ministers-messages

JESUS SAID: “LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. THIS IS THE FIRST AND GREATEST COMMANDMENT. AND THE SECOND IS LIKE IT: LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF. ALL THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS HANG ON THESE TWO COMMANDMENTS”.       (Matthew 22: 37-40)

WELCOME TO OUR SUNDAY MORNING WEB-WORSHIP.

OPENING HYMN (CH-13): – LIGHT OF THE ANXIOUS HEART, Jesus, Thou dost appear, to bid the gloom of guilt depart, and shed Thy sweetness here.

Joyous is he with whom, God’s Word, Thou dost abide, sweet Light of our eternal home, to fleshy sense denied.

Brightness of God above, unfathomable grace, Thy presence be a fount of love within Thy chosen place.

LET US PRAY:

FATHER GOD, we have so much to thank You for. Day after day You have blessed us, pouring out Your love into our lives, our families, and our congregation. Though we fail You, still You show mercy; though we go astray, Your love calls us back. Time and time again Your grace turns sorrow to joy, despair to hope, and death to life. Faithfully we come to praise You, to worship You, and to listen to Your Word. Receive, then, our worship, our praise, our thanksgiving and our humble prayers offered in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN.

OLD TESTAMENT READING: – PSALM 116: 1 – 9.

I LOVE THE LORD, FOR HE HEARD MY VOICE; HE HEARD MY CRY FOR MERCY. BECAUSE HE TURNED HIS EAR TO ME, I WILL CALL ON HIM AS LONG AS I LIVE. THE CORDS OF DEATH ENTANGLED ME, THE ANGUISH OF THE GRAVE CAME UPON ME; I WAS OVERCOME BY TROUBLE AND SORROW. THEN I CALLED ON THE NAME OF THE LORD: “O LORD, SAVE ME!” THE LORD IS GRCTIOUS AND RIGHTEOUS; OUR GOD IS FULL OF COMPASSION. THE LORD PROTECTS THE SIMPLE-HEARTED; WHEN I WAS IN GREAT NEED, HE SAVED ME. BE AT REST ONCE MORE, O MY SOUL, FOR THE LORD HAS BEEN GOOD TO YOU. FOR YOU, O LORD, HAVE DELIVERED MY SOUL FROM DEATH, MY EYES FROM TEARS, MY FEET FROM STUMBLING, THAT I MAY WALK BEFORE THE LORD IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING.

NEW TESTAMENT READING: – JOHN 21: 15 – 19.

WHEN THEY HAD FINISHED EATING, JESUS SAID TO SIMON PETER, “SIMON SON OF JOHN, DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME MORE THAN THESE?” “YES, LORD,” HE SAID, “YOU KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU.” JESUS SAID, “FEED MY LAMBS”. AGAIN JESUS SAID, “SIMON SON OF JOHN, DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME?” HE ANSWERED, “YES, LORD, YOU KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU.” JESUS SAID, “TAKE CARE OF MY SHEEP”. THE THIRD TIME HE SAID TO HIM, “SIMON SON OF JOHN, DO YOU LOVE ME?” PETER WAS HURT BECAUSE JESUS ASKED HIM THE THIRD TIME, “DO YOU LOVE ME?” HE SAID, “LORD, YOU KNOW ALL THINGS; YOU KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU”. JESUS SAID, “FEED MY SHEEP. I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER YOU DRESSED YOURSELF AND WENT WHERE YOU WANTED; BUT WHEN YOU ARE OLD YOU WILL STRETCH OUT YOUR HANDS, AND SOMEONE ELSE WILL DRESS YOU AND LEAD YOU WHERE YOU DO NOT WANT TO GO.” JESUS SAID THIS TO INDICATE THE KIND OF DEATH BY WHICH PETER WOULD GLORIFY GOD. THEN HE SAID TO HIM, “FOLLOW ME!”

One of the most personal questions ever asked is, – Do you love me? Our message last week from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 5, brought us to the Lake of Gennesaret where, following a miraculous catch of fish, and Peter’s confession of sin, Jesus called him and his fellow fishermen to follow Him to fish for men, as His disciples. John describes another miraculous catch of fish ( 153 ) on the same lake, often called the Sea of Tiberias; but this time with the RISEN CHRIST.  The fishing was followed by a Fish-Communion on the lakeshore and Jesus’ unexpected question to Peter, – Do you love me ? Even though this question was addressed to Simon Peter, it has personal meaning for us, as Christians. Some have called it Life’s greatest question. If taken seriously, it really causes us to take a close look at ourselves. We may well say that Jesus laid down here the definition of true religion, which consists in TOTAL COMMITMENT OF LIFE TO GOD.

In  The Greatest Commandment, Jesus quoted to the Pharisees who wanted to test Him, Deuteronomy 6: 5, – Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  He combined this with Leviticus 19: 18, – Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbour as yourself. I am the Lord. After this the Pharisees had nothing more to say.  William Barclay once said, The true basis of all democracy is in fact the love of God. Take away the love of God, and we can look at human nature and become pessimistic about those who cannot make progress; we can become callous to those who are cold and calculating in their actions. The love of humanity is firmly grounded in the love of God. To be truly religious is to love God and to love those whom God made in His own image; and to love God and other people, not with a vague sentimentality, but with that total commitment which issues in devotion to God and practical service of others. ( The Gospel of Matthew, volume 2, page 324 – 325 ).

Psalm 116 begins with the confession, I LOVE THE LORD. Then comes the reason why the Psalmist loves the Lord with all his heart, soul, and mind: – He heard my cry for mercy (v.2), – The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion (v.5), – The Lord protects the simple-hearted … and He saved me (v.6), – The Lord has been good to me (v.7), and – delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling (v.8). When the Psalmist considered God’s goodness, he exclaimed in praise, – I love the Lord! When we reflect on God’s goodness, it reminds us of a myriad of reasons why WE should really LOVE THE LORD, being reminded that God wants us even when others may not (John 3: 16), and He Himself is LOVE.

As soon as the fish were brought to shore, the disciples found the Risen Lord standing beside a fire He had prepared. They ate breakfast together. Then Jesus asked three times the question Peter had never been expecting, – Do you love me more than these? “More than these” had to mean something like, “Peter, now do you dare say that you love Me more than these other disciples do?” – “Do you love Me with a self-sacrificing love, the kind of love one has for God, a deep and intimate spiritual devotion?” Peter kept replying, “I love You as a friend; I have affection for You; I respect You.” This kind of love was simply not enough for Jesus. It was not the right kind. After asking His question the third time, I think Jesus must have slipped His hand into Peter’s hand; and there was that Scar, – the rough scar left by the Nail of the Cross; then said, – FOLLOW ME.  That was how it had all started for Peter – the same command given beside the same waters. Three years before, while he was fishing, Peter had heard Jesus say, – Follow me, don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men (Luke 5; 10). Now at the end, Jesus gave Peter the ultimate command again. Shortly after, Peter was to enter into a whole new ministry. He would be of no use to God if he was still a man of Divided Devotions. If he was to be a Shepherd of Jesus’ Sheep, he had in truth to love the Lord with ALL his heart. Jesus had to be the first and the last and everything between.

When Jesus questioned Peter, He knew that if Peter did love Him, it would be revealed in Peter’s life. This is also true in our lives, for if we love Jesus, our lives will clearly reveal it.

OUR LIVES WILL REVEAL THE QUALITY OF OUR LOVE. It will reveal the intensity, and the extent of our involvement into our FAITH IN CHRIST. It is impossible to really believe and love the Lord, and not becoming whole-heartedly involved into the demanded way-of-life.

OUR LIVES WILL REVEAL THE EFFECT OF THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST. Love has its own way of affecting our personal lives as well as the lives of all those whom we love. To truly love Jesus is to have our hopes, dreams, and goals – even in the worst of the Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic situation– totally and positively affected by His promise: – SURELY I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE VERY END OF THE AGE. Inevitably Jesus should have first place in the thinking of a Christian. This does not mean that we will think about nothing but Jesus. It means that Jesus will be the decisive factor of our wills. When Peter allowed Jesus first place, his thinking and acting was changed, and he became known as a man who had been with Jesus. Peter is known for his weak loyalty and devotion, but we should remember that more is said in the Bible about His extreme devotion and loyalty than his weakness. The difference was that Peter’s love caused him to give Christ first place always, even if it meant death.

OUR LIVES WILL REVEAL THE TRUE COMMITMENT FOR SERVICE.    Jesus asked Peter, – Do you love me? And as Peter replied in the affirmative, Jesus told him, – Feed my lambs, and – Take care of my sheep!  Jesus knew that if Peter’s love was real, he would serve Him. A person cannot love Jesus Christ without being willing to serve Him. Christians should not have to be drawn into God’s service. They should be willing to serve, and serve with joy. Out of love for Jesus Christ, millions across the centuries served faithfully in all circumstances – in and out of prison and concentration-camps, leprosy-missions, hospitals, and war-fields, in large cities and small villages, and whenever the opportunity came – at any time, any place, at any cost. Jesus’ threefold question to Peter about love cannot be restricted to the individual disciple only. From it, all of us must learn that the essence of Christianity is love, and the response to that love is service. Love doesn’t need to ask permission to do good things; it has done already. The Church, to the extent that it is truly Christ-like, loses its life in a ministry to others. The Christian Church should have no time to be concerned about itself, its image or prestige; it denies its Lord if becomes self-centred, counting its own achievements, admiring its own righteousness, orthodoxy or virtues. The Church should tend the flock of God being light and salt for all.

CHRISTIAN PARADOX

IT IS IN LOVING – NOT IN BEING LOVED, THAT THE HEART IS BLEST;                  IT IS IN GIVING – NOT IN SEEKING GIFTS, WE FIND OUR QUEST.                IF YOU ARE HUNGRY, LACKING HEAVENLY FOOD, GIVE WITH CHEER.      IF YOU ARE SAD, AIMING FOR COMFORT, STAY SORROW’S TEAR.         WHATEVER BE YOUR LONGING AND YOUR NEED, THAT DO GIVE;          SO SHALL YOUR SOUL BE FED, AND YOU INDEED SHALL TRULY LIVE. (Author Unknown)

AMEN.

LET US PRAY:

GRACIOUS LORD GOD, You are higher than our highest thoughts, but always close by our sides; greater than we can ever think or imagine, yet made known to us in Christ; more powerful than anything or anyone, but nurturing us as a mother tends her child; constantly at work in the lives of the nations, yet having a special concern for every one of us. If we ascend to heaven, You are there. If we settle at the far side of the sea, You are there. If we are covered in darkness, even in the darkness of Covid-Pandemic, there You are with us because the darkness is light to You. We marvel at Your love for us; receive our praise. You call us to live as Your people, a family testifying to Your grace through the love we show for one another and the unity we share. You call us to minister in Your name, to express Your care for all through word and deed. Gracious Lord, broken for us, broken by us, You owe us nothing, we owe You everything, for You gave Your all to set us free, and yet we still fail You, time after time, day after day. Forgive us, renew us and restore us for the worthiness of Your service. We pray for all who feel broken today – shattered by disappointment, tragedy and bereavement; overwhelmed by poverty, disease and deprivation – all those who have been broken in body, mind and spirit by the circumstances and events of this terrible pandemic. We pray for those who long for wholeness – delivery from physical pain, sickness and disease, freedom from fear, anxiety and depression, an answer to questions and spiritual longings, the opportunity to feel Your loving presence with them and their loved-ones. May Your love bring grace and hope; healing to the world and all of us within. We pray for Your Christian Church Universal in all its denominations, for each and every person bearing Your image. Be with our Church of Scotland in all its presbyteries and congregations, and with our own members and adherents, children and elderly in our fellowship. Comfort all those who mourn, and hear our prayers for all those whom we now name quietly in our hearts … Gracious God, hear our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord.                      AMEN.

