Taking worship home
With a friend or family member talk about one or more of the following: What’s the biggest job you have ever done with a power tool? If you were going to be on the cover of a magazine, what would you wear? Share a significant disappointment and a significant joy from the last year. “Disillusioned” means disappointed in someone or something that you discover is less good than you thought. Have you ever been disillusioned by someone? What happened next? Have you ever been disillusioned with yourself? What happened next? Do you think Jesus was/is ever disillusioned? Why or why not? The Bonhoeffer quote in the sermon notes seems to suggest that a kind of disillusionment is a key step in receiving true Christain community with open and thankful hearts. Talk about what you think that means for you and your community. Where does Jesus show up in your disillusionment? Why do we need Jesus in our Christian relationships? What is Jesus doing in your week that leaves you feeling joyful or free? Verse for the Week
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 Daily /
Word
Monday Colossians 3:1-­‐17 Tuesday Ephesians 4:17-­‐32 Wednesday Matthew 18:21-­‐35 Thursday Romans 7:14-­‐25 Friday Saturday Colossians 3:1-­‐17 1 John 1:1-­‐10 Prayer for the Week Jesus, You are the foundation and basis of our relationships. Encourage us with this promise: You are with us as we share life with one another. Lord, Your death on the cross forgives our sins and enables us to forgive others. Let the vitality of Your cross be evident in our lives. Give us the strength to acknowledge our weakness; give us the courage to love others as they are; wrap us in the power to give and receive Your loving forgiveness. Jesus, we cannot move forward except by Your grace; be present in our relationships. Amen. Sermon Notes
“Just as surely as God desires to lead us to a knowledge of genuine Christian fellowship, so surely must we be overwhelmed by a great disillusionment with others, with Christians in general, and, if we are fortunate, with ourselves.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together. On what basis are we ever able to forgive one another?