Open Word

FIRST READING

Acts 10:44-48

Verse 44. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. Verse 45. All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. Verse 46. For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said, Verse 47. “Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!” Verse 48. So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.

PSALM

Psalm 98

A Psalm. Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done wonders; His right hand and holy arm have gained Him the victory.

The LORD has proclaimed His salvation and revealed His righteousness to the nations.

He has remembered His love and faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth — let your cry ring out, and sing praises!

Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, in melodious song with the harp.

With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

Let the sea resound, and all that fills it, the world, and all who dwell in it.

Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy

before the LORD, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.

SECOND READING

1 John 5:1-6

Verse 1. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves those born of Him. Verse 2. By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep His commandments. Verse 3. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, Verse 4. because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith. Verse 5. Who then overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Verse 6. This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ — not by water alone, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies to this, because the Spirit is the truth.

GOSPEL

John 15:9-17

Verse 9. As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. Verse 10. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. Verse 11. I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. Verse 12. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Verse 13. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Verse 14. You are My friends if you do what I command you. Verse 15. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you. Verse 16. You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will remain — so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Verse 17. This is My command to you: Love one another.