Palm Sunday

Lessons - click on scripture link to read the text (NRSV)

The Liturgy of the Palms

Luke 19:29-40
Psalm 118:19-29

The Liturgy of the Word

Isaiah 45:21-25
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Philippians 2:5-11
Luke (22:39-71)23:1-49(50-56)
Psalm 22:1-21 or 22:1-11

Collect
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

For Epiphany's Holy Week schedule, click the link below:

Holy Week Schedule and Lessons

Study Guide for 2nd & 3rd John

2 John
[1] Why does John refer to himself as the “the elder”?
Who is the “elect lady”?
[7] What is the trademark of the deceivers?
[8] What might be lost? Compare 1 Corinthians 3:15
[9] “goes on ahead”, means “going too far”, or “going beyond” what is proper or right [Scott Lewis, p. 126]
[10] What is so valuable, that John required excommunication or separation? See also 3 John 1:9, below.

3 John
[1] Who is Gaius?
[3] Why is John pleased with Gaius?
[4] Note the paternal language. Compare Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 4:15. [see also Mt 23:8f; Philippians 2:22; 1 Timothy 1:2, 5:1-2; Philemon 10; 2 Kings 2:12]
[5-8] Who are these men and what are they doing?
[8] In light of verse 7, what is John suggesting that the churches do?
[9] Who is Diotrephes?

• Why is John displeased with Diotrophes?

• How does John intend to deal with Diotrophes?

• When is Godly discipline appropriate?

• Is there a difference between “judging” and “discipline”? [compare Luke 6:37-42; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 6:1-4; 2 Thess 3:14-15]

• From 1 John 5:16, above: Note that Paul told the Corinthians to judge those inside the Church and to purge out the evil ones [1 Corinthians 5:13] - that is excommunication. See also: Galatians 1:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; 2 John 1:10-11.

• What is the role of the church (assembly) in Jesus’ example of discipline and reconciliation in Matthew 18:15-20.

[12] John described three attributes of Demetrius. What are they?
What is the significance of those three attributes?

Holy Week Schedule and Lessons

Holy Week

By clicking on any of the lessons below, the text of that lesson will open from the NRSV of the Bible. Some of the lessons listed are alternates and will not be read during the services.

April 1st - Palm Sunday, Holy Eucharist at 9:00AM

The Liturgy of the Palms

Luke 19:29-40
Psalm 118:19-29

The Liturgy of the Word

Isaiah 45:21-25
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Philippians 2:5-11
Luke (22:39-71)23:1-49(50-56)
Psalm 22:1-21 or 22:1-11

April 5th - Maundy Thursday, Holy Eucharist at 6:00PM

Exodus 12:1-14a
1 Corinthians 11:23-26(27-32)
John 13:1-15
or Luke 22:14-30
Psalm 78:14-20,23-25

April 6th - Good Friday Liturgy at Noon
(Confessions available from 9AM)

Isaiah 52:13-53:12
or Genesis 22:1-18
or Wisdom 2:1,12-24
Hebrews 10:1-25
John (18:1-40) 19:1-37
Psalm 22:1-21 or 22:1-11 or 40:1-14 or 69:1-23

April 7th - Holy Saturday Morning Liturgy at 9:00AM

Job 14:1-14
1 Peter 4:1-8
Matthew 27:57-66
or John 19:38-42
Psalm 130 or 31:1-5

April 8th - Easter Sunday, Holy Eucharist at 9:00AM

Acts 10:34-43
or Isaiah 51:9-11
Colossians 3:1-4
or Acts 10:34-43
Luke 24:1-10
Psalm 118:14-29 or 118:14-17, 22-24

Bp Schofield on Capital Public Radio

Now that I finally know how to post audio files, I can post the audio file of an interview that included Bishop Schofield on the Capital Public Radio program, "Insights", which aired on March 14th.

The audio file can be found at the following link:

Insight - NPR, 3-14-07.mp3


Capital Public Radio, KXPR, 88.9FM (www.capradio.org) is the NPR affiliate in Sacramento.

