Epiphany | Something New Is Coming (1.9.22)

Jan 7, 2022 | Blog, This Week

CALL TO WORSHIP


Together, we gather to be present to the God who is already present to us.

However you are joining us, we encourage you to participate in the work of God today as He speaks and leads us. Wherever you are, God is already present and at work all around us. Let’s join Him!

OUR SCRIPTURE READING

But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

16 This is what the Lord says—
he who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,
17 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:
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 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 43:1-2, 16-19 NIV

PRAYING TOGETHER

COMING SOON.

QUESTIONS AND PRACTICES

COMMUNITY QUESTIONS

1. The promise of God’s presence in Isaiah 43 happens in the middle of the chaos – not outside of it. Where have you seen God at work in the chaotic struggles you’ve faced… and where do you long to see Him break through?

2. Isaiah 43:16-19 promise that God is bringing something new right where we are. What “new” thing are you longing for in your life? Your family? Your relationships? Our Church?

 

PRACTICES

Soren Kierkegaard famously said that Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. As the new year begins to take shape, take some reflection time this week to look backwards… forwards. What needs to be left behind in 2021? What attitudes, beliefs, and habits need to be discarded as you enter a new year? Second, what new thing are you longing for God to bring in the coming year? Take some time and ask God to meet you and bring newness of life. 

NEXT STEPS AND RESOURCES