Calvary Church Season of Preparation 2012

Calvary Church 2012

“What if…”

What if an entire church committed to stopping together every day to reflect on scripture, fast from something and consider giving a thank offering during the season of preparation?

What would happen? What would that look like? How would that church be different?

For the next seven weeks, you are invited to enter a rhythm of reflecting on Ephesians, fasting and giving.

Prayerfully Reflect on Scripture. Each day there will be a verse from Ephesians on which to meditate. Some days there will be an action step and some days there will be just a question for you to ponder as you go throughout your day.

Each Sunday, we receive from God, who provides for our needs through the Sabbath rest and through fellowship with His Body, the Church. We will mediate on The Lord’s Prayer on Sundays and be affirmed in the common prayer that Jesus taught us.

Fasting. You are encouraged to give something up for this season, with the hope that you will thank Jesus for suffering for you and also pray that those Jesus suffered for, who do not know Him, will come to the Easter services and hear the gospel.

Giving. As we prepare for Easter, we think about Jesus’ sacrifice for us, which should stir our hearts toward gratitude. During these weeks, perhaps you might consider putting aside some money that could be used toward a special offering that will be taken during the Good Friday service. The offering will be used to help with the Manasseh Project, a shelter and recovery center for children who are victims of sex trafficking in West Michigan.

You are invited to enter this season, every day at 7:00am and 7:00pm, stopping together with hundreds of others to still and quiet your soul (Psalm 131:2).

Would you join us as we prepare for Easter, and see how God answers our “What if…”?

Preparing for Easter February 22 – April 7

This is a time for spiritual preparation, leading up to Holy Week and Easter. It’s about focusing our hearts on our relationship with God. During these weeks we encourage you to fast from something, setting aside certain foods or nonessential activities. The purpose of fasting isn’t depravation, but dedication to God. Here at Calvary, we encourage you to participate in this early Christian tradition. The fruit of preparation is both a deeper relationship with God now and a more exuberant and mindful celebration of Easter in six weeks.

During this season, every time you think about what you have given up, the hope is that you would do two things: 1) Thank Jesus for suffering for you; and 2) Pray that those whom Jesus suffered for, who do not know Him, will come to the Easter service and hear the gospel.

Palm Sunday (Sunday, April 1)

services at 8:10, 9:40 and 11:15am Musical “One Lord – One Faith” at 6:00pm On Palm Sunday, we celebrate Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem the week before His death and resurrection. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week.

The Bible tells us that when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds greeted Him by waving palm branches and covering His path with them. Immediately following this great time of celebration, Jesus begins His journey to the cross.

The Bible passages of Palm Sunday can be found in Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44 and John 12:12-19.

Maundy Thursday (Thursday, April 5) service at 7:00pm

Good Friday (Friday, April 6)

Traditionally the Christian Church has referred to this day as Maundy Thursday, from the Latin word “mandatum.” The term is usually translated “commandment,” from John’s account of this night. According to the book of John, as Jesus and the disciples were eating their final meal together before His arrest, He washed the disciples’ feet to illustrate humility and servanthood. During the Passover (Lord’s Supper), Jesus took bread and wine and asked His Father to bless it. He broke the bread, giving it to His disciples saying, “This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Then He took the cup of wine and said, “This wine is the token of God’s new covenant to save you−an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you.”

During our Maundy Thursday service, you will see people washing the feet of others to demonstrate humility and servanthood. We will also partake in the Lord’s Supper just like Jesus did on the night He was betrayed.

Good Friday is the day Christ died on the cross, the Friday before Easter. As the most somber day in the Christian calendar, it is a day for prayer, repentance, and meditation on the agony and suffering of Christ on the cross. Since Christ’s death on the cross is central to the Christian faith, the events of that day should be ever on our minds.

We celebrate Good Friday with a subdued evening service, remembering the night of Christ’s death.

The Bible passages of Maundy Thursday can be found in Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-38, John 13:1-17, and I Corinthians 11:23-25.

service at 7:00pm

The Bible passages for Good Friday can be found in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19.

Easter Sunday (Sunday, April 8) services at 7:00, 8:10, 9:40 and 11:15am

From the earliest days of the church, Easter has been celebrated by all Christians everywhere. As the most important day in the Christian calendar, Easter Sunday is the day that we celebrate the bodily Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Our observation of Lent and Holy Week will better prepare our hearts to celebrate the power and joy of Christ’s resurrection on Easter.

The Bible passages for Easter can be found in Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20.

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.

Ephesians 1:4-5

Take time to thank God for His mercy today.

Wednesday, February 22

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace ...

Ephesians 1:7

What has God redeemed you from?

Thursday, February 23

... that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

Ephesians 1:8

How have you experienced God’s wisdom?

