June 15, 2014
Stetson Memorial United Methodist
Church
Peace
with Justice Sunday/Fathers Day
Sermon
Series on “The Names of God”
Sermon
23 of series-
“The
Sacred Names of God: Abba”
Luke
15:11-24 Common English Bible
Romans
8:14-17 Common English Bible
Galatians
4:4-7 NIV
Names of God Bible (with direct verse
lookup), The Baker Publishing Group
Spangler,
Ann, Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide
“Hello My Name Is. . . Abba”
Let us pray. . . (Pray for God’s illumination of our hearts,
minds and souls.)
Creator,
Sustainer, Almighty God, you who created all that we see. We have come into
your house to worship you this morning and hear the word you would have for us
this day. We pray for your presence and your Spirit here with us as we listen
to your word. May we leave this place today understanding more about you and
your will for our lives. May the meditations of our hearts and the words of our
mouths be pleasing to you oh Lord, our Rock and Redeemer. Speak Lord; your
children are waiting to hear your voice. . .
Today is Fathers Day. It is a day that
we, as society, have set apart to honor our earthly fathers.
It is a day that we think of those who
have been like fathers to us. . . mentoring us and loving us as if we were
their own. You know. . . it is only fitting that not only is it Fathers Day
today but it is also Trinity Sunday. . . the day that we celebrate and give
thanks to our Heavenly Father. . . the day that we think about the “3-Faces of
God”. . . The Father, Son and Spirit that together make up our God.
As we
continue our journey of learning about and praying in the Sacred Names of
God, we have heard many names for God on our journey thus far. How fitting
it is that today we talk about our Father in heaven. . . the Father of all
fathers. The name Abba. . . Father
is the name that has so many images attached to it. It is a name that for many
brings to mind the love and mercy of our Father. . . which art in heaven. . . our
Abba Father. . .
The Names of
God Bible states:
The Hebrew
Scriptures normally depict God, not as the Father of individuals but as Father
to his people Israel. Pious Jews, aware of the gap between a holy God and
sinful human beings, would never have dared address God as Ab (Hebrew) or
Abba, the Aramaic word for “Daddy,” which gradually came to mean “dear
father.” Jesus shocked and offended the religious leaders of his day by
claiming that he had a Father-Son relationship with the God whose name they
feared even to pronounce outside of the temple. Rather than depicting God as a
typical Middle Eastern patriarch who wielded considerable power within the
family, he depicted him primarily as a tender and compassionate father who
extends grace to both the sinner and the self-righteous.
Though the
Old Testament provides many rich names and titles for God, the New Testament
reveals him most fully. Jesus, in fact, shocked and offended the religious
leaders of his day by claiming that he had a Father/ Son relationship with the
God whose name they feared even to pronounce. Also, by inviting his followers
to call God “Father,” he made this the primary name by which God is to be known
to his followers. That’s why we can boldly pray the prayer Jesus taught his
disciples, “Our Father who art in heaven. . . .”
One of my
most favorite stories of a father and son relationship is the one found in the
scripture I read this morning. . . the Prodigal Son. Most of us have heard the
story of the prodigal son numerous times. But have you ever noticed that Luke
15:20 states that the father saw his son while he was still at a distance? The
New International Version says that his father spotted him while he was still a
long way off. This detail is there for a reason. It implies that the
heartbroken father had been eagerly looking for his son, longing for him to
come home.
I like to think of God this way, as an eager
father searching for his child. We may think we have strayed too far for God to
take us back, but he is beckoning us home, watching for us even while we are
still a long way off. How comforting and hope=giving is the fact that our God.
. . Abba. . . our Daddy is there waiting for us to reach out our hand to His as
He leads us in the path of righteousness for His namesake. . .
So. . . with
this information. . . with this knowledge of God and the relationship He
desires. . . no He longs for. . . from His children, how should we act and
feel? Well. . . let we read a couple of scriptures that might give us a clue to
not only who we are but whose we are. . .
Romans 8:14-17 Common English Bible
(CEB)
14
All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters. 15 You didn’t
receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received
a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children. With this Spirit, we cry,
“Abba, Father.” 16 The same Spirit agrees with our spirit, that we are God’s
children. 17 But if we are children, we are also heirs. We are God’s heirs and
fellow heirs with Christ, if we really suffer with him so that we can also be
glorified with him.
