Isn’t it wonderful how often God gives the gift of His love wrapped in people? There’s a great example of this in the sermon text, where Paul describes his zeal to care for the Corinthians, and how they in turn should care for Titus. Likewise, the hymns in this morning’s service reflect on God’s care for us and call us…
2 Corinthians 8:1-15 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can…
Even if you have been coming to Parish for a while, you may not often read the small text under the header of each section in the bulletin that gives some explanation for the various elements of worship. At the top of page 10, you’ll find these words: “Our praying, serving, and giving are essential aspects of worship. It is…
2 Corinthians 7:2-16 2Make room in your hearts for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 I am acting with great boldness…
This morning’s service draws our attention to the relationship of joy, comfort, and affliction in the Christian life. We are invited into worship with a passage from 1 Thessalonians, which implores us to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” The opening two hymns both call us to “join in glad adoration” and “Rejoice in [our] King”—but…
Ephesians 4:1-7 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as…
G.K. Chesterton was once asked what was wrong with the world, and he responded, “Dear Sirs, I am.” Chesterton is in good company. In the gospel invitation this morning from 1 Timothy, Paul competes with Chesterton saying, “Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” Each of us could submit an application for the…
2 Corinthians 6:3-13 3 We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7…
2 Corinthians 5:21-6:2 21 For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 6:1 Working together with Him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and…
The very first promise of redemption comes immediately after the Fall of Adam and Even in the Garden. There, God declares that the “seed of the woman” would “bruise the head of the serpent” (Genesis 3:15). In the earliest churches, this great promise was artistically represented by mosaics of dragons on floors—upon which everyone in the congregation could step and…