained it. Today this is one purpose of the sermon - it gives an understanding of the Lessons preceding the sermon.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30
1. Body (v. 12). In this pericope the word "body" is used seventeen times. It is the primary subject of the passage. In one sense, it is a metaphor. The church is like a human body with various members. Another meaning is that literally the church is the body of Christ. The church is the comtempory incarnation of Christ. The Christian is the church, at least an integral part of it.
2. Spirit (v. 13). What makes us members of the body of Christ? We were baptized in the Spirit and became members of the body. We are not members by choice or by joining the church. The Spirit called us and inducted us into the church. Thus, the church is not a human organization or institution. She is the product of the Spirit and lives by the Spirit.
3. Member (v. 14). The body consists of members - arms, hands, feet, eyes, ears, etc. Each member is a vital part of the body and is essential for the body to be complete and to function adequately. Indeed, the body can exist without an eye, arm, or leg, but it is handicapped. As a person can be physically handicapped by the loss of a member, so the church is handicapped by members not present or not doing their part. For the body to be healthy, every organ needs to do its part.
Preaching Possibilities
Two Lessons
Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 8-10; Luke 4:14-21
Hearing the Whole Truth Read
Need: Today we have the Word read; next Sunday we will have the Word preached. The read and
preached Word are of equal importance and power. In a few churches this is architecturally symbolized by having the lectern and pulpit of equal size and height, or of having the lectern and pulpit combined as the place of the Word. Traditionally the lectern was a small reading desk while the pulpit was raised and enlarged to contain the preacher. It was a subtle way of saying that the preached Word is more important than the read Word. Our present neglect of the read Word is seen also by the limit of the amount of Scripture to one Lesson, if any, and to the people's inattention to the reading of the Scripture probably because it is so poorly read. Both Lesson 1 and the Gospel deal with the public reading of the Word in a worship setting. They complement each other by giving Law and Gospel, the whole truth. The people need to know that the Word of God consists of both law and Gospel.
Outline: Hear the Word read -
a. The Law read by a priest -Lesson 1
b. The Gospel read by the prophet - Gospel
Gospel:
Luke 4:14-21
1. A Person of One Book. 4:16-21
Need: John Wesley admonished his preachers to be a "man of one book." Of course, he was referring to the Bible. Today most people are of many books or of no book. The Bible is the best-selling book but the least-read book. In our text we see that Jesus was a man of one book. He is a model for us today in our use of the Bible.
Outline: Be a person of one book by following Jesus' use of the Book -
a. Jesus read the Bible - "He opened the book." - v. 17
b. Jesus knew the Bible - "He found the place." - v. 17
c. Jesus lived the Bible - "Fulfilled" - v. 21
2. Hear and Know! 4:20-21
Need: Here and now in this worship service, you can hear and know the Word of God. At all other times the reader of the Word was responsible to read the Word clearly but was not responsible for fulfilling it in life. Only Jesus identified with the Word and only he could say that the Scripture was fulfilled and completed in him. In the hearing of the Word we can know that the truth was realized and actualized in Jesus. This was symbolized when at the end of the reading, Jesus "closed the book." (v. 20) There was nothing more to be said, nothing more to be revealed.
Outline: Hear and know the Book is closed -
a. The revelation of truth in Jesus is completed.
1. No other book of religious truth is needed.
2. No further revelation is needed.
b. The promises of God are fulfilled in Jesus.
1. The promise of the Messiah
2. The promise of freedom from sin
3. Hear the Good News. 4:16-19
Need: You go to church and hear the Word read. What is the content of the read Word? Is it worth hearing? Jesus chose a passage that contained good news for the people. This year is the acceptable year of the Lord. The acceptable year was the year of jubilee, proclaimed every fifty years. During this year debts were cancelled and slaves were freed. Jesus says he came to fulfill the promise of God to release the oppressed, afflicted, and bound. This is the good news we hear when the Word is read.
Outline: Listen to the reading of the good news -
a. Glad tidings for the poor in spirit - v. 18
b. Release for the captives of sin - v. 18
c. Sight for those blinded by sin - v. 18
d. Liberty for those oppressed by sin - v. 18
Lesson 1: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 8-10
1. The Art of Listening to the Read Word. 8:1-4a, 5-6
Need: The reading of Scripture is an essential element in public worship. However, the Word is often poorly read and poorly listened to. For some, reading the Lessons is the time for reading the Sunday bulletin, whispering, or looking out or at the windows. This passage tells readers how they ought to read, but since a sermon is directed to listeners, we focus the sermon on those who have the responsibility to hear aright. People need to be reminded that the reading of the Word is God speaking to them without human comment or interpretation.
Outline: The art of hearing the Word of God -
a. Be present to hear the Word read - v. 1
b. Pay attention to the reading - v. 3
c. Respect the Word by standing during the reading - v. 5
d. Consider the read Word an act of worship - v. 6
2. Guidelines for Reading the Word of God. 8:1-4a, 5-6
Need: Since reading the Word in worship is as important as the Word itself, we could use some guidelines for the proper reading. In the account of the reading of the Law in today's first lesson, we find guidelines for our reading Scripture in our worship services. The passage answers the following questions.
Outline: The questions concerning the reading -
a. Who shall read? Only the qualified - v. 3
b. What shall be read? The Law (Word) - v. 1
c. How much shall be read? - v. 3
d. When shall it be read? Worship - v. 6
Lesson 1: Isaiah 61:1-6
1. In dealing with this passage as a text, the preacher will keep in mind that it is Trito-Isaiah's call to the ministry at a time when his country was in chaos, desolation, and mourning. His call was to announce a new era for God's people, "the year of the Lord."
2. What God Wants You To Do. 61:1-4
Note, First, that one must first be called, "anointed," by God to do his work. No one dare start
a great work without having a divine call. This leads the preacher to ask whether his people have received a call to serve. How does God call one to serve, or is a call reserved for only special people like the old-time prophets?
Second, note to whom the Servant goes: to the "afflicted," "brokenhearted," "captives," and "those who mourn." What does this say about God's attitude toward the oppressed? What does it say about the church's concern for the dispossessed of our day?
Third, see what the Servant brings: good news, comfort, gladness, praise.
Fourth, note that God's work through the Spirit results in making the people priests and ministers of God - v. 6. Now, in our day the people of God will be servants of good news for the world's well-being. The church is mission, and the people are ministers ordained at baptism when the Spirit anoints them. Here is the doctrine of the priesthood of believers in Isaiah 61.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30
1. What is the Church? 12:12-30
Need: There are many groups calling themselves a "church." Would you say that the following are true churches: Metropolitan Community Church; Church of Scientology; Unification Church; Church of Christ, Scientist; Church of Latter Day Saints? Moreover, is the church a certain liturgy or policy or hierarchy or program? This confusion can be cleared up by the text.
Outline: The truth about the church -
a. Her identity - "the body of Christ" - v. 27
b. Her origin - the Spirit - v. 13
c. Her variety
1. Variety of members - v. 14
2. Variety of leaders - v. 28
3. Variety of gifts - v. 30
2. Marks of Christ's Church. 12:12-26
Need: Would you be able to tell a church if you saw one? What are her distinguishing marks? If in doubt whether a church is one of Christ's churches, look at the marks given by Paul in the text.
Outline: The marks of Christ's church -
a. Unity - vv. 12-13 A divided, split, contentious church is not pleasing to Christ.
b. Diversity - vv. 14-21 It takes all kinds of people, leaders, and gifts to make the church.
c. Corporateness - v. 26 What happens to one member affects all.
EPIPHANY 4
Common, Lutheran
ORDINARY TIME 4
Roman Catholic
The Lessons
Jeremiah 1:4-10 (C, L)
Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19 (RC)
Even before his birth Jeremiah was appointed a prophet.
Jeremiah tells us of his call to preach. It came at the time Josiah was king of Judah (ca. 627 BC). It came as a dialogue with Yahweh who even before his birth was destined to be a prophet. In this dialogue he heard the voice of Yahweh and felt his hand on his lips. There was no human initiative in the call. The words he was to speak were totally the Lord's words. The message he was to proclaim was one of judgment and salvation for all nations.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
1 Corinthians 12:27--13:13 (L)
1 Corinthians 12:31--13:13 (RC)
Love is the greatest gift of the Spirit.
Of the Spirit's gifts love is the greatest. Chapter 13 is a hymn of love. In this chapter Paul points out that all other gifts are worthless without love. This can be seen by the characteristics of agape love. Other gifts are temporary but love is the perfect and eternal gift. Lest love be misunderstood as moralism or sentimentalism, Paul combines love with faith and hope with love being supreme.
Luke 4:21-30 (C, RC)
Luke 4:21-32 (L)
The people of Nazareth react negatively to Jesus' first sermon.