THE LORD’S PRAYER: – OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN …

CLOSING HYMN (CH-93): – LOVING SHEPHERD OF THY SHEEP, keep me, Lord, in safety keep; nothing can Thy power withstand; none can pluck me from Thy hand.

Loving Shepherd, Thou didst give Thine own life that I might live; may I love Thee day by day, gladly Thy sweet will obey.

Loving Shepherd, ever near, teach me still Thy voice to hear; suffer not my feet to stray from the straight and narrow way.

Where Thou leadest may I go, walking in Thy steps below; then, before Thy Father’s throne, Jesus, claim me for Thine own.

MAY THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THE LOVE OF GOD, AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH YOU ALL.   (2 Corinthians 13: 14)

AMEN.

Sandor, your Minister.

MY SOUL FINDS REST IN GOD ALONE; MY SALVATION COMES FROM HIM. HE ALONE IS MY ROCK AND MY SALVATION; HE IS MY FORTRESS, I SHALL NEVER BE SHAKEN.                                                      (Psalm 62: 1 – 2)

WECOME TO OUR SUNDAY MORNING WEB-WORSHIP.

OPENING HYMN (CH-25) – ONLY ON GOD do thou, my soul, still patiently attend; my expectation and my hope on Him alone depend.

He only my salvation is, and my strong rock is He; He only is my sure defence: I shall not moved be.

In God my glory placed is, and my salvation sure; in God the rock is of my strength, my refuge most secure.

Ye people, place your confidence in Him continually; before Him pour ye out your heart; God is our refuge high.

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, The God whom we adore, be glory, as it was, and is, and shall be evermore.  Amen.

LET US PRAY:

ALMIGHTY AND ALL-LOVING GOD, we come to worship You – to proclaim Your greatness, to acknowledge Your power, to recognise Your sovereignty, and to declare Your goodness. We come with grateful hearts to praise You – for Your love that surrounds us, for all the blessings of our lives, for the wonder of Your world, and for the hope of our faith in Christ. Respond to us, we pray – touch our hearts with Your living presence and fill our lives with Your grace, so that our love for You may grow, our faith be deepened, and our service strengthened. Lord of all, hear our prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.  AMEN.

THE OLD TESTAMENT READING: – PSALM 24: 1 – 5.

THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND EVERYTHING IN IT, THE WORLD, AND ALL WHO LIVE IN IT; FOR HE FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS AND ESTABLISHED IT UPON THE WATERS. WHO MAY ASCEND THE HILL OF THE LORD? WHO MAY STAND IN HIS HOLY PLACE? HE WHO HAS CLEAN HANDS AND A PURE HEART, WHO DOES NOT LIFT UP HIS SOUL TO AN IDOL OR SWEAR BY WHAT IS FALSE. HE WILL RECEIVE BLESSING FROM THE LORD AND VINDICATION FROM GOD HIS SAVIOUR.

THE NEW TESTAMENT READING: – LUKE 5: 1 – 11.

ONE DAY AS JESUS WAS STANDING BY THE LAKE OF GENNESARET, WITH THE PEOPLE CROWDING AROUND HIM AND LISTENING TO THE WORD OF GOD, HE SAW AT THE WATER’S EDGE TWO BOATS, LEFT THERE BY THE FISHERMEN, WHO WERE WASHING THEIR NETS. HE GOT INTO ONE OF THE BOATS, THE ONE BELONGING TO SIMON, AND ASKED HIM TO PUT OUT A LITTLE FROM SHORE. THEN HE SAT DOWN AND TAUGHT THE PEOPLE FROM THE BOAT. WHEN HE HAD FINISHED SPEAKING, HE SAID TO SIMON, “PUT OUT INTO DEEP WATER, AND LET DOWN THE NETS FOR A CATCH.” SIMON ANSWERED, “MASTER, WE’VE WORKED HARD ALL NIGHT AND HAVEN’T CAUGHT ANYTHING. BUT BECAUSE YOU SAY SO, I WILL LET DOWN THE NETS.” WHEN THEY HAD DONE SO, THEY CAUGHT SUCH A LARGE NUMBER OF FISH THAT THEIR NETS BEGAN TO BREAK. SO THEY SIGNALLED TO THEIR PARTNERS IN THE OTHER BOAT TO COME AND HELP THEM, AND THEY CAME AND FILLED BOTH BOATS SO FULL THAT THEY BEGAN TO SINK. WHEN SIMON PETER SAW THIS, HE FELL AT JESUS’ KNEES AND SAID, “GO AWAY FROM ME, LORD; I AM A SINFUL MAN!” FOR HE AND ALL HIS COMPANIONS WERE ASTONISHED AT THE CATCH OF FISH THEY HAD TAKEN, AND SO WERE JAMES AND JOHN, THE SONS OF ZEBEDEE, SIMON’S PARTNERS. THEN JESUS SAID TO SIMON, “DON’T BE AFRAID; FROM NOW ON YOU WILL CATCH MEN.” SO THEY PULLED THEIR BOATS UP ON SHORE, LEFT EVERYTHING AND FOLLOWED HIM.

Every fisherman has fishing stories, as I have mine, but this is one of the most unusual fish-stories ever told. It begins with the fish that could not be caught, and it ends with a group of fishermen being caught together with a huge number of fish.  Jesus was preaching by the Lake of Gennesaret and the crowd, as they were listening to His Words, was pushing Him backwards toward the water.  Jesus saw Peter’s boat close by, stepped into it, and asked him to push out a little way from shore. Jesus used the boat as a pulpit, and most probably the Christian symbol of the church as a boat, comes from here. When he finished His preaching, he surprised the fishermen by saying, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

1. – EXHAUSTED RESOURCES.

These expert fishermen had toiled all night doing all they could, but their knowledge and experience were not enough. They were trying to do the job they had done many times, but now they had to acknowledge failure. I wonder, how many of them, as they listened to Jesus’ preaching remembered the Words of Psalm 24,-The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters (v. 1-2).

How many times do we work and struggle, only to feel that all has been in vain? We try with all our might to be good neighbours, good citizens, and Christians, only to end up with tired bodies and empty nets, like those fishermen. Peter, as well as all the others, had to learn that life without Jesus is always frustratingly fragmentary. It took Peter a long time to learn what Jesus was trying to teach him in that fishing boat; then, he discovered that life is more than human wisdom, and power, and financial security. Peter had to discover that proper LIFE comes only to those who believe in Christ by  heart and soul, and give themselves fully and unreservedly to God. That is what he meant when, a year later at the gates of the Temple in Jerusalem, he said to the crippled beggar – “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them (Peter and John) into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God (Acts 3: 6-8).

2. – A PECULIAR COMMAND, – Put out into the deep water …

Fish were caught near the shore, not in the deep. They were caught at night, not in the daytime. Yet Jesus told the men to go out to the deep waters and let down their nets. Here, the carpenter was telling the experienced fishermen how and where to catch fish. Peter reminded Jesus of their long night of toiling and catching nothing, but I can imagine that not all fishermen would have been so polite in their thoughts; we all know something about “professional pride,” don’t we? In spite of that, Peter suddenly felt something special, and humbly agreed to Jesus’ command. The Word of the Lord touched his heart.

3. – RELUCTANT OBEDIENCE, – Let down the nets for a catch …

As a fisherman, the nets were part of Peter’s life, and from then, he did with them what Jesus commanded him to do. Our nets are our different talents, abilities, personalities, intelligence, experience, and trainings. Our nets are whatever we have at our hands to make our lives worth living. We may be as experienced at living as Peter was at fishing. We may know all the ins and outs financially, intellectually, and socially. But not having Jesus beside us, we may toil through all the nights of life, and at the end we come up with empty nets. If we trust Jesus enough to follow His command and let down our nets into the depth of life as He says, we will pull on board more treasures and blessings than our little boats can carry. We will have to look around for someone else’s boat to share the overflow. In Psalm 23 we learn that David had launched out into the depth of faith, confessing that,- The Lord is my shepherd; who anoints my head with oil; and … my cup overflows. Surely, he had to find someone else’s empty cup to catch the overflow of God’s goodness and love during all the rest of the days of his life.

4. – A HUMBLE PRAYER,-Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man! Peter had doubted the Lord, so his confession was in order. He sensed his sinfulness in the presence of Jesus. The nearer to the Lord we walk, the keener we will be aware of our sin. Peter’s sin was that of attitude: he felt that he knew things better than the Lord, and therefore asked that the Lord might depart from him. Imagine this scene: – a time of breath-taking excitement even for the most experienced fishermen. They suddenly came upon a shoal of fish such as they have never seen before. Every man is shouting in excitement as they strain every muscle pulling the nets. The fish are sliding and flopping into the boats by the dozens. The fishermen are all wet and knee-deep in fish. Then a shout, – “Look out, the nets are splitting; don’t let the big ones get away!” Another cries, – “The boat is about to sink; we are taking in water …” And … in all this excitement Peter suddenly falls to his knees among the squirming fish and pours his heart out to the Lord. He just decided to pray! … If someone really wants to find God, he can pray anywhere, he can confess his sins no matter what the environment. Every Christian ought to be prayerful in the church, but thank God, we can draw near to our Lord wherever we are. Jesus will never leave as, as he never left Peter, but because of his right attitude, was ready to use him as a disciple and apostle to others. Acknowledging our sinfulness is in fact the only attitude that can secure God’s forgiveness for us. Later, Jesus was telling the Pharisees that He did not come to the people who thought they were so righteous that they needed no repentance, but to the sinners. When we feel as if we should not be in the presence of Jesus because of our sin, we can be certain that this same Christ will not leave us alone, but will use us, as He used Peter, TO FISH FOR MEN  spreading the GOOD NEWS, – For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3: 16).

GOD WANTS TO USE US, through Faith, Hope, and Love in Christ,– to preserve His Creation and create beauty,- to make another smile, – to be a healing presence in someone’s sorrow,- to bring justice to the oppressed, – to console those in difficulty,- to bring peace and joy to others,- to help those in need, – to laugh and enjoy life, – to do good, and turn from evil,- to forgive those who have hurt us, and most of all… to LOVE.

When all will be well again, after this Coronavirus Pandemic, and many people will sadly grieve, or rejoice, and boast, and celebrate, let us still pray as true fishers of men, that God will continue to grace us with HIS LOVE and COMFORT, to spread that LOVE to others during all the ways of our journey towards eternity.  AMEN.

LET US PRAY:

GRACIOUS LORD GOD, we do not know what life will hold, what trials we may be called to face, what challenges may lie before us. We cannot say whether we will taste laughter or tears, pleasure or pain, success or failure, delight or disappointment But what we do know is that, come what may, You will always be with us, supporting us in times of trouble, and strengthening us in our moments of need. For that assurance we praise and thank You. Help us to respond to Your loving kindness as Peter did, and make us also fishers of men in a world that is crying out for help and healing. Reach out, Lord, to all who are troubled by the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic, and answer their fears, their hurt, their emptiness. Bring them true and lasting inner contentment through the ONE who can meet our deepest needs, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Help their families, friends and colleagues, as they struggle to come to terms with their feelings, to turn to You to see not the illness but the individual You love. Where there is sickness and disease, bring Your healing. Where minds are disturbed, give peace. Where there is pain and suffering, grant relief. Where there is yearning for meaning, offer guidance. Through Your healing touch, grant true wholeness, deep within. Be with Her Majesty, our Queen, with her government and parliament, and with all those whose decisions affect the lives and well-being of people everywhere. Still the storms in our world – of injustice and intolerance, of manmade and natural disaster, of hatred, bloodshed, and war. Through Your divine power, reach out wherever life brings turmoil and calm the waves, bringing true and lasting peace; rest for our souls. Bless Your Christian Church Universal and our Church of Scotland within, to find all the appropriate ways of bringing Your Message to Your children everywhere. We pray for the presbyteries and congregations of our land; be with our own church here in this place, with all our sisters and brothers from other churches and with our loved-ones, wherever they are. Hear us as we name all those for whom we are concerned of, quietly in our hearts … God of Grace, hear our prayers, through Jesus Christ our Lord.             AMEN.

