Preparing for the Lord's Day
Flourishing Gospel Relationships
What does it mean to flourish? A common definition is "to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment." Biblically, flourishing refers to the abundant life that comes from harmonious relationships between God, humanity, and creation. The word often associated with this concept is shalom, which is usually translated as peace, but it means much more than the absence of conflict. Shalom signifies wholeness, completeness, and flourishing—the fullness of life God intended when everything is functioning in perfect order and harmony.
Over the past several weeks, we have focused on the mission statement of our church: Awakening Gospel Renewal through Spirit-empowered worship, discipleship, and mission. This week, we begin a new emphasis, turning our attention to the vision statement: Flourishing Gospel Relationships. This shift will help us see what happens when we faithfully carry out the mission God has given us. If our mission is to awaken gospel renewal, then our vision is to see the flourishing of relationships that result from this renewal.
This Sunday, I will be preaching from Isaiah 65:17-25, a passage that provides a beautiful picture of the ultimate flourishing we anticipate in the New Heavens and New Earth. And there we will see how God the Father created us for flourishing, how the Son redeems us for flourishing, and how the Spirit engages us for flourishing. To prepare your hearts for the sermon, take some time this week to read and meditate on Isaiah 65:17-25, Genesis 1:27-28; 3:14-24, Deuteronomy 8:7-10, Micah 4:1-5, John 10:10, Colossians 1:19-22, Hebrews 11:8-10, and Revelation 21:1-4.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “The Mighty God, the Lord,” the Acclamation of Praise “O God beyond All Praising,” and the Hymn of Response “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand.” 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: Isaiah 65:17-25
Title: A Vision of Flourishing
Outline:
- The Father Created Us for Flourishing
- The Son Redeems Us for Flourishing
- The Spirit Engages Us to Flourishing