The difference is night and day

Sunday, April 5, 2020 - 10:15 AM

Covid Worship Week Three—Sunday, April 5

Preparatory content

View the bulletin View the slides

View the worship service video playlist on YouTube

Prepare to hear His word

Sing together Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (arranged by Fernando Ortega)

Read His word

Read through 1 Th 5:1-11

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 New International Version (NIV)

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Sermon

Watch the video of PB’s message

Align time

Connect with your group for discussion of our text together. 

Questions to probe our text and live it: 

1. Welcome! Anyone with us today who was not with us last week? Any updates on jobs or health since our last meeting?
2. We will begin in prayer, but is there something on your mind that we should pray for right now? Pray!
3. Re-read 1 Thess 5:1-11. Share a word or phrase that jumps out at you in this text.
4. Has anyone been the victim of a theft or break-in? In addition to stuff, what did you lose? What does “thief in the night” say to you about the return of Christ?
5. Are faith, hope, and love ways we feel or actions we take? How are our faith, love, and hope under attack today—coronavirus and all?
6. SPECK this verse (find at least one of the following: Sin – Promise – Example – Command – Knowledge of God or myself):

   For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.

7. God’s purpose in Christ’s death and resurrection is that we might ‘live with him.” During the past week when have you experienced this life with him? What could help the frequency and intensity of fellowship with the “true and living God?”
8. What do you want to remember from this passage and our discussion today?
9. Any other prayer requests for the group?
10. Pray together and include, “God guide me to responsive people.” Feel free to add specific names of any who are responding. “Amen!”
11. Any news to pass along? What do you need help with? How are you financially?
12. Just a reminder that our offerings are still needed to meet current obligations and to respond to needs that will arise in the church and in the community.
    1. On-line giving is ready at www.hhgcc.org. Use ACH transfer to maximize your gift.
    2. Mail in to/drop by the church office mailbox.

Close

Let’s close today by singing carefully In Christ Alone—arranged by Kristian Stanfill.

Pray together PB's closing prayer