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Preparation

Preparation: Before going to church to serve or listen to the Word of God, one first must awake in the right frame of mind giving thanks to God in prayer for allowing you this day by grace. Secondly, one must consecrate their heart, mind and soul to worship God in true holiness. Lastly lest not forget, don't rob God in your benevolent offering (tithe). After service to God, leave to serve others and don't look to be served. Remember, Jesus came to serve and we are to serve him. - Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy

Christian Worship Three Year Lectionary (With Supplemental Lectionary)

SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 | PENTECOST SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST YEAR A Old Testament Exodus 33:12–23 Old Testament Joshua 23:1–11 (Supplemental) Psalm Psalm 145 Psalm Psalm 122 (Supplemental) New Testament Romans 7:15–25a New Testament Hebrews 4:1–11 (Supplemental) Gospel Matthew 11:25–30 Christian Worship Three Year Lectionary (With Supplemental Lectionary) (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 13 YEAR A Old Testament Genesis 32:22–31 Psalm Psalm 17:1–7, 15 (UMH 749) New Testament Romans 9:1–5 Gospel Matthew 14:13–21 Vanderbilt Divinity Library, United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Christian Worship One Year Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 | PENTECOST SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Old Testament Genesis 13:5–11 Psalm Psalm 19 New Testament Romans 6:3–11 Gospel Matthew 5:20–26 Christian Worship One Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Revised Common Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 13 YEAR A Old Testament & Psalm, Option I Old Testament Genesis 32:22–31 Psalm Psalm 17:1–7, 15 or Old Testament & Psalm, Option II Old Testament Isaiah 55:1–5 Psalm Psalm 145:8–9, 14–21 New Testament Romans 9:1–5 Gospel Matthew 14:13–21 Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Catholic Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011 | ORDINARY TIME EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A First Reading Isaiah 55:1–3 Second Reading Romans 8:35, 37–39 Gospel Matthew 14:13–21 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Sermon Starters

The Trinity and the New Birth Key Verse: John 3:16 I. The story of Nicodemus reveals Christ’s divinity. A. Nicodemus believed Jesus to be only a teacher (John 3:2) who had, nevertheless, exhibited some signs of divinity. 1. He conceded that God (ho Theós), Jehovah of the Old Testament, must be with Him. 2. The question he asked himself as he came to visit Jesus was: “Is it possible that Jesus is more than a man?” B. Jesus immediately confounded Nicodemus by exposing his ignorance of spiritual matters. In this way, He revealed His true divinity to Nicodemus. 1. “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). By these words Jesus indicated that Nicodemus had a need which is common to all men. He showed that only God could fill that void and that He (Jesus) possessed the spiritual insight that Nicodemus lacked (

Service to God

What does God require of man/woman in service to him? Micah 6:8(KJV 1611) He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? It is not what you do to be seen or praised for being benevolent; It is not how well you dress, talk or is educated; It simply is: to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. - Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy

What does it take to be a True-Christian?

What does it mean to be a Christian? To be a Christian, first, one must repent, come to Christ Jesus in faith and to accept him as their Lord and Savior. Then and only then will the Holy Spirit of God will immediately come in and indwell with you. Now comes the next most important part: You must live the life as mortal man as close to being like, and living your life conducive to the name Christian meaning, Christ-like. The most important part of being a true-Christian is to "be born again." - Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy

Joy Comes In the Morning

I read Our Daily Bread yesterday and was reminded what I ask my reader's quite a lot, "Did you thank God the moment you opened your eyes this morning?" It's not what we have done, but, what God does in allowing us through his grace and mercy to see another day. We don't know if He will let us see the next moment is why I say, "Thank God that very moment of waking out of your sleep for this moment of life to see another day." Psalm 30:5 (KJV 1611) says it best: "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning." (cf. Psalm 3:4-5) - Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy © MMXI Daily, Weekend and Holiday Internet to the World Ministry

Day nor Hour

For the various biblical interpretations of Matthew 25:13, in word studies of "day nor hour", makes one that is secular or atheist want to believe in the Lord before their death. From "The First Christian Primer: Matthew" is this short but descriptive description of "day nor hour" from five Bible modern translations and The KJV Word of God: 25:13 NASB “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour” NKJV “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” NRSV “Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor hour” TEV “Watch out, then, because you do not know the day or the hour” JB “So stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour” This truth is the purpose of the parable. Believers are to stay active and ready for Jesus’ certain but sudden return (cf. Matthew 24:36 KJV 1611 ) 36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Sermon Starters

