Confession of Sin
Eph 4: 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
We live in community. We live in families. By definition then we live in a fragile ocean of relationships. Bitterness can destroy these relationships. And typically that bitterness is based on false expectations. “Dad didn’t do what I wanted.” “My wife doesn’t understand me (as if anyone could???)”. “My husband doesn’t tell me he loves me (But honey I said I loved you when we got married, what more do you want!)”. “I am struggling and others should be doing more to help me.”
As a church community we are getting to know each other and it has been an interesting year learning of the struggles you have been through and are facing. But as we continue these relationships will be tested. The more successful this church is in God’s eyes, the more we can expect Satan to seek to tear us down, create division and disharmony. So “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
This reminds us of our need to come before the Lord in confession, so as you are able please kneel before the Lord.
Lord’s Supper:
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
To be among the called of God as a reason for gratitude. A gratitude that expresses itself by submission to the King of kings and Lord of lords.
We are living in these tents of bodies, which can be pretty intense at times. And seeing this journey we are on: justified, sanctified and glorified, being grateful can help us avoid grumbling with intent.
Psalm 23: 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
So come to His table and welcome
Let’s pray.