Preparing for the Lord's Day
The love that a mother has for her children is a great picture of the love that the Lord has for his people. Often in Scripture the Lord uses pictures of motherhood to describe his love and protection. In Hosea, God describes himself as a mother bear who will enact vengeance on those who stole her cubs (Hosea 13:8). In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus describes himself as a mother hen who would gather her brood under her wings (Matthew 23:37). And in the book of Isaiah, the Lord compares his love to that of a nursing mother who cares for her child (Isaiah 49:15). Yet this love does not come without a cost and a call. For the love of a mother is beautiful but it is also difficult. The love of a mother is the call to lay down a life for the good of another. On this Mother’s Day Sunday we will take time to see how the love of a mother reflects the love that Christ has for his Church and how we all are called to lay down our lives in love as we trust in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. To be prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon John 15:12-17, Isaiah 49:15, Hosea 13:8, Matthew 23:37, John 13:14, 16:7, and Hebrews 12:2.
As we gather in our homes to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “To God be the Glory”, the Acclamation of Praise “When I Survey” and the Hymn of Response “My Hope is in the Lord.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information:
Text: John 15:12-17
Title: To Lay Down A Life
Outline:
- Every Christian Must Serve with Humility
- Every Christian Must Release with Trust
- Every Christian Must Suffer with Joy
- Every Christian Must Pray with Hope
PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES (for your ongoing prayers and expressions of love)
EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE AND SYMPATHY EXTENDED TO THE FOLLOWING:
- Jeremiah Forshey in the loss of his grandfather, Harry Mullen, who died on Sunday, May 3 in Lynchburg, Virginia.
- Jeff Porter in the loss of his father, Ethan Porter, who died Sunday, May 3 in San Diego, California.
- Keith Mann in the loss of his grandfather, Keith Mann, who died Wednesday, May 6 in Hyde Park, Utah.
PRAYING GOD'S HEALING MERCIES AND CHRIST'S PEACE FOR Greg Alty, Sophia Boyers, Claire Dodd, Harold Hankins, Paul Miller, Michael Quintero, Andrew Shaddock, Charlotte Waters, and Ryan Webb
PRAYING FOR OUR COMMUNITY, NATION, AND MISSIONARIES: Rush Homes explain that their tenants top the list of not only contracting the COVID-19 virus, but also of experiencing a poor outcome should they contract the virus. Some are unable to isolate themselves because they need regular hands-on help with everyday tasks. Shopping, cleaning their homes, and washing their hands frequently can be extra difficult due to physical impairments, environmental barriers, or interrupted services. Let us pray and serve as we are able these neighbors in particular need.