2-28-21 Sermon "THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT" - What Wondrous Love Is This

 2-28-21 Sermon “THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT: “What Wondrous Love Is This"

As we worship together "from house to house," we celebrate the wondrous love of God.

If you cannot join us this Sunday, we invite you to sing along with the worship videos.  We encourage you to take the Lord’s Supper.  In this way, we can take communion together even though we are apart.  Pray for one another.  Watch my message "THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT: “What Wondrous Love Is This."  Respond to the invitation.  Enjoy the bonus video.

WORSHIP

COMMUNION

Read 1 John 4:11,12 NIV, “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”  Here is a possible communion prayer to say before you take the bread and the juice, “Father, because of your great love, you sent Jesus into the world to taste death for us.  We ask your Spirit to enliven us so we may love one another.  We pray that in our love others might see You.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Take the Lord's Supper.

PRAYER

Pray that those who need to hear about God’s love get their opportunity.

MESSAGE

CHALLENGE

"Keep Kenwood Connected" has been a theme of our challenges since January.  In February, we added "Connecting others to Jesus.  This is the week we are to invite someone to talk about Jesus.  Invite someone.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word at Kenwood Church.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these way, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I encourage you to speak with me via phone (248-476-8222) or an email (toddlackie@kenwoodchurch.org).  I would be honored to speak with you about what God is doing in your life and try to connect you with a community of faith in your area.

Bonus Video

THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT - “What Wondrous Love Is This" - 2-28-21

 THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT - “What Wondrous Love Is This" - 2-28-21

INTRODUCTION

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ."

2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭3-5‬ NIV

What Wondrous Love Is This - anonymous American folk hymn

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,

When I was sinking down, sinking down,

When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,

Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,

Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

Ye wingèd seraphs fly, bear the news, bear the news!

Ye wingèd seraphs fly bear the news!

Ye wingèd seraphs fly, like comets through the sky,

Fill vast eternity with the news, with the news!

Fill vast eternity with the news!

Ye friends of Zion’s king, join His praise, join His praise;

Ye friends of Zion’s king, join His praise;

Ye friends of Zion’s king, with hearts and voices sing,

And strike each tuneful string in His praise, in His praise!

And strike each tuneful string in His praise!

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing.

To God and to the Lamb who is the great “I Am”;

While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;

While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be;

And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;

And through eternity, I’ll sing on.

Yes, when to that bright world we arise, we arise,

Yes, when to that bright world we arise;

When to that world we go, free from all pain and woe,

We’ll join the happy throng, and sing on, and sing on,

We’ll join the happy throng, and sing on.

I.  CLOUDS ARE IN THE FORECAST

A.  Life is full of difficulty

"Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you. May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry. I am overwhelmed with troubles and my life draws near to death. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like one without strength. I am set apart with the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, who are cut off from your care. You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths. Your wrath lies heavily on me; you have overwhelmed me with all your waves. You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape; my eyes are dim with grief. I call to you, Lord, every day; I spread out my hands to you. Do you show your wonders to the dead? Do their spirits rise up and praise you? Is your love declared in the grave, your faithfulness in Destruction? Are your wonders known in the place of darkness, or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion? But I cry to you for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Why, Lord, do you reject me and hide your face from me? From my youth I have suffered and been close to death; I have borne your terrors and am in despair. Your wrath has swept over me; your terrors have destroyed me. All day long they surround me like a flood; they have completely engulfed me. You have taken from me friend and neighbor— darkness is my closest friend.

Psalm‬ ‭88‬:‭1-18‬ NIV

B.  Don't hide your face

Object permanence

II.  THE SON IS STILL SHINING

"I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies. The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it. He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him— the dark rain clouds of the sky. Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning. The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy, with great bolts of lightning he routed them. The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke, Lord, at the blast of breath from your nostrils. He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me."

Psalm‬ ‭18‬:‭1-19‬ NIV

A.  God is there even when you think He is not

B.  God rescues us in the midst of the trouble, not when there is no trouble

C.  The Lord is my support  

   

III.  THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. Sacrifice and offering you did not desire— but my ears you have opened — burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, Lord, as you know. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly. Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Be pleased to save me, Lord; come quickly, Lord, to help me. May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay."

Psalm‬ ‭40‬:‭1-17‬ NIV

A.  Patience

B.  Desire to do God's will

C.  You are my help and deliverer, you are my God

CONCLUSION

The clouds will come, but the Son is still shining.  Be patient and do God's will.  God is your helper and deliverer!

