trinitytest posted on June 22, 2011 08:34
From Charles:
In traditional worship, we have been talking about "Christ All Around Me," for the past several weeks. In the first of the series, we talked about "Christ Before Me," how Jesus is there ahead of us in whatever situation we find ourselves, but particularly when we are caring for someone in his name. This past Sunday, we talked about "Christ Beside Me," how Jesus walks beside us, particularly in ministry, to teach us, encourage us, and reveal himself to us. This Sunday, we will be talking about "Christ Above Me," a rather unusual topic for us, as we consider the text, Luke 24:50-53. As you read the text and prepare for worship, you might consider the following:
- Why do you think it was necessary for Jesus to leave the disciples, even after he resurrection? What did he mean when he said to them, "if I don't go, the comforter will not come to you?"
- We have talked about Jesus being present with us, before us and beside us. In saying that Christ is above us, does that mean he is not always present with us? How did the disciples experience both is presence and his absence as they moved out into ministry?
- As you think of Christ Above Me, what does that mean to you in your relationship with Jesus?
See you in church on Sunday.
From Sherill:
This Sunday, I will be concluding the sermon series, "Dangerous Wonder." During the last month, we've discussed the importance of stopping to remember who God is and how God operates in the world so that we can recognize God at work in our lives and in the lives of the world. Last week, we talked about the importance of receiving what God has to give us. And this week, we'll reflect on Matthew 6:24-26 as we discuss the relationship between our faith and our ability to take risks for the Kingdom of God. This week as you ponder this text, consider these questions:
- Some people talk about the struggles of life as the cross they have to bear, but Jesus says that we are to take up our cross and follow him. Apparently, our cross is not something that the world or life's events places on us but something we choose to pick up and carry. In that case, what does it mean to take up a cross and follow Christ?
- What are the risks of a cross bearing faith?
- What kinds of crosses might Jesus be asking you to bear?
- What is the promise for those who take up their cross and lose their life? And what difference might it make to the world if more Christians were willing to do so?
God Bless.