God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:10-11 (NIV)
1 Peter 3:4-5 (NASB)
But let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.
In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety.
This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.
Jeremiah 23:5-6 (NIV)
I choose gentleness… Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself. Max Lucado
Today’s Passage: Luke 23:33-43
Opening Prayer: Father God, we are entering a season of busyness. There is so much to do. All too often we think we can do it all. We think we have to do it all on our own. Help us to reach out for help, mostly to You – the one who can provide us true relief, rest, and peace. May we rest in You, especially during this holiday season. May we see what is the better way to experience this special time of the year. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Opening Song: Jonny Diaz – “Breathe” (Official Lyric Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnjeMwxFuBA
Message [used with permission from A Sermon for Every Sunday]: When You Can’t Do It Yourself – The Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Reign of Christ Sunday by Kristin Adkins Whitesides, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Winchester, Virginia.
Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, “Heaven helps those who help themselves,” says Rev. Dr. Kristin Adkins Whitesides, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Winchester, Virginia. The self-help industry is worth about $10 billion according to market researchers. But today, on Reign of Christ or Christ the King Sunday, Whitesides preaches on Luke 23:33-43, giving Christians a different view of how we can be saved, and it is not through “self-help.”
Closing Song: Matt Maher – Lord, I Need You (Official Lyric Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuvfMDhTyMA
Closing Prayer: Father God, may we be grateful that You have remembered us – a broken and struggling group of people. Please forgive us for thinking we can live life on our own – without You. May we sing Your praises for all that You have done. May we be grateful for Your saving grace. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Epilogue: MercyMe – Grace Got You (Official Lyric Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtiUjNT_vAM
“Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the Lord. “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 23:1-4 (NIV)
Father, we draw near to you for your gentleness is like a balm to our souls. May we bask in your goodness and love for us. Amen.
The Believer’s Freedom
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (NIV)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (NIV)
Philippians 4:4-6 (NRSV)
Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 4:29-5:2 (NIV)
Faithfully Yours Forever 