Luxury and Poverty Key Verse: Luke 16:25 I. Riches and poverty contrasted A. Riches 1. Riches are a curse only if they hinder a person from entering God’s kingdom (Matt. 19:23, 24; Luke 18:23) or draw him away from God. 2. There were rich people who followed Jesus. a) Joseph of Arimathea (Matt. 27:57). b) Zacchaeus (Luke 19:2). c) The socially distinguished women ministered to Jesus out of their own resources (Luke 8:3). 3. Riches can be a blessing if they are used properly and unselfishly. B. Poverty 1. The word used for “beggar” in Greek is ptōchós (Luke 16:20), from the verb ptṓssō, “to crouch.” 2. Poor men can only survive by others helping them; hence, they are beggars. II. How the rich man lived A. He had more than he needed to live on. 1. He dressed himself in purple. a)

Christian Worship Three Year Lectionary (With Supplemental Lectionary)

SUNDAY, JULY 24, 2011 | PENTECOST SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST YEAR A Old Testament Jeremiah 28:5–9 Old Testament Exodus 32:15–29 (Supplemental) Psalm Psalm 89 New Testament Romans 6:1b–11 New Testament 1 John 2:15–17 (Supplemental) Gospel Matthew 10:34–42 Christian Worship Three Year Lectionary (With Supplemental Lectionary) (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 24, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 12 YEAR A Old Testament Genesis 29:15–28 Psalm Psalm 105:1–11, 45b (UMH 828) New Testament Romans 8:26–39 Gospel Matthew 13:31–33, 44–52 Vanderbilt Divinity Library, United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Revised Common Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 24, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 12 YEAR A Old Testament & Psalm, Option I Old Testament Genesis 29:15–28 Psalm Psalm 105:1–11, 45b or Psalm 128 or Old Testament & Psalm, Option II Old Testament 1 Kings 3:5–12 Psalm Psalm 119:129–136 New Testament Romans 8:26–39 Gospel Matthew 13:31–33, 44–52 Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Catholic Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 24, 2011 | ORDINARY TIME SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A First Reading 1 Kings 3:5, 7–12 Second Reading Romans 8:28–30 Gospel Matthew 13:44–52 or Matthew 13:44–46 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Holier-than-thou Attitude"

There are Christians that have the I'm "holier-than-thou attitude". Lest we forget Isaiah 6:6–7 (KJV 1900) 6 But we are all as an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; And we all do fade as a leaf; And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. 7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, That stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: For thou hast hid thy face from us, And hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. The Hebrew means: as a menstruation rag, unclean, smelly or a polluted garment. It would behoove us to remember that we are to show our Christian light and salt (personal characteristics) to others, rather than the "holier-than-thou attitude." If your heart is not clean, it will show on the outside personality that others will see. - Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy --
People at times question the Lord saying, "Why Lord have you done ... to me? Instead of feeling downhearted or sorry for yourself, and wanting to ask God, "Why?" We should use the opportunity in whatever the plight, infirmity or death to show our faith in him. God does things in mysterious ways to use us to show faith, or no faith that others will come to the Lord. - Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy

Church Discipline, Short Skirts, and Angry Deacons

Church Discipline, Short Skirts, and Angry Deacons Ray Hollenbach TakingTheYoke.blogspot.com Topic:Church: General Scripture:1 Corinthians 5:1 Date Published:7/21/2011 Keywords:Preaching, Discipleship Loving someone enough to help them find freedom from their fears and appetites is the heart of church discipline. Email this article Print Friendly One spring night several years ago I stood in line waiting to buy a movie ticket. The young couple in front of me were talking about the Easter Sunday “disturbance” at their church. “Well, it was a pretty short skirt,” said the guy. “That’s just the way Julie dresses,” answered the girl. “She needs to have people notice her.” “She got noticed all right. One of the deacons went and got a video camera and took video of her in that outfit so that when they confront her about it they’ll have visual evidence.” “That’s just wrong,” said the girl. “Which?” asked the guy: “Her skirt or the video?” Sometimes I make things up to prove a point.

