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!
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Matthew 16:18 NIV
PRAYING TOGETHER
Oh God, our God,
You call us to use our voice on behalf of those in need.
Let us be advocates for those afflicted by evil.
Empower us by your Spirit to speak truth to power.
Empires will crumble, rulers come and go,
But your promise of merciful justice remains.
We abide in that promise today.
Amen.
MINISTRY PARTNER HIGHLIGHT
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LIVE IT OUT TOGETHER
We seek to share a common way of life – a shared journey into the life of Jesus. We do so through 3 discipleship pathways: Communion, Community, and Co-Mission. Learn more at restorationlex.com/pathways!
Communion:
Abide With Jesus
Read Mark 1:15, and let Jesus’ words be the springboard for your prayer time this week. To repent to turn and live into a new way of thinking. If the Gospel we believe is true, what spaces in your life and story are still in need of that “turn?” Believe the good news that Jesus’ kingdom has come to bear, and look for ways this week to bear witness to His reign!
Community:
Be Present To One Another
Discuss with your Home Church or friends this week the following questions: 1. Church isn’t the point of Church. When we seek, celebrate, and bear witness to the kingdom together, Jesus always builds his Church. How have you seen a focus on the kingdom bear fruit in the Church? 2. The mission isn’t to bring God to places where he’s absent, but rather join God in the work he’s already doing in the world around us. How does this mindset shift the way you understand the mission of the Church?
Co-Mission:
Join God’s Restoring Work
Clarence Jordan and Koinonia Farm (see below) sought to be a “demonstration plot for the kingdom of God.” This week, bear witness to the kingdom of God’s arrival through an act of kindness, love, and reconciliation. Look for ways to tangibly model a life under the reign of God.
