Preparing for Worship // October 8, 2017

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“Hell is other people.” ~ Jean-Paul Sartre

Other people make our lives difficult. They get in our way, keep us from getting what we want, and sometimes actively work against us. Sadly, this is true of the church as well. While I hope that you have had a positive experience in church, the reality is that for many people their experience of church has been one of vindictive parents, judgmental pharisees, and an unwelcoming and in-grown community. We’ve all been hurt by the brokenness of the church in one way or another. Many have left the church as a result of these experiences. The reason these things happen is that “Hell is other people,” and the church is full of people

Though we may not think of it this way, the church is actually the safest place in the world, this side of Christ’s return. I know; after what I just said about people being hurt in the church, how can I say that the church is the safest place on earth? What makes the church simultaneously a place of pain and safety is that the church is the people of God. People bring the brokenness; God brings the security. God promises to be present in His church, and God promises to work through His church. Through the church, God works to save sinners from their sin and make them saints. When you come to church this Sunday, you can come knowing that when you’re with the church you are safe, because when you’re with the church, you are present with God.

THE WORD

Scripture: Zechariah 2:1-13
Sermon: The Church: A City Without Walls

SONGS

A Mighty Fortress is Our God (Traditional)
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Love Divine (Charles Wesley; Tune: Come Thou Long)
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Jesus With Thy Church Abide  (Indelible Grace)
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Abide with Me (Indelible Grace)
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Song of Preparation: Pensive, Doubting, Fearful Heart (Indelible Grace)
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Song of Response: Holy Is the Lord (Chris Tomlin)
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