http://bible.com/events/48949041
Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg & East Rock
Learning & Unlearning
You are alive right now for a reason. Are you ready?Series Purpose:
We must gain a perspective on how living as a Christian may be different now that we are, for the most part, on the “other side” of the pandemic. We will grasp that there are things to “unlearn” – setting aside old ideas – and “learn” gaining new understanding for real outreach and discipleship post COVID.
In 2021, a Pew Research Study issued the results of a study of nearly 10,000 Americans, asking how their lives have been impacted in the wake of a global pandemic.-40% of people reported a negative impact on personal relationships-28% reported a negative impact on their physical or mental health-23% said it negatively impacted their job-22% said it negatively impacted their personal finances
God’s Truth is unchanging no matter what happens around us.-God cannot change because He is perfect, pure and everlasting.-“Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8)-“Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will never pass away”
(Matthew 24:35)
At the same time, It would be irresponsible for us to ‘pretend’ that the world around us is returning back to “normal”.
This series was birthed out of a passion to see the church be faithful in these days.
John 17:13-19“
I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.2 important truths from Jesus’ prayer:
1. We [His followers] are “not of the world”2. We [His followers] are “sent into the world”
Matthew 5:13-14
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
You are the only salt and light the world will ever have – you can be faithful in that, or not.3 specific ways we are called to be learning & unlearning:1. We are a powerfully compassionate people2. We are peacemakers in a fractured world3. We are recommitted to one another
Bottom Line:
You are alive right now for a reason. Are you ready?
Verses for further study/reflection:
Hebrews
13:8Psalm 100:5
Isaiah 40:8
Psalm 102:27