Grace Min traveled from VCU to WM this week to talk about accountability.
Starting with James 5:16, she shared that one way to find healing was through confessing sins to one another and praying for each other. There is power in confession. Admitting sins to brothers and sisters makes it easier to bring them before God because you've already accepted that you don't want to and can't handle it on your own. Referring to David Platt's book, Follow Me, Grace gave us a powerful reminder to love one another enough to interfere and not overlook friends struggling with the excuse of "it's not my business." Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us also to love and encourage one another. However, encouragement can look like a lot of things at times including rebuking. That makes it easy to get defensive, but the purpose of accountability is to point out sins and struggle together. Don't choose to watch someone suffer and fall deeper into sin. Let's all commit to be brave and be accountable for one another.
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Marisa, Megan, and Jisung bravely shared about their personal experiences with God to the entire fellowship. Many hearts were deeply touched.
Marisa asked, "Do you believe in science?" She shared that her journey deep into science while at W&M has revealed much about God and His character. A paper she had read about synthetic biology suggested the key to a sustained life system was to remove tight controls. As someone who finds comfort in control and planning (as are many in ACF), Marisa began to see power in letting go and allowing randomness by placing her trust in God. Jisung bravely shared her testimony about God's redemption through a relationship she had freshman year. When she was in darkness, God spoke to her through a retreat. "No matter what sin you've committed, you are cleansed by the blood of Christ." And in the following weeks she began to rediscover God's love and grace through Scripture and intimate prayer. She encouraged and inspired many in ACF to be vulnerable about deep sins. When faced with agape, shame and fear cannot prevent us from loving one another. We are called not to judge and condemn but to offer grace and understanding by meeting others where they are and being with them. We are so thankful that God used Jisung and her testimony to open many doors in ACF. Megan asked everyone to close their eyes and listen a song she had written called "Shepherd Voice". The lyrics were inspired by Genesis 3 (The Fall of Man) and describe God's powerful love and call to hear our voices - even when we are in sin. We are invited to come before His throne in repentance. In that way, God knows us fully but still offers unconditional love. Pastor Dennis returned this week to talk about how Christ’s identity, intimacy, and intent is revealed in John 10: 11-16. Throughout the Bible, God refers to people as His sheep. Our initial response might be to think we look like cute little fluff balls to Him. But sheep are helpless, dull, and prone to wander. Sheep can’t fend of predators themselves and aren’t creative finding food.
It’s possible to live a life for God but not with God. How are you living? |