Sermon
Last week on Easter Sunday Austin led us out of our How To Talk To God series as we looked at Jesus’ tender interaction with Thomas’ doubts in John 20:24-29. This week we are beginning a new series called Mission: Light into Darkness!
Read Genesis 3. You probably know this passage of scripture as “The Fall.” In fact, there’s probably a section heading in your Bible that labels this chapter as such. It’s an appropriate picture. The creation narrative in Genesis 1 and 2 seems to place humanity at the pinnacle of all that has been created. Humans, created in the image of God, have been given sacred purpose and dominion over the earth. They enjoy close relationship with God and with each other and they go about their fruitful labors in the garden without insecurity or self-doubt. In chapter 3, all of that changes.
Try to place yourself in the story. Try to understand why Adam and Eve would have listened to the serpent. Why were his lies so seductive? Can you see yourself making that same choice? Now, try to picture this passage from the perspective of God. Consider all that He has created and all that He has given to humans. How would you have responded to their betrayal? What would your first words have been?
Prayer
That our church would grow in being distinct from the world in love and holiness, even as it engages outsiders. (Romans 12:1-2, 9-18)
Worship
Love Came Down
Reckless Love
What a Beautiful Name
Faithful to the End
