May Service theme
- NAC News
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A new era
How does each sermon connect to this theme?
The sermons in the month of May bring us into a new era - the time of the Holy Spirit, the church, and apostolic activity. This new era is filled with gifts, but also mission, calling, and responsibility.
Sunday, May 3: Peter confronts the religious leaders with new boldness in proclaiming that Christ alone saves. We are called to be bold, grounded in the resurrection and salvation of Christ, and in prayer.
Sunday, May 10: Paul reminds the congregation in Philippi of the upward call of Christ. This call is a gift and responsibility, encouraging us to let go of that which is behind, and reach out to the divine calling that we have received from God.
Thursday, May 14: On this day we celebrate Jesus’ ascension. Jesus came from the Father, was sent into the world, and returned to the Father. Through His identity and mission, He gives us a new identity and mission. Paradoxically, through His leaving, He gives us new presence.
Sunday, May 17: The Holy Spirit empowers us not only to follow Christ, but to live as a witness, so that the presence, power, and character of Jesus Christ are clearly seen by those around us.
Sunday, May 24: On this Sunday, we celebrate Pentecost with our Chief Apostle. The sermon is founded on 1 Corinthians 12:13, where Paul describes a new kind of community - the body of Christ - where members are united, stand in solidarity, and develop together prompted by the Holy Spirit. (No study guide since there is a webcast.)
Sunday, May 31: The Israelites had the Aaronite blessing spoken over them. In this new era, the trinitarian blessing is both a gift of God’s grace, love, and communion, and also a call to extend those gifts to others, especially in the fellowship of our congregations.
May this month bring a burst of fresh life and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, as we look forward to the feast of Pentecost.
John S. Schnabel
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