Welcome to a new season in the life of our church and our world. While we are currently working on a plan to allow for embodied community to continue in the weeks ahead, today we will simply rely on technology to facilitate our shared experience.
Discussion Questions:
1. What are you calling good? How would you fill in the following:
Underneath my calling _____ good, is a love of what? But today I want to rejoice in Christ as my great ________. And I want to confess where I haven't been.
2. In light of what is really good (being conformed to the image of Jesus), how does that change the way you engage suffering? Or the way you comfort those who are?
3. Where are you celebrating good- in your life, in other people's lives, in the world? What needs to be named?
Corporate Confession and Assurance:
Gracious God, we confess that we have longed too much for the comforts of this world. We have loved the gifts more than the giver. In your mercy, help us to see that all the things we pine for are shadows, but you are substance; that they are quicksands, but you are mountain; that they are shifting, but you are anchor. We plead your forgiveness on the merits of Jesus Christ. Accept his worthiness for our unworthiness, his sinlessness for our transgressions, his fullness for our emptiness, his glory for our shame, his righteousness for our dead works, his death for our life. We pray in Jesus’s name. Amen.
Hear the good news: The story of Jesus is proof that God’s faithfulness to us doesn’t hinge on our perfection, our performance, or our consistency. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and wash away all of our unrighteousness. Friends, believe and declare the good news of the gospel– In Christ Jesus we are forgiven! Amen!
Benediction and Sending:
"Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is in you. And the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you always." (LR Knost)