Rhythms are the grooves in the record that allow the music of our lives to find expression. The record begins to skip when the rhythm is disrupted, but we can find ways to fix the vinyl. We are in a season where society as a collective has found their well-worn grooves skipping. Sometimes the disruption is a good thing; it creates space for us to make grooves and rediscover old ones. One of the rhythms that we have at FōS is SOAP, a daily plan for reading the Bible and journaling our reflections. SOAP is an acronym that stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. If you want to join us in our rhythm of SOAP, you can find more information here (fos.church/soapdaily-readings). Our series over the next few weeks is called "The SOAP Sessions," and will consist of messages pulled from our daily reflections. 

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Amen.

Message | Epic Rap Battles of History: Jesus vs. The Religious Establishment

In John 10, Jesus says that he is "the gate for the sheep" and the "the good shepherd. These self confessions are made in light of Jesus' growing conflict with the religious elite. This week we take a look at the story of a blind man who clearly sees to get a better picture of who Jesus is.

Formational Learning:

As we explored the story of all the different elements surrounding Jesus' self confessions, what stood out to you?

Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, or conflict that emerged as you walked through these stories?

(Head)

When we look at the story of the blind man who saw Jesus clearly, we arrived at a famous verse, "The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance." How are the images of Jesus presented in that verse and the religious leaders displayed in that story?

(Heart)

What character, besides Jesus, do you resonate within this story, and why?

Labels are often ways that we try to place limitations on others. What are some labels that people have tried to place on you, or you have placed on others? What does liberation from those labels look like?

(Hands)

When we cultivate space for people to experience a life of joy and abundance, we participate in the work of the Good Shepherd. What are some ways amid COVID, economic uncertainty, and ideological divisiveness that we can cultivate spaces that help others experience life with joy and abundance?

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.