The Gathering - Part Nine

Last week as we prepared to gather we spent time considering the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and what that meant. When we consider Christ's sacrifice, the unimaginable cost to God the Father to offer up His Son and the horrific pain and agony endured by Jesus physically, mentally and spiritually, it should stop us in our tracks! What this sacrifice is telling us is how despicable our sin is before a holy God. He didn't just do a few hours of community service on our behalf - He died! And He died the most horrific of deaths, one reserved for criminals and rebels. This sobering view of our sin should lead us to confession. Part of remembering Christ's death is confessing our great need, humbling ourselves before God and recognizing our complete inability to restore a right relationship with Him through anything we bring, do or say. We come falling on His mercy and His grace. And as we come to that place there is power in the Gospel. Our greatest need has been met by an even greater God! We have been set free from the curse of sin and death and can enjoy the blessing of a right relationship with Him.  

As we prepare to gather spend some time reflecting of this passage:

With what shall I come to the LordAnd bow myself before the God on high?Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings,With yearling calves?Does the Lord take delight in thousands of rams,In ten thousand rivers of oil?Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts,The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?He has told you, O man, what is good;And what does the Lord require of youBut to do justice, to love kindness,And to walk humbly with your God?

~ Micah 6:6-8

"Father, as we prepare to gather with our brothers and sisters in order to magnify Your greatness may we have a moment to consider the cross. Please reveal to us how dreadful it was and yet how necessary. May it humble us and cause us to run to You for mercy and grace. Amen."

Songs for Our Gathering this Week:

Holy, Holy, Holy 

     by Reginald Heber | John B. Dykes

Jesus Messiah

     by Chris Tomlin

Let it Be Jesus

     by Chris Tomlin | Jonas Myrin | Matt Redman

By Faith
     by Keith and Kristyn Getty | Stuart Townend