THE LORD’S PRAYER: – OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN …

CLOSING HYMN (CH-79): – JUST AS I AM, without one plea but that Thy blood was shed for me, and Thou bidd’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt, fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come.

Just as I am – Thy love unknown has broken every barrier down – now to be thine, yea, Thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love the breadth, length, depth, and height to prove, here for a season, then above, – O Lamb of God, I come.

MAY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF AND GOD OUR FATHER, WHO LOVED US AND BY HIS GRACE GAVE US ETERNAL ENCOURAGEMENT AND GOOD HOPE, ENCOURAGE YOUR HEARTS AND STRENGTHEN YOU IN EVERY GOOD DEED AND WORD.         AMEN.          (2 Thessalonians 2: 16)

Sandor, your Minister.

PRAISE GOD, FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW; PRAISE HIM, ALL CREATURES HERE BELOW; PRAISE HIM ABOVE, YE HEAVENLY HOST; PRAISE HIM FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST. AMEN.                  

                                                           (The Doxology, CH-658)

WELCOME TO OUR SUNDAY MORNING WEB-WORSHIP.

OPENING HYMN(CH-360)–PRAISE MY SOUL THE KING OF HEAVEN; to His feet thy tribute bring; ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, who like me His praise should sing? Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise the everlasting King.

Praise Him for His grace and favour to our fathers in distress; Praise Him, still the same for ever, slow to chide and swift to bless; Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Glorious in His faithfulness.

Father-like he tends and spares us; well our feeble frame he knows; in His hands he gently bears us, rescues us from all our foes; Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Widely as His mercy flows.

Frail as summer’s flower we flourish; blows the wind and it is gone; but, while mortals rise and perish, God endures unchanging on; Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise the high eternal One.

Angels, help us to adore Him; Ye behold Him face to face; sun and moon, bow down before Him; dwellers all in time and space. Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise with us the God of grace.

LET US PRAY:

“GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO”: –

Glory to God in the highest,

and peace to God’s people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly king,

almighty God and Father,

we worship You, we give You thanks,

we praise You for Your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

You take away the sin of the world:

have mercy on us;

You are seated

at the right hand of the Father:

receive our prayer.

For You alone are the Holy One,

You alone are the Lord,

You alone are the Most High,

Jesus Christ,

With the Holy Spirit,

In the glory of God the Father.      

                                                       Amen.

(According to the Book of Common Order)

THE OLD TESTAMENT READING: – PSALM 103: 1 – 8.

PRAISE THE LORD, O MY SOUL; ALL MY INMOST BEING, PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME. PRAISE THE LORD, O MY SOUL, AND FORGET NOT ALL HIS BENEFITS – WHO FORGIVES ALL YOUR SINS AND HEALS ALL YOUR DISEASES, WHO REDEEMS YOUR LIFE FROM THE PIT AND CROWNS YOU WITH LOVE AND COMPASSION, WHO SATISFIES YOUR DESIRES WITH GOOD THINGS SO THAT YOUR YOUTH IS RENEWED LIKE THE EAGLE’S. THE LORD WORKS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE FOR ALL THE OPPRESSED. HE MADE KNOWN HIS WAYS TO MOSES, HIS DEEDS TO THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL: THE LORD IS COMPASSIONATE AND GRACIOUS, SLOW TO ANGER, ABOUNDING IN LOVE.

THE NEW TESTAMENT READING: – JUDE 24 – 25.

TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU FROM FALLING AND TO PRESENT YOU BEFORE HIS GLORIOUS PRESENCE WITHOUT FAULT AND WITH GREAT JOY – TO THE ONLY GOD OUR SAVIOUR BE GLORY, MAJESTY, POWER AND AUTHORITY, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, BEFORE ALL AGES, NOW AND FOREVERMORE!  AMEN.

PRAISING GOD is the religious duty of all believers. Both our readings are so called doxologies. A DOXOLOGY is a short praise to God in various forms of Christian worship, often added to the end of psalms, hymns, and canticles. In Ancient Greek: DOXA means GLORY, and LOGIA means SAYING. GLORIA is the anglicized form of the Latin GLORIAE, meaning IMMORTAL HONOUR, FAME, or PRAISE. The tradition derives from the similar practice in the Jewish worship called KADDISH, which in Hebrew means MAGNIFICATION, PRAISE, or SANCTIFICATION OF THE NAME OF GOD, – Psalm 103 being the best example of it. In our Christian tradition a doxology is typically an expression of praise for God’s Revelation through Jesus Christ, at whose Birth a Choir of Angels were singing it for the first time, as “Glory to God in the highest…” (Gloria in excelsis Deo, – in Latin).

After this unusual “linguistically” introduction to this sermon, let us turn first to Psalm 103 to find the reasons for a Worship of Praise: – Praise the Lord, o my soul; all my inmost being praise His holy name. . . and forget not all His benefits. . . because:

1. – GOD FORGIVES (v. 3). An old proverb says: – To err is human; to forgive is divine. Some things God does we could have invented. Not so with forgiveness. We may have thought of reparation for sin, or denial of sin, or of purchasing indulgence to sin, but never would have thought of forgiveness. No quality in or out of the Bible bears the stamp of divine any more than it does forgiveness. The nature and magnitude of forgiveness caused David’s own gratitude so that the rest of the Psalm became a stream of Praise.
2. – GOD HEALS (v. 3). He heals all diseases. Once I heard a doctor saying that God does all the healing, and that he and all those of his healing profession are merely instruments in God’s hands. This is not only expressing a great truth but suggests also that we who ask God for any kind of healing also must permit Him to use whatever method and channels He chooses to effect that healing. In these terrifying times of Coronavirus Pandemic this is the proper attitude to receive God’s healing we have been praying for almost a year now.
3. – GOD REDEEMS (v. 4). When God redeems, He is buying back what is already His. We are God’s creation, but because we are lost in sin, He buys us back through Jesus, in whom God had restored our lost righteousness, and made us worthy to turn back to Him and praise His holy Name for our salvation.
4. – GOD CROWNS (v. 4). Once, a slave stood tall and with unbending dignity at a slave auction. Asked the reason for his dignified appearance, one who knew him explained, – he is the son of a king, and he refuses to forget it. So are we, crowned as heirs of the King of kings with God’s Love and Compassion, to remember the Crown of Thorns worn by The Son of God for all those who believe in Him to not perish but have eternal life.
5. – GOD SATISFIES (v. 5). The God-shaped-vacuum in every person can never be filled until the longing of the hearts is satisfied in God. Much of life’s restlessness is the result of spiritual hunger and thirst. Having access to the table of the King of kings, the Lords table is spread with, not only good things, but with abundant good things.
6. – GOD EXECUTES RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUDGEMENT (v. 6). Our Almighty God rules with holiness and complete justice. Two things are to be said about the dispensation of God’s righteousness and judgement. First, it is consistent with God’s perfect nature: holy, merciful, and unspoiled. Second, it shows no favouritism. To the rich and poor, to the prominent and obscure, to the deserving and undeserving, God is eternally the same.
7. – GOD REVEALS HIS WAYS TO PEOPLE (v. 7-8). It is no secret that,- the Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. But it is also no secret what God wants us to do. The frustrated cry of many these days is not that we do not know, but that there is a gap between what we know and what we are willing to do. God’s action calls for human reaction. His revelation calls for our response. Response through deeds, of which are so beautifully reminded and guided here in verse 8 by the praises of our lips to the loves of our hearts, giving the main reason of all doxologies to God. The SPIRIT of grateful praises will then improve the SPIRITUAL ATMOSPHERE of our earthly lives and of this present world. The radiant, obedient, and Christ-centred life is the sweetest doxology of the soul.

The little New Testament LETTER OF JUDE, – of only 25 verses – is generally considered to be the work of Judas, the Brother of Jesus. His tremendous contribution to message of the Bible comes in the doxology of the last two verses of his epistle. Jude offers in his PRAISE a unique spiritual dimension of our GOD, WHO IS ABLE.

1. – GOD IS ABLE TO KEEP US FROM FALLING (V. 24). THE Greek word for FALLING it is used both of a sure-footed-horse which does not stumble and of a person who does not fall into error. In Psalm 121 the psalmist says that God will not let your foot slip. To walk with God is to walk in safety even on the most dangerous and most slippery path of life. When we bind ourselves to God, He keeps us safe even in the most life-threatening of situations.
2. – GOD CAN MAKE US STAND BLAMELESS AND WITH JOY BEFORE HIS GLORIOUS PRESENCE (v. 24). The word BLAMELESS is characteristically a sacrificial word. In the Bible is commonly used of an animal which is without spot or blemish and can be offered as a sacrifice to God. When we submit ourselves to God, His GRACE makes our lives nothing less than a sacrifice fit to be offered to Him.
3. – GOD CAN BRING US INTO HIS GLORIOUS PRESENCE (v. 25). Surely the natural way to think of entry into the glorious presence of God is in fear and in shame. But, by the work of Jesus Christ and in the grace of God, we know that we can go to God with JOY and with all fear banished. Usually we associate the word SAVIOUR with Jesus Christ; but here Jude attaches it to God. Christians have the joyous certainty that in this world we live in the LOVE OF GOD and that in the next world we go to that LOVE. The LOVE OF GOD is both the atmosphere and the goal of all our living. Even being under the threat of this present Pandemic, our God deserves all the Glory.

This is the reason why our Saviour Jesus Christ teaches us to say in the Doxology of the LORD’S PRAYER, – “ For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.       AMEN.

LET US PRAY:

LIVING AND LOVING GOD, we praise You that we can put our hand into yours, knowing that You will lead, support and hold us throughout our lives, that You will supply all our needs and far more besides. We praise You for our experience of that truth across the years – the way You have always held firm to us despite our faults and faithlessness, never letting go of You. Forgive us for doubting You when times are hard, questioning Your ability to lead us safely through. Forgive us for reaching out only when we have need of You, expecting You to lift us up from trouble of our own making, and set us on our feet again. Help us to put our hand again in Yours, in simple trust, quiet confidence and eager expectation, knowing that whatever we face and wherever we may find ourselves, You will hold us firm. Bless all Your children in the world today as we struggle to cope and find a way out of Coronavirus pandemic. Help all those who are in the front line of hospital-work, research, the vaccination programme, care-work, teaching or maintaining order. Bless Her Majesty our Queen, Her Family, Government and Parliament; give wisdom to the leaders of the world. Be with Your Christian Church Universal in all its branches, our Church of Scotland in all its presbyteries and congregations, and with our own church here in Portree and Skye. We think of those known to us facing difficult times – battling with illness, wrestling with depression, anxious about the future, grieving loved ones – those for whom life is a burden, and who long to find hope to make some sense out of their confusion. Lord, in Your mercy, hear us, as we name some of them quietly in our hearts… Be with our loved-ones wherever they are and help us truly to reflect Your love, show Your compassion and respond to Your guidance. Touch our hearts through this time of worship and strengthen our faith. Renew and restore us through the love of Christ and the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit to glorify Your name – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, One, Eternal God.          AMEN.

THE LORD’S PRAYER: – OUR FATHER, WHO ART INN HEAVEN …

CLOSING HYMN (CH-354): – GLORY BE TO GOD THE FATHER, glory be to God the Son, glory be to God the Spirit, – Great Jehovah, Three in One! Glory, glory, glory, glory while eternal ages run!

Glory be to Him who loved us, washed us from each spot and stain! Glory be to Him who bought us, made us kings with Him to reign! Glory, glory, glory, glory to the Lamb that once was slain!

