Last one

Preparing for my last Sunday morning sermon for 2014 is, for some reason, quite difficult. I  want to lift the congregation to amazing heights of joy and gladness (in Jesus). This has been a hard year and many have faced trouble, loss and even death. I will look forward rather than back, I will preach faith, Lord God, please help me.

S.O.A.P.

12-27-2014    Mark 15:5-15

S.            5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.6 Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.7And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.12 And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

O.           The crowd calls for the release of Barabbas and the crucifixion of Jesus.

A.           Following the crowd can lead to many mistakes and sin. I will follow the God and use Jesus as my example, even at great cost.

P.             Father; I am determined to follow the example of Jesus but I am week and unlearned. Teach me his ways, help me to think pure thoughts, have holy ideas and give me endurance that I might overcome. Amen.