Return to the Lord

Today sin is right by many names: Cohabitation, engaged but never marrying and birthing children, coming out of the closet, and many other modern cliques. However, whatever name man calls his sin right it is always sin and a stench in God's nostrils. God does not want man to sin but to come into salvation through his Son Jesus for their salvation; He then shall call them his son's and daughter's to share in eternal life in the kingdom of heaven and the New Jerusalem. Come while the blood is still running warm in your veins. Don't let Satan tell you to "wait." No one knows the day nor the hour that the "Death Angel" will come for you. If you were in the "Arch of Safety" before you went out to live in sin, return through a sincere repentance in your heart and return and serve the Lord giving Satan a lost of one of his disciples. - Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy

Try God

When you serve the Lord every day is a good day. It does not matter if you do are in poor health, no friends or in pain, because you know that the Lord is with you. He promised "never to leave you nor forsake you." Try Him and you will not want Him to leave nor forsake you. THAT'S HOW GOOD HE IS! - Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy

Daily, Weekend and Holiday Internet Evangelize to the World Ministry

Daily, Weekend and Holiday Internet Evangelize to the World Ministry You've hear that a Christian should walk-the-walk and talk-the-talk. Well, here is a Bible verse that vividly illustrates that saying: "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. "(1 Timothy 4:12) Although the apostle Paul is talking to the young preacher Timothy, the verse goes to all Christians regardless of age. - Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy

Did Jesus Permit Divorce

Did Jesus Permit Divorce? Key Verse: Mark 10:9 I. God intended marriage to be permanent, but He did make provision for those whose spouses are unfaithful. A. In the Old Testament God instituted marriage to be one man and one woman joined together for life (Gen. 2:24). B. Malachi 2:16 states that God “hateth putting away.” C. In Deuteronomy 24:1–4, however, God gave a procedure for divorce because of the hardness of men’s hearts (Mark 10:5). 1. When a man put away his wife, he had to “write her a bill of divorcement.” 2. The bill of divorcement was really a certificate of innocence because, had the woman been immoral, she would have been stoned under the Law (Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:21). The fact that she “may go and be another man’s wife” shows that the charge against her was a fabricated one and that she was in fact innocent of unfaithfulness. D. Jesus reiterated this view of marriage in the New

Christian Worship Three Year Lectionary (With Supplemental Lectionary)

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2011 | PENTECOST FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST YEAR A Old Testament Jeremiah 20:7–13 Old Testament Jeremiah 19:14–20:6 (Supplemental) Psalm Psalm 31 New Testament Romans 5:12–15 New Testament Acts 23:1–11 (Supplemental) Christian Worship Three Year Lectionary (With Supplemental Lectionary) (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2011 | COMMEMORATION RUTH Index of Readings SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2011 | PENTECOST PROPER 11 YEAR A Old Testament Isaiah 44:6–8 Psalm Psalm 119:57–64 Epistle Romans 8:18–27 Gospel Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43 Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer (1979) Sunday Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 11 YEAR A Psalm Psalm 86 or Psalm 86:11–17 First Reading Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16–19 Second Reading Romans 8:18–25 Gospel Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43 Index of Readings PSALM Option A Psalm 86  A Prayer of David. 1 Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: For I am poor and needy. 2  Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. 3  Be merciful unto me, O Lord: For I cry unto thee daily. 4  Rejoice the soul of thy servant: For unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5  For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; And plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. 6  Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer;

United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 11 YEAR A Old Testament Genesis 28:10–19a Psalm Psalm 139:1–12, 23–24 (UMH 854) New Testament Romans 8:12–25 Gospel Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43 Vanderbilt Divinity Library, United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Christian Worship One Year Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2011 | PENTECOST FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Old Testament Isaiah 58:6–12 Psalm Psalm 133–134 New Testament Romans 8:18–23 Gospel Luke 6:36–42 Christian Worship One Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Revised Common Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 11 YEAR A Old Testament & Psalm, Option I Old Testament Genesis 28:10–19a Psalm Psalm 139:1–12, 23–24 or Old Testament & Psalm, Option II Old Testament Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16–19 or Isaiah 44:6–8 Psalm Psalm 86:11–17 New Testament Romans 8:12–25 Gospel Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43 Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Catholic Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2011 | ORDINARY TIME SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A First Reading Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16–19 Second Reading Romans 8:26–27 Gospel Matthew 13:24–43 or Matthew 13:24–30 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

A Christian Atheist?

