Time to kick off the holiday malaise and put on the running shoes (so to speak.)  It’s time to ‘shred’ it!  Whether its navigating a powdered slope, or working through a Jillian exercise video or cleaning out the closet – lets ‘shred it.’  We are into a new year and into a new Text of the Quarter (TQ!) and a new preaching series.

Our new TQ is from Philippians 4:4-9, “Rejoice in the Lord always!  And will say it, Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received from me – put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you.”

Our new series will focus on Kingdom of God Principles: Forgiveness, Grace, Provision, Desire, Suffering, and Mercy.  This week we will be bringing the shredder into the worship space.  Shredding will become a spiritual experience – come to find out more.  As we look at forgiveness through the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant, we will take a deep look at the Kingdom Principle of Forgiveness.  Read Matthew 18:21-34.  Jesus tells a powerful story about forgiveness in the Kingdom of God.  Forgiveness is a core cognitive and experiential truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Here it is: The outcome of unforgiveness is unbearable.  Unforgiveness leads to death and pain.  The outcome of forgiveness is amazingly beautiful.  Forgiveness leads to joy and freedom.  Let’s unpack that together on Sunday.

Sunday is a comin’, come out for worship and join in the shredding.

Be free,

Pastor Mark