We are given
the right to call God Abba and we are co-heirs with Christ. Now think
about that for a moment. We can call the Maker of Heaven and Earth Daddy and
not only that but we are adopted as His children. . . The Spirit within us tells us. . . reassures
us that we are children of God. . . How
awe inspiring is that? It gives us hope when we feel hopeless knowing that God
has adopted us as His children. . . even though we are flawed and imperfect.
You see. . . God signed the adoption papers for us in the blood of His son and
our Brother Jesus Christ at the foot of the cross so long ago. . . and like our
earthly fathers He protects us. . . even unto death.
Galatians 4:4-7 New International
Version (NIV)
4
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born
under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption
to son-ship. 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into
our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a
slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an
heir.
We are no
longer a slave to sin and death. God purchased our freedom through His Son
Jesus Christ. Our Spirit within us calls out to Him because we are children of
the Most High God. God. . . in His time set us free so that we could be
adopted into the Family of God. We no longer are enemies of God but we are
called friends of Jesus who for the sheer joy of it, went to the cross for us
so that we too can have a relationship with our Father. . . Abba Father in
Heaven.
Knowing that
the Father will keep our souls safe. . . Abba Father is there watching over us.
. . means we can put our energy not into
building up our sense of self but into building up his kingdom. Secure in his
arms, we can learn to take the risks that faith requires. If we have been
playing it safe, resisting some new direction in our life that we know to be
right, maybe. . . just maybe we need to take some time today to meditate on
God’s faithfulness. Tell him you want his will more than you want your own.
Then go ahead and do whatever the Father asks! Just saying. . .
Today is
Fathers Day and we celebrate those men in our lives that have loved us and
mentored us. Scripture tells us that we. . . being human and flawed. . . know
how to give good things to our children, how much more will our Father in
Heaven. . . the perfect in all His ways Father. . . give to those who love Him
and are called by His name. Is there someone you may know who needs the love
of a good and perfect Father who will never leave them or forsake them? Perhaps
it is time that we, as Christians help them find the ultimate Father figure
found in our heavenly through the blood of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Maybe.
. . just maybe we could reach out our hand and lead them to life everlasting.
Perhaps then there will be a shift in the tide of despair and hopelessness. Let
us celebrate our fathers here on earth as well as Abba Father and honor
them with our lives. You see Abba Father loved and still loves the world
so much, that’s you and me. . . all of humanity that He sent His only
Son and everyone one who believes in Jesus shall not perish but have
everlasting life. What an awesome privilege we have. . . what a daunting
task we have at hand. But perhaps that’s the whole reason why we are here. . . to
make a change in others lives. Maybe. . . just maybe if we reach out to the
lost. . . just maybe. . .
Let us pray. . .
Father, thank you for loving me
even when I was “still a long way off.” You showed your gracious, fatherly love
even when I bore little resemblance to you. Strengthen my identity as your
child and help me to glorify your name by reflecting your character. Help us to
be Your image to the lost and hurting of this world as we live out the Great
commission, “Go into the world and make disciples of all nations. . . baptizing
them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
Amen.
June 15, 2014
Sermon 23 of “What’s In A Name. . . ”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred
Names of God”
Luke 15:11-24 Common
English Bible
Romans 8:14-17 Common English Bible
Galatians 4:4-7 NIV
Names of God Bible (with direct verse lookup), The Baker
Publishing Group
(Closing prayer Adapted from: Spangler, Ann,
Praying
the Names of God: A Daily Guide)
Names
of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
- Abba à
Father
children’s message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and
sermon “Hello My Name is. . . Abba”
by Pastor
Ruth Foss
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Stetson
Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten,
ME
June 8,
2014
Trinity
Sunday
Peace
with Justice Sunday
&
Sermon 22 of “What’s In A Name. . . ”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred
Names of God”
Joel 2:28-29 Names of God
Bible
Genesis 2:7 Names of God
Bible
Acts 2:1-18 Gods Word
Translation
Names of God Bible (with
direct verse lookup), The Baker Publishing Group
Spangler, Ann: Praying the
Names of God: A Daily Guide
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
- Ruach (Breath), Ruach Elohim (Spirit of God), Ruach Qodesh (Holy Spirit)
children’s message
-
Adding Air to the
Balloon
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and
sermon “Hello My Name is. . . Ruach”
by Pastor
Ruth Foss
Stetson
Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten,
ME
June 8,
2014
Pentecost
Sunday
&
Sermon 21 of “What’s In A Name. . . ”
Sermon Series on “The Sacred
Names of God”
Genesis 17:1-2 (Names of
God Bible)
1 Samuel 17:45-47 (Names
of God Bible)
Ephesians 1:15-23 (Common
English Bible)
Spangler, Ann: Praying the
Names of God: A Daily Guide
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
- El Shadday, Yahweh
Tsebaoth
à Almighty God, the Lord of Hosts
children’s message
-
We can defeat our
giants,
in
the strength God gives us
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and
sermon “Hello My Name is . . . El
Shadday”
June 1,
2014
&
Sermon 20 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
1 Peter 3:13-22 (CEB)
Acts 17:22-31 (CEB)
Sirach 34:19-20 (CEB)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
- Yahweh Ropheka à the Lord Who Heals
children’s message
-
When we are sick,
God
is our Healer
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and
sermon “Hello My Name is . . .
