Gathering Recap - 01/22/2023 - Seven Churches: Smyrna

Call to worship:

1 But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
    he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
    Cush and Seba in exchange for you.

Isaiah 43:1-3

Gathering Video

Questions for reflection:

What paradoxes do we find in the Christian faith?

Where and why do we struggle to value what Jesus values.

How can we. move from a self indulgent live to one that is a living sacrifice?

Corporate Prayer:

Our Father in Heaven, We thank you for this life with its celebrations and sorrows. We are grateful that you have been with us for every moment. For the wounds we’ve encountered, we ask you to heal us. For the wounds we’ve inflicted, we ask you to forgive us. As we embark into this year we pray for your guidance and direction. Grant us a hunger for your word, a passion for prayer, and a love for people. Let us reflect you well in all that we say and do. For the glory of Christ we pray, amen.

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