June 9, 2024 - Preparing for the Lord's Day
June 4, 2024 Trusting Christ and His Provision in Relationships
Preparing for the Lord's Day
Trusting Jesus Christ and His Provision in Relationships
Over the past months, the LORD continues to remind me of the beauty of our relationships with Him and with one another. In formal or informal settings, Jesus blesses us with life in Himself and with friendship with others. In lieu of perfection, Christ moves us in His grace and love. As we enjoy one another, we strive to treat each other with love and respect, and yet we also know the humility of confession, repentance, and forgiveness when we fall short. When we walk in a relationship, Christ is with us and remains central in all we do.
Coming up in worship this Lord’s Day, we continue our mini sermon series for the month of June entitled “Trusting Christ and His Provision in Relationships.” For what purpose? We need to trust Jesus Christ and the profound provision of His Peace, His Presence, His Power, and His People to overcome relational stress and even ministry fatigue. From this past Sunday in which we considered “Christ and the Pursuit of His Peace” (Philippians 4:4-7), this Sunday we ponder “Christ and His Abiding Presence” as we look to John 15:1-5. In context, Jesus is with His disciples during his Falwell Discourse on the eve of His crucifixion and concludes the last of His “I am” statements in the Gospel of John, “I am the true vine” and “you are the branches.”
To come prepared for worship, please remain in prayer for God to open the eyes of our hearts and minds. Please spend some time reviewing Philippians 4:4-7, reflecting on the peace and contentment that we have in Christ. In turning to John 15:1-5, please mediate on John 15:1-17. Note the common themes of the two passages such as abiding joy, consistent prayer, and humble obedience as we abide in Christ and embrace His presence.
As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts and voices in singing the Hymn of Praise “To God Be the Glory,” the Acclamation of Praise “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” and the Hymn of Response “How Firm a Foundation.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: John 15:1-5
Title: “Christ and His Abiding Presence”
Outline:
Joy and the wholeness of relationships
- Flourish in the True Vine.
- Yield to the Gardener’s cultivation.
- Abide in Christ and bear fruit.
With or without Christ