Wednesday, March 31, 2021

S.U.M. It Up! 3-31-21

Monday, March 29, 2021

Video: Kenwood Church 3 28 21 Elders Update

(This update was given by Dennis Fletcher, co-chariman of the elders, at our March 28, 2021, Parking Lot Service. A written copy of the announcement can be found below the video.)

Good morning,

The elders have been continuing to meet and discuss worship service options.

We are encouraged by the progress of vaccinations.

We believe that it is an appropriate time to begin to work toward conducting worship services inside the building again.

We say “work toward” as we first would like to see higher complete vaccination rates within the current age groups as well as younger age groups.

Additionally, the current Michigan Health Department orders expire on 4/19, we believe that it is important to understand the guidelines and directions in the next order and how they may impact how we can operate.

We are targeting and hope, based on current information, to be conducting worship inside the building sometime between mid-May to mid-June. Again, we are hoping and targeting a date between mid-May and mid-June. This is a target based on current information and is subject to change.

We will provide a more specific target date around the end of April.

We will continue to broadcast the service to the parking lot and provide communion to anyone in the parking lot even after we begin to worship inside the building. We will also continue to post our worship service online.

We will be providing further information about the format and restrictions that will be in place with worshipping inside the building in the coming weeks.

Let me quickly recap:

1) We are working toward a worship service inside the building

2) We are targeting and hopeful about mid-May to mid-June based on current information

3) We will continue to broadcast to the parking lot and post the service online after we begin worshipping inside

4) We will provide more information about the format and restrictions in the coming weeks

5) The target date range is subject to change

Thank you again for your continued prayers and support.

Video: Kenwood Church 3 28 21 Parking Lot Service

Saturday, March 27, 2021

Video: "THE GREATEST LOVE: Healing Our Wounds" - 3-28-21

As we worship together "from house to house," we bring our woundedness before the Lord. With the greatest love, our God has deep compassion and mercy for His children. We celebrate His love.

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 "THE GREATEST LOVE: Healing Our Wounds." Respond to the invitation. Enjoy the bonus video.

WORSHIP

COMMUNION

Read Psalms‬ ‭136:26‬ ‭NIV‬‬, “Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” Here is a possible communion prayer to say before you take the bread and the juice, “Father, we give thanks for your everlasting love. We are thankful for the sacrifice of your son, Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Take the Lord's Supper.

PRAYER

Pray for the courage to speak with someone who is sick and offer them the hope of eternal life.

MESSAGE

CHALLENGE

"Keep Kenwood Connected" has been a reminder to stay connected with your church family since January. In February, we added "Connecting Others to Jesus" as a way to have a conversation with someone about Jesus. This month we add "Share the Greatest Love." The challenge this week is to share hope with someone who is sick. Offer them hope beyond their sickness. Offer them eternal life.

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. Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these way, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church. 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

THE GREATEST LOVE: Healing our Wounds - 3-28-21

INTRODUCTION

The Greatest Love

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”

‭‭ John‬ ‭15:9-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I. DEEPER HEALING

"Faith for my deliverance is not faith in God. Faith means, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love. There are some things only learned in a fiery furnace."

Oswald Chambers in Run Today's Race

A. Physical healing is always temporary healing

“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

‭‭ Isaiah‬ ‭53:4-6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

B. His wounds brought us healing

Thinking of the fullness and duration of this wonderful life, W. B. Hinson, a great preacher of a past generation, spoke from his own experience just before he died. He said, "I remember a year ago when a doctor told me, 'You have an illness from which you won't recover.' I walked out to where I live 5 miles from Portland, Oregon, and I looked across at that mountain that I love. I looked at the river in which I rejoice, and I looked at the stately trees that are always God's own poetry to my soul. Then in the evening I looked up into the great sky where God was lighting His lamps, and I said, ' I may not see you many more times, but Mountain, I shall be alive when you are gone; and River, I shall be alive when you cease running toward the sea; and Stars, I shall be alive when you have fallen from your sockets in the great down pulling of the material universe!' "

W. B. Hinson

II. ULTIMATE HEALING

“On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.””

‭‭ John‬ ‭11:17-27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A. Life beyond death

B. The sting of death is gone

“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

‭‭ 1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:54-57‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Abraham Lincoln was instrumental in freeing the slaves in the United States, but it was William Wilberforce who was instrumental in freeing the slaves in the British Empire. Wilberforce’s tireless efforts were dramatized in Amazing Grace. His actions were a direct result of his religious convictions. On his tomb in Westminster Abbey in London are these words: “Tis death is dead, not he.”

Michael Shannon

III. ETERNAL LIFE

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

‭‭ 1 John‬ ‭2:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.””