Sermon for Fifth Sunday in Lent

The MP3 audio file for this Sunday's sermon may be found at the following link:

5 LENT, 3-25-07.mp3

Fifth Sunday in Lent

The Lessons

Isaiah 43:16-21
Philippians 3:8-14
Luke 20:9-19
Psalm 126

The Collect

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Announcements

Please consider making a donation to Fr Martin Bunsy who needs a pick-up truck for the mission work in Laos

Lenten Study and Soup Supper: Thursday evening at 6PM (Stations of the Cross – 5:30PM).

Schedule for Passion Week
April 1st - Palm Sunday, Holy Eucharist at 9:00AM
April 5th - Maundy Thursday, Holy Eucharist at 6:00PM
April 6th - Good Friday Liturgy at Noon (9AM Confessions)
April 7th - Holy Saturday Morning Liturgy at 9:00AM
April 8th - Easter Sunday, Holy Eucharist at 9:00AM

Lessons for Palm Sunday

The Liturgy of the Palms

Luke 19:29-40
Psalm 118:19-29

The Liturgy of the Word

Isaiah 45:21-25
Philippians 2:5-11
Luke (22:39-71)23:1-49(50-56)
Psalm 22:1-21 or 22:1-11

Study Guide for 1 John Chapter 5

1 John Chapter 5

[3] Compare Matthew 11:30
[4] Faith and victory  Faith in whom?
[6] What does it mean to say that Jesus came by water and blood?

• Heretical teaching of Cerinthus:

1. Jesus was merely a man born of Mary and Joseph.
2. Christ descended on Jesus at his baptism.
3. Christ departed from Jesus before the cross.

• “This is no trivial error. It undermines the foundations of Christian faith and robs us of the salvation of Christ. If the Son of God did not take to himself our nature in his birth and our sins in his death, he cannot reconcile us to God.” - John Stott [p. 181]

[7-8] How do the Spirit, the blood and the water testify?
[9] “The testimony of God is greater”

• Greater than what?

• What is our choice?

[10] How we respond to God’s testimony, verifies what we really think about God, and who we really believe he is.

• “Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord.” - C.S. Lewis

[11] What is the testimony?
[12] What is the significance of that testimony?
[13] Why did John write this letter?
[14] What is our confidence?
[15] “whatever we ask”

• Do we believe this promise?

• Compare Psalm 37:4

[16] What is the difference between a “sin not leading to death” and a “sin leading to death”?

• Why pray for one and not the other?

• Compare Mt 16:19 & John 20:23 with verse 15 (bind and loose)
• Romans 6:21-23 – the wages of sin is death
• Ephesians 4:30 – do not grieve the Holy Spirit
• 1 Cor 2:13-16 – spiritual judgements & the mind of Christ
• Matthew 12:30-32 – the sin against the Holy Spirit
• Compare the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts chapter 5. This particular sin against the Holy Spirit was not forgiven.
• Compare with 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
• Remember that John is speaking in the context of teaching Christians how to protect themselves against apostasy, and from those who might lead them into error (antichrists). [1 John 2:18-26; 2 Corinthians 11:13]
• Note that Paul told the Corinthians to judge those inside the Church and to purge out the evil ones [1 Corinthians 5:13] - that is excommunication. See also: Galatians 1:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; 2 John 1:10-11.
  
• Jesus warned in Matthew 7:6 not to "cast your pearls before swine".
  
• Therefore, if John's concern about praying for one another corresponds to reconciling Christians who have been harmed by their sins toward one another. Then his suggestion that there is another kind of sin, probably corresponds to a situation where "instant" restoration, is either impossible or at least unwise. He certainly would not want to encourage a hasty restoration of those who are "antichrists" and who already have a track record of trying to undermine the faith. The two different kinds of sins are on completely different scales. John's letter is written to protect those who are already confused - so he is not going to encourage them to quickly restore those who were the very ones who were teaching them a false christ. [Ref. gnosticism, docetsim, the teaching of Cerinthus; Lk 17:1-3]
• Therefore, believers can intercede on behalf of other believers as per Matthew 18 and James 5, and work out forgiveness and reconciliation among those who are penitent. However, that is not the case with the apostate "antichrists" because they have not repented. The best that we can do is pray that they repent and turn to Christ, but we do not have the authority to forgive them of their apostasy. We are commanded to be merciful but we are not allowed to dismiss open rebellion to God.
  

