Teaching – RENEW Church

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or if necessary, via livestream below.

Sunday morning gathering at 10:30 AMLivestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/LKEuoNiK7HA

Note: livestream has live audio along with presentation slides (song lyrics, Scripture readings, announcements, etc, but utilizes no video camera.) We offer this livestream for those who must remain home due to illness.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name.
Your kingdom come; Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

2024-03-24-gathering-planDownloadAnnouncements: Holy Week: Good Friday gathering at 6 pm on 3/29, hosted at Connection Church at 405 Warner Parrott Rd; Resurrection (Easter) Sunday 3/31 at 10:30 am here at the Revival Building. * A whole new session of discipleship classes continues today at 9:30 AM, and will meet next on 4/14. These classes for all ages include a teen class considering many questions they are facing and asking, as well as a new adult class on Unoffendable (themes of forgiveness and facing injustice). » More details and registration are on church center here now. * See the Renew Church Calendar on Church Center » Godrenews.churchcenter.com/calendar * Women’s Bible study each Tuesday evening at 6:30 AM; talk with Anna or Abbey for details. * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM*, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Year of Preparation: read the Bible in 2024

Contributing to Renew Church* Online giving page » Godrenews.us/connect/give/ * Using a BillPay option with your bank or credit union is another useful option, used most commonly by many. These have no additional fees involved. * Checks may also be sent by mail to:

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

—2nd Thessalonians 2:16-17

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View Details

We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or if necessary, via livestream below.

Sunday morning gathering at 10:30 AMLivestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/5Iv_6rNPyuQ

Call to Worship

Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

—1st Chronicles 29:10-13

Genesis 38

Judah and Tamar38 It happened at that time that Judah went down from his brothers and turned aside to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. 2 There Judah saw the daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua. He took her and went in to her, 3 and she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er. 4 She conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan. 5 Yet again she bore a son, and she called his name Shelah. Judah was in Chezib when she bore him.

6 And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 7 But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord put him to death. 8 Then Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother.” 9 But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his. So whenever he went in to his brother’s wife he would waste the semen on the ground, so as not to give offspring to his brother. 10 And what he did was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death also. 11 Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s house, till Shelah my son grows up”—for he feared that he would die, like his brothers. So Tamar went and remained in her father’s house.

12 In the course of time the wife of Judah, Shua’s daughter, died. When Judah was comforted, he went up to Timnah to his sheepshearers, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. 13 And when Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep,” 14 she took off her widow’s garments and covered herself with a veil, wrapping herself up, and sat at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the road to Timnah. For she saw that Shelah was grown up, and she had not been given to him in marriage. 15 When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute, for she had covered her face. 16 He turned to her at the roadside and said, “Come, let me come in to you,” for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law. She said, “What will you give me, that you may come in to me?” 17 He answered, “I will send you a young goat from the flock.” And she said, “If you give me a pledge, until you send it—” 18 He said, “What pledge shall I give you?” She replied, “Your signet and your cord and your staff that is in your hand.” So he gave them to her and went in to her, and she conceived by him. 19 Then she arose and went away, and taking off her veil she put on the garments of her widowhood.

20 When Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite to take back the pledge from the woman’s hand, he did not find her. 21 And he asked the men of the place, “Where is the cult prostitute who was at Enaim at the roadside?” And they said, “No cult prostitute has been here.” 22 So he returned to Judah and said, “I have not found her. Also, the men of the place said, ‘No cult prostitute has been here.’” 23 And Judah replied, “Let her keep the things as her own, or we shall be laughed at. You see, I sent this young goat, and you did not find her.”

24 About three months later Judah was told, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has been immoral. Moreover, she is pregnant by immorality.” And Judah said, “Bring her out, and let her be burned.” 25 As she was being brought out, she sent word to her father-in-law, “By the man to whom these belong, I am pregnant.” And she said, “Please identify whose these are, the signet and the cord and the staff.” 26 Then Judah identified them and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not know her again.

27 When the time of her labor came, there were twins in her womb. 28 And when she was in labor, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” 29 But as he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out. And she said, “What a breach you have made for yourself!” Therefore his name was called Perez. 30 Afterward his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name.
Your kingdom come; Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

2024-03-17-gathering-planDownloadAnnouncements: Holy Week: Good Friday gathering at 6 pm on 3/29, hosted at Connection Church at 405 Warner Parrott Rd; Resurrection (Easter) Sunday 3/31 at 10:30 am here at the Revival Building. * A whole new session of discipleship classes begins today, Sunday, March 17th at 9:30 AM. These classes for all ages include a teen class considering many questions they are facing and asking, as well as a new adult class on Unoffendable (themes of forgiveness and facing injustice). » More details and registration are on church center here now. * See the Renew Church Calendar on Church Center » Godrenews.churchcenter.com/calendar * Women’s Bible study each Tuesday evening at 6:30 AM; talk with Anna or Abbey for details. * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM*, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Year of Preparation: read the Bible in 2024

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

We arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through the belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness,
Of the Creator of Creation.
—
We arise today
Through the strength of Christ’s birth with His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension.
—
I arise today
Through God’s strength to pilot me,
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
—
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to save me,
From snares of devils,
From temptations of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone and in multitude..

—St. Patrick’s
prayer of protection
Lorica (breastplate)

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View Details

We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or if necessary, via livestream below.

Sunday morning gathering at 10:30 AMLivestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/44iQe-BvojI

Call to Worship

[May] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, […] give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe…

… according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

—Ephesians 1:17-23

Genesis 37:1-36

Joseph’s Dreams37 Jacob lived in the land of his father’s sojournings, in the land of Canaan.

2 These are the generations of Jacob.

Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.

5 Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. 6 He said to them, “Hear this dream that I have dreamed: 7 Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.” 8 His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you indeed to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.

9 Then he dreamed another dream and told it to his brothers and said, “Behold, I have dreamed another dream. Behold, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” 10 But when he told it to his father and to his brothers, his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?” 11 And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.

Joseph Sold by His Brothers12 Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem. 13 And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” And he said to him, “Here I am.” 14 So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock, and bring me word.” So he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. 15 And a man found him wandering in the fields. And the man asked him, “What are you seeking?” 16 “I am seeking my brothers,” he said. “Tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock.” 17 And the man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

18 They saw him from afar, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him. 19 They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. 20 Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. Then we will say that a fierce animal has devoured him, and we will see what will become of his dreams.” 21 But when Reuben heard it, he rescued him out of their hands, saying, “Let us not take his life.” 22 And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hand to restore him to his father. 23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. 24 And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.

25 Then they sat down to eat. And looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing gum, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. 26 Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27 Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him. 28 Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt.

29 When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not in the pit, he tore his clothes 30 and returned to his brothers and said, “The boy is gone, and I, where shall I go?” 31 Then they took Joseph’s robe and slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. 32 And they sent the robe of many colors and brought it to their father and said, “This we have found; please identify whether it is your son’s robe or not.” 33 And he identified it and said, “It is my son’s robe. A fierce animal has devoured him. Joseph is without doubt torn to pieces.” 34 Then Jacob tore his garments and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days. 35 All his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted and said, “No, I shall go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.” Thus his father wept for him. 36 Meanwhile the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard.

New City CatechismQuestion 40: What should we pray?

The whole Word of God directs us in what we should pray.

The whole Word of God directs and inspires us in what we should pray, including the prayer Jesus himself taught us.

Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer: God Who Hears, let Your living Word shape our desires and our prayers. May it challenge us to pray for things that don’t seem possible. May it inform our view of You as we approach you as beloved sons and daughters. May it drive us to our knees as we recognize our need of You. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name.
Your kingdom come; Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Announcements: We agree with you that Daylight Saving Time is not our favorite thing, nevertheless we shall all “spring forward” an hour early this Sunday. * For this reason, and since the Harbor PNW Men’s Retreat is also this weekend, we pause on discipleship classes, which will resume 3/17. » Let us gather all together as the church at 10:30! * A whole new session of discipleship classes begins next Sunday, March 17th at 9:30 AM. These classes for all ages include a teen class considering many questions they are facing and asking, as well as a new adult class on Unoffendable (themes of forgiveness and facing injustice). » More details and registration are on church center here now. * See the Renew Church Calendar on Church Center » Godrenews.churchcenter.com/calendar * Women’s Bible study each Tuesday evening at 6:30 AM; talk with Anna or Abbey for details. * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM*, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Year of Preparation: read the Bible in 2024

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

Go from this place with joy,
giving thanks to God,
proclaiming His goodness,
celebrating His love,
and worshipping Him with your lives.
For He is the Lord our God,
faithful to a thousand generations.
And may the blessing of God Almighty,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
be with you and among you
in the days ahead.

(Based on Psalm 105:1-8)

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View Details

We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or if necessary, via livestream below.

Sunday morning gathering at 10:30 AMLivestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/ZwC8znNQ514

Call to Worship

As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?
—
My tears have been my food
day and night,
while they say to me all the day long,
“Where is your God?”
These things I remember,
as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng
and lead them in procession to the house of God
with glad shouts and songs of praise,
a multitude keeping festival.
—
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.
—Psalm 42:1-6a

Genesis 35:1-29

God Blesses and Renames Jacob35 God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there. Make an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” 2 So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and change your garments. 3 Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” 4 So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods that they had, and the rings that were in their ears. Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree that was near Shechem.

5 And as they journeyed, a terror from God fell upon the cities that were around them, so that they did not pursue the sons of Jacob. 6 And Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him, 7 and there he built an altar and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed himself to him when he fled from his brother. 8 And Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried under an oak below Bethel. So he called its name Allon-bacuth.

9 God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Paddan-aram, and blessed him. 10 And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; no longer shall your name be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.” So he called his name Israel. 11 And God said to him, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body. 12 The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give the land to your offspring after you.” 13 Then God went up from him in the place where he had spoken with him. 14 And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it and poured oil on it. 15 So Jacob called the name of the place where God had spoken with him Bethel.

The Deaths of Rachel and Isaac16 Then they journeyed from Bethel. When they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel went into labor, and she had hard labor. 17 And when her labor was at its hardest, the midwife said to her, “Do not fear, for you have another son.” 18 And as her soul was departing (for she was dying), she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin. 19 So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem), 20 and Jacob set up a pillar over her tomb. It is the pillar of Rachel’s tomb, which is there to this day. 21 Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.

22 While Israel lived in that land, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine. And Israel heard of it.

Now the sons of Jacob were twelve. 23 The sons of Leah: Reuben (Jacob’s firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. 24 The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. 25 The sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s servant: Dan and Naphtali. 26 The sons of Zilpah, Leah’s servant: Gad and Asher. These were the sons of Jacob who were born to him in Paddan-aram.

27 And Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre, or Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had sojourned. 28 Now the days of Isaac were 180 years. 29 And Isaac breathed his last, and he died and was gathered to his people, old and full of days. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

New City CatechismQuestion 39: With what attitude should we pray?

With love, perseverance, and gratefulness.

With love, perseverance, and gratefulness; in humble submission to God’s will, knowing that, for the sake of Christ, he always hears our prayers.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Prayer: Loving Father, we come to You in the name of Your beloved Son. Give us perseverance in prayer, even when we do not immediately see answers. Let us believe that You will not keep back any good thing from us, and trust that You will withhold those things we seek that would harm us. Your ways are higher than our ways, and we entrust our requests to Your sovereign kindness. Amen.

2024-02-25-gathering-planDownload

Announcements: See gathering guide (PDF) above * Gathering in house churches next Sunday, March 3rd. * See the Renew Church Calendar on Church Center » Godrenews.churchcenter.com/calendar * Women’s Bible study each Tuesday evening at 6:30 AM; talk with Anna or Abbey for details. * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM*, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Register for the men’s retreat with Harbor Network (March 8-10) * Year of Preparation: read the Bible in 2024

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

—Ephesians 1:15-23

(Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

View Details

We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or if necessary, via livestream below.

Sunday morning gathering at 10:30 AMLivestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/iVJ_ycO9Asc

A note to Parents:

Today we arrive at Genesis 34, the true story of the defilement of Jacob’s daughter Dinah at the hands of Shechem. Because of the nature of this chapter, we will leave the reading of Genesis 34 for the teaching time after halftime once kids are dismissed. Want to note that the teaching will allude to r-pe, discuss circumcision as a means of facilitating murder, and briefly mention another inappropriate relationship between Reuben and one of his father’s concubines. While the preacher may not mention the words s-x or r-pe, the subject itself is unavoidable given the narration.

Because of these mature themes, on this particular Sunday we will add an extra children’s class for ages 7-11 during the 10:30 worship gathering, taught and led by Renew Kids Director Abbey, in the Observatory. (Thank you Abbey as well as Dan M. for serving in this way!) This is in addition to the usual kids classes (Littles and Bigs) in the West end.

Call to Worship

A psalm of David.Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
be not envious of wrongdoers!
2 For they will soon fade like the grass
and wither like the green herb.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.

7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!

—Psalm 37:1-7

Genesis 34:1-31

The Defiling of Dinah34 Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to see the women of the land. 2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he seized her and lay with her and humiliated her. 3 And his soul was drawn to Dinah the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young woman and spoke tenderly to her. 4 So Shechem spoke to his father Hamor, saying, “Get me this girl for my wife.”

5 Now Jacob heard that he had defiled his daughter Dinah. But his sons were with his livestock in the field, so Jacob held his peace until they came. 6 And Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to speak with him. 7 The sons of Jacob had come in from the field as soon as they heard of it, and the men were indignant and very angry, because he had done an outrageous thing in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter, for such a thing must not be done.

8 But Hamor spoke with them, saying, “The soul of my son Shechem longs for your daughter. Please give her to him to be his wife. 9 Make marriages with us. Give your daughters to us, and take our daughters for yourselves. 10 You shall dwell with us, and the land shall be open to you. Dwell and trade in it, and get property in it.” 11 Shechem also said to her father and to her brothers, “Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you say to me I will give. 12 Ask me for as great a bride-price and gift as you will, and I will give whatever you say to me. Only give me the young woman to be my wife.”

13 The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully, because he had defiled their sister Dinah. 14 They said to them, “We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a disgrace to us. 15 Only on this condition will we agree with you—that you will become as we are by every male among you being circumcised. 16 Then we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters to ourselves, and we will dwell with you and become one people. 17 But if you will not listen to us and be circumcised, then we will take our daughter, and we will be gone.”

18 Their words pleased Hamor and Hamor’s son Shechem. 19 And the young man did not delay to do the thing, because he delighted in Jacob’s daughter. Now he was the most honored of all his father’s house. 20 So Hamor and his son Shechem came to the gate of their city and spoke to the men of their city, saying, 21 “These men are at peace with us; let them dwell in the land and trade in it, for behold, the land is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters as wives, and let us give them our daughters. 22 Only on this condition will the men agree to dwell with us to become one people—when every male among us is circumcised as they are circumcised. 23 Will not their livestock, their property and all their beasts be ours? Only let us agree with them, and they will dwell with us.” 24 And all who went out of the gate of his city listened to Hamor and his son Shechem, and every male was circumcised, all who went out of the gate of his city.

25 On the third day, when they were sore, two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords and came against the city while it felt secure and killed all the males. 26 They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the sword and took Dinah out of Shechem’s house and went away. 27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain and plundered the city, because they had defiled their sister. 28 They took their flocks and their herds, their donkeys, and whatever was in the city and in the field. 29 All their wealth, all their little ones and their wives, all that was in the houses, they captured and plundered.

30 Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me stink to the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites and the Perizzites. My numbers are few, and if they gather themselves against me and attack me, I shall be destroyed, both I and my household.” 31 But they said, “Should he treat our sister like a prostitute?”

New City CatechismQuestion 38: What is prayer?

Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God.

Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God in praise, petition, confession of sin, and thanksgiving.

Psalm 62:8
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

Prayer: Our Great Refuge, thank You for calling us to prayer. You are not far away; You are near, and You hear us when we pray. Let us pour out our hearts to You without ceasing. Let us pray without guile, bringing our true selves before Your throne of grace. Amen.

2024-02-18-gathering-planDownload

Announcements: See gathering guide (PDF) above * See the Renew Church Calendar on Church Center » Godrenews.churchcenter.com/calendar * Women’s Bible study each Tuesday evening at 6:30 AM; talk with Anna or Abbey for details. * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM*, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Register for the men’s retreat with Harbor Network (March 8-10) * Year of Preparation: read the Bible in 2024

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence

—2 Peter 1:2-3

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View Details

We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or if necessary, via livestream below.

Sunday morning gathering at 10:30 AMLivestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/NTloMnADv14

Call to Worship

A Song of Ascents.I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.

—Psalm 121:1-8

Genesis 33:1-20

Jacob Meets Esau33 And Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two female servants. 2 And he put the servants with their children in front, then Leah with her children, and Rachel and Joseph last of all. 3 He himself went on before them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

4 But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. 5 And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” 6 Then the servants drew near, they and their children, and bowed down. 7 Leah likewise and her children drew near and bowed down. And last Joseph and Rachel drew near, and they bowed down. 8 Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company that I met?” Jacob answered, “To find favor in the sight of my lord.” 9 But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.” 10 Jacob said, “No, please, if I have found favor in your sight, then accept my present from my hand. For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me. 11 Please accept my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” Thus he urged him, and he took it.