Yahweh Rophekah”
May 25,
2014
&
Sermon 19 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Psalm 23 (King James
Version)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
- Yahweh Roi and Yahweh
Shammah
à
the Lord is my Shepherd and
the Lord is there
children’s message
-
God takes care of
His children
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and
sermon “Hello My Name is . . .
Yahweh Roi/ Yahweh Shammah”
May 18,
2014
&
Sermon 18 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Nehemiah 1:5 (English
Standard Version)
Isaiah 35:1-2 (The Message
Bible)
Deuteronomy 7:21 (English
Standard Version)
John 4:7-15 (The Message)
(MSG)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
- El Hannora à Awesome God
children’s message by
Ellen Dickinson – Amen and Bow Wow!
and
sermon “Hello My Name is . . . El
Hannora”
May 11,
2014
&
Sermon 17 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Exodus 34:10-14 NIV Bible
Deuteronomy 4:23-24 NIV
Bible
1 John 3:1-7 Common
English Bible
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
- El Kanna à Jealous God
children’s message
and
sermon “Hello My Name is . . . El
Kanna”
May 4,
2014
&
Sermon 16 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Genesis 21:1-21 (The
Message Bible)
Acts 4:32-35 (The Message
Bible)
Psalm 139
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
- El Roi à God watches over us
children’s message
and
sermon “Hello My Name is . . . El
Roi”
April 27,
2014
&
Easter Sunday
Sermon 15 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred Names of God”
Jeremiah 23:5-6 (GODs Word Translation)
Jeremiah 31:33 (GODs Word Translation)
Matthew 28:1-10 (English Standard Version)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
- Yahweh Tsidqenu à The Lord Our Righteousness
and
sermon “Hello My Name is . . .
Yahweh Tsidqenu”
April 20,
2014
&
Palm Sunday
Sermon 14 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred
Names of God”
Isaiah
53:7-12 (The Message)
Isaiah
50:4-9a
Matthew
20:26-27
(Matthew
21:1-11)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon
today:
-
Ish Makaboth à Man of Sorrows
song
and sacred dance by Erica Berberena
to
“Hosanna” by Kirk Franklin
and sermon “Hello My Name
is . . . Ish Makaboth”
April 13, 2014
&
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Sermon 13 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred
Names of God”
Psalm
94:2-15 (Living Bible)(TLB)
Ezekiel
37:1-14 (The Message Bible)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon
today:
-
Shopet à Judge
and sermon “Hello My Name
is . . . Shopet”
April 6, 2014
&
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Sermon 12 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred
Names of God”
Isaiah
53:1-9 (The Message)
“The
Suffering Servant”
1
Samuel 16:1-13
“God
Looks into the Heart”
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon
today:
-
Ebed Yahweh à Servant of God
and sermon “Hello My Name
is . . . Ebed Yahweh”
March 30, 2014
&
Third Sunday in Lent
reading of poem, “Lent”
by Ann Weems
from her book, Kneeling in Jerusalem
Sermon 11 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred
Names of God”
Psalm
31:1-5 (Names of God bible)
John
13:12-17 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
(John 20:16 – in the garden)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon
today:
-
Rabbouni/ El Emet à Teacher/God of Truth
children’s
sermon by Regina Goode about Johnny Appleseed
and sermon “Hello My Name
is . . . Rabbouni/El Emet”
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=502382803201413&id=174161846023512
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/03/sermon-hello-my-name-is-rabbouni-el.html
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/447805342639202304
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/03/sermon-hello-my-name-is-rabbouni-el.html
https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/447805342639202304
March 23, 2014
&
Second Sunday in Lent
Sermon 10 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred
Names of God”
Psalm
121
John
3:1-17 (not read)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon
today:
-
Yahweh/Yahweh Yireh (ya-WEH yir-EH)à The Lord will supply
Prayers
of the People by Ray Foss
children’s
sermon by Kelly Curtis
-
Mark 1:12-13 – story about Lent and waiting
and sermon “Hello My Name
is . . . Yahweh”
March 16, 2014
&
First Sunday in Lent
Sermon 9 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred
Names of God”
Job
19:25-27 New International Version (NIV)
Romans
5:12-19 New International Version (NIV)
Isaiah
49:7
Leviticus
25:48-49
Numbers
35:9-30
Jeremiah
50:33-34
Mark
10:54
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon
today:
-
Go’el (go’EL)à Redeemer
Opening
Prayer
children’s
sermon
-
Why are You Sad?