When Jesus read the Scripture, the congregation was so pleased that admiringly they asked, "Is not this Joseph's son?" It was a different matter when he preached. Their love turned to hatred. It seems that they wanted him to perform miracles as he did in Capernaum. For their lack of faith he was unable to do any mighty work. The people's rejection caused him to tell them that a prophet is not accepted by his own people. But he, like Elijah and Elisha, will be accepted by the gentiles. They were so enraged that they were about to kill him, but miraculously he escaped.
Prayer of the Day
"O God, you know that we cannot withstand the dangers which surround us. Strengthen us in body and spirit so that, with your help, we may be able to overcome the weakness that our sin has brought upon us."
Hymn of the Day
"God of Grace and God of Glory"
Theme of the Day: Hearing the Word Preached
Gospel - Opposition to the preached Word.
Lesson 1 - Called to preach the Word.
Lesson 2 - (Given in-course, Lesson 2 is not necessarily in harmony with the other Lessons.)
The Gospel and lesson are in close harmony with each other. Both Jeremiah and Jesus were divinely destined to preach. Today's Gospel continues the account of Jesus' first sermon in Nazareth. Last Sunday Jesus gave the text and today he preaches on the text. Both Jeremiah and Jesus had experienced intense opposition to their sermons . "Be not afraid of them for I am with you to deliver them." (Jeremiah 1:8) Jesus was also delivered from the crowd who intended to kill him. Moreover, both Jeremiah and Jesus had a universal concept of religion: Jeremiah was to preach to "nations and kingdoms"; Jesus aroused hostility by referring to the prophets' attention to Gentiles. The Prayer deals with the "dangers which surround us." Lesson 2 is the third in the series on the Spirit.
Theological Reflections
Gospel:
Luke 4:21-30
1. Wondered (v. 22). The hometown folks at Nazareth "wondered" at the gracious words of Jesus in his first sermon. How could a young man of thirty speak with so much wisdom and authority when he was one of them, a peasant, one who was raised along with the other kids? Was he not the son of only Joseph, the village carpenter? So Jesus said, "No prophet is acceptable in his own country." The expert or specialist is an average person a long way from home!
2. Do here (v. 23). At first Jesus received a positive reaction to his preaching. They were pleased with his gracious words. Something happened that changed their attitude. The people were pleased with his gracious words. Something happened that changed their attitude. The people were pleased with his reading but they wanted action in terms of miracles which he was supposed to have performed in Caper-naum. But Jesus could do no mighty work in his hometown because of their unbelief.
3. Wrath (v.28). The "wonder" of the beginning ended up in "wrath." The people were so angry with Jesus' sermon that they took him to a cliff and were about to throw him down head-first to his death. How could one sermon arouse so much antipathy? Since a prophet was of no honor among his own people, Jesus suggested that non-Jews would accept him. He gave two cases to prove his point:
Elijah went to a Gentile widow for food and drink at a time of drought (1 Kings 17), and Elisha healed Namaan, a Gentile from Syria, of leprosy. This sense of the universality of God's concern for all people enraged a congregation of folks who believed they had a monopoly on God.
Lesson 1: Jeremiah 1:4-10
1. Before (v. 4). Here is one who was a preacher "before" he was born! Even before he was conceived, Yahweh had consecrated and appointed him to be a prophet. Accordingly, only God can make a preacher. God has a plan and a destiny for every person. Each was sent to the world to carry out a mission and to do a work for God. This answers the question, "Why am I here on earth?"
2. Only (v. 6). Like all true preachers, Jeremiah felt unworthy and inadequate for the call of God. He said, "I am only a youth" and "I do not know how to speak." That is not an excuse, God says. I will send you where you are to go and I will give you the words to speak. God makes up for our inadequacies and deficiencies.
3. Touched (v. 9). Yahweh touched the lips of Jeremiah and put his words in Jeremiah's mouth. It was a touch of cleansing, power, and grace. A true prophet is one who speaks not for him/herself but for God. This gives him/her a message of truth and power. But, how many people today believe they are hearing God speaking to them while a sermon is preached?
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
1. Nothing (vv. 2-3). Without love, life is a waste. It ends up a big goose egg! Give your life to excellence in speaking or in knowledge, or in faith, or in personal sacrifice and without love you have nothing. Your life has been wasted. However, have love and the other items enrich and enforce life. A loveless life with every kind of ability is a useless, tragic life.
2. Not (vv. 4-6). When it comes to describing or defining something, often it is best to tell what a thing is not. It is a reverse way of getting to the truth. Paul uses this device when he explains the nature of love - it is not jealous, arrogant, rude, irritable, or resentful.
3. Never (v. 8). Paul claims that love "never" ends. Is love eternal? Love ceases in marriages and divorces result. Friends break up. Nations go to war. Churches split. Love seems to die in these cases. That is human love, probably eros or philia. Paul is speaking of agape, a divine love. This kind of love never ends, because God is love and he is eternal. If our human love is to last, it depends upon our love becoming agape love.
Preaching Possibilities
Two Lessons
Jeremiah 1:4-10; Luke 4:21-30
Twin Preachers
Need: Jeremiah and Jesus may be considered twin preachers because they have so much in common. When Jesus asked his Disciples at Caesarea Philippi who men said he was, one of the names given was Jeremiah. If one believed in reincarnation, one might suspect that Jeremiah was reincarnated in Jesus. Their common experiences fortify the truth for our acceptance.
Outline: Consider the twin preachers -
a. Both were called before birth - Jeremiah 1:5; pre-existent Christ
b. Both were youth - Jeremiah 1:6; Luke 4:22
c. Both had opposition - Jeremiah 4:8; Luke 4:28
d. Both were prophets to the nations - Jeremiah 4:5; Luke 4:24
Gospel: Luke 4:21-30
1. What Kind of Preacher is Wanted? 4:21-29
Need: It needs to be remembered that we are preaching to the laity and not to the clergy. For the most part the people choose the kind of preacher they want. A popular preacher avoids speaking about sin and dealing with controversial subjects. One who tells it like it is, exposes sin, and calls for repentance is seldom in favor with people. At first Jesus was popular but when he told the truth, he became extremely unpopular even to the point of extreme anger. People need to decide whether they want a popular or a powerful preacher.
Outline: What kind of preacher do you want?
a. Popular preacher who tells you what you want to hear? - v. 22
1. Compliment the preacher - "spoke well."
2. Popular preacher's words approved - "gracious words."
3. People are proud of their preacher - "Joseph's son."
b. Powerful preacher who tells you what you need to hear - vv. 23-29
1. Reveals negative thoughts - v. 23
2. Criticizes their lack of acceptance - v. 24
3. Extends God's love to all people - vv. 25-27
2. Get Rid of the Preacher! 4:21-29
Need: Can you believe it? Praise for the local preacher at Nazareth turns into violent hatred. The people so hated Jesus' sermon that they took him to the edge of a cliff and intended to throw him head-first to his death. Jesus began his ministry with the threat of death and ended his ministry by climbing a hill to Golgotha for actual death. People, at least in this regard, have not changed. When a preacher displeases the people, they get rid of him. Today church people do not kill the preacher but by non-violent and often under-handed methods, they get rid of him.
Outline: How to get rid of your preacher -
a. Accept him/her at first - vv. 21-22
b. Object to his/her preaching - vv. 23-27
c. Reject him/her - vv. 28-29
3. Can You Take the Truth? 4:21-30
Need: The truth hurts! Most of us do not like people who hurt us with the truth about ourselves. Consequently, preachers through the centuries have been wiped out or driven off. Amos was ordered to leave. Jeremiah was thrown into a pit. Jesus was rejected by his hometown. Chrysostom and Calvin were exiled. And all because people could not bear the pain caused by the Word of God.
Outline: The truth hurts because -
a. It deflates our egos - v. 23b
b. It convicts us of sin - v. 24
c. It reveals our bigotry - vv. 25-27
Lesson 1: Jeremiah 1:4-10
1. Getting to Know Your Preacher. 1:4-10
Need: Who or what is your preacher? Does the congregation understand the nature and mission of the ministry? What makes a preacher tick? Is the preacher just one of the congregation or is there something special about him/her? This sermon gives a minister an opportunity to explain th nature of the ministry.
Outline: Getting to know your preacher -
a. The preacher is destined to preach - v. 5
b. The preacher feels unworthy to preach - v. 6
c. The preacher fears to preach - v. 8
d. The preacher speaks for God - v. 9
2. Only God can Make a Preacher. 1:4-1-0
Need: Does a person decide to be a preacher the same as one who chooses a vocation? Is the ministry a calling or a career? Can anyone be a preacher? How does one become a preacher? Jeremiah gives a model for becoming a preacher.