12 Then Esau said, “Let us journey on our way, and I will go ahead of you.” 13 But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and that the nursing flocks and herds are a care to me. If they are driven hard for one day, all the flocks will die. 14 Let my lord pass on ahead of his servant, and I will lead on slowly, at the pace of the livestock that are ahead of me and at the pace of the children, until I come to my lord in Seir.”

15 So Esau said, “Let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” 16 So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. 17 But Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built himself a house and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

18 And Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, on his way from Paddan-aram, and he camped before the city. 19 And from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, he bought for a hundred pieces of money the piece of land on which he had pitched his tent. 20 There he erected an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel.

New City CatechismQuestion 37: How does the Holy Spirit help us?

The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, and he enables us to pray and to understand God’s Word.

The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, comforts us, guides us, gives us spiritual gifts and the desire to obey God; and he enables us to pray and to understand God’s Word.

Ephesians 6:17-18
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.

Prayer: God the Spirit, have Your way in us. Shine Your light on the secret sins of our hearts. Equip us for tasks that are too large for us. Make us glad in what delights You. Intercede for us and open our eyes to rightly understand the Word of truth. Amen.

2024-02-11-gathering-planDownload

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence

—2 Peter 1:2-3

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View Details

We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or if necessary, via livestream below.

Sunday morning gathering at 10:30 AMLivestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/NTloMnADv14

Call to Worship

To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.62 For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

3 How long will all of you attack a man
to batter him,
like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.63 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
4 So I will bless you as long as I live;
in your name I will lift up my hands.

—Psalm 62:1-3; 63:1-4

Genesis 32:1-32

Jacob Fears Esau32 Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. 2 And when Jacob saw them he said, “This is God’s camp!” So he called the name of that place Mahanaim.

3 And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom, 4 instructing them, “Thus you shall say to my lord Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob, ‘I have sojourned with Laban and stayed until now. 5 I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight.’”

6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.” 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps, 8 thinking, “If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape.”

9 And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,’ 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps. 11 Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children. 12 But you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’”

13 So he stayed there that night, and from what he had with him he took a present for his brother Esau, 14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15 thirty milking camels and their calves, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. 16 These he handed over to his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass on ahead of me and put a space between drove and drove.” 17 He instructed the first, “When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, ‘To whom do you belong? Where are you going? And whose are these ahead of you?’ 18 then you shall say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a present sent to my lord Esau. And moreover, he is behind us.’” 19 He likewise instructed the second and the third and all who followed the droves, “You shall say the same thing to Esau when you find him, 20 and you shall say, ‘Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.” 21 So the present passed on ahead of him, and he himself stayed that night in the camp.

Jacob Wrestles with God22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” 31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip on the sinew of the thigh.

New City CatechismQuestion 36: What do we believe about the Holy Spirit?

That He is God, coeternal with the Father and the Son.

That He is God, coeternal with the Father and the Son, and that God grants Him irrevocably to all who believe.

John 14:16–17
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

Prayer: God Our Help, we thank you for sending your Spirit to live in us. Thank you that he chastens and disciplines, strengthens and comforts us. Let us live the life of faith in his power, not our own. Let us walk the path of obedience, filled with his joy. Amen.

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

—Galatians 3:7-9

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or if necessary, via livestream below.

Sunday morning gathering at 10:30 AMLivestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/zADGW8HQgl8

Call to Worship

I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you
and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable.

—Psalm 145:1-3

Genesis 31:1-55

Jacob Flees from Laban31 Now Jacob heard that the sons of Laban were saying, “Jacob has taken all that was our father’s, and from what was our father’s he has gained all this wealth.” 2 And Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him with favor as before. 3 Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”

4 So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah into the field where his flock was 5 and said to them, “I see that your father does not regard me with favor as he did before. But the God of my father has been with me. 6 You know that I have served your father with all my strength, 7 yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times. But God did not permit him to harm me. 8 If he said, ‘The spotted shall be your wages,’ then all the flock bore spotted; and if he said, ‘The striped shall be your wages,’ then all the flock bore striped. 9 Thus God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me. 10 In the breeding season of the flock I lifted up my eyes and saw in a dream that the goats that mated with the flock were striped, spotted, and mottled. 11 Then the angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob,’ and I said, ‘Here I am!’ 12 And he said, ‘Lift up your eyes and see, all the goats that mate with the flock are striped, spotted, and mottled, for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to me. Now arise, go out from this land and return to the land of your kindred.’” 14 Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, “Is there any portion or inheritance left to us in our father’s house? 15 Are we not regarded by him as foreigners? For he has sold us, and he has indeed devoured our money. 16 All the wealth that God has taken away from our father belongs to us and to our children. Now then, whatever God has said to you, do.”

17 So Jacob arose and set his sons and his wives on camels. 18 He drove away all his livestock, all his property that he had gained, the livestock in his possession that he had acquired in Paddan-aram, to go to the land of Canaan to his father Isaac. 19 Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel stole her father’s household gods. 20 And Jacob tricked Laban the Aramean, by not telling him that he intended to flee. 21 He fled with all that he had and arose and crossed the Euphrates, and set his face toward the hill country of Gilead.

22 When it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob had fled, 23 he took his kinsmen with him and pursued him for seven days and followed close after him into the hill country of Gilead. 24 But God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream by night and said to him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.”

25 And Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country, and Laban with his kinsmen pitched tents in the hill country of Gilead. 26 And Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done, that you have tricked me and driven away my daughters like captives of the sword? 27 Why did you flee secretly and trick me, and did not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with mirth and songs, with tambourine and lyre? 28 And why did you not permit me to kiss my sons and my daughters farewell? Now you have done foolishly. 29 It is in my power to do you harm. But the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ 30 And now you have gone away because you longed greatly for your father’s house, but why did you steal my gods?” 31 Jacob answered and said to Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I thought that you would take your daughters from me by force. 32 Anyone with whom you find your gods shall not live. In the presence of our kinsmen point out what I have that is yours, and take it.” Now Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them.

33 So Laban went into Jacob’s tent and into Leah’s tent and into the tent of the two female servants, but he did not find them. And he went out of Leah’s tent and entered Rachel’s. 34 Now Rachel had taken the household gods and put them in the camel’s saddle and sat on them. Laban felt all about the tent, but did not find them. 35 And she said to her father, “Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise before you, for the way of women is upon me.” So he searched but did not find the household gods.

36 Then Jacob became angry and berated Laban. Jacob said to Laban, “What is my offense? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued me? 37 For you have felt through all my goods; what have you found of all your household goods? Set it here before my kinsmen and your kinsmen, that they may decide between us two. 38 These twenty years I have been with you. Your ewes and your female goats have not miscarried, and I have not eaten the rams of your flocks. 39 What was torn by wild beasts I did not bring to you. I bore the loss of it myself. From my hand you required it, whether stolen by day or stolen by night. 40 There I was: by day the heat consumed me, and the cold by night, and my sleep fled from my eyes. 41 These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. 42 If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been on my side, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God saw my affliction and the labor of my hands and rebuked you last night.”

43 Then Laban answered and said to Jacob, “The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine. But what can I do this day for these my daughters or for their children whom they have borne? 44 Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I. And let it be a witness between you and me.” 45 So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. 46 And Jacob said to his kinsmen, “Gather stones.” And they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there by the heap. 47 Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed. 48 Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me today.” Therefore he named it Galeed, 49 and Mizpah, for he said, “The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one another’s sight. 50 If you oppress my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, although no one is with us, see, God is witness between you and me.”

51 Then Laban said to Jacob, “See this heap and the pillar, which I have set between you and me. 52 This heap is a witness, and the pillar is a witness, that I will not pass over this heap to you, and you will not pass over this heap and this pillar to me, to do harm. 53 The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac, 54 and Jacob offered a sacrifice in the hill country and called his kinsmen to eat bread. They ate bread and spent the night in the hill country.

55 Early in the morning Laban arose and kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned home.

New City CatechismQuestion 35: Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through faith alone, where does this faith come from?

All the gifts we receive from Christ we receive through the Holy Spirit, including faith itself.

Titus 3:4–6
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, You sought us when we could not seek You because we were dead in our trespasses and sins. You are the giver of our faith; none of us would believe apart from Your regenerating grace, by which You make hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. Let us put aside all boasting in light of Your undeserved mercy. Amen.

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

—Romans 11:33-36

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or if necessary, via livestream below.

Sunday morning gathering at 10:30 AM on Christmas EveLivestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/lOcm0nEULfE

Call to Worship

“How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your delights.

For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light.”

—Psalm 36:7-9

2023-12-31-gathering-planDownload

Gospel of Matthew 2:1-23

The Visit of the Wise Men2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

The Flight to Egypt13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Herod Kills the Children16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”

The Return to Nazareth19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Advent Catechism: The LongingThe birth announcement of Jesus changed everything; history was interrupted.
As news spread of the birth of the Messiah, many traveled to worship the promised King.
Some 30 years later, before returning to be with the Father, Jesus fulfilled everything necessary for humanity’s rescue.
Jesus is with us, but now we long to be with Him in His glory.
In celebration, preparation, and humble anticipation, we wait.

prayer: God, in our waiting, You came and You changed everything. In perfect love, You fulfilled everything through Your Son Jesus. We have been given everything in Jesus and need nothing more. You alone are enough. We long to be with You in Your glory. As we wait, our anticipation grows and our longing deepens. Give us strength to wait in delight, as we experience Your deep love and faithfulness now. Your love holds everything together. Amen.

Announcements: See gathering guide (PDF) above * See the Renew Church Calendar on Church Center » Godrenews.churchcenter.com/calendar * Today we wrapped our much-anticipated Advent family celebration, which in December took place during our usual discipleship hour (9:30). * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM*, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Year of Preparation: read the Bible in 2024

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

The Son of Man Is Given Dominion
13 “I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
14 And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed.

—Daniel 7:13-14

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Happy New Year!

Twenty Twenty-four can be an epic year. How’s how…Make one resolution this year:I will build an altar to God each day.My voice shall You hear in the morning, O LORD;in the morning will I direct my prayer to You, and will look up.—Psalm 5:3Begin each day looking up to God, worshiping Him and responding to His ever-present love! Though you may fail (repeatedly), His love never fails and His faithfulness never runs out.Whether we turn aside to the left (in apathetic self-pleasing, essentially apathy) or to the right (in stressed-out self-effort, aka angst), Jesus is willing to come rescue us, put us back on the good path, and lead us onward with grace-driven effort!

“The most transformative thing you can do is begin to spend unhurried time with God on a regular basis for the rest of your life.There’s lots of other things, of course. But this is the one thing; the spring.”—John Starke

Here’s a quick word about some good Bible reading plans, with brief descriptions of the features of each.“Nothing but the simplest impulses gets accomplished without some forethought, which we call a plan.”—John PiperFirst off: a plan is merely a guide, a tool to help. Know this about yourself: are you already a self-starter and follow through with your goals? (If you already have motivation, then a plan might feel constraining.) Or do you need structure to order your days? Most of us — your pastors included — tend to need a gentle reminder about what to do each day. Plans are helpful guides. They remind you of commitments made long before you didn’t feel like following through on a given day.

“The most important daily habit we can possess is to remind ourselves of the Gospel.”—Charles Spurgeon

This is why we began 2024 building the altar to God in our lives. This continues with each new year, on every NEW DAY!

Now for the plans … (note: there are mobile links below as well, including the helpful smartphone/tablet app YouVersion Bible).

Have a plan.New: Bible Project read the whole Bible in a year (PDF with links here). Spent the year in Scripture, tracking with one unified Story that leads to Jesus. This daily Bible reading plan runs from Genesis to Revelation, from Creation to Heaven, over twelve months, with relevant links to book guides, overview videos (Bible Projects noted animations), thematic videos, and helpful articles. (Bible Project had many other reading plans as well, plus a new mobile app.) All of these instructive and helpful illustrated videos and articles produced by Bible Project (locally in Portland).

More Reading PlansFirst up, the ESV Study Bible Reading Plan, a year-long adventure following four ‘streams’ of writings. You’ll track with four genres of types of writings all throughout the year. Rather than plow through the Psalms and Proverbs all at once, you’re revisit a new one each day. The same with the New Testament, the doctrines of grace and redemption found in Jesus will be on display each time you open the Bible. (Seem daunting? Try the two-year plan outlined below.)

| Reading Plan | Format | | --- | --- | | ESV Study Bible (One-Year Plan)Daily readings in four places: Psalms or Wisdom Literature; Pentateuch or the History of Israel; Chronicles or Prophets; and Gospels or Epistles. Suggest reading three chapters in the morning and revisit for fourth in the evening. The printed plan can be cut into bookmarks for the four ‘streams’ in your Bible, or let a smartphone app be your bookmark and read with Bible in hand. | webpage | RSS | iCal | Mobile | Print | Email |

Reading through the whole Bible in a year takes a time investment of 10-15 minutes each day. Yet, if you will carve out the time to know Jesus, He will change you. Plan to linger a bit, praying over the needs around you and ask God to give you light for your path.

| M’Cheyne One-Year Reading PlanDaily Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms or Gospels. Can read from all four columns in order, or pause at different times of the day. (This is the plan I’ve been following for a few years.) Alternative idea: spread it over two years by reading two columns this year, and two next. | RSS | iCal | Mobile | Print | Email |

Both the ESV Daily Bible Reading Plan and M’Cheyne plan are available in the Bible app created by YouVersion for iOS and Android. Bible.com has other whole Bible reading plans.

Shorter or SlowerBut what if tackling the whole Bible seems daunting? Well it is an epic goal. In the same investment each morning, about ten minutes, you can read through the New Testament in six months. That’s a great start!

| Reading Plan | Format | | --- | --- | | Outreach New TestamentDaily New Testament. Read through the New Testament in 6 months. | webpage | RSS | iCal | Mobile | Print | Email |

Or, go half the pace for twice the effect: reading the whole Bible over two years, since it is better to read the whole Bible through carefully one time in two years than hastily in one year.

| Reading Plan | Format | | --- | --- | | Two-Year Reading PlanTake in half-speed, reading through the whole Bible in two years; daily readings in both Old and New Testaments. At the end of two years you will have read through the Psalms and Proverbs four times and the rest of the Bible once. There actually is some ingenius wisdom behind following a two-year plan. | Print |

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There are many more good plans out there. Trent Hunter’s “The Bible-Eater Plan” is an innovative new approach that has you reading whole chapters, along with quarterly attention to specific books (sit down and read a whole book every few months). The plan especially highlights OT chapters that are crucial to the storyline of Scripture and redemptive fulfillment in Christ.

Whatever plan you choose, don’t sweat it. Just find a plan and run with it. We didn’t want to overwhelm you with a vast menu. Feel free to browse and well as others thoughtfully constructed whole Bible reading plans to help you learn from Jesus.

There are other Reading Plans for ESV Editions too. Crossway has made them accessible in multiple formats:

web (a new reading each day appears online at the same link)
RSS (subscribe to receive by RSS)
podcast (subscribe to get your daily reading in audio)
iCal (download an iCalendar file)
mobile (view a new reading each day on your mobile device)
print (download a PDF of the whole plan)

You can also access each of these Reading Plans as podcasts (to listen to an audio reading):

Right-click (Ctrl-click on a Mac) the “RSS” link of the feed you want from the above list.
Choose “Copy Link Location” or “Copy Shortcut.”
Start iTunes.
Under File, choose “Subscribe to Podcast.”
Paste the URL into the box.
Click OK.

We don’t have devotions and pray in order to avoid the guilt of not having devotions and not praying. We have devotions and pray to know Jesus and his Gospel, and revel in all that he is for us and all that he has won for us.Realize this is a community project.You need to share what God is saying to you and have others share what God is saying to them. Consider doing one of the above plans with a group of people, a spouse, a roommate, in your Community Group or your church leaders.

“If God doth such great things to teach us, we ought not to do little to learn.”—Jonathan Edwards

Don’t give up.I have missed meals in the past, but never gave up on eating. I just made sure I did not miss the next meal (and usually made up for it). You are going to miss days, often times multiple days. Repent of your neglect of God and press on in knowing him. Your righteousness is not in how consistent your devotional life is; it is in Jesus Christ who is constant and ever faithful. So, relax and pick up where you left off.

In previous years, I’ve outlined some wisdom on cultivating a Godward life, and Kari shared what it means to look up each morning, plus how she approaches daily Bible reading (listen here).

The beauty and joy of 2024 will not depend upon your circumstances, but upon your experience of the One you were made for. He has made exceedingly great promises to us. Let us seek Him first!

As much of Him that you want to experience, you will experience. He promises to reward those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

You may remember we studied God of Promise a few years ago, because God had a plan long before we ever did. Because He made promises to us, we repeat them back to Him. Because He first loved us, we respond by loving Him as the first priority in our lives. This is where we build an altar to God.

How much more powerful and life-changing is the movement of God’s Spirit when in the Renew family we’re all reading God’s Word in our homes, embracing and embodying the grace and truth of Jesus our King!

“The man who would truly know God must give time to Him.”—A.W. Tozer

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9/10/23. Renew Church gathering at 10:30 AM. Genesis 12-22

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or if necessary, via livestream below.

Sunday gathering at 10:30 AMLivestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/E9oiWzBkBxk?feature=share

Psalm 106

Give Thanks to the Lord, for He Is Good106 Praise the Lord!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord,
or declare all his praise?
3 Blessed are they who observe justice,
who do righteousness at all times!

