DOCSLIB.ORG

Proquest Dissertations

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Proquest Dissertations SPIRITUAL PRACTICES: A STRATEGY TO INCREASE THE SENSITIVITY OF BRIARCLIFF BAPTIST CHURCH MEMBERS TO GOD'S ACTIVITY by WILLIAM JOHN BIGGER Master of Divinity, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1990 A Thesis Project Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Mercer University McAfee School of Theology in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree DOCTOR OF MINISTRY Atlanta, GA 2008 UMI Number: 3321621 INFORMATION TO USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleed-through, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. ® UMI UMI Microform 3321621 Copyright 2008 by ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC 789 E. Eisenhower Parkway PO Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I recognize that I have been blessed in so many ways through my life and through my doctoral work. During this lengthy process of pursuing my Doctor of Ministry, so many people have provided me with encouragement, help, love, and support. Though the journey has been difficult and tiring, I have learned so much and truly hope I am a more effective minister because of what I have discovered and the people who have walked with me along the way. I want to express my gratitude to the faculty and the staff at The McAfee School of Theology. McAfee offers a wonderful environment for academic learning and spiritual formation. I am grateful for the privilege of working on my degree with such a wonderful faculty and so many caring people. I certainly could not have made it through this process without all the time and energy that my supervisors, Dr. Denise Massey and Dr. Skip Johnson, have offered me so graciously. They have provided innumerable excellent suggestions and ideas, and they have walked patiently with me as my focus shifted and new ideas took root. They have provided a safe environment for brainstorming and for those times when I felt dry and uninspired. They have offered me far more than I could have expected, and I owe them both more than I could ever repay. They deserve much credit for the good elements of this thesis project. I thank them for being excellent supervisors and caring friends. iii iv My cohort group has been a source of wonderful friendship, sharing, laughter, and joy. Being "guinea pigs" in the first group of doctoral students has brought many ups and downs, but I could not imagine making this journey with a finer group of ministers and friends. I am truly thankful to Amanda, Charles, Dock, Jeff, Mike, and Tommy. Thanks to each of you for sharing in this process and in my life. You all inspire and challenge me. I certainly could not have completed this process without the support of the wonderful people who make Briarcliff Baptist Church a special congregation to serve. So many members have asked about my progress and have encouraged and prayed for me during these four years. This support has meant so much to me, so I offer my gratitude to my Briarcliff congregation for making it possible to continue my education and for serving with me in ministry. In particular, I want to express overwhelming gratitude to the church members who agreed to participate in the small group process for my thesis project. Working with these people has reminded me of what I love about ministry. Hearing them discuss honestly their spiritual joys and struggles has been refreshing, and I have been thrilled to hear them describe the ways God has been working in their lives. They have renewed my spirit, and I have been truly blessed by their friendship and love. I offer my undying gratitude to Bill, Bonnie, Chris, Doris, Ginger, Harish, Paul, and Sandy. They made this experience feel like far more than a school project. They brought me joy and hope. Of course, I could not have accomplished all that I have without my family. More than ten years ago, my mother, Sally, began pushing me to consider pursuing my V doctorate. She always emphasized the importance of education and wanted so much to see me take that next step in my education. I regret that I was unable to begin my doctoral work before she passed away, but I have thought of her often through this process and acknowledge her influence in my life and work in so many ways. Also, my father, John, and his wonderful wife, CJ, have continued to offer me support in so many ways. They are a blessing to my family and me, and I am grateful for their care, prayers, and love through this journey. Finally, and most of all, I want to express my love and gratitude to my wife, Leigh, and my children, Matt and Kaylee. At times, I have questioned why I began this process and how much it has cost my family, but they have remained faithful and loving through every step of the way. They have been patient and understanding when I have been overwhelmed, tired, and distracted. I learn so much from each of them and am a far better person and minister because of Leigh, Matt, and Kaylee. I am blessed to have them in my life and cannot find adequate words to say thanks for their patience, care, and love every day. So with much gratitude and love, I dedicate this project thesis to my wonderful family. Leigh, Matt, and Kaylee -- you have made this possible, and I love you. TABLE OF CONTENTS page ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iii TABLE OF CONTENTS vi ABSTRACT x CHAPTERS 1. INTRODUCTION 1 Context 1 History and Background 3 Problem Statement 4 Research Hypothesis 4 Methodology 5 