‭‭ John‬ ‭6:25-29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

‭‭ John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”

‭‭ John‬ ‭3:36‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

‭‭ 1 John‬ ‭5:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

‭‭ Romans‬ ‭5:20-21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

‭‭ Romans‬ ‭6:23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

CONCLUSION

A man went to a cemetery for a burial. He arrived ahead of the procession, and as he waited for the arrival of others, he occupied himself reading the epitaphs. He saw one across the way that caught his attention. It said, “Death Is Eternal.” He thought that it was the most depressing thing he had ever seen on a tombstone, but when he went nearer he found that another stone had obscured part of that one. The full message was “Death Is Eternal Life.” If we let anything obscure the biblical view of life or death, we will be sadly and widely misled.

Michael Shannon

There is hope of healing in Jesus. There is hope of the ultimate healing of Jesus that cures the damage of sin. There is hope of eternal life.

CHALLENGE

INVITATION

It is our custom to offer an "invitation" following the preaching of the Word. 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. Possibly, if you have already responded to God’s call in these ways, you would like to become a member of Kenwood Church. If you have been moved by the Holy Spirit to make a decision in your life, I would be honored to speak with you in the upper parking lot following the service about what God is doing in your life.

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

S.U.M. It Up! 3-24-21

Sunday, March 21, 2021

Video: Kenwood Church 3 21 21 Parking Lot Service

Saturday, March 20, 2021

Video: "THE GREATEST LOVE: Sacrifice" - 3-21-21

"THE GREATEST LOVE: Sacrifice" - 3-21-21

As we worship together "from house to house," we contemplate the sacrifice you made for us and the sacrifice you demand of us.

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 "THE GREATEST LOVE: Sacrifice." Respond to the invitation. Enjoy the bonus video.

WORSHIP

COMMUNION

Read 1 Peter‬ ‭1:18-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” Here is a possible communion prayer to say before you take the bread and the juice, “Father, we were redeemed by the blood of your spotless lamb, Jesus. You paid a great price for damaged people. We are humbled by your sacrifice. We give you thanks. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Take the Lord's Supper.

PRAYER

Pray for the courage to sacrifice (even when it is difficult).

MESSAGE

CHALLENGE

"Keep Kenwood Connected" has been a reminder to stay connected with your church family since January. In February, we added "Connecting Others to Jesus" as a way to have a conversation with someone about Jesus. This month we add "Share the Greatest Love." The challenge this week is to make a sacrifice. That could be letting someone else have what they want. Perhaps giving away money or possessions. Sacrifice.

INVITATION

Bonus Video

"THE GREATEST LOVE: Sacrifice" - 3-21-21

INTRODUCTION

The Greatest Love

‭‭ John‬ ‭15:9-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I. SACRIFICE

“The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire—with the head, legs and internal organs. Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover. “On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.”

‭‭ Exodus‬ ‭12:1-13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A. The principle - life for a life

B. The price - the best you have

C. The payment - an offering

II. JESUS’ SACRIFICE

“Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.” Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.” Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.” “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””

‭‭ John‬ ‭16:16-33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A. A perfect sacrifice

“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”

‭‭ Hebrews‬ ‭9:12-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

B. A perfect attitude

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”

‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭2:6-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

C. A perfect example

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.””

‭‭ Mark‬ ‭10:43-45‬ ‭NIV‬‬

III. LOVE SACRIFICES

A mother living in a tenement house went shopping for groceries. While she was in the store, a fire engine raced by. She wondered, “Is the fire engine going to my home?” She had left her baby asleep at home. Forgetting about the groceries, she ran toward home. Her building had fire hoses aimed at it. It was burning like a matchbox. Rushing to the chief, she cried out, “My baby is up there.” He shouted back to her, “It would be suicide for anyone to go up there now; it’s too late.”

A young fireman standing by volunteered, “Chief, I have a little baby at home, and if my house were on fire, I’d want someone to go up to save my baby. I’ll go.” The young fireman climbed the stairs; he got the baby, threw her into the rescue net, and just as he did, the house collapsed and he was burned to death.

The scene is 20 years later at a graveside. A 20-year-old woman is sobbing softly. Before her, at the head of this grave, is the statue of a fireman. A man stopping by asks respectfully, “Was that your father?” She replies, “No.” “Was that your brother?” “No,” she says. “That’s the man who died for me.”

Ronald J. Lavin, “I Am the Resurrection and the Life,” esermons.com

A. The way of love

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

‭‭ Ephesians‬ ‭5:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

B. The way of Jesus

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

‭‭ Galatians‬ ‭2:20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

CONCLUSION

Jesus sacrificed all for us. We ought to sacrifice all for him. Love sacrifices.

