It’s Sunday Once Again.

Welcome to Atheist Church.

Today’s hymn is: "All Things Bright and Beautiful."

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdLjQa3as58&feature=related

Today’s sermon is from Luke Chapter 2:

"Which you have prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (Luke 2:31-35).

Simeon was told by the Lord that he wouldn’t see death until he had seen Jesus. He then prophesied over the baby, and said that God had prepared salvation through this tiny child, not just for the Jews, but for all the nations. This was a marvelous thing that caused Joseph and Mary to marvel. The promised salvation would be universal.

Later in His life, when Jesus spoke of the "sign" He spoke of the cross upon which He would suffer and die. The cross was to be the center-point of Christianity. Without the cross, there would be not gospel and no message of everlasting life. The cross is the stumbling block of the wicked. It is a sign that is spoken against. It is "foolishness to those who are perishing," because when the moral Law is denied a suffering Messiah is superfluous. However, when any sinner admits that he has transgressed the moral Law, the cross becomes His redemption from death.

Then Simeon directed his prophetic words at Mary and tells her that a sword would pierce her soul. She would anguish as she witnessed the unspeakable horror of seeing her beloved son crucified. But this happened so that God could extend His mercy to the humble, before He judged the hearts of humanity on Judgment Day.

Sinners have no idea that their thoughts are seen by a holy God who sees lust as adultery and hatred as murder. Those who understand the Law and the standard by which they will be judged, will flee to the cross where they can find mercy and grace.

Announcements: The winners of the financial gift and vest will be announced early next week.

Collection: This service is free.

Benediction: May you come to know the Lord this week, and let it become the most special week of your life--throughout eternity.