Assumptions and Limitations 8 Overview of Chapter Content 11 Chapter 1 11 Chapter 2 11 Chapter 3 12 Chapter 4 12 Chapter 5 13 Terms and Definitions 13 2. BIBLICAL, HISTORICAL, AND THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS 16 Introduction 16 Biblical Foundations 17 Need for Balance 18 God as the Initiator of Relationships with Humanity 22 Human Response to God's Initiative 23 The Example of Jesus 24 Implications for Spiritual Formation 25 Historical Foundations 27 Puritan and Anabaptist Roots 28 Characteristics of Early Baptists 32 vi vii Development in America 34 Southern Baptist Spirituality 35 Recent Developments in Moderate Baptist Churches 37 Theological Foundations 41 Soul Competency 41 The Priesthood of the Believer 45 Conclusion 48 3. SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES 51 Introduction 51 The Nature of Spiritual Disciplines 52 Lectio Divina 55 Background 55 Description of the Practice 56 Informational Versus Formational Reading 57 Phases or Stages in Lectio Divina 58 Centering Prayer 61 Background 61 Description of the Practice 62 Guidelines for Centering Prayer 65 Journaling 67 Background 67 Description of the Practice 68 Practical Considerations 71 Sabbath Keeping 72 Background 72 Value of the Practice 75 Practical Considerations 78 Conclusion 82 4. SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH 84 Introduction 84 Limitations of the Survey 85 Analysis of Congregational Survey 88 General Information 88 Spiritual Practices 89 Spiritual Sensitivity 90 Evaluation 92 Analysis of the Pre-proj ect Survey of Group Participants 92 General Information 92 Spiritual Practices 94 Spiritual Sensitivity 95 viii Evaluation 95 Analysis of the Post-project Survey of Group Participants 96 General Information 96 Spiritual Practices 97 Spiritual Sensitivity 99 Summary and Conclusion 101 5. EVALUATION AND IMPLICATIONS OF THE THESIS PROJECT 103 Introduction 103 Evaluation of the Thesis Project 105 Introduction 105 Spiritual Disciplines 107 Lectio Divina 107 Centering prayer 108 Journaling 109 Sabbath keeping 109 Spiritual Sensitivity 112 Potential Improvements for the Thesis Project 114 Implications of the Thesis Project 116 Conclusion 122 APPENDICES A SPIRITUAL LIFE SURVEY 124 B SUMMARY OF SMALL GROUP MEETINGS 128 Introductory Meeting 128 Session 1 130 Session 2 133 Session 3 136 Session 4 139 Retreat 144 Session 1 : 144 Session 2 148 C HANDOUT FOR LECTIO DIVINA SESSION 152 D HANDOUT FOR CENTERING PRAYER SESSION 153 E HANDOUT FOR JOURNALING SESSION 154 F POSSIBLE GUIDELINES FOR THE RETREAT 155 ix G FRIDAY EVENING WORSHIP 169 H SURVEY DATA 170 I POST-PROJECT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 178 J SUMMARY OF POST-PROJECT INTERVIEW RESPONSES 180 BIBLIOGRAPHY 210 ABSTRACT WILLIAM JOHN BIGGER Spiritual Practices: A Strategy to Increase the Sensitivity of Briarcliff Baptist Church Members to God's Activity (Under the Direction of DR. DENISE MASSEY) Seeking to encourage spiritual depth and spiritual sensitivity among members of Briarcliff Baptist Church, this project thesis describes an effort to introduce a small group of church members to a series of four spiritual disciplines. The author affirms that such practices received much emphasis in early Baptist history and argues that the traditional emphasis on soul competency and the priesthood of the believer provide a natural context for a rediscovery of contemplative spiritual practices by contemporary Baptists. To facilitate this learning, this thesis project utilized small group learning along with individual meetings with the author of this project thesis to invite a group of eight individuals to explore the disciplines of lectio divina, centering prayer, journaling, and Sabbath keeping. The author developed a Spiritual Life Survey to measure the level of spiritual discipline and spiritual sensitivity among members of Briarcliff Baptist Church. Participants in the thesis project completed the survey both before and after the small group process in order to determine whether the thesis project had been effective in encouraging the integration of spiritual practices and attentiveness to God's ongoing presence and activity.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 2021 “Meditations of Our Hearts”
    2021 “Meditations of Our Hearts” A Lenten Devotional of the First Presbyterian Church Jacksonville, Illinois “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 Last year, in the midst of Lent, our world completely changed. Schools, businesses, and life seemed to halt. The Lenten disciplines we practiced for years took a dramatic turn, we cancelled in-person worship, and overnight we shifted to live-streaming worship. The world we live in today is very different than it was last year. We have quickly learned that we have little control in our world. When everything is shifting and raging around us it can be very difficult to hold onto something solid. Yet, we are reminded in Psalm 46 much wisdom in times of certainty. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea (Psalm 46:1-3). As a new year has come, and as seasons continue to pass, we discover that we are approaching another season of Lent. It is comforting to have rhythms and seasons. Lent can provide a helpful rhythm in the midst of chaos. Lent is a season that provides preparation and study, and a rhythm of prayer and fasting. According to the prophet Isaiah, the fast God desires the most is to lift the burden of bondage, feed the hungry, house the homeless, clothe the naked and share sympathy (Isaiah 58:6-7).