4 Remember me, O Lord, when you show favor to your people;
help me when you save them,
5 that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones,
that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation,
that I may glory with your inheritance.

6 Both we and our fathers have sinned;
we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness.
7 Our fathers, when they were in Egypt,
did not consider your wondrous works;
they did not remember the abundance of your steadfast love,
but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea.
8 Yet he saved them for his name’s sake,
that he might make known his mighty power.
9 He rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry,
and he led them through the deep as through a desert.
10 So he saved them from the hand of the foe
and redeemed them from the power of the enemy.
11 And the waters covered their adversaries;
not one of them was left.
12 Then they believed his words;
they sang his praise.

13 But they soon forgot his works;
they did not wait for his counsel.
14 But they had a wanton craving in the wilderness,
and put God to the test in the desert;
15 he gave them what they asked,
but sent a wasting disease among them.

16 When men in the camp were jealous of Moses
and Aaron, the holy one of the Lord,
17 the earth opened and swallowed up Dathan,
and covered the company of Abiram.
18 Fire also broke out in their company;
the flame burned up the wicked.

19 They made a calf in Horeb
and worshiped a metal image.
20 They exchanged the glory of God
for the image of an ox that eats grass.
21 They forgot God, their Savior,
who had done great things in Egypt,
22 wondrous works in the land of Ham,
and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.
23 Therefore he said he would destroy them—
had not Moses, his chosen one,
stood in the breach before him,
to turn away his wrath from destroying them.

24 Then they despised the pleasant land,
having no faith in his promise.
25 They murmured in their tents,
and did not obey the voice of the Lord.
26 Therefore he raised his hand and swore to them
that he would make them fall in the wilderness,
27 and would make their offspring fall among the nations,
scattering them among the lands.

28 Then they yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor,
and ate sacrifices offered to the dead;
29 they provoked the Lord to anger with their deeds,
and a plague broke out among them.
30 Then Phinehas stood up and intervened,
and the plague was stayed.
31 And that was counted to him as righteousness
from generation to generation forever.

32 They angered him at the waters of Meribah,
and it went ill with Moses on their account,
33 for they made his spirit bitter,
and he spoke rashly with his lips.

34 They did not destroy the peoples,
as the Lord commanded them,
35 but they mixed with the nations
and learned to do as they did.
36 They served their idols,
which became a snare to them.
37 They sacrificed their sons
and their daughters to the demons;
38 they poured out innocent blood,
the blood of their sons and daughters,
whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan,
and the land was polluted with blood.
39 Thus they became unclean by their acts,
and played the whore in their deeds.

40 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against his people,
and he abhorred his heritage;
41 he gave them into the hand of the nations,
so that those who hated them ruled over them.
42 Their enemies oppressed them,
and they were brought into subjection under their power.
43 Many times he delivered them,
but they were rebellious in their purposes
and were brought low through their iniquity.

44 Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress,
when he heard their cry.
45 For their sake he remembered his covenant,
and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
46 He caused them to be pitied
by all those who held them captive.

47 Save us, O Lord our God,
and gather us from among the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
and glory in your praise.

48 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting!
And let all the people say, “Amen!”
Praise the Lord!

2023-08-27-gathering-guideDownloadAnnouncements: See gathering guide (PDF) above * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Gathering in house churches next Sunday, September 3rd. » Questions or need to connect with a house church? Send a note to hello at Godrenews.us. * Discipleship classes begin again, Sunday, September 10th at 9:30 AM, followed by worship gathering at 10:30. » Registration will be live on church center this Friday, September 1st. * Have photos to share from Family Camp? » Send to hello at Godrenews.us or via Dropbox. * Renew Family Camp 2024* is already booked! Plan for it: August 2-4, 2024 at Metzler Park

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

—Psalm 145:10-13

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8/20/23. Renew Church gathering at 10:30 AM. Psalm 105

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7/30/23. Renew Church gathering at 10:30 AM. Psalm 103

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7/23/23. Renew Church gathering at 10:30 AM. Psalm 102

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7/16/23. Renew Church gathering at 10:30 AM. Psalm 101

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7/9/23. Renew Church gathering at 10:30 AM. Psalm 100

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6/25/23. Renew Church gathering at 10:30 AM. Psalm 98

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6/18/23. Renew Church gathering at 10:30 AM. Psalm 97

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6/11/23. Renew Church gathering at 10:30 AM. Psalm 96

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or if necessary, via livestream below. We meet at 9:30 for discipleship classes for all ages as well.

Sunday gathering at 10:30 AMLivestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/clTaYDT3NLI?feature=share

Genesis 28

The Sacrifice of Isaac22 After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” 6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. 7 And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8 Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.

9 When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”

15 And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba. And Abraham lived at Beersheba.

20 Now after these things it was told to Abraham, “Behold, Milcah also has borne children to your brother Nahor: 21 Uz his firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel the father of Aram, 22 Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel.” 23 (Bethuel fathered Rebekah.) These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother. 24 Moreover, his concubine, whose name was Reumah, bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.

2023-05-28-gathering-guideDownloadAnnouncements: See gathering guide (PDF) above * Meeting in house churches next Sunday 6/4 to begin June * Discipleship classes continue Sunday 6/11 at 9:30 AM. Registration open on Planning Center*. * Women’s Bible study is Tuesday @ 6:30 PM. » Reply to this email or reach Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Registration is now up for Family Camp at Metzler Park (August 11-13).

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction(Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

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Sunday gathering at 10:30 AMLivestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/clTaYDT3NLI?feature=share

Genesis 21

The Birth of Isaac21 The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. 2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. 3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. 5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6 And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” 7 And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”

God Protects Hagar and Ishmael8 And the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. 9 But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, laughing. 10 So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.” 11 And the thing was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. 13 And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.” 14 So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.

15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the child under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot, for she said, “Let me not look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. 17 And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. 20 And God was with the boy, and he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow. 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

A Treaty with Abimelech22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. 23 Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my descendants or with my posterity, but as I have dealt kindly with you, so you will deal with me and with the land where you have sojourned.” 24 And Abraham said, “I will swear.”

25 When Abraham reproved Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech’s servants had seized, 26 Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, and I have not heard of it until today.” 27 So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant. 28 Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock apart. 29 And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs that you have set apart?” 30 He said, “These seven ewe lambs you will take from my hand, that this may be a witness for me that I dug this well.” 31 Therefore that place was called Beersheba, because there both of them swore an oath. 32 So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Then Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army rose up and returned to the land of the Philistines. 33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. 34 And Abraham sojourned many days in the land of the Philistines.

2023-05-21-gathering-guide-1DownloadAnnouncements: See gathering guide (PDF) above * Discipleship classes continue Sunday 5/21 at 9:30 AM. Next session begins 5/28. Registration open on Planning Center*. * Women’s Bible study is Tuesday @ 6:30 PM. » Reply to this email or reach Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Registration is now up for Family Camp at Metzler Park (August 11-13). * Also, a couple weeks ago Pastor Jeff noted some recommended resources for instruction on the mature themes noted in Genesis 19-20, for considering these at age-appropriate levels. Perhaps our mention of these themes will spark an interest in learning more.

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction(Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

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Sunday gathering at 10:30 AMLivestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/nV0xv5DwTkI?feature=share

Genesis 20

20 From there Abraham journeyed toward the territory of the Negeb and lived between Kadesh and Shur; and he sojourned in Gerar. 2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. 3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” 4 Now Abimelech had not approached her. So he said, “Lord, will you kill an innocent people? 5 Did he not himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.” 6 Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her. 7 Now then, return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, so that he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not return her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”

8 So Abimelech rose early in the morning and called all his servants and told them all these things. And the men were very much afraid. 9 Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done.” 10 And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you see, that you did this thing?” 11 Abraham said, “I did it because I thought, ‘There is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’ 12 Besides, she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father though not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife. 13 And when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, I said to her, ‘This is the kindness you must do me: at every place to which we come, say of me, “He is my brother.”’”

14 Then Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and returned Sarah his wife to him. 15 And Abimelech said, “Behold, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you.” 16 To Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is a sign of your innocence in the eyes of all who are with you, and before everyone you are vindicated.” 17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and also healed his wife and female slaves so that they bore children. 18 For the Lord had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

2023-05-14-gathering-guideDownloadAnnouncements:* See gathering guide (PDF) above * Discipleship classes continue Sunday 4/30 at 9:30 AM. Registration open on Planning Center. * All-church potluck lunch Sunday 4/30. * Women’s Bible study is Tuesday @ 6:30 PM. » Reply to this email or reach Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Registration is now up for Family Camp at Metzler Park (August 11-13). * A very happy and blessed Mother’s Day to all, and I (Pastor Jeff) send my best to you while guest preaching at another local Harbor Network church (Table Community Church in Hillsboro). * Also, a couple weeks ago I noted some recommended resources for instruction on the mature themes noted in Genesis 19-20, for considering these at age-appropriate levels. Perhaps our mention of these themes will spark an interest in learning more.

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

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With a word to parents…

A word from Pastor Jeff:

(audio & written)

Hello Renew family. This weekend we arrive at Genesis 19 and I wanted to give you heads up, as two scenes in particular describe sexual immorality. Early in the passage the men of Sodom are seeking to have inappropriate relations with the heavenly visitors (19:5), and Lot, knowing the wicked intentions of these men, offers his daughters instead (19:6-8). All of this is grievous. Later, Lot’s daughters get him drunk and lie with him in order to get pregnant (19:31-38). The details aren’t described, and so we will not linger on these points unnecessarily. But themes such as immorality, destruction, and judgment will be talked through, and I may mention the words sex, sexual immorality, homosexuality (sodom-y), and fornication. Those are the words I plan to use, along with mention of violence, force, and aggression, while foregoing the use of modern terms such as rape and incest, to describe the events of that passage. Even when mentioned, these categories will not be described in extended detail.

Sodom was a city overrun with sin and rebellion against their holy Creator. Yet the message of God’s judgment is accompanied with His mercy (19:12-22), and this passage is included in the Scriptures for our good. Let us forsake evil and sin, repenting as we turn to Christ, who satisfies our deepest longings and needs.

Just wanted you to have a heads up about the passage before you arrive on Sunday, particularly for parents. Looking forward to worshiping our good God with you!

Perhaps mention of these themes will spark an interest in learning more. Recommended resources for instruction at age-appropriate levels:

Books by Justin & Lindsey Holcomb: God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies, and God Made Me in His Image: Helping Children Appreciate Their Bodies
Parent Resources page at 423 Communities
article: “Sex and the Single Woman” by Fabienne Harford
book: “Holy Sexuality & the Gospel: Sex, Desire & Relationships Shaped by God’s Grand Story” by Christopher Yuan
article for married adults: “How Does Knowing Jesus Change How I Think About Sex?” by Tim Counts (a fellow Harbor Network pastor in NE)

Livestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/oXNMAXU_DVE?feature=share

Genesis 19

19 The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth 2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” 3 But he pressed them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house. And he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. 5 And they called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.” 6 Lot went out to the men at the entrance, shut the door after him, 7 and said, “I beg you, my brothers, do not act so wickedly. 8 Behold, I have two daughters who have not known any man. Let me bring them out to you, and do to them as you please. Only do nothing to these men, for they have come under the shelter of my roof.” 9 But they said, “Stand back!” And they said, “This fellow came to sojourn, and he has become the judge! Now we will deal worse with you than with them.” Then they pressed hard against the man Lot, and drew near to break the door down. 10 But the men reached out their hands and brought Lot into the house with them and shut the door. 11 And they struck with blindness the men who were at the entrance of the house, both small and great, so that they wore themselves out groping for the door.

12 Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone you have in the city, bring them out of the place. 13 For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.” 14 So Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, “Up! Get out of this place, for the Lord is about to destroy the city.” But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be jesting.

15 As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.” 16 But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. 17 And as they brought them out, one said, “Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.” 18 And Lot said to them, “Oh, no, my lords. 19 Behold, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness in saving my life. But I cannot escape to the hills, lest the disaster overtake me and I die. 20 Behold, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one. Let me escape there—is it not a little one?—and my life will be saved!” 21 He said to him, “Behold, I grant you this favor also, that I will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken. 22 Escape there quickly, for I can do nothing till you arrive there.” Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

23 The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar. 24 Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven. 25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. 26 But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

27 And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the Lord. 28 And he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the valley, and he looked and, behold, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace.

29 So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.

30 Now Lot went up out of Zoar and lived in the hills with his two daughters, for he was afraid to live in Zoar. So he lived in a cave with his two daughters. 31 And the firstborn said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is not a man on earth to come in to us after the manner of all the earth. 32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.” 33 So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father. He did not know when she lay down or when she arose.

34 The next day, the firstborn said to the younger, “Behold, I lay last night with my father. Let us make him drink wine tonight also. Then you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.” 35 So they made their father drink wine that night also. And the younger arose and lay with him, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. 36 Thus both the daughters of Lot became pregnant by their father. 37 The firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab. He is the father of the Moabites to this day. 38 The younger also bore a son and called his name Ben-ammi. He is the father of the Ammonites to this day.

Announcements:* See gathering guide (PDF) above * Discipleship classes continue Sunday 4/30 at 9:30 AM. Registration open on Planning Center. * All-church potluck lunch Sunday 4/30. * Women’s Bible study is Tuesday @ 6:30 PM. » Reply to this email or reach Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Registration is now up for Family Camp at Metzler Park (August 11-13).

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

—Hebrews 7:25-26

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or if necessary, via livestream below.

Livestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/zVx0YTnUEq0?feature=share

Ephesians 1:3-14

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

2023-04-23-gathering-guideDownloadAnnouncements:* See gathering guide (PDF) above, and announcement slides here * Discipleship classes continue next Sunday 4/30 at 9:30 AM. Registration open on Planning Center. * All-church potluck lunch next Sunday 4/30. * Women’s Bible study is Tuesday @ 6:30 PM. » Reply to this email or reach Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Mark your calendars: Family Camp at Metzler Park is booked for August 11-13. Registration for campsites (#12-25) will open up next month. If you’d like to book any days before/after the weekend, feel free to jump on the county website & reserve them for yourself, then let Anna know what site you chose.

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

—Hebrews 7:25-26

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or if necessary, via livestream below. We begin Sundays at 9:30 with discipleship classes for all ages.

Livestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/AwhR-EaKx6A?feature=share

Genesis 18

18 And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth 3 and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. 4 Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, 5 while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” 6 And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” 7 And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. 8 Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

9 They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” 10 The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13 The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” 15 But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”

16 Then the men set out from there, and they looked down toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to set them on their way. 17 The Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18 seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” 20 Then the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, 21 I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.”

22 So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. 23 Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” 26 And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”

27 Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. 28 Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” 29 Again he spoke to him and said, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.” 30 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Suppose thirty are found there.” He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.” 31 He said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.” 32 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” 33 And the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.

2023-04-16-gathering-guideDownloadAnnouncements:* See gathering guide (PDF) above * Discipleship classes pause next Sunday 4/23, and continue 4/30 at 9:30 AM. Registration open on Planning Center. * Women’s Getaway 2023 is next weekend, April 21-23. * Women’s Bible study is Tuesday @ 6:30 PM. » Reply to this email or reach Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Mark your calendars: Family Camp at Metzler Park is booked for August 11-13. Registration for campsites (#12-25) will open up next month. If you’d like to book any days before/after the weekend, feel free to jump on the county website & reserve them for yourself, then let Anna know what site you chose.

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

—Hebrews 7:25-26

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus, remembering His death, burial, and resurrection. Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or if necessary, via livestream below.

Livestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/5YwQJAXF85g?feature=share

Gospel of John 20:1-18

The Resurrection20 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

Announcements:* See gathering guide (PDF) above * Discipleship classes resume next Sunday 4/16 at 9:30 AM. Registration open on Planning Center. * Women’s Getaway 2023 is April 21-23; register here * Women’s Bible study is Tuesday @ 6:30 PM. » Reply to this email or reach Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Mark your calendars: Family Camp at Metzler Park is booked for August 11-13. Registration for campsites (#12-25) will open up next month. If you’d like to book any days before/after the weekend, feel free to jump on the county website & reserve them for yourself, then let Anna know what site you chose.

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

—1st Peter 3:3-5

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Join the Renew Church family for worship on Resurrection Sunday / Easter

This is the good news— the grave is empty; Jesus is risen!Hallelujah! (Praise God!)

This is the good news—
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never put it out.

Hallelujah!

This is the good news—
once we were no people;
now we are God’s people.

Hallelujah!

Christ is our peace,
the indestructible peace
we now share with each other.

Hallelujah!

Resurrection Sunday(For a full account of the events of this day, see Matthew 28:1–20, Mark 16:1–8, Luke 24:1–53, John 20:1–21:25.)

Early Sunday morning, some of Jesus’s friends set out for his grave to anoint the body of their friend and teacher. When they arrive, however, they are greeted by what one Gospel writer calls “a man dressed in lightning.” He tells them Jesus is not there, as he said. He is risen.

In the week leading up to his death, the Good Shepherd went out to meet the wolves of judgment, sin, and death—and he did so with all authority. One might wonder, what good has it ever done anyone to die for some cause? This is the glorious beauty of the gospel. Jesus didn’t die as a martyr for a cause. He was never in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was never at the mercy of anyone. He lived, died, and was buried because he meant to be.

