Today, Jason talked about Colossians 2: 26-23 where Paul is addressing the problem of legalism. We have a tendency to set up rules so we know what to expect. God did give us the 10 Commandments as a rule for our lives, but He knew we couldn't keep them. We are dependent on His grace in Jesus Christ to fulfill the law. In "The Shack", Mack has a discussion with God about this very thing. God tells him that He wants a relationship with His people and not for them to just be following the rules.
In Christ, we have freedom from the rules that society puts on us - the things that other people might expect to see from what their view of a Christian should be. What does it mean to die with Christ? Perhaps it means to die to that part of ourselves which is trying to gain acceptance from society by following their view of the rules. We are then free to live a life of expectancy to the good things in Christ.
Today, Pastor Henry started a new series based on a fictional novel, The Shack. In this novel, the main character Mack is faced with unspeakable suffering and is questioning God. Suffering and pain can cause us to forget God's promise, to doubt and to question Him. Henry asked us to think of the questions we might ask God if we were given the opportunity.
Henry told us something a former teacher of his told him... "I am often struck by what God doesn't promise." What He does promise is found in Isaiah 43:2,
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
What a promise! He promises to be with us no matter what our circumstances are.
Question of the Week: How do you acknowledge the truth of Isaiah 43:2 in your life?
I have this image in my head when I think of what the future could hold of God being with me in even the darkest of times and I am very thankful for the peace it gives me.
Today, the Rehoboth Team shared stories from their mission trip to New Mexico during January 10-18, 2009 which illustrated how God is at work.
The team also gave the chapel which they had given twice - for Rehoboth Christian School and Zuni Christian Reformed Mission School. The chapel was about purpose and how fear of rejection can get in the way of our purpose. Jesus knows about rejection and He promises to never reject us. "I will never leave you or forsake you." Hebrews 13:6.
Question: How can fear of rejection get in the way of your purpose? How does God's provision help your purpose?
This morning, Pastor Jason talked about Genesis 1:26-31 when God created man in His image. It's kind of like looking in a mirror - when we see the image that is reflected and not the actual thing. We learn in John 4:24 that God is spirit and His followers must worship Him in spirit and in truth. What else does it mean to be created in His image?
1. We are above nature - we must care for it. 2. To be created in God's image is to reflect God's desire for life. 3. In verse 31, God looked at all He had made and said that is is very good - this puts a lot of weight on us to be His reflection. We messed it up, but through Jesus' sacrifice, He declared it is finished.
One way we refelect God's image is a desire to see life flourish.
Question of the Week: Can you think of other ways we reflect God's image?
