Prepare for Worship: Notes for services on October 5, 2014
Transformed Relationships with Our Enemies:
Corey Widmer on Romans 12:14-21
Fifth Sermon in the Series Transformed Relationships
Paul ends his section on the power of the gospel to transform our relationships by reflecting on our relationships with our enemies. Even before addressing how God wants us to deal with them, perhaps the first question we have to ask is, "Who are my enemies?" Who in our lives do we identify as standing in our way or against our vision of what is good? Once we know that, then we can turn to the counter-cultural way of Jesus: overcoming evil with good. By overcoming evil with good, we participate in a practice that resists the power of evil and fosters love and hope even in the worst conflict and opposition.
Romans 12: 14-21
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
As Corey Widmer preaches from Romans 12:17-21 on how we are called to deal with our enemies, we are challenged to not “overcome evil with evil,” but to rely on God's power to overcome evil with good. Our music and liturgy will emphasize our dependence on God to transform relationships with those with whom we have conflict, even as Christ resolved the conflict between humankind and God. Appropriately, it is World Wide Communion Sunday, and we will be celebrating communion in all services, and with Christians around the globe.
9:00 AM Convergent Worship in the Sanctuary
This is Amazing Grace
Psalm 54 – antiphon
Mighty to Save
Lord I Need You
A Mighty Fortress is Our God
11:15 AM Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Hall
This is Amazing Grace
Psalm 54 – antiphon
Mighty to Save
The Same Love
11:15 AM Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
A Mighty Fortress is Our God
Psalm 54 - antiphon
Be Strong in the Lord
Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
The Choir will be singing an arrangement of “Come Thou Almighty King” to the tune MADRID for choir, organ and solo trumpet.