Friday, February 24

And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment— to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

Ephesians 1:9-10

What does God’s plan look like in your life? Are there things in your life that you need to surrender?

Saturday, February 25

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen

Sunday, February 26

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.

Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:13-14

In what ways have you experienced the leading of the Holy Spirit?

How do you feel His love for you today?

Monday, February 27

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

Ephesians 1:15-16

Who are the “saints� in your own life? Is there someone you need to thank?

Tuesday, February 28

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, Ephesians 1:18-19

How have you experienced God’s power in your life?

Are you looking forward to His glorious inheritance?

Wednesday, February 29

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, Ephesians 2:1

Have you ever felt like you were living in death?

Was it in some way related to sin?

Thursday, March 1

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions— it is by grace you have been saved.

Ephesians 2:4-5

Are you feeling alive in Christ today?

Friday, March 2

... and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus ...

Ephesians 2:6

How does it make you feel knowing that you will be seated in heavenly realms?

Saturday, March 3

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen

Sunday, March 4

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

Knowing that God’s grace is a gift to you, how will you extend God’s grace to others today?

Monday, March 5

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

As a son or daughter of God, you are His masterpiece.

What works do you want to do today for Him? Tuesday, March 6

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:13

Knowing that you have been brought near through the blood of Christ, do you feel His nearness? Are there things that need to be stripped away to feel that nearness?

Wednesday, March 7

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.

Ephesians 2:17

How will you preach/talk peace in your home, your work, and your family?

Thursday, March 8

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.

Ephesians 3:7

Knowing that you have been saved from all sin, how can you share that wonderful news with someone today?

Friday, March 9

I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

Ephesians 3:13

Take time to thank God for suffering for you.

Saturday, March 10

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen

Sunday, March 11

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ ...

Ephesians 3:16-18

Replace the pronouns and put your own name in the verse. Read this a couple of times and let it sit with you.

Monday, March 12

... may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ ...

Ephesians 3:18

Take time today to ask God to lavish you with the depth of His love.

Tuesday, March 13

... and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19

How have you experienced love that surpasses knowledge?

Wednesday, March 14

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

With Him doing immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, how have you given Him glory for the things He has done in your life?

Thursday, March 15

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Ephesians 4:1

Are you living a life worthy of the calling you have received?

Are you simply following Jesus?

Friday, March 16

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2

Knowing Jesus is the ultimate servant leader, are you being humble, gentle, patient with others?

Saturday, March 17

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen

Sunday, March 18

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:3

Do you experience the bond of peace that comes with unity? Are there changes you need to make in your approach to experience this?

Monday, March 19

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24

List the ways you have put off your old self and put on your new self.

Take time to thank God for making you new.

Tuesday, March 20

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Ephesians 4:25

How are you speaking truth to those in your life?

Are you doing it in love?

Wednesday, March 21

In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

Ephesians 4:26-27

Is anger something you struggle with?

How can you make room for God to bring peace, joy, love and restoration to your life?

Thursday, March 22

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

Ephesians 4:28

Knowing that our God is generous with you, who can you share that generosity with today? Is there someone you know whose needs you could help meet?

Friday, March 23

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

How is your mouth?

With the promise that today is a new day, how will you build others up?

Saturday, March 24

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen

Sunday, March 25

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

Take time to thank God for forgiving you today.

Monday, March 26

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2

Is your life reflecting love?

How can you say no to self and yes to others today?

Tuesday, March 27

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

Live as children of light.

Ephesians 5:8

As a child of Light, how will you bring/show Light to the world today?

Wednesday, March 28

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.�

Ephesians 5:13-14

Are you currently sleeping?

In what ways do you need to wake up to let light shine?

Thursday, March 29

Be very careful, then, how you live— not as unwise but as wise ...

Ephesians 5:15

Do you feel that you are making wise decisions with your life? Is there something in your life you need to let go of and trust Jesus with today?

Friday, March 30

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Ephesians 5:20

How is your heart? Is your heart making music to the Lord?

What song is your heart singing?

Saturday, March 31

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen

Sunday, April 1

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ ...

Ephesians 5:21

Take time to just be in God’s presence. Quiet yourself and invite God to meet with you.

Monday, April 2

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Ephesians 6:10

Are you doing it on your own?

Where is your strength coming from?

Are you relying on God’s strength?

Tuesday, April 3

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Ephesians 6:10-11

Are you standing firm in Christ?

Wednesday, April 4

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:14-17

List out the Armor of God and what each one means.

Have you put the Armor of God on today?

Thursday, April 5

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:18

Are you praying without ceasing?

Are you praying to the Spirit with the big and little requests of life?

Take time to pray.

Friday, April 6

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.

Ephesians 6:19

Ask God to help you to be bold in sharing the gospel.

Are there people you need to share the gospel with?

Saturday, April 7