No one took his life from him. He laid it down. For whom? For his flock, his people.

And he laid it down only to take it up again (John 10:18). The point of the cross was not just to die, but to die and rise again, defeating the prowling wolves of sin and death themselves.

Easter says of Jesus, “He meant it! He meant to lay down his life for you. And as surely as he has taken it up again, he knows you and loves you.”

Walk with Jesus During His Last Week on EarthIn this video series, well-known New Testament scholars explore the background and significance of the history-shaping events that occurred during Jesus’s last week on earth. Designed as a supplement to The Final Days of Jesus, our prayer is that these videos will help deepen your understanding and experience of Holy Week.

Sunday, April 5, AD 33 *Finalizing this series during Holy Week, tracing the final days of Jesus, with help from book and series from Crossway and the Scripture text from the ESV Study Bible to attempt a harmon/chronology of the words and actions of Jesus in the final week of His pre-resurrection life. Video for each day included at the bottom of the reading.* * What happened on Holy Saturday, April 4, AD 33? * What happened on Good Friday, April 3, AD 33? * What happened on Maundy Thursday, April 2, AD 33? * What happened on Silent Wednesday, April 1, AD 33? * What happened on Tuesday, March 31, AD 33? * What happened on Monday, March 30, AD 33? * What happened Palm Sunday, March 29, AD 33, commencing Holy Week?

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Join the Renew Church family for worship on Resurrection Sunday / Easter *Continuing this series during Holy Week, tracing the final days of Jesus, with help from book and series from Crossway and the Scripture text from the ESV Study Bible to attempt a harmon/chronology of the words and actions of Jesus in the final week of His pre-resurrection life. Video for each day included at the bottom of the reading.* * What happened on Friday, April 3, AD 33? * What happened on Thursday, April 2, AD 33? * What happened on Wednesday, April 1, AD 33? * What happened on Tuesday, March 31, AD 33? * What happened on Monday, March 30, AD 33? * What happened Palm Sunday, March 29, AD 33, commencing Holy Week?

Today we remember Holy Saturday, a moment of pausing and waiting with the first Disciples to see if Jesus’ promises of rising again to life would come true.Saturday—The Forgotten Day For a full account of the events of this day as found in the Gospels, see Matthew 27:62–66:

The Guard at the Tomb 62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.

Less is written about the Saturday following Jesus’s crucifixion than any other in the scope of this week. Yet what makes it unique is that this is the only full day in history where the body of Christ lies buried in a cave.

Yesterday, he was crucified. Tomorrow, he rises from the grave. But what about today? Though we may not make much of this day, when we look at the few verses the Gospels give us about it, we find it was by no means forgotten by the chief priests who had handed Jesus over to death. During his earthly ministry, Jesus repeatedly said he would die in Jerusalem at the hands of the chief priests, yet on the third day rise again (e.g., Matt. 12:40; Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34).

Of course, the chief priests scoffed. But they didn’t forget it. On the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, Jesus’s prediction preoccupies their thoughts such that they simply can’t leave it alone. Matthew 27:62–66 tells the strange story of how they can’t dismiss out of hand the possibility that Jesus might know something they don’t.

Saturday, April 4, AD 33

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We gather on Good Friday to remember the crucified Son of God, let us listen to Scripture, sing hymns, and reflect on the goodness and mercy of God toward us in Christ.

Tonight at 5:30 & 7:00 PM we will gather in partnership and hosted by New Life Church across the river. Livestream link below »

Also, we begin a season of prayer, with attention and intention on following Christ. Signup for a time to pray here (Friday evening to Sunday morning).

Good FridayLivestream:

The 5:30 gathering will be live-streamed here as well.

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Even if we spent every Friday meditating on the significance of that Friday, we still couldn’t grasp the depths of His sacrificial Love. #GoodFridayJoin our Good Friday gatherings, partnering with and hosted by New Life Church, at 5:30 & 7:00 PM

And an emphasis on prayer and opportunity to pray together throughout Holy Weekend. (Choose a half hour time slot here.)

Follow Jesus Through Holy Week: Palm Sunday—Resurrection Sunday (March 29–April 6, AD 33)Why revisit the events of the final days of Jesus? Because this is the most important week—and He is the most important person—in the history of the world! These events of Holy Week are detailed in the four Gospels:

Matthew 21-28
Mark 11-16
Luke 19-24
John 12-20

*Continuing this series during Holy Week, tracing the final days of Jesus, with help from book and series from Crossway and the Scripture text from the ESV Study Bible to attempt a harmon/chronology of the words and actions of Jesus in the final week of His pre-resurrection life. Video for each day included at the bottom of the reading.* * What happened on Thursday, April 2, AD 33? * What happened on Wednesday, April 1, AD 33? * What happened on Tuesday, March 31, AD 33? * What happened on Monday, March 30, AD 33? * What happened Palm Sunday, March 29, AD 33, commencing Holy Week?

Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested by the authorities (perhaps after midnight, early Friday morning)Matthew 26:47-56

While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying,

“The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.”

And he came up to Jesus at once and said,

“Greetings, Rabbi!”

And he kissed him.

Jesus said to him,

“Friend, do what you came to do.”

Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. Then Jesus said to him,

“Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?”

At that hour Jesus said to the crowds,

“Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.”

Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Mark 14:43-52

And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying,

“The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.”

And when he came, he went up to him at once and said,

“Rabbi!”

And he kissed him. And they laid hands on him and seized him. But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. And Jesus said to them,

“Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.”

And they all left him and fled.

And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.

Luke 22:47-53

While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him,

“Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said,

“Lord, shall we strike with the sword?”

And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.

But Jesus said,

“No more of this!”

And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him,

“Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

John 18:2-12

Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them,

“Whom do you seek?”

They answered him,

“Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus said to them,

“I am he.”

Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them,

“I am he,”

they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again,

“Whom do you seek?”

And they said,

“Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus answered,

“I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.”

This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken:

“Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.”

Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter,

“Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him.

Jewish trial, phase 1: Jesus has a hearing before Annas (former high priest and Caiaphas’s father-in-law)John 18:13-14, 19-24

First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people. . . .

The high priest [i.e., Annas] then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him,

“I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.”

When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying,

“Is that how you answer the high priest?”

Jesus answered him,

“If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?”

Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Jewish trial, phase 2: Jesus stands trial before Caiaphas and part of the Sanhedrin

Matthew 26:57-68

Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered.

And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said,

“This man said,

‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’”

And the high priest stood up and said,

“Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?”

But Jesus remained silent.

And the high priest said to him,

“I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”

Jesus said to him,

“You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Then the high priest tore his robes and said,

“He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?”

They answered,

“He deserves death.”

Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying,

“Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”

Mark 14:53-65

And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying,

“We heard him say,

‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’”

Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus,

“Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?”

But he remained silent and made no answer.

Again the high priest asked him,

“Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

And Jesus said,

“I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

And the high priest tore his garments and said,

“What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?”

And they all condemned him as deserving death. And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him,

“Prophesy!”

And the guards received him with blows.

Peter denies JesusMatthew 26:69-75

Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said,

“You also were with Jesus the Galilean.”

But he denied it before them all, saying,

“I do not know what you mean.”

And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders,

“This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

And again he denied it with an oath:

“I do not know the man.”

After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter,

“Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.”

Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear,

“I do not know the man.”

And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus,

“Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”

And he went out and wept bitterly.

Mark 14:66-72

And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said,

“You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.”

But he denied it, saying,

“I neither know nor understand what you mean.”

And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders,

“This man is one of them.”

But again he denied it.

And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter,

“Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”

But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear,

“I do not know this man of whom you speak.”

And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him,

“Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”

And he broke down and wept.

Luke 22:55-62

And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them.

Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said,

“This man also was with him.”

But he denied it, saying,

“Woman, I do not know him.”

And a little later someone else saw him and said,

“You also are one of them.”

But Peter said,

“Man, I am not.”

And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying,

“Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.”

But Peter said,

“Man, I do not know what you are talking about.”

And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him,

“Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.”

And he went out and wept bitterly.

John 18:15-18, 25-27

Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in.

The servant girl at the door said to Peter,

“You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?”

He said,

“I am not.”

Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. They also blindfolded him and kept asking him,

“Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?”

And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him.

Perhaps after sunrise, phase 3 of Jesus’ Jewish trial: final consultation before the full Sanhedrin; sent to PilateMatthew 27:1-2

When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.

And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor.

Mark 15:1

And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole Council.

And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate.

Luke 22:66-71

When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said,

“If you are the Christ, tell us.”

But he said to them,

“If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”

So they all said,

“Are you the Son of God, then?”

And he said to them,

“You say that I am.”

Then they said,

“What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.”

Judas hangs himselfMatthew 27:3-10

Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying,

“I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”

They said,

“What is that to us? See to it yourself.”

And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.

But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said,

“It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.”

So they took counsel and bought with them the potter’s field as a burial place for strangers. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying,

“And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.”

Phase 1 of Jesus’ Roman trial: first appearance before Pontius Pilate; sent to Herod AntipasMatthew 27:11-14

Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him,

“Are you the King of the Jews?”

Jesus said,

“You have said so.”

But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer.

Then Pilate said to him,

“Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?”

But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

Mark 15:2-5

And Pilate asked him,

“Are you the King of the Jews?”

And he answered him,

“You have said so.”

And the chief priests accused him of many things.

And Pilate again asked him,

“Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.”

But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.

Luke 23:1-7

Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying,

“We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.”

And Pilate asked him,

“Are you the King of the Jews?”

And he answered him,

“You have said so.”

Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds,

“I find no guilt in this man.”

But they were urgent, saying,

“He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”

When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time.

Phase 2 of Jesus’ Roman trial: appears before Herod Antipas; sent back to Pontius Pilate

Luke 23:6-12

When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.

So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer.

The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him.

And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him.

Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.

And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

Phase 3 of Jesus’ Roman trial: Jesus’ second appearance before Pilate; condemned to dieMatthew 27:15-26Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them,

“Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him,

“Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.”

Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.

The governor again said to them,

“Which of the two do you want me to release for you?”

And they said,

“Barabbas.”

Pilate said to them,

“Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”

They all said,

“Let him be crucified!”

And he said,

“Why, what evil has he done?”

But they shouted all the more,

“Let him be crucified!”

So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying,

“I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.”

And all the people answered,

“His blood be on us and on our children!”

Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.

Mark 15:6-15Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. And he answered them, saying,

“Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?”

For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.

But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead.

And Pilate again said to them,

“Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?”

And they cried out again,

“Crucify him.”

And Pilate said to them,

“Why, what evil has he done?”

But they shouted all the more,

“Crucify him.”

So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

Luke 23:13-25Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them,

“You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people.

And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him.

Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us.

Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him.

I will therefore punish and release him.”

But they all cried out together,

“Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”—

a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder.

Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting,

“Crucify, crucify him!”

A third time he said to them,

“Why, what evil has he done?

I have found in him no guilt deserving death.

I will therefore punish and release him.”

But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed.

So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted.

He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.

John 18:28-19:16Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. So Pilate went outside to them and said,

“What accusation do you bring against this man?”

They answered him,

“If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.”

Pilate said to them,

“Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.”

The Jews said to him,

“It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.”

This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him,

“Are you the King of the Jews?”

Jesus answered,

“Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?”

Pilate answered,

“Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?”

Jesus answered,

“My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

Then Pilate said to him,

“So you are a king?”

Jesus answered,

“You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

Pilate said to him,

“What is truth?”

After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them,

“I find no guilt in him.

But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover.

So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

They cried out again,

“Not this man, but Barabbas!”

Now Barabbas was a robber.

Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him.

And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe.

They came up to him, saying,

“Hail, King of the Jews!”

and struck him with their hands.

Pilate went out again and said to them,

“See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.”

So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe.

Pilate said to them,

“Behold the man!”

When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out,

“Crucify him, crucify him!”

Pilate said to them,

“Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.”

The Jews answered him,

“We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.”

When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid.

He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus,

“Where are you from?”

But Jesus gave him no answer.

So Pilate said to him,

“You will not speak to me?

Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?”

Jesus answered him,

“You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.

Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out,

“If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”

So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha.

Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour.

He said to the Jews,

“Behold your King!”

They cried out,

“Away with him, away with him, crucify him!”

Pilate said to them,

“Shall I crucify your King?”

The chief priests answered,

“We have no king but Caesar.”

So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

Jesus is crucified (from approximately 9 AM until Noon)Matthew 27:27-54

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him.

And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand.

And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying,

“Hail, King of the Jews!”

And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head.

And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.

As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross.

And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it.

And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. Then they sat down and kept watch over him there.

And over his head they put the charge against him, which read,

“This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”

Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left.

And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying,

“You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself!

If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”

So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying,

“He saved others; he cannot save himself.

He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.

He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him.

For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying,

“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”

that is,

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said,

“This man is calling Elijah.”

And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. But the others said,

“Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.”

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.

And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said,

“Truly this was the Son of God!”

Mark 15:16-39

And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion.And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him.And they began to salute him,

“Hail, King of the Jews!”

And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him.And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take.

And it was the third hour when they crucified him.

And the inscription of the charge against him read,

“The King of the Jews.”

And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left.

And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying,

“Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!”

So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying,

“He saved others; he cannot save himself.

Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.”

Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice,

“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?”

which means,

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

And some of the bystanders hearing it said,

“Behold, he is calling Elijah.”

And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying,

“Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.”

And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last.

And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.

And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said,

“Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Luke 23:26-49

And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.

And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him.

But turning to them Jesus said,

“Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say,

‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’

Then they will begin to say to the mountains,

‘Fall on us,’

and to the hills,

‘Cover us.’

For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.

And Jesus said,

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

And they cast lots to divide his garments.

And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying,

“He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!”

The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying,

“If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”

There was also an inscription over him,

“This is the King of the Jews.”

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying,

“Are you not the Christ?

Save yourself and us!”

But the other rebuked him, saying,

“Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”

And he said,

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

And he said to him,

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed.

And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.

Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said,

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!”

And having said this he breathed his last.

Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying,

“Certainly this man was innocent!”

And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.

John 19:16-37

So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.

Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read,

“Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”

Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate,

“Do not write,

‘The King of the Jews,’

but rather,

‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’”

Pilate answered,

“What I have written I have written.”

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another,

“Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.”

This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,

“They divided my garments among them,
and for my clothing they cast lots.”

So the soldiers did these things, but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother,

“Woman, behold, your son!”

Then he said to the disciple,

“Behold, your mother!”

And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture),

“I thirst.”

A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said,

“It is finished,”

and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled:

“Not one of his bones will be broken.”

And again another Scripture says,

“They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

Friday, April 3, AD 33Look to Christ and walk with Jesus During His Last Week on EarthIn these uncertain times, believers can take solace in the unchanging nature of God toward us, His beloved children. Be reminded of the truth of the gospel and encourage others among you to do the same by downloading the free ebook The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Justin Taylor with Alexander E. Stewart.

Download the Free EbookPDF | MOBI | EPUB *With help from The Final Days of Jesus series from Crossway, and using that book by the same name and the ESV Study Bible to attempt a harmon/chronology of the words and actions of Jesus in the final week of His pre-resurrection life. Video for each day included at the bottom of the reading.* * Utilize this chart [PDF] as a Scripture guide for following the Gospel narratives and Old Testament promises linked to each movement in the most important week of the most important person who ever lived

Related: a personal Bible study guide [PDF] for following the events of Holy/Passion Week, based on these same Scriptures

In this video series, well-known New Testament scholars explore the background and significance of the history-shaping events that occurred during Jesus’s last week on earth. Designed as a supplement to The Final Days of Jesus, our prayer is that these videos will help deepen your understanding and experience of Holy Week.

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Renew Church family,

Hello on this Good Friday! This Sunday we gather at 10:30 AM all together on Resurrection Sunday (aka Easter). There is so much more happening and to accompany this emphasis of the death-burial-and-resurrection of King Jesus!

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Announcements: Prayer emphasis & opportunities for signup between Friday evening & Sunday morning: signup for prayer here! * Good Friday gathering in partnership and hosted by New Life Church – West Linn @ 5:30 & 7:00 PM (all ages together). Will be live-streamed here as well. * Sunrise service 6:30 AM led by New Life – Oregon City; a brief gathering at sunrise to sing, proclaim the gospel of our risen Lord, and pray, at Mountain View cemetery, 500 Hilda St, OC * Resurrection Sunday gathering as Renew Church all together at 10:30 AM*

Follow the events of Holy Week, including Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday.Announcements for the coming week: Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday, 6:30 PM. » Email Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. * Renew Men’s Huddle on Thursday, 6 AM at Coffee Rush (900 Main St. OC). * Women’s Getaway 2023 is booked for April 21-23 * Mark your calendars: Family Camp at Metzler Park is booked for August 11-13, 2023. * Next Sunday 4/16, we resume discipleship classes at 9:30 and whole church worship gathering at 10:30. More on this new pattern for Sundays (9:30 & 10:30) here. * Online giving to Renew Church here, or checks mailed to PO Box 3222, Oregon City, OR 97045*

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We arrive at the day known as “Maundy Thursday,” signified as Jesus took the form of a slave and washed His disciples feet.The English word maundy is derived from mandé (Middle English and Old French), from the Latin mandatum (also the origin of the English word “mandate”) noted as first word of the Latin Scripture (Vulgate) “Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos” (“A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”) —Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John 13:34 as He explains the weight and meaning of washing their feet.

