SONG AND GOSPEL
Sunday VIII before Passover
Week of 4-9 March 2019
« God saves »
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Introduction: The statement: « God saves » means that He sets free from whatever is constraining and life threatening, namely what can be source of prejudice and death. This may show itself in different ways: diseases, dangers, destructions, injuries, life’s troubles, terrorism from enemies and hostile people. There is no limit to the impact of what happens on man, it can touch all the aspects of their life: at the level of the individual, the household, the family, the society and the relationship between countries. But God’s salvation is also unlimited as He sent His only Son to provide salvation and a perfect salvation for the whole world. For that purpose, Jesus says: « Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed » John 8:36. God has intended salvation for all without any exception because He does not want anyone to perish (Ez 33:11). But its fulfilment depends on each person’s choice and faith. Indeed, it is written « For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life » John 3:16. God’s Word gives us the promise that » whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame » Rom 10:11 » For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved » Rom 10:13. Therefore, « Seek the LORD while He may be found, call you on Him while He is near » Is 55:6. Since He himself calls and invites us saying: » Call on Me to the day of trouble, I will deliver you and you will honor Me » Psalm 50:15.
Monday 4 March: God gives to His people the promise of salvation.
« Tell those who are of a fearful heart, be strong, don’t be afraid » Isaiah 35:4
Reading 1: Heb 12: 1-6. Reading 2: Is 35:3-7. Preaching 1 (optional) Preaching 2 Is 35:4.
Introduction: Human beings have many struggles for which they need salvation especially their fight against sins which makes them suffer and makes them poor. But what is impossible with man is possible with God (Mar.10:27). So Jesus came to give the promise of salvation, and He declares : « In the world you will have trouble. But take heart!, I have overcome the world » John 16:33.
Tuesday 5 March: God wants to save man.
“God is … a very present help in trouble » Ps.46:1b.
Reading 1: Mark 10:46-52 Reading 2: I Pet 3:18-22. Preaching 1 (optional) Preaching 2: I Pet 3:18.
Introduction: God’s Plan is to save man whom He created for his glory ( Gen 1:16) and the world which is the reflection of His perfection (Gen 1:31) Therefore, He makes us know that He is not far from those who seek Him and does not turn a deaf ear to their complaints. He says: « Call to Me, and I shall answer you” Jer 33:3.
Wednesday 6 March: Jesus Christ died to save the sinners.
« For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust » I Pet 3:18
Reading 1: John 10: 7-16 Reading 2 I Pet 3:18-22. Preaching 1: ( optional). Preaching: I Pet 3:18.
Introduction: Separation from God means suffering—that is, perdition. Indeed, the Lord says: « Your iniquities have separated you and your God and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He will not hear » Is 59:2. But Jesus came to save us since « He himself is the propitiation for our sins and not ours only but also for the whole world” I John 2:2
Thursday 7 March: Jesus Christ, the Gate for salvation.
« And suddenly a voice came from Heaven : This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased » Mt 3:17.
Reading 1: Gen 28:10-17. Reading 2: Mat 3: 13-17 Preaching 1 (optional) Preaching 2: Mt 3:17.
Introduction: The wall which separated men from God was abolished permanently by the redemption act accomplished by Jesus, and our reconciliation with God our Creator was thus restored. Christ for us: this means Heaven is open forever. Jesus says: » I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me » John 14:6.
Friday 8 March: God’s salvation is a certainty.
« Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him » Heb 7: 25.
Reading 1: John 14:1-7 Reading 2: Heb 7:23-28 Preaching 1 (optional) Preaching 2 Heb 7: 24-25
Introduction: The Messiah or the Christ is God’s anointed One who brings salvation. He refers in particular to Jesus. The salvation He provides is sure. Because it is written: « You shall call His name Jesus for He will save His people from their sins » Mat 1:21. Indeed, He is the merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people » Heb 2:17.
Saturday 9 March: Call on Jesus, salvation for you.
« For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved » Rom 10: 13.
Reading 1: Mt 20:29-34 Reading 2: Rom 10:1-13 Preaching 1 (optional) Preaching 2: Rom 10:13.
Introduction: It is written: « We know that God does not hear sinners » John 9:31a. Nevertheless Jesus gives us a big promise that we can call on Him and receive His salvation. For He is gentle and humble in heart and His word says to us: « Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden and I shall give you rest » Mt 11:28. Rest is the peace which is the fruit of salvation in that we are forgiven from our sins and reconciled to God our Father through Jesus Christ His Son, Our Saviour.
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