Sunday morning was a little out of the ordinary at Christ's Church, with much of our bible consideration time taking place in activities rather than a sermon. Still, in the various stations that folks visited and participated in, there were some buts about it worth revisiting. Take a look:
Communing ~ But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8) This one contrasts human expectation of love (just how far would love go?) with the manner in which God loves us.
Confessing ~ He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Prov. 28:13) This big but states succinctly what we read in Psalm 51 (I recommend you look at that Psalm).
Giving ~ Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (Luke 2:1-3) We actually considered this passage a few weeks ago when we considered sacrifice. Point is: sacrifice is about heart, cost and faith. This widow and her sacrificial giving demonstrates all three.
Praying ~ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7) This but gives us an alternative. We can be anxious or we can pray. Making the things that concern us a matter of prayer has a practical benefit--the path to experiencing more of God's peace.
Studying ~ Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. (Psalm 119:70) The Psalmist contrasts those who have rejected God with his own appetite for God's voice (his word). I love the word 'delight'.
Trusting ~ The rules of of the earth take their stand against God and His anointed One, but the One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Psalm 2:1-4 paraphrase) This one provides a 'behind the scenes' look--God is in control.
So there you have it. If you participated in one of the stations on Sunday, I'd love to hear from you--either here, or drop me an email.
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