and sermon “Our Redeemer
Lives”
by
Raymond A. Foss
filling
in for Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
March 9, 2014
&
Transfiguration Sunday
Sermon 8 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred
Names of God”
Psalm
46
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon
today:
-
El Olam (EL o-LAM)à Everlasting/Eternal God
and sermon “Hello My Name
El Olam”
by
Ellen Alward Dickinson
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
March 2, 2014
&
Sermon 7 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred
Names of God”
Daniel 4:19, 24-35 (The Names of God
Bible)
1 Kings 19 (The Names of God Bible)
Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)
Names of God and Definitions from Sermon
today:
-
El Elyon (EL el-YOHN)à God Most High
children’s
sermon, “God Rocks!”
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon ““Hello My Name
El Elyon”
February 23, 2014
&
Sermon 6 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred
Names of God”
Names
of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-
Ishà Bridegroom
Hosea
2:16, 19-20
Revelations
19:6-9
Worship
Songs: “Bless
His Holy Name”
children’s
sermon, Scouting Sunday,
by
Jean Howes
-
God’s promise
and sermon “Hello My Name
Is. . . Ish/ Bridegroom”
February 9, 2014
&
Sermon 5 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred
Names of God”
Names
of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-
Adonay
(Adonai)à Lord
Daniel
9:9-16
Daniel
9:17-19
Daniel
9:9-19
children’s
sermon
-
a servant is someone who serves the Lord,
using all of their talents to bring His kingdom
on earth,
serving our Master in everything they say and do.
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Hello My Name Adonay”
February 2, 2014
&
Sermon 4 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred
Names of God”
Names
of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-
El
Chayà Living God
Joshua
3:7-13
2
Kings 19:14-16
Jeremiah
10:3-5
2
Corinthians 6:15-16
children’s
sermon
“We
have a living and breathing God who is always there for us.
He
answers us when we call. Our God is not dead. . . He surely alive. . . “
by
Pastor Ruth
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . El Chay”
January 26, 2014
&
Sermon 3 of Sermon Series on “The Sacred
Names of God”
Names
of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-
El
à God
-
Elohimà God
-
EloahàGod
Genesis
1:2-2:3
Deuteronomy
28:2-6
children’s
sermon
-
“and God Created. . . “
by
Pastor Ruth
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . El, Elohim, and Eloah”
January 19, 2014
&
Baptism
of the Lord Sunday
Sermon Series on “The Sacred
Names of God”
Names
of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-
Yeshua
--> Jesus
-
Mashiach -->
Christ, Messiah
Matthew
1:18-21
Psalm
2
Mark
1:14-20
Matthew
3:13-17
children’s
sermon
-
There is only One who can save us, Jesus, the one Savior
and sermon “Hello My Name is . . . Yeshua/Mashiach”
January 12, 2014
&
Epiphany Sunday
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
Sermon Series on “The Names of God”
Sermon 1 of “What’s In A Name. . . ”
Names
of God and Definitions from Sermon today:
-
Ha-Shem ->
the Name
-
Ehyeh -> I Am
Exodus 3:13-14
Leviticus 24:10-16 (All Scripture is
from The Names of God Bible)
children’s
sermon - different names, different meaning – one person; many names for God,
all one God
and sermon “Our Many Faceted God”
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 5, 2014
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reserved. Contact me at Ray
Foss for usage. See all 30,440+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
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