Fellowship of the Broken
That's What Love Is For!
April 28, 2024 • Courtney Harkness • 1 Peter 4:7–8
Relationships are messy. There will always be some reason to avoid them. The expectations we have for others are usually directly tied to the standards we prefer for ourselves. So when people fail to measure up, we find little use for them in our relational circles. But these preferences fall short of the heart of God. He desires much more for us than just self-serving interactions. His Church is meant to be a loving community - filled with people who are unafraid and willing to go the distance with - and for - each other. And that doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges, disagreements, and even disappointments along the way. But whenever our brokenness begins to stand in the way of our commitment to each other, the gospel is readily available to remind us of one truth: That’s what love is for!
A Mess Worth Making
April 21, 2024 • Courtney Harkness • Colossians 3:12–14
The resurrection of Jesus launched a new era for all of humanity. Our lives and relationships no longer have to be marked by our brokenness, because now, they can be characterized by the grace of God. Christ’s triumph over death delivers victory to us in all the ways necessary for human flourishing. But this doesn’t mean we are without problems, challenges, or difficulty. It means that in Christ, we are without excuse. The Church is meant to be a shining example of God’s intention for humanity. There is a way to live together and a way to love each other - in spite of our fallen world. The Church of Jesus Christ should stand as the primary demonstration of that possibility, and shine hope to the world as one new people - the Fellowship of the Broken.
The Great Cooperation
April 14, 2024 • Courtney Harkness • Ephesians 2:14–16
In a world of increasing individualism, the gospel calls for community. We are to counter isolation by committing our lives, and even our ministries, to supporting gospel work - wherever we might find it. As individuals, cooperation with the Great Commission is our best effort to offer God the glory He deserves.