28/03/21– “Processing into the Heart”
Processing into the Heart
All Age Message
“Welcoming Jesus?”
The pdf information sheet can be accessed and printed, or stored on your computer to assist worship planning
Processing into the Heart
“Welcoming Jesus?”
The pdf information sheet can be accessed and printed, or stored on your computer to assist worship planning
‘Armour’ was well known in Biblical times, and used by people for enforcing the peace of Rome.
Today is not about people fighting but about fighting stuff that is spiritual.
Making us want to live well and the qualities needed as followers of Jesus.
What we need to cut through all the stuff in life that directs us away from Living the Jesus way.
Moving through this Epiphany we need to be looking for the signs that God has for us for this new year.
The fishermen that Jesus called to follow him, knew what it was like to pull fish from the chaos of the sea.
What does it mean to pull people from the chaos of their lives, the storms around them, the deep blue of the seas they are in and bring them into the order of God. ‘Called to follow’ equals ‘Call to love’ (even when we want to resist).
In this week John is giving us a theological construct.
Rather than telling us an actual historical event John’s aim is to make clear theologically what our response to Jesus should be. The Messianic time has begun; the reign of God is present.
The season of Epiphany is ‘God’s appearing to us’. We are called to marvelous things!
Passion compels us into action. Action that is fueled by love and not obligation, not rituals but commitment. Be careful what you say and how you use the Bible text!
Ruth – a story of one woman’s love, friendship, devotion, courage and faith.
God provides people to share parts of our lives with – God does not want us to journey alone.
Following rules and instructions is not always popular in our present society. Some like to just ‘do their own thing’!
Today there is a challenge to follow rules that will build unity and an element of community in our society.
What would it look like to be ‘imitators’ of Jesus in our lives where love, kindness and forgiveness shine?