Friday First - What God Desires

During December we are stressing the need for an obedient heart. What does it mean to be rooted and grounded in Christ? What are some ways we must cooperate with God to deepen our commitment, grow in spiritual strength, and thrive? During the winter quarter we are stressing our personal responsibility in all this.

One of the key passages serving as the foundation for this year’s theme comes out of the Old Testament book of Micah. The prophet was a contemporary of Isaiah and lived during the time of Hezekiah, king of Judah. It was really a deceptive time for the people, who were very devoted to religious ceremony and traditions, but their lives apart from the temple worship told a very different story. They were a people captured by greed, indulgence, and idolatry. For them, the object of religion took precedence over obedience and genuine worship. They thought if they brought the right kind of sacrifices, God wouldn’t care how they lived.

Does this problem still exist today? Theirs is not the only generation to go through the motions. We may have all the mechanics of worship worked out, but what about our heart? Does our relationship and desire for Christ extend beyond the four walls of our church building?

On Sunday we will discuss Micah 6.1-8 in detail:

• We’ll learn about the background and the courtroom scene in the opening verses of the chapter.
• We’ll see how God does not want things.
• We’ll learn what God really desires … you.

As you prepare for worship, please think about these questions.

1. Why is it always important to remember from where we come?
2. How can remembering God’s provision and preservation help us stay on track spiritually?
3. What does it mean to you to do justice?
4. What does it mean to you to love faithfulness?
5. What does it mean to you to walk humbly with the Lord your God?

OPENING / WELCOME
Kody Pritt

SONG LEADER
Russ Robins

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Chris Fles

LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Roger Robins
 
SCRIPTURE READING
Tommy Ray
Micah 6.1-8

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING PRAYER
John Key

CLOSING COMMENTS
Mark Ringle

WELCOME CENTER
Kathy Downey / Matt Ringle

USHERS
Kevin Elkins / Kevin Shanesy

CLOSING THE BUILDING
Ben Baker