Worship into the Week- Treasured Possession

 

Worship into the Week-

 Exodus 19:2-8     The Lord Reveals  Himself at Sinai

Things were moving along for the people of Israel. 

They arrived at Mount Sinai after their exodus forn Egypt. 

God reminds them of His goodness and past grace. 

There is the reveal of a conditional covenant and God delcares

 that Israel is His treasured possession.

The people agree with the proposal,

 but really don't understand what it means for this acceptance

 to God's offer. He wants total obedience, nothing else works.

Israel commits to doing all that the Lord 

has asked of them and 

really don't see how this will be a probelm.

There is a big IF in this agreement.

God states that IF they obey...

they will be His treasured possession.

Well, know how this is going to go, 

and so the story continues only with God's 

continued grace story of those 

He carried on eagles's wings. 

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Worship into the Week- A Call to Repentance

  Worship into the Week- Hosea 5:15-6:6

Hosea, the revivalist, was making a call to repentance.

There was superficial worship that was

 no better than the worship of false gods.

Over and over again Israel was caught in this 

cycle of stepping away from a healthy view of God.

Then God dispenses discipline and waits. 

This withdrawal is to highlight their great need for Him. 

He invites them back into this authentic relationship,

but sees that their worship and devotion

 is like "the morning mist" or "early dew."

God throws out the empty words and states,

"for I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, 

the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."

Instead of chasing after Baal, there is hope 

that the people will strive for knowledge

 

that begins with "the fear of the Lord."

Hope for us too, that repentance opens the door to 

new relationship with God.

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Worship into the Week- God Created

 

  

Worship into the Week- Trinity Sunday

Genesis1:1-2; 4a

Lots of beginnings here. 

Genesis comes from a Greek word that means

"origin", "birth", or "beginning."

We have the creation of the universe, adding humanity, 

then sin, the beginning of civilization and the Jewish nation.

It is a giant epic movie to tell this story.

God was before the beginning. 

He was before life and structure and form 

set things in motion and set apart.

The Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, 

hovered over the waters.

The Spirit was an active presence in the creation.

The creation of matter out of nothingness.

This act of grace was reflected in God's creation as 

a reflection of God's character and it was very good. 

Jesus was present at creation as the eternal "Word".

 He existed before time began and was actively involved 

as the agent through whom God created all things.

This story of the beginning with the Triune presence 

 is a wonderful reading for Trinity Sunday.

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Worship into the Week- Pentecost

 Worship into the Week-

Numbers 11:24-30

Moses is overwhelmed with the care of the complaining people.

The Lord sets before him a plan for helpers.

Bring seventy men to the Tabernacle.

"I will come down and talk to you there. 

I will take some of the Spirit that is upon you, 

and I will put the Spirit upon them also.

They will bear the burden of the people along with you,

 so you will not have to carry it alone."

So they followed the plan, 

even though they had to deal with all 

the meat eating God had planned for the complainers.

God shares the Spirit with the new leaders 

and they even prophesied.

Moses is still in authority,

 but others have been equipped for their new roles.

Two men had not gone out to the Tabernacle, 

but the Spirit rested on them also.

Joshua is disturbed by this and reports back to Moses.

Moses reassures him and tells him to not be jealous.

"I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets 

and that the Lord will put his Spirit upon them all!"

Moses isn't threatened by the empowered new leaders.

He humbly and gratefully puts aside his ego 

and sees the blessing of his new community of helpers.

We see the New Testament Pentecost story 

foreshadowed here with the free outpouring on the believers.

We can already see here that the work of God's Kingdom

 is both a shared responsibility and leadership.

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Worship into the Week- Ascension Day

 

 

Ascension Day- Acts 1:1-26

This section of Scripture identifies the transition of 

the earthly ministry of Jesus 

to the global mission of the Church.

We see the the gifting of the Holy Spirit as the center

 and movement for the evangelism to the world.

There is also the outline for apostolic leadership and 

the continuation of restored duties 

with the choosing of another apostle.

There were many proofs that hes was actually alive 

and so many conversations about the Kingdom of God.

But, even yet, the disciples were challenged to SEE

 the plan and asked about timing and the freedom 

and restoration for Israel.

Jesus assures them that the Father holds the timing

 and that the power of the Holy Spirit will be the gift to them.

Then he was taken up into a cloud and two angels 

stood near them assuring them

 that he would one day return.

 Then the disciples returned from the Mount of Olives

 and gathered with their faithful friends.

With prayerful intent and shaping they chose Matthias

 to be an apostle with the other eleven.

Their work was ready 

and they waited for the Spirit to come.

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Worship into the Week- In HIM

 Worship into the Week-

Acts 17:16-31 

In HIM

 Rather amazing timing this week to be at Mars Hill in Greece 

the same week as this lectionary reading for worship.

