Point of Grace Online Worship - November 28, 2021

11/27/21                                       Re:Turn to Advent                                     Sermon Notes

Advent is a way of disrupting normal life so that we can encounter Jesus in a fresh way

How can I engage with Jesus in a new and fresh way this season?

Advent helps to reorient ourselves within God’s larger story

The incarnation of Jesus is like the storming of Normandy

Already & Not Yet

John 11 (Excerpts)

4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”

14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

35 Jesus wept.

38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

What does this teach us about waiting?

- Waiting grows us up

- Waiting gives presence

- Waiting gives longing

How do we wait well?

1. Wait expectantly

2. Wait honestly

3. Wait with

Jesus has done everything needed for our salvation. Now we GET to be participants in bringing that rest to others.

Psalm 25

In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.

2 I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. 3 No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.

4 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Jesus I am excited to see what you can do today. I know you can do amazing things, and I would love to be a part of them. I am waiting for your cue. Amen.

Prayer of the Week:

My dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to you now to be restored in you, renewed in you, to receive your life and your love and all the grace and mercy I so desperately need this day. I honor you as my Lord, and I surrender every aspect and dimension of my life to you. I give you my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will. I cover myself with your blood—my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will. I ask your Holy Spirit to restore me in you, renew me in you, and lead this time of prayer.

Heavenly Father I pray that I am able to see clearly my place in your story as a dearly beloved child. You have given me all that I need for salvation and life in you and in your kingdom. And yet you desire me to be a participant in your kingdom and to join you in your mission to bring all things back to you. I get to do this! Holy Spirit guide me and direct me as I seek to follow you.

Jesus through waiting I pray that you give me opportunities to grow and mature in my faith. 4 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Jesus through waiting give me a deeper desire for you. I long for you to return and bring all things into new creation! I want more of you Jesus, fill me to overflowing with your life and your love.

Jesus through waiting I ask for more of your presence. I want to know you more. I want to spend all my day in side-by-side friendship with you. Jesus I renounce anything that is creating distance between us. At this time feel free to spend a few moments confessing anything that rises to the top of your heart.

Jesus I am excited to see what you can do today. I know you can do amazing things, and I would love to be a part of them. I am waiting for your cue.

Amen.

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week.

The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – John 11:1-6 & 14-15

Tue – John 11:17-27

Wed – Isaiah 40:1-5 & 28-31

Thu – James 5:7-8

Fri – Romans 8:18-25

Sat - Psalm 25:1-5

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths... Just be... “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Point of Grace Online Worship - November 21, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 11.21.21 Sermon Notes – “Soul Recovery – Immerse, Untangle, Give Thanks”

Immerse – “My soul needs so much more of God than I think it does!” I need to stay immersed in God’s Presence, Love, Goodness, Truth, Story, Words, Spirit, Grace, Creation, Power ………

Untangle – “My soul needs a “change of mind toward God” (repent) much more than I think it does.” I need practice untangling from my “it’s up to me” mindset toward a “turn to God agreeing with Him” mindset!

Give Thanks – “My soul needs me to have a “lifestyle of gratitude” much more than I think it does. I need a lifestyle of giving thanks so I actually live like life is “grace” making way for the joy my soul needs.

Mark 6 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. Mark 14 22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” 23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 “This is my blood of the[c] covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 1 Thessalonians 5 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Colossians 3 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Eucharisteo – “give thanks” … Jesus revealed that life lived to the full is a life full of eucharisteo.

Eucharisteo is the way of living with the living God because within Eucharisteo is charis (grace) and within charis is chara (joy)!

Joy is the realist reality, the fullest life, and joy is always given, never grasped. God gives gifts and I give thanks and I unwrap the gift given: joy! Ann Voskamp – one thousand gifts

A Eucharisteo lifestyle!

“If you want to make it real write it down.” Somebody Smart

Philippians 4 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!... 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer of the Week (Note: This week’s prayer is designed with some pauses built in so when there is a pause don’t let it surprise you.)

Father, Son, Holy Spirit, I praise and thank you for the opportunity to be in your gracious presence in this moment. Jesus, restore me in You and renew me in you. Fill me afresh Holy Spirit, saturate me in Your Love, saturate me in your Life. Untangle me from my anxious thoughts, untangle me Jesus, untangle me. I am Yours and You are mine. I immerse now in my identity as a child of my heavenly Father identity which you gave me in my baptism.

