Welcome to St. Matthew Lutheran Church

8/24/2008
Citizen in the Nation and Alien to the World


Speaking:
Jim Doherty
Sermon Series:
Hope in Crisis and Comfort to those in Exile

Sermon Description:
The Apostle John in his first epistle says, “Do not love the world or anything in the world…for the world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever” (1John 2:15f). We are born into this world and sent by the Lord with a message of love and hope to it, but our residence on earth is temporary and to some degree foreign. We have a citizenship that ties us to another king and another fealty We have a conviction of identity that supercedes national or even our family ties and loyalties: we are children of the King of kings. All of that makes the Christian experience one of exile by definition. To what character of relationship is God calling us,? What does it mean to live as a resident alien in this world? And for what do we hope as we wait the call to take up our residence in that land to which we belong?

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June 29th, 2008 

Caring Conversation:

Name someone that has power. What kind of power do they have?  Name someone who is famous.  Why are they famous?  Do you think Jesus was either of these things?  Why or why not?

Devotion:      Read:  John 1:10-14

For Adults and Youth:  John says that Jesus came into the world, but  that not everyone knew him.  What do you think this means?  What does it mean to know Jesus?  What kind of power and glory did Jesus show?  How is this significant for us?

For Children:   The Bible says that Jesus came to earth but no one really knew who he was.  What are some ways you know Jesus?  Why did Jesus come to earth in the first place?  The Bible verse you read said that Jesus has power, but its not like a king or president.  What kind of power did Jesus have?

Pray:   Faithful God, We know that you came to earth to bless us and to make us your children.  But we don’t always notice the love and work you do for us.  We ask you to help us know when you are around.  Give us power to serve, power to love, and power to help others.  Amen

Ritual/Tradition: Make an afternoon tradition of saying a prayer.  Invite God into your prayer.  Share with God all that you need for that day.  Ask God to give you power to do the right thing and to love others.

Service:  The Lord’s Prayer is something that connects us to God & to other Christians.  Think about how you can make a connection with God or someone else by using this part of the prayer.  Maybe it is praying for those who don’t have enough food or a safe place to live.  Maybe it is helping someone make good choices, or maybe it is asking for or giving forgiveness.  No matter what you do remember it is God who gives us the power to do all things.