Outline: How God makes a preacher -
a. He calls a person - "The Word of the Lord came to me."
b. He consecrates a person - "I consecrated you."
c. He commands a person to preach - "Whatever I command you."
d. He communicates the message - "I have put my words in your mouth."
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
1. Life's Top Value. 13:1-13
Need: This chapter is one of the greatest in the Bible, but must be seen in the context of chapters twelve and fourteen. The love of this chapter is the best gift of the Spirit, greater than the gift of wisdom, healing, miracles, or speaking in tongues. In Galatians 5, Paul lists love as the first of the fruits of the Spirit. This love is divine, a product of God, even a part of God, for God is love. It is agape love. People need to experience this love and to share this love with others. Consequently, love is life's top value.
Outline: Love is life's top value, because -
a. Love makes everything worthwhile - vv. 1-3
b. Love has ideal qualities - vv. 4-7
c. Love outlives all other values - vv. 8-13
2. Basic Factors of a Good Life. 13:13
Need: Every person wants a good life and to make the most of life; After all, life is temporal. So while we live, we want to live it to the maximum. How does one get the most out of life? In this text, Paul points us to the three basic elements upon which a blessed life can be built.
Outline: "These three" are indispensable to the good life -
a. Faith - living in the light of the past
b. Hope - for tomorrow's living
c. Love - for the living of these days
EPIPHANY 5
Common, Lutheran
ORDINARY TIME 5
Roman Catholic
The Lessons
Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13) (C, L)
Isaiah 6:1-8 (RC)
Isaiah is called to be a prophet.
In the year 740 BC when King Uzziah died, Isaiah had an experience with Yahweh who called him to be his prophet. The experience occurred during a worship service in Jerusalem's temple. The earthly temple was the pattern for the celestial temple where Yahweh sat in his glory and his presence filled the temple . The angelic creatures covered themselves before the glorious presence and sang the Sanctus. In the face of this divine majesty, Isaiah confessed his sin, received forgiveness, and heard Yahweh's voice calling him to service as a prophet.
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (C, RC)
Paul describes the nature of the Gospel.
The congregation in Corinth had questions concerning the resurrection of the dead. One question was, Are Christians already raised or will there be a resurrection of the dead? Since Paul wrote ca. AD 50, this is the earliest account of the resurrection and one of the most important passages in the New Testament. Paul reviews the essential elements of the Gospel as he received it from others such as Peter and James, the brother of Jesus. The Gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead as witnessed by many including Paul who considered his call an act of grace.
1 Corinthians 14:12b-20 (L)
A manifestation of the Spirit should build up the church.
Luke 5:1-11
Peter is called to be a disciple of Jesus.
Peter and his colleagues are about their vocation of fishing for a living. When Peter against reason obeys Jesus' command, a miracle of catching fish in great numbers results. Peter feels unworthy in the presence of one with the power of God in his hands and voice. Jesus calls him to be a fisher of men, a second career. Peter and his associates respond with total dedication to God's service.
Prayer of the Day
"Almighty God, you sent your only Son as the word of life for our eyes to see and our ears to hear. Help us to believe with joy what the Scriptures proclaim."
Hymn of the Day
"Lord, Speak to Us, That we May Speak"
Theme of the Day: The Call To Discipleship
Gospel - Jesus calls Peter to discipleship.
Lesson 1 - Yahweh calls Isaiah to be a prophet.
Lesson 2 - (Given in-course, Lesson 2 is not necessarily in harmony with the theme.)
Except for the second Lesson, the Lessons clearly deal with God's call to discipleship. Isaiah and Peter are called to God's service in different ways. Yet there are similarities: a vision of divine greatness, a sense of sin and unworthiness, and a clear mandate to serve God. Lesson 2 continues the series from 1 Corinthians; the subject shifts from the gifts of the Spirit to the Gospel of the resurrection. As usual, the Psalm (Psalm 138) is related to Lesson 1 - "Though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly." The prayer has in mind Isaiah's experience: "eyes to see and ears to hear." The hymn is perfectly related: before we can proclaim, we must hear God speak to us: "Lord, speak to us that we may speak." Though we are five Sundays removed from the Epiphany, the theme of Epiphany's manifestation of the glory of God in Jesus, we see the glory being revealed to Isaiah and to Peter when he experiences the power of Christ's miracle.
Theological Reflections
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11
1. Boat (v. 3). Jesus was a popular preacher. The crowd that gathered on the shore of Lake Galilee was so large Jesus had to borrow a boat from which he spoke to the people. Peter's boat was Jesus' pulpit. In boat language, the very tip of the bow of the boat is called a pulpit. It is fitting for the pulpit to be at the very forefront of the ship-church to face the waves and conquer the storms. However, today the pulpit is often not at the bow of the ship but is a little dingy trailing the ship. As Peter gave his boat for Jesus' pulpit, a Christian can be the boat out of which Jesus can proclaim the Gospel by personal witnessing.
2. But (v. 5). When Jesus directed Peter to let down his nets for a catch, Peter protested that he and his colleagues fished all night and caught nothing. Since they were professional fisherman and he was a carpenter, they should know more about fishing than he. Moreover, since they fished all night and caught not a fish, there were no fish to be caught. "But" Peter said they would obey his word. Here we see the human failure on one hand and trust on the other - trust in the word of God.
3. Depart (v. 8). Instinctively Peter felt unworthy of being in Jesus' presence. The miraculous catch of fish revealed to him that Jesus was no ordinary man. He had superhuman wisdom to know where the fish were and superhuman power to bring the fish in the nets. Peter felt he was in the presence of the Divine, and at once he confessed his sin. Whether we are aware of our sin and confess it depends on our understanding of God's glory, majesty, and holiness.
4. Men (v. 10). In response to Peter's confession of unworthiness, Jesus calls Peter to a new vocation: catching men instead of fish. It was a call to witness and win disciples for Christ. This was a radical change in Peter's career. As a fisherman of fish, he brought creatures from life to death. As a fisherman of people, he would bring them from death in sin to life in Christ.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 6:1-8
1. Died (v. 1). What caused Isaiah to have this experience with Yahweh? Why did it not happen earlier? It happened in the year King Uzziah died after a long and successful reign. For the people, the loss was great. Who would lead the nation? It was a time of concern and upheaval. When things get bad and we are helpless in the condition, we usually turn to God. Out of anxiety, fear, and worry often comes an experience with God.
2. Saw (v. 1). Isaiah had a vision of the Almighty. It happened while he was worshiping in the temple. He had the vision of the greatness, the glory, and the total otherness of God: "high and lifted up," "holy," "glory," the voice that shook the foundations, the smoke throughout the temple. We have here insight into the transcendence of God, a quality in contemporary society.
3. Touched (v. 7). In contrast to the holiness of God, Isaiah was overcome with his sin - "Woe is me ... I am a man of unclean lips." God's goodness and greatness are demonstrated in cleansing Isaiah of his sin. The hot coal cleansed him of his sin. It is a case of grace. Isaiah did nothing to get forgiveness. God took the initiative and touched the lips for his cleansing and forgiveness. At first sight the total otherness of God may lead us to believe God is too great, too far off to be approachable. Isaiah found that this great and holy God is still one who comes to an individual with forgiving grace.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
1. If (v. 2). According to this passage, Paul seems to be saying that once saved is not always saved. Because of the faithfulness of God, no one can fall from grace, for God will never disown us as his children. However, we can fall from faith as Paul writes, "By which you are saved if you hold it fast." "If" is a mighty important word - one's sure salvation depends on it - if you hold fast to faith in the Gospel.
2. Received (v. 3). Where does one get the truth of God, the Gospel? Paul says he received it - from his Hebraic forefathers, from Peter, and James, the brother of Jesus. Have you ever stopped to consider that the faith you have was given to you? It came from the church - pastors, missionaries, teachers, and parents. If it were not for them we would not be Christians. As we have received the Gospel, we have the joy of passing it on to the next generation.
3. Me (v. 8). Paul says the resurrected Jesus appeared to "me" as the least of the apostles. Did Jesus raise from the dead? Various arguments can be given to support the claim. Others may tell of their experiences with the risen Lord. But the final and ultimate proof of the resurrection is his appearance to you.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 14:12b-20
1. This lesson may be chosen as a text if the preacher is using the Second Lesson for a series on the Spirit. It is possible he may choose this passage for a sermon, independent of a series, if a problem of speaking in tongues exists in his congregation. The passage:
a. Does not condemn speaking in tongues. It can be a valid experience.
b. Shows the condition for speaking in tongues publicly. It must edify, build up the congregation and not divide or tear down the faith and goodwill of the members.
c. Appeals for the involvement of the whole person in worship - both mind and spirit. If one prays in the spirit resulting in "tongues," the mind is necessary to interpret the tongues.
