FLM TOBY FANANTENANA 67 Ha
Communion of prayer Sunday VIII after Trinity
Week from 07 to 12 August 2017
« The Way of faith »
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Introduction: Faith defines and distinguishes the people of God from others, namely those who build their lives and their trust in God, and recognize Him as their one and only Lord and eternal Savior, and no one else. For by faith one is born of God (Jn 1:12-13) and walks in Him (Rom 15:18). The Lord said, « My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him » (Heb 10:38), for « without faith it is impossible to please God » (Heb 11:6a). To sum up, the basic idea of faith in God is having peace and union with Him (Jn 15:5), and also partnering with Him to accomplish His will and His work (Jn 14:12a). This is summarized by Jesus’ words, saying: « My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to finish his work » (Jn 4:34). So the people of God are justified and saved through faith, not by law or action, as it is written, « For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast » (Eph 2: 8-9). We do the work of God also by grace through faith, without confidence in the flesh but in God alone (2 Cor 3: 5). In this way God differentiates His people, saying, « What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? …Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate’, says the Lord » 2 Co 6: 15b, 17a. In sum, the grace of God is at work in men through faith in order to save them and to enable them to receive the full and endless grace of God (Jn 12: 16), and to accomplish God’s will in every way (Col 1:10).
Monday 07: The way of faith.
« If you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman » (Jr 15: 19b).
Reading 1: 2 Co 6: 14-18. Reading 2: Jr 15: 19-21. Preaching 1 (choice). Preaching 2: Jr 15: 19. Other references: « So that you can distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean » Lev 10:10 « No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money (lit. mamon) » Mt 6: 24
Tuesday 08: The way of faith is that which saves.
« Enter through the narrow gate. For (…) small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life » Mt 7: 13,14.
Reading 1: 1 Jn 2: 15-17. Reading 2: Mt 7: 12-14. Preaching 1 (choice). Preaching 2: Mt 7: 13-14. Other references: – « If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God » Dt 28: 1-2 – « Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well » Lk 17:19
Wednesday 09: The way of faith allows us to receive blessing. « Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be … guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring » Rom 4: 16a.
Reading 1: Lk 17: 11-19. Reading 2: Ro 4: 9-25. Preaching 1 (choice). Preaching 2: Rom 4: 16. Other references: – « They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household » (Acts 16:31). – « Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her! » Lk 1:45
Thursday 10: The way of faith, the path of victory for the believer » This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith » 1 Jn 5: 4b.
Reading 1: Heb 11: 29-34. Reading 2: 1 Jn 5: 1-5. Preaching 1 (choice). Preaching 2: 1 Jn 5: 4-5. Other references: – « I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing » 2 Ti 4: 7-8 – « I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world » Jn 16:33
Friday 11: Walk with Jesus. « I am the way and the truth and the life » Jn 14: 6a.
Reading 1: Psalm 37: 1-8. Reading 2: Jn 14: 1-6. Preaching 1 (choice). Preaching 2: Jn 14: 6. Other references: – « There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death » Pr 16:25. – « Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God » Heb 12: 2.
Saturday 12: Remain in the way of faith. « Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong » 1 Co.16: 13
Reading 1: Lu.12: 32-38. Reading 2: 1 Co.16: 5-14. Preaching 1 (choice). Preaching 2: 1 Co.16: 13. Other references: – « Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain » 1 Co 15: 58. – « So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded » Heb 10: 35.
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