Month: October 2016

Sermon:           Forgiven, As We Forgive

Theme:            It is only through letting go of the sins and offenses of others that we are able to made right in our relationship with God and with one another.

Purpose:          The congregation will recommit to forgiving and letting go of hostility, bitterness, and resentment.

Scriptures:       2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Be reconciled to God, do not regard anyone from a “human” point of view.

Matthew 18:23-35      The parable of the unforgiving servant.

Questions:

How does bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness affect our relationship with God? If we do not forgive others and hold grudges, what happens to our ability to experience God’s love and grace in our own lives? In what ways does our gratitude for the love and acceptance that God has for us affect our ability to love and accept the differences in others? In what ways are guilt, low self-worth, and a sense of being judged signs that we have not let go of the hostility and anger we have for others? What practical steps can we do to release others of our judgment and hostility?

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Sermon:           We Need Rest in Order to be Wise.

Theme:            Sabbath keeps us in healthy relationship with God and our physical needs so that we may make wise decisions in the midst of conflict.

Purpose:          The congregation will reconsider their needs and priorities so as to experience real sabbath rest.

Scriptures:       Genesis 2:2-3  God rested on the Sabbath.

Mark 2:23-3:6 The lack of understanding of Sabbath and hardness of heart.

Psalm 37:1-9   Do not fret over the wicked, find strength in stillness.

Questions:

What difference does time for rest make in our ability to resolve conflicts? In what ways does a lack of rest affect our ability to be open to resolving conflicts? In what ways does a lack of sabbath time lead to additional conflicts? How do we learn to find balance in our lives so that we may be healthy and wise? What can we do so that we are in a healthy state of mind when we are attempting to find resolution in conflict situations? How do we reach out in love and compassion to those whose lives have not had enough rest?

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Sermon:           “Acting To Bring Reconciliation”

Theme:            We dedicate ourselves to working for reconciliation and healing, confessing our shortcomings, and recognizing our struggles together so that we may reflect the love of Christ.

Purpose:          The congregation will confess their failures in working for reconciliation and commit themselves to learning and growing in the love and forgiveness of Christ Jesus.

Scriptures:       Ephesians 4:25-32       Speak the truth in love, do not allow evil talk to come out of your mouth.

Matthew 18:15-22      Go to the person with whom you have the issue directly, and then work to find reconciliation.

Questions:

What difference does our way of dealing with conflict make in our relationship with God? In what ways are our challenging relationships a part of the process of growing as disciples? What difference does “speaking the truth in love” make in a relationship? Why is that different from “speaking the truth?” Does this mean that we should be honest in what we feel or should we be thoughtful in what we choose to say? What does it mean to “grieve the Holy Spirit?” In what ways do conflicts between God’s people affect the people around them? In what ways does this cause grief to God?  Is Jesus serious about constantly forgiving people? How does this change the way we resolve issues with others?

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Prayer for Our Enemies, Blessing our Oppressors

Sermon:           Practicing Prayer for Enemies

Theme:            The practice of praying for our enemies is necessary if we are going to remain healthy and capable of making peace.

Purpose:          The congregation will take prayer for enemies seriously as a discipline and practice.

Scriptures:       Romans 12:14-21        Bless those who persecute you, by so doing you will heap burning coals upon their heads.

Luke 6:27-36   Jesus’ call to bless those who persecute you, and do not resist the evildoer.

Questions:

How should we pray for our enemies? Why is it that often our prayers become imagining our enemies being punished or injured? What impact does our praying have upon our enemies? What impact does our prayer have upon ourselves? What does God do with our prayers for people who do wrong? How do we learn to pray regularly in a way that enables us to let go of our hostility or bitterness? How do we practice praying in a way that will be healing for ourselves and others?

From the sermon:

Practical Steps for praying for someone with whom you are in conflict:

• Pray for at least five minutes each day for that person that causes you anger and fear;
• Allow God to help you to see what you have associated with this person (other past poor relationships;
• Pray both that they be changed and that your heart be changed.

As a result of these steps:

• Be open to seeing them as a child of God – created in God’s own image;
• Trust that God is greater than they are – and will care for your needs;
• Accept that there are places where you need to grow and change as well.

Click HERE to listen to the message.