Matthew 21-28
Mark 11-16
Luke 19-24
John 12-20

*Continuing this series during Holy Week, tracing the final days of Jesus, with help from book and series from Crossway and the Scripture text from the ESV Study Bible to attempt a harmon/chronology of the words and actions of Jesus in the final week of His pre-resurrection life. Video for each day included at the bottom of the reading.* * What happened on Wednesday, April 1, AD 33? * What happened on Tuesday, March 31, AD 33? * What happened on Monday, March 30, AD 33? * What happened Palm Sunday, March 29, AD 33, commencing Holy Week?

Jesus instructs his Peter and John to secure a large upper room in a house in Jerusalem and to prepare for the Passover meal

Matthew 26:17-19

Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying,

“Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?”

He said,

“Go into the city to a certain man and say to him,

‘The Teacher says,

My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’”

And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.

Mark 14:12-16

And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him,

“Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?”

And he sent two of his disciples and said to them,

“Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house,

‘The Teacher says,

Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’

And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.”

And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

Luke 22:7-13

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.

So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying,

“Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.”

They said to him,

“Where will you have us prepare it?”

He said to them,

“Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters and tell the master of the house,

‘The Teacher says to you,

Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’

And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.”

And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

In the evening Jesus eats the Passover meal with the Twelve, tells them of the coming betrayal, and institutes the Lord’s Supper

Mathew 26:20-29

When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said,

“Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”

And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another,

“Is it I, Lord?”

He answered,

“He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

Judas, who would betray him, answered,

“Is it I, Rabbi?”

He said to him,

“You have said so.”

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said,

“Take, eat; this is my body.”

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying,

“Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Mark 14:17-23And when it was evening, he came with the twelve. And as they were reclining at table and eating, Jesus said,

“Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.”

They began to be sorrowful and to say to him one after another,

“Is it I?”

He said to them,

“It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said,

“Take; this is my body.”

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them,

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Luke 22:14-30

And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them,

“I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said,

“Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying,

“This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying,

“This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!”

And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.

A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them,

“The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

“You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

After supper Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, interacts with them, and delivers the Upper Room DiscourseJohn 13:1-17:26Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper.

He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him,

“Lord, do you wash my feet?”

Jesus answered him,

“What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.”

Peter said to him,

“You shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered him,

“If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”

Simon Peter said to him,

“Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!”

Jesus said to him,

“The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.”

For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said,

“Not all of you are clean.”

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them,

“Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled,

‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’

I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified,

“Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”

The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table close to Jesus, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him,

“Lord, who is it?”

Jesus answered,

“It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.”

So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him,

“What you are going to do, do quickly.”

Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

When he had gone out, Jesus said,

“Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Simon Peter said to him,

“Lord, where are you going?”

Jesus answered him,

“Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.”

Peter said to him,

“Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

Jesus answered,

“Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”

Thomas said to him,

“Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

Jesus said to him,

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Philip said to him,

“Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”

Jesus said to him,

“Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say,

‘Show us the Father’?

Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

Judas (not Iscariot) said to him,

“Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?”

Jesus answered him,

“If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.

“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you,

‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’

If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you:

‘A servant is not greater than his master.’

If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled:

‘They hated me without a cause.’

“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.

“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.

“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me,

‘Where are you going?’

But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.”

So some of his disciples said to one another,

“What is this that he says to us,

‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’;

and,

‘because I am going to the Father’?”

So they were saying,

“What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.”

Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them,

“Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying,

‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’?

Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

His disciples said,

“Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.”

Jesus answered them,

“Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said,

“Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

“I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Jesus and the disciples sing a hymn together (probably from Psalms 113–118), then depart to the Mount of OlivesMatthew 26:30

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Mark 14:26

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Luke 22:39

And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.

Jesus foretells Peter’s denialsMatthew 26:31-35Then Jesus said to them,

“You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written,

‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Peter answered him,

“Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.”

Jesus said to him,

“Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”

Peter said to him,

“Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!”

And all the disciples said the same.

Mark 14:27-31

And Jesus said to them,

“You will all fall away, for it is written,

‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’

But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Peter said to him,

“Even though they all fall away, I will not.”

And Jesus said to him,

“Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”

But he said emphatically,

“If I must die with you, I will not deny you.”

And they all said the same.

Luke 22:31-34

[Jesus said:]

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Peter said to him,

“Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.”

Jesus said,

“I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

Jesus gives his disciples practical commands about supplies and provisionsLuke 22:35-38
And he said to them,

“When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?”

They said,

“Nothing.”

He said to them,

“But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack.

And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.

For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me:

‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’

For what is written about me has its fulfillment.”

And they said,

“Look, Lord, here are two swords.”

And he said to them,

“It is enough.”

Jesus and the disciples go to Gethsemane, where he struggles in prayer and they struggle to stay awake late into the nightMatthew 26:36-46

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples,

“Sit here, while I go over there and pray.”

And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them,

“My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying,

“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping.

And he said to Peter,

“So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed,

“My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”

And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.

Then he came to the disciples and said to them,

“Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

Mark 14:32-42

And they went to a place called Gethsemane.
And he said to his disciples,

“Sit here while I pray.”

And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them,

“My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.”

And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

And he said,

“Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter,

“Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words.

And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him.

And he came the third time and said to them,

“Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

Luke 22:40-46

And when he came to the place, he said to them,

“Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying,

“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them,

“Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

Thursday, April 2, AD 33Look to Christ and walk with Jesus During His Last Week on EarthIn these uncertain times, believers can take solace in the unchanging nature of God toward us, His beloved children. Be reminded of the truth of the gospel and encourage others among you to do the same by downloading the free ebook The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Justin Taylor with Alexander E. Stewart.

Related: a personal Bible study guide [PDF] for following the events of Holy/Passion Week, based on these same Scriptures

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Continuing Holy Week from Tuesday …

Matthew 21-28
Mark 11-16
Luke 19-24
John 12-20 We’ve arrived at “Silent Wednesday,” noted as such because we’re not quite sure what Jesus said or all that He did on this middle day of Passion Week. It’s also known as “Spy Wednesday,” for this is when Judas conspired behind the scenes —like a spy or double-agent—with the religious leaders to betray the Savior-King. (See video at bottom of this post.)

Jesus continues his daily teaching in the Temple

Luke 21:37-38

And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet.

And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.

With Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread approaching, the chief priests, elders, and scribes plot to kill Jesus

Matthew 26:3-5

Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said,

“Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”

Mark 14:1-2

It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, for they said,

“Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”

Luke 22:1-2

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover.

And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.

Satan enters Judas, who seeks out the Jewish authorities in order to betray Jesus for a price

Matthew 26:14-16

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said,

“What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?”

And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.

And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Mark 14:10-11

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them.

And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money.

And he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Luke 22:3-6

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.

He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them.

And they were glad, and agreed to give him money.

So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.

Wednesday, April 1, AD 33Wednesday, April 1, AD 33Look to Christ and walk with Jesus During His Last Week on EarthIn these uncertain times, believers can take solace in the unchanging nature of God toward us, His beloved children. Be reminded of the truth of the gospel and encourage others among you to do the same by downloading the free ebook The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Justin Taylor with Alexander E. Stewart.

Related: a personal Bible study guide [PDF] for following the events of Holy/Passion Week, based on these same Scriptures

View Details

Continuing Holy Week from Monday …

Matthew 21-28
Mark 11-16
Luke 19-24
John 12-20 Look to ChristIn these uncertain times, believers can take solace in the unchanging nature of God toward us, His beloved children. Be reminded of the truth of the gospel and encourage others among you to do the same by downloading the free ebook The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Justin Taylor with Alexander E. Stewart.

Related: a personal Bible study guide [PDF] for following the events of Holy/Passion Week, based on these same Scriptures

Jesus’ disciples see the withered fig tree on their return to Jerusalem from Bethany

Matthew 21:20-22

When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying,

“How did the fig tree wither at once?”

And Jesus answered them,

“Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Mark 11:20-21

As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him,

“Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”

Jesus engages in conflict with the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem

Matthew 21:23-23:39

And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said,

“By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”

Jesus answered them,

“I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?”

And they discussed it among themselves, saying,

“If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”

So they answered Jesus,

“We do not know.”

And he said to them,

“Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said,

‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’

And he answered,

‘I will not,’

but afterward he changed his mind and went.

And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered,

‘I go, sir,’

but did not go.

Which of the two did the will of his father?”

They said,

“The first.”

Jesus said to them,

“Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.

“Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. Finally he sent his son to them, saying,

‘They will respect my son.’

But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves,

‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’

And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”

They said to him,

“He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.”

Jesus said to them,

“Have you never read in the Scriptures:

“‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.

And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying,

“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying,

‘Tell those who are invited, See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.’

But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants,

‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’

And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.

“But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him,

‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’

And he was speechless.

Then the king said to the attendants,

‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying,

“Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”

But Jesus, aware of their malice, said,

“Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.”

And they brought him a denarius.

And Jesus said to them,

“Whose likeness and inscription is this?”

They said,

“Caesar’s.”

Then he said to them,

“Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.

The same day Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection, and they asked him a question, saying,

“Teacher, Moses said,

‘If a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up children for his brother.’

Now there were seven brothers among us. The first married and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother. So too the second and third, down to the seventh. After them all, the woman died. In the resurrection, therefore, of the seven, whose wife will she be? For they all had her.”

But Jesus answered them,

“You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God:

‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?

He is not God of the dead, but of the living.”

And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.

But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him.

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”

And he said to him,

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying,

“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?”

They said to him,

“The son of David.”

He said to them,

“How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
Sit at my right hand,
until I put your enemies under your feet’?

If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?”

And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,

“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so practice and observe whatever they tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.

“Woe to you, blind guides, who say,

‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’

You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred?

And you say,

‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’

You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it. And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, saying,

‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’

Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

Mark 11:27-12:44

And they came again to Jerusalem.

And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, and they said to him,

“By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?”

Jesus said to them,

“I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.”

And they discussed it with one another, saying,

“If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘From man’?”

—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet.

So they answered Jesus,

“We do not know.”

And Jesus said to them,

“Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

And he began to speak to them in parables.

“A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying,

‘They will respect my son.’

But those tenants said to one another,

‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’

And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this Scripture:

“‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away.

And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. And they came and said to him,

“Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?”

But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them,

“Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.”

And they brought one.

And he said to them,

“Whose likeness and inscription is this?”

They said to him,

“Caesar’s.”

Jesus said to them,

“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

And they marveled at him.

And Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection. And they asked him a question, saying,

“Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife, but leaves no child, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no offspring. And the second took her, and died, leaving no offspring. And the third likewise. And the seven left no offspring. Last of all the woman also died. In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife.”

Jesus said to them,

“Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying,

‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?

He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.”

And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him,

“Which commandment is the most important of all?”

Jesus answered,

“The most important is,

‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

The second is this:

‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

There is no other commandment greater than these.”

And the scribe said to him,

“You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him,

“You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.

And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said,

“How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
Sit at my right hand,
until I put your enemies under your feet.’

David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?”

And the great throng heard him gladly.

And in his teaching he said,

“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them,

“Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Luke 20:1—21:4

One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up and said to him,

“Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.”

He answered them,

“I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?”

And they discussed it with one another, saying,

“If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”

So they answered that they did not know where it came from.

And Jesus said to them,

“Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

And he began to tell the people this parable:

“A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out. Then the owner of the vineyard said,

‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’

But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves,

‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.’

And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.”

When they heard this, they said,

“Surely not!”

But he looked directly at them and said,

“What then is this that is written:

“‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone’?

Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor.

So they asked him,

“Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?”

But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?”

They said,

“Caesar’s.”

He said to them,

“Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.

There came to him some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, and they asked him a question, saying,

“Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children. And the second and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died. Afterward the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife.”

And Jesus said to them,

“The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.”

Then some of the scribes answered,

“Teacher, you have spoken well.”

For they no longer dared to ask him any question.

But he said to them,

“How can they say that the Christ is David’s son? For David himself says in the Book of Psalms,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.’

David thus calls him Lord, so how is he his son?”

And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples,

“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said,

“Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

The Disciples marvel at the Temple; Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse on their return to Bethany from Jerusalem

Matthew 24:1-25:46

Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them,

“You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying,

“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?”

And Jesus answered them,

“See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying,

‘I am the Christ,’

and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you,

‘Look, here is the Christ!’

or

‘There he is!’

do not believe it.

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you,

‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’

do not go out.

If they say,

‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’

do not believe it.

For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that wicked servant says to himself,

‘My master is delayed,’

and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry,

‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’

Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.

And the foolish said to the wise,

‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’

But the wise answered, saying,

‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’

And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying,

‘Lord, lord, open to us.’

But he answered,

‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying,

‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’

His master said to him,

‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying,

‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’

His master said to him,

‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying,

‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’

But his master answered him,

‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right,

‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’

Then the righteous will answer him, saying,

‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

And the King will answer them,

‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left,

‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’

Then they also will answer, saying,

‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’

Then he will answer them, saying,

‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’

And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Mark 13:1-37

And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him,

“Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!”

And Jesus said to him,

“Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”

And Jesus began to say to them,

“See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying,

‘I am he!’

and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

“But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

“But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not happen in winter. For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if anyone says to you,

‘Look, here is the Christ!’

or

‘Look, there he is!’

do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

Luke 21:5-36

And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said,

“As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

And they asked him,

“Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?”

And he said,

“See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying,

‘I am he!’

and,

‘The time is at hand!’

Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”

Then he said to them,

“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.

“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

And he told them a parable:

“Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

For more information, including a day-by-day guide with the complete biblical text and commentary, you can freely read The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Justin Taylor:

Download the Free EbookPDF | MOBI | EPUBTuesday, March 31, AD 33

The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived

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Utilize this chart [PDF] as a Scripture guide for following the Gospel narratives and Old Testament promises linked to each movement in the most important week of the most important person who lives

Look to ChristIn these uncertain times, believers can take solace in the unchanging nature of God toward us, His beloved children. Be reminded of the truth of the gospel and encourage others among you to do the same by downloading the free ebook The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Justin Taylor with Alexander E. Stewart.

Download the Free EbookPDF | MOBI | EPUB *With help from The Final Days of Jesus series from Crossway, and using that book by the same name and the ESV Study Bible to attempt a harmon/chronology of the words and actions of Jesus in the final week of His pre-resurrection life. Video for each day included at the bottom of the reading.* * For background on Palm Sunday, which commences Holy Week, see this brief video on the events of Sunday, March 29, AD 33.

Monday of Holy WeekOn Monday morning Jesus and the Twelve leave Bethany to return to Jerusalem, and along the way Jesus curses the fig tree

Matthew 21:18-19

In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it,

“May no fruit ever come from you again!”

And the fig tree withered at once.

Mark 11:12-14

On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it,

“May no one ever eat fruit from you again.”

And his disciples heard it.

Jesus enters Jerusalem and clears the temple

Matthew 21:12-13

And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them,

“It is written,

‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’

but you make it a den of robbers.”

Mark 11:15-17

And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. And he was teaching them and saying to them,

“Is it not written,

‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’?

But you have made it a den of robbers.”

Luke 19:45-46

And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them,

“It is written,

‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’

but you have made it a den of robbers.”

In the evening Jesus and the Twelve leave Jerusalem (returning to Bethany)

Mark 11:19

And when evening came they went out of the city.

Monday, March 30, AD 33The Final Days of Jesus: Monday

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Why revisit the events of the final days of Jesus? Because this is the most important week—and He is the most important person—in the history of the world! These events* of Holy Week are detailed in the four Gospels:

Matthew 21-28
Mark 11-16
Luke 19-24
John 12-20

*see chart below for more detail

*With help from The Final Days of Jesus series from Crossway, and using that book by the same name and the ESV Study Bible to attempt a harmon/chronology of the words and actions of Jesus in the final week of His pre-resurrection life. Video for each day included at the bottom of the reading.* * Utilize this chart [PDF] as a Scripture guide for following the Gospel narratives and Old Testament promises linked to each movement in the most important week of the most important person who lives

Related: a personal Bible study guide [PDF] for following the events of Holy/Passion Week, based on these same Scriptures

Palm Sunday (April 29, AD 33)On the first day of Passion Week, known as Palm Sunday Jesus enters Jerusalem, welcomed in a triumphal entry as He descended the Mount of Olives in a procession fit for a king, and as the Good Shepherd wept over God’s people, then predicted His soon death and briefly visited the temple mount.

Matthew 21:1-11

*The Triumphal Entry* 21 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,

5 “Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Mark 11:1-10

*The Triumphal Entry* 11 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” 4 And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. 5 And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. 7 And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. 8 And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. 9 And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”

Luke 19:29-44

29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.”35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

*Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem* 41 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”

John 12:12-19

*The Triumphal Entry* 12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,

15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;
behold, your king is coming,
sitting on a donkey’s colt!”

16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness.18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”

John 12:20-36

*Some Greeks Seek Jesus* 20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks.21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

*The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up* 27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.”Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”

When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.

Matthew 21:14-17

14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, 16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read,

“‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies
you have prepared praise’?”

17 And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.

Mark 11:11

11 And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Sunday, March 29, AD 33

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or via livestream below. We begin Sundays at 9:30 with discipleship classes for all ages.

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Genesis 17

17 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, 2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, 4 “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. 8 And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.”

9 And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. 10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring, 13 both he who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money, shall surely be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant. 14 Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.”