Glory to the King of angels, glory to the Church’s King, Glory to the King of nations! Heaven and earth, Your praises bring; Glory, glory, glory, glory to the King of Glory bring!

“Glory, blessing, praise eternal!” Thus the choir of angels sings; “Honour, riches, power, dominion!” Thus its praise creation brings; Glory, glory, glory, glory, glory to the King of Kings!

NOW TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO DO IMMEASURABLY MORE THAN ALL WE ASK OR IMAGINE, ACCORDING TO HIS POWER THAT IS AT WORK WITHIN US, TO HIM BE GLORY IN THE CHURCH AND IN CHRIST JESUS THROUGHOUT ALL GENERATIONS, FOR EVER AND EVER!   AMEN.               (Ephesians 3: 20 – 21)

Sandor, your Minister. 

I LOVE THE LORD, FOR HE HEARD MY VOICE; HE HEARD MY CRY FOR MERCY. BECAUSE HE TURNED HIS EAR TO ME, I WILL CALL ON HIM AS LONG AS I LIVE.     

(Psalm 116: 1-2)

WECOME TO OUR SUNDAY MORNING WEB-WORSHIP

OPENING HYMN: (CH-13) – LIGHT OF THE ANXIOUS HEART, Jesus, Thou dost appear, to bid the gloom of guilt depart, and shed Thy sweetness here.

Joyous is he with whom, God’s Word, Thou dost abide, sweet Light of our eternal home, to fleshly sense denied.

Brightness of God above, unfathomable grace, Thy presence be a fount of love within Thy chosen place.

LET US PRAY:

LOVING GOD, we have come today seeking to know You better, for though we long to serve You, our commitment is weak, and our faith is poor. Meet with us now, in this time we have set aside, and speak through the Word we will hear, the silence we share, the prayers we offer, and the fellowship we enjoy. Challenge us where we are lacking, forgive us where we resist Your will, correct us where we have gone astray, and instruct us where we need guidance. Move among us through Your Spirit, and grant us the encouragement and inspiration to walk more faithfully the way of Your Son, by His grace and in His strength, now and always. Amen.

OLD TESTAMENT READING: – 1. KINGS 19: 7–9. THE ANGEL OF THE LORD CAME BACK A SECOND TIME AND TOUCHED HIM AND SAID, “GET UP AND EAT, FOR THE JOURNEY IS TOO MUCH FOR YOU.” SO HE GOT UP AND ATE AND DRANK. STRENGTHENED BY THAT FOOD, HE TRAVELLED FOR FORTY DAYS AND FORTY NIGHTS UNTIL HE REACHED HOREB, THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD. THERE HE WENT INTO A CAVE AND SPENT THE NIGHT. AND THE WORD OF THE LORD CAME TO HIM: “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, ELIJAH ?”

NEW TESTAMENT READING: – LUKE 19: 1–10. JESUS ENTERED JERICHO AND WAS PASSING THROUGH. A MAN WAS THERE BY THE NAME OF ZACCHAEUS; HE WAS A CHIEF TAX COLLECTOR AND WAS WEALTHY. HE WANTED TO SEE WHO JESUS WAS, BUT BEING A SHORT MAN HE COULD NOT, BECAUSE OF THE CROWD. SO HE RAN AHEAD AND CLIMBED A SYCAMORE-FIG TREE TO SEE HIM, SINCE JESUS WAS COMING THAT WAY. WHEN JESUS REACHED THE SPOT, HE LOOKED UP AND SAID TO HIM, “ZACCHAEUS, COME DOWN IMMEDIATELY. I MUST STAY AT YOUR HOUSE TODAY.” SO HE CAME DOWN AT ONCE AND WELCOMED HIM GLADLY. ALL THE PEOPLE SAW THIS AND BEGAN TO MUTTER, “HE HAS GONE TO BE THE GUEST OF A SINNER.” ZACCHAEUS STOOD UP AND SAID TO THE LORD, “LOOK, LORD ! HERE AND NOW I GIVE HALF OF MY POSSESIONS TO THE POOR, AND IF I HAVE CHEATED ANYBODY OUT OF ANYTHING, I WILL PAY BACK FOUR TIMES THE AMOUNT.” JESUS SAID TO HIM, “TODAY SALVATION HAS COME TO THIS HOUSE, BECAUSE THIS MAN, TOO, IS A SON OF ABRAHAM. FOR THE SON OF MAN CAME TO SEEK AND SAVE WHAT WAS LOST.”

Jesus went to Jericho when Calvary was only one week away. He demonstrated deep concern for a man who was hated and despised by the people of the city. Instead of seeking popularity, the Lord sought out the most hated man in order that changes might be made in his heart and life, and that would bring changes within the city of Jericho as well. Jesus intended to change the structures of the society by bringing great changes within individuals, giving them new insight concerning the nature and character of God. The well-known story of Zacchaeus has a timeless message concerning the role of Christians and of the Church in a world so much loved by God, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3: 16).

1. – CHRIST BECAME A SELF INVITED GUEST: – Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today (Luke 19: 5). There was something very personal and very pressing about this statement. This had been Jesus’ only opportunity to render a personal ministry to this man, as well as Zacchaeus’ unique chance to have a personal “interview” with Christ. Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem; this was His last visit in Jericho, and it was necessary that Zacchaeus respond immediately and decisively to his opportunity. – Christ came in LOVE for Zacchaeus. The Lord always deals with people on the basis of His Love. The source of LOVE must be discovered in God rather than in the loveliness of those who are the objects of His affection. Jesus came to Zacchaeus, who otherwise was hated and despised, to give him the true LOVE OF GOD. – Christ came to Zacchaeus because of His Love for others. The Lord loved Zacchaeus’ neighbours. He needed Zacchaeus as a channel of love that he might be a blessing to his neighbours. God wanted to change Zacchaeus in order to transform his enemies into friends. – Christ continues to seek the Zacchaeuses of our day. God does not avoid people whose lives are unlovely. Jesus’ redemptive action wants to motivate His Church and Christians to bring the joy of sonship through love into the hearts and lives of those who might not even know their CHANCE of Salvation-through-Jesus-Christ.
2. – A SEEKING SINNER WAS FOUND BY THE SEEKING SAVIOUR. – The sinner does not consciously and deliberately seek God. Humans, instead of choosing to cooperate with God, rebel against Him in self-love and in self-trust. The Bible describes humanity as being dead in sin. People are cut off from God and do not seek Him consciously and deliberately (Romans 3: 10-12). – Deep within every human being there is a “God-shaped-vacuum” that only God Himself  can fill. Zacchaeus was rich, but he was not happy. Although his stomach was satisfied, his heart was hungry for acceptance by God and acceptance by his fellow men. He was unloved in his city, perhaps unloved even in his own house, but loved by Christ. Most likely he could not see anything within himself that was very lovable. Zacchaeus had been looking for life in the wrong way and the wrong place. Fortunate indeed he was that Christ came his way.
3. – CHRIST CAME TO CHANGE THE WRONG WAYS OF LIVES. Jesus did not come to pronounce a benediction on the status quo of human societies. He came to produce revolutionary changes that transform and enrich the lives of those who believe in Him. – Jesus wants to change the tempting superficial religious “bigotry”.   Our Lord exposed Himself to the hostility of the people in the city of Jericho – as well as that of His disciples – when he decided to express friendship toward the “publican” Zacchaeus. Because of his relationship with the Roman Army of occupation, Zacchaeus became an outcast. He was unwelcome in any of the religious and social activities in the city, but he was not outside the concern of the heart of God. Have we abandoned some segments of our society and considered them to be outside of the circle of God’s Love ? Indeed, we should re-examine the pattern that our Lord followed.  – Christ helped Zacchaeus to make some changes in his way of life. We can only speculate concerning the things that were discussed during Jesus’ visit to Zacchaeus’ home, but it is interesting to notice some of the results of that visit. Christ helped Zacchaeus to replace the greed that was in his heart with graciousness and generosity – (Luke 19: 8). Perhaps our Lord helped Zacchaeus to see that true happiness does not come as a result of greedily grasping after material things, radically changing his philosophy of life. – Christ helped Zacchaeus to replace selfishness with righteousness in his mind and in his conduct. Only a profound change in his mentality could bring about such an important change in Zacchaeus’ conduct. Christ gave to him, and Zacchaeus accepted, a new purpose of life.
4. – CHRIST CAN CHANGE THINGS TODAY. Christ will not come into our hearts merely to occupy a space as a silent, uninvolved spectator of how often we sit in a church, sing the psalms, follow the sermons, or say our more or less relevant prayers. – Jesus wants to change our hearts and minds. Let us have Him to be more than a Saviour from the penalty of sin. He wants to be the Master of our lives. He wants to be our Teacher, giving us authentic truth about God for the living of a proper life. He wants to be our Friend and our Counsellor. – Jesus wants to bring changes into family-lives. He wants to help us to be a better husband or wife, son or daughter, making LOVE real and relevant in everything that we say and do. He will help us to avoid tensions and conflicts not because we have to be seen as Christians, but because we really are Christ-like-people. – Christ will seek to bring about changes within the neighbourhood, the city and country as individuals let Him become the guiding and controlling factor of their lives. – Not least, Christ will bring about changes in the Church. – Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.  (Revelations 3: 20). These words actually were addressed to a church. The Lord wanted to abide within them and to use them as His instrument through which He could bless communities and the world, as He did through Elijah and Zacchaeus, and many others.

The Christ of whom we read in the New Testament lives today as the conqueror of death and the source of everlasting life. That Radical Change He did during His earthly ministry, and he continues to seek to do through His Church and through His followers in the Church. Christ came, and comes, to change things for the better in a world and lives that are far from perfect. All the uncertainties and dangers that surround us, are in a way calling us to climb that sycamore-tree, as Zacchaeus did long ago, to see The One Who can bring change and solution into individual – and worldwide – desperate situations.

When Jesus walked down the street of Jericho and found Zacchaeus on the limb of that tree, some great things happened. Zacchaeus discovered, – “He sees me! He knows me! He wants me!” And he decided, – “He can have me!” Christ will continue to bring about change in those, and through those, who will let Him come to dwell within them as He came that day to visit in the home of Zacchaeus. As soon as TODAY salvation can come to everyone, and every house, for THE SON OF MAN CAME TO SEEK AND SAVE WHAT WAS LOST.

I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR, MOST GRACIOUS LORD; NO TENDER VOICE BUT THINE CAN PEACE AFFORD.

I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR; STAY THOU NEAR BY; TEMPTATIONS LOSE THEIR POWER WHEN THOU ART NIGH.

I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR, IN JOY OR IN PAIN; COME QUICKLY AND ABIDE, OR LIFE IS VAIN.

I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR; TEACH ME THY WILL; AND THY RICH PROMISES IN ME FULFIL.   (Church Hymnary, 688.)

AMEN.

LET US PRAY:

GOD OF ALL KINDNESS, You gave You Son, because You loved the world so much. Move among us by Your Spirit, break down barriers of fear, suspicion, and hatred. Heal the human family of its divisions and unite it in the bonds of justice, cooperation and peace. We pray for our country. Enrich our common life; strengthen the forces of truth and goodness; teach us to share prosperity, that those whose lives are impoverished may pass from need and despair to dignity and joy. Bless Her Majesty our Queen, the Royal Family, the Parliament and the Government as well as all the leaders of the world. We pray for all those who suffer, especially for those affected by Coronavirus. Heal them with Your Power, surround them with Your Love, support them with Your Strength, console them with Your Comfort, and give them hope and courage beyond themselves. We pray for our families and loved-ones wherever they are and whatever they are going through. Protect them, and support them in these times of difficulty and anxiety, that they may grow together in mutual love and understanding, and rest content in one another. Gracious Lord God, hear our prayers for all those whom we now name quietly in our hearts . . .  Lord, hear our prayers.   We pray for the Christian Church Universal in all its branches. We pray for our Church of Scotland in all its presbyteries and parishes, and for our own fellowship’s members and adherents here in this place, with all our sisters and brothers of other denominations. Make known Your Saving Power in Jesus Christ, by the witness of our faith, worship, and Christ-like-life. Make us worthy of Your Goodness. Open our hearts to love and praise You, and inspire us always to live for Your Glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

AMEN.

