Pastor Gary reminds us that as Paul and Silas were able to sing and pray while in jail we too can sing our faith and tell our story. People in desperate situations are saved by God in unexpected ways.

Reading: Acts 16:16-34

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”Acts 16:30-31 (NRSV)

Pastor Gary explains how Peter and the new believers in The Way had to follow God’s will in ways they weren’t used to. Sometimes we need to hear something more than once before it can get through to us.

Reading: Acts 11:1-18

And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’  If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?”  When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.”Acts 11:15-18

Pastor Ruth tells us that Peter was as surprised as the rest when he raised Tabitha from the dead. The Spirit of Christ is always a step ahead. We only have to believe and follow.

Reading: Acts 9:36-43

This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Acts 9:42

We welcome our guest Bishop Rick Jaech who reminds us that God comes to us in our time of need as Jesus came to the disciples after His resurrection. He breathed on them and gave them the Holy Spirit.

Reading: John 20:19-31

Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.John:20:21

Pastor Ruth reminds us to once again be amazed by Jesus. When the women came with the spices that morning the tomb was empty. Jesus has defeated death.

Reading: Luke 24:1-12

Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.[Luke 24:5

Pastor Gary reminds that as we follow God’s will He will direct our steps no matter where we go.

Reading: Luke 19:28-40 and various Proverbs

The will of God will never take you to (anyplace) where the grace of God will not protect you.Bernadette Devlin

Pastor Ruth shares stories of people acting out of love for the Lord, wisdom is at work where love is shown.

Reading: Proverbs 31:10-31

Strength and dignity are her clothing,    and she laughs at the time to come.She opens her mouth with wisdom,    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.Proverbs 31:25-26

Pastor Gary helps us to understand the role of wisdom in creation and in our lives.

Reading: Proverbs 8:22-36

And now, my children, listen to me:    happy are those who keep my ways.Hear instruction and be wise,    and do not neglect it.Happy is the one who listens to me,    watching daily at my gates,    waiting beside my doors.For whoever finds me finds life    and obtains favor from the Lord;but those who miss me injure themselves;    all who hate me love death.Proverbs 8: 32-36

Pastor Gary shares how trusting God for everything is wisdom using two stories, one fictional and one very real and close to home.

Reading: Proverbs 3:1-18

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,    and do not rely on your own insight.In all your ways acknowledge him,    and he will make straight your paths.Proverbs 3:5-6 (NRSV)

God asked Solomon what he should give him and he answered “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?”(1 Kings 3:9, NRSV)

As we begin the series New Wine: Seeds of Hope, Trinkets of Wisdom with Proverbs 1:1-7; Pastor Ruth gives us an introduction to Proverbs.

Reading: Proverbs 1:1-7

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

Prologue

For learning about wisdom and instruction,for understanding words of insight,

for gaining instruction in wise dealing,righteousness, justice, and equity;

to teach shrewdness to the simple,knowledge and prudence to the young—

let the wise also hear and gain in learning,and the discerning acquire skill,

to understand a proverb and a figure,the words of the wise and their riddles.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:1-7 (NRSV)