2. This lesson may be used in harmony with the otherpericopes of the day. In this event, Lesson
2 will demonstrate the need for worship to be a means of service to God's people. Both Gospel and Lesson 1 are concerned with becoming servants of God. Even in worship, a person's spiritual ecstacy expressed in "tongues" must serve the people by building them up in their faith and love of God.
Preaching Possibilities
Two Lessons
Isaiah 6:1-8; Luke 5:1-Il
What God's Call Involves
Need: In today's Lessons from the Old and New Testaments we have two calls of God to serve:
Isaiah to be a prophet and Peter to be a disciple. The average person may think God calls only special people to serve him. They may ask, "What is it to be called of God?" If I were called, would I recognize it? Is every Christian a called person? To answer these questions, we go to the first Lesson and the Gospel where we find certain similar elements in Isaiah's and Peter's call.
Outline: What God's call involves -
a. Being overwhelmed by experiencing the presence of God (Recognize the Divine).
1. Isaiah's experience in the temple - in church.
2. Peter's experience at the Sea of Galilee - in nature.
b. Sense of unworthiness because of sin (Realize your sin).
1. Isaiah: "I am a man of unclean lips."
2. Peter: "I am a sinful man."
c. Obedience to the call (Respond in obedience).
1. Isaiah: "Here am I, Send me."
2. Peter: "They left everything and followed him."
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11
1. Fishing for Fish or People? Luke 5:10 - "Henceforth you will be catching men."
Need: Jesus calls Peter to catch "men" rather than fish. The work of witnessing, winning, and evangelism is compared to Peter's old job of fishing for a living. He is called to a new career and vocation and his life's work is catching people out of the world and into the life of the church. Since approximately 90 percent of church members make no attempt to win others to Christ, this sermon is needed. Perhaps the reason for not witnessing is a lack of knowledge how to witness: the analogy of fishing gives us the necessary directions.
Outline: How to catch people for Christ -
a. Go where the fish are - "Put out into the deep." v. 4
b. Use appropriate bait - "Let down your nets for a catch." v. 4
c. Wait for a response - "Master, we toiled all night." v. 5
d. Pull the fish in - "They came and filled both the boats." v. 7
2. It Takes Faith to be a Disciple. 5:1-11
Need: To be a disciple of Jesus calls for faith. What kind of faith is necessary? Do I have this faith to be a modern disciple? In Peter we see the kind of faith one must have to be a disciple of Jesus. The need for this sermon is in the fact that many of us are part-time disciples or faithless disciples. Even though we are church members, we may never have become disciples.
Outline: The faith to be a disciple -
a. Faith to undertake adventure - "Put out into the deep." v. 4
b. Trust in Christ's word - "At your word I will let down the nets." v. 4
c. Total commitment - "They left everything and followed him." v. 11
3. A Life ofAdventure. 5:1-11
Need: Usually we think being a Christian is something stuffy and "old hat." The most exciting thing seems to sit on hard pews, listening to bellowing voices off key, and deadly dull sermons. Being a Christian is often attending church meetings which are mostly a waste of time or performing such thrilling jobs such as ushering or handing out bulletins. What a travesty! Look at the excitement in being a follower of Jesus.
Outline: A Christian 's life is one of adventure -
a. Getting deeply involved in life - "Put out into the deep." v. 4
b. Changing your vocation - "Henceforth you will be catching men." v. 10
C. Burning your bridges - "They left everything and followed him." v. 11
Lesson 1: Isaiah 6:1-8
1. The Making of a Disciple. 6:1-8
Need: The word "disciple" is usually used in connection with Jesus. Our Old Testament lection deals rather with a "prophet." Today no one expects or hopes to be a prophet, but a Christian thinks of him/herself as a disciple. The two are quite similar: a prophet and disciple both follow God and are in his service. In this sermon we want to see that an experience precedes discipleship and becomes the reason for discipleship.
Outline: Consider the making of a disciple -
a. Experience with a holy God - vv. 1-4
b. Experience sin in the light of God's holiness - v. 5
c. Experience grace in forgiveness - vv. 6-7
d. Experience a call to serve - v. 8
2. O Say, Can You See? 6:1-8
Need: Service of God invariably begins with a person's vision of God. Prophets at the time of their call were asked by God, "What do you see?" It is a vision of God's glory and holiness and/or a vision of the human situation. From this vision comes experience and service.
Outline: To be a servant of God, we need to -
a. Look up - "I saw the Lord, high and lifted up." v. 1
b. Look in - "I am a man of unclean lips." v. 5
c. Look forward - "Send me." v. 8
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
1. Whatever Became of the Gospel? 15:1-8
Need: In spite of our weekly proclamation of the Gospel, 41 percent of those polled in 1983 agree with the statement, "The Gospel is God's rules for right living." Since half of those polled misunderstand the meaning of the Gospel, does this say something about our preaching? Are we effectively proclaiming the Gospel? In this sermon we can set people straight on what the Gospel really is.
Outline: The truth about the Gospel -
a. Where to get the Gospel - "Received." vv. 1 ,3
b. What the Gospel does - "By which you are saved." v. 2
c. What the Gospel is -
1. Cross - "Christ died for our sins." v . 3
2. Resurrection - "He was raised on the third day." v. 4
2. The Gospel of the Resurrection. 15:3-8
Need: Chapter 15 deals with the Resurrection and its meaning. for our lives . The Resurrection is the keystone of the Christian faith and deserves our careful attention and acceptance. If our Gospel is to have meaning, we need to be clear and convinced that Jesus rose from the dead and lives here and now. The resurrection should not be confined to Easter Sunday only. Each Sunday is a festival to celebrate the Resurrection.
Outline: The Gospel of the Resurrection is -
a. The reality of Jesus' death
1. He literally died and was buried - vv. 3-4
2. If there is no death, there can be no resurrection
b. The reality of the Resurrection
1. Reality seen by many others - vv. 5-7
2. Reality seen by me - v. 8
Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 8-10 (C)
Nehemiah 8:2-6, 8-10, (RC)
Ezra reads the Book of the Law to the returned Exiles.
The book of Nehemiah tells the story of the return of the Exiles under Governor Nehemiah during the reign of Artaxerxes. Under Nehemiah the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt and various reforms were introduced. He is known for his relationship with Yahweh and his frequent prayers. Today's pericope tells us of the gathering of the people for the reading of the Mosaic law by Ezra, the priest and scribe. When the people heard the Law, they wept, but they were admonished to rejoice and celebrate.
Isaiah 61:1-6 (L)
God anoints his servant with the Spirit to help the afflicted.
1 Corinthians 12:12-30 (C, RC)
1 Corinthians 12:12-31, 26-27 (L)
Members with a diversity of spiritual gifts are one in the body of Christ.
In the first reading in this series begun last Sunday, Paul taught that the Spirit gave each person a gift. While there was a diversity of gifts, a problem in the church developed. Members became individualistic and proud by belittling the gifts of others. Today's passage deals with this problem. The solution is in the metaphor of the church as the body of Christ. The church is the body of Christ and the people are members of the body. Each part of the human body is essential and has its function. No one organ can claim uniqueness nor superiority. Each member is important for the well-being of the body. While all members are of equal importance, some were given special tasks: apostles, prophets, teachers, et al.
Luke 4:14-21 (C, L)
Luke 4:1-4, 14-21 (RC)
Jesus began his ministry in the synagogue at Nazareth.
In today's Gospel we have Part 1 of Luke's account of Jesus' beginning his ministry in his home-town, Nazareth. Part 2 comes next Sunday. The preacher may wish to preach a two-part sermon on two Sundays - a mini-series. Part 1 deals with Jesus' reading the Word; Part 2 with Jesus' preaching the Word. As was his custom, Jesus goes to the synagogue to worship. He reads the Scripture lesson for the day, probably according to the Jewish lectionary. Then he sits down and simply announces that he fulfilled this prophecy.
Prayer of the Day
"Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit that we, too, may bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the broken-hearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives."
Hymn of the Day
"Hail to the Lord's Anointed"
Theme of the Day: Hearing the Word Read
Gospel - The synagogue of Nazareth heard Jesus read the Word. (Gospel)
Lesson 1 - The Israelites heard Ezra read the Word. (Law)
Lesson 2 - (Given in course, Lesson 2 is not necessarily in harmony with the other Lessons.)
In both Gospel and Lesson 1 the Word is read to the people. Ezra read the Law. Jesus read the assigned Lesson of the day from the prophets - the Gospel. As mentioned earlier, the lections today constitute half of the message. Today is the read Word. Next Sunday it will be the preached Word. The reading of the Word is an essential element in a worship service. The Psalm harmonizes with Lesson 1 - the Law. The prayer refers to the Gospel lesson. Lesson 2 is the second in the series from 1 Corinthians 12-15.