Father in heaven I thank and praise you specifically for your creation that surrounds me. Thank you for the natural world you have given me to live in and for the miracle of physical life that I experience in my body every moment. Jesus, help me thank you now! (Take a 20 second pause to give thanks, out loud if possible, for God’s creation and all His provision for your physical life as you experience it today.) Father, I praise and thank you for your love for me and the salvation you have given me through Your life, death and resurrection. I get to have life now and life eternal because of the gracious gift of Your life for me. Jesus help me give thanks for You now!

(Take a 20 second pause to give thanks, out loud if possible, for God’s gift of love and grace to you in Jesus as you experience it today.)

Father, I praise and thank you for people and relationships you have given me to experience. Thank you for gifting me with people who love me and care about me. Thank you for people, even if I do not know them personally, who You use to bring me blessing, provision and grace. Jesus help me thank you for people now!

(Take a 20 second pause to give thanks, out loud if possible, for God’s gift of people and relationships in your life. Notice the unique people and relationships God brings to mind on this particular day.)

Fill me afresh Holy Spirit so that I might live this day with a Spirit of gratitude in my heart and words of thanks on my lips. (Allow your heart to continue to give continued thanks as you are inspired concluding this prayer with your own “Amen” when you are finished.)

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Luke 17:11-18 Tue – Psalm 136:1-9,23-26 Wed – Ephesians 5:15-20 Thu – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Fri – Colossians 3:15-17 Sat - Psalm 116:1-7, 17-19

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Point of Grace Online Worship - November 14, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 11.14.21 Sermon Notes – “Soul Recovery – Immerse and Untangle 2”

Hebrews 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Soul Recovery – Immerse – “My soul needs so much more of God than I think it does!” I need to stay immersed in God’s Presence, Love, Goodness, Truth, Story, Words, Spirit, Grace, Creation, Power ………

Soul Recovery – Untangle – “My soul needs more ‘change of mind toward God’ than I think it does.” I need practice untangling from my “it’s up to me” mindset toward a “agree with God and turn to Him” mindset!

Mark 1 4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom (rule and reign) of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

“Repent” – change of thinking - untangle from default thinking about God, self and how life works.

“Believe the good news” – trust, have faith, immerse in the good news that God is present and reigning in Jesus.

Untangling Tools: Practical ways to move from “it’s up to me” default thinking to “agree with God and turn toward Him” untangled thinking? (Important note: Anytime we invite Jesus to reign and rule in a situation untangling begins.)

- Repentance Pause - “Jesus, I pause to check my thinking and turn towards You. I ask you to come into this situation and reign.”

- Allow for Transition

- Benevolent Detachment - “Jesus, I give everyone and everything to You!”

- Protection from the warfare of others! “In Jesus name and by His authority I bring the rule and reign of Jesus between me and all people and their warfare so that only those things of the love of God and Spirit of God pass through to me!”  

- Sabbath – Taking time to “be” not “do”! Stop – Rest – Delight – Contemplate

“On Sabbath I embrace my limits. God is God. He is indispensable. I am His creature. The world continues working fine when I stop.” Pete Scazzero - Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

Prayer of the Week (Note: This week’s prayer is designed with 15 second pauses built in so when there is a pause don’t let it surprise you. The idea is that after each prayer section we take a short time to personally engage more fully what was just prayed.)

Father, Son, Holy Spirit, I praise and thank You for the opportunity to be in Your gracious presence in this moment. Jesus, restore me in You and renew me in You. Fill me afresh Holy Spirit, saturate me in Your Love, saturate me in Your Life. Untangle me from my anxious thoughts, untangle me Jesus, untangle me. I am Yours and You are mine. Jesus, I pause now to check my thinking and turn my mind towards You. Heal my thinking, help me notice the tangles in my mind and soul and to invite You in to every situation, concern and anxiety that occupies me today. Jesus help me do this now. (15 second pause) Jesus, I give everyone and everything to You. I give everyone and everything to You. You are God… I am not. I give everyone and everything to You. Jesus help me do this now. (15 second pause)

Jesus, I ask for Your protection from the evil one over my spirit, soul and body, my heart, mind and will. I now take my place in Your authority and bring the rule, reign and work of Jesus between me and all people and their warfare that only the things of the love of God and Spirit of God pass through to me. Jesus help me do this now. (15 second pause)

Jesus, I rest in the security of Your love and presence. Thank You for loving me. Help me rest in the comfort of Your invitation to me to stop striving and simply come to You. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Jesus, help me be at rest with You now. (15 second pause)

Amen

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Psalm 51:1-12 Tue – Mark 1:9-15 Wed – Psalm 139:1-6,13-15,23-24 Thu – Matthew 11:25-30 Fri – Nehemiah 1:1-11 Sat - 1 Peter 5:5-10 Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved

Point of Grace Online Worship - November 7, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 11.7.21 Sermon Notes – “Soul Recovery – Immerse and Untangle”

Hebrews 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Souls thrive when immersed in God and untangled from all that hinders and entangles.

