Welcome to our live-streamed Easter Sunday Worship Service for March 31 2024. Today we discover that fear may grip us, but courage empowered by faith in the risen Christ leads us forward.
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Read John 20:1-18
ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died” (1 Corinthians 15:20 NLT).“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives” (Romans 6:4 NLT).
On Easter Sunday, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us delve into the profound message encapsulated in Casting Crowns’ poignant lyrics, “If We Are the Body.” The song challenges us to consider the authenticity of our faith and the extent to which we embody the love and life of Christ in our actions.
Imagine the scene at the tomb on that first Easter morning. Mary Magdalene arrives in the early hours, her heart heavy with grief. But as she nears the tomb, she finds the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. In her confusion and distress, she encounters the risen Jesus. In this encounter, Mary experiences a profound transformation—from despair to joy, from doubt to faith, from death to life.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not merely a historical event; it is the heartbeat of the Christian faith. It is the ultimate demonstration of God’s power over sin and death, and it signifies the birth of new life for all who believe. Just as Jesus conquered the grave, we too are called to live in the power of his resurrection.
Casting Crowns’ lyrics remind us that if we are truly the body of Christ, we must be His hands and feet in the world. Our lives should reflect His love, His compassion, and His grace. We are called to be agents of reconciliation, bearers of hope, and instruments of peace in a broken and hurting world.
But how often do we fall short of this calling? How often do we allow fear, selfishness, and complacency to hinder us from fully embracing resurrection life? The reality is that we cannot truly live into the Easter message if we remain bound by the trappings of sin and self-centeredness.
Yet, there is hope. Just as Jesus called Mary by name and transformed her sorrow into joy, He calls each of us to experience the reality of His resurrection in our lives. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live victoriously, to love extravagantly, and to serve sacrificially.
To truly live into Jesus’ resurrection, let us actively seek ways to embody His love and life in our daily lives. Let us extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us, offer compassion to the marginalized and oppressed, share the hope of the gospel with those who are lost, and live lives of gratitude and generosity. By doing so, our words and actions will bear witness to the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection in our lives and in the world around us.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
As we celebrate Easter, let us not only rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus but also commit to embodying His love and life in all that we do.PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for the miracle of Easter and the hope it brings. Help us to live as true reflections of your resurrection power, sharing your love and grace with everyone we meet. Amen.
Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.
Welcome to our live-streamed Good Friday Worship Service for March 29, 2024. This evening we retrace the steps of Jesus throughout his passion and death in this powerful worship experience.
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Welcome to our live-streamed Maundy Thursday Worship Service for March 28, 2024. This evening we discover that in both our joys and sorrows, Jesus commands us and shows us how to be a community committed to love in action.
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God bless you all for your generosity which is vital to our mission and ministry.
Read Mark 14:10-11
ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, ‘How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?’ And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus” (Matthew 26:14-16 NLT).
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the ancient stones of Jerusalem, a tension hung in the air. Among the disciples gathered in the Upper Room, an unsettling murmuring arose, barely perceptible yet heavy with betrayal. Judas Iscariot, his features hidden in the gloom, slipped away from the company of Christ, his heart a tumult of conflicting emotions.
His footsteps echoed softly against the cobblestones as he made his way through the narrow streets, guided by the faint glow of torchlight. The weight of his decision pressed upon him like a leaden cloak, the darkness of his intent veiling him from the eyes of his fellow disciples.
Arriving at the Temple, Judas sought out the presence of the high priests, the guardians of religious authority. With a voice edged in desperation, he broached the unthinkable. “What will you give me if I betray Jesus to you?” The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of betrayal and the lure of silver.
The high priests, their faces hidden in the shadows, exchanged glances. “Thirty pieces of silver,” they replied, their voices a chilling whisper in the darkness. And with that, the pact was sealed, a bargain struck in the shadows of treachery.
In the silence that followed, the darkness seemed to deepen, the night itself recoiling from the magnitude of the betrayal unfolding within its midst. Thirty pieces of silver exchanged hands, a paltry sum that belied the true cost of the soul being bartered away.
Judas’s actions exemplify the depths of human frailty and the allure of worldly gain. While the promise of money is the most overt motivation, we can’t discount the possibility of other underlying factors driving Judas’s betrayal. Perhaps it was resentment or disillusionment simmering beneath the surface, a sense of unmet expectations or personal grievances against Jesus or the other disciples. Maybe it was a misguided attempt to force Jesus into a position of power or to incite a revolution against Roman rule. Whatever the motives, Judas’s betrayal serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of allowing earthly desires and human frailties to eclipse our devotion to God.