15 And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16 I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” 17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” 18 And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!” 19 God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. 20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation. 21 But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.”

22 When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham. 23 Then Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him. 24 Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 26 That very day Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised. 27 And all the men of his house, those born in the house and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

Announcements:* See gathering guide (PDF) above * Gathering in house churches on Palm Sunday, April 2nd * Resurrection Sunday worship gathering on April 9th at 10:30 AM * Registration for our new round of Discipleship Classes (started 3/19) is open on Planning Center. * Women’s Getaway 2023 is April 21-23; register here * Women’s Bible study is Tuesday @ 6:30 PM. » Reply to this email or reach Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Mark your calendars: Family Camp at Metzler Park is booked for August 11-13. Registration for campsites (#12-25) will open up next month. If you’d like to book any days before/after the weekend, feel free to jump on the county website & reserve them for yourself, then let Anna know what site you chose.

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

—1st Peter 2:9-10

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Genesis 16

16 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 3 So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. 4 And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. 5 And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me!” 6 But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your servant is in your power; do to her as you please.” Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her.

7 The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And he said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai.” 9 The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her.” 10 The angel of the Lord also said to her, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.” 11 And the angel of the Lord said to her,

“Behold, you are pregnant
and shall bear a son.
You shall call his name Ishmael,
because the Lord has listened to your affliction.
12 He shall be a wild donkey of a man,
his hand against everyone
and everyone’s hand against him,
and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.”

13 So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” 14 Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; it lies between Kadesh and Bered.

15 And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.

2023-03-19-gathering-guideDownloadAnnouncements:* See gathering guide (PDF) above * Registration for our new round of Discipleship Classes (starting 3/19) is open on Planning Center. * Women’s Getaway 2023 is April 21-23; register here * Women’s Bible study is Tuesday @ 6:30 PM. » Reply to this email or reach Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Mark your calendars: Family Camp at Metzler Park is booked for August 11-13. Registration for campsites (#12-25) will open up next month. If you’d like to book any days before/after the weekend, feel free to jump on the county website & reserve them for yourself, then let Anna know what site you chose.

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.”

—Isaiah 30:18

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Philippians 4:1-9

4 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Announcements:* No Discipleship Classes on March 12th due to the Men’s Retreat. We will have our 10:30 Gathering as usual. * Registration for our next round of Discipleship Classes (starting next Sunday 3/19) is open on Planning Center! Please help us prepare by registering your family. * Women’s Bible study is Tuesday @ 6:30 PM. » Reply to this email or reach Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC). * Women’s Getaway 2023 is booked for April 21-23; registrations will be available on Planning Center soon! * Mark your calendars: Family Camp at Metzler Park is booked for August 11-13. Registration for campsites (#12-25) will open up next month. If you’d like to book any days before/after the weekend, feel free to jump on the county website & reserve them for yourself, then let Anna know what site you chose.

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

—Philippians 4:19-23

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Livestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/BYK3zc49nGI?feature=share

Genesis 15

15 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2 But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” 5 And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6 And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

7 And he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.” 8 But he said, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” 9 He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 And he brought him all these, cut them in half, and laid each half over against the other. But he did not cut the birds in half. 11 And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

12 As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. 14 But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15 As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. 16 And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”

17 When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 18 On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, 19 the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, 20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 21 the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites and the Jebusites.”

2023-02-26-gathering-guideDownloadAnnouncements:* See gathering guide attached (PDF) above * Next Sunday, 3/5 we will meet in house churches per our usual rhythm * The Men’s Retreat (March 10-12) has signups online. Questions? Please contact Pastor Jeff at jeff@Godrenews.us for more about it. * No Discipleship Classes on March 12th due to the Men’s Retreat. We will have our 10:30 Gathering as usual. * Registration for our next round of Discipleship Classes (starting 3/19) is open on Planning Center! Please help us prepare by registering your family. * Women’s Bible study is Tuesday @ 6:30 PM. » Reply to this email or reach Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. * Men’s huddle each Thursday morning @ 6 AM, held at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC). * Women’s Getaway 2023 is booked for April 21-23; registrations will be available on Planning Center soon! * Mark your calendars: Family Camp at Metzler Park is booked for August 11-13. Registration for campsites (#12-25) will open up next month. If you’d like to book any days before/after the weekend, feel free to jump on the county website & reserve them for yourself, then let Anna know what site you chose.

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

—Romans 5 5:1-5

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Livestream: View here » https://youtube.com/live/39lx6i91FWM?feature=share

Genesis 13:13-14:12

13 Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord.

14 The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, 15 for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. 16 I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. 17 Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.” 18 So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the Lord.

14 In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, 2 these kings made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). 3 And all these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). 4 Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5 In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, 6 and the Horites in their hill country of Seir as far as El-paran on the border of the wilderness. 7 Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh) and defeated all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who were dwelling in Hazazon-tamar.

8 Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out, and they joined battle in the Valley of Siddim 9 with Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goiim, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar, four kings against five. 10 Now the Valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into them, and the rest fled to the hill country. 11 So the enemy took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. 12 They also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way.

2023-02-19-gathering-guideDownloadAnnouncements: See gathering guide attached (PDF) above * Renew Women’s Bible study resumes this week » 2/21, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm, beginning a new study in 1st Samuel. Hosted by Abbey H., for more information on women’s events please reach out to Anna H. at hello@Godrenews.us.* * Renew Men’s Huddle this Thursday, 6 am at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Renew Men’s Retreat is March 10-12, in partnership with other Harbor Network churches in Oregon. Details and registration online, with earlybird pricing until today 2/19. * Renew Women’s Getaway will be April 21-23, with signups online soon. * Renew Family Camp continues this Summer! Save the dates: August 11-13, at Metzler Park. Sign-ups will be up in March.

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

—1st John 5:1-5

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Livestream: Genesis 12:1-20

13 So Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the Negeb.

2 Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. 3 And he journeyed on from the Negeb as far as Bethel to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, 4 to the place where he had made an altar at the first. And there Abram called upon the name of the Lord. 5 And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, 6 so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, 7 and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.

8 Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.” 10 And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. 12 Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom. 13 Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord.

14 The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, 15 for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. 16 I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. 17 Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.” 18 So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the Lord.

2023-02-12-gathering-guideDownloadAnnouncements: See gathering guide attached (PDF) * Renew Women’s Bible study is on pause this week » and will 2/21, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm, beginning a new study in 1st Samuel. Hosted by Abbey H., for more information on women’s events please reach out to Anna H. at hello@Godrenews.us.* * Renew Men’s Huddle this Thursday, 6 am at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Renew Men’s Retreat is March 10-12, in partnership with other Harbor Network churches in Oregon. Details and registration online, with earlybird pricing all this week. * Renew Women’s Getaway will be April 21-23, with signups online soon. * Renew Family Camp continues this Summer! Save the dates: August 11-13, at Metzler Park. Sign-ups will be up in March.

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

—Gospel of Luke 12:32-34

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Renew Church family,

This Sunday we gather in house churches, for relational renewal. Along with a teaching on Philemon (see video or listen below), we draw your attention to the announcement about the upcoming men’s retreat.

Listen:Link: Renew Men’s Retreat with Harbor Oregon churches (March 10–12)

Philemon

1 Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our beloved fellow worker 2 and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

8 Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, 9 yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus— 10 I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. 11 (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) 12 I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. 13 I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. 15 For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18 If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. 20 Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Announcements: Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday, 6:30 PM. » Email Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. * Renew Men’s Huddle on Thursday, 6 AM at Coffee Rush (900 Main St. OC) * Renew Men’s Retreat with Harbor network churches is March 10-12, with earlybird signups now online. * Women’s Getaway 2023 is booked for April 21-23; registrations will be available on Planning Center soon! * Mark your calendars: Family Camp at Metzler Park is booked for August 11-13, 2023. * Next Sunday 2/12, we resume discipleship classes at 9:30 and whole church worship gathering at 10:30. More on this new pattern for Sundays (9:30 & 10:30) here. * Links below for subscribing to the Renew podcast * Online giving to Renew Church here, or checks mailed to PO Box 3222, Oregon City, OR 97045*

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or via livestream below.

Of note: this Sunday we do not have discipleship classes at 9:30, but will share a potluck lunch together after morning worship.

Livestream: Genesis 12:1-20

12 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, 6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. 8 From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord. 9 And Abram journeyed on, still going toward the Negeb.

10 Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land. 11 When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “I know that you are a woman beautiful in appearance, 12 and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me, but they will let you live. 13 Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake.” 14 When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. 15 And when the princes of Pharaoh saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. 16 And for her sake he dealt well with Abram; and he had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

17 But the Lord afflicted Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. 18 So Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? 19 Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her for my wife? Now then, here is your wife; take her, and go.” 20 And Pharaoh gave men orders concerning him, and they sent him away with his wife and all that he had.

Announcements: See gathering guide attached (PDF) * Renew Women’s Bible study » continues Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm, studying Romans, And hosted by Abbey H. For more information on women’s events please reach out to Anna at hello@Godrenews.us.* * Renew Men’s Huddle this Thursday, 6 am at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Today 1/29 is a 5th Sunday with potluck lunch enjoyed together. No discipleship classes. Next Sunday 2/5 we will meet in house churches. * Renew Men’s Retreat will be March 10-12, in partnership with other Harbor Network churches in Oregon. Details online, with signups going live in the next couple of days. * Renew Family Camp continues this Summer! Save the dates: August 11-13, at Metzler Park. Sign-ups will be up soon.

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for:

If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—

for he cannot deny himself.

—2 Timothy 2:8-13

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or via livestream below.

Of note: we begin each Sunday morning with discipleship classes at 9:30 AM.

Livestream: Genesis 12:1-3; Acts 7:1-8

12 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Announcements: See gathering guide attached (PDF) * New sessions of discipleship classes continue at 9:30 AM. Register for discipleship classes here. * Renew Women’s Bible study » continues Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm, studying Romans, And hosted by Abbey H. For more information on women’s events please reach out to Anna at hello@Godrenews.us.* * Renew Men’s Huddle this Thursday, 6 am at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Sunday 1/29 is a 5th Sunday with potluck lunch enjoyed together. No discipleship classes that morning. * Renew Men’s Retreat will be March 10-12, in partnership with other Harbor Network churches in Oregon. Signups and details will be online later this month. * Renew Family Camp continues this Summer! Save the dates: August 11-13, at Metzler Park. Sign-ups will be up soon.

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

12 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”—Genesis 12:1-3

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or via livestream below.

Of note: we begin each Sunday morning with discipleship classes at 9:30 AM.

Livestream: Genesis 1:1-5; 5:1, 28-29

1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

…

5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. …

28 When Lamech had lived 182 years, he fathered a son 29 and called his name Noah, saying, “Out of the ground that the Lord has cursed, this one shall bring us relief from our work and from the painful toil of our hands.”

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

12 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”—Genesis 12:1-3

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View Details

We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or via livestream below.

Of note: we now begin each Sunday morning with discipleship classes at 9:30 AM.

Livestream: Psalms 1 & 2

1 Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

2 Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”

7 I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

2023-01-08-gathering-guideDownloadAnnouncements: See gathering guide attached (PDF) * New sessions of discipleship classes begin today at 9:30 AM. Register for discipleship classes here. * See timelapse video of recent heat installation project * Renew Women’s Bible study » continues Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm, studying Romans, And hosted by Abbey H. For more information on women’s events please reach out to Anna at hello@Godrenews.us.* * Renew Men’s Huddle this Thursday, 6 am at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) * Sunday 1/29 is a 5th Sunday with potluck lunch enjoyed together. No discipleship classes that morning. * Renew Men’s Retreat will be March 10-12, in partnership with other Harbor Network churches in Oregon. Signups and details will be online later this month. * Renew Family Camp continues this Summer! Save the dates: August 11-13, at Metzler Park. Sign-ups will be up soon.

Renew Church

PO Box 3222

Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

The Lord bless you and keep you;the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.—Numbers 6:24-26

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or via livestream below.

Of note: no morning with discipleship classes on Christmas Day. We will resume this pattern on Sunday, January 8th.

Livestream: Gospel of Luke 2:1-20

The Birth of Jesus Christ2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Announcements:

See gathering guide attached (PDF)
Meeting in house churches next weekend, on Sunday, January 1st
See timelapse video of recent heat installation project
Renew Men’s Huddle this Thursday, 6 am at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC)
Last Sunday we heard a financial update for 2022. Giving online and by check is welcome.
- Online giving page » Godrenews.us/connect/give/
- Using a BillPay option with your bank or credit union is another useful option, used most commonly by many. These have no additional fees involved.
- Checks may also be sent by mail to:
  - Renew Church
  - PO Box 3222
  - Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

—Isaiah 9:6-7

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or via livestream below.

Of note: we now begin each Sunday morning with discipleship classes at 9:30 AM.

Livestream: Gospel of Matthew 1:17-25

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

2022-12-18-gathering-guideDownloadAnnouncements:

Christmas morning worship gathering @ 10:30 am on Sunday, December 25th
See gathering guide attached (PDF)
See timelapse video of recent heat installation project
Renew Women’s Bible study » continues Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm, studying Romans, And hosted by Abbey H. For more information on women’s events please reach out to Anna at hello@Godrenews.us.
Renew Men’s Huddle this Thursday, 6 am at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC)
Last Sunday we heard a financial update for 2022. Giving online and by check is welcome.
- Online giving page » Godrenews.us/connect/give/
- Using a BillPay option with your bank or credit union is another useful option, used most commonly by many. These have no additional fees involved.
- Checks may also be sent by mail to:
  - Renew Church
  - PO Box 3222
  - Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

—Isaiah 9:6-7

(Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

View Details

We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:30 AM in-person, or via livestream below.

Of note: we now begin each Sunday morning with discipleship classes at 9:30 AM.

Livestream: Gospel of Luke 1:26-56

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

46 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

2022-12-11-gathering-guideDownloadAnnouncements:

Christmas morning worship gathering @ 10:30 am on December 25th
See gathering guide attached (PDF)
See timelapse video of heat installation project
Renew Women’s Bible study » continues Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm, studying Romans, And hosted by Abbey H. For more information on women’s events please reach out to Anna at hello@Godrenews.us.
Renew Men’s Huddle this Thursday, 6 am at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC)
Last Sunday we heard a financial update for 2022. Giving online and by check is welcome.
- Online giving page » Godrenews.us/connect/give/
- Using a BillPay option with your bank or credit union is another useful option, used most commonly by many. These have no additional fees involved.
- Checks may also be sent by mail to:
  - Renew Church
  - PO Box 3222
  - Oregon City, OR 97045

Benediction

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.

—Psalm 126:1-3

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Renew Church family,

This Sunday, we will reach the midpoint of the Advent season; the point at which our expectation gives way to hope at the declaration of His coming. Our main Scripture will be Luke 1:1-4, 25-56. Hope Dawning indeed. Let us consider how and why Mary says her soul magnifies the Lord and rejoices in God her Savior!

Been a wet and cold beginning of Advent. Yet, some happy news to share, and see:

We enter week three of the Advent Catechism:

Soon after, God sent the angel Gabriel to visit a young Jewish girl named: Mary.

Mary was frightened, but Gabriel said to her: “Do not be afraid.”

Gabriel told her that she had found great favor with God and she would be: blessed.

She was going to give birth to a king; the child would be the anticipated: Son of God.

In humble belief, Mary responded: “I am your servant.”

Announcements: We will celebrate Christ’s birth together with a 10:30am Gathering on Christmas Day. * A caroling choir is in the works; please reach out to Brooke R. if you are interested in joining! * Renew Men’s Huddle on Thursday, 6AM at Coffee Rush (900 Main St. OC) * Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday, 6:30PM. Email Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. * Just for fun, check out the heating solution going in at the building below! * Our second round of discipleship classes is underway! If you haven’t yet, please register on Church Center here » https://Godrenews.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1493281. More on our new pattern on Sundays (9:30 & 10:30) here. * Renew Men’s Huddle on Thursday, 6:00 AM at Coffee Rush (900 Main St. OC) * Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday, 6:30 PM. » Email Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. * Links below for subscribing to the Renew podcast * Online giving to Renew Church here, or checks mailed to PO Box 3222, Oregon City, OR 97045*

If you want to be in the loop, opt-in to those emails at the top of this site.

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11/20/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10:30 AM. Colossians 4:2-6

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11/20/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10:30 AM. Colossians 4:2-6

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11/13/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10:30 AM. Colossians 3:18-4:1

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11/4/22. November announcements for Renew Church, on gatherings, serving teams, discipleship classes, and more.

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10/30/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10:30 AM. Colossians 3:12-17

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10/16/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10:30 AM. Colossians 2:16-23

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10/16/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10:30 AM. Colossians 2:16-23

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10/9/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10:30 AM. Colossians 2:6-15

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9/25/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10:30 AM. Colossians 1:24-2:5.

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9/18/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10:30 AM. Colossians 1:18-23.

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9/11/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10:30 AM. Colossians 1:15-20.

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9/2/22. September announcements for Renew Church, on gatherings, our new discipleship classes, serving teams, and more.

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8/28/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10 AM. Colossians 1:9-14.

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8/21/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10 AM. Colossians 1:1-8.

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8/14/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10 AM. Psalm 66.

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8/7/22. As we Renew in homes & house churches on Sunday, August 7th, receive this teaching on Psalm 94, on the justice of God for His people and in vengeance against the wicked (audio only).

