McPhail Weblog March 20 2022

 

McPhail Baptist Church

Sunrise (1825-30) by J. M. W. Turner

Prelude: 

Meditation on "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross" (Paul Fey)

Hymn: “Come, Let Us Praise The Lord”

Prayer

We are grateful, O God, for the signs of your presence in our everyday lives. 

Throughout times of sorrow, we have felt your comforting presence; 

and for this we give thanks.

In the beauty of the natural world, we have become aware of your creative genius; 

and for this we give thanks.

During times of temptation, we have felt the tugging of your Spirit, 

and for this we give thanks.

In the throes of panic situations, we have felt a surge of your strength; 

and for this we give thanks.

In the remarkable coincidences of life, we have seen your providence at work; 

and for this we give thanks.

When we had all but given up, You surprised us with an answer to prayer; 

and for this, and for all things, 

We give thanks in our Saviour’s name. Amen.

Special Music: "Canzone" (Margo Lange)

The Scriptures 

Nicodemus Visits Jesus - John 3:1-10 (NRSV)

3 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

Hymn: “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart"

Sermon: “A Higher Perspective”

Rev. Steve Zink 

Hymn: “Put Thou Thy Trust in God”

Benediction

Postlude: 

"If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee"  

(J.S. Bach)