Theological Reflections
Gospel: Luke 4:14-21
1. Custom (v. 16). As it was the custom of his parents to go annually to Jerusalem to worship, Jesus had the custom of going to the synagogue each sabbath. The way he was raised, continued in adult-hood. Children usually follow the example of their parents. If children are forced to go to church while the parents remain home, it is only a matter of time until the children stop going to church.
2. Found (v. 17). The book of Isaiah was handed to Jesus to read the Scripture lesson in the worship service. There is no suggestion in the record that he had to ask what he should read nor did he ask where the passage was to be found. He simply and easily found the place to read. It was a passage about the servant who was anointed by the Spirit to preach. Apparently, Jesus knew his Bible so well that he could immediately turn to the desired passage. Our lack of Biblical knowledge is revealed when we look for the book of Hezekiah or turn to the Old Testament for the book of Hebrews.
3. Fulfilled (v. 21). Here is a stunning word. No one in all of Jewish history was able to say, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." Jesus did not only read the Word; he was the Word incarnate. Though the people in the synagogue may not have understood what he said, he was telling them he was the promised Servant, anointed with the Spirit, who came to proclaim the Kingdom.
Lesson 1: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 8-10
1. He (v. 3). Who read the Word to the people? The reader was none other than the priest and scribe, Ezra. In recent years some churches have introduced lay readers of the first two Lessons to symbolize the laity's part in the leadership of the worship service. As a result, often a lay reader cannot be heard, mispronounces words, adds or leaves out a word, and misinterprets the reading by placing emphasis on the wrong words or phrases. As a result the Word thereby is distorted, mangled, and misinterpreted to the disadvantage of the people. Following the example of Ezra, the pastor is usually the best qualified to read the Word in worship.
2. Pulpit (v. 4). For the first time in the Bible we read about the building and use of a pulpit for the reading of the Word. Traditionally the lectern was the place for Scripture reading and the pulpit for the preaching of the Word. Note that it was a high pulpit so that the crowd of people could see. Today also the pulpit needs to be elevated so that the congregation can see the preacher and gain the message through non-verbal communication.
3. Stood (v. 5). When Ezra opened the Bible, the people stood for the hearing of the Word. Standing expresses reverence for the Word and for the One behind the Word. Through the reading of the Bible God speaks to his people. In our day many churches practice standing for the reading of the Gospel lesson.
4. Sense (v. 8) It is not enough to hear the Word read. There should be understanding of what is read. Philip asked the Ethiopean eunuch, "Do you understand what you are reading?" To help people understand, Ezra had aides who translated the Hebrew into the tongue of the people and explained it. Today this is one purpose of the sermon - it gives an understanding of the Lessons preceding the sermon.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30
1. Body (v. 12). In this pericope the word "body" is used seventeen times. It is the primary subject of the passage. In one sense, it is a metaphor. The church is like a human body with various members. Another meaning is that literally the church is the body of Christ. The church is the comtempory incarnation of Christ. The Christian is the church, at least an integral part of it.
2. Spirit (v. 13). What makes us members of the body of Christ? We were baptized in the Spirit and became members of the body. We are not members by choice or by joining the church. The Spirit called us and inducted us into the church. Thus, the church is not a human organization or institution. She is the product of the Spirit and lives by the Spirit.
3. Member (v. 14). The body consists of members - arms, hands, feet, eyes, ears, etc. Each member is a vital part of the body and is essential for the body to be complete and to function adequately. Indeed, the body can exist without an eye, arm, or leg, but it is handicapped. As a person can be physically handicapped by the loss of a member, so the church is handicapped by members not present or not doing their part. For the body to be healthy, every organ needs to do its part.
Preaching Possibilities
Two Lessons
Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 8-10; Luke 4:14-21
Hearing the Whole Truth Read
Need: Today we have the Word read; next Sunday we will have the Word preached. The read and
preached Word are of equal importance and power. In a few churches this is architecturally symbolized by having the lectern and pulpit of equal size and height, or of having the lectern and pulpit combined as the place of the Word. Traditionally the lectern was a small reading desk while the pulpit was raised and enlarged to contain the preacher. It was a subtle way of saying that the preached Word is more important than the read Word. Our present neglect of the read Word is seen also by the limit of the amount of Scripture to one Lesson, if any, and to the people's inattention to the reading of the Scripture probably because it is so poorly read. Both Lesson 1 and the Gospel deal with the public reading of the Word in a worship setting. They complement each other by giving Law and Gospel, the whole truth. The people need to know that the Word of God consists of both law and Gospel.
Outline: Hear the Word read -
a. The Law read by a priest -Lesson 1
b. The Gospel read by the prophet - Gospel
Gospel:
Luke 4:14-21
1. A Person of One Book. 4:16-21
Need: John Wesley admonished his preachers to be a "man of one book." Of course, he was referring to the Bible. Today most people are of many books or of no book. The Bible is the best-selling book but the least-read book. In our text we see that Jesus was a man of one book. He is a model for us today in our use of the Bible.
Outline: Be a person of one book by following Jesus' use of the Book -
a. Jesus read the Bible - "He opened the book." - v. 17
b. Jesus knew the Bible - "He found the place." - v. 17
c. Jesus lived the Bible - "Fulfilled" - v. 21
2. Hear and Know! 4:20-21
Need: Here and now in this worship service, you can hear and know the Word of God. At all other times the reader of the Word was responsible to read the Word clearly but was not responsible for fulfilling it in life. Only Jesus identified with the Word and only he could say that the Scripture was fulfilled and completed in him. In the hearing of the Word we can know that the truth was realized and actualized in Jesus. This was symbolized when at the end of the reading, Jesus "closed the book." (v. 20) There was nothing more to be said, nothing more to be revealed.
Outline: Hear and know the Book is closed -
a. The revelation of truth in Jesus is completed.
1. No other book of religious truth is needed.
2. No further revelation is needed.
b. The promises of God are fulfilled in Jesus.
1. The promise of the Messiah
2. The promise of freedom from sin
3. Hear the Good News. 4:16-19
Need: You go to church and hear the Word read. What is the content of the read Word? Is it worth hearing? Jesus chose a passage that contained good news for the people. This year is the acceptable year of the Lord. The acceptable year was the year of jubilee, proclaimed every fifty years. During this year debts were cancelled and slaves were freed. Jesus says he came to fulfill the promise of God to release the oppressed, afflicted, and bound. This is the good news we hear when the Word is read.
Outline: Listen to the reading of the good news -
a. Glad tidings for the poor in spirit - v. 18
b. Release for the captives of sin - v. 18
c. Sight for those blinded by sin - v. 18
d. Liberty for those oppressed by sin - v. 18
Lesson 1: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 8-10
1. The Art of Listening to the Read Word. 8:1-4a, 5-6
Need: The reading of Scripture is an essential element in public worship. However, the Word is often poorly read and poorly listened to. For some, reading the Lessons is the time for reading the Sunday bulletin, whispering, or looking out or at the windows. This passage tells readers how they ought to read, but since a sermon is directed to listeners, we focus the sermon on those who have the responsibility to hear aright. People need to be reminded that the reading of the Word is God speaking to them without human comment or interpretation.
Outline: The art of hearing the Word of God -
a. Be present to hear the Word read - v. 1
b. Pay attention to the reading - v. 3
c. Respect the Word by standing during the reading - v. 5
d. Consider the read Word an act of worship - v. 6
2. Guidelines for Reading the Word of God. 8:1-4a, 5-6
Need: Since reading the Word in worship is as important as the Word itself, we could use some guidelines for the proper reading. In the account of the reading of the Law in today's first lesson, we find guidelines for our reading Scripture in our worship services. The passage answers the following questions.
Outline: The questions concerning the reading -
a. Who shall read? Only the qualified - v. 3
b. What shall be read? The Law (Word) - v. 1
c. How much shall be read? - v. 3
d. When shall it be read? Worship - v. 6
Lesson 1: Isaiah 61:1-6
1. In dealing with this passage as a text, the preacher will keep in mind that it is Trito-Isaiah's call to the ministry at a time when his country was in chaos, desolation, and mourning. His call was to announce a new era for God's people, "the year of the Lord."
2. What God Wants You To Do. 61:1-4
Note, First, that one must first be called, "anointed," by God to do his work. No one dare start
a great work without having a divine call. This leads the preacher to ask whether his people have received a call to serve. How does God call one to serve, or is a call reserved for only special people like the old-time prophets?
Second, note to whom the Servant goes: to the "afflicted," "brokenhearted," "captives," and "those who mourn." What does this say about God's attitude toward the oppressed? What does it say about the church's concern for the dispossessed of our day?