Soul Recovery 101 – Immerse – “My soul needs so much more of God than I think it does!”

Psalm 42 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 6 My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. 8 By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.

“My soul needs so much more of God than I think it does!”

I need to stay immersed in God’s Presence, Love, Goodness, Truth, Story, Words, Spirit, Grace, Creation, Power ………

When my soul needs a __________ and I bring it a _________ something needs to change!

Immersion takes “time and effort” ……... “Untangle? ”

“Immersion in His Presence”: Word, Prayer, Worship, Sacraments, Sabbath, Creation ……!

Some Practical Immersion Rhythms I Belong Daily – Word and Prayer, (Music) Weekly Worship (Sabbath) Get Outside Pause App Simple Service in His Name

A Beautiful Story of a Soul Immersed and Untangled Mark 14

Prayer of the Week (Note: This week’s prayer is designed differently. After a brief prayer introduction, we will pray a portion of Psalm 95 followed by 30ish seconds of silence for us to “immerse” in the words just prayed. We will do this three times.)

Father, Son, Holy Spirit, I praise and thank You for the opportunity to be in Your gracious presence in this moment. Jesus, restore me in You and renew me in You. Fill me afresh Holy Spirit, saturate me in Your Love, saturate me in Your Life. Untangle me from my anxious thoughts, untangle me Jesus, untangle me. I am Yours and You are mine. 1 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. (pause) 3 For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. (pause) 6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. (pause) Amen

Resources for this Week Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Psalm 42:1-8 Tue – Ephesians 3:16-21 Wed – Hebrews 12:1-3 Thu – Colossians 1:15-23 Fri – Revelation 20:6-10 Sat - Psalm 149:1-5

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved

Point of Grace Online Worship - October 31, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 10.31.21 Sermon Notes – “Reformation – Why does it matter?”

Romans 1 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, (Gospel - the good news of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus) for it is the power of God for salvation (Saving from sin, sin’s judgement and into a new life) to everyone who believes, (trusts by faith) to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed (a declared legal status of being right, true, without fault, acquitted) from faith(God’s faithfulness) for (our) faith, as it is written, “The righteous (declared righteous, acquitted) shall live by faith.”

The Gospel says that, on account of Christ, God offers “declared righteousness”, a legal declaration of acquittal of all charges, even though it is not earned or deserved. We receive this “righteous” status through faith in Him and what He has done in Christ.

Ephesians 2 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, (He) made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, … 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

2 Corinthians 5 In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Two things flipped for Luther that is “good news” to me.

1) God “declares me righteous” legally by grace and I receive that through faith. This means I get to have “union” with Him now and His Spirit can live in me.

2) The “life” (meaning, purpose, value, joy, authentic, etc.) I want and need comes from “outside” of me as a gracious gift from God because of Jesus which I daily receive by faith.

What does this mean?

I get to exchange “a life of striving” to make life work for a “life of syncing up” with the One who is Life and has the meaningful life I am intended to live.

Prayer of the Week

Holy and Victorious Trinity, Father-Son-Holy Spirit , You alone are worthy of all of my worship, my heart’s desire, all the praise all the glory of my life. I love You, I worship You, I trust You, I give myself over to You in my heart’s search for life. You alone are Life and You have become my life. I renounce all other god’s and idols and give You the place in my heart and in my life that You and You alone truly deserve.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. You are my true Father—my creator, redeemer, sustainer, and the true end of all things, including my life. I love You, I trust You, I worship You. I give myself over to You, Father, to be one with You as Jesus is one with You. Thank You for proving Your love for me by sending Jesus. I receive Him and all His life and all His work which You ordained for me. Thank You for including me in Christ, forgiving me my sins, granting me His righteousness, making me complete in Him. Thank You for making me alive with Christ, raising me with Him, seating me with Him at Your right hand, establishing me in His authority, and anointing me with Your love and Your Holy Spirit and Your favor. I receive it all with thanks and give it total claim to my life—my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will.