    [Show full text]
  • Advent 4B 2020
    The Promise The Fourth Sunday in Advent December 20th + 2020 PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 3415 ERBES RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91362 | WWW.PRINCEOFPEACETO.COM (805) 492-8943 PASTOR NOAH BATER | [email protected] | WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD YOUR PLACE TO FIND PEACE! WELCOME Thank you for joining us for this 1me of worship. We extend a special welcome to those who are our guests this morning—both in-person or online. We pray you will be blessed by the message of the living God as He comes to us through His Word of peace. NEW YEAR; NEW SEASON Today is the last Sunday in the season of Advent as we begin a new church year. Advent means “coming near” or “arrival,” and in the season before Christmas we think about how Jesus comes near to us at different 1mes and in many ways. One way we do this is by preparing to celebrate Christ’s first arrival when He came as a humble baby in Bethlehem. We also remember and rejoice that Jesus s:ll comes to us in lowly ways: in His Word, in Holy Bap:sm, and in Holy Communion. Through these humble means, He comes to give us His mercy, forgiveness, peace, and strength. Finally, we eagerly look ahead to when Jesus will come again, not in a humble way, but in glory and with all power at the end of :me. We confess this about Him each week in the Creed: “He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.” ADVENT SERIES: THE PROMISE Advent is a 1me of promises.
    [Show full text]
  • Wmc Investigation: 10-Year Analysis of Gender & Oscar
    WMC INVESTIGATION: 10-YEAR ANALYSIS OF GENDER & OSCAR NOMINATIONS womensmediacenter.com @womensmediacntr WOMEN’S MEDIA CENTER ABOUT THE WOMEN’S MEDIA CENTER In 2005, Jane Fonda, Robin Morgan, and Gloria Steinem founded the Women’s Media Center (WMC), a progressive, nonpartisan, nonproft organization endeav- oring to raise the visibility, viability, and decision-making power of women and girls in media and thereby ensuring that their stories get told and their voices are heard. To reach those necessary goals, we strategically use an array of interconnected channels and platforms to transform not only the media landscape but also a cul- ture in which women’s and girls’ voices, stories, experiences, and images are nei- ther suffciently amplifed nor placed on par with the voices, stories, experiences, and images of men and boys. Our strategic tools include monitoring the media; commissioning and conducting research; and undertaking other special initiatives to spotlight gender and racial bias in news coverage, entertainment flm and television, social media, and other key sectors. Our publications include the book “Unspinning the Spin: The Women’s Media Center Guide to Fair and Accurate Language”; “The Women’s Media Center’s Media Guide to Gender Neutral Coverage of Women Candidates + Politicians”; “The Women’s Media Center Media Guide to Covering Reproductive Issues”; “WMC Media Watch: The Gender Gap in Coverage of Reproductive Issues”; “Writing Rape: How U.S. Media Cover Campus Rape and Sexual Assault”; “WMC Investigation: 10-Year Review of Gender & Emmy Nominations”; and the Women’s Media Center’s annual WMC Status of Women in the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Analýza Konceptuální Metafory Ve Vybraných Textech Britské Zpěvačky Dido
