Lessons for May 21, 2006 – Sixth Sunday of Easter The first lesson Acts 10:44-48 Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who had heard the message. 45The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles, too. 46And there could be no doubt about it, for they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, 47"Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?" 48So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterward Cornelius asked him to stay with them for several days. (NLT) Psalm 98 L. Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. C. He has won a mighty victory by his power and holiness. L. The Lord has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation! C. He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel. L. The whole earth has seen the salvation of our God. C. Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! L. Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, C. with trumpets and the sound of the ram's horn. L. Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King! C. Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! L. Let the earth and all living things join in. Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! C. Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord. L. For the Lord is coming to judge the earth. C. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with fairness. (NLT) The second lesson 1 John 5:1-6 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 2We know we love God's children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3Loving God means keeping his commandments, and really, that isn't difficult. 4For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory. 5And the ones who win this battle against the world are the ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 6And Jesus Christ was revealed as God's Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross—not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit also gives us the testimony that this is true. (NLT) The Gospel Lesson John 15:9-17 "I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. 13And here is how to measure it—the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. 14You are my friends if you obey me. 15I no longer call you servants, because a master doesn't confide in his servants. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17I command you to love each other. (NLT)