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Discover the profound truth of being children of God as outlined in 1 John 1:1-10, where our identity as His offspring is illuminated through the transformative power of walking in the light of His presence. To be His child is to embrace the reality of our imperfections, confessing our sins and allowing His forgiveness to cleanse and guide us into a life of righteousness and communion with Him.
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In the anticipation of Jesus' promised return, we navigate a delicate balance between living with the wisdom of readiness and potentially slipping into complacency. As we remain in this "stay tuned" period, the call to prepare ourselves spiritually resonates, urging us to stay vigilant and steadfast in our faith.
Feeling the pressure of a looming deadline (like tax day)? We ought to commit to reflecting Jesus in our actions. Let's embrace patience, kindness, and understanding as we interact with others, extending grace and embodying the love of Christ in all we do. Through our worship and service, may we inspire others to join us in reflecting Jesus to the world around us, fostering a community of compassion and servant-heartedness.
As believers, we're assured that our cups can overflow with the abundance of God's grace and love when we obediently follow His teachings. Through our commitment to His word, we are promised not only growth in righteousness but also a deeper connection with God, enriching our lives with more of His divine presence and blessings.
The Cross, symbolizing sacrifice and redemption, finds its ultimate meaning through the resurrection of Jesus, signifying victory over death and the promise of new life. In embracing the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, believers are called to leave behind the burdens of sin and emerge into a renewed existence, filled with hope, forgiveness, and the abundant grace of God.
Our journey as Christians through the ups and downs of life can be as grueling as hiking a tall mountain. But when we rely on the help and support of Jesus, we know that he will carry us through ever scenario we may encounter. Over time, we too, come to realize that God is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work wihtin us. We can persevere because of him.
Have you ever been to a retreat or a training program where they had you do the trust fall? The trust fall is where you trust that when you fall backward the people behind you will catch you. It is hard to put ourselves completely into the hands of others, no matter what the situation is or who the people are. We like to be in control. But the Christian faith is fundamentally based on our reliance on another, Jesus, for our fiuture and our entire lives and our salvation.
Jesus brings peace into troubled times then and now. During Lent, we especially remember that peace Jesus brought to our hearts, souls, and minds through His death on the cross. Darkness may come, the earth may shake, storms may gather, but the peace of God calms them all and settles us comfortably in His hands.
The word love is most associated with romantic feelings, but what has to be remembered in the season of Lent when we focus on Jesus is that we are talking about agape love— sacrificial love that gives completely for another, a love that never lets go or changes. Lent becomes a time when as we draw closer to Christ and closer to one another in a love that lasts forever.
Anytime the word Hope is mentioned in a Christian context, it must always be mentioned that we do not mean here some kind of wishful thinking or chance possibility. When we say Hope is Christian circles, we mean a sure and solid confidence and joyous reality on the horizon. There is nothing tentative about it. It is part of who we are as God’s children.
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WORSHIP GATHERINGS:
Sundays at 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. 835 Riverside Avenue Torrington, CT 06790 See our regathering info here PHONE (860) 482-4705 OFFICE EMAIL secretary@firstcong.com GENERAL CHURCH EMAIL fcongrchurch@optonline.net |