VIDEO: 10-4-20 Sermon "CHRISTIAN CHARACTER IN THE AGE OF COVID-19: Forbearance"

VIDEO: 10-4-20 Sermon "CHRISTIAN CHARACTER IN THE AGE OF COVID-19: Forbearance"

As we worship together "from house to house," we are patient as we wait for the Lord's return.  We are patient as we await the mighty hand of God to rectify the wrongs in our world.  We are patient as we work to keep others safe from COVID-19.  We are patient.

If you cannot join us this Sunday, we invite you to sing along with the worship videos.  We encourage you to take the Lord’s Supper.  In this way, we can take communion together even though we are apart.  Pray for one another.  Watch my message CHRISTIAN CHARACTER IN THE AGE OF COVID-19: Forbearance.  Respond to the invitation.  Enjoy the bonus video.

WORSHIP

COMMUNION

Read James 5:8, "You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near."  Here is a possible communion prayer to say before you take the bread and the juice, "Father, we patiently await Your Son's return.  We proclaim His death until He returns.  We ask for forbearance as we struggle with life in this alien world.  Be with us today.  In Jesus' name, amen."

Take the Lord's Supper.

PRAYER

Pray for Judy Anderson, Burni Doyle's daughter, who was exposed to COVID-19 once again at work.  Pray for Sidny Bonvallet's sister, Ginger, as she heals from a crushed vertebra.  Pray for Wayne Bonvallet as he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer and has decisions to make about treatment. 

MESSAGE

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. 

But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:13-26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

CHALLENGE

Demonstrate being long-tempered this week.  Deal with a situation you have been passive about.  Utilize the fruit of patience to actively pursue resolution.  

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word at Kenwood Church.  You may want to follow Jesus.  You may want to proclaim your faith.  You may want to repent (stop doing ungodly things and start doing Godly things).  Perhaps you want to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I encourage you to speak with me via phone (248-476-8222) or an email (toddlackie@kenwoodchurch.org).  I would be honored to speak with you about what God is doing in your life and try to connect you with a community of faith in your area.

Bonus Video