Sermon Series from April 7 -April 21: How Shall We Live?
Second Sunday of Easter –How Shall We Live? We Walk in the Light!
April 7, 2024
1 John 1:1-2:2
Third Sunday of Easter – How Shall We Live? We Purify in Hope!
April 14, 2024
1 John 3:1-7
Fourth Sunday of Easter – How Shall We Live? We Abide in Christ
April 21, 2024
1 John 3:16-24
Here are the Worship Notes for April 7.
April 7, 2024
Second Sunday of Easter –How Shall We Live? We Walk in the Light!
1 John 1:1-2:2
Pray:
Gracious and loving Lord,
We give you thanks for the gift of life. As we celebrate the 50 days and 7 Sundays of Easter we are all on this journey of faith together. Show us your light and your love as we once again learn to walk with the Risen Jesus through the challenges of these day so that our joy will be made complete. Remind us once again that love will overcome all our fears in this life, and guide our steps to the eternal life to come. In the name of the Risen Jesus we pray. Amen.
Read: John 1:1-2:2.
Apply:
1 John 1:5 says, "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." This verse emphasizes the purity, truth, and righteousness of God. In a broader sense, it suggests that followers of God should walk in the light, living transparently, morally, and truthfully. Today, it reminds us of the importance of living with integrity, honesty, and goodness, aligning our lives with the principles of light and truth.
To illustrate this message, I am using the metaphor of this lamp that can be used to illuminate the concept of living as children of the light. Just as a lamp illuminates a room, our lives should radiate the light of truth, righteousness, and love. Here's how the metaphor can be applied:
First this lamp is a Source of Light: Like a lamp plugged into a power source, our connection to God fuels the light within us. Through prayer, worship, and studying the Word, we maintain this connection.
Second this lamp is Dispelling Darkness: A lamp dispels darkness wherever it shines. Similarly, our lives should dispel ignorance, hatred, and negativity, bringing clarity, love, and positivity to those around us.
Third this lamp provides Guidance and Direction: Just as a lamp helps navigate through darkness, our lives should serve as guides, leading others towards truth, righteousness, and the path of God.
Fourth this lamp is Visible. A lamp is visible for all to see. Likewise, our actions, words, and character should be visible manifestations of the light within us, drawing others closer to God.
Overall, the metaphor of a lamp emphasizes our role as bearers of light in a world filled with darkness, encouraging us to shine brightly and illuminate the lives of others.
How do you overcome your temptation to sin?
THE STEPS OF PRAYER by E. Stanely Jones
1. First decide what you really want. The “YOU” is important. It must not be a vagrant part of you wandering into the prayer hour with no intention of committing yourself to your prayer request.
2. Write down what you want.
3. Still the mind. This is a step in receptivity and is the first law of the spiritual life. The first thing is to “get God….for if you get Him, everything else follows. I seldom ask for things, for if I have God, I know I will get all I need. The stilling of the mind reminds you of the fact that you are now harnessing yourself to God’s unlimited fullness.
4. Talk with God about it. Have a two-way conversation about how God can make you the best instrument of His purpose.
5. Promise God what you will do to make this prayer come true. Be silent to hear God and see if he makes any suggestions to you about your part in answering prayer. The impulses that come out of the prayer hour are usually true impulses of the spirit.
6. Do everything loving that comes to your mind. The word loving is important for it is the password to find the source of the suggestions that come to your mind. This step, directly relates to being the light of Christ for others and for our world.
7. Thank God for answering in His own way. No prayers are unanswered. God may answer “no” as well as “yes” or the answer may be delayed.
8. Release the whole prayer from your conscious thinking. Dismissing it from the conscious mind is an act of faith, that having committed it to God, you leave it in His hands, believing he will do the best thing possible.
Yield.
We will dismiss our prayer from our conscious mind as an act of faith, that having committed it to God, you leave it in His hands, believing God will do the best thing possible.
Engage.
Think about ways you can be the light of Christ in the world today. How will you share God’s love with others today? Will you follow this prayer journal for the week to come? If yes please text or call Pastor Ben (419-351-2010) with how God has answered your prayer or what your hopes and dreams for God to answer your prayer.
Remember.
Give God praise and thanks for answered prayers. God may say yes or no, or maybe later to your prayers.
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