Sunday’s Coming: Grace in Community

This Sunday, I will begin a new series, Grace in Community, which will carry us through the rest of the summer in the book of Colossians.

I've tried to think of some clever message for you today to excite you about the idea of being a church that lives in community, but the truth of the matter is, relationships are messy and hard. Yet God calls us the body of Christ. He expects us to not only be nice to one another, but to be one in Him. His will for us is that we are intentionally compassionate and kind to each other. We are to give others the gifts of humility, gentleness, and patience. While keeping in mind that He has forgiven us, we then gladly extend forgiveness to others.

As I write this I keep thinking about the TV show, Dirty Jobs. I always wonder why anyone would sign up for some of those jobs. I keep thinking one day I will hear someone confess, “ I didn't sign up for this dirty job, it was a court order. This is my sentence.” The world could ask us the same question, why do we live the way we do? Even though there is great gain in submitting to God's plan by living this way, that isn't why we do it. That isn't our focus. We live in this way simple because it is God's desire.

So join us this Sunday as we take a real look at living in community, God's way.

Colossians 3:12-17 (NIV)
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.