Introduction
“Deal or no deal?”. This phase has been around for a very long time I’m sure, but enjoyed some increased popularity when a game show used it for it’s title about 20 years ago. The hook of the game was forcing people to make immediate decisions on whether they wanted to accept the offer in front of them (deal) or decline it in hopes of something better that was ahead (no deal). The drama was built as there was always the possibility they could lose it all if they kept rolling the proverbial dice.
The show worked, as do almost all similar shows, because we all understand there is inherent risk in our decisions and no decision can be made with utter confidence. To take it even further, no making a choice is in fact, a way of choosing. Choices are unavoidable and making choices always involved risk and tradeoffs. Rarely do we know if we’ve chosen wisely until its too late to take it back.
The shocking news of Jesus resurrection put the disciples on the spot in a serious way. The report forced them to make a decision about how to respond. This Sunday we’ll celebrate the resurrection by looking at how they chose and considering our own responses as well.
Grace and peace y’all,
John Ray and the teaching team
Text:
Communal Confession for Vine and Branch
Rejoice, Grace Church this time culminates our Sabbath day, our gift of rest and renewal.
We rejoice in this time for worship and wonder.
God gives us Sabbath as freedom from and freedom for.
God is worthy of worship, our Creator, Healer, and Inspiration.
Hang on Grace Church, we were never promised an easy road.
Jesus bids each and all of us to take up our cross and follow Him.
We have the promises and person of Jesus with us every step of the way.
Because we have this we will endure, even though we struggle.
We have the testimony of those who have gone before us to encourage and enlighten us.
Because we have this we will follow their example and receive their encouragement.
We have been given each other to rejoice with, grieve with, grow with and work with.
Because we have this community and all these things we will not lose heart or be forever discouraged.
Grace be to you now and forever in the Name of our Lord Jesus
Lord’s Prayer
Christ, who taught us to pray saying:
Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who’ve sinned against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory forever. Amen.