Here we are at the base of the steps that Paul would have used

 to reach the top. They are no longer used because of erosion

 and in trying to preserve them.

                                                                                              May 11, 2025

Paul's sermon with the Areopagus gathered at Mars Hill fully combines all the techniques that Paul effectively used for 

spreading the Gospel message. It was an advanced class level 

on how to meet people exactly where they are culturally, 

intellectually and spiritually.

Paul was overwhelmed with the staggering amount 

of idols and corrupt gods in Athens. 

His heart was heavy for the people there.

As was his method, he went to the synogogue 

to meet the Jewish people there.

But, he soon ventured into the marketplace, 

and the bustling center of activity.

Here is the view from Mars Hill, 

and you can see the ancient Agora 

with pillars (mid photo to the left).

This is where Paul hung out to strike up a 

conversation at every opportunity.

He didn't begin by blasting them for their ways,

 but worked with something familiar- the Unknown God. 

He found the common language

 and a place to start that made sense to all of them.

He then focused on a Creator God who doesn't

 need man-made things.

This Sovereign ruler determines all things and He desires 

that we would seek Him and establish our lives in Him.

God has commanded that repentance is in order because

 a day is set to judge the world. 

That has been set in motion with Jesus-

 who God raised from the dead.

Here is Mars Hill from up on the Acropolis. It

 is fairly close to this landmark of Athens.

Oh may many be drawn to this God- 

in whom we live and move and have our being.

Let us seek out the common ground 

and not fear meeting people right where they are.

Blessed to travel with my brother Kim

 and sister in law Gina.

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Worship into the Week- On Mission

 Worship into the Week-

Acts 6:1-9, 7:2a, 51-60

The rapid growth of the early church also 

brought with it tensions. There were issues with the care

 of the Greek speaking widows-(Hellenists)

being neglected in favor 

of the Aramaic-speaking widows.(Hebrews)

There was a need for organizing 

the care and administration of the ministry.

Stephen was in the middle of managing 

the internal disputes, but the ministry 

was blessed and growing.

That growth caught the attention of the Sanhedrin.

The charge of blasphemy was hurled at Stephan 

and he spoke in his defense.

Though he was the "accused,"  he did not mince words 

with the "stiff-necked" leaders. 

Stephen accuses the church leaders with murdering Jesus

 and resisting the Holy Spirit.

That led to his death by stoning and a "Christ-like" repeat

 of forgiving his accusers as they took his life.

Thus, Stephen becomes the first Martyr 

and his view of the heavens to come 

assures us all that death is not the end of the journey.

His death becomes the trigger that sends 

the apostles into the world on mission as they scatter.

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Worship into the Week- Life Together

 Worship into the Week 

Acts 2: 41-47

"That day about three thousand took him (Peter)

at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers. Everyone around was in awe- 

all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met. They followed a daily discipline

 of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Everyday their number grew as God added those who were saved." The Message

Oh Lord, this is a vision for life together that I dream of and maybe it will be your will for the strife to end within your earthly Kingdom. Bring healing Lord, that we might work together to serve You for the sake of those who do not know you. Make your church here on earth more than we can imagine. Amen

Worship this week included a favorite hymn

 that I hadn't heard in a long time.   Including that here:

Shepherd Me, O God by Marty Haugen

Worship into the Week- Abundant Life

 

Lectionary Reading- Acts 2:14 a, 36-41

Peter Preaches to the Crowd

"Make no mistake about this."

Jerusalem needed to listen carefully. 

It wasn't a time to make assumptions.

Things were not as they seemed on this Pentecost day.

Peter's words struck at the hearts of the people.

Repent and be baptized!!!

This Jesus they had crucified 

was the Lord and Messiah.

Hearts were broke open by the Holy Spirit

 and many were baptized.

They added 3,000 to the church that day.

Lord, bring your Spirit to move

 the hearts that need you today! 

May we share His Word 

to this current crooked generation.

There is the abundant life waiting 

for those that seek you, Lord.

Amen.

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Worship into the Week- We are Witnesses

 

Worship into the Week- We are Witnesses

Acts 5:29-42

The Apostles Meet Opposition

It is a tough time for the Apostles before the Sanhedrin.

They stood their ground with a statement 

of obeying God over human authority.

Peter holds to the fact of the resurrection of Jesus.  

As witnesses of these events,

this becomes the basis of all their teachings.

The wise counsel of Gamaliel was to leave them alone.

Their cause will either fizzle out,

 or really take off if it is from God.

The high council had them flogged and told them

 to never speak again of Jesus.

The apostles rejoiced in their suffering in the name of Jesus.