[18] Do we keep on sinning?
How are we protected?
[19] Consider the contrast of allegiances
[20] How do we gain understanding?
[21] Why would John conclude with this warning?

Sermon for Fourth Sunday in Lent

The MP3 audio file for last Sunday's sermon may be found at the following link. You will need to copy the entire link and paste it into your browser. Then hit "Enter" or select your "Go" button in the browser window. This should take you directly to the audio file. I realize that the print is terribly small but it has to be in order to fit in one continuous line. Good luck!

http://web6.storeandserve.com/Download/4/20070321/780869/4_LENT,_3-18-07.mp3

Or here:
4 LENT, 3-18-07.mp3


The painting of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt, referred to in the sermon, may be seen in the post below:

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

You can also find it at the The Hermitage (St Petersburg, Russia) website:

Study Guide for 1 John Chapter 4

1 John 4
[1] What are these spirits?
How do we “test the spirits”?
See: Dt 13:1-5; Acts 17:11; 2 Cor 13:1-10; 1 Thess 5:21
[2] What does it mean to confess or acknowledge?
“Not everyone who says…” Mt 7:21-23
“Even the demons believe…” Jms 2:19
RE: False prophets: Mt 7:15-16; Mk 13:22-23

• KNOW = RECOGNIZE

• Find the different attributions for “S/spirit of…”

1. Spirit of [2] _____________
2. spirit of [3] _____________
3. Spirit of [6] _____________
4. spirit of [6] _____________

• “By this…” or “This is how…”
• Find this pattern in chapter four (compare 3:16, 19)
• What value is introduced by each of these phrases?

Identify the five (or six) verses where this phrase occurs:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
[4] Do not be afraid (Mt 14:27). See verse 18. Also Jn 16:33
[6] How do we recognize truth or error?
[7] How do we learn to love?
[9] How do we “manifest” love?
“As He Is, so are we to be in this world.” (W.E. Vine)
[10] What is the basis for love?
Propitiation/expiation relates to the atoning sacrifice of Lev 17:11
Sin = to miss the mark
What is the difference between sin and sins? See BCP 360, 362
[11] What is our motivation to love?
[12] How is God to be seen (manifest)?

• Note the number of times perfect/ed occurs [12,17,18]
• How is love perfected?

[18] See notes at verse 4
[19] From where does love originate? See verse 11
[21] Compare with the Greatest Commandment, (the Summary of the Law).
See Mk 12:29-31

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

The Prodigal Son by Rembrandt http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/

The Lessons
Joshua (4:19-24);5:9-12
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Luke 15:11-32
Psalm 34 or 34:1-8

The Collect
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Next Sunday's Lessons

Isaiah 43:16-21
Philippians 3:8-14
Luke 20:9-19
Psalm 126

Lenten Schedule - 2007

Third Sunday in Lent

The Lessons

Exodus 3:1-15
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9
Psalm 103 or 103:1-11