Third, see what the Servant brings: good news, comfort, gladness, praise.
Fourth, note that God's work through the Spirit results in making the people priests and ministers of God - v. 6. Now, in our day the people of God will be servants of good news for the world's well-being. The church is mission, and the people are ministers ordained at baptism when the Spirit anoints them. Here is the doctrine of the priesthood of believers in Isaiah 61.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30
1. What is the Church? 12:12-30
Need: There are many groups calling themselves a "church." Would you say that the following are true churches: Metropolitan Community Church; Church of Scientology; Unification Church; Church of Christ, Scientist; Church of Latter Day Saints? Moreover, is the church a certain liturgy or policy or hierarchy or program? This confusion can be cleared up by the text.
Outline: The truth about the church -
a. Her identity - "the body of Christ" - v. 27
b. Her origin - the Spirit - v. 13
c. Her variety
1. Variety of members - v. 14
2. Variety of leaders - v. 28
3. Variety of gifts - v. 30
2. Marks of Christ's Church. 12:12-26
Need: Would you be able to tell a church if you saw one? What are her distinguishing marks? If in doubt whether a church is one of Christ's churches, look at the marks given by Paul in the text.
Outline: The marks of Christ's church -
a. Unity - vv. 12-13 A divided, split, contentious church is not pleasing to Christ.
b. Diversity - vv. 14-21 It takes all kinds of people, leaders, and gifts to make the church.
c. Corporateness - v. 26 What happens to one member affects all.
EPIPHANY 4
Common, Lutheran
ORDINARY TIME 4
Roman Catholic
The Lessons
Jeremiah 1:4-10 (C, L)
Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19 (RC)
Even before his birth Jeremiah was appointed a prophet.
Jeremiah tells us of his call to preach. It came at the time Josiah was king of Judah (ca. 627 BC). It came as a dialogue with Yahweh who even before his birth was destined to be a prophet. In this dialogue he heard the voice of Yahweh and felt his hand on his lips. There was no human initiative in the call. The words he was to speak were totally the Lord's words. The message he was to proclaim was one of judgment and salvation for all nations.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
1 Corinthians 12:27--13:13 (L)
1 Corinthians 12:31--13:13 (RC)
Love is the greatest gift of the Spirit.
Of the Spirit's gifts love is the greatest. Chapter 13 is a hymn of love. In this chapter Paul points out that all other gifts are worthless without love. This can be seen by the characteristics of agape love. Other gifts are temporary but love is the perfect and eternal gift. Lest love be misunderstood as moralism or sentimentalism, Paul combines love with faith and hope with love being supreme.
Luke 4:21-30 (C, RC)
Luke 4:21-32 (L)
The people of Nazareth react negatively to Jesus' first sermon.
When Jesus read the Scripture, the congregation was so pleased that admiringly they asked, "Is not this Joseph's son?" It was a different matter when he preached. Their love turned to hatred. It seems that they wanted him to perform miracles as he did in Capernaum. For their lack of faith he was unable to do any mighty work. The people's rejection caused him to tell them that a prophet is not accepted by his own people. But he, like Elijah and Elisha, will be accepted by the gentiles. They were so enraged that they were about to kill him, but miraculously he escaped.
Prayer of the Day
"O God, you know that we cannot withstand the dangers which surround us. Strengthen us in body and spirit so that, with your help, we may be able to overcome the weakness that our sin has brought upon us."
Hymn of the Day
"God of Grace and God of Glory"
Theme of the Day: Hearing the Word Preached
Gospel - Opposition to the preached Word.
Lesson 1 - Called to preach the Word.
Lesson 2 - (Given in-course, Lesson 2 is not necessarily in harmony with the other Lessons.)
The Gospel and lesson are in close harmony with each other. Both Jeremiah and Jesus were divinely destined to preach. Today's Gospel continues the account of Jesus' first sermon in Nazareth. Last Sunday Jesus gave the text and today he preaches on the text. Both Jeremiah and Jesus had experienced intense opposition to their sermons . "Be not afraid of them for I am with you to deliver them." (Jeremiah 1:8) Jesus was also delivered from the crowd who intended to kill him. Moreover, both Jeremiah and Jesus had a universal concept of religion: Jeremiah was to preach to "nations and kingdoms"; Jesus aroused hostility by referring to the prophets' attention to Gentiles. The Prayer deals with the "dangers which surround us." Lesson 2 is the third in the series on the Spirit.
Theological Reflections
Gospel:
Luke 4:21-30
1. Wondered (v. 22). The hometown folks at Nazareth "wondered" at the gracious words of Jesus in his first sermon. How could a young man of thirty speak with so much wisdom and authority when he was one of them, a peasant, one who was raised along with the other kids? Was he not the son of only Joseph, the village carpenter? So Jesus said, "No prophet is acceptable in his own country." The expert or specialist is an average person a long way from home!
2. Do here (v. 23). At first Jesus received a positive reaction to his preaching. They were pleased with his gracious words. Something happened that changed their attitude. The people were pleased with his gracious words. Something happened that changed their attitude. The people were pleased with his reading but they wanted action in terms of miracles which he was supposed to have performed in Caper-naum. But Jesus could do no mighty work in his hometown because of their unbelief.
3. Wrath (v.28). The "wonder" of the beginning ended up in "wrath." The people were so angry with Jesus' sermon that they took him to a cliff and were about to throw him down head-first to his death. How could one sermon arouse so much antipathy? Since a prophet was of no honor among his own people, Jesus suggested that non-Jews would accept him. He gave two cases to prove his point:
Elijah went to a Gentile widow for food and drink at a time of drought (1 Kings 17), and Elisha healed Namaan, a Gentile from Syria, of leprosy. This sense of the universality of God's concern for all people enraged a congregation of folks who believed they had a monopoly on God.
Lesson 1: Jeremiah 1:4-10
1. Before (v. 4). Here is one who was a preacher "before" he was born! Even before he was conceived, Yahweh had consecrated and appointed him to be a prophet. Accordingly, only God can make a preacher. God has a plan and a destiny for every person. Each was sent to the world to carry out a mission and to do a work for God. This answers the question, "Why am I here on earth?"
2. Only (v. 6). Like all true preachers, Jeremiah felt unworthy and inadequate for the call of God. He said, "I am only a youth" and "I do not know how to speak." That is not an excuse, God says. I will send you where you are to go and I will give you the words to speak. God makes up for our inadequacies and deficiencies.
3. Touched (v. 9). Yahweh touched the lips of Jeremiah and put his words in Jeremiah's mouth. It was a touch of cleansing, power, and grace. A true prophet is one who speaks not for him/herself but for God. This gives him/her a message of truth and power. But, how many people today believe they are hearing God speaking to them while a sermon is preached?
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
1. Nothing (vv. 2-3). Without love, life is a waste. It ends up a big goose egg! Give your life to excellence in speaking or in knowledge, or in faith, or in personal sacrifice and without love you have nothing. Your life has been wasted. However, have love and the other items enrich and enforce life. A loveless life with every kind of ability is a useless, tragic life.
2. Not (vv. 4-6). When it comes to describing or defining something, often it is best to tell what a thing is not. It is a reverse way of getting to the truth. Paul uses this device when he explains the nature of love - it is not jealous, arrogant, rude, irritable, or resentful.
3. Never (v. 8). Paul claims that love "never" ends. Is love eternal? Love ceases in marriages and divorces result. Friends break up. Nations go to war. Churches split. Love seems to die in these cases. That is human love, probably eros or philia. Paul is speaking of agape, a divine love. This kind of love never ends, because God is love and he is eternal. If our human love is to last, it depends upon our love becoming agape love.
Preaching Possibilities
Two Lessons
Jeremiah 1:4-10; Luke 4:21-30
Twin Preachers
Need: Jeremiah and Jesus may be considered twin preachers because they have so much in common. When Jesus asked his Disciples at Caesarea Philippi who men said he was, one of the names given was Jeremiah. If one believed in reincarnation, one might suspect that Jeremiah was reincarnated in Jesus. Their common experiences fortify the truth for our acceptance.
Outline: Consider the twin preachers -
a. Both were called before birth - Jeremiah 1:5; pre-existent Christ
b. Both were youth - Jeremiah 1:6; Luke 4:22
c. Both had opposition - Jeremiah 4:8; Luke 4:28
d. Both were prophets to the nations - Jeremiah 4:5; Luke 4:24
Gospel: Luke 4:21-30
1. What Kind of Preacher is Wanted? 4:21-29
Need: It needs to be remembered that we are preaching to the laity and not to the clergy. For the most part the people choose the kind of preacher they want. A popular preacher avoids speaking about sin and dealing with controversial subjects. One who tells it like it is, exposes sin, and calls for repentance is seldom in favor with people. At first Jesus was popular but when he told the truth, he became extremely unpopular even to the point of extreme anger. People need to decide whether they want a popular or a powerful preacher.
