Fellowship "Elbow Bump" for May 29

"Ascension" by Judi. Used by Permission.

Our World Belongs to God 27

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened
in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you,
the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
and his incomparably great power for us who believe (Ephesians 1:18-19).

As we continue on in "Our World Belongs to God: A Contemporary Testimony," Paragraph 27 forms a sure bridge between Ascension last Sunday and Pentecost this weekend.

Paragraphs 1-6: Preamble (April 11-29)
Paragraphs 7-12: Creation (April 30-May 8)
Paragraphs 13-17: Fall (May 11-15)
Paragraphs 18-22:Redemption (May 18-22)
Paragraphs 23-27: Jesus Christ (May 25-29) 

Paragraph 27 (Today)
Jesus ascended in triumph,
raising our humanity to the heavenly throne.
All authority, glory, and sovereign power
are given to him.
There he hears our prayers
and pleads our cause before the Father.
Blessed are all
who take refuge in him.

[For Christ’s universal authority and intercession as ascended Lord, see Matthew 28:18, Psalm 2:12, 1 John 2:1-2, and Hebrews 7:25. For the ascension of our humanity with him, see Hebrews 4:14-16; Ephesians 1:20-22; 2:6; and Colossians 3:1-4.]

Today's song is "Lion and the Lamb" by Austin Stone Worship.  "In heaven Jesus hears our prayers and pleads our cause before the Father. Blessed are all who take refuge in him."  For a perspective on this incredible truth, please listen to this timely video which Peggy shared, and be greatly encouraged. 

"Lord, sick and sinful as we are, you hear our every prayer. We pray for all those fighting COVID-19 now, that you would hear their prayers for help and save them.  Enable us to be ready to speak your words as we have opportunity, to the glory of your name."

As we conclude this week's focus on Christ Jesus, at June's suggestion we end with the Apostle's Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
      creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
      who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
      and born of the virgin Mary.
      He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      was crucified, died, and was buried;
      he descended to hell.
      The third day he rose again from the dead.
      He ascended to heaven
      and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
      From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
      the holy catholic church,
      the communion of saints,
      the forgiveness of sins,
      the resurrection of the body,
      and the life everlasting. Amen.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Pastor Mark

PS - There will be no "Elbow Bump" this weekend. We look forward to shared worship on Pentecost Sunday.