april 6, 2008
April 10, 2008 by decaturfbc
Who is Jesus? That is the question we will seek to answer in the coming weeks (months) as we begin a study in Matthew’s gospel. This past Sunday was the introduction to the series. The sermon was intended to pose more questions than answers. It may have left some uncomfortable in that we like our messages wrapped up neatly (3 points and a conclusion we can grab hold of). One of the many things I am learning about Jesus is that He is not neatly wrapped up in points and conclusions. The personal work I have been doing in preparation for this series has been life transforming for me. I am of stronger conviction on many things about Jesus than i ever was before, and in some areas, my long held thoughts have been challenged to the core.
It has already been a great series for me, and we have only shared the first message.
Apart from the sermon, last Sunday’s worship was great. Good energy, good singing, good fellowship. The communion segment (from the prelude to the song after communion) was powerful. The time we take to celebrate the supper is special to me in that it creates forced reflection. I tend not to reflect much anymore (got to get on to the next thing) so communion forces me to breathe, think, reflect, pray.
What parts of the service spoke to your heart? I am looking forward to your comments.
steve
This Sunday is “O Jonah.” Our children, along with kids in the neighborhood and from Muscademy present a musical based on “Jonah.” Just for fun, read the bible story before you come. Come on, you can do it - 4 chapters that cover two pages. See you Sunday
“Forced reflection”….I love that term. And I think you’ve hit on something that has been dear to me in worship for a long time. To have those moments for near silence (hopefully no annoying organ underscore music) and to reflect, is a tremendous gift. Our culture doesn’t promote silence….we have sound every where from the moment we open our eyes in the morning until we fall alseep. To be consciously quiet to hear the “still small voice of God” is so important in staying connected. I don’t know about others, but sometimes silence is a great friend and in it’s those moments that God can speak.
I am very much looking forward to the new sermon series, especially since the high school Sunday school class is working their way through Matthew. We are only on chapter 5 so you will catch up with us very quickly. I just started teaching last week, but it has been really enlightening for me to prepare lessons, digging into the context and how Jesus’ words were meant to be interpreted based on the times and experiences of the Jews and some of the words that are lost in translation. I am learning alot about some very familiar passages and I hope they are at least learning a little!!