Sermon Introduction –
God is bigger than the church. If we truly believe that the Holy Spirit is everywhere, how might that change us? Grace is woven into every inch of creation, and it is time to live like it!
Introduction to this week’s readings –
Witnesses to the glory of God in the face of Jesus will be unable to avoid reflecting that glory in the world. It was true for Moses. It was doubtless true for Peter, James, and John. We pray that it will be true of all of us who see the glory of the Lord in the word and in the supper and who are being “transformed into the same image” by the Spirit of God .
Reading: Exodus 34:29-35
Introduction: Moses’ face shone with the reflected glory of God after he received the ten commandments on Mount Sinai. The sight caused the Israelites to be afraid, so Moses wore a veil to mask the radiance of God’s glory, taking it off when he spoke 29 directly with God
Reading: Psalm 99
Proclaim the greatness of the LORD, worship upon God’s holy hill. (Ps. 99:9)
Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Introduction: In his debates with the Corinthians, Paul contrasts the glory of Moses with the glory of Christ. The Israelites could not see Moses’ face because of the veil. But in Christ we see the unveiled glory of God and are transformed into Christ’s likeness.
Reading: Luke 9:28-43a
Introduction: The conversation about Jesus’ suffering and death is enclosed in a dazzling foreshadowing of the resurrection. God affirms Jesus’ identity, the disciples are stunned speechless, and Jesus resumes his mission with a demonstration of his power over evil.
One Comment
Chuck Titcomb
Thank you for a wonderful service. Thank you Aleta for your very special contribution to the church and its many services.