Yet, amidst the darkness of Judas’s betrayal, the light of divine providence shines undimmed. Christ, in His omniscience, foresees the impending treachery and accepts it as a necessary step in the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Even in the darkest hour of betrayal, the hand of God is at work, guiding the course of history towards its ultimate purpose.
As we reflect on the events of Holy Wednesday, let us examine our own hearts and confront the shadows of betrayal that lurk within. Like Judas, we may face moments of temptation where the promise of worldly gain threatens to lead us astray from our allegiance to Christ. In these moments, may we cling steadfastly to the light of God’s truth, resisting the siren call of temptation and remaining faithful to our covenant with Him.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
In the quiet recesses of our hearts, let us beware the whispers of temptation, for even the faintest glimmer of silver can obscure the radiance of divine love.PRAYER
Lord, grant us the strength to resist the allure of worldly gain and to remain steadfast in our devotion to You. Help us to walk in the light of Your truth, even when surrounded by the shadows of betrayal. Amen.
Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.
Read Matthew 22:34-40
ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” (Matthew 23:23 NLT)
In the bustling streets of Jerusalem, Holy Tuesday unfolds with profound teachings and poignant encounters. Jesus, surrounded by his disciples, walks with purpose through the crowds, his words carrying weight and wisdom.
As he passes by the temple, a group of Pharisees and teachers of the law approach him, their faces filled with skepticism. One among them, a lawyer, steps forward with a question meant to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asks, “which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus, undeterred by their intentions, responds with a depth of insight that leaves his audience speechless. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” he declares. “This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
The Pharisees murmur among themselves, impressed by Jesus’ answer yet unsure how to respond. But Jesus is not finished. He turns his gaze upon them, his eyes filled with both compassion and rebuke. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees,” he says, his voice echoing through the temple courts. “You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness.”
The Pharisees shift uncomfortably under Jesus’ scrutiny, realizing the depth of their hypocrisy. But Jesus does not condemn them; instead, he offers them a challenge—to live lives marked by genuine love and righteousness.
Jesus’ teachings on Holy Tuesday encapsulate the essence of true spirituality: love for God and love for neighbor. His response to the Pharisees highlights the foundational principles upon which all of God’s commandments rest. Love, Jesus teaches, is the cornerstone of the Christian faith—a love that encompasses our entire being and extends to all those around us.
The first commandment, to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, speaks to the depth of our relationship with the divine. It calls us to surrender ourselves completely to God, to offer our whole being in worship and devotion. This love for God is not merely an emotional response but a commitment of the will—an acknowledgment of God’s supreme worth and authority over our lives.
The second commandment, to love our neighbor as ourselves, extends the scope of our love outward, embracing all of humanity. It challenges us to see others as God sees them—to recognize their inherent worth and dignity as fellow bearers of the divine image. This love is not limited by boundaries or conditions but encompasses all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, social status, or religion.
As we reflect on Jesus’ teachings on Holy Tuesday, let us examine our own lives. Are we, like the Pharisees, more concerned with outward appearances than with genuine love for God and others? Let us strive to cultivate hearts that are truly transformed by love—a love that compels us to seek justice, extend mercy, and live lives of faithfulness.
Let us embrace Jesus’ challenge to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love should permeate every aspect of our lives, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions. It should inspire us to reach out to those in need, to stand up for justice, and to extend grace and forgiveness to all who cross our path.
Let us also recognize that living out this love is not always easy. It requires humility, sacrifice, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. But as we follow Jesus’ example and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be confident that our efforts will bear fruit—fruit that glorifies God and blesses those around us.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
True spirituality is not about adhering to a set of rules but about cultivating a heart of love—a love that transforms us from the inside out.PRAYER
Lord, help us to love you with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. May our lives be marked by justice, mercy, and faithfulness, reflecting the depth of your love for us. Transform our hearts, O God, and empower us to live lives that honor and glorify you. Amen.
Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.
Welcome to our live-streamed Sunday Worship Services for March 24, 2024. Today we discover that while facing reality can sometimes cause us great pain and sorrow, Jesus shows us how this important step can lead us to necessary, God-seeking action..
Please support us by giving online: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1377216 or https://paypal.me/newtonumc Or you can make and mail a check out to First UMC of Newton, 111 Ryerson Ave., Newton, NJ O7860
God bless you all for your generosity which is vital to our mission and ministry.