THE LORD’ PRAYER: – OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN …

CLOSING HYMN: (CH-139) – I TO THE HILLS WILL LIFT MINE EYES, from whence doth come mine aid? My safety cometh from the Lord, who heaven and earth hath made.

Thy foot He’ll not let slide, nor will he slumber that thee keeps. Behold, He that keeps Israel, He slumbers not, nor sleeps.

The Lord thee keeps, the Lord thy shade on thy right hand doth stay; the moon by night thee shall not smite, nor yet the sun by day.

The Lord shall keep thy soul; He shall preserve thee from all ill. Henceforth thy going out and in God keep for ever will.

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, The God whom we adore, be glory, as it was, and is, and shall be evermore.   Amen.

THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU; THE LORD MAKE HIS FACE SHINE UPON YOU AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU; THE LORD TURN HIS FACE TOWARDS YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE                             (Numbers 6: 24-26)                             MAY THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THE LOVE OF GOD, AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH YOU ALL           (2 Corinthians 13: 14)

Sandor, your Minister.

I WILL TELL OF THE KINDNESSES OF THE LORD, THE DEEDS FOR WHICH HE IS TO BE PRAISED, ACCORDING TO ALL THE LORD HAS DONE FOR US…      (Isaiah 63: 7a)

WELCOME TO OUR SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP.

OPENING HYMN (CH-11): – JESUS, STAND AMONG US in Thy risen power; let this time of worship be a hallowed hour.

Breathe the Holy Spirit into every heart; bid the fears and sorrows from each soul depart.

Thus with quickened footsteps we pursue our way, watching for the dawning of eternal day.

LET US PRAY:

LIVING AND LOVING GOD, You tell us that humankind is made in Your image, created in Your likeness, but when we look at who and what we are, we see little there bearing any resemblance to You. Thank You, Lord God, that we still can come and meet You this morning, not with fear but with faith, for You look on us with love and compassion, seeking to heal rather than to harm, to help instead of to hurt. Thank You that we can look You in the eye with confidence, assured that, despite our faults, weaknesses and disobedience, You accept us as we are, desiring only what is good – for us and for all. Give us Your healing Word in Christ, bless our worship, and remain with us as You have promised. Help us to glorify Your Holy Name here and everywhere, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, one Eternal God.               AMEN.

OLD TESTAMENT READING: – PSALM 34: 18.

THE LORD IS CLOSE TO THE BROKEN-HEARTED AND SAVES THOSE WHO ARE CRUSHED IN SPIRIT.

NEW TESTAMENT READING: – JOHN 20: 30 – 31.

JESUS DID MANY OTHER MIRACULOUS SIGNS IN THE PRESENCE OF HIS DISCIPLES, WHICH ARE NOT RECORDED IN THIS BOOK. BUT THESE ARE WRITTEN THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, AND THAT BY BELIEVING YOU MAY HAVE LIFE IN HIS NAME.

Some say that the law of self-preservation is the first law of life. John appeals to this statement in his Gospel. He affirms that God is vitally interested in our eternal preservation (John 3: 16!). He declares that Christ came into the world to give His life that we may have life, and have it to the full (10: 10). The Lord Jesus kept on reminding people during His whole ministry on earth that He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34: 18). John desired that all people would come to experience abundant life through faith in Jesus Christ, encouraging his readers to something more than just giving intellectual consent to the truth that Jesus Christ is uniquely the Son of God. John was vitally concerned that those who read his Gospel come to experience life in its finest form and in its richest quality, making Jesus Christ the Lord of their lives.

In his statement of purpose, John affirmed his use of the privilege of selectivity concerning the contents of his Gospel. He did not tell the whole story that could have been told concerning the life, work, and teachings of the Lord. He omitted many things so that he might emphasize more clearly his central message defined by the psalmist. He was eager to share the Good News so that people could come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. As we face the new year – with all its concerns, hopes, and faithful expectations – we should give serious consideration to letting John’s main message be the guiding principle for our lives as we walk through another year toward eternity.

John selected seven great signs, miracles, wonders, and illuminations under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to convince the minds and hearts of people that Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God, and worthy of all the confidence we can place in Him, as in our Saviour.

1. – THE TURNING OF WATER INTO WINE. (John 2: 1 – 11) To understand the significance of this event, we need to go back into the historical situation. We find Jesus Christ – the Lord of Life – attending a wedding in a simple home in Cana of Galilee, probably of someone related through family-bonds to His mother, Mary. – Jesus prevented embarrassment to those who were not able to provide an abundance of wine for the crowd who came to the wedding, and expected great hospitality. – Jesus made possible increased joy on a festive and social occasion. –  Jesus demonstrated His unique power over nature. – Jesus illustrated His availability, His ability, and His desire to make life better than it initially was. Christ can make our lives richer, fuller, and more joyful if we trust Him and obey Him in faithful love.
2. – THE HEALING OF THE OFFICIAL’S SON. (John 4: 46 – 54) – In this miracle Jesus revealed His power over diseases.–  Jesus revealed His power over distance. The Official’s son was twenty miles away from where he and Jesus were having their conversation. Jesus just said to the man, – You may go. Your son will live (4: 50). And that answer of the Lord was more than enough. –  This sign revealed Jesus’ compassionate concern for people with heavy hearts. –  The Official and his household made a proper response to Jesus Christ. He believed along with the rest of the members of his household. From that moment he had a new Master.  As John says, – So he and all his household believed (4: 53).
3. – THE HEALING OF A LAME MAN AT THE POOL. (John 5: 1 – 15) –  Jesus healed a man who was helpless, lonely, and poor. –  The compassionate Saviour genuinely cares for those who are helpless, and worthless to others. –  This miracle took place on the Jewish Sabbath. By acting on the Sabbath, Jesus showed that the work of God is continuous and that it must not be limited by custom or religious traditions. – Christ was also interested in the man’s soul. He was not merely content to exercise a medical ministry to the man. Jesus sought him out and encouraged him, – See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you! (5: 14).
4. – THE FEEDING OF THE FIVE THOUSAND. (John 6: 1 – 14)  –  The Compassionate Christ was concerned and continues to be concerned with those who suffer from physical hunger. – With His Divine Power, Jesus was – and always will be– willing to meet the needs of those who suffer from starvation and hunger. –  Christ demonstrated His capacity and desire to use small things in a very significant manner, in order to bless a great multitude, calling in at the end His disciples, – Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted. So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten (John 6: 12-13). Jesus used this occasion of feeding people with bread to talk about the BREAD OF ETERNAL LIFE.
5. – JESUS WALKED ON THE WATER. (John 6: 16 – 24) – The Creator God in Christ demonstrated His power over nature. –  The Creator Christ illustrated His power over the causes of human fear, – He said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” (6: 20). –  By coming to His disciples during the night and the storm, Jesus Christ revealed His availability to aid the helpless and the fearful in their times of danger and distress. Jesus sees us today and knows about our fears and insecurity during this Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic. He comes to us walking across the sea of life to where we are and all that we are facing. He is always just a prayer away. He comes to help us in our times of need. He is ready to save us from catastrophes we fear. He wants to be with us till the very end of the age.
6. – THE HEALING OF THE MAN BORN BLIND. (John 9). – Jesus Christ is the source of light and illumination concerning the mysteries of time and eternity. Being asked by His disciples, – Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? – Jesus answered, – Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world. (John 9: 2-5). –  Jesus Christ is the source of real life because He is the Son of God.   It is important to observe in the story the progression in the man’s understanding of Jesus. First, he know Jesus simply as a man (9: 11),  and then he speaks of Him as a prophet (9: 17). He finally comes to believe in Him as the Son of God (9: 35-38) – Jesus offers not only sight-healing but a spiritual-sight also, to recognize Him as the Son of God and our Saviour. Those Pharisees who rejected and attacked Him were told by Jesus, – For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind… If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.(9: 39-41)
7. – JESUS RAISED LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD. (John 11: 1 – 54) – By this miracle we perceive the sincere sympathy of the Son of God for those who suffer grief and sorrow. The comforting Word of God preached at funeral services has its origins and support in this story.  Jesus said, – This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it … Your brother will rise again … I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. DO YOU BELIEVE THIS ? (John 11: 4, 23, 25). And Lazarus was raised from the dead.                                                                                                     –  By this miracle Jesus revealed His Lordship over life, death, and the grave. Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in Him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin … If we let Him go on like this – they said – everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation … Then … Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, -“You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than the whole nation parish.”… Therefore, Jesus no longer moved about publicity among the Jews …   (John 11: 45-47, 49-50, 54). Indeed, Jesus had to die, that we may live.   John the Apostle was fully convinced that Jesus Christ had the power to resurrect. He can bring life back to our hearts and souls. He has the power to resurrect us.

WE ARE NOT ON THE WAY TO DEATH !  Through the Risen Lord, we are on the way to eternal life, abundant life. Jesus Christ makes possible for us the life that grows and reproduces itself not only here on earth for physical being, but also spiritually for all eternity. During this year, – we have just entered – we have to reconsider our faith in Jesus as these examples from John’s “Spiritual” Gospel did. In desperate situations, anxious for loved ones, struggling with infirmity, loneliness, advanced age, concerned about shortage of money and food, fearing the unknown effects of the Coronavirus, or blinded by the fear of death, we should always remember what Jesus said, – Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7: 7).        AMEN.

LET US PRAY:

GRACIOUS LORD GOD, thank You for this world and the life You have given us, so full of delight, so surrounded by beauty. Though it is far from perfect – scarred by pain, sorrow, suffering, death, disease, conflict and cruelty – there is also so much loveliness within it. You have given us Your Son, to be our Saviour, and to enable us to approach You, our Creator, not only with fear and awe but with love and confidence. We thank You for Jesus in whom we are Your children again, and beneficiaries of Your everlasting grace. We thank You that through Him we can have Your help, healing, comfort, support, guidance, protection, and even life for evermore. Open our eyes to everything that speaks of Your presence, so that each day we may respond to You in glad thanksgiving. Father God, reach out to all who are unwell and grant relief from pain, comfort in sorrow, hope in despair, and reassurance in moments of fear and anxiety. Bless those who work around the clock to bring healing to all who suffer from Coronavirus, those who offer counsel and consolation, those involved in research seeking new cures and treatments against the new variant of the virus. Be with those who care for loved-ones, and those whose lives have been overturned by the disease striking themselves or those dear to them. Grant by Your mercy and grace a sense of wholeness even in the worst of the circumstances many people are in, and make them well. Help their families, friends, and colleagues, as they struggle to come to terms with their feelings, to see not the illness but the individual who bears Your image, to be made whole. We have so much to be grateful for; teach us to appreciate the many blessings we are receiving through Jesus Christ. Bless Your Church here and everywhere; our Church of Scotland in all its fellowships, worships and charity-works. Hear our prayers for all those whom we specifically want to name to You, and ask that You bestow Your blessings upon their lives … Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer, through Jesus Christ our Lord.               AMEN.

THE LORD’S PRAYER: – OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN …

CLOSING HYMN: – WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh, what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Saviour, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer; in His arms He’ll take and shield thee, thou wilt find a solace there.

MAY THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THE LOVE OF GOD, AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH YOU ALL.   (2 Corinthians 13: 14)

AMEN.

Sandor, your Minister.

GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH, AN EVER – PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE. THEREFORE WE WILL NOT FEAR . . .                                                                 (Psalm 46: 1)

WELCOME TO OUR FIRST SUNDAY WORSHIP IN 2021.

