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As we continue with our Places of the Passion Sermon Series, we find ourselves at Golgotha (the place of the skull) or we may know it as Calvary (Latin meaning skull). The cross is never easy. It is repulsive and ugly. A symbol of the worst kind of torture, injustice, and brutality. And yet it is the central symbol of our faith. Join us as we venture to the cross and find there faith and love intersecting and announcing triumph.
There are two emotions or thoughts we could have as we move into Pilate's Judgment Hall. We can either search for the truth about Jesus the Christ or fear what will happen. Earth's kings and rulers joined forces to destroy the Lord's Anointed, the Messiah. The nations raged against Him and people plotted in vain against Him. And yet, full authority was given to Him. Such a plan God had in mind from the beginning of the world to ransom souls through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. Truth always overcomes fear.
We find ourselves in the Garden of Gethsemane this week. The prayers Jesus prayed give us insight into His nature, His heart, and His mission on earth. The prayers of Jesus also inform and encourage us in our own prayer lives. In today's message, we dive into the topic of cultivating prayer. Far more important than where, when, and in what position to pray is the fact that Jesus prayed and so should we.
This week, we are traveling about 2 miles east of Jerusalem to the small village of Bethany. There are about a dozen references found in the Scriptures of this town. It was the home of Simon the leper, it is the place where Mary anoints the feet of Jesus. It is where preparations start for Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. But most of all it is probably best known for being the hometown of Jesus' good friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. And, we too can look at Jesus as our friend.
As believers, we are called to make most of our time. How are you doing on that directive? Our time might seem like it is ours to spend and do as we think we ought, but in fact, each moment of every single day is given to us by God. We ought to strive to make our days glorify the Lord in all we do and say.
This week, we discuss what it means to Think About These Things. The world races from one holiday to the next and we get caught up in the race when we ought to be slowing down and ponder the story once again so that it renews us to celebrate the meaning of Christmas. How do we do that? In this sermon, we discuss just how Mary, the mother of Jesus thought about he call into God’s plan.
There are physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of being thankful to God and others. We are called as followers of Christ to encourage one another until the Day of Lord happens. Gratitude is one of those ways we can lift each other up.
There are many in this world that are trying to fill the God-sized hole in their lives with everything else. They are trying to find true freedom. As followers of Jesus Christ, we know that True Freedom is found in Him, being united with Him, joining Him in His work in the world. Join us this weekend as we talk about what it means to Finding True Freedom.
We celebrate Communion together and remember the sacrifice given so that we might have life. The Christian walk isn’t just looking pretty on the outside. There’s proof to the walk in being united with Christ. Scripture says “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
Do you know what most people are doing during these uncertain times? They are making home improvements. While we are all making improvements in our living environments, the Lord draws us to make spiritual improvements. Come let us enter into worship and see the transforming work of God in our lives as we surrender to His plan.
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WORSHIP GATHERINGS:
Sundays at 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. 835 Riverside Avenue Torrington, CT 06790 See our regathering info here PHONE (860) 482-4705 OFFICE EMAIL secretary@firstcong.com |