Elbow Bump for October 2
Our World Belongs to God 52
----------------------------------------------
We continue on this week with the "Contemporary Testimony: Our World Belongs to God."
Paragraphs 1-6: Preamble (April 11-29)
Paragraphs 7-12: Creation (April 30-May 8)
Paragraphs 13-17: Fall (May 11-15)
Paragraphs 18-22: Redemption (May 18-22)
Paragraphs 23-27: Jesus Christ (May 25-29)
Paragraphs 28-30: Holy Spirit (June 1-2, 5)
Paragraphs 31-33: Revelation (June 8-10)
Paragraphs 34-40: God's New People (June 11-19)
Paragraphs 41-54 The Mission of God's People (June 23-)
Paragraph 52 (Today)
We obey God first;
we respect the authorities that rule,
for they are established by God:
we pray for our rulers,
and we work to influence governments—
resisting them only when Christ and conscience demand.
We are thankful for the freedoms
enjoyed by citizens of many lands;
we grieve with those who live under oppression,
and we seek for them the liberty to live without fear.
[Romans 13:1-7 teaches respect for governing authorities (see also 1 Peter 2:13-17); Revelation 13 illustrates government gone wrong. Colossians 1:16 teaches that authority and power come from Christ; Ephesians 6:12 warns us that authority and power can become infected by evil.]
Pray with me, please:
Father, you tell us to pray for our rulers. During this pandemic it is more pressing, yet harder, than ever before. We now know that this virus reaches to the highest levels of power. It reaches our politicians, both in our country and in countries great and small. It infects political parties with whom we are aligned, and those we oppose. We lift up these leaders to you now.
Lord, who teaches us to love our enemies and to bless those who oppose us, we pray now for politicians who have contracted COVID-19. We do not pray for their suffering or death, we pray for their life, so that they may use their power to help other people to live.
Jesus, you have promised to once more shake not only the earth, but the heaven as well. Right now we can feel the earth shaking. Hold our hands, Jesus, that we may walk securely. You have promised that we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Jesus, lead us confidently forward.
Lord, we do grieve for those who live under oppression, here and far away. We pray for an end to all oppression. We pray for your persecuted church worldwide, that you would give them faith and the ability to patiently endure, to live and practice their faith. Give them liberty to live without fear. Free them from persecution, we ask you.
Lord, help us your people to obey you, respect the authorities, pray for our rulers, as we work to influence, advocate and resist as required. Help us to remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. We thank you for the freedoms of Canada, knowing that there is no better place on this earth to be right now. Help us not to forget those who do not enjoy such freedoms.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
As we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
In Jesus’ name
Amen
Today's song is this wonderful Korean version of Hallelujah Chorus by the Chai Hoon Cha Choir (You already know it in English, so sing along!)
Go with this blessing:
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 toward you and give you peace.
Pastor Mark
PS - If you are here on Sunday, bring a lunch. We will eat together again on the lawn! If you are on Zoom, stay around for Online Coffee Hour!