Embracing Love and Justice in Community
Summary
### Summary
Good morning and welcome to everyone worshiping with us today, both in person and online. As we gather during this election season, we are reminded of the importance of showing God's love to our neighbors, regardless of our differences. We began our service with a prayer, asking God to help us focus on Him amidst the distractions of daily life and to make His presence known to us. We acknowledged our human shortcomings and asked for God's guidance to become the people He wants us to be.
Our worship series will explore the teachings of Jesus, wisdom from the prophets, and letters to the early church to understand how we can live together in love and grace. Today's readings included a passage from the prophet Micah, urging us to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with God. We also read from the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus heals a deaf man, demonstrating His compassion and power.
We confessed our sins and sought God's forgiveness, asking for a deep love for Him so that we can see the world through His eyes and act with compassion. We prayed for those in need, including children in difficult circumstances, socially excluded individuals, and those suffering from war and injustice. We asked God to open our eyes to human need and to help us act with love and justice.
We also highlighted our commitment to the Pulaski Community Pantry, which provides groceries and backpacks with food for needy families. We encouraged everyone to contribute either food items or monetary donations to support this cause. Finally, we concluded with a blessing, urging everyone to go out into the world and love God and others with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Call to Unity and Love: In a time of division, especially during election seasons, we are called to show God's love to our neighbors, regardless of our differences. This unity in diversity reflects the love and kindness Jesus showed us and is essential for building a community rooted in peace and understanding. [08:42]
2. Living Out Micah's Call: The prophet Micah reminds us of what the Lord requires: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with God. This call to action is not just a lofty ideal but a practical guide for daily living. It challenges us to reflect on how we treat others and to strive for justice and love in all our interactions. [19:12]
3. Jesus' Healing Power: The story of Jesus healing the deaf man in Mark 7 illustrates His compassion and power. It serves as a reminder that Jesus is capable of transforming lives and that we, too, are called to be instruments of His healing and love in the world. Our actions, inspired by His example, can bring hope and restoration to those in need. [20:33]
4. Confession and Forgiveness: Acknowledging our sins and seeking God's forgiveness is crucial for spiritual growth. By confessing that we have not loved God with our whole heart or our neighbors as ourselves, we open ourselves to God's mercy and the transformative power of His grace. This process helps us realign our lives with His will and walk in His ways. [39:49]
5. Compassion in Action: Our commitment to the Pulaski Community Pantry exemplifies how we can put our faith into action. By providing food and support to needy families, we embody the teachings of kindness and generosity. This tangible expression of love and justice not only meets immediate needs but also uplifts and nurtures our community. [44:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[08:42] - Opening Prayer
[15:12] - Hands-On Message
[19:12] - Reading from Micah
[20:33] - Reading from Mark
[39:49] - Confession and Forgiveness
[40:20] - Prayer for Compassion
[41:25] - Prayers for the Needy
[43:46] - The Lord's Prayer
[44:19] - Pulaski Community Pantry
[45:25] - Food Backpack Program
[46:28] - Offering Procedure
[47:42] - Offering Prayer
[48:54] - Closing Song and Blessing
[50:47] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Micah 6:8 (NIV): "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
2. Mark 7:31-37 (NIV): "Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, 'Ephphatha!' (which means 'Be opened!'). At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. People were overwhelmed with amazement. 'He has done everything well,' they said. 'He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What are the three things that Micah 6:8 says the Lord requires of us?
2. Describe the process Jesus used to heal the deaf man in Mark 7:31-37. What were the reactions of the people who witnessed the miracle?
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the Pulaski Community Pantry, and how does it relate to the teachings of kindness and generosity? [44:19]
4. What specific prayer did the congregation say to confess their sins and seek God's forgiveness? [39:49]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the call to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God" in Micah 6:8 apply to our daily interactions with others, especially during divisive times like election seasons?
2. In what ways does Jesus' healing of the deaf man in Mark 7:31-37 demonstrate His compassion and power? How can this story inspire us to be instruments of healing and love in our communities?
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of confession and forgiveness. How does acknowledging our sins and seeking God's forgiveness help us realign our lives with His will? [39:49]
4. The commitment to the Pulaski Community Pantry was highlighted as an example of faith in action. How does this initiative embody the teachings of kindness and generosity mentioned in the sermon? [44:19]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you showed love and kindness to someone with whom you disagreed. How did it impact your relationship and your understanding of God's love? [08:42]
2. Micah 6:8 calls us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Identify one specific way you can act justly or show mercy in your community this week. How will you ensure you follow through with this action?
3. Jesus' healing of the deaf man in Mark 7:31-37 was a powerful act of compassion. Think of someone in your life who is in need of healing or support. What practical steps can you take to help them this week?
4. Confession and forgiveness are crucial for spiritual growth. Is there a specific sin or shortcoming you need to confess to God? How can you seek His forgiveness and make amends in your life? [39:49]
5. The Pulaski Community Pantry provides essential support to needy families. How can you contribute to this cause, either through donations or volunteering? What steps will you take to get involved? [44:19]
6. The sermon mentioned praying for those in need, including children in difficult circumstances and socially excluded individuals. Choose one group mentioned in the prayer and commit to praying for them daily this week. How can you also take tangible actions to support them? [41:25]
7. The sermon encouraged us to see the world through God's eyes and act with compassion. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to show compassion. What changes can you make to align your actions with God's love and justice? [40:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Diversity
In a time of division, especially during election seasons, we are called to show God's love to our neighbors, regardless of our differences. This unity in diversity reflects the love and kindness Jesus showed us and is essential for building a community rooted in peace and understanding. By focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us, we can create a more harmonious and loving community. This call to unity is not just about tolerating differences but actively loving and serving those who may not share our views or backgrounds.