There's a book entitled A Christian Atheist. To be a Christian one has to believe in faith, repentance of sins and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. To be an Atheist and a Christian is like mixing oil and water--they do no mix. Either you serve man or God. - Luke 16:13 (KJV 1900) 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. The Word of God has spoken. It is True from "In" (Gen. 1:1) to "Amen." (Rev. 22:21) - Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy

Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2011 | COMMEMORATION RUTH Index of Readings SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2011 | PENTECOST PROPER 11 YEAR A Old Testament Isaiah 44:6–8 Psalm Psalm 119:57–64 Epistle Romans 8:18–27 Gospel Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43 Lutheran Service Book Three Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Daily, Weekend and Holiday Internet Evangelize to the World Ministry

Daily, Weekend and Holiday Internet Evangelize to the World Ministry What is one of the awards for those Christians that endure to the end in carrying out God's commands and precepts unto death-the end of this mortal life? The answer is founded in 2 Timothy 4:8 (KJV 1900) "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 10, THURSDAY YEAR 1 Psalms (Morning) Psalm 37:1–17 Psalms (Evening) Psalm 37:18–40 Old Testament 1 Samuel 20:24–42 New Testament Acts 13:1–12 Gospel Mark 2:23–3:6 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 10, WEDNESDAY YEAR 1 Psalms (Morning) Psalm 38 Psalms (Evening) Psalm 119:25–48 Old Testament 1 Samuel 20:1–23 New Testament Acts 12:18–25 Gospel Mark 2:13–22 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).

No Cross, No Power

No Cross, No Power Key Verse: Mark 8:35 I. Jesus could have avoided the cross but He did not. A. He had the power to avoid it. 1. He explicitly stated so in John 10:18: “No man taketh it [my life] from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.…” 2. If you had this kind of power would you ever voluntarily die? B. If He had avoided it, He would not have realized the very purpose of His incarnation. 1. “The Word … was made flesh” (John 1:14). Why? Because blood is in the flesh and without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sin (Heb. 9:22). 2. People do not come into the world merely to live, for that is no better than being an animal. We also have “spirit” in addition to a soul and body. To fail to accomplish the purpose for which God destined us, is to miss the real joy of life. 3. Can you imagine Christianit

Christian Worship Three Year Lectionary (With Supplemental Lectionary)

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2011 | PENTECOST FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST YEAR A Old Testament Exodus 19:2–8a Old Testament Numbers 27:15–23 (Supplemental) Psalm Psalm 100 New Testament Romans 5:6–11 New Testament 2 Thessalonians 2:16–3:5 (Supplemental) Gospel Matthew 9:35–10:8 Christian Worship Three Year Lectionary (With Supplemental Lectionary) (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Book of Common Prayer (1979) Sunday Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 10 YEAR A Psalm Psalm 65 or Psalm 65:9–13 First Reading Isaiah 55:1–5, 10–13 Second Reading Romans 8:9–17 Gospel Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer (1979) Sunday Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).

United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 10 YEAR A Old Testament Genesis 25:19–34 Psalm Psalm 119:105–112 or Psalm 25 (UMH 756) New Testament Romans 8:1–11 Gospel Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23 Vanderbilt Divinity Library, United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Christian Worship Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2011 | PENTECOST FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Old Testament Deuteronomy 32:3–12 Psalm Psalm 103 New Testament 1 Peter 5:6–11 Gospel Luke 15:1–10 Index of Readings Christian Worship One Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Revised Common Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 10 YEAR A Old Testament & Psalm, Option I Old Testament Genesis 25:19–34 Psalm Psalm 119:105–112 or Old Testament & Psalm, Option II Old Testament Isaiah 55:10–13 Psalm (Psalm 65:1–8) 9–13 New Testament Romans 8:1–11 Gospel Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23 Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Catholic Lectionary

TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 9, TUESDAY YEAR 1 Psalms (Morning) Psalm 5, 6 Psalms (Evening) Psalm 10, 11 Old Testament 1 Samuel 15:24–35 New Testament Acts 9:32–43 Gospel Luke 23:56b–24:11 The Episcopal Church, Book of Common Prayer Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2010).

The Investigation of the Specifics of the Text p 115 This is where the heavy “detail” work is done. Approximately 30 percent of one’s preparation time may need to be used here. Attention to detail is now the priority. God chose to use specific words to communicate His truth; therefore, we need to study those words. It is possible, and even easy, to miss details. Just as details of a conversation can be missed, so the student of the text can miss what is there. The concern of the preacher in this part of the preparation process is to see, view, and seek to understand what is written, in detail. The preacher seeks to understand the original intended meaning of the text in context. What is actually said in the text? What is the text about? How does the text say what is says? Why does the text say what it says? What does the text do as an active form of communication? Such questions and many more are to be raised and answered at this time. We are working towards a description of the main theme or themes of the text, the thoughts or movements that make up the theme(s), and the thrust or impact of the text. These will be homiletical categories later, but here we must first seek a basic understanding of the text. That understanding is based initially upon the original meaning of the text as intended by the human author under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. To “get at” the meaning expressed in and through the details of the text, we must consider the text syntactically and verbally. In other words, we must view the text as a meaningful combination of words as well as individual words that have meaning. Syntax has to do with “the way in which words are put together to form phrases, clauses, or sentences.”12 We must read the text as it was intended to be read, recognizing the flow of words and their interrelationship. Within that flow, individual words make their specific contributions to the meaning of the text. For the preacher to understand the text as a whole, the parts of the text must be viewed along with the words within the parts. Details within details within details! These are the basic data for the investigation. Stephen F. Olford and David L. Olford, Anointed Expository Preaching (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998). 114-15.

The Investigation of the Specifics of the Text p 115 This is where the heavy “detail” work is done. Approximately 30 percent of one’s preparation time may need to be used here. Attention to detail is now the priority. God chose to use specific words to communicate His truth; therefore, we need to study those words. It is possible, and even easy, to miss details. Just as details of a conversation can be missed, so the student of the text can miss what is there. The concern of the preacher in this part of the preparation process is to see, view, and seek to understand what is written, in detail. The preacher seeks to understand the original intended meaning of the text in context. What is actually said in the text? What is the text about? How does the text say what is says? Why does the text say what it says? What does the text do as an active form of communication? Such questions and many more are to be raised and answered at this time. We are working towards a description of the ma

Walk In Love

Ephesians 5:1-21 5:3–4 Paul reminded believers that what we talk about and think about will eventually find expression in our behavior. When we are in Christ, our talk will change, as will our actions. 5:5 Paul did not say that no one who ever engaged in immorality or greed can enter Christ’s kingdom. Rather he said that no immoral, impure, or greedy person currently has an inheritance in the kingdom (1 Co 6:9–11). TWISTED SCRIPTURE Ephesians 5:19 Non-instrumental Churches of Christ, who teach that Christians should not use musical instruments in worship, have a difficult time with this verse, since most NT commentaries define the word “psalms” as songs accompanied by musical instruments. see Ps 150 as an example of the relationship between worship and musical instruments. 5:22 , 24 Paul’s command for wives to submit follows the all-encompassing command to submit “to one another in the fear of Christ” (v. 21)—the last outcome or result of the filling of the Spirit (vv. 18–21).

Christian Worship Three Year Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2011 | PENTECOST THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST YEAR A Old Testament Hosea 5:15–6:6 Old Testament Exodus 3:1–15 (Supplemental) Psalm Psalm 119 New Testament Romans 4:18–25 New Testament 1 Timothy 1:12–17 Christian Worship Three Year Lectionary (With Supplemental Lectionary) (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 9 YEAR A Old Testament Genesis 24:34–38, 42–49, 58–67 Psalm Psalm 45:10–17 or Psalm 72 (UMH 795) New Testament Romans 7:15–25a Gospel Matthew 11:16–19, 25–30 Index of Readings Vanderbilt Divinity Library, United Methodist Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Christian One Year Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2011 | PENTECOST THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Old Testament Isaiah 25:6–9 Psalm Psalm 100 New Testament 1 John 3:13–18 Gospel Luke Christian Worship One Year Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Revised Common Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2011 | AFTER PENTECOST PROPER 9 YEAR A Old Testament & Psalm, Option I Old Testament Genesis 24:34–38, 42–49, 58–67 Psalm Psalm 45:10–17 or Song of Solomon 2:8–13 or Old Testament & Psalm, Option II Old Testament Zechariah 9:9–12 Psalm Psalm 145:8–14 New Testament Romans 7:15–25a Gospel Matthew 11:16–19, 25–30 Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Catholic Lectionary

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2011 | ORDINARY TIME FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A First Reading Zechariah 9:9–10 Second Reading Romans 8:9, 11–13 Gospel Matthew 11:25–30 Catholic Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).

Concentrate Yourself

Concentrate yourself in prayer before going to worship knowing that the Spirit of God will go before you, then you follow Him. God before you in everything, then you follow Him. - Rev. Lynwood F. Mundy