Sundays at SSCC: Reflections & Recap

Watch the sermon video below if you missed the third week of our WE ARE THE CHURCH series or want to revisit the lessons we explored. Pastor Nate talked about the importance of confession and repentance and its significance in our relationship with God and others. 

Heavenly Father,

With humble hearts, we seek to embrace a life marked by confession and repentance. We recognize that these acts draw our spirits closer to You.

Guide us to understand that true confession is not simply admitting our wrongdoing but expressing our desire to transform. Help us to see our sins not as weights that hold us back but as opportunities for Your grace to manifest in our lives.

Heavenly Father, empower us to honestly confront the depths of our hearts, admitting to You, others, and ourselves when we have fallen short.

We thank You, Lord, for the gift of confession and the promise of forgiveness. May this practice deepen our relationship with You and with one another, building a community that is strong in faith, rich in mercy, and abundant in love.

Amen.

1 John 1:9 NRSV
If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Proverbs 28:13 NLT
People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

Nehemiah 1:4-7 NRSV
When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments; let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Both I and my family have sinned. We have offended you deeply, failing to keep the commandments, the statutes, and the ordinances that you commanded your servant Moses.

"To confess your sins to God is not to tell [God] anything [God] doesn't already know. Until you confess them, however, they are the abyss between you. When you confess them, they become the bridge." - Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking: A Seeker's ABC

• Why do you think vulnerability is challenging for people? The fear of vulnerability and the tendency to conceal certain aspects of ourselves from others to protect ourselves from potential harm.

• Why is important to learn to express our true thoughts and feelings? Pastor Nate emphasizes the significance of expressing our genuine thoughts and feelings, even if they involve doubt or frustration. This is because freedom and restoration begin with understanding where you are in the present moment.

• What is the significance of confession? Confession fosters strong and loving relationships within the community, both with God and with others.

• What phrases, such as "I'm fine," do you use to avoid having difficult conversations where confession is necessary?

• Why should we grow comfortable with confessing our mistakes to others and to God? When we are actively working on changing behaviors and articulating the wrongs committed, we show genuine repentance and understanding.

• What is hindering you from implementing better spiritual rhythms in your life?

• What are the risks of confession? Rejection, forfeiting pride and privacy, and needing to embody a courageous faith. However, the path to freedom is often a difficult one!

• What do you need to let go of for healing and restoration in your life? Is it anger towards work, a loved one, faith, etc?
  

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