OPENING HYMN (CH-1) ALL PEOPLE THAT ON EARTH DO DWELL, Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice. Him serve with mirth, His praise forth tell, come ye before Him and rejoice.

Know that the Lord is God indeed; without our aid He did us make; we are His folk, He doth us feed, and for His sheep He doth us take.

O enter then His gates with praise, approach with joy His courts unto: praise, laud, and bless His Name always, for it is seemly so to do.

For why the Lord our God is good, His mercy is for ever sure; His truth at all times firmly stood, and shall from age to age endure.

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the God whom earth and heaven adore, be glory, as it was of old, is now, and shall be evermore. Amen.

LET US PRAY:

LORD OUR GOD, You are our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble, therefore we fear only You. At this first Lord’s Day of the new year of Your grace 2021, we come to worship You and to seek Your Word and Your will in all our ways. We come praying for Your help that we might give ourselves completely to You as we walk through this year. Bless both the gifts we bring and the dedication of our hearts for the help of Your Church and to the glory of Your Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

OLD TESTAMENT READING: – PSALM 46: 10.

“BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD; I WILL BE EXALTED AMONG THE NATIONS, I WILL BE EXALTED IN THE EARTH.”

NEW TESTAMENT READING: – HEBREWS 1: 1 – 3 ; 10 – 12.

IN THE PAST GOD SPOKE TO OUR FOREFATHERS THROUGH THE PROPHETS AT MANY TIMES AND IN VARIOUS WAYS, BUT IN THESE LAST DAYS HE HAS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON, WHOM HE APPOINTED HEIR OF ALL THINGS, AND THROUGH WHOM HE MADE THE UNIVERSE. THE SON IS THE RADIANCE OF GOD’S GLORY AND THE EXACT REPRESENTATION OF HIS BEING, SUSTAINING ALL THINGS BY HIS POWERFUL WORD. AFTER HE HAD PROVIDED PURIFICATION FOR SINS, HE SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE MAJESTY IN HEAVEN… “IN THE BEGINNING, O LORD, YOU LAID THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH, AND THE HEAVENS ARE THE WORK OF YOUR HANDS. THEY WILL PERISH, BUT YOU REMAIN; THEY WILL ALL WEAR OUT LIKE A GARMENT. YOU WILL ROLL THEM UP LIKE A ROBE; LIKE A GARMENT THEY WILL BE CHANGED. BUT YOU REMAIN THE SAME, AND YOUR YEARS WILL NEVER END”.

The Bible is God’s Word. Millions have had their lives changed by its message. Many attempts have been made to destroy the Bible, but all have failed. Let me remind you just two of these attempts. In AD 303 Diocletian, emperor of the Roman Empire, set out to destroy all of the Bibles in the land together with the people who possessed them. He believed that Christians could not exist apart from the book they claimed as their rule of faith. Tens of thousands of Christians were cruelly martyred. Then Diocletian felt so successful that he erected a monument over a burned Bible with the inscription Extincto Nomine Christianorum (The name: Christian is extinguished). Yet by AD 313, the next emperor, Constantine, winning a major battle under the sign of the CROSS, became a Christian, and declared Christianity the Religion of the Roman Empire… In AD 1987, one of the members here in our church at that time, offered me a toilet-paper roll with traces of Bible-verses still readable on it. Thousands of Bibles were turned into toilet paper by a Communist regime to fulfil their goal to close down Christianity completely. Yet by 1990, the new president proudly declared in his New Year’s speech that Romania had become a Christian country again. A Latin proverb says, Sic transit gloria mundi (This is the changing glory of the world).

The Bible remains the ULTIMATE WORD OF GOD, not because of some magical power, but because of the RISEN CHRIST, who was, and is, the living WORD OF GOD in us, and for us in AD 2021, and for evermore. In Him is to be found the Happy New Year we aim for.

1. – GOD’S ULTIMATE WORD OF COMMUNICATION. (Hebrews 1: 1) Ever since the Garden of Eden, God has sought to communicate to His people the Message of Life. The Bible is not only a record of God’s WORD, but in itself a part of God’s COMMUNICATION. People can discover many things about the created universe, but only God can reveal to people the spiritual truth about the secret of LIFE. In revealing Himself to us, God had to take a primitively simple people, and lead them a step at a time. Sin had so blinded the minds of people that God could reveal only a small portion – through the prophets at many times and in various ways – of His Truth. The Old Testament prophets were like people putting together a giant puzzle. Here and there God handed to them a piece of the picture. Each fragment was accurate but was only a part of the TRUTH. The final shape of the picture was given through the coming of Jesus Christ. Everything else remained in fragmentary form until Christ came to give unity to the picture and fullness to the prophecies. The Old Testament prophets were only God’s messengers, but to turn your eyes upon Jesus is to look at God, and understand in human terms His Message of Life, through the Word that became flesh for us.
2. – GOD’S ULTIMATE WORD IN SALVATION. (Hebrews 1: 2 – 3) Where SALVATION of the soul is concerned, Jesus Christ is the Ultimate Word of God. Prior to Jesus’ coming the people believed in the promise of a Saviour Messiah; since Jesus came, we are offered the experience of Salvation through faith in the revealed Saviour. Christ is truly God in Flesh, the radiance of God’s glory. (Verse 3). The word “RADIANCE” depicts it as Light shining through the darkness (John 1: 5). Jesus is DIVINE, and for a brief moment during His earthly life – on the Mount of Transfiguration – the divine radiance shone through as the exact representation of (God’s) being (Verse 3). The writer of Hebrews is saying that Jesus Christ is the exact reproduction of God’s essence – God’s being. We have Christ pictured here as being the REDEEMER: – After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven (Verse 3). Christ personally effected the removal of our GUILT. He provided cleansing from our sins. Here the idea of His High-priesthood is introduced. We need no other high priest; no one but Christ can remove the stain of guilt from our souls. Jesus Christ is God’s Ultimate Word on what people can do about sin. Simon Peter realized this truth, answering the Lord’s question as to whether the disciples would also leave Him: – Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE. (John 6: 68).
3. – GOD’S ULTIMATE WORD IN EXALTATION. (Hebrews 1: 3) When Jesus came in flesh, the people of the Old Testament were anticipating a conquering Messiah who would free them from their Roman captors. Jesus tried to make clear to His disciples that His Kingdom was not an earthly monarchy. There will be a final triumph – a FINAL EXALTATION – and again Jesus will be God’s Ultimate Word in it. This final exaltation will come when the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a loud command … (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Of course, Christ was exalted following His Resurrection when He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven, but His exaltation will not be fully manifested until His Return. The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews puts it like this: – In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end. (Verses 10-12). Heaven and earth, as we know them, will grow old. Christ will roll them up as one rolls up an old garment and lays it aside to be worn no more. Heaven and earth, as we know them, will be exchanged for new heavens and new earth (Rev. 21: 1). Scientists have set forth what is called the Second law of thermo – dynamics, the belief that the Universe is gradually losing heat and is slowly running down. The Bible says it more poetically by describing the universe of God’s Creation as an old garment that gradually is becoming worn out. In the face of such prospects, God promises an ULTIMATE EXALTATION; – the kingdoms of the world will become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign for ever and ever (Revelation 11: 15). All, because Jesus is the SON OF GOD.

James V of Scotland often travelled about his kingdom in disguise in order to acquaint himself with the real needs of his people. He disguised himself as a farmer and went under the name of “The Good Man of Ballengiech”. Over the years, he developed close friendships with humble people who never dreamed that he was the king. During one of his disguised travels, the king was befriended by a poor countryman who risked his own life to become the king’s friend. Later the same countryman was summoned to Stirling Castle where the king kept his mid-winter court. Naturally the poor fellow was horrified, because in those days to be summoned to the king’s court  usually meant to be condemned for some crime. Little did the poor man know that the king before whom he was to appear was one and the same with “The Good Man of Ballengiech.” Imagine the surprise on the face of the poor countryman when he looked up into the eyes of the one sitting on the throne, fearing that he would hear a condemnation of death, and seeing that the king was in reality an old friend. The summons to the king’s court was not for condemnation but for reward  ( from: – James Hastings, The Epistle to the Hebrews).

Jesus comes to us in much the same manner. He came among us as one of us to become both our Friend and Lord. He came as God’s  ULTIMATE WORD to us, who is always coming with love, and ever present to help in need and trouble. We don’t know what lies ahead, therefore we are offered today to take with us for our journey into AD 2021: God’s COMMUNICATION with us through His WORD from our Bibles, God’s ULTIMATE WORD OF SALVATION given to us in His Son, Jesus Christ, and the promise of the ULTIMATE EXALTATION through our Risen Lord, who shall reign for ever and ever.     AMEN.

A NEW YEAR’S POEM

Instead of making a New Year’s resolution

Consider committing to a biblical solution

Your promises are easily broken

Empty words, though earnestly spoken

But God’s Word transforms the soul

As you spend time alone with Him

He will change you from within.

(Mary Fairchild)

LET US PRAY:

LIVING AND LOVING GOD, we come to You at the start of another year with thanksgiving for all Your blessings given to us in the past year, but also with fear of the unknown that lies ahead. Lead us, and help us to hear Your word, and see Your hand at work. Teach us, and guide us to know Your will. Send us on our way and help us to walk by faith, in the knowledge that, as You have been with us in the years gone by, so You will be with us in the days ahead. Though life may not work out as we wish, Lord, offering quite the things we hope for; though it may bring tears as well as laughter, dismay besides delight, teach us, whatever the future may hold, to remember that You will be there by our side, able to lead us from the old to the new. As we come to You at this time of new beginnings, we are reminded of those who feel, the future holds no promise, those who struggle with burdens to which they can see no solution. We pray for those facing pressures: relationships strained between husband and wife, parent and child, brother and sister – patience stretched to breaking point both in our country and all over in the world because of Covid-19 Coronavirus’ mutations. We pray for those facing pressures at work: overwhelmed by responsibilities, troubled by job insecurity, or simply unhappy of what life offers. Be with those who face pressures of health, crushed by depression, wrestling with infirmity as years go by, or living with the knowledge of terminal illness. Bless Her Majesty the Queen, and all the leaders of the world, with wisdom and goodwill. Bless Your Christian Church Universal in all its branches; our Church of Scotland in all its presbyteries and parishes, and all our sisters and brothers in our congregation. Be with everyone of us living here on this island, in our country and all over in the world. Keep in Your care and blessing all our loved ones, wherever they are, and be with all those whom we now quietly name in our hearts… and bless this new year of Your Grace given to us, through Jesus Christ our Lord.          AMEN.

THE LORD’S PRAYER: – OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN …

CLOSING HYMN (CH-24) – GOD IS OUR REFUGE and our strength, in straits a present aid; therefore, although the earth remove, we will not be afraid:

Though hills amidst the seas be cast; though waters roaring make, and troubled be; yea, though the hills by swelling seas do shake.

A river is, whose streams make glad the city of our God, the holy place, wherein the Lord Most High hath His abode.

God in the midst of her doth dwell; nothing shall her remove: God unto her an helper will, and that right early, prove.

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the God whom we adore, be glory, as it was, and is, and shall be evermore. Amen.

MAY THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THE LOVE OF GOD, AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH YOU ALL ( IN THIS NEW YEAR).

AMEN.

Sandor, your Minister.

GRACE AND PEACE TO YOU FROM GOD OUR FATHER AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.  AMEN       (Romans 1: 7b)

Bliadhna Mhath Úr !   A Happy New Year to You All !

OPENING HYMN – AMAZING GRACE, HOW SWEET THE SOUND, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ‘tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’ve first begun.

