Sunday Sermon

Why the United Methodist Church? - August 23Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:15-20 (MSG)Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat. He included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own. Because of this decision we dont evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly dont look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. Were Christs representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into Gods work of making things right between them. Were speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; hes already a friend with you.

My Notes:

Growing Deeply Week of August 24 August 29

a daily scripture guide

MONDAY: 2 Corinthians 5:15-20 Everybody! REFLECTION: In high school, there was a sign that said, We are more alike than unalike. This understanding of common humanity and universality is part of being human. Our faith is centered on Jesuss love and sacrifice for everybody. We may exclude folks, but God in Christ is for all. PRAYER: Thank you for including me in your grace. Let me live as one who honors your grace toward me.

TUESDAY: 2 Corinthians 5:15-20 Brand new REFLECTION: What difference has a relationship with Jesus Christ made in your life this month? In what ways are you new? PRAYER: You are making all things and people new. Thank you for the grace to grow and be changed into your likeness over time.

WEDNESDAY: 2 Corinthians 5:15-20 Restoring REFLECTION: God restores us in relationship to Godself through Christ. How then do we restore relationships with one another? While it may take time, therapy, spiritual direction, lots of prayer and stepping out of our comfort zones, with whom might you actively begin or continue a restorative relationship? PRAYER: Lead and guide me as I seek restoration with (persons name). Grant us your grace and courage to go through hard conversations, knowing that through it all you are with us.

THURSDAY: Romans 12:9-21 Inwardly and outwardly good REFLECTION: This scripture is an exhortation to line up inward thinking with outward living. Are there areas of your life where you hold a certain view, but your actions are misaligned with it? It happens. This is a call for inward and outward alignment. PRAYER: God of grace, I dont want to be crooked. Align my thoughts and actions. Forgive me for the times theyve been askew.

FRIDAY: Romans 12:9-21 Be in it with another REFLECTION: We are called to cultivate genuine love by rejoicing and mourning with another. Have you ever felt jealous of another during a season of celebration? Why? What about when someone was sad, how was it to be with them in sadness? Why do you think it was easy or hard for you? PRAYER: May your love abide in me and may I share that love with another.

SATURDAY: Romans 12:9-21 Desiring peace REFLECTION: As best you can, keep the peace. Be honest...do you like a little drama? Some of us think things cant be too peaceful. Others only know drama, and peace is foreign. Remember, our desire to live in peace with another can lead to more peace. BENEDICTION & BLESSING: Peace be with you and in you!

Read or subscribe to the full weekly Growing Deeply Guide at moumc.org/grow Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.

Read or subscribe to the full weekly Growing Deeply Guide at moumc.org/grow Printed copies are available at the Connector Desk.