Scripture –
1 John 1:7-8 –
But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.
Proverbs 18:24 –
The man of many friends (a friend of all the world) will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 27:5-6 –
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
Proverbs 15:32 –
Refusing constructive criticism shows you have no interest in improving your life, for revelation-insight only comes as you accept correction and the wisdom that it brings.
Proverbs 15:4 –
When you speak healing words, you offer others fruit from the tree of life. But unhealthy, negative words do nothing but crush their hopes.
Proverbs 25:20 –
He who sings songs to a heavy heart is like…vinegar poured upon soda.
Proverbs 12:25 –
Anxious fear brings depression, but a life-giving word of encouragement can do wonders to restore joy to the heart.
Proverbs 6:32 –
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Proverbs 27:17 –
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Hebrews 10:24 –
Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.
Proverbs 27:9 –
Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; so does the sweetness of a friend’s counsel that comes from the heart.
Proverbs 20:18 –
Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.
Proverbs 1:7 –
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 13:20 –
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
Psalm 1:1-3 –
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord. And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.
Proverbs 22:24-25 –
Do not associate with a man given to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man, lest you learn his ways, and find a snare for yourself.
Proverbs 20:1 –
Much wine makes people mock, liquor makes them noisy, and everyone under their influence is unwise.
Proverbs 24:1-2 –
Don’t be envious of evil people, and don’t try to make friends with them. Causing trouble is all they ever think about; every time they open their mouth someone is going to be hurt.
Bob’s thoughts:
We go to worship without expectations but we were genuinely overwhelmed by the greeting and hospitality from this church. We were offered coffee and snacks, rest rooms were identified, and the location of child care and sanctuary. We learned a little of the history of the church and their current building. We had an enjoyable time before we ever got to worship. My legs gave out early and I sat through most of the service. While seated I could only see the cross on the banner, but the back wall was painted blue with white ping pong balls covering except a void to form a cross.
When there is a sermon outline, I always try to fill in the blanks early, but before long the light was too dim to read the small print.
There was a welcoming speech but I couldn’t hear much over the music. Later there was prayer and the music was more muffled.
There were two screens with readable words and good contrast, best of all the words were in sync with the music. One of my favorite lines from a song was part of worship: “When death was arrested and my life began.”
There was a moment for stewardship which brought to mind some favored statements: “You cannot out-give God – try it.” We have been in tight spots financially, but never once did God fail us. When I was just learning about tithing, I faced a dilemma: I had run out of bird seed but also needed to buy food for my family. I felt I was letting God down by not continuing to feed His birds. I gave in and bought the bird feed and the money was there to feed my family. When we turned to God, we were given a car, we were given a house, our needs were met. Try to out-give God.
The message was part of a series on relationships, today’s was on Godly Friendships. There are many who will tell you what you want to hear, and some will tell you the truth that you need to hear. Always seek the truth. I’ve had the advice of fools and the counsel of godly people; go for the good stuff.
I enjoyed talking to a number of members and wish I could have met more. I was thankful for the pastors’ time after the service.
I think the pastors could do an interesting message in a he said/she said format. Just a sentence or two, maybe a dialog. I remember years ago, two men doing a dialog from the pews and ending with them in the lectern and pulpit. Not a lot stays with me, but this was powerful and they could talk about things that are hard to preach.
Jan’s thoughts:
We arrived in good time and were warmly greeted at the door by three ladies who then showed us around and took time for conversation. They made sure we got some refreshments and introduced us to some other folks. We were welcomed before, during, and after worship, and many people took the time for conversation.
I was beyond blessed when I encountered a woman who used to work in the same building I did – an hour away! She and I have both moved on, but the Lord reunited us here!
For 14 years, this congregation worshiped at a school building and only within the last couple of years moved into this building that had been vacated by a special needs school. It has plenty of room and is beautifully decorated with an uncluttered feel.
We found seats at the back of the worship area and still had a clear view of the projection screens. The dark-colored rear wall of the worship platform was decorated with what looked like ping pong balls in an even, square pattern except for the cross-shaped space in the center. The musical worship was led by a drummer and two guitarists, one acoustic and one electric.
There were two things I couldn’t help but notice, both having to do with the words on the screens. First, I really enjoyed the vibrant backgrounds on the slides, they were fantastic. And second, the timing of the slide changes was perfect. Each slide was advanced as the last 2-3 words were sung, giving the congregation time to read the first 2-3 words on the next slide, so we were able to avoid a lag.
The sermon series is called Resurrecting Relationships and this was Part 6: Godly Friendships. It was presented tag team style by the married co-pastors. In defining an authentic relationship, she named the traits of vulnerability, transparency, honesty, and humility. She also spoke of co-dependency, which causes feelings of “don’t trust, don’t talk, and don’t feel,” none of which go away until they are dealt with. The shallow, superficial relationships continue because we still wear our masks.
The church is planning a summer full of events with the goal of helping members get to know each other and drop their masks. I applaud their courage and pray for their success.
The pastors presented an excellent, Scripturally-based list of 8 Traits of a Godly Friend:
1 – A godly friend is in a living relationship with Jesus and the Word of God.
2 – A godly friend tells us the truth even if it hurts.
3 – A godly friend uses kind insight speaking gently, using encouraging, calming words.
4 – A godly friend helps the soul to stretch.
5 – Godly friends offer wise counsel.
6 – Godly friends are not fools.
7 – Godly friends have self-control.
8 – Godly friends will shun evil.
A quote I appreciated: “Words are free. It’s how you use them that may cost you.”
As someone who is a work in progress, I am striving to be a more godly friend.
Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we praise You for leading us to Your church and letting us get to know Your people there. We pray You continue to bless them in all their relationships, especially with You. Amen.
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