Promise Verse

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and 

lean not on your own understanding; 

in all your ways submit to Him, 

and He will make your paths straight

(Proverbs 3:5–6)

Promise Verse

 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, 

for His compassions never fail. 

They are new every morning; 

great is Your faithfulness

(Lamentations 3:22–23)

Promise Verse

 I keep my eyes always on the Lord. 

With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken

(Psalm 16:8)

Message - God Makes a Way

 God Makes a Way: The Open Heart, the Open Vision, and the Open Heaven

As we move deeper into the Easter season, the lectionary invites us to reflect on how God continues His redemptive mission through Christ’s resurrection power, the witness of the apostles, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Today’s readings highlight the expansion of the Gospel, the hope of God’s eternal kingdom, and the peace and presence of Christ with His people.

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I. The Open Vision – Acts 16:9–15

Paul receives a vision in the night – a Macedonian man pleading, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” In obedience, Paul travels to Philippi, where he meets Lydia, a Gentile businesswoman whose heart God opens.

Key Themes:

• Divine Guidance: God leads His servants through visions, nudging them toward people ready for the Gospel.
• Obedience in Mission: Paul immediately changes course – the early Church was spirit-led and flexible.
• Open Hearts: Lydia's heart was opened by God – the miracle of salvation is always God-initiated.

Are we sensitive to God's leading like Paul? Is our heart open to unexpected opportunities like Lydia’s?

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II. The Open Heaven – Revelation 21:10, 22–22:5

John sees the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven. There is no temple in the city because God Himself and the Lamb are its temple. The river of life flows, and the tree of life brings healing to the nations.

Key Themes:

• God Dwelling Among His People: No more separation between the divine and human – perfect communion.
• Light and Life: There’s no night – God's glory shines forever. The curse is reversed.
• Healing of Nations: The Gospel isn’t only personal, it’s cosmic and restorative.

Application:

Do we live with a heavenly mindset, longing for God’s future kingdom while living faithfully today?

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III. The Abiding Presence – John 14:23–29

Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure. He promises that those who love Him will keep His word, and that the Father and the Son will make their home with them. He also promises the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.

Key Themes:

• Obedient Love: Love is shown in obedience to Jesus' word, not just emotional devotion.
• The Indwelling Presence: God doesn’t just visit us—He dwells with us through the Holy Spirit.
• Christ’s Peace: The peace Jesus gives is not circumstantial, but spiritual and eternal.

Application:

Are we cultivating a heart that loves Jesus enough to obey Him? Are we letting the Holy Spirit teach and remind us daily?

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IV. The Global Blessing – Psalm 67

Psalm 67 echoes the priestly blessing (Numbers 6:24–26), asking for God's face to shine on His people so that His way may be known among all nations.

Key Themes:

• Mission-Minded Worship: The purpose of God’s blessing is to spread His salvation.
• Universal Praise: The psalm looks forward to a time when all nations will rejoice in God's justice.

Application:

Is our Christian life attractive and witnessing? Do our lives reflect God’s blessing in a way that draws others to Him?

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Summary

Text	Theme	Application
Acts 16:9–15	God guides and opens hearts	Be open to God's direction
Revelation 21	The glory of the New Jerusalem	Live with eternal hope
John 14:23–29	Christ's indwelling presence	Obey in love; walk with peace
Psalm 67	God's blessing for the nations	Live to make God known

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Called to Be Open

This Sunday calls us to:

• Open our hearts like Lydia
• Open our ears to the Spirit like Paul
• Open our lives to obedience like the disciples
• Open our vision to God's coming kingdom

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Prayer

“Lord, open our eyes to see the vision You have for us. Open our ears to hear the Spirit’s leading. Open our hearts to receive Your Word, and open our lives to share Your love with the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

Sixth Sunday of Easter

 May God give us his blessing,

and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.

(Psalm 67: 7)

Promise Verse

 You will keep in perfect peace those 

whose minds are steadfast, 

because they trust in You

(Isaiah 26:3)

Promise Verse

 Be strong and take heart, 

all you who hope in the Lord.

(Psalm 31:24)