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7/24/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10 AM. Psalm 92.

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7/17/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10 AM.

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6/26/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10 AM.

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6/19/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10 AM.

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6/12/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10 AM.

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4/3/22. As we Renew in homes & house churches on Sunday, April 3rd, receive this teaching on James 3v1-13, on the power and potential of our words (video teaching available too).

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4/17/22. Renew Church gathering on Resurrection Sunday, with livestream at 10 AM.

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4/17/22. Renew Church gathering on Resurrection Sunday, with livestream at 10 AM.

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4/17/22. Renew Church gathering on Resurrection Sunday, with livestream at 10 AM.

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5/1/22. As we Renew in homes & house churches on Sunday, May 1st, receive this teaching on James 4:11-17, on living under the Lordship of Christ (video teaching available too).

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4/17/22. Renew Church gathering on Resurrection Sunday, with livestream at 10 AM.

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4/17/22. On Resurrection Sunday we gathered to worship the risen Christ. Here is teaching from that celebration and worship gathering. Scripture: Gospel of Luke 24.

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4/17/22. Renew Church gathering on Resurrection Sunday (Easter), with livestream at 10 AM. Gospel of Luke 24.

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Today we remember Holy Saturday, a moment of pausing and waiting with the first Disciples to see if Jesus' promises of rising again to life would come true.

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2/27/22. Renew Church gathering on Sunday, with livestream at 10 AM. James 1:19-27.

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Even if we spent every Friday meditating on the significance of that Friday, we still couldn't grasp the depths of His sacrificial Love. #GoodFriday

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We arrive at the day known as "Maundy Thursday," signified as Jesus took the form of a slave and washed His disciples feet.

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Continuing Holy Week from Tuesday …

We’ve arrived at “Silent Wednesday,” noted as such because we’re not quite sure what Jesus said or all that He did on this middle day of Passion Week. It’s also known as “Spy Wednesday,” for this is when Judas conspired behind the scenes —like a spy or double-agent—with the religious leaders to betray the Savior-King. (See video at bottom of this post.)

Jesus continues his daily teaching in the Temple

Luke 21:37-38

And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet.

And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.

With Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread approaching, the chief priests, elders, and scribes plot to kill Jesus

Matthew 26:3-5

“Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”

Mark 14:1-2

It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, for they said,

“Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people.”

Luke 22:1-2

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover.

And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.

Satan enters Judas, who seeks out the Jewish authorities in order to betray Jesus for a price

Matthew 26:14-16

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said,

“What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?”

And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.

And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Mark 14:10-11

Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them.

And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money.

And he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Luke 22:3-6

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.

He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them.

And they were glad, and agreed to give him money.

So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.

Wednesday, April 1, AD 33 Wednesday, April 1, AD 33 Look to Christ and walk with Jesus During His Last Week on Earth In these uncertain times, believers can take solace in the unchanging nature of God toward us, His beloved children. Be reminded of the truth of the gospel and encourage others among you to do the same by downloading the free ebook The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Justin Taylor with Alexander E. Stewart.

Download the Free Ebook PDF | MOBI | EPUB

Utilize this chart [PDF] as a Scripture guide for following the Gospel narratives and Old Testament promises linked to each movement in the most important week of the most important person who ever lived
Related: a personal Bible study guide [PDF] for following the events of Holy/Passion Week, based on these same Scriptures

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Continuing Holy Week from Monday …

Look to Christ In these uncertain times, believers can take solace in the unchanging nature of God toward us, His beloved children. Be reminded of the truth of the gospel and encourage others among you to do the same by downloading the free ebook The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Justin Taylor with Alexander E. Stewart.

Download the Free Ebook PDF | MOBI | EPUB

Utilize this chart [PDF] as a Scripture guide for following the Gospel narratives and Old Testament promises linked to each movement in the most important week of the most important person who ever lived
Related: a personal Bible study guide [PDF] for following the events of Holy/Passion Week, based on these same Scriptures

Jesus’ disciples see the withered fig tree on their return to Jerusalem from Bethany

Matthew 21:20-22

When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying,

“How did the fig tree wither at once?”

And Jesus answered them,

“Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Mark 11:20-21

As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him,

“Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”

Jesus engages in conflict with the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem

Matthew 21:23-23:39

And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said,

“By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”

Jesus answered them,

“I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?”

And they discussed it among themselves, saying,

“If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”

So they answered Jesus,

“We do not know.”

And he said to them,

“Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said,

‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’

And he answered,

‘I will not,’

but afterward he changed his mind and went.

And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered,

‘I go, sir,’

but did not go.

Which of the two did the will of his father?”

They said,

“The first.”

Jesus said to them,

“Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.

“Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. Finally he sent his son to them, saying,

‘They will respect my son.’

But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves,

‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’

And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”

They said to him,

“He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.”

Jesus said to them,

“Have you never read in the Scriptures:

“‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying,

“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying,

‘Tell those who are invited, See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.’

But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants,

‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’

And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.

“But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him,

‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’

And he was speechless.

Then the king said to the attendants,

‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying,

“Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”

But Jesus, aware of their malice, said,

“Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.”

And they brought him a denarius.

And Jesus said to them,

“Whose likeness and inscription is this?”

They said,

“Caesar’s.”

Then he said to them,

“Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.

The same day Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection, and they asked him a question, saying,

“Teacher, Moses said,

‘If a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up children for his brother.’

Now there were seven brothers among us. The first married and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother. So too the second and third, down to the seventh. After them all, the woman died. In the resurrection, therefore, of the seven, whose wife will she be? For they all had her.”

But Jesus answered them,

“You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God:

‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?

He is not God of the dead, but of the living.”

And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.

But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him.

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”

And he said to him,

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying,

“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?”

They said to him,

“The son of David.”

He said to them,

“How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
Sit at my right hand,
until I put your enemies under your feet’?

If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?”

And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,

“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so practice and observe whatever they tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.

“Woe to you, blind guides, who say,

‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’

You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred?

And you say,

‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’

You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it. And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, saying,

‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’

Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

Mark 11:27-12:44

And they came again to Jerusalem.

And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, and they said to him,

“By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?”

Jesus said to them,

“I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.”

And they discussed it with one another, saying,

“If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘From man’?”

—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet.

So they answered Jesus,

“We do not know.”

And Jesus said to them,

“Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

And he began to speak to them in parables.

“A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying,

‘They will respect my son.’

But those tenants said to one another,

‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’

And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this Scripture:

“‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away.

And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. And they came and said to him,

“Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?”

But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them,

“Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.”

And they brought one.

And he said to them,

“Whose likeness and inscription is this?”

They said to him,

“Caesar’s.”

Jesus said to them,

“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

And they marveled at him.

And Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection. And they asked him a question, saying,

“Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife, but leaves no child, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no offspring. And the second took her, and died, leaving no offspring. And the third likewise. And the seven left no offspring. Last of all the woman also died. In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife.”

Jesus said to them,

“Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying,

‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?

He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.”

And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him,

“Which commandment is the most important of all?”

Jesus answered,

“The most important is,

‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

The second is this:

‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

There is no other commandment greater than these.”

And the scribe said to him,

“You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him,

“You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.

And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said,

“How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
Sit at my right hand,
until I put your enemies under your feet.’

David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?”

And the great throng heard him gladly.

And in his teaching he said,

“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

“Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Luke 20:1—21:4

One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up and said to him,

“Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.”

He answered them,

“I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?”

And they discussed it with one another, saying,

“If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”

So they answered that they did not know where it came from.

And Jesus said to them,

“Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

And he began to tell the people this parable:

“A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out. Then the owner of the vineyard said,

‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’

But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves,

‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.’

And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.”

When they heard this, they said,

“Surely not!”

But he looked directly at them and said,

“What then is this that is written:

“‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone’?

Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

So they asked him,

“Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?”

But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?”

They said,

“Caesar’s.”

He said to them,

“Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.

There came to him some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, and they asked him a question, saying,

“Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children. And the second and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died. Afterward the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife.”

And Jesus said to them,

“The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.”

Then some of the scribes answered,

“Teacher, you have spoken well.”

For they no longer dared to ask him any question.

But he said to them,

“How can they say that the Christ is David’s son? For David himself says in the Book of Psalms,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.’

David thus calls him Lord, so how is he his son?”

And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples,

“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said,

“Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

The Disciples marvel at the Temple; Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse on their return to Bethany from Jerusalem

Matthew 24:1-25:46

Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them,

“You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying,

“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?”

And Jesus answered them,

“See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying,

‘I am the Christ,’

and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you,

‘Look, here is the Christ!’

or

‘There he is!’

do not believe it.

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you,

‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’

do not go out.

If they say,

‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’

do not believe it.

For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that wicked servant says to himself,

‘My master is delayed,’

and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry,

‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’

Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.

And the foolish said to the wise,

‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’

But the wise answered, saying,

‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’

And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying,

‘Lord, lord, open to us.’

But he answered,

‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying,

‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’

His master said to him,

‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying,

‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.’

His master said to him,

‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying,

‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’

But his master answered him,

‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right,

‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’

Then the righteous will answer him, saying,

‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

And the King will answer them,

‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left,

‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’

Then they also will answer, saying,

‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’

Then he will answer them, saying,

‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’

And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Mark 13:1-37

And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him,

“Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!”

And Jesus said to him,

“Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”

And Jesus began to say to them,

“See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying,

‘I am he!’

and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

“But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

“But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not happen in winter. For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if anyone says to you,

‘Look, here is the Christ!’

or

‘Look, there he is!’

do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

Luke 21:5-36

And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said,

“As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

And they asked him,

“Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?”

And he said,

“See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying,

‘I am he!’

and,

‘The time is at hand!’

Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”

Then he said to them,

“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.

“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

And he told them a parable:

“Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Walk with Jesus During His Last Week on Earth In this video series, well-known New Testament scholars explore the background and significance of the history-shaping events that occurred during Jesus’s last week on earth. Designed as a supplement to The Final Days of Jesus, our prayer is that these videos will help deepen your understanding and experience of Holy Week.

Download the Free Ebook PDF | MOBI | EPUB Tuesday, March 31, AD 33

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Follow Jesus Through Holy Week: Palm Sunday—Resurrection Sunday (March 29–April 6, AD 33)

Utilize this chart [PDF] as a Scripture guide for following the Gospel narratives and Old Testament promises linked to each movement in the most important week of the most important person who lives

Look to Christ In these uncertain times, believers can take solace in the unchanging nature of God toward us, His beloved children. Be reminded of the truth of the gospel and encourage others among you to do the same by downloading the free ebook The Final Days of Jesus: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Justin Taylor with Alexander E. Stewart.

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For background on Palm Sunday, which commences Holy Week, see this brief video on the events of Sunday, March 29, AD 33.

Monday of Holy Week On Monday morning Jesus and the Twelve leave Bethany to return to Jerusalem, and along the way Jesus curses the fig tree

Matthew 21:18-19

In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it,

“May no fruit ever come from you again!”

And the fig tree withered at once.

Mark 11:12-14

“May no one ever eat fruit from you again.”

And his disciples heard it.

Jesus enters Jerusalem and clears the temple

Matthew 21:12-13

And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them,

“It is written,

‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’

but you make it a den of robbers.”

Mark 11:15-17

“Is it not written,

‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’?

But you have made it a den of robbers.”

Luke 19:45-46

And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them,

“It is written,

‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’

but you have made it a den of robbers.”

In the evening Jesus and the Twelve leave Jerusalem (returning to Bethany)

Mark 11:19

And when evening came they went out of the city.

Walk with Jesus During His Last Week on Earth In this video series, well-known New Testament scholars explore the background and significance of the history-shaping events that occurred during Jesus’s last week on earth. Designed as a supplement to The Final Days of Jesus, our prayer is that these videos will help deepen your understanding and experience of Holy Week.

Monday, March 30, AD 33 The Final Days of Jesus: Monday

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:00 AM in-person, or via livestream below.

Livestream:

Gathering guide:

2022-03-27 Renew Sunday gathering guideDownload * Kids activity page (age 3+yrs) * Kids activity page (age 7+yrs)

Scripture reading: James 2:14-26

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

North Star Catechism Question 23: Why dHow should we love our neighbor?

response: We should love our neighbor as ourselves.

Exodus 20:12-17 (abbreviated)
Honor your father and your mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. You shall not covet.

Announcements * We will meet in house churches next Sunday 4/3, as we enter into a new season of first Sundays monthly in house churches. (New pattern announced and seen here.) Then on April 10th, 17th, 24th we will all gather together here at the Revival Building. » Get connected to a house church by emailing connect [at] Godrenews.us. * Renew Men’s Huddles this Thursday: 6 AM at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC); and starting this week in the evening, 7 PM hosted by John K. » Let John K. or Pastor Jeff know you’ll be there. * Women’s Getaway (April 8-10) » registration online on Church Center * Lookahead: Renew Family Camp at Metzler Park (July 8-10). Registration is up on Church Center. » Godrenews.us/register

Kids teaching focuses on lessons learned in story 22 in the Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, “Solomon Chooses Wisely.” Scriptures for study: 1 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 1; Matthew 12:42; James 1:5.
- Who should we talk to when we need wisdom?
  - People came from far away just to listen to Solomon and hear his wise words. But we know someone who is even wiser than Solomon. Jesus is our wise king. He gives wisdom as a free gift to everyone who asks.

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“A Christian man should so shine in his life, that a person could not live with him a week without knowing the gospel.”

—C.H. Spurgeon

As we meet in homes and house churches this Sunday, March 20th, let us lean in with hope and joy.

Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below as video, and on podcast) reflecting the relationship of faith and works.

On Sunday, March 27th we gather for worship together at 10:00.

2022-03-20 Renew in homes gathering guideDownload

Kids activity pages:

kids page for ages 3yrs+
kids page for ages 7yrs+

The Lord’s Prayer (together)

Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name.
Your kingdom come; Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Scripture reading: James 2:14-17

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Teaching: listen Or view:

Discussing and applying the gospel in community:

Character: The fruit of a person’s live reveals the root. If the root is faith in Christ, how is the fruit of our lives to be seen and enjoyed by others?
Needs: what challenges are you facing, and needing to endure, on the road of patient endurance (steadfastness) in following Jesus? How can we pray for you?
Names: Who do you know who is under trials and how can we pray for them today? Who do you know who needs to know the saving love of Jesus? How have you been sent into their life as an ambassador?

Praying together: bringing spiritual and practical needs and opportunities to God our Father Stand together, every generation, in your home and proclaim the glories of King Jesus — of His goodness, greatness, grace and glory, until He returns!

Responding in songs of praise * Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released

Benediction

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

—Romans 15:13

Let us take this occasion to gather in homes, investing with intention and joy Sunday morning to worship, pray, and read Scripture together. We are bringing the Gospel home when we worship Christ. * As these weeks and months add up you may experience acute financial or emotional difficulty. If you are in need of assistance, whether financial or in practical ways, please email hello@Godrenews.us or reach out personally to any of the church Elders.

Audio for this teaching may be played above, and is included in the RENEW Church podcast: subscribe in iTunes here, or Google Play podcasts here, now on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. Prior teaching videos are posted on this YouTube channel.

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Teaching from Sunday, March 13th. We gathered to sing, pray, meet at the communion table, and sit under God’s Word.

Call to Worship | Scripture reading: Psalm 145:14-20

The Lord upholds all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways
and kind in all his works.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them.
The Lord preserves all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.

Audio of teaching on Partiality, Judgement & Mercy Listen:

Scripture reading: James 2:1-13

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Praying in the Kingdom: The Lord’s Prayer (together)

Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name.
Your kingdom come; Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

We continue learning with the North Star Catechism:

Q22: Why does God tell us, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy”?

response: So we will rest in God and remember the finished work of Jesus.

Genesis 2:3

So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.

2 Corinthians 1:20

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

Benediction

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

—Hebrews 13:20

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:00 AM in-person, or via livestream below.

Livestream:

Gathering guide:

2022-03-13-Renew-Sunday-gathering-guideDownload Scripture reading: James 2:1-13

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

North Star Catechism Question 22: Why does God tell us, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy”?

response: So we will rest in God and remember the finished work of Jesus.

Genesis 2:3 » So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.

2 Corinthians 1:20 » For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

Announcements * We will meet in house churches next Sunday 3/20, then again all together here at the Revival Building on Sunday 3/27. » Get connected to a house church by emailing connect@Godrenews.us. * Renew Men’s Huddles this Thursday: 6 am at Coffee Rush (900 Main St, OC) and starting this week in the evening, 7 pm hosted by John K. » Let John K. or Pastor Jeff know you’ll be there. * Women’s Getaway (April 8-10) » registration online on Church Center * Gatherings pattern: beginning in April we will meet in house churches on the first Sunday of each month, and together at the Revival Building at 10 am most other Sundays. » View or listen to announcements this week at GodRenews.us or the Renew podcast. * Lookahead: Renew Family Camp at Metzler Park (July 8-10). Registration is up on Church Center. » Godrenews.us/register

Kids teaching focuses on 1st Samuel 18-20, retold in story 21 in the Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, “David and Jonathan Are Friends”
- Who is your best friend?
  - Jesus is the king. King Jesus decided to be our friend. Jesus loved us all the time.

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Renew Church family,

Mid-March announcements for the Renew Church family, as we lean into Spring.

Of note: Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend, so be aware that we spring forward an hour.

Sunday gathering on March 13th at 10:00 AM.

