Exploring Joy During Lent
This year, even as we acknowledge Jesus’ strength in suffering, integrity in persevering, and dignity in death, I propose we embrace a companion theology of delight.
Let’s remember that Jesus came that we might know joy, we might know abundance, and that we might become, resolute people of joyful purpose through God’s grace.
Though Jesus wasn’t born that we might develop denominational superiority or efficiency, those of us who have evolved into Presbyterians have sought to be faithful and consistent. In that, we have established Six Great Ends of the Church. We will engage those statements over Lent. We will see how each speaks to God’s purpose and how we become the people of God’s purpose and live into the promised joy and abundance.
The title of the Lenten Series is Doin’ Church. Years ago here at Second Church we imagined what it would look like if we were to stop coming to church and concentrate on being the church. Right now, the world is in such a state of flux, yet as was, is, and shall be, God is with us.
The intention was that we should all stop just going to church and discover together the great joy of being church. This year I propose that we take the next step together and do church.
Let’s take this time to position ourselves for God’s grace and God’s purpose. Let’s come to know the purpose and joy that is ours –
Let’s Do Church!
- Pastor Cress
SERMON SERIES: DOIN‘ CHURCH
Discovering the great joy of doing church together.
“TELLIN’ IT”
We have a story to tell and good news to share – not for the edification, enjoyment or diversion of the world, but for the reclamation and restoration of all God’s created.
“A PLACE WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME”
Those who gather in response to this wonderful news are to be sheltered, nurtured, and should enjoy the fellowship of the Holy Spirit of God in and through each other. We prove our faith not by the rules we keep, but by the love we give to God’s people, i.e. everybody.
“ORTHODOX WORSHIP”
There is a right way to worship and it is through orthodoxy – “ortho” meaning right, and “doxia” meaning praise. In the years of the Reformation, one of the fathers of this denomination, John Calvin, looked around and realized that there were many groups who would call themselves Christian, so how was one to know? He came up with this: the true church is where the word of God is rightly preached, and the sacraments administered according to Christ’s institution.
“IZNESS”
God’s truth is real, identifiable, defensible, liberating and it must be preserved.
“DOIN’ JUSTICE”
The people of God are to promote Social Justice – caring for, equipping, and loving all of God’s people. We are down with dynamic, biblical social justice that leads to the dignity and worth of all and loving God’s own as Jesus commanded.
“TELL AND SHOW”
We are to bring what is and how it can be, in line with how it’s supposed to be – to exhibit the kin-dom, the realm realized on earth as it is in Jesus.
This Lenten season we will be exploring joy through sermon and study.
Rev. Darwin will lead us through the Six Great Ends of the Church as we explore the great joy of doing church together in our sermon series Doin' Church.
A Lenten devotional reflection will be published on Mondays (make sure you join the email list) and there will be small group times for devotion and discussion throughout the week based on a selection of Kate Bowler's Good Enough devotions. Find out more about the devotional study groups here.
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