LET US PRAY:

LOVING GOD, we come at the start of another year to thank You for Your blessings and Your presence with us. Lead us, teach us, and help us to know Your will, and walk by faith in the year ahead. Though life may not work out as we wish, remind us Lord, that whatever the future may hold, You will be there by our side, able to lead and guide us through Your Word that became flesh in Jesus Christ and strengthening us to remain faithful to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, One, Eternal God.   AMEN.

PSALM 90 – A PRAYER OF MOSES THE MAN OF GOD.

LORD, YOU HAVE BEEN OUR DWELLING-PLACE THROUGHOUT ALL GENERATIONS. BEFORE THE MOUNTAINS WERE BORN OR YOU BROUGHT FORTH THE EARTH AND THE WORLD, FROM EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING YOU ARE GOD. YOU TURN MEN BACK TO DUST, SAYING, “RETURN TO DUST, O SONS OF MEN”. FOR A THOUSAND YEARS IN YOUR SIGHT ARE LIKE A DAY THAT HAS JUST GONE BY, OR LIKE A WATCH IN THE NIGHT. YOU SWEEP MEN AWAY IN THE SLEEP OF DEATH; THEY ARE LIKE THE NEW GRASS OF THE MORNING – THOUGH IN THE MORNING IT SPRINGS UP NEW, BY EVENING IT IS DRY AND WITHERED. WE ARE CONSUMED BY YOUR ANGER AND TERRIFIED BY YOUR INDIGNATION. YOU HAVE SET OUR INIQUITIES BEFORE YOU, OUR SECRET SINS IN THE LIGHT OF YOUR PRESENCE. ALL OUR DAYS PASS AWAY UNDER YOUR WRATH; WE FINISH OUR YEARS WITH A MOAN. THE LENGTH OF OUR DAYS IS SEVENTY YEARS, OR EIGHTY, IF WE HAVE THE STRENGTH; YET THEIR SPAN IS BUT TROUBLE AND SORROW, FOR THEY QUICKLY PASS AND WE FLY AWAY. WHO KNOWS THE POWER OF YOUR ANGER? FOR YOUR WRATH IS AS GREAT AS THE FEAR THAT IS DUE TO YOU. TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS ARIGHT, THAT WE MAY GAIN A HEART OF WISDOM. RELENT, O LORD! HOW LONG WILL IT BE? HAVE COMPASSION ON YOUR SERVANTS. SATISFY US IN THE MORNING WITH YOUR UNFAILING LOVE, THAT WE MAY SING FOR JOY AND BE GLAD ALL OUR DAYS. MAKE US GLAD FOR AS MANY DAYS AS YOU AFFLICTED US, FOR AS MANY YEARS AS WE HAVE SEEN TROUBLE. MAY YOUR DEEDS BE SHOWN TO YOUR SERVANTS, YOUR SPLENDOUR TO THEIR CHILDREN. MAY THE FAVOUR OF THE LORD OUR GOD REST UPON US; ESTABLISH THE WORK OF OUR HANDS FOR US, YES, ESTABLISH THE WORK OF OUR HANDS.

Who could have ever imagined the turn the year 2020 took when a year ago we wished a “Happy New Year” to each other?  Should we, indeed, be very careful of what we wish for, or even must greetings become more than just a wishful thinking? Our Hungarian way of greeting each other at this time of the year is more like a prayer, – “May God give you a Happy New Year!”  This, I believe, does not mean that we might be better Christians than other nations are, but rather it is a mutual reminder, by naming God as the source of all our blessings. Traditionally we sing Psalm 90, even at family gatherings. In the second half of the last century it became a kind of “unofficial national anthem” for East European Christians, and sung regularly at the end of worships and gatherings. For me personally there are several passages in this psalm I turn to regularly and find sense and hope in difficult times. Lord willing, I would like us to spend some time this morning, considering the importance of the presence of our Lord God and His blessings for the Year of Grace 2021.

No psalm contrasts the greatness of God and the fragility of humans so effectively as Psalm 90. In this psalm we see Moses the man of God in a period of suffering, with the Lord distant from His people. Moses describes life in this world as brief, sinful and marked by deep hardship. The Lord is described in contrast as our Creator and Refuge, our only Hope, and also our King and our Judge. The human nature and God is contrasted beautifully in this psalm with a constant use of time. Psalm 90 is for those who know what it means to lose hope, who have been beaten down by circumstances which were out of their control, who have ever experienced the sadness and despair that comes from a world marked by evil. Psalm 90 is for those who want to understand why we die and how we are to live. It is a Psalm of Hope for a life that has a meaning beyond the years we are given to live; hope that we can experience the blessings of the Almighty through salvation in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

1. – GOD IS OUR CREATOR AND ETERNAL REFUGE. – (Verses 1-9) – The first verses of this prayer are a powerful declaration of the nature and reality of God. Before the Earth was formed there was God, the ONLY TRUE GOD, who is being described as our eternal dwelling place, a place of safety and refuge in every generation. In fact, we see God as a refuge, preserving His people from the first pages of the Bible: saving the family of Noah, giving Abraham a son, and in the lives of the other Patriarchs. The Lord is our place of refuge and our creator, but He is also the one who returns us to dust, the one who causes us to die. The word DUST, – DAKKA, in Hebrew – points beyond being created from dust. Here has the sense of BEING CRUSHED by God, like one breaking pottery. It is a word that means to be broken not just physically but also broken in spirit, in order to be turned back to God. There is a picture of human lives as grass, being consumed quickly by the fire of the Lord’s anger. Why do we have to die in such a way? The answer is in verse 8: – because of our sin; but not only of our outwardly known and admitted sins, but also of our secret sins. Each of us may be willing to admit to some of our sins, but the sins that no one knows but us, are also laid before Him. The Prophet said, – All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away (Isaiah 64: 6). It is so easy to admit that I am a sinner, with the reservations that I am not an evil person, but there is no classification in God’s righteousness of who is more-a-sinner or less. We are not given the context of God’s particular anger towards individuals, but the Bible makes it clear that the human nature continues to sin and doubt, and we are unable to save ourselves from God’s judgement. So what should we do? Psalm 90 offers the only possible solution: the Wisdom of God’s Salvation. God is our refuge and our strength in order to protect us from all that is destructive in life, and to teach us that death is not a result of our finite being, but of sin, from which only God is able to save us.

2.- WISDOM-PRAYER: TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS ARIGHT. You do not need to be a Biblical scholar or even a believer in God to understand the TRUTH of the following verses (v. 10 – 12). In the time of Moses, thousands of years ago, the human life expectancy was 70 or maybe 80, as it is today. Not much has changed since the time of Moses and despite all our technological advantages we still have roughly the same lifespans that are marked with suffering, troubles and sorrow. It is in these verses we reach a major turning point in the Psalm. Most of what Moses has described until now can be understood from observing life around us. The whole universe declares the reality of a Creator who had to exist before this world was created. While we may minimize and argue about our sins, very few people would claim to be perfect. But what are we to do with this knowledge? Moses understands that he cannot save people from suffering. He turned to God and asked Him to give us a heart of wisdom. But what does it mean to number our days aright? In one sense it is to understand the briefness of our lives in this world, that our time slips away, and all our money won’t be able to buy for us another minute. So Moses asked God to teach us to number our days correctly. One of the major incorrect ways to live a life is to run away from responsibilities in exchange for selfish distractions, and… doing nothing. Moses asked the Lord for a heart of wisdom, believing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9: 10), respecting our Creator for who He is and what He has commanded us to do. The Lord asks us to return to Him for instruction and help, in order to have our lives completely changed for the better. At this point we come to the HOPE of Psalm 90, hope that is not dependent any longer on our strength or knowledge, but being found only in our Saviour God. Moses asked the Lord to return to His people, and he knew that the only remaining question was, – how long will it be? – because he believed that though life will still have suffering and troubles there also is Salvation when God is with us.

3. – THE GRACE OF GOD IS SUFFICIENT FOR US (verses 13 – 17). After all the years of trouble we have seen we can still sing for joy that is dependent on GOD’S GOODNESS, and not on our present circumstances. Returning to the Lord is the certainty of returning to our only and eternal refuge, from a world filled with uncertainties, and troubles, suffering, death, and COVID -19 – Pandemic. As the Prophet said,- Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, “the Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” (Lamentations 3: 22- 24).

The final verse of this psalm is my favourite. Moses prays twice that the Favour of God would make permanent the work of our hands. Our lives may be brief, but with the Lord on our side our work can have eternal impact. Earlier in the psalm we saw that our lives are like grass that is consumed before a single day passes, but if we return to the Lord the opposite is true. Though our lives may pass away our work will not. We may only live once, but that single earthly life can become permanent – eternal – and profound in its impact with the amazing GRACE OF GOD, in Jesus Christ our Lord. We read in Isaiah 40 that the comfort of God will be found in His ANOINTED ONE, the MESSIAH. Moses himself looked forward to the coming of the Messiah, who would call all peoples to return to the Lord, to experience His blessings and His comfort. The Good News of the MESSIAH ( = Anointed, in Hebrew), in other words, – CHRISTOS (= Anointed, in Greek) has come, and His name is YESHUA, in other words, JESUS (= Saviour, in both Hebrew and the Greek language).

May each and every one of us richly experience the true and lasting blessings of God, and may we take the words of this psalm to heart as we wish the HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021 to each other.

AMEN.

LET US PRAY:

LORD OUR GOD, we thank You for this new day, new month, and new year that is waiting to unfold its secrets. Thank You for the truth that with You, not just some days are special, but all are, each offering new experiences of Your love, fresh opportunities to celebrate, and another reason to turn prayerfully to You. Teach us at the start of another year to live this and every day trusting in Your tomorrow; to embrace the present, secure in the knowledge of Your past faithfulness and leaving the future to You. Lord, we will let go the past – our mistakes, our regrets, our worries, our fear, despair and sadness caused by the pandemic – for You promise to make us new. In that great truth we will live, move and have our being. We thank You that in pleasure and pain, triumph and tragedy, hope and fear, health and sickness, You’ve been our refuge across the years, leading us safely through their ups and downs, highs and lows. Teach us, recalling Your faithful guidance, to trust You for all that lies ahead, knowing that You will remain the same. Lord of past, present and future, we are not so naïve as to think everything in this new year will work out as we hope, for we know well enough life is not like that, but teach us, whatever the days ahead may bring, that You will be there by our side, able to lead us from the old to the new, and in all things working together for good. Loving God, reach out into this broken world, and bring hope, help and healing. Reach out to all who are troubled, and answer their fears, their hurts, their concerns. Shine into the lives of those who wrestle with illness, pain and grief; those who are poor, homeless or weary. However distant You may sometimes seem, however hopeless life may feel, teach us to trust You always. Bless Your Christian Church Universal in all its branches, our Church of Scotland with all its presbyteries and congregations, and all our sisters and brothers in our own church here in Portree. Bless Her Majesty our Queen, the Royal family and all the leaders of the world. Hear our prayers for our loved-ones and ourselves, and for all those whom we now name before You in our hearts…through Jesus Christ our Lord.      AMEN.

THE LORD’S PRAYER: – OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN …

CLOSING HYMN (CH-387) – THE LORD’S MY SHEPHERD, I’ll not want. He makes me down to lie in pastures green: He leadeth me the quiet waters by.

My soul He doth restore again; and me to walk doth make within the paths of righteousness, even for His own Name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale, yet will I fear none ill: for Thou art with me; and Thy rod and staff me comfort still.

My table Thou hast furnished in presence of my foes; my head Thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me: and in God’s house for evermore my dwelling-place shall be.

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the God whom we adore, be glory as it was, and is, and shall be evermore. Amen.

MAY THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THE LOVE OF GOD, AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH YOU ALL.       (2 Corinthians 13: 14)

Sandor, your Minister.