The Collect

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Lenten Schedule - 2007

Study Guide for 1 John chapter 3

1 John 3
[1] What kind of love has the Father given us?
“love” = agape, which is self-sacrificial love
Why does the world not know us? (See also vs. 13)
[2] RE: God’s children now – see Gen 1:26 and Psalm 8.5ff
RE: “we will be like him”, see 1 Cor 13:12
[3] Purity = freedom from moral stain. Compare Mt 5:48
[4] What is sin? (1 Cor 6:9-11)
[5] Why did Jesus appear?
[7] RE: “Let no one deceive you”, see 1 Jn 2.18-26
[7-8] Practice of Righteousness vs. Practice of Sinning. See Mt 5:20; Heb 5:11-14
These practices imply an allegiance to another power – see vs 10
[9] RE: God’s seed. See vs. 2
[10] See Mt 5:9 (called Sons of God); Mt 5:43-48 (love [agape] your enemies); Lk 6:27-28ff (pray for your enemies)
[12] What is the significance of the story of Cain and Abel? (Gen 4:1-16)
[13] RE: “the world hates you”, see Mt 5:11; Jn 15:18-27; 16:33
[15] RE: “Everyone who hates his brother”, see Mt 5:21-24, 38-48; 18:15-20
[16] “By this we know . . .”, Jn 15:12-13; Gal 6:1-4; Eph; 5:25-27
[17] RE: “brother in need”, see Jms 1.22-27 (pure religion); Acts 2:42-47
[18] RE: “deed and truth”, see Mt 6:1 (acts of righteousness done in secret)
[19] How shall we know?
What shall we know?
[20] Why would our hearts condemn us? How do we recognize this?
[21] How do our hearts find peace?
[22] See Psalm 37:4 and Mt 17:20; Jn 14:13
[23] See 1 Jn 2:7; Jn 13:34; Dt 6:6
[24] How do we abide? See 1 Jn 2:3
How do we know that he abides in us? See 1 Jn 2:27

The Second Sunday in Lent

The Lessons

Genesis 15:1-12,17-18
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Luke 13:(22-30)31-35
Psalm 27 or 27:10-18

The Collect
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from thy ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of thy Word, Jesus Christ thy Son; who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

"Strive to enter through the narrow door." - Jesus

Lenten Schedule - 2007

Outline of the First Epistle of John

Outline of First John
From James Montgomery Boice, The Epistles of John

Preface (1:1-4)
I. The message (1:5-2:2)
A. God is light (1:5)
B. All are sinners (1:6-10)
1. The first denial (1:6-7)
2. The second denial (1:8-9)
3. The third denial (1:10)
C. The call to holiness (2:1-2)
II. The basis of the Christian’s assurance (2:3-27)
A. The moral test: righteousness (2:3-6)
B. The social test (2:7-11)
1. Parenthesis on the church (2:12-14)
2. Parenthesis on the world (2:15-17)
C. The doctrinal test: truth (2:18-27)
III. An exhortation to righteousness in view of the Lord’s return (2:28-3:3)
IV. The church and the world (3:4-4:6)
A. The first contrast: righteousness and sin (3:4-10)
B. The second contrast: love and hate (3:11-18)
Parenthesis dealing with doubt (3:19-24)
C. The third contrast: truth and error (4:1-6)
V. An exhortation to love in view of the Christian’s relationship to God (4:7-21)
VI. Summary of the Letter (5:1-20)
A. The three tests combined (5:1-5)
B. God’s own testimony: the final word (5:6-13)
C. Confidence in prayer and intercession (5:14-17)
D. Three final affirmations (5:18-20)
Conclusion (5:21)

Study Guide for 1 John, chapters 1 & 2

Introduction

1. Who is the author?
Apostolic authority is assumed. John writes as a father (Jn 2:1, 12 & 18)
2. To whom is he writing? (compare Rev chs 2 & 3)
3. When were these epistles written?
4. Why were they written?
5. What is Gnosticism? (see handout: “Heresies”)
6. What is Docetism? (see handout)
Regarding the conflict between flesh and spirit, see Romans 7:13-8:11.