William Sangster, the great British Methodist preacher, once wrote concerning Jesus’ death:

"If He was a man, it was murder; if He was God, it was an offering. If He was man, it was martyrdom; if He was God, it was sacrifice. If He was man, they took his life from Him; if He was God, He laid it down Himself. If He was man, we are called to admiration; if He was God, we are called to adoration. If He was man, we must stand up and take our hats off; if He was God, we must fall down and give Him our hearts."

CHALLENGE

"Keep Kenwood Connected" has been a reminder to stay connected with your church family since January. In February, we added "Connecting Others to Jesus" as a way to have a conversation with someone about Jesus. This month we add "Share the Greatest Love." The challenge this week is to make a sacrifice. That could be letting someone else have what they want. Perhaps giving away money or possessions. Sacrifice.

INVITATION

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

S.U.M. It Up! 3-17-21

Monday, March 15, 2021

Video: Kenwood Church 3 14 21 Parking Lot Service

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Video: "THE GREATEST LOVE: The Cross of Love" - 3-14-21

"THE GREATEST LOVE: The Cross of Love" - 3-14-21

As we worship together "from house to house," we contemplate “The Greatest Love.” We focus on the love of God as seen in the death of His son, Jesus, on the cross.

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 "THE GREATEST LOVE: The Cross of Love." Respond to the invitation. Enjoy the bonus video.

WORSHIP

COMMUNION

Read Hebrews 12:2, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Here is a possible communion prayer to say before you take the bread and the juice, “Father, we are in awe of the sacrifice that our savior, Jesus, made on the cross. With joy he offered himself freely. It is with joy that we take up our own crosses as we follow his example. May you be glorified for your great live toward us. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Take the Lord's Supper.

PRAYER

Pray for the power to demonstrate love by doing those things that you do not want to do. Pray for the power to serve.

MESSAGE

CHALLENGE

"Keep Kenwood Connected" has been a reminder to stay connected with your church family since January. In February, we added "Connecting Others to Jesus" as a way to have a conversation with someone about Jesus. This month we add "Share the Greatest Love." The challenge this week is to make a deliberate choice to do something you do not want to do for someone else. That is love.

INVITATION

Bonus Video

Message Outline - "THE GREATEST LOVE: The Cross of Love" - 3-14-21

"THE GREATEST LOVE: The Cross of Love" - 3-14-21

INTRODUCTION

The Greatest Love

‭‭ John‬ ‭15:9-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I. THE CROSS CALLS US TO SUFFER

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:21-25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A. Suffer through service

B. Suffer through agape love

C. Suffer through self-sacrifice

II. THE CROSS CALLS US TO CHANGE

In the April 7, 2016, edition of his Turning Point Daily Devotional, David Jeremiah writes: “As a young man, Anthony Rossi emigrated from Italy. He sailed into New York Harbor, but his plans were to move to the South and become a farmer. One day, he visited the library at 42nd Street and 5th Avenue and found a book on agriculture. He sat down to read it at one of the long tables.

Another book was sitting there, titled The Life of Christ. Rossi, who knew little about Christ, began reading it and was transfixed. The next day, he purchased a Bible and became engrossed in its message.

Rossi became a Christian and a farmer. He’s remembered today as the citrus king of Florida and the founder of Tropicana orange juice. He became a leading Christian businessman in the 20th century, a man whose legacy far exceeds the “100 percent pure squeezed sunshine” that made him famous.

There are lots of books in the library, but only the life of Christ truly can change us. Only the Bible can produce lasting fruit in our lives. God’s message can transform you into someone you never could become on your own. He brings true sunshine to your soul.”

“As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then “ ‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!” ’ For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. ” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭23:26-43‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A. The cross should make us evaluate our destiny.

B. The cross should cause us to repent.

C. The cross should point us to the one who died on the cross.

III. THE CROSS CALLS US TO A NEW WAY OF LIFE

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A. The cross demands a new allegiance.

B. The cross demands a new behavior.

C. The cross demands a new community.

CONCLUSION

Theodore Ferris tells a story of a group of travelers in Africa. They come to a leper colony, and it was not a pretty picture. The suffering was inhuman, the disease was rampant, often affecting those trying to give care. The travelers noticed a nun in the dirt and filth, trying to create a little bit of cleanliness. She was binding the horrible repulsive wounds of a leper, and one of the travelers looked upon that scene and remarked, "Oh, I wouldn't do that for $10,000."

The nun turned her head and looked up at the traveler and said, "I wouldn't either."

(Gary Carver, “The Tentmaker’s Word,” Preaching, Jan-Feb 1996)

The cross calls us to suffer and change and live a new life.

CHALLENGE

"Keep Kenwood Connected" has been a reminder to stay connected with your church family since January. In February, we added "Connecting Others to Jesus" as a way to have a conversation with someone about Jesus. This month we add "Share the Greatest Love." The challenge this week is to make a deliberate choice to do something you do not want to do for someone else. That is love.

INVITATION