A message from the pastor will be online only this week. Live on facebook at 10:00 a.m. on our website, app, and youtube at 11:00 a.m.

The Thread :: Sunday, March 22, 2020

Glory and Grace in Disruption
Passages: James 4:13-17; Colossians 3:12-17

Main Point:
What we perceive as disruptions in our plans are not at all disruptive to God’s purposes.

James 4:13-15
• Proverbs 16:9 ESV - “The heart of man plans his ways, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
• We can make many plans with little regard to God’s Kingdom. Disruptions have a way of revealing our allegiance. This is an opportunity for us to reorient to God’s kingdom and his heart and to have a deep work done within us to shape Christlike character.
• Q’s:
o What is getting disrupted in your life because of this pandemic? What does it cause you to feel?
o What opportunities do you in place of your regular routine because of the pandemic?
o Are you more focused on what is getting disrupted or on what God might be doing in the midst of the disruption?
o Colossians 3:1-2 – Practice setting your heart and mind on things pertaining to God’s kingdom and it will transform the way you perceive throughout the pandemic disruptions. You may even behold God’s grace in unexpected ways.

Colossians 3:12-17
• Character work usually takes place when we are placed in close proximity with people who have a high capacity to irritate us. These are the opportunities for us to put on Christ.
• This could be a season in which God reveals sin that exists at depths our typically busy lives rarely allow us to get to. These sins are revealed in our dispositions and attitudes toward others.
• Q’s:
o Does this instruction give any consideration for application based on circumstances? What do these verses show us about God’s desire for his people?
o What does it mean for us to “put on” these traits? (Considering letting younger kids physically put on some clothes, then observe what is required and tie it to the spiritual “clothes” referenced in these verses).
o Read through the list of character traits, or virtues. Which are difficult to put on in your current situation? Confess them, to God and your family. Ask for forgiveness and grace to put these on.
o What are other ways you and your family (if applicable) can put these verses into practice?

Romans 12:9-12
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Practical application:
• Be more concerned with what God is doing through the disruption than on getting through the disruption. If we get through this and don’t learn what God wants to teach, we do not benefit.

• Be careful what you pay attention to – fill your mind with as much of God’s truth as you do with the news cycle – Only one of those things can produce peace.

• Be careful not to assume that God’s work in your life, in our church, in our nation, and around the world is being halted because of this. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2).

RESOURCES: app and website
• Prayer guide to keep us oriented to God
• Family resources for the next couple of weeks
• Updates – we will send notifications and will post a video update on Wednesdays

LOGISTICS:
• Programs – all cancelled until further notice
• Prayer requests (email or reach out to your elder)
• Elder contact with spiritual/ physical needs
• Benevolence/ Harriet’s
• Small groups
o please avoid gathering in groups per the governor’s recommendation
o Facetime/ video chats and dinners
• Giving – online giving via website or app