There’s more about our pattern of gatherings, and helpful visuals too.

View or listen below…

Or listen:

Some of the announcements shared in video:

We will meet in house churches next Sunday 3/20, then again all together here at the Revival Building on Sunday 3/27. » Get connected to a house church by emailing connect@Godrenews.us.
This week’s announcement video outlines our new pattern of gatherings set to begin in April.
Lookahead:
- Women’s Getaway (April 8-10)
- Renew Family Camp at Metzler Park (July 8-10). Registration now online on Church Center » Godrenews.us/register

Or viewed vertically:

Links below for subscribing to the Renew podcast
Online giving to Renew Church here, or checks mailed to PO Box 3222, Oregon City, OR 97045

If you want to be in the loop, opt-in to those emails at the top of this site.

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My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?

—James 2:1, 5

As we meet in homes and house churches this Sunday, March 6th, let us lean in with hope and joy.

Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below as video, and on podcast) reflecting on the command to not show partiality or favoritism as Christians. Let us recognize what Jesus has done, and what He does not do.

On Sunday, March 13th we gather for worship together at 10:00.

2022-03-06 Renew in homes gathering guideDownload

Kids activity pages:

kids page for ages 3yrs+
kids page for ages 7yrs+

The Lord’s Prayer (together)

Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name.
Your kingdom come; Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Scripture reading: James 2:1-13 Teaching: listen Or view:

Discussing and applying the gospel in community:

Character: when and in what situations are you personally tempted to show partiality or to be a respecter of persons? What is God’s solution to this dilemma? (see 2:1, 5, 8)
Needs: what challenges are you facing, and needing to endure, on the road of patient endurance (steadfastness) in following Jesus? How can we pray for you?
Names: Who do you know who is under trials and how can we pray for them today? Who do you know who needs to know the saving love of Jesus? How have you been sent into their life as an ambassador?

Responding in songs of praise * Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released

Benediction

So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

—Acts 10:34-43

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:00 AM in-person, or via livestream below.

Livestream:

Gathering guide:

2022-02-27-Renew-Sunday-gathering-guideDownload Scripture reading: James 1:19-27

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

North Star Catechism Question 21: Why does God tell us, “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God”?

response: So we will respect God’s name, Word, and works.

Psalm 29:2
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.

Revelation 15:4
Who will not fear, O Lord,
and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

We will meet in house churches next Sunday 3/6, then again all together here at the Revival Building on Sunday 3/13. » Get connected to a house church by emailing connect@Godrenews.us.

Lookahead: Renew Family Camp at Metzler Park (July 8-10). Registration now online on Church Center » Godrenews.us/register

Renew Kids teaching focuses on 1st Samuel 17, retold in story 20 in the Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, “David Fights Goliath”
- What kinds of things are scary to you?
  - David fought against a scary giant. But he trusted God to save him. When we feel afraid, we can trust Jesus. Jesus saves us.

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Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

—James 1:19-21

As we meet in homes and house churches this Sunday, February 20th, let us lean in with hope and joy.

Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below as video, and on podcast) on the relationship of listening and anger, our relationship with God and one another.

On Sunday, February 27th we gather for worship together at 10:00.

2022-02-20-Renew-in-homes-gathering-guideDownload

The Lord’s Prayer (together)

Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name.
Your kingdom come; Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Scripture reading: James 1:19-21

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Teaching: listen Or view:

Discussing and applying the gospel in community:

Listening: what is a challenge you face in listening to God and people? When do you get angry? How is Christ’s “implanted word” (the gospel) transforming you?
Needs: what challenges are you facing, and needing to endure in following Jesus? How can we pray for you?
Names: Who do you know who is under trials and how can we pray for them today? Who do you know who needs to know the saving love of Jesus? How have you been sent into their life as an ambassador?

Responding in songs of praise * Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released

Benediction

The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

—Exodus 34:5-7

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:00 AM in-person, or via livestream below.

Livestream:

Gathering guide:

2022-02-13-Renew-Sunday-gathering-guideDownload Scripture reading: James 1:12-18

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

North Star Catechism Question 20:

Why does God tell us, “You shall not make for yourself an image”?

response: So we will serve God and nothing else.

Jeremiah 16:20: “Can man make for himself gods? Such are not gods!”

1st Samuel 12:21: And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty.

Announcements * We will meet in house churches next Sunday 2/20, then again all together here at the Revival Building on Sunday 2/27. » Get connected to a house church by emailing connect@Godrenews.us. * Lookahead: Renew Family Camp at Metzler Park (July 8-10). Registration will be up on Church Center later this week. » Godrenews.us/register

PDFs of Renew Kids activity pages:

ages 3 years+

ages 7 years+

Kids teaching is “Hannah Prays,” focusing on 1st Samuel 1, and retold in story 19 in the Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible.
- Do you ever feel lonely or forgotten?
  - Even when we feel lonely, God’s Spirit is with us. God does not forget about us. He listens when we pray. We can pray to Him right now.

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Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

—James 1:12

As we meet in homes and house churches this Sunday, February 6th, let us lean in with hope and joy.

Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below as video, and on podcast) reflecting on how one’s status in this life (whether lowly or rich) is less important than the future rewards for all of us who are in Christ.

On Sunday, February 13th we gather for worship together at 10:00.

2022-02-06-Renew-in-homes-gathering-guideDownload

The Lord’s Prayer (together)

Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name.
Your kingdom come; Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Scripture reading: James 1:2-12 Teaching: listen Or view:

Discussing and applying the gospel in community:

Needs: what challenges are you facing, and needing to endure, on the road of patient endurance (steadfastness) in following Jesus? How can we pray for you?
Names: Who do you know who is under trials and how can we pray for them today? Who do you know who needs to know the saving love of Jesus? How have you been sent into their life as an ambassador?

Responding in songs of praise * Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released

Benediction

“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.”**

—Revelation 2:10-11

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:00 AM in-person, or via livestream below.

Livestream:

Gathering guide:

2022-01-23-Renew-Sunday-gathering-guide-1Download Scripture reading: James 1:1-8 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:

Greetings.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

North Star Catechism Question 19:

Why does God tell us, “You shall have no other gods before me”?

Because God is our only King and Lord.

Acts 17:24–25 (ESV): The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.

1 Timothy 1:17 (ESV): To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Announcements * see guide for announcements, and listen too

PDFs of Renew Kids activity pages:

ages 3 years+

ages 7 years+

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Count it all joy, my brothers [and sisters], when you meet trials of various kinds …

—James 1:2

As we meet in homes and house churches this Sunday, January 16th, let us lean in with joy.

Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below, and on podcast) reflecting on how the gospel works in our trials as we trust Christ all the more.

On Sunday, January 23rd we gather for worship together at 10:00.

Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name.
Your kingdom come; Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer (together)

Scripture reading: James 1:1-4

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:

Greetings.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Teaching: listen Discussing and applying the gospel in community:

Needs: what challenges are you facing, and needing to endure, on the road of patient endurance (steadfastness) in following Jesus?
Names: who do you know who needs to know the saving love of Jesus? How have you been sent into their life as an ambassador?
How can we together help one another to “count it all joy” in our trials?
Who do you see that is steadfast with joy in their trials and you see the character of Christ forming in them?

Welcome to the Book of James An introduction from Bible Project:

Responding in songs of praise * Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released

Benediction

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

—James 1:5

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Join us at 10:00 AM in-person, or via livestream below.

What is Epiphany? Epiphany means “revelation from above,” (from Greek epiphaneia, “manifestation”), and is the Christian holiday commemorating the first manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi visiting (Matthew 2), and the manifestation of His divinity, as it was revealed at His baptism in the Jordan River (Matthew 3) and at His first miracle, at Cana in Galilee (John 2). Epiphany is one of the three principal and oldest festival days of the Christian church (the other two are Resurrection Sunday/Easter and Christmas). Epiphany marks the end of Christmas, on January 6th, and we mark it this Sunday with a special celebration.

Livestream:

Gathering guide:

2022-01-09-Renew-Sunday-gathering-guide-EpiphanyDownload Scripture reading: Matthew 2:1-12

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Advent Catechism: The Longing The birth announcement of Jesus changed everything; history was interrupted.

As news spread of the birth of Messiah, many traveled to worship the Promised King.

Some 30 years later, before returning to be with the Father, Jesus fulfilled everything necessary for humanity’s rescue.

Jesus is with us, but now we long to be with Him in His glory.

In celebration, preparation, and humble anticipation, we wait.

Announcements * Keeping with our pattern of 1st and 3rd Sundays in house churches, as well as on the 2nd and 4th Sundays all together: we will meet in homes and house churches next Sunday, January 16th, and then all together here at the Revival Building at 10:00 am on Sunday, January 23rd.

PDFs of Renew Kids activity pages:

ages 3 years+

ages 7 years+

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Advent continues on Christmas Eve; join us at 5:00 PM in-person, or via livestream below.

What is Advent? “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, which means coming or arrival. Thus Advent is the season of waiting and hope: when we look back to Christ’s first coming, God’s incarnation as a baby born in Bethlehem, as well as look forward to His second coming, when He will return to renew and redeem every part of fallen creation. Jesus Christ has come and will come again! #RenewAdvent

Livestream:

Livestream direct link here, now on this YouTube channel for Renew Church

Let the just rejoice,
for their Justifier is born.
Let the sick and infirm rejoice,
for their Savior is born.
Let the captives rejoice,
for their Redeemer is born.
Let slaves rejoice,
for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice,
for their Liberator is born.
Let all Christians rejoice,
for Jesus Christ is born.

—Augustine of Hippo (Algeria / AD 354-430)

Gathering guide:

2021-12-24-Christmas-Eve-bulletinDownload Scripture readings: **I*saiah 9:1-7*; Gospel of Luke 2:1-21

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

(Isaiah 9:6)

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“Such and so many are the Saviour’s achievements that follow from His Incarnation, that to try to number them is like gazing at the open sea and trying to count the waves.”

—Athanasius

As we meet in homes and house churches on the fourth Sunday of Advent, December 19th, let us celebrate the birth of Christ and His soon return.

Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below, and on podcast) reflecting the Gospel of Luke 2:1-7.

Worship plan As we worship in homes and house churches on Sunday, here’s the guiding worship plan document (PDF), which includes:

2021-12-19 Renew in homes gathering guideDownload * Call to Worship and Scripture readings * Worship together in song (see songs below as you remain home) + Helpful guidance: “Worshiping with Littles“ + Also, see kids activity pages (PDF) for ages 3yrs+, and ages 7yrs+ * An audio teaching**, heard below * We will gather all together on Christmas Eve this Friday, 12/24 @ 5:00 pm at the Revival Building, as well as on Sunday, December 26th at 10:00 am. * Both 12/24 & 12/26 gatherings will span about an hour, with all generations together. The service plan for these two are distinct, with separate messages, differing songs, and participating at the Lord’s Table (Communion) together both times.

Call to Worship | Scripture: Micah 5:1-5a

Now muster your troops, O daughter of troops;

siege is laid against us;

with a rod they strike the judge of Israel

on the cheek.

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,

from you shall come forth for me

one who is to be ruler in Israel,

whose coming forth is from of old,

from ancient days.

Therefore he shall give them up until the time

when she who is in labor has given birth;

then the rest of his brothers shall return

to the people of Israel.

And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,

in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great

to the ends of the earth.

And he shall be their peace.

Let’s sing together!

The Lord’s Prayer (together)

Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name.
Your kingdom come; Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Advent Catechism: An Unlikely Rescuer Ready to give birth, Mary and Joseph were forced to return to Bethlehem.

Unable to find room at the inn, their only option was to stay out in the stable.

After giving birth, Mary wrapped the child in swaddling cloths and placed Him in a manger.

Fulfilling hundreds of years of prophecy, Messiah is here; His name is Jesus.

The wait is over and the silence is broken: God is with us.

Scripture reading: Gospel of Luke 2:1-7 Teaching: listen Discussing together and applying the humble story of the birth of Christ:

What does the simple description of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1-7 tell us about God and everyone mentioned?
How might it be surprising? How is it fitting?
Let us pray together, expressing our responses to Jesus’ humble birth and the beauty of the Incarnation.
Needs: what needs do you bring to Christ today? How can He care for you?
Names: who do you know who needs to draw near to Christ? Let’s pray for each of these loved people.

Let us worship Christ together, singing, praying, speaking well of God and others.

Quote:

‘It seemed good to the Greeks of Asia, in the opinion of the high priest Apollonius of Menophilus Azanitus: “Since Providence, which has ordered all things and is deeply interested in our life, has set in most perfect order by giving us Augustus, whom she filled with virtue that he might benefit humankind, sending him as a savior, both for us and for our descendants, that he might end war and arrange all things, and since he, Caesar, by his appearance (excelled even our anticipations), surpassing all previous benefactors, and not even leaving to posterity any hope of surpassing what he has done, and since the birthday of the god Augustus was the beginning of the good tidings [εὐαγγέλιον; euangelion] for the world that came by reason of him,” which Asia resolved in Smyrna.’

—Calendar Inscription of Priene, dated 9 BC

Responding in songs of praise * Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released

Benediction

Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of the Virgin’s womb:
veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th’incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.

—Second verse of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” by Charles Wesley

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Advent continues; join us at 10:00 AM in-person, or via livestream below.

Livestream:

Livestream direct link here, now on this YouTube channel for Renew Church Gathering guide:

2021-12-12 Renew Sunday gathering guideDownload Scripture readings: Gospel of Luke 1:26-56; Isaiah 9:6-7**

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

(Isaiah 9:6)

Advent Catechism, week 3: Hope Dawning Soon after, God sent the angel Gabriel to visit a young Jewish girl named Mary.

Mary was frightened, but Gabriel said to her: “Do not be afraid.”

Gabriel told her that she had found great favor with God and she would be blessed.

She was going to give birth to a king; the child would be the anticipated Son of God.

In humble belief, Mary responded: “I am your servant.”

Announcements: see this week’s announcements and Mission giving update * Keeping with our pattern of 1st and 3rd Sundays in house churches, as well as on the 2nd and 4th Sundays all together: we will meet in homes and house churches next Sunday, December 19th, and then all together here at the Revival Building at 10:00 am on Sunday, December 26th. * Christmas Eve gathering on Friday, 12/24 @ 5:00 pm. * Both 12/24 & 12/26 gatherings will be approximately one hour, with all generations together. The service plan for these two are distinct, with separate messages, differing songs, and participating at the Lord’s Table (Communion) together both times.

Renew Kids lesson:

Advent Week 3 Ages 3+Download Advent Week 3 Ages 7+Download

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Renew Church family,

December announcements for the Renew Church family, as we finish out 2021. Here’s an update on our Mission giving.

Sunday gatherings on 12/12 and 12/26 at 10 AM and Christmas Eve 12/24 at 5 PM. The different gatherings on 12/24 and 12/26 will be about an hour, all generations together.

View or listen below…

Or listen:

Ministries mentioned:

Next Generation Ministries (NGM) — Uganda
Adult & Teen Challenge Pacific Northwest
YoungLives Greater Clackamas
The Father’s Heart Street Ministry
Love in the Name of Christ (Love INC) of Clackamas County
New Harmony Church plant (online giving here)
Renew Church is a member of Harbor Network; see Oregon and Washington churches in PNW Harbor Network; read articles or listen to new podcast episodes on Harbor Media
Online giving to Renew Church here, or checks mailed to PO Box 3222, Oregon City, OR 97045
Links below for subscribing to the Renew podcast

If you want to be in the loop, opt-in to those emails at the top of this site.

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Advent begins…

Call to Worship | Scripture reading: Lamentations 3:19-26

Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Audio of teaching on Behold! Keep Watching Listen:

Scripture reading: Isaiah 64:1-9

Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down,
that the mountains might quake at your presence—
as when fire kindles brushwood
and the fire causes water to boil—
to make your name known to your adversaries,
and that the nations might tremble at your presence!
When you did awesome things that we did not look for,
you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
From of old no one has heard
or perceived by the ear,
no eye has seen a God besides you,
who acts for those who wait for him.

—Isaiah 64:1-4

Praying in the Kingdom: The Lord’s Prayer (together)

Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name.
Your kingdom come; Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Benediction

To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

—1 Timothy 1:17

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We gather as the church to worship King Jesus who has come and will come again! Advent begins. Join us at 10:00 AM in-person, or via livestream below.

Livestream:

Livestream direct link here, now on this YouTube channel for Renew Church Gathering guide:

2021-11-28-Renew-Sunday-gathering-guideDownload Scripture readings: Isaiah 64:1-9

Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down,
that the mountains might quake at your presence—
as when fire kindles brushwood
and the fire causes water to boil—
to make your name known to your adversaries,
and that the nations might tremble at your presence!
When you did awesome things that we did not look for,
you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
From of old no one has heard
or perceived by the ear,
no eye has seen a God besides you,
who acts for those who wait for him.
You meet him who joyfully works righteousness,
those who remember you in your ways.
Behold, you were angry, and we sinned;
in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved?
We have all become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.
We all fade like a leaf,
and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
There is no one who calls upon your name,
who rouses himself to take hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us,
and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities.

But now, O Lord, you are our Father;
we are the clay, and you are our potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Be not so terribly angry, O Lord,
and remember not iniquity forever.
Behold, please look, we are all your people.

Quote: Renew Kids lesson:

Episode_1-Connect-with-FamilyDownload

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