Sunday, September 18, 2022 - Facing Barriers-> Flourishing: Self
Online Playlist
Welcome
*Hymn 81 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken (In Person Only)
(verse 1)
*Awakening to God’s Presence (In Person Only)
*Hymn 81 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken (In Person Only)
(verses 2-3)
Prayer for God’s Guidance
2 Corinthians 12:1-5 Common English Bible Translation
It is necessary to brag, not that it does any good. I’ll move on to visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven fourteen years ago. I don’t know whether it was in the body or out of the body. God knows. I know that this man was caught up into paradise and that he heard unspeakable words that were things no one is allowed to repeat. I don’t know whether it was in the body or apart from the body. God knows. I’ll brag about this man, but I won’t brag about myself except to brag about my weaknesses. (Question: What about yourself makes you uncomfortable to talk about? Why?)
Hymn 716 God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending (In Person Only)
(verse 1)
2 Corinthians 12:6-7
If I did want to brag, I wouldn’t make a fool of myself because I’d tell the truth. I’m holding back from bragging so that no one will give me any more credit than what anyone sees or hears about me. I was given a thorn in my body because of the outstanding revelations I’ve received so that I wouldn’t be conceited. It’s a messenger from Satan sent to torment me so that I wouldn’t be conceited. (Question: What struggle in your life helps give you perspective on what really matters?)
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
I pleaded with the Lord three times for it to leave me alone. He said to me, “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.” So I’ll gladly spend my time bragging about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power can rest on me. Therefore, I’m all right with weaknesses, insults, disasters, harassments, and stressful situations for the sake of Christ, because when I’m weak, then I’m strong. (Question: Where do you find strength when handling your weaknesses?)
Hymn 716 God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending (In Person Only)
(verse 2)
2 Corinthians 12:11-13
I’ve become a fool! You made me do it. Actually, I should have been commended by you. I’m not inferior to the super-apostles in any way, even though I’m a nonentity. The signs of an apostle were performed among you with continuous endurance through signs, wonders, and miracles. How were you treated worse than the other churches, expect that I myself wasn’t a financial burden on you? Forgive me for this wrong! (Question: Do you ever feel like you aren’t good enough? Why?)
Hymn 716 God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending (In Person Only)
(verse 3)
2 Corinthians 12:14-15, 20
Look, I’m ready to visit you a third time, and I won’t be a burden on you. I don’t want your things; I want you. It isn’t the children’s responsibility to save up for their parents but parents for children. I will very gladly spend and be spent for your sake. If I love you more, will you love me less? I’m afraid that maybe when I come you will be different from the way I want you to be, and that I’ll be different from the way you want me to be. I’m afraid that there might be fighting, obsession, losing your temper, competitive opposition, backstabbing, gossip, conceit, and disorderly conduct. (Question: Have you ever been afraid of what others will think of you? Why?)
Reflection Together
Anthem Just a Closer Walk with Thee (In Person Only)
Invitation to the Offering (In Person Only)
Offering Our Lives, Resources, Time to God
Offertory
*Doxology 606
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*Prayer of Gratitude (responsive)
*Hymn 519 You Are My Strength When I Am Weak (In Person Only)
(sing through twice)
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom and the power
and the glory, forever. Amen
*Closing Hymn 765 May the God of Hope Go with Us (In Person Only)
(sing through twice)
*Benediction
Hymn List
81 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken
519 You Are My Strength When I Am Weak
716 God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending
765 May the God of Hope Go with Us
Sermon Series Starting September 18th
Facing Barriers Flourishing
September 25th – Others
October 2nd - Expectations
October 9th - Situations