Outline: What kind of preacher do you want?
a. Popular preacher who tells you what you want to hear? - v. 22
1. Compliment the preacher - "spoke well."
2. Popular preacher's words approved - "gracious words."
3. People are proud of their preacher - "Joseph's son."
b. Powerful preacher who tells you what you need to hear - vv. 23-29
1. Reveals negative thoughts - v. 23
2. Criticizes their lack of acceptance - v. 24
3. Extends God's love to all people - vv. 25-27
2. Get Rid of the Preacher! 4:21-29
Need: Can you believe it? Praise for the local preacher at Nazareth turns into violent hatred. The people so hated Jesus' sermon that they took him to the edge of a cliff and intended to throw him head-first to his death. Jesus began his ministry with the threat of death and ended his ministry by climbing a hill to Golgotha for actual death. People, at least in this regard, have not changed. When a preacher displeases the people, they get rid of him. Today church people do not kill the preacher but by non-violent and often under-handed methods, they get rid of him.
Outline: How to get rid of your preacher -
a. Accept him/her at first - vv. 21-22
b. Object to his/her preaching - vv. 23-27
c. Reject him/her - vv. 28-29
3. Can You Take the Truth? 4:21-30
Need: The truth hurts! Most of us do not like people who hurt us with the truth about ourselves. Consequently, preachers through the centuries have been wiped out or driven off. Amos was ordered to leave. Jeremiah was thrown into a pit. Jesus was rejected by his hometown. Chrysostom and Calvin were exiled. And all because people could not bear the pain caused by the Word of God.
Outline: The truth hurts because -
a. It deflates our egos - v. 23b
b. It convicts us of sin - v. 24
c. It reveals our bigotry - vv. 25-27
Lesson 1: Jeremiah 1:4-10
1. Getting to Know Your Preacher. 1:4-10
Need: Who or what is your preacher? Does the congregation understand the nature and mission of the ministry? What makes a preacher tick? Is the preacher just one of the congregation or is there something special about him/her? This sermon gives a minister an opportunity to explain th nature of the ministry.
Outline: Getting to know your preacher -
a. The preacher is destined to preach - v. 5
b. The preacher feels unworthy to preach - v. 6
c. The preacher fears to preach - v. 8
d. The preacher speaks for God - v. 9
2. Only God can Make a Preacher. 1:4-1-0
Need: Does a person decide to be a preacher the same as one who chooses a vocation? Is the ministry a calling or a career? Can anyone be a preacher? How does one become a preacher? Jeremiah gives a model for becoming a preacher.
Outline: How God makes a preacher -
a. He calls a person - "The Word of the Lord came to me."
b. He consecrates a person - "I consecrated you."
c. He commands a person to preach - "Whatever I command you."
d. He communicates the message - "I have put my words in your mouth."
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
1. Life's Top Value. 13:1-13
Need: This chapter is one of the greatest in the Bible, but must be seen in the context of chapters twelve and fourteen. The love of this chapter is the best gift of the Spirit, greater than the gift of wisdom, healing, miracles, or speaking in tongues. In Galatians 5, Paul lists love as the first of the fruits of the Spirit. This love is divine, a product of God, even a part of God, for God is love. It is agape love. People need to experience this love and to share this love with others. Consequently, love is life's top value.
Outline: Love is life's top value, because -
a. Love makes everything worthwhile - vv. 1-3
b. Love has ideal qualities - vv. 4-7
c. Love outlives all other values - vv. 8-13
2. Basic Factors of a Good Life. 13:13
Need: Every person wants a good life and to make the most of life; After all, life is temporal. So while we live, we want to live it to the maximum. How does one get the most out of life? In this text, Paul points us to the three basic elements upon which a blessed life can be built.
Outline: "These three" are indispensable to the good life -
a. Faith - living in the light of the past
b. Hope - for tomorrow's living
c. Love - for the living of these days
EPIPHANY 5
Common, Lutheran
ORDINARY TIME 5
Roman Catholic
The Lessons
Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13) (C, L)
Isaiah 6:1-8 (RC)
Isaiah is called to be a prophet.
In the year 740 BC when King Uzziah died, Isaiah had an experience with Yahweh who called him to be his prophet. The experience occurred during a worship service in Jerusalem's temple. The earthly temple was the pattern for the celestial temple where Yahweh sat in his glory and his presence filled the temple . The angelic creatures covered themselves before the glorious presence and sang the Sanctus. In the face of this divine majesty, Isaiah confessed his sin, received forgiveness, and heard Yahweh's voice calling him to service as a prophet.
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (C, RC)
Paul describes the nature of the Gospel.
The congregation in Corinth had questions concerning the resurrection of the dead. One question was, Are Christians already raised or will there be a resurrection of the dead? Since Paul wrote ca. AD 50, this is the earliest account of the resurrection and one of the most important passages in the New Testament. Paul reviews the essential elements of the Gospel as he received it from others such as Peter and James, the brother of Jesus. The Gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead as witnessed by many including Paul who considered his call an act of grace.
1 Corinthians 14:12b-20 (L)
A manifestation of the Spirit should build up the church.
Luke 5:1-11
Peter is called to be a disciple of Jesus.
Peter and his colleagues are about their vocation of fishing for a living. When Peter against reason obeys Jesus' command, a miracle of catching fish in great numbers results. Peter feels unworthy in the presence of one with the power of God in his hands and voice. Jesus calls him to be a fisher of men, a second career. Peter and his associates respond with total dedication to God's service.
Prayer of the Day
"Almighty God, you sent your only Son as the word of life for our eyes to see and our ears to hear. Help us to believe with joy what the Scriptures proclaim."
Hymn of the Day
"Lord, Speak to Us, That we May Speak"
Theme of the Day: The Call To Discipleship
Gospel - Jesus calls Peter to discipleship.
Lesson 1 - Yahweh calls Isaiah to be a prophet.
Lesson 2 - (Given in-course, Lesson 2 is not necessarily in harmony with the theme.)
Except for the second Lesson, the Lessons clearly deal with God's call to discipleship. Isaiah and Peter are called to God's service in different ways. Yet there are similarities: a vision of divine greatness, a sense of sin and unworthiness, and a clear mandate to serve God. Lesson 2 continues the series from 1 Corinthians; the subject shifts from the gifts of the Spirit to the Gospel of the resurrection. As usual, the Psalm (Psalm 138) is related to Lesson 1 - "Though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly." The prayer has in mind Isaiah's experience: "eyes to see and ears to hear." The hymn is perfectly related: before we can proclaim, we must hear God speak to us: "Lord, speak to us that we may speak." Though we are five Sundays removed from the Epiphany, the theme of Epiphany's manifestation of the glory of God in Jesus, we see the glory being revealed to Isaiah and to Peter when he experiences the power of Christ's miracle.
Theological Reflections
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11
1. Boat (v. 3). Jesus was a popular preacher. The crowd that gathered on the shore of Lake Galilee was so large Jesus had to borrow a boat from which he spoke to the people. Peter's boat was Jesus' pulpit. In boat language, the very tip of the bow of the boat is called a pulpit. It is fitting for the pulpit to be at the very forefront of the ship-church to face the waves and conquer the storms. However, today the pulpit is often not at the bow of the ship but is a little dingy trailing the ship. As Peter gave his boat for Jesus' pulpit, a Christian can be the boat out of which Jesus can proclaim the Gospel by personal witnessing.
2. But (v. 5). When Jesus directed Peter to let down his nets for a catch, Peter protested that he and his colleagues fished all night and caught nothing. Since they were professional fisherman and he was a carpenter, they should know more about fishing than he. Moreover, since they fished all night and caught not a fish, there were no fish to be caught. "But" Peter said they would obey his word. Here we see the human failure on one hand and trust on the other - trust in the word of God.
3. Depart (v. 8). Instinctively Peter felt unworthy of being in Jesus' presence. The miraculous catch of fish revealed to him that Jesus was no ordinary man. He had superhuman wisdom to know where the fish were and superhuman power to bring the fish in the nets. Peter felt he was in the presence of the Divine, and at once he confessed his sin. Whether we are aware of our sin and confess it depends on our understanding of God's glory, majesty, and holiness.