Jesus, thank You for coming to ransom me with Your own life, making it possible for me to be “declared righteous” in the courts of heaven. I receive all the work and triumph of Your cross and sacrifice for me. I receive the forgiveness of all my sins which clears the way for me to live this day “synced up” and reconciled with my Father in heaven who loves me very much.

Holy Spirit, fill me afresh. I want You and need You so very much today. I deeply desire to live each moment empowered by You and You living in me. I now surrender my “self” and my agenda for today and receive You and Your agenda for me. Amen

Resources for this Week Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Romans 1:1-6, 16-17 Tue – Ephesians 2:4-10 Wed – Romans 5:1-5 Thu – Isaiah 53:3-7,10 Fri – 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Sat - Romans 5:6-11

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Point of Grace Online Worship - October 24, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 10.24.21 Sermon Notes – “Recover Together 3”

“RECOVER Together” “Recover TOGETHER”

TOGETHER is such an essential part of the meaningful life that Christ intends and the RECOVERY we desperately need.

1 Corinthians 2 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. 12 12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

We are the body of Christ … He is the head. His Presence, His message and His Spirit makes us One.

We each matter to each other in ways we can’t imagine. Presence matters. Life is a shared experience.

Jesus led “Recovery” means

- great grace for each other including ourselves,

- active intentionality in the ways of Jesus,

- coming back stronger, deeper, and more potently alive in Christ as individuals and as His church.

Prayer of the Week Father in Heaven, thank You for loving me from eternity. You are my true Father and I love You very much. As I begin this prayer I ask You to come by Your Spirit and fill me afresh with Your presence so that I might embrace and receive all that You have for me. You are love and You are life and I receive You by faith and all the grace and mercy I so desperately need this day.

Jesus, I thank You for coming in the flesh to be the Way so that I could be reconciled to my Father in heaven who loves me very much. I receive all that Your work and triumph has done for me. I am amazed that You have made it possible for me to be forgiven completely and given a new heart and new life to live. Give me grace today to rest in You. I ask You to search me and know me and reveal to me where You are working in my life that I might join You in the recovery of my soul. Jesus, help me notice the places in my heart and soul that are particularly tender and wounded. Help me be as gracious and merciful with my heart as You are. I invite You Jesus into the places of my being where I need life and peace this day. (Rest for a few moments in His presence inviting Jesus into the places of your heart that need His peace and wholeness as He reveals them.)

Jesus, thank You for making me a part of Your church, the body of Christ, so that I am not alone and neither are my brothers and sisters. Help me see my vital role as I interact with others. I am sorry I have sometimes looked down on others and looked down on myself as being less significant or less important. I affirm that You have arranged the parts of the body as You see fit. I look forward to living this day fulfilling my role as Your servant and member of Your body. I pray that your vision for Your church be realized this day. “That there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

Amen

Resources for this Week Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – 1 Corinthians 12:3-6,11-20 Tue – 1 Corinthians 12:21-27 Wed – Romans 12:1-8 Thu – Romans 12:9-18 Fri – 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 18-25 Sat - 2 Peter 1:3-11 Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Point of Grace Online Worship - October 17, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 10.17.21 Sermon Notes – “Recover Together 2”

Put Recover Together Logo hear

“RECOVER Together” “Recover TOGETHER”

TOGETHER is such an essential part of the meaningful life that Christ intends.

Jesus, what can I be doing in this season to “Recover TOGETHER” in my life and for my church?

Mark 2 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

“We each need a “TOGETHER” of friends who bring friends to Jesus!”

Sometimes we are the “carried” friend and sometimes we are the “carrying” friends!

Why do we need a “together” where we can trust Jesus is central? Look what happens!

“4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” … … … 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Dealing with Resistance – TOGETHER like this can be HARD!

.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’?

“We each need a “TOGETHER” of friends who bring friends to Jesus!”

Prayer of the Week My dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You now to be restored in You to be renewed in You to receive Your life and Your love and all the grace and mercy I so desperately need this day. I honor You as my Lord and God and give every aspect and dimension of my life – my spirit, soul and body, my heart, mind and will – to You and You alone. I ask Your Holy Spirit to restore me in You, renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus, union with You in every dimension of my life and through You, union with my true Father in heaven is of pivotal importance to me today. I may feel like there are many other things that are “more important” in this moment but I step out in faith and resolve that being synced up in union with You is the most important step to take. The quality of our connection profoundly affects every other aspect of my life. I now receive You Jesus as my Lord, Leader, Savior and Lover of my soul. I surrender to you and ask that You apply to me all the work and triumph of Your cross, death and sacrifice for me as well as Your life resurrection and ascension. I confess my sin and brokenness to You now and receive Your complete and total forgiveness, (You my take a few moments to confess any sin and soul brokenness that is on your heart right now and receive complete forgiveness.) Jesus I want to live the moments of this day reconciled to my Father in heaven and in synced up union with You and the Holy Spirit.

