28 Jun PASTOR the message that reconciles

KEY VERSE: 2 Corinthians 5

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Online Giving** Regardless of where and when we will able to gather again, we continue to run our ministries and support our missions which bring the Gospel to a lost and frightened world. We are looking to our church family to continue faithfully giving. For those of you who give manually, please consider giving online at https://waterschurch.org/give/. Otherwise, you can mail checks to Waters Church, 57 John L Dietsch Square North Attleborough, MA 02760 and place your campus’ name in the notation field. We are very thankful for your support and understanding!

41411 – text waterschurch (all one word) to stay updated with info.

FACEBOOK GROUPS:To join the groups, just go to the Waters Church FB page and go to groups and join the ones you want. Make sure you join the Life Group (group) so we can get people interested in joining a Life group. The Heach Coaches and I will be moderating the group and adding topics for discussion.

CLASSES; Baptism class is every 4th Sunday of the Month. at 11:30 / Growth Track runs the first 3 Sundays every month at 11:30 – this is a one and done registrants only need to attend one session / Starting Point runs every 1st and 3rd Sunday at 11:30 – details and descriptions can be found on the registrations which are located under Events on the SGL Hub.

 

 

TELEPHONE LIVE STREAMING – this is now available.  The number to dial is 1-855-352-9749.

We can’t learn from other people’s experiences.  We learn through Real Life Experiences.  The wilderness is an experience intended to teach us.

 

WATERS KIDS ARE BACK: Ignite and Activate – register at waterschurch.org/events

ELEVATE: June 27 at NA – 7-8:30 – food

ENCOUNTER: June 26 – ice cream – 7:00p

ALL KIDS BACK JULY 5!

 

ALL ANNOUNCEMENTS CAN BE FOUND AT: waterschurch.guide

 

 

We are at a point where everything regarding the spirit of our age is political.  We, as the Church, have an obligation to speak from God’s word.

Pastor Zenzo is a reverse missionary from Africa. He came from Africa thinking that racism was a thing of the past and was surprised to find it here in America when he came here.  He had experienced a couple of instances of racism first hand, once in the South and once in the Somerville Mass.  In the second instance, it was the Holy Spirit that intervened and diffused the situation by keeping Zenzo calm and respectful (even though he was very afraid) after the cop, with fear and hate in his eyes, called him names and told Zenzo he can do what he wants.  When he went and told his wife, who is white, she was shocked.

Q. Have you ever experienced racism first hand, and if so what was your experience?

White Americans must be aware, and as the church we need to raise our voices.  Our common enemy seeks to divide and conquer.

2 Corinthians 5:11 ESV; 2 Corinthians 5:14-16 ESV

The image of our Father is reflected in all colors.  Racism is humanity versus evil.  It is a sin issue, not a back and white issue.  It is the guilt of a deeper root.   It is an issue that only Jesus can address.  The world addresses the fruit first, but the tree is good not the fruit.  We must address the root first.  The root of the issue is sin.

Act 17:26 ESV

We are not products of evolution.

Genesis 1:26 ESV

We were made in God’s image.

Q. How does racism undermine the message of the Gospel?

People in authority have made intentional moves making it hard for people of color.  White people do this because of pride in the heart.  Humility comes from the word humus which is dirt.  There is nothing anyone can take pride in. 

2 Corinthians 4:7 ESV

Q. What are some areas in your life that require humility where you had been prideful?

2 Corinthians 5:17-19 ESV

We can try to change the world, but if our hearts are separated from God, we are just putting paint on an old building.  Only Jesus can save us.

Racism is real and the Church has to lead the way by preaching the Gospel and welcoming conversations.  We cannot fix what we refuse to confront.

Q. What kinds of conversations have you had regarding racism recently?

2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV

As ambassadors for Christ, we have to get uncomfortable for people far from God.

Q. What kinds of intentional uncomfortable situations have you been in to bring people closer to God?

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV

Jesus took our place on the cross and bore our punishment for our sins.  The Gospel is not ‘Jesus loves us’, it is that he bore our sins.  We put him on the cross.  His death is our salvation.

5 Things we can do practically other than preach the gospel to end racism:

1. Pray and ask God to give us a burden for justice.

Nehemiah 1:4 ESV; Proverbs 31:8-9 ESV

2.  We can have conversations.

3.  We should have a desire to learn.

4.  We need to pray against the demonic spirit.

5.  We should be outspoken and expose the enemy in Jesus name.

  

Q. Who can you start a conversation with this week?