Read Mark 11:1-11
ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt” (Zechariah 9:9 NLT) –
Imagine the dusty road leading toward Jerusalem, the excitement palpable as Jesus and his disciples make their way toward the city. You walk alongside them, feeling the energy in the air crackling with anticipation. The disciples exchange glances, their faces a mixture of awe and uncertainty. They’ve seen Jesus perform miracles, heard his teachings, and witnessed the crowds grow in size, but this moment feels different, charged with significance.
As you journey with them, you hear Jesus instructing two disciples to fetch a donkey. There’s a sense of urgency in his voice, a quiet confidence that everything is unfolding according to plan. The disciples, unsure but trusting, follow his instructions and soon return with the young colt. They lay their cloaks upon its back, a makeshift saddle for their humble King.
They knew the Scriptures. They knew what Zechariah had prophesied and they knew the implications this all meant for Jesus. He was the Messiah… the coming King… who would kick the Romans out of Judea once and for all. He would set up the Messianic Kingdom and restore Israel back to her glory days forever. This is who they saw Jesus as, their warrior king.
The atmosphere shifts as they approach the outskirts of Jerusalem. The crowds begin to gather, their excitement contagious as they catch sight of Jesus riding upon the donkey. Some spread their cloaks on the ground, while others cut branches from nearby trees, shouting praises and blessings as Jesus passes by. “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
In the midst of this jubilation, the disciples exchange nervous glances. They’ve heard the prophecies, they’ve witnessed the miracles, but the weight of the moment is not lost on them. They wonder what this triumphal entry means for their beloved teacher and for the nation of Israel. Will Jesus establish his kingdom here and now, overthrowing the oppressive Roman rule? Or is there something else, something deeper, that they have yet to understand?
As you walk alongside them, you can’t help but ponder these questions yourself. What does this moment mean for you personally? How does Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem speak to the desires and longings of your own heart?
In this passage, we witness the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy as Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, echoing Zechariah 9:9. This prophecy, given centuries before, describes the coming of a righteous and victorious king who is humble, riding on a donkey’s colt. By deliberately choosing this mode of transportation, Jesus is unmistakably declaring himself as the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling the expectations set forth in the Scriptures.
The disciples, familiar with these prophecies, may have interpreted Jesus’ actions as the fulfillment of their hopes for a conquering Messiah who would restore Israel’s former glory. They likely anticipated a political revolution, envisioning Jesus as a powerful warrior king who would overthrow Roman oppression and establish a physical kingdom on earth. Their understanding of the Messiah was deeply rooted in their cultural and historical context, shaped by their longing for freedom from political oppression and the restoration of Israel’s sovereignty.
As we reflect on this scene, we are reminded of the danger of imposing our own expectations onto Jesus. Just as the disciples envisioned Jesus as a warrior king who would bring political liberation, we too may be tempted to confine Jesus to our own narrow understanding of who He is and what He should do in our lives. However, Jesus defies our expectations and challenges our preconceived notions of his identity and mission.
Instead, let us approach Jesus with humility and openness, allowing Him to reveal Himself to us as He truly is—the Savior who brings not just political freedom, but spiritual liberation and eternal life. While Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem may not have met the disciples’ immediate expectations of a political revolution, it ultimately fulfilled a far greater purpose—the redemption and salvation of humanity.
As we journey through life, let us surrender our own agendas and expectations to Jesus, trusting in His divine wisdom and sovereignty. May we allow Him to work in our lives in ways that surpass our understanding, and may we remain open to the transformative power of His love and grace.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” – John LennonPRAYER
Lord Jesus, guide me through life’s ups and downs. Help me trust Your plan, find peace in Your presence, and surrender our fears, knowing You reign now and forever. Amen.
Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.
Welcome to our live-streamed Sunday Worship Services for March 17, 2024. Today we discover in a world of “either/or,” lament can bring us to a more honest place of “both/and.” We can both reckon with the full weight of our sorrows and experience hope in our faithful, loving God.
Please support us by giving online: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1377216 or https://paypal.me/newtonumc Or you can make and mail a check out to First UMC of Newton, 111 Ryerson Ave., Newton, NJ O7860
God bless you all for your generosity which is vital to our mission and ministry.
Welcome to our live-streamed Sunday Worship Services for March 10, 2024. Today we discover that when we recognize or experience injustice, crying out together in words and actions can move us closer to God’s vision for humanity and stir us to make change.
Please support us by giving online: https://tithe.ly/give?c=1377216 or https://paypal.me/newtonumc Or you can make and mail a check out to First UMC of Newton, 111 Ryerson Ave., Newton, NJ O7860
God bless you all for your generosity which is vital to our mission and ministry.
