Scripture – Matthew 13:1-3a 1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, Prayer Focus: As…

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Scripture –As we begin this worship series, “The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like…” Today we will be singing the hymn “Comfort, Comfort Now My People.”  This hymn offers a powerful description of what the kingdom looks like that Jesus’ ministry will usher in.  I invited you to read these lyrics as you prepare for worship…

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Scripture – Matthew 4:17 – From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Prayer Focus: Scholar N.T. Wright says that, “Jesus’ reference here to the kingdom of heaven is not our escape from this world into another one, but to God’s sovereign rule coming ‘on earth as…

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Scripture – Matthew 4:16 – “the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” Prayer Focus: When the Light of Christ arrives, it shines on both the good and the bad.  The things we have gotten right, as well…

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Scripture – Matthew 4:15 – “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the gentiles— Prayer Focus: This geographical description helps the reader to envision the direction that Jesus’ ministry will take.  With Jesus’ move, it is those in Capernaum, and the surrounding areas, and as…

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Scripture – Matthew 4:14 – So that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: Prayer Focus: Matthew again emphasizes that this is a new beginning.  This is the beginning of the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah that Matthew’s audience would have been very familiar with.  It’s as if Matthew is…

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Scripture – Matthew 4:13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali.  Prayer Focus: Matthew records this movement of Jesus from Nazareth, to Capernaum, to emphasize the fulfilling of a prophecy from Isaiah.  Isaiah 9:1-2 says, 1“But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In…

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Scripture – Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.   Prayer Focus: This scripture passage comes directly on the heals of John’s ministry.  The reasons for his arrest are not provided here, but it can be assumed that it is because of his preaching and baptizing activities.  John’s arrest foreshadows how…

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Scripture – 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all…

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Scripture – 1 Corinthians 12:11 11 All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. Prayer Focus: All the gifts are allotted to each individually just as the Spirit chooses. So, the spiritual gifts you have been given have been given particularly to…

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