As we navigate through times of political and social tension, it is crucial to remember that our primary allegiance is to God's kingdom. This means prioritizing love, compassion, and understanding over winning arguments or proving a point. By doing so, we can be a light in a divided world, showing others the transformative power of God's love. [08:42]
Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: Think of someone with whom you have significant differences. How can you show them God's love and build a bridge of understanding today?
Day 2: Living Out Micah's Call
The prophet Micah reminds us of what the Lord requires: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with God. This call to action is not just a lofty ideal but a practical guide for daily living. It challenges us to reflect on how we treat others and to strive for justice and love in all our interactions. Embracing faithful love means being committed to kindness and mercy, even when it is difficult or inconvenient.
Walking humbly with God involves recognizing our dependence on Him and seeking His guidance in all we do. It means putting aside our pride and self-reliance and trusting in God's wisdom and strength. By living out these principles, we can make a tangible difference in our communities and reflect God's character to those around us. [19:12]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can actively pursue justice, kindness, or humility. What specific steps can you take to live out Micah's call today?
Day 3: Jesus' Healing Power
The story of Jesus healing the deaf man in Mark 7 illustrates His compassion and power. It serves as a reminder that Jesus is capable of transforming lives and that we, too, are called to be instruments of His healing and love in the world. Our actions, inspired by His example, can bring hope and restoration to those in need. Jesus' healing was not just physical but also emotional and spiritual, showing His deep care for the whole person.
As followers of Christ, we are called to extend this same compassion and care to others. This might involve praying for someone, offering a listening ear, or providing practical help. By being attentive to the needs around us and responding with love, we can be channels of God's healing power in our communities. [20:33]
Mark 7:34-35 (ESV): "And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, 'Ephphatha,' that is, 'Be opened.' And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is in need of healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. How can you be an instrument of God's healing and love to them today?
Day 4: Confession and Forgiveness
Acknowledging our sins and seeking God's forgiveness is crucial for spiritual growth. By confessing that we have not loved God with our whole heart or our neighbors as ourselves, we open ourselves to God's mercy and the transformative power of His grace. This process helps us realign our lives with His will and walk in His ways. Confession is not just about admitting wrongdoing but also about turning away from sin and towards God.
Forgiveness, both receiving it from God and extending it to others, is a vital part of this process. It frees us from the burden of guilt and resentment and allows us to experience the fullness of God's love and grace. By regularly practicing confession and forgiveness, we can maintain a healthy and vibrant relationship with God and others. [39:49]
1 John 1:9 (ESV): "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on any unconfessed sins in your life. How can you seek God's forgiveness and extend forgiveness to others today?
Day 5: Compassion in Action
Our commitment to the Pulaski Community Pantry exemplifies how we can put our faith into action. By providing food and support to needy families, we embody the teachings of kindness and generosity. This tangible expression of love and justice not only meets immediate needs but also uplifts and nurtures our community. Acts of compassion, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on the lives of others.
Being involved in such initiatives also helps us grow in empathy and understanding, as we come face-to-face with the struggles and challenges of those around us. It reminds us that our faith is not just about personal piety but also about making a difference in the world. By actively seeking out opportunities to serve and support others, we can live out the gospel in practical and meaningful ways. [44:19]
James 2:15-17 (ESV): "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: Consider how you can contribute to meeting the needs of those around you. What specific action can you take today to show compassion and support to someone in need?
Quotes
1. "I am relieved to be with you during this election season as we focus on ways to show God's love to our neighbors whether we agree or disagree. I am beat down by the ads and speeches that set us apart and I hope for a day when our community can come together in love and peace." [08:42] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "For this worship series we will be looking at the teachings of Jesus, some wisdom from the prophets, and the letters to the early church to see how Jesus expected us to live together in love and grace. Maybe we will get inspired to show kindness to our neighbors in new ways during this election season." [15:12] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God." [19:12] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "People were overcome with wonder, saying, he does everything well. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who can't speak. Here ends our reading, the word of God, the word of life. Amen." [20:33] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God of love, give us a deep love for you so that we can see the world as you see it, feel the compassion you feel, and be a people who mediate your love to others. Grant us the insight to see the need in others, the wisdom to know what to do, and the will to do it." [40:55] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We pray for those we might cross the road to avoid, who have been excluded socially because of their race, their financial status, or their history. May the dignity that is theirs be restored to them. We pray for those we face up to because it requires action of us. Those who suffer atrocities because of war, unjust trade rules, or oppressive governments." [41:56] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Open our eyes that we might not cross the road from human need. Give us a deep love for you that we might see your love at work in this world and that we might go and do likewise. Amen." [42:38] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The Pulaski Pantry also provides backpacks with food for families facing food insecurity during the Families must meet certain eligibility requirements to be able to participate in this program. The backpacks are sent home with students to provide food for long weekends and school breaks." [44:51] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "God of love and mercy, we bring these offerings with grateful hearts. We thank you for sharing your enduring guidance in our lives. Just as wisdom works with willing hands and provides for those in need, may these gifts be used to nurture and uplift our community. Inspire us to follow your teachings of kindness and generosity." [47:42] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. Therefore go out into the world and love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and love others as you love yourself. And may God give you justice and freedom. May Christ Jesus set you free for love and may the Holy Spirit go where you go, protect you on your way. We go in peace to love and serve the Lord in the name of Christ. Amen." [50:47] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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