Sunday 4th November 2007

Morning Service

Jesus the Early YearsLuke 9:1-9

What will they make of Jesus?

1 God is our refuge and our strength,

our ever-present aid;2 And therefore, though the

earth gives way,

we will not be afraid.

Psalm 46a:1-7* (p. 59) 

Though mountains fall into the sea,

3 though waters foam and roar,

We will not fear, though mountains

quakeas waves engulf the shore.

Psalm 46a:1-7* (2/6) 

4 A river flows, whose streams delight

the city of our God—The holy place, in which

the LORDMost High has his abode.

Psalm 46a:1-7* (3/6) 

5 God is within his holy place;the city will not yield,

For God will come at break of day

to be her help and shield.

Psalm 46a:1-7* (4/6) 

6 The nations are in disarray;the kingdoms disappear.

God speaks, and at his mighty voicethe whole earth melts with fear.

Psalm 46a:1-7* (5/6) 

7 The LORD Almighty is with us

to strengthen and sustain;For Jacob’s God our strong

defenceand fortress will remain.

Psalm 46a:1-7* (6/6) 

Prayer & Children’s Talk

Could you grow a harvest here?

Taking that call…

Scripture Song – from Philippians 4:6-876.76.D Morning Light (Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus)

1 Whatever things are lovely,whatever things are right,all that is pure and noble:make these things your delight.Whatever is praiseworthyand beautiful and true,all excellence and virtueshall form Christ's mind in you.

Scripture Song – from Philippians 4:6-876.76.D Morning Light (Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus)

2 In all things, make thanksgiving;for all things, join in prayer:the peace of God will guard yourejoice the Lord is near!Let nothing make you anxious;what you have learned, obey:the God of peace be with youand Christ be all your way.

UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION

O Lord, we long to enter your presence, worshipping you face to face.

We are in awe of your majesty, greatness, and glory, but encouraged by your love.

UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Yet there remains a coldness in our hearts,

a hardness toward you, an unwillingness to admit our sin

and need for you.

UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Forgive us, for Jesus’ sake. Come near and strengthen us

until Christ reigns supreme within us,

in every thought, word, and deed.

UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Give us a faith that purifies the heart,

overcomes the world, works by love,

fastens us to you, and always clings to the cross.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture Reading: Luke 9:1-9 (p. 1039)

1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,

2 and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

3 He told them: "Take nothing for the journey--no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic.

Scripture Reading: Luke 9:1-9 (p. 1039)

4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town.

5 If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them."

Scripture Reading: Luke 9:1-9 (p. 1039)

6 So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.

7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead,

Scripture Reading: Luke 9:1-9 (p. 1039)

8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life.

9 But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see him.

1 The LORD is my shepherd; no want shall I know.2 He makes me lie down where the green pastures grow;

He leads me to rest where the calm waters flow.

Psalm 23:1-6* (p. 28) 

Psalm 23:1-6* (2/5)  3 My wandering steps he brings back to his way,

In straight paths of righteousness

making me stay;And this he has done his

great name to display.

Psalm 23:1-6* (3/5) 

4 Though I walk in death’s valley, where darkness is near,

Because you are with me, no evil

I’ll fear;Your rod and your staff

bring me comfort and cheer.

Psalm 23:1-6* (4/5)  5 In the sight of my en’mies a table

you spread.The oil of rejoicing you

pour on my head;

My cup overflows and I’m graciously fed.

Psalm 23:1-6* (5/5) 

6 So surely your covenant mercy

and graceWill follow me closely in

all of my ways;

I will dwell in the house of the

LORD all my days.

Sermon: Luke 9:1-9WHAT WILL THEY MAKE OF JESUS?

Acts 1:8 – “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth…"

This process STARTS with Israel in Luke 9, Luke 10.

The Great Commission – in all four gospels!

Herod Antipas - who executed John the

Baptist

WHAT WILL THEY MAKE OF JESUS?

1 – WILL ISRAEL BELIEVE? Luke 9 - A passage about

responding to Jesus. The response of Israel, and

that of a minor King – Herod Antipas.

His story began with John the baptist and is continued in Luke 23:8-12…

Herod Antipas - who executed John the

Baptist

WHAT WILL THEY MAKE OF JESUS?

1 – WILL ISRAEL BELIEVE? Luke 23:8-12. When Herod saw

Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer… Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became friends - before this they had been enemies.

Herod Antipas - who executed John the

Baptist

WHAT WILL THEY MAKE OF JESUS?

1 – WILL ISRAEL BELIEVE? The issue here, and

throughout Luke: WHAT IS THE TRUE IDENTITY OF JESUS?

Luke 7:49; 8:25; & 9:18. The answer in 2:11 – He is

“Christ The Lord.”

Herod Antipas - who executed John the

Baptist

WHAT WILL THEY MAKE OF JESUS?

2 – WILL MIRACLES CONVINCE? Travel light (3-6). Don’t treat miracles as if

they are the norm, or as if they are entertainment, to arouse your curiosity. That was Herod’s mistake

Did Jesus heal people? Does he heal

today?

WHAT WILL THEY MAKE OF JESUS?

2 – WILL MIRACLES CONVINCE? So if you are the Christ Yes

the great Jesus Christ Prove to me that you're no fool Walk across my swimming pool If you do that for me Then I'll let you go free C'mon King of the Jews Andrew Lloyd Webber: ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

WHAT WILL THEY MAKE OF JESUS?

3 – ARE YOU CONVINCED? Miracles were not everyday

events or entertainment: They were SIGNS.

Pointing ahead… Meanwhile we live in

tension between the arrival of the Kingdom, and its future completion. Do the

SIGNS convince

you.

WHAT WILL THEY MAKE OF JESUS?

3 – ARE YOU CONVINCED? Don’t push God out of His

timetable, but be confident. Confident, but humble… Secure, but frail… Don’t stop at curiosity –

entrust yourself to Jesus.

Do the SIGNS

convince you.

Psalm 46a:8-11* (p. 59)1/4

8 Come, see the works the LORD has done—

the judgments he commands,The desolations he has brought

to pass in many lands.

Psalm 46a:8-11* (p. 59)2/4

9In every land throughout the earth

he makes all conflict cease;He shatters bow and spear and

shield,and brings his reign of

peace.

Psalm 46a:8-11* (p. 59)3/4

10 Be still, and know that I am God,

on earth exalted high;And all the nations of the

worldmy name will glorify.

Psalm 46a:8-11* (p. 59)4/4

11 The LORD Almighty is with us

to strengthen and sustain;

For Jacob’s God our strong defence

and fortress will remain.

God Calls Us to delight in

Christ and to Share His

Hope.

Join us for Tea, Coffee

and Juice in the

Church Hall