I praise You Jesus for friends that I trust will bring me to You. I thank you for some of them now and mention them by name (just mention who comes to mind by name.) I thank you for the friends, some of which I may not know, who provided this I Belong reading, devotion and prayer because they are friends who bring friends to Jesus. Jesus, I also thank you for all opportunities I get to bring friends to You in the course of everyday life. I ask Your kingdom reign to come over every dimension of my life so that I might see and seize opportunities to help people connect with You … to love people in such a way that encountering me helps them encounter You.

I specifically pray for all Grow Groups at Point of Grace, those that exist and those You desire to come into existence, that they might be places where friends bring friends to Jesus in real and ever so gracious and effective ways.

I love You Jesus and invite you in to every aspect and movement of my being as I live this day in Your name!

Amen

Resources for this Week Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Acts 2:42-47 Tue – Mark 2:1-12 Wed – John 4:27-42 Thu – Mark 10:13-16 Fri – John 1:29-42 Sat - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Point of Grace Online Worship - October 10, 2021

Point of Grace Worship 10.10.21 Sermon Notes – “Recover Together”

“RECOVER Together” “Recover TOGETHER”

What does it look like in Fall 2021 for each of us and all of us to “Recover TOGETHER”?

Put the “I BELONG to Jesus, His church, His mission” logo here

TOGETHER is such an essential part of the meaningful life that Christ intends.

Jesus, what can I be doing in this season to “Recover TOGETHER” in my life and for my church?

“At home in my house there is no warmth or vigor on one, but in the church when the multitude is gathered together, a fire is kindled in my heart and it breaks its way through.” Martin Luther

Hebrews 10 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Ephesians 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

What beautiful thing does God long for us to have that we so desperately need?

“Koinonia” – fellowship, having in common, sharing, participating together

1 John 1 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

John 15 2 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

“Christian fellowship cuts across race, color, education, background, and every other cultural barrier. There is a level of friendship in the church that I have certainly never experienced outside the church.” Nicky Gumbel

Ephesians 3 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Ephesians 4 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all…..29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 5 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Jesus soaked TOGETHER is the best together in which to RECOVER!

Jesus, what can I be doing in this season to “Recover TOGETHER” in my life and for my church?

Prayer of the Week Our Father who art in heaven, Holy be Your Name, Your Kingdom reign come, Your will be done … Jesus thank you for making it possible through Your life, death and resurrection for me to engage personally with my Father in heaven who loves me very much. Thank you Spirit for Your constant and consistent work calling me to daily follow You by faith and enlightening me with your gifts and fiery yet gentle presence. Fill me afresh that I might follow You well this day.

Jesus, even as I began this prayer with the opening phrase of that familiar prayer You taught us to pray I am struck by the first word, “Our”. As I come to You now, Father, Son, Holy Spirit I am not alone. I not only have Your presence with me but I am part of Your family here on earth. I have a place at the table among Your many children, I am not forgotten, I am a child of God and member of Your family – the church. I am part of “a people belonging to God.”

Jesus, I thank you for the church, the body of Christ, the people of God and I now take my place as a vital part of it. I lift up my local church, Point of Grace (or whatever local expression of the church you are connected to) and ask You to move mightily among us as a church in these unusual times. I ask specifically that You would show me ways that I could tangibly help my church Recover TOGETHER. The condition and climate of the world has been hard on “togetherness” and I ask You to help me see my vital yet appropriate role in the restoration and renewal of “togetherness” in my church that my church might continue to be a vibrant place of restoration and renewal for people.

(Please take a few moments as this prayer concludes to contemplate, pray and listen to Jesus respond to the petition, Jesus, what can I be doing in this season to “Recover TOGETHER” in my life and for my church?)

Amen

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of this week. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Hebrews 10:19-25 Tue – Ephesians 2:19-22 Wed – 1 John 1:1-7 Thu – John 15:12-17 Fri – Ephesians 4:2-6, 29-5:2 Sat - 1 Corinthians 12:20-27

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved