Apr
Palm Sunday: Through Death To Life
We refer to Jesus’ entry into the temple on Palm Sunday as the “triumphal entry.” It is believed to be a moment when Jesus finally received the respect and honor he deserved. However, was it truly a triumphant entry? In ancient times, the Triumphal Parade was a grand spectacle, not just reserved for kings but also for generals who had conquered foreign lands and were returning home to be celebrated. For the people who gathered, it was an opportunity to witness the empire’s priorities and the sacrifices made for its glory. The victor was rewarded with all the spoils of war.
In stark contrast to the extravagant displays of power and wealth often associated with Jesus’ triumphal procession, Jesus chose a humble attire – a simple cloak – and rode a donkey, the epitome of modesty and simplicity. The procession was led by individuals who waved palm branches and laid their cloaks on the ground. Their shouts, “Hosanna,” which signified “Save now!,” reflected their profound desire for Jesus to deliver salvation. It must have been an unusual sight to behold – a procession of such simplicity amidst the grandeur of the ancient world. I doubt that the people who gathered would have fully comprehended the profound significance of this humble display.
Help us make this service participatory! Please gather your household. Open or print the Note Sheet to take notes during the message. Sing and respond during the service.
Our service will also be streamed live on Facebook and available afterward at:
https://www.facebook.com/WordofLife4u/events/
Click on the links below to view and/or print:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel, please! You’ll be able to find our videos more quickly and others will be more likely to find us. Thank you for subscribing! Our new YouTube channel name is YouTube.com/@WordofLife4u.
Apr
A Death for Outsiders
The parable of the tenants is Jesus’ tragic and prophetic telling of the mercy of God for fallen humanity by imagining a loving landowner’s interactions with his spiteful and murderous tenants.
In this parable, Jesus was giving his hearers a big picture. Whether they understood it or not, it’s a reminder that God owns everything—the vineyard, Israel, the world, the harvest, and everything in between. The fictional tenants and servants, the real people back then, and people today don’t own themselves. Everything belongs to God, and we’re all accountable to him.
Help us make this service participatory! Please gather your household. Open or print the Note Sheet to take notes during the message. Sing and respond during the service.
Our service will also be streamed live on Facebook and available afterward at:
https://www.facebook.com/WordofLife4u/events/
Click on the links below to view and/or print:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel, please! You’ll be able to find our videos more quickly and others will be more likely to find us. Thank you for subscribing! Our new YouTube channel name is YouTube.com/@WordofLife4u.
Mar
Dead to Despair
I’m always so impressed when I see footage of someone who doesn’t flinch when threatened with a punch or a slap. People with ice in their veins. Traditionally, there are two natural responses to threats: fight or flight. I’d offer a third: freeze. While we tend to think of this on an individual level, it happens to whole groups of people just the same. Look at the allies on the brink of WW2 – they froze in despair. Look at the nihilism of Soviet-era peoples – it was a show of desperation.
Help us make this service participatory! Please gather your household. Open or print the Note Sheet to take notes during the message. Sing and respond during the service.
Our service will also be streamed live on Facebook and available afterward at:
https://www.facebook.com/WordofLife4u/events/
Click on the links below to view and/or print:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel, please! You’ll be able to find our videos more quickly and others will be more likely to find us. Thank you for subscribing! Our new YouTube channel name is YouTube.com/@WordofLife4u.
Mar
A Death to Sin
People generally won’t die for a lie. The earliest Christians found something true in Jesus of Nazareth that freed them from their fear of death. In this new series, we’re going to follow the Church’s prescribed readings to get a glimpse at what made the first Christians so willing to die for their faith.
Help us make this service participatory! Please gather your household. Open or print the Note Sheet to take notes during the message. Sing and respond during the service.
Our service will also be streamed live on Facebook and available afterward at:
https://www.facebook.com/WordofLife4u/events/
Click on the links below to view and/or print:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel, please! You’ll be able to find our videos more quickly and others will be more likely to find us. Thank you for subscribing! Our new YouTube channel name is YouTube.com/@WordofLife4u.