Going Forward, Together
God closes the door on the past and opens the door for a future.
Now What?
October 31, 2020 • Rev. Brian Sixbey
Call to Worship From Hebrews 11 What is faith? Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Can we approach God with faith? We approach God with the faith that he exists and rewards those who seek him. Does faith give us what we want? Not at once, for all those who have lived by faith have not yet received what was promised. What did they receive – what can we receive? God has provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect. We praise God for faith, perseverance, and the promises that will be fulfilled!
Back to the Law, or Forward to a New Life?
October 17, 2020 • Rev. Brian Sixbey
Like children who want to prove they are all grown up, we can imagine that we have outgrown you, Lord. After all, you want us to grow and develop. You gave us brains, talents, and abilities to become leaders, learn new things, and make mistakes. However, we forget that you gave us all that we are and all that we have, and you want to partner with us to bring a vision of the kingdom of God to earth. We will not outgrow our need for you because what you want most is a relationship with us, not our work for you. Remind us where we came from and where we are going, so our eyes can remain focused on you, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Back to ‘Safety,’ or Forward to the Future?
September 27, 2020 • Rev. Brian Sixbey
With dismay, we watch the Israelites complaining in the wilderness, knowing their complaints will cost them 40 years of traveling. Then, we complain about everything under the sun, including the sun, thinking we have every right to complain. However, we undermine our joy and our time with our complaints. You provide for us, Lord! No matter what we think, You will make a way through the wilderness. Teach us to praise through the same lips that complain, so we can be a blessing to our neighbors and ourselves. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Forgiven and Called to Transforming Love
September 20, 2020 • Rev. Brian Sixbey
Ever since we left the garden of Eden, we struggle with a distorted view of everything. We see ourselves, our role, and our calling with too great or too small a view. Help us re-set our mind’s eye, beginning with your utter forgiveness of our sins in Jesus Christ, reaching to your unchanging love for us, and drawing us forward into your calling, your purpose for our lives. We are your beloved children, built into the body of Christ to encourage, uplift, and inspire each other so that you can spread your wings over every individual on the face of the earth. In Jesus’ name, enable us to speak the truth in love. Amen.
Back Home, or Forward to the Promise?
September 13, 2020 • Rev. Brian Sixbey
Lord, we get comfortable with the way things are. We find our pews, schedules, friends, work, meaning, and values, and we stay put. Over time, our habits become our lives, and we lose sight of our purpose, to make disciples of Jesus Christ. So, you nudge us gently at first, using your Word and other people, asking us to make changes. Enable us to soften our hearts and respond to your nudges, so we can go where you need us to go, do what you need us to do, and become who you call us to become, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Back to the Garden, or Forward to Work?
September 6, 2020 • Rev. Brian Sixbey
Background on series: We are beginning a thematic Bible series today – “Going Forward, Together.” The idea is, beginning with their expulsion from the Garden, God closes the door on the past and opens the door for a future – a resurrection instead of continuous life, a new hope instead of the old life, and so on. If you’re interested in doing your own research as we go along, the passages will be in this order: Genesis 3:20-24, Genesis 11:31-12:5, Exodus 16:1-15, Isaiah 55:1-13, Galatians 3:1-14, and Hebrews 11:13-16, 32-40; 12:1-13. Along the way, we’ll have a break for Stewardship (9/20), Laity Sunday (10/11), and Consecration (10/25).