4. Men (v. 10). In response to Peter's confession of unworthiness, Jesus calls Peter to a new vocation: catching men instead of fish. It was a call to witness and win disciples for Christ. This was a radical change in Peter's career. As a fisherman of fish, he brought creatures from life to death. As a fisherman of people, he would bring them from death in sin to life in Christ.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 6:1-8
1. Died (v. 1). What caused Isaiah to have this experience with Yahweh? Why did it not happen earlier? It happened in the year King Uzziah died after a long and successful reign. For the people, the loss was great. Who would lead the nation? It was a time of concern and upheaval. When things get bad and we are helpless in the condition, we usually turn to God. Out of anxiety, fear, and worry often comes an experience with God.
2. Saw (v. 1). Isaiah had a vision of the Almighty. It happened while he was worshiping in the temple. He had the vision of the greatness, the glory, and the total otherness of God: "high and lifted up," "holy," "glory," the voice that shook the foundations, the smoke throughout the temple. We have here insight into the transcendence of God, a quality in contemporary society.
3. Touched (v. 7). In contrast to the holiness of God, Isaiah was overcome with his sin - "Woe is me ... I am a man of unclean lips." God's goodness and greatness are demonstrated in cleansing Isaiah of his sin. The hot coal cleansed him of his sin. It is a case of grace. Isaiah did nothing to get forgiveness. God took the initiative and touched the lips for his cleansing and forgiveness. At first sight the total otherness of God may lead us to believe God is too great, too far off to be approachable. Isaiah found that this great and holy God is still one who comes to an individual with forgiving grace.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
1. If (v. 2). According to this passage, Paul seems to be saying that once saved is not always saved. Because of the faithfulness of God, no one can fall from grace, for God will never disown us as his children. However, we can fall from faith as Paul writes, "By which you are saved if you hold it fast." "If" is a mighty important word - one's sure salvation depends on it - if you hold fast to faith in the Gospel.
2. Received (v. 3). Where does one get the truth of God, the Gospel? Paul says he received it - from his Hebraic forefathers, from Peter, and James, the brother of Jesus. Have you ever stopped to consider that the faith you have was given to you? It came from the church - pastors, missionaries, teachers, and parents. If it were not for them we would not be Christians. As we have received the Gospel, we have the joy of passing it on to the next generation.
3. Me (v. 8). Paul says the resurrected Jesus appeared to "me" as the least of the apostles. Did Jesus raise from the dead? Various arguments can be given to support the claim. Others may tell of their experiences with the risen Lord. But the final and ultimate proof of the resurrection is his appearance to you.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 14:12b-20
1. This lesson may be chosen as a text if the preacher is using the Second Lesson for a series on the Spirit. It is possible he may choose this passage for a sermon, independent of a series, if a problem of speaking in tongues exists in his congregation. The passage:
a. Does not condemn speaking in tongues. It can be a valid experience.
b. Shows the condition for speaking in tongues publicly. It must edify, build up the congregation and not divide or tear down the faith and goodwill of the members.
c. Appeals for the involvement of the whole person in worship - both mind and spirit. If one prays in the spirit resulting in "tongues," the mind is necessary to interpret the tongues.
2. This lesson may be used in harmony with the otherpericopes of the day. In this event, Lesson
2 will demonstrate the need for worship to be a means of service to God's people. Both Gospel and Lesson 1 are concerned with becoming servants of God. Even in worship, a person's spiritual ecstacy expressed in "tongues" must serve the people by building them up in their faith and love of God.
Preaching Possibilities
Two Lessons
Isaiah 6:1-8; Luke 5:1-Il
What God's Call Involves
Need: In today's Lessons from the Old and New Testaments we have two calls of God to serve:
Isaiah to be a prophet and Peter to be a disciple. The average person may think God calls only special people to serve him. They may ask, "What is it to be called of God?" If I were called, would I recognize it? Is every Christian a called person? To answer these questions, we go to the first Lesson and the Gospel where we find certain similar elements in Isaiah's and Peter's call.
Outline: What God's call involves -
a. Being overwhelmed by experiencing the presence of God (Recognize the Divine).
1. Isaiah's experience in the temple - in church.
2. Peter's experience at the Sea of Galilee - in nature.
b. Sense of unworthiness because of sin (Realize your sin).
1. Isaiah: "I am a man of unclean lips."
2. Peter: "I am a sinful man."
c. Obedience to the call (Respond in obedience).
1. Isaiah: "Here am I, Send me."
2. Peter: "They left everything and followed him."
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11
1. Fishing for Fish or People? Luke 5:10 - "Henceforth you will be catching men."
Need: Jesus calls Peter to catch "men" rather than fish. The work of witnessing, winning, and evangelism is compared to Peter's old job of fishing for a living. He is called to a new career and vocation and his life's work is catching people out of the world and into the life of the church. Since approximately 90 percent of church members make no attempt to win others to Christ, this sermon is needed. Perhaps the reason for not witnessing is a lack of knowledge how to witness: the analogy of fishing gives us the necessary directions.
Outline: How to catch people for Christ -
a. Go where the fish are - "Put out into the deep." v. 4
b. Use appropriate bait - "Let down your nets for a catch." v. 4
c. Wait for a response - "Master, we toiled all night." v. 5
d. Pull the fish in - "They came and filled both the boats." v. 7
2. It Takes Faith to be a Disciple. 5:1-11
Need: To be a disciple of Jesus calls for faith. What kind of faith is necessary? Do I have this faith to be a modern disciple? In Peter we see the kind of faith one must have to be a disciple of Jesus. The need for this sermon is in the fact that many of us are part-time disciples or faithless disciples. Even though we are church members, we may never have become disciples.
Outline: The faith to be a disciple -
a. Faith to undertake adventure - "Put out into the deep." v. 4
b. Trust in Christ's word - "At your word I will let down the nets." v. 4
c. Total commitment - "They left everything and followed him." v. 11
3. A Life ofAdventure. 5:1-11
Need: Usually we think being a Christian is something stuffy and "old hat." The most exciting thing seems to sit on hard pews, listening to bellowing voices off key, and deadly dull sermons. Being a Christian is often attending church meetings which are mostly a waste of time or performing such thrilling jobs such as ushering or handing out bulletins. What a travesty! Look at the excitement in being a follower of Jesus.
Outline: A Christian 's life is one of adventure -
a. Getting deeply involved in life - "Put out into the deep." v. 4
b. Changing your vocation - "Henceforth you will be catching men." v. 10
C. Burning your bridges - "They left everything and followed him." v. 11
Lesson 1: Isaiah 6:1-8
1. The Making of a Disciple. 6:1-8
Need: The word "disciple" is usually used in connection with Jesus. Our Old Testament lection deals rather with a "prophet." Today no one expects or hopes to be a prophet, but a Christian thinks of him/herself as a disciple. The two are quite similar: a prophet and disciple both follow God and are in his service. In this sermon we want to see that an experience precedes discipleship and becomes the reason for discipleship.
Outline: Consider the making of a disciple -
a. Experience with a holy God - vv. 1-4
b. Experience sin in the light of God's holiness - v. 5
c. Experience grace in forgiveness - vv. 6-7
d. Experience a call to serve - v. 8
2. O Say, Can You See? 6:1-8
Need: Service of God invariably begins with a person's vision of God. Prophets at the time of their call were asked by God, "What do you see?" It is a vision of God's glory and holiness and/or a vision of the human situation. From this vision comes experience and service.
Outline: To be a servant of God, we need to -
a. Look up - "I saw the Lord, high and lifted up." v. 1
b. Look in - "I am a man of unclean lips." v. 5
c. Look forward - "Send me." v. 8
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
1. Whatever Became of the Gospel? 15:1-8
Need: In spite of our weekly proclamation of the Gospel, 41 percent of those polled in 1983 agree with the statement, "The Gospel is God's rules for right living." Since half of those polled misunderstand the meaning of the Gospel, does this say something about our preaching? Are we effectively proclaiming the Gospel? In this sermon we can set people straight on what the Gospel really is.
Outline: The truth about the Gospel -
a. Where to get the Gospel - "Received." vv. 1 ,3
b. What the Gospel does - "By which you are saved." v. 2
c. What the Gospel is -
1. Cross - "Christ died for our sins." v . 3
2. Resurrection - "He was raised on the third day." v. 4
2. The Gospel of the Resurrection. 15:3-8
Need: Chapter 15 deals with the Resurrection and its meaning. for our lives . The Resurrection is the keystone of the Christian faith and deserves our careful attention and acceptance. If our Gospel is to have meaning, we need to be clear and convinced that Jesus rose from the dead and lives here and now. The resurrection should not be confined to Easter Sunday only. Each Sunday is a festival to celebrate the Resurrection.
Outline: The Gospel of the Resurrection is -
a. The reality of Jesus' death
1. He literally died and was buried - vv. 3-4
2. If there is no death, there can be no resurrection
b. The reality of the Resurrection
1. Reality seen by many others - vv. 5-7
2. Reality seen by me - v. 8
