Stay the Course: Wisdom, Part 7
Be wise in dialogue by determining to prepare through prayer — especially when the dialogue is adversarial.
Awana Message for March 14
QUEST: Clubhouse Service for March 14
Family Quest: Extreme Makeover, Spiritual Edition – Family, Lesson 3
LESSON 3: LOVING YOUR FAMILY AS CHRIST LOVES THE CHURCH
As we started this section on loving our neighbor in the family, or “Family Ties,” we focused on how, in His wisdom, God created for us a physical picture of the spiritual family He had in mind for all who would call on the name of Christ. We’ve also looked at how that earthly family, whether biological or adopted, is a training and proving ground – bettering God’s children for life with our spiritual brothers and sisters.
Download Family, Lesson 3Doxologies: Way Maker
This is what the Lord says—
he who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,
who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:16-19
I often wonder how the Israelites must have felt as they approached the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s mighty army in hot pursuit. The story, found in the 14th chapter of Exodus, is a dramatic illustration of God’s omnipotent providence and His promise to weave all things together for the good of those who love him. On the surface, one might think that God merely plucked the Israelites from a crushing defeat at the last excruciating moment. The truth is that God held every heart-pounding instant in His almighty hand for the purpose of His glory. From commanding the Israelites’ flight from Egypt to the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart which led to his overwhelming pursuit of them; and from the Israelites’ incredible deliverance and safe passage through the Red Sea to the great victory over Pharaoh’s army with “all of the horses and chariots” resulting in an indisputable recognition of God’s unmatched might, God always finishes what He begins. Always.
God is faithful. And when He is for us, no one can stand against us. (Romans 8:31).
It is my desire that as we sing this song together as a church body, we will enter into a bold and confident moment of declaration and thanksgiving for who God is: asking Him for nothing, but praising Him for the great things He has done (Psalm 126:3) and is yet to do.
He is with us. (Joshua 1:9)
He is for us. (Psalm 56:9)
He is faithful. (2 Thes 3:3)
He is our healer. (1 Peter 2:24)
He is our savior and redeemer. (John 3:16)
He is the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6)
He is the light. (John 8:12)
He is the miracle worker. (Luke 1:37)
He is the way maker. (Isaiah 43: 19)
————–
Way Maker
You are here Moving in our midst I worship You I worship You You are here Working in this place I worship You I worship You You are Way maker, miracle worker Promise keeper, light in the darkness My God, that is who You are You are here Turning lives around I worship You I worship You You are here You're healing every heart I worship You I worship You You are Way maker, miracle worker Promise keeper, light in the darkness My God, that is who You are Even when I don't see it, You're working Even when I don't feel it, You're working You never stop, You never stop working You never stop, You never stop working Way maker, miracle worker Promise keeper, light in the darkness My God, that is who You are
QUEST: Preschool Lesson for March 14
This week’s reading from the Jesus Storybook Bible:
Operation “No More Tears”: The Rescuer Will Come, p. 144
This week’s Big Idea:
God has an amazing rescue plan for all people.
This week’s Key Verse:
Isaiah 53:6
Stay the Course: Wisdom, Part 6
Wisdom in dialogue is determining to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19). When you enter into dialogue, put your expectations aside. Expectations are an invitation to disappointment.
Preparing for Sunday | March 14
We are excited to be gathering in person this Sunday! You can use the button below to register, or to find out more about the precautions we have put in place. If you are unable to join us in person, we encourage you to worship with us via our live stream.
Register to attend a worship service Watch the Live Stream
SONGS WE’LL BE SINGING TOGETHER
Great Is Thy Faithfulness | [listen + lyrics]
William Marion Runyan
Lamentations 3:22-23
Promises | [listen]
Aaron Moses, Carrington Gaines, Dante Bowe, Keila Alvarado, Lemuel Marin
Psalm 113:2-3
Your Promises | [listen]
Chris Brown, Mack Brock, Steven Furtick, Wade Joye
2 Peter 1:3-4a
Your Great Name | [listen + lyrics]
Michael Neale, Krissy Nordhoff
Philippians 2:10-11
Way Maker | [listen + lyrics]
Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu
2 Corinthians 1:20
SERMON TEXT
Colossians 4
MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE
“And through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross.” (Colossians 1:20)
Stay the Course: Wisdom, Part 5
Wisdom in dialogue seeks to learn the other person’s story. Until you understand someone’s story, you’ll likely have more judgement than empathy.
Stay the Course: Wisdom, Part 4
Terminology today tends to be a moving target, so genuine dialogue is key. Wisdom seeks to understand before seeking to be understood so as not to perpetuate misunderstanding.