—
The early
Christians prayed dynamically, witnessed boldly, and shared their possessions
unselfishly.
The first
Christians had everything in common: a common faith, love for God, possession
of the Spirit, and a common concern for each other as members of God’s family.
What they had in common enabled them to have a community, and in that community
they were able to communicate with each other and with Christ. To have
commonality is to have a oneness. Yet, like all of us today, they were people of
many difference; age, talents, education, size, weight, etc. The common faith welded al of these
differences people into a community of live.
What did the Apostles preach? What power they
gave a gospel of the Resurrection. The Resurrection then was the keystone of
the Christian faith. Take out the Resurrection and the gospel falls apart
because then it is no longer good news! The Resurrection assures us that Jesus is
the Son of God whose death was a sacrifice for sin. The central theme of every
sermon must still be Christ crucified and risen.[1]
Prayer for
the mission of the Church: Almighty God, You have called Your Church to witness that in
Christ You have reconciled us to Yourself. Grant that by Your Holy Spirit we
may proclaim the good news of Your salvation so that all who hear it may receive
the gift of salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for life as a baptized
child of God: Merciful Father, through Holy Baptism You
called us to be Your own possession. Grant that our lives may evidence the
working of Your Holy Spirit in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, according to the image of Your
only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.[2] 07 April 2021
[1] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing Lima, OH
[2] Prayer for the mission of the Church and for life as a baptized child of God, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
No comments:
Post a Comment