HE WILL STAND AND SHEPHERD HIS FLOCK IN THE STRENGTH OF THE LORD, IN THE MAJESTY OF THE NAME OF THE LORD HIS GOD. AND THEY WILL LIVE SECURELY, FOR THEN HIS GREATNESS WILL REACH TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. AND HE WILL BE THEIR PEACE.                                                                              (Micah 5: 4 – 5)

WELCOME TO OUR SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP!

INTIMATIONS –

OPENING HYMN – (CH-176) – STILL THE NIGHT, holy the night! Sleeps the world; hid from sight, Mary and Joseph in stable bare watch o’er the Child beloved and fair, sleeping in heavenly rest, sleeping in heavenly rest.

Still the night, holy the night! Shepherds first saw the light, heard resounding clear and long, far and near, the angel-song, “Christ the Redeemer is here! Christ the Redeemer is here!”

Still the night, holy the night! Son of God, O how bright love is smiling from Thy face! Strikes for us now the hour of grace, Saviour, since Thou art born! Saviour, since Thou art born!

LET US PRAY:

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, You came in Jesus Christ – The Word-Made-Flesh, – identifying Yourself with our humanity, sharing our joy and our sorrow, experiencing our life and our death.  You came in fulfilment of Your promises of old, revealing the extent of Your love through everything YOU said and did, demonstrating Your gracious purpose for us all. For Your WORD-OF-LIFE we praise You !    You speak still through the pages of Scripture; through their record of Your involvement in history and their testimony to Your will for the world. You speak through dialogue between Christians, through the witness of Your Church, and through the sharing of fellowship. You speak through the grandeur of the universe and the wonder of life, Your still small voice breaking  into our experience to challenge and inspire. Gracious God, we rejoice at the way You have spoken to us in the past and the way You continue to speak today. We receive Your WORD with joyful thanksgiving, and we pray for strength to make it so much a part of us that Your voice may be heard through all that we are, we say, and we do, to the glory of Your name. For Your WORD-OF-LIFE we praise You! Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  AMEN.

OLD TESTAMENT READING: – NUMBERS 24: 16 – 17a.

THE ORACLE OF ONE WHO HEARS THE WORDS OF GOD, WHO HAS KNOWLEDGE FROM THE MOST HIGH, WHO SEES A VISION FROM THE ALMIGHTY, WHO FALLS PROSTRATE, AND WHOSE EYES ARE OPENED: -“I SEE HIM, BUT NOT NOW; I BEHOLD HIM, BUT NOT NEAR. A STAR WILL COME OUT OF JACOB; A SCEPTRE WILL RISE OUT OF ISRAEL…

NEW TESTAMENT READING: – MATTHEW 2: 10 – 11.

WHEN THEY SAW THE STAR, THEY WERE OVERJOYED. ON COMING TO THE HOUSE, THEY SAW THE CHILD WITH HIS MOTHER MARY, AND THEY BOWED DOWN AND WORSHIPPED HIM. THEN THEY OPENED THEIR TREASURES AND PRESENTED HIM WITH GIFTS OF GOLD AND OF INCENSE AND MYRRH. AND HAVING BEEN WARNED IN A DREAM NOT TO GO BACK TO HEROD, THEY RETURNED TO THEIR COUNTRY BY ANOTHER ROUTE.

The first excitement of Jesus’ birth is past. The shepherds returned to their flocks, and Mary and Joseph started enjoying family life with Baby-Jesus. Then … we are drawn into a fascinating story of some anonymous characters, who have captured the imaginations of countless generations, being written into songs and screenplays: -THE WISE MEN FROM THE EAST, so often called: THE MAGI.

It was to the East of Eden that Adam and Eve were banished by God after they had fallen into sin. It was to the East of Eden that Cain was expelled to live after he had slain his brother Abel. The East was always regarded by the Jews to be the land of shadows, danger and death. It was from the East that the WISE MEN came, and it is from “East of Eden”, from the periphery of true life, that we are called alongside of them to meet the Saviour of the world, to bow down humbly before the magnificence of the Salvation-work God has done for those who believe in Him. To be given the eye-opening experience of worshiping Jesus who will teach us to watch the birds and flowers, who will remind us of how much more we are worth to God, and to rise, thrilled just to be there, and to return by another way to our life, determined not to live East of Eden ever again.

We remember the Magi mainly for the gifts that they presented to the infant Jesus. We are moved by the fact that they travelled so far to deliver their presents. We are inspired by the fact that they presented valuable gifts, perhaps the best that they could offer, to the NEWBORN KING. We think of our Christmas gift-giving as being inspired by the gifts of the Magi. No doubt about it, they did offer fine gifts, and that their gift-giving is inspiring to us still.

1. – GOD’S GIFTS IN HIS CREATION.

The gifts of the Magi were given in response to a gift that they had received. The Magi were astrologers, likely from the area of modern-day Iraq or Iran. They spent most of their time gazing at the stars.  Out of all the stars on which they could have focused, God led them to see one that would lead them to Jesus. That is awe inspiring. Think about it. How many stars are there in the universe? The number is larger than a simple mind like mine can comprehend. When we look into the night sky, the vastness of it all amazes us, and when we can do some occasional stargazing here on Skye, we are seeing only a tiny fraction of our own solar system, which is, in turn, is only a tiny fraction of the Universe. I am reminded over and over again of my favourite psalm: – When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour (Psalm 8: 3-5). And yet, out of that vastness, God directed the Magi to the one star that made all the difference. What a gift, what a wonderful gift !

2. – GOD’S GIFT FOR YOU AND ME.

The astounding thing about the revelation given by God to the Wise Men is that they were GENTILES. According to the gospels, the first announcement of the birth of the Messiah was to Jewish shepherds – men who lived on the periphery of the Hebrew society. The second announcement was to Gentiles – people who lived on the outside of that society, named in the Old Testament as the People of God. Even though it was always God’s intention for the Hebrews to be a light to the nations and for gentiles to be included in His Kingdom, it took the coming of Jesus as the Messiah to get the way for us to open wide. Even then it was a hard challenge. It took much suffering, debate and the heroic efforts of people like Paul to make full Gentile-inclusion in the Church a reality. But God’s truth won out: Salvation is by Grace of God through Faith in Jesus Christ and nothing else. We come in from different backgrounds, but we all come in the same way: –through Christ. God went to the extreme of extremes to make salvation possible for people like us, who once were considered outsiders – gaining something far more than valuable: FAITH through Christ,- and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the MORNING STAR rises in your hearts – the Apostle said. (2 Peter 1: 19).

3. – GOD’S GIFT IS FOR EVERYBODY.

God went to great lengths to let the Magi know about the birth of Jesus, because what He was saying to them was what God wanted to say to the whole world. His sign to the Magi signalled from the very beginning that God’s gift of FAITH IN HIS SON was for all, not just for a select few. God’s revelation to the Magi was also at the same time an eye-opener for the early readers of the Gospel of Matthew. After all, the Magi were foreigners, they were practitioners of another religion, and they were astrologers. They were believed to be disqualified from having a positive experience with the Messiah. And yet God showed them the STAR, they saw the Star, and followed the Star. They were Gentiles, and yet God gave them the gift of His Son; Jesus came for them, just as He came for the people of Israel. Indeed, we will gain the most valuable gift possible if we reclaim the Gospel-truth that the COMING OF CHRIST means that the Church gathered around Christ is a Church that makes no distinctions because of race, gender, or any other human standing. From very early times the Gifts of the Wise Men were seen as representing something which specifically matched some characteristics of Jesus.

– GOLD – is a gift for a King. Jesus was the Man born to be KING. But He was to reign not by force but by LOVE; and He was to rule over human hearts, not from a throne, but from a CROSS. We can never meet Jesus on equal terms. We must always meet Him on terms of complete submission.

– FRANKINCENSE – is the gift for a Priest. It was in the Temple, at worships and sacrifices, that the sweet perfume of frankincense was used. The function of a priest is to open the way to God for men and women. The Latin word is pontifex, which means bridge-builder. The priest builds a bridge between human beings and God. That is what Jesus did. He opened the way to God; he made it possible for us to enter into the very presence of God. He is the only PRIEST we need.

– MYRRH – is the gift for ONE WHO IS TO DIE. Myrrh was used to embalm the bodies of the dead. Jesus came into the world to live and die for us, giving His life to us through His death on the Cross.

– GOLD FOR THE KING, FRANKINCENSE FOR THE PRIEST, MYRRH FOR THE ONE WHO WAS TO DIE FOR US, – these were the gifts of the Wise Men, and even at the cradle of Christ, they foretold that HE WAS TO BE THE TRUE KING, THE PERFECT PRIEST, AND IN THE END THE SUPREME SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD.

4. – RESPONDING TO GOD’S GIFT.

We don’t always take advantage of the gifts that are given to us. God has given us such tremendous gifts: He has given us SALVATION, He has given us our Christian fellowship, our Bibles, a free country and our places of worship in which to exercise our faith, and so much more. How, though, are we responding to these gifts, are they taken for granted?  …If I were a wise man, I would do my part – Yet what can I give Him… I GIVE MY HEART,- the poet writes. But are we really giving Jesus what He deserves? The early Jewish Christians had a hard time accepting the fact that God wanted Jews and Gentiles in His Church on the same terms. Now the Church is a Gentile-Church. Are we ready to accept the fact that God welcomes all into His Family? If we withhold a large part of our greatest gift – our lives – from God, we withhold God Himself – who is LOVE – from His Family we use to call THE CHURCH. We all are surrounded by people for whom God has the GREATEST GIFT and who would be the greatest Gift of God to us. As we find them, and relate to them, we will be ever reminded of GOD’S LOVE for them – and for us. What a gift that will be! Take it as something to remember in the forthcoming NEW YEAR.     AMEN.

LET US PRAY:

LORD OUR GOD, we praise You for Your love that never ends, never lets us down and never lets us go. We praise You for dealing with our fears, touching our lives and healing our brokenness. We praise You that in Your wisdom and grace You did not leave us to try to find You in our strength or to be in any doubt as to the reality of Your loving-kindness and mercy. We praise You for always being there when we need You most; for being there when we least expect it; for being there with us when no one else could be there, and no one else wanted to be there for us. We praise You that every time we look to Christ, we are reminded that there is nothing  He does not know about us and nothing He does not understand about our lives. We praise You that You come to us again and again. You lift us when we are down and hold us when we are hurting; You fill us with Your grace and share all the twists and turns of our lives.  As we come to the end of another year, we thank and praise You for the way You have led us through good and bad, joy and sorrow, hope and disappointment, pleasure and pain. We thank You for the way You have led us as individuals – the experiences we have gone through, challenges we have faced, the people we could meet, the inspiration You have offered. We thank You for the guidance, support and protection You have given to us in these hard times of pandemic. We thank You for the way You have led us as a church – the things learned, the worships offered and services given, even in lockdown and self-isolation, and for all the answered prayers. We praise and thank You  that we can come now in confidence, knowing from experience that You will be with us in the days and years to come, seeking to help us grow in grace, Your power being sufficient for all our needs, whatever we may face. Bless our Church, bless our loved-ones and all those whom we now quietly name in our hearts … through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.             AMEN.

THE LORD’S PRAYER: – OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN …

CLOSING HYMN: – (CH-197) – BEHOLD THE GREAT CREATOR makes Himself a house of clay, a robe of human flesh He takes which He will wear for aye.

Hark, hark, the wise eternal Word, like a weak infant cries! In form of servant is the Lord, and God in cradle lies.

Glad shepherds came to view this sight; a choir of angels sings, and eastern sages with delight adore this King of kings.

Join then, all hearts that are not stone, and all our voices prove, to celebrate this Holy One the God of peace and love.

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, AND ON EARTH PEACE TO MEN ON WHOM HIS FAVOUR RESTS.           

                                                                            (Luke 2: 14)

MAY THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THE LOVE OF GOD, AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH YOU ALL.     (2 Corinthians 13: 14)

Sandor, your Minister.