1 John Chapter 1 [corresponding verse are in brackets]

[1] What other book of the NT does this chapter remind you of? (Jn1.1)
[1,2] How do the senses play a part in John’s witness?
Why would John stress these senses? Faith is founded on evidence.
[2] What is John’s role? (See Jn 1:34; Jn 3:11)
[3] Do you see a theme/s?
[3] What kind of fellowship does John describe?
[4] Why is John writing this?
See also Colossians 1.9-14
This will be answered more fully later (see 1 Jn 2.1-14)
[5] What is the message?
From whom does the message come?
[6,7] What is a test for true fellowship?
Compare to Psalm 1.1
See also John 1.4-9
[8] What is sin? (Romans 1:18-32; 5.23-24)
[9] What is confession? (James 5.16)
See also Mt 18.18
Compare with 1 Cor 6.2-3
See BCP 447f
[9] What is the promise given?
[10] What would appear to make a liar out of Jesus?
Why does John say that? (1 Cor 5.21; Jn 8.7)
Compare: Romans 2:12-13, James 1:22
How should this attitude shape our witness for Christ?

1 John Chapter 2 [corresponding verse are in brackets]

I am writing to you . . .

By this we know . . .
[1] How does John address the readers?
Why is he writing? See also verse 21
How is Jesus identified?
[2] What is “propitiation”?
[3] How do we know that we know Jesus?
[4&5] What is the dividing line been the “liar” and the one with “truth”?
See verse 21
[5&6] How is the love of God perfected?
How can the Christian know that he/she is “in God”?

Old commandment – new commandment
[7] See Deuteronomy 5:10, 6:6f and John 13:34, 15:12-14
[8] How is it also “a new commandment”?
[9f] Love relates to _________ as hate relates to ___________.
See Is 5:20

I am writing to you . . .
[12] To little children because . . . your sins are forgiven . . .
Compare with verse 1
[13] To fathers because you know him who is from the beginning.
To young men because you have overcome the evil one.
To children because you know the Father
[14] To fathers because you know him who is from the beginning.
To young men because you are strong and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

• What pattern do you observe in verses 12, 13 & 14?

• What does that pattern signify?

Little children = teknion affectionate term to a dependent/student
Father/s = Pater those with responsibility/authority
Young men = neaniskos a youth; vigorous and lively
Young children = paidion infant children; those under instruction
Compare: 1 Cor 14:20
Evil one = Poneros Relates to evil that causes toilsome labor, pain and sorrow: Satan

Loving the World or loving the Father
[15] What does “the world” signify?

Kosmos = order, arrangement, ornament, adornment – the human order in contrast to God’s order. Compare Rom 4:13; 1 Peter 3:3-4

• How does loving the world interfere with loving God?

• Compare and contrast John 3:16

[17] “Passing away” or “abiding forever” – see verses 24-29 & John 15:9-11

Warnings
[18] What/when is the “last hour”?
How do we know it is the last hour?
What is the difference between “The Antichrist” and “many antichrists”?
[19] What is the evidence of an antichrist? See verse 22 [handout via Biffi+]
[20] How have we been anointed?
What does that anointing produce?
[21] Truth vs. Lie. Compare with verses 1, 4, 26 & 27
[22] The definition of “antichrist” is one who denies __________&___________.
[23] In light of Scripture and the Gnosticism (heresy) of John’s, how does John emphasize the doctrine of Jesus relationship to God?
How does that compare with Christianity’s current condition?
See John 3:16-21 & 14:6-7

Confidence through Abiding
[24-29] As John summarizes this section, notice the relationship between:
Writing (Scripture), Abiding (Fellowship), Anointing (Spirit) and Righteousness (obedience) in opposition to Lies (Satan/evil/disobedience)
[26] See Gal 1.8; 2 Tim 3:1-7; Jude 1.4
[27] Who is “trying to deceive you”? See 2 Tim 4.3-4; 2 Pet 2.1-3
How do we receive this anointing? See 2 Cor 1.21-22
RE: “his anointing”, see Lk 3.22; 4.18
[28] RE: “abide in him”, compare with “dwell in the land” – Ex 25:8; Dt 30.20; Psalms 23:6; 27:4-5; 37:3; 61:4-5
[29] RE: “He is righteous, see Rm 3:25-26
What is righteousness? See 2 Cor 5.21; 1 Jn 1:9; 3:7 (Contrast 1 Jn 3:4)
Righteousness (“rightwiseness”) denotes the character of being right or just – whatever conforms to the will of God – W.E. Vine