    Filozofická fakulta Univerzity Palackého v Olomouci Katedra obecné lingvistiky Analýza konceptuální metafory ve vybraných textech britské zpěvačky Dido magisterská diplomová práce Autor: Bc. Eva Stručovská Vedoucí práce: Mgr. Lukáš Zámečník, Ph.D. Olomouc 2020 Prohlášení Prohlašuji, že jsem magisterskou diplomovou práci „Analýza konceptuální metafory ve vybraných textech britské zpěvačky Dido“ vypracovala samostatně a uvedla jsem veškerou použitou literaturu a veškeré použité zdroje. V Olomouci dne 5.5. 2020 Podpis 2 Na tomto místě bych velice ráda poděkovala vedoucímu práce Mgr. Lukášovi Zámečníkovi, Ph.D. za jeho cenné rady, postřehy, názory a připomínky při psaní této diplomové práce. 3 Obsah ÚVOD ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 2. Definice metafory ........................................................................................................................ 9 2.1. Metafora vs. Metonymie .................................................................................................10 2.2. Metafora vs. Frazém (Idiom) ........................................................................................11 3. Teorie konceptuálních metafor ...........................................................................................12 4. PRAKTICKÁ ČÁST – ANALÝZA PÍSŇOVÝCH TEXTŮ ....................................................16 5. ANALÝZA TEXTU PÍSNÍ ZPĚVAČKY DIDO .......................................................................19
    [Show full text]
  • Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost September 6, 2020
    Traditional Worship Servant Leaders: Saturday 5pm (Indoor)* Senior Pastor: Scott Kruse Sunday 8am (Indoor)* Associate Pastor: Luke Anderson Associate Pastor of Care Ministry: Contemporary Worship Timothy Maschke Sunday 9:30am (Indoor)* Pastor Emeritus: Larry Prahl Pastor Emeritus: John Suelflow Blended Worship Pastor Emeritus: Kenton Wendorf Sunday 11am (Outdoor) Principal: Michael Yurk *Masks Required Director of Music: Valerie Bremer Director of Christian Ed: Kimberly Butz splgrafton.org Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost September 6, 2020 AS WE GATHER St. Paul’s words in the epistle lesson for this week affirm something fairly easy to understand. Yet, as we look around on this Labor Day weekend, many citizens find his words disturbing, or at least not always applicable. Understanding our place in God’s kingdom will give us a greater appreciation of the distinction between the two realms of God’s rule—or as Martin Luther called them, “the two kingdoms.” Welcome! We are glad you are worshiping today! Fellowship: We miss connecting with you, but at this time no refreshments will be available. Holy Communion: Celebrated in all Worship Services on the first & third weekends each month. PowerPoint Volunteers: To serve for future services, please sign up at: signup.com/go/MhoyMCP Please sign up in advance. TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE—Saturday, 5pm & Sunday, 8am PRE-SERVICE MUSIC RINGING OF BELLS AND LIGHTING OF CANDLES OPENING HYMN “Before You, Lord, We Bow” LSB 966 St. 1-3 1 Before You, Lord, we bow, Our God who reigns above And rules the world below, Boundless in pow’r and love. Our thanks we bring In joy and praise, Our hearts we raise To You, our King! 2 The nation You have blest May well Your love declare, From foes and fears at rest, Protected by Your care.
    [Show full text]
  • Contemporary Film Music
    Edited by LINDSAY COLEMAN & JOAKIM TILLMAN CONTEMPORARY FILM MUSIC INVESTIGATING CINEMA NARRATIVES AND COMPOSITION Contemporary Film Music Lindsay Coleman • Joakim Tillman Editors Contemporary Film Music Investigating Cinema Narratives and Composition Editors Lindsay Coleman Joakim Tillman Melbourne, Australia Stockholm, Sweden ISBN 978-1-137-57374-2 ISBN 978-1-137-57375-9 (eBook) DOI 10.1057/978-1-137-57375-9 Library of Congress Control Number: 2017931555 © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2017 The author(s) has/have asserted their right(s) to be identified as the author(s) of this work in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. This work is subject to copyright. All rights are solely and exclusively licensed by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made.
