Abiding Love Sermons

As we continue with our Epiphany series – “Way, Truth, Life” – we turn our focus to the invitation to discipleship, as Jesus says,

╬ Follow Me “Come and see.” “Follow me.” “Take up your cross daily!” These are invitations from the One who came to reveal to us the fullness of God and to invite us into living witness to the Gospel. Faith is born upon the journey of life. And it grows deeper with each bend in the path. Jesus’ loving invitation is to make the journey together, in the fellowship of believers and in the company of the One God sends to reveal the way, the truth and the life.

Below are the Prayer of the Day and Readings.

In waking to the manifestation of God in Christ, we hear our calling!

- Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org

PRAYER OF THE DAY -----------------
God of bright new days, by the power of your Spirit, open our eyes to discover you at the center of the world. Open our minds and hearts to live your grace and compassion. Open our ears to hear your call to Follow. Amen.

READINGS ---------------------

First Reading: Deuteronomy 5:28-33
28 The Lord heard your words when you spoke to me, and the Lord said to me: "I have heard the words of this people, which they have spoken to you; they are right in all that they have spoken. 29 If only they had such a mind as this, to fear me and to keep all my commandments always, so that it might go well with them and with their children forever! 30 Go say to them, 'Return to your tents.' 31 But you, stand here by me, and I will tell you all the commandments, the statutes and the ordinances, that you shall teach them, so that they may do them in the land that I am giving them to possess." 32 You must therefore be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn to the right or to the left. 33 You must follow exactly the path that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you are to possess.

Psalm 1
1 Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.
3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death — even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Gospel: Mark 1:16-20
16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. 19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Way, Truth, Life Jan12,2020

Worship on Sunday, JANUARY 12 …

We begin our Epiphany Series … “Way, Truth, Life” with the traditional focus on Jesus’ baptism.

╬ Way, Truth, Life

As the prophets foretold, "They shall name him Emmanuel, which means, God is with us." (Matthew 1:23) Yet Jesus comes among us not only as “God with us” but as one of us, in every respect. He enters fully into human experience. He says that his baptism by John fulfills God’s righteousness in him just as he calls for the fulfillment of God’s righteousness in all people. Today, we embrace our baptismal heritage as the beginning of a path of revelation and spiritual growth … the first step along The Way!

Below are the Prayer of the Day and Readings.

Happy New Year to you all as we enter into the wonder of Epiphany!

Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org

PRAYER OF THE DAY -------------
Creating God, in the waters of baptism you claim us as your own. Help us each day to renew and refresh ourselves in the water of life. Set us free to live as your people and to proclaim in all the world the gift of life that is your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

READINGS ------------------

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9

1 Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. 5 Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: 6 I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, 7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. 8 I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. 9 See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.

Psalm 29
1 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; worship the Lord in holy splendor.

3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over mighty waters.

4 The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.

6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.

8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, "Glory!"

10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.

11 May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!

Second Reading: Acts 8:14-17
14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit 16 (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Gospel: Mark 1:1-13
1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'" 4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." 9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11 And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." 12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

Sunday, January 5, 2020

The Story of the Magi Jan 5,2020

Worship on Sunday, January 5, 2020!

It’s the Second Sunday of Christmas and we stand at the threshold of Epiphany! In keeping with tradition, we focus on the story of the Magi.

click here to listen to the audio of the service

╬ That the World May Know

As the celebration of the Christmastide continues, we lift our eyes to the greater work God is doing in making known the Incarnate One who has come into the world. In coming to honor the one born king, dignitaries from outside the tradition reveal to us the breadth of God’s vision: that from humble beginnings the world may come to know God’s Christ, and through him the One God, Lord of All.

Below are the Prayer of the Day and Readings.

“So that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other.” ~ 1 Kings 8:60

- Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org

PRAYER OF THE DAY ------------------------
Creating God, shine your light this day throughout creation. Let all come from near and far to celebrate the gift of the Christ and to share the good news of life and deliverance he brings. Amen.

