Some events that happen can have a huge impact on our world, leading us to feel unsettled, scared or even angry.

Key Takeaways

Our hurt can become exacerbated through the lens of an online space. However, God’s Word has a lot to say about how his children should respond in times like these.

Our fight is not against political parties, loud voices on social media, or even our pastors. Our battle is spiritual. This week, after prayerful consideration, our pastor has laid out six truths for us to remember:

• Reacting the wrong way for the “right reason” is still the wrong thing. God’s Word is clear that when faced with disagreements we should be quick to listen and slow to get angry. We should speak out in truth; however, we must do it gently and trust God to change hearts.
• Swipe through your celebrities. Stay with your community. God’s Word reminds us that we are shaped through community, not through scrolling.In community, we are shaped and sharpened (like iron) when we stick with the same people on their best days and worst days – just as they stick with us.

• We believe in Jesus and the Bible – full stop. Our focus as a church is on Jesus and who he is, not political platforms or personalities.
• I’m committed to shepherding a diverse church. Our church is being intentionally led as a diverse community that is reflective of heaven.
• God is moving in Journey City – especially among the next generation. Incredible spiritual growth is happening in the next generation, and the devil hates it. Our kids and students need every adult to pass what God has given us on to them.
• Now is the time to get and stay connected. Our lives are shaped in real community with a few people we get to know, and who get to know us- not just through the lens of an online space. Now is the time to get and stay connected..

Pray

Father, you alone can heal the brokenhearted and bandage the wounds of our souls. You alone know all things and can do all things. You are in control. We pray for our nation and our world which is reeling in a combination of chaos and spiritual renewal at the same time.

We pray for all victims of hatred and injustice and for this church community. Give us hope, courage, patience and grace. Do not allow us to give in to the enemy who wants to divide us, but keep our eyes on Jesus who prayed that we might be one. And God we pray that you will give us great boldness in proclaiming your word.

Father, we love you and trust you and surrender our lives to you today. You are good even when nothing else seems to be. Our faith is in you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set from this weekend into your slot and spot and remember that God uses community to give us strength in tough times and also to challenge us to grow in surrender to Christ.

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. – Proverbs 27:17 NLT

• Praise – Maverick City Music
• Faithfulness – Lakewood Worship
• What a Beautiful Name – Hillsong Worship

Learn

This week, read through the scripture shared in the message and dive deeper into God’s word.

Read

• James 1:19-20 – Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
• Ephesians 4:3 – Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
• 2 Timothy 2:23-26 – Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
• Proverbs 27:17 – As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
• 1 Corinthians 3:1-11
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
• Revelation 7:9 – After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands.
• Proverbs 15:28 – The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.
• John 16:33 – I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your slot and spot/discussions with others.

Have you ever been fired up, hurt, or confused by something you read on social media?

• What was your response? Why do you think it brought out that reaction in you?
• Read James 1:19-20. We are reminded that as followers of Jesus we should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. How does that description compare to your past reactions, or reactions you have seen on social media? How can you apply it to future interactions?

Pastor Mark reminded us that we should be bold in speaking the truth about Jesus, but that we should do so gently and trust God to change the hearts of others.

• What does that balance look like in your daily life? Which part do you find more challenging?
• What is one step God is calling you to take this week to grow in that area?

Read Ephesians 4:2-3. Paul reminds us that as believers we should make every effort to stay united.

• What does unity within the church mean to you? What is something you do to pursue unity with other believers?
• How have you been shaped by your community of faith?
• Have you ever experienced a conflict within your church community? Were you tempted to leave, or did you stick with your community and work through the conflict? How did that experience shape your current approach to handling conflict as a believer?

The next generation needs godly adults to pour into them.

• Who in the next generation are you currently mentoring?
• And if you consider yourself someone in the next generation, who has been an influence on you?

Next Steps

• Remember, who you stay with shapes you, so stick with your church community.
• It’s the perfect time to join a J-Group and find your people. J-Groups aren’t perfect, but they are environments where you will be known and welcomed, and where God can sharpen you. Now is the time to get and stay connected.