    [Show full text]
  • Praise Songs
    When I Consider Your Heavens Songs of Worship & Praise 4 .1 Compiled by Dwayne Kingry Printed 2008 Praise and Worship When I Consider Your Heavens Praise and Worship v4.1 A Quiet Place [001] Above All [002] C E7 (Verse) There is a quiet place G/B C D G Am C7 Fmaj7 Above all powers above all kings Far from the rapid pace where God G/B C D G A7 D7 G9 Above all nature and all created things Can soothe my troubled mind D/F# Em D C G/B Gm9 C9 Above all wisdom and all the ways of man Sheltered by tree and flower C Am7 D G F9 Dm Am You were here before the world began There in my quiet hour with Him G/B C D G B7 E Dm7 G7 Above all kingdoms above all thrones My cares are left behind G/B C D G C E7 Above all wonders the world has ever known Whether a garden small D/F# Em D C G/B Am C7 Above all wealth and treasures of the earth Or on a mountain tall C Am7 B7 F Bm7 E7 Am C7 There's no way to measure what You're worth New strength and courage there I find F Fm6 Em (Chorus) Then from this quiet place I go G C D G Em7 A7 Dm7 Crucified laid behind a stone Prepared to face a new day G C D G G9 Dm7 G7 C You lived to die rejected and alone With love for all mankind D/F# Em D C G/B Like a rose trampled on the ground C G/B C D You took the fall and thought of me G Above all (Verse) (Chorus x2) D/F# Em D C G/B Like a rose trampled on the ground C G/B C D You took the fall and thought of me G Above all Page 1 of 218 When I Consider Your Heavens Praise and Worship v4.1 Adonai [003] Agnus Dei [004] (Capo 1st Fret) G C G Em C Intro: Gsus G G/B C Alleluia, alle---luia
    [Show full text]
  • Humor: ® Tickling the Universal Funny-Bone of Youth Ministry >> Trd Table of Contents Contents Main/Mild/Hot Are Listed Alphabetically by Artist
    TRD COVER Youth Leaders Only / Music Resource Book / Volume 88 / Summer 2012 Cover: TobyMac and Skit Guys Special Edition DVD! Hilarious Videos & Discussion Guides From Tim Hawkins, Michael Jr., Skit Guys, Team INSIDE: WordPlay page 16 Comedians Roundtable page 4 Taking Humor More Seriously page 10 Modern Worship Section: Planetshakers, Bluetree page 56 Annual Music Comparison Chart Huge Poster center pull out Heart of the Artist: Fireflight page 14 Manafest page 13 Special Section! Seven TobyMac Discussion Guides page 38 y r t s i & n i c i M s u h t M u o g Y n i n z i i a m i i x d a e M M HUMOR: ® TICKLING THE UNIVERSAL FUNNY-BONE OF YOUTH MINISTRY >> TRD TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTENTS MAIN/MILD/HOT ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY BY ARTIST 4 10 11 FEATURE Wisecracking Wiseguys Taking Humor The Laughing Savior ARTICLES: Comedians Roundtable More Seriously MAIN: 16 22 36 Artist: HUMOR DVD FIREFLIGHT PLANETSHAKERS Album Title: Tickling The Universal Funny-Bone Now Heal Our Land Song Title: Special DVD Section He Weeps Strength Of My Life Study Theme: Discussion Guides Compassion God’s Strength MILD: 20 28 30 JIMMY Artist: BLUETREE NEEDHAM KUTLESS Album Title: Kingdom Clear The Stage Believer Song Title: Jesus Healer Clear The Stage Come Back Home Study Theme: Healing Idolatry Forgiveness HOT: 24 26 32 Artist: FLAME FLATFOOT 56 MANAFEST Album Title: The 6th Toil Fighter Song Title: The 6th Day (feat. Chris Lee) I Believe It Never Let You Go Study Theme: Life; Purpose/Meaning Faith, Assurance God’s Faithfulness DEPARTMENTS: 2 3 65 Letter From The
    [Show full text]
  • DIDO Double Concert, Postmodern Jukebox, Juan Diego Flórez and Jazz+Az at Veszprémfest!
    VESZPRÉMFEST PRESS CONFERENCE 20 February 2020, 11:00 am, Veszprém, Városháza Kossuth terem (Town Hall, Kossuth Room) DIDO double concert, Postmodern Jukebox, Juan Diego Flórez and Jazz+Az at VeszprémFest! The programme of the 17th VeszprémFest is now complete. The music festival lasting 5 days this year will feature Jazz+Az, the Hungarian band returning after 20 years, while DIDO will perform on two consecutive nights given the huge interest. Postmodern Jukebox as well as one of the most popular opera stars of the world, Juan Diego Flórez, will also take to the stage for one night. VeszprémFest celebrating its 17th year in a row is the open-air summer music event of the year, which will be held on 14-18 July this year. Performers of the first two days of the premium music festival were previously announced, and at the press conference in the Kossuth Room at the Veszprém Town Hall the organisers revealed the full programme. The conference was held in the presence of Dr. Tibor Navracsics, government commissioner of the Veszprém- Balaton Cultural Capital of Europe 2023 programme, Gyula Porga, mayor of the county town of Veszprém, who talked about the town’s connections with the festival, and Zoltán Mészáros, managing director of VeszprémFest, who presented this year’s festival programme. On Day 0 of VeszprémFest Jazz+Az, the short-lived but highly successful Hungarian pop group, will perform after returning to the stage following a 20-year hiatus. We are delighted to be able to welcome the band’s frontman Péter Geszti among the festival artists again after 8 years, since in 2012 he performed for our audience with his group called Gringo Sztár, also on Day 0.
