VIDEO: 11-15-20 Sermon "CHRISTIAN CHARACTER IN THE AGE OF COVID-19: The Crucified Life"

 VIDEO: 11-15-20 Sermon "CHRISTIAN CHARACTER IN THE AGE OF COVID-19: The Crucified Life"

As we worship together "from house to house," we look to the cross for our hope. In the cross, we see our forgiveness.  We find our worth.  We discover our model for overcoming sin.  As we live for Christ, we live crucified lives.

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: The Crucified Life.  Respond to the invitation.  Enjoy the bonus video.

WORSHIP

COMMUNION

Read Titus‬ ‭2:11-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”  Here is a possible communion prayer to say before you take the bread and the juice, “Father, as we wait for your Son’s appearing, we desire to live self-controlled, upright and Godly lives.  We ask you to give us the strength to do what is good.  Forgive us where we fall short.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Take the Lord's Supper.

PRAYER

Pray for a positive spiritual response from our world to Covid-19.  Pray for health for those stricken by this disease.

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

Spend time on your knees this week searching your heart.  If there is any part of you left “uncrucified," nail it to the cross.  There is no room for holdouts.  The victory of Jesus is either total or not at all.  Share one of your struggles with someone who will pray for you.  Live the life of the Spirit.

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