Rev. Dr. John J. Lolla, Jr. May 7, 2017 Text: I John 4:1 Old Testament: I Samuel 13:22-29 Psalm 22 New Testament: I John 4:1-22 Now is the time of the Scottish Reformation. On May 2, 1559, John Knox returned to Scotland from exile in France. He landed at Leith and spent this day in Edinburgh. He proceeded north to Dundee, where Paul Methven’s preaching had reformed the city. From Dundee, Knox followed…
Rev. Dr. John J. Lolla, Jr. April 23, 2017 Text: John 20:19 Psalm 16 John 20:1-18 “Shalom Alekem!” These are the first two words Jesus spoke to his disciples in the Upper Room after His crucifixion. “Shalom alekem!” “Peace be unto you!” People of the Middle East use this greeting when they meet. No other greeting could have more profound implications, especially in the Middle East where peace is hard to find.…
Rev. Dr. John J. Lolla, Jr. April 16, 2017 Easter Sunday Text: John 20:17 Isaiah 25:6-9 John 20:1-18 Remember the Time Magazine cover story of Good Friday in 1966? It was controversial and set the tone for the Baby Boomer rejection of the Church. In an era of social movements, Christianity’s rejection was the most under-reported, and under-appreciated – except for this article. The cover story was “Where is God?” It could just…
Rev. Dr. John J. Lolla, Jr. April 14, 2017 Good Friday / Tenebrae Service Text: Hebrews 5:8 Seven Last Words of Christ What exactly is love? Love has many meanings. There’s brotherly or sisterly love that comes from the Greek word – philos. This love is a caring concern for others – a friendship. We know this love from our sister city – Philadelphia – also known as the City of Brotherly…
Rev. Dr. John J. Lolla, Jr. April 13, 2017 Maundy Thursday The Cross of Service Text: John 13:16 Exodus 12:1-10 John 9:1-41 We live in a nation built on self-improvement. Billions of dollars are spent annually by American consumers on self-improvement. Exercise and diets compete fashion and cosmetics industries. Career gurus and motivational speakers are aimed at self-improvement. Self-improvement is America’s mantra. Our ancestors were lured by promises of self-improvement offered by the…