Bible readings Psalm 133 (NIV) A song of ascents. Of David. 1 How good and pleasant it is     when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,     running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard,     down on the collar of his robe. 3 It is as if the […]

Bible reading: Luke 2:21-40 (NIV) 21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. Jesus Presented in the Temple 22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took […]

Bible reading Luke 3:15-20 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 15 As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah,[a] 16 John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy […]

Bible readings: Isaiah 6:8-12 (NIV) 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 9 He said, “Go and tell this people: “‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding;     be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ 10 Make the heart of […]

Bible reading: Luke 18:35-43 (NIV) A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight 35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on […]

Bible readings (NIV): Revelation 18:1-3 Lament Over Fallen Babylon 18 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. 2 With a mighty voice he shouted: “‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’     She has become a dwelling for demons and a haunt for every […]

Bible reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (NIV) Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;     the intelligence of the […]

Bible reading: Matthew 25:14-30 (NIV) The Parable of the Bags of Gold 14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. […]

Bible readings: Psalm 26 (NIV) Of David. 1 Vindicate me, Lord,     for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord     and have not faltered. 2 Test me, Lord, and try me,     examine my heart and my mind; 3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love     and have lived in reliance on […]

Sermon reading: Luke 5:1-11 (NIV) Jesus Calls His First Disciples 5 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into […]