CHALLENGE

"Keep Kenwood Connected" has been a theme of our challenges since January.  In February, we added "Connecting Others to Jesus.  This is the week we are to invite someone to talk about Jesus.  Invite someone.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I would be honored to speak with you in the upper parking lot following the service about what God is doing in your life.

Video: Kenwood Church S.U.M. It Up! 2-24-21

Video: Kenwood Church 2 21 21 Parking Lot Service

2-21-21 Sermon “THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT: “ Jesus, Lover of My Soul

  2-21-21 Sermon “THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT: “ Jesus, Lover of My Soul"

As we worship together "from house to house," we remember the love our Father has for us through Jesus Christ, His son.

If you cannot join us this Sunday, we invite you to sing along with the worship videos.  We encourage you to take the Lord’s Supper.  In this way, we can take communion together even though we are apart.  Pray for one another.  Watch my message "THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT: “Jesus, Lover of My Soul."  Respond to the invitation.  Enjoy the bonus video.

WORSHIP

COMMUNION

Read Jonah 2:8 NIV, “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.”  Here is a possible communion prayer to say before you take the bread and the juice, “Father, we let go of all those things that turn us away from you.  We lay those idols at your feet.  We long for your love.  We are grateful for your love in Jesus.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Take the Lord's Supper.

PRAYER

Pray for those who have been affected by the mental hardship of Covid-19.  Pray for those who are depressed, lonely, and isolated.

MESSAGE

CHALLENGE

“Keep Kenwood Connected” - we always strive to connect with one another.  We are also "Connecting the world to Jesus."  This is the week we actually decide who God would like us to talk to about a relationship with Jesus.  Write down the person you should talk to about their connection to Jesus.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word at Kenwood Church.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these way, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I encourage you to speak with me via phone (248-476-8222) or an email (toddlackie@kenwoodchurch.org).  I would be honored to speak with you about what God is doing in your life and try to connect you with a community of faith in your area.

Bonus Video

THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT - Jesus, Lover of My Soul

 THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT - Jesus, Lover of My Soul - 2-21-21

INTRODUCTION

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ."

2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭3-5‬ NIV

Jesus, Lover of My Soul, the Song and the Story

Composer Charles Wesley Writes Jesus, Lover of My Soul

Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and his brother John, were the founders of the Methodist church.  It was a time of great change within the Christian church, and emotional responses to the new thing God was doing ran deep. It was not unusual for violence to result.

On one particular occasion in 1740, Wesley was preaching in the fields of a parish in Ireland when he was attacked by men who did not approve of his doctrines. He escaped to a farmhouse, where the farmer's wife hid him in the milkhouse. When the mob approached her home to demand the fugitive, the brave Christian lady quieted them temporarily with refreshments. While Charles' would-be captors were eating and planning their next move, she snuck out to the milkhouse and directed Wesley to go through a rear window and to hide under a hedge.

From his hiding place, which was situated by a quiet babbling brook, Wesley could hear the movement and angry voices of his pursuers. He settled back into the hedge to await their departure. He filled his waiting time by composing a hymn; a prayer of trust in God as his refuge: Jesus, Lover of My Soul.

Over the years, several musical scores have been written to accompany this hymn. The most popular has been a melody and arrangement by Joseph Parry (1841-1903), in 1879.

Jesus, Lover of My Soul

Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly,

While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high.

Hide me, O my Savior, hide, till the storm of life is past;

Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on Thee;

Leave, ah! leave me not alone, still support and comfort me.

All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring;

Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.

Wilt Thou not regard my call? Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?

Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall, Lo! on Thee I cast my care;

Reach me out Thy gracious hand! While I of Thy strength receive,

Hoping against hope I stand, dying, and behold, I live.

Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find;

Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind.

Just and holy is Thy Name, I am all unrighteousness;

False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.

Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin;

Let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within.

Thou of life the fountain art, freely let me take of Thee;

Spring Thou up within my heart; rise to all eternity.

I.  God Is Our Lover

A.  God is the source of love

1.  1 John 4

B.  God's love as seen in Jesus

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭9-10‬ NIV)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16-17‬ NIV)

II.  God Is Our Helper (Hebrews 13:5)

“for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13: 5b, 6)

A.  Help

1.  What is help?

2.  We need help

B.  Helper

III.  God Is Our Hiding Place (Psalm 32)

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! (‭Psalm‬ ‭32‬:‭1-11‬ NIV)

A.  Safe place

B.  Hiding place

C.  A place of trust

CONCLUSION

Testimonies of God's help

CHALLENGE

“Keep Kenwood Connected” - we always strive to connect with one another.  We are also "Connecting the world to Jesus."  This is the week we actually decide who God would like us to talk to about a relationship with Jesus.  Write down the person you should talk to about their connection to Jesus.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I would be honored to speak with you in the upper parking lot following the service about what God is doing in your life.

