The service began with the Psalm 19, the Gloria Patri and the hymn of praise was "Lead On, O King Eternal." We had words of joy and testimony, special music by Louanna Rhonemus, and a presentation and Prince of Peace banner offered by junior church members.
The theme for today's sermon was the testing of Jesus and what His message means for us.
Joh 8:1
Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
Joh 8:2
And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
Joh 8:3
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
Joh 8:4
They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Joh 8:5
Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
Joh 8:6
This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
Joh 8:7
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Joh 8:8
And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
Joh 8:9
And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Joh 8:10
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
Joh 8:11
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Pastor Robbie noted that Jesus was tested by others many times. They were seeking to trick Jesus by presenting Him with no-win situations.
Mr 1:13
And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
Mr 10:2
And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
Mr 8:11
And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.
Mr 12:14
And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
Mr 12:15
Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
Pastor Robbie dropped a stone as we closed our eyes. He said we should feel ourselves losing the weight of the stone. We should drop the hatred if we feel hatred for others, drop the pain of others accusing us, and drop the burden of our sins, knowing that God forgives us. We can't ignore sin, because we must "sin no more" according to Jesus. But we are not condemned by the sins of our past, if we ask for God's forgiveness.
The closing hymn was "The Old Rugged Cross."