    [Show full text]
  • Worship Folder
    Authority to Forgive Thursday, October 15 · Sunday, October 18 Mt. Olive Lutheran Church Suamico, WI Welcome to Mt. Olive From all of us at Mt. Olive, welcome to worship! We are so glad that you have joined us today. A Few Notes Before Worship • Restrooms are located in the entryway. • We love having children in worship! We realize that can sometimes be challenging. If your child becomes restless, there is a family room located next to the drinking fountain. • Baby changing stations are located in every restroom • You are our guest. If there is something else we can help you with, please let an usher know. They will be happy to assist. • Finally, you’ll find everything you need for worship printed in this worship folder. Lord’s blessings on your worship! Today’s Focus Forgiveness is a concept familiar to Christians because forgiveness is the heart and soul of Christianity. It's the centrality of forgiveness that sets Christianity apart from every other religion on the face of the planet. This week, we'll focus our attention on Jesus' authority to forgive. A Prayer Before Worship Heavenly Father, I have come to worship you. Draw near to me in your gracious Word, and assure me of your loving kindness. Curb my wandering thoughts, that with undivided attention I may hear your voice and sing your praise. Amen. Mt. Olive Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod 2 Invocation The name of the triune God and the sign of the cross remind worshipers of their baptisms.
    [Show full text]
  • 4 Things You Need to Do to Receive Jesus Christ Into Your Life
    4 Things You Need to do to Receive Jesus Christ Into Your Life 1. ADMIT your spiritual need. “I am a sinner.” 2. REPENT and be willing to turn from your sin. 3. BELIEVE that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross. 4. RECEIVE through prayer, Jesus into your heart and life. PRAY SOMETHING LIKE THIS FROM THE SINCERITY OF YOUR HEART Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I believe that you died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door to my heart and my life. I receive your forgiveness and ask you to be my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. Amen Iderlina Acosta I was blind and now I see. I thought I did see, but the reality was I was blind to the truth, the way and the life. I knew of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. I followed the rules, rituals and went with the motion of the religious beliefs I was raised on growing up. When you are young, you don’t really think of life after death. I was more focused on the belief that “good things happen to good people”. So I lived life according to that belief. I was blessed with a good career and a loving husband. I was blessed with a beautiful healthy son. Life was good! Life was good because I was good (so I thought). A year and a half after I had my son, my husband was diagnosed with cancer and was given 3 months to live.
    [Show full text]
  • DIDO at Veszprémfest! Veszprémfest Will Be Organised for the 17Th Time
    DIDO at VeszprémFest! VeszprémFest will be organised for the 17th time in July 2020. From the many events at this premium music festival lasting several days, the first announcement made by the festival organisers introduces the performer for 15 July: the main stage in the História Garden in Veszprém will feature none other than Dido herself! VeszprémFest organisers are happy to announce that one of the global star performers of next year’s festival will be the British singer Dido. During her twenty-year career the singer has never performed a solo show in Hungary, so this concert in Veszprém will be the first where Hungarian fans can enjoy an entire concert with Dido’s emotional and gripping songs. Dido was born in 1971 as Florian Cloud de Bounevialle Armstrong, and now she is one of the most successful performers in the United Kingdom. She was given her stage name by her mother after the queen of Carthage, and began her music career with the help and support of her brother Rollo Armstrong, a founding member of the music group Faithless. During her career she has sold more than 40 million records, and her first album entitled No Angel in 2001 was the most popular debut record ever among British female singers. To this day it has sold 21 million copies and was awarded platinum status in 35 countries. The sweeping success of No Angel not only brought sales figures in the millions, but also a number of awards for the singer, including the MTV EMA and the Brit Awards.
    [Show full text]