They went right on teaching about Jesus

  in the Temple and from house to house.

The apostles declared to all that "Jesus is the Messiah." 

Nothing was going to stop them, 

they would not back down.

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Acts 5:29-42 details the apostles' bold defense before the Sanhedrin, establisPeterhing the principle of obeying God over human authority. Peter affirms Jesus' resurrection and role as Savior, leading to Gamaliel’s wise counsel to let them be. Despite being flogged, the apostles rejoice in suffering for Jesus, continuing to teach daily. 

First Baptist Church | Thomson Georgia

Worship into the Week- Easter 2026

 

Easter Sunday Sunrise Service

Old Testament Reading

Exodus 14:10-15:1

The Egyptians Pursue Israel

and the Escape through the Red Sea.

This is a story of deliverance for the Jewish people

 and forms the foundational background

 for the Passover celebration.

It reminds us of God's preserving power and His

ability to restore and protect.

God's ultimate plan is revealed on Easter Sunday 

with the Resurrection of Jesus.

Easter Sunday 

Old Testament - Jeremiah 31:1-6

Hope for Restoration

"I will be the God of all the families of Israel, 

and they will be my people."

Rebuilding and tender care and forging a future.

The Lord says, " I have loved you, my people, 

with a an everlasting love. 

With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself."

How good it is when the Lord says:  

my people, my people.

The other first reading for Easter

 is Acts 10: 34-43.

The Gentiles Hear the Good News.

There is peace with God through Jesus Christ.

In Jesus there is the full story of redemption

 by His death on a cross.

 But, God raised him to life on the third day.

The apostles are witnesses and have seen the good things,

  and heard his teachings.

They saw him and ate and drank

 with him after he rose from the dead.

The apostles have been appointed to tell the story 

and let people know that Jesus 

is the one who  is over the living and the dead.

He is Lord over all.

He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!   Amen.

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Worship into the Week- Good Friday 2026

 

Good Friday- 

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

This passage is often read 

as part of the passion of Christ.

It is referred to as the "Fourth Servant Song"

or the Suffering Servant.

The servant of God brings atonement through suffering.

One person bears the sins of many and this substitute sacrifice 

brings about the payment for others which is accepted by God.

This suffering and death provides 

forgiveness and righteousness for others.

This servant suffers greatly and yet in this 

state of despair and humiliation, he saves.

He has not paid for his own sins, but the sins of others.

He is compared to a lamb led

 to slaughter with silent suffering.

But, there is ultimate victory 

when the sacrifice is accepted by God

 for the sake of others.

Complicated and yet simple,

 in that one man is received as perfect

 and able to pay for the sins of the whole world.

The greatest gift ever- for me.

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Worship into the Week- Maundy Thursday 2026

Worship into the Week

Psalm 116: 12-19

For Christians this Psalm is often said 

to represent Christ's Passion.

The "cup of slavation" refers to the Eucharist 

and the institution of the Lord's Supper which

 is connected to events for Thursday of Holy Week.

These are words that Jesus sang 

before his own journey in Holy Week.

The Psalm recounts where the writer 

was saved from death and distress. 

The question then becomes:

"What can I give back to God for all this salvation?"

The way forward includes a heart of gratitude, 

worship, keeping vows, taking up the "cup of slavation"

 and living as a faithful servant of God.

This life becomes a public witness in a community.

God sees the people here and brings comfort when 

one of the faithful dies.

"The LORD cares deeply." NLT

The writer offers a free offering of praise

 rather than a fulfilling a mandatory obligation.

A reminder to us that God desires our 

free and heart-felt praise 

and not the rote repetition of words and actions.

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Worship Bulletin

Garden of Gethsemane from our Jan. 2026 Tour

This sign has been "touched" so many times

 the writing is getting hard to read.

The Last Supper- 

A gift from a family friend in 1990.

A wonderful reminder for Maundy Thursday.

The Garden of Gethsemane-

a gift from a family friend in 1995.

 

Worship into the Week- Message of Encouragement

 Worship into the Week-

 The Lord's Obedient Servant   Isaiah 50:4-9a

Here we have a faithful servant of God who has 

endured challenging abuse- both physical and emotional

This is known as the third "Servant Song" and shows

the determination of this servant to remain steadfast

in his commission of  bringing comfort to the weary.

He allows God to bring the justice and he carries out his goal.

God brings him daily strength and wisdom 

and allows him to to blessed 

with an understanding of God's will for him.

He moves forward with confidence 

that "the Sovereign LORD is on my side!"

That changes how he steps into the future and he trusts

that God will be his deliverer and vindication.

We can certainly learn that even in the hardships we face,

 there are still many people to bring 

hope and encouragement to each day.

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