READINGS ------------------------------------

First Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7
2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined.

3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.

5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Psalm 96
1 O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.

2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.

4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods.

5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.

6 Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts.

9 Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth.

10 Say among the nations, "The Lord is king! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity."

11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

12 let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

13 before the Lord; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.

Second Reading: Romans 15:4-13
4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name"; 10 and again he says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people"; 11 and again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him"; 12 and again Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope." 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Gospel: Matthew 2:2-12
2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" 7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

A Service to Celebrate the Life of Bill Brophy

William "Bill" E. Brophy, 76, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2019 at his Austin home.

Bill was born on September 1, 1943 in New Rochelle, NY to the late Ross A. and Helen Smartt Brophy. He was a Travis HS Rebel and then graduated from Southwest Texas State College with a Business degree and an Air Force commission, separating as a Captain. Bill joined Ryder Truck Leasing in 1969 moving to Arizona and then California. In 1973, he returned to Austin beginning a long career in Real Estate with Nash Phillips/Copus, Keller Williams and Clark Wilson Homes. He was especially proud that he was chosen Salesman of the Year, 1977, Austin Board of Realtors; Sales Manager of the Year, 1981, Nash Phillips/ Copus; as well as Outstanding Lieutenant Governor, 1978-1979, Optimist International. In recent years, he sold Errors and Omissions insurance through REO Advisors, Inc. Bill was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, the Capital Rod and Gun Club, Manchaca Optimists, Austin Board of Realtors, and Abiding Love Lutheran Church.

Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Diana “Di” Veh Brophy; his daughters: Keri Brophy-Martinez and husband Mike and Ande Brophy and Justin Tolar; Grandchildren: Joaquin & Remy Martinez and Lily Tolar; all of Austin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Abiding Love Lutheran Church, 40thAnniversary Celebration.

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Nativity Dec 29

Worship on Sunday, December 29 …

It’s the First Sunday of Christmas! It’s time to pull out all the stops and celebrate the Nativity in song!

click here to listen to the 4 pm service audio

╬ Sing, choirs of angels!

People of faith everywhere gather to celebrate a new day dawning. Emmanuel – God with us – has come into the world to show us a way and a truth and a life that leads to the very heart of God. We come together to raise our voices in songs of praise, to celebrate with the songs that have given meaning to our lives, that express our joy in this day of days, and give voice to our hopes for a future of peace on earth and unity among humankind.

Below are the Prayer of the Day and Readings.

“Worship the Lord with gladness, come into his presence with singing!” ~ Psalm 100:2

- Pr. Brad Highum
bhighum@abidinglove.org

PRAYER OF THE DAY ---------------------

God of light, fill our hearts this day with the power of your Spirit as we welcome the gift of your Christ into the midst of life. Fill us with the peace, hope, love and joy that he brings. Fill us with songs to praise the One who comes to make all things new. Amen.

READINGS ---------------------------------

First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-2,10-11
61 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. 10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.11 For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

Psalm 96:7-13
7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts.

9 Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth.

10 Say among the nations, "The Lord is king! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity."

11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it.

12 Let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord;

13 He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.

Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27
25 Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith — 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40
22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), 24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." 33 And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed — and a sword will pierce your own soul too." 36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Christmas Eve 2019

Worship on Sunday, December 24 …

We prepare for the evening Nativity gatherings.

click here to listen to the 6 pm service audio

click here to listen to the 8 pm service audio

The time of waiting will soon be over. The gift of Christmas is at hand!

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Christmas Card Dec. 22

Worship on Sunday, December 22 …

On this fourth Sunday of Advent – the Sunday of Joy – we marvel at the way the glory of God is being born into the reality of our days, in the humblest of ways!
Mixed Blessing leads music presenting a Christmas Card for you.

click here to listen to the late service audio