Video: Kenwood Church 2 14 21 Elders Update

(This update from the elders was shared at our February 14, 2021, Parking Lot Service.  Dennis Fletcher, co-chairman of the elders, made the announcement.  The text can be found below the video.)

Good morning,

I want to begin by saying thank you on behalf of the elders for your prayers, love and support of our decisions and efforts to try to keep the congregation safe and of the Parking Lot Service format (even when the weather was not the most favorable).

As previously mentioned, the elders have been in prayer and discussions about continuing the Parking Lot Service. 

Although, we are encouraged by the recent decrease in cases and the potential of the vaccine we are extending the Parking Lot Service as a continued precautionary step to further evaluate items such as:

·                Impacts of loosening state restrictions

·                Vaccine distribution and effectiveness

·                Schools beginning to go back into session more days per week or full time

·                Other variants of the virus that are predicted to be coming soon.

We will continue to monitor  the situation and give another update before the end of March.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Video: Kenwood Church 2 14 21 Parking Lot Service

THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT - Abide with Me, My Redeemer

THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT - Abide with Me, My Redeemer - 2-14-21

INTRODUCTION

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ."

2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭3-5‬ NIV

The hymn, Abide with Me, My Redeemer, is the basis for the sermon for this week.  It is unfamiliar to me as a hymn but the words have been mine for many years.  "Just stay with me God!"

Abide with Me, My Redeemer

Abide with me, fast falls the eventide, The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide 

When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless Lord, abide 

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless, Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness 

Where is death's sting? Where grave thy victory?, I triumph still if Thou abide 

I know that my Redeemer lives, And I will see Him with my eyes

Yet in death, I will see Him, In my flesh I will see God, Abide with me, abide with me

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes, Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies 

Heav'n's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee, In life, in death, Oh Lord, abide 

I know that my Redeemer lives, And I will see Him with my eyes

Yet in death, I will see Him, In my flesh I will see God, Abide with me, abide with me

I.  ABIDE WITH ME

A.  Stay with me

  Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. (‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭13-35‬ NIV)

II.  OTHERS FAIL ME

A.  Relying on People

1.  People are fallible

2.  Jesus' people are the exception

B.  They will only let you down

1.  Job and Eliphaz

As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it. (‭Job‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ NIV)

2.  The best companions are still human

III.  I KNOW MY REDEEMER LIVES

"Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deut. 31:6) "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Heb. 13:5) 

 These promises of God have always given me great comfort. Knowing that God is always with me has given me great strength. I will never be left, forgotten, forsaken, cast aside, discarded, thrown away, etc. God will always be with me. 

 Another promise of God was given by Jesus just before He left this earth. He said, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Mt. 28:20) This promise sounds very much like the other two, but I want to promote a little different twist on this verse. Jesus was certainly reiterating the promise of God to his apostles. He was assuring them that He would be with them forever. Where God had not left Israel in Deuteronomy; Jesus had left the Twelve for 3 days. He was separated from them by His death. Jesus' words serve as a reminder that since He has conquered death, nothing will ever separate them again. 

 The words of Paul in Romans 8:31b-39: 

 31b If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j] 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

CONCLUSION

Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847) and his wife Ann were faithful pastors of a little fishing town in Devonshire England, for 23 years. Although Henry's health was compromised, he worked tirelessly ministering to his parish, taking care of his family, and writing poems and hymns.

In 1844, Henry was diagnosed with Tuberculosis. Over the next three years his physical condition deteriorated until finally on September 4, 1847, at the age of 54, he stood in the pulpit for the last time to deliver his farewell message. 

That same afternoon, after taking a walk on the beach, Henry retired to his room. He emerged about an hour later with a written copy of Abide With Me. He left soon after for a trip to Italy, to get away from the cold, damp coastal weather. While en route to his destination, he mailed a revised copy of Abide With Me to his wife. A few days later while resting in a hotel on the French Riviera, Henry went home to be with Jesus. A fellow clergyman who was with Henry during his final hours reported that Henry's last words were Peace! Joy!

Jesus stay close

With Jesus we can make it through anything.  Some of us this morning do not have anyone who will remain faithful.  Some of us have well meaning people.  Some of us need someone who is closer than a brother.

CHALLENGE

“Keep Kenwood Connected” continues from last month.  We need to remain connected.  This month we have added "Connect the World with Jesus" in which we are striving to connect others with Jesus.  Last week I asked you to pray that God will give you an opportunity to speak to someone about how Him.  This week pray that God will show you who that person is this week.

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I would be honored to speak with you in the upper parking lot following the service about what God is doing in your life.