Helping People Know, Love, and Follow
Key Takeaways
The Shema declares theological simplicity: "The Lord our God, the Lord is one." (v. 4)
God offers himself as the answer to our fragmented, distrusting, anxious, hypervigilant lives.
Loving God with all our heart, soul, and might means total reorientation, not just intense emotion.
We obey out of gratitude, not fear—the blood went on the doorposts before the law did.
Jesus is the Lamb of God who makes it possible to have unconditional trust.
Study Questions
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In what ways do you find yourself hedging your bets spiritually, and what would it look like to trust God with singular devotion instead?
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What are you passing on to the next generation (whether your children or those you influence)? Your anxiety and cynicism, or the simplicity of loving God?
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How does the story of the sheep being plunged into antiseptic help you understand seasons when God's purposes feel confusing or painful?
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How does knowing that 'before the law went on the doorposts, the blood went on the doorposts' transform obedience from duty into gratitude?
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How does the truth that Jesus, the Shepherd, became the Lamb enable you to trust God unconditionally even when you cannot understand his purposes?
Seeking God’s Face Devotional
This month, we’ll be using the devotional Seeking God’s Face for our personal daily discipleship. Learn more about this devotional and how to use it, and follow along with us!
As we pursue our mission to help people know, love, and follow Jesus, we want to create space to slow down, listen, and meet with God through his Word and prayer.
Seeking God’s Face is a simple, guided resource that leads us through Scripture, reflection, and prayer in the rhythms of the church year, moving from the 12 Days of Christmas into Epiphany. This practice isn’t about retreating into duty or control. It’s showing up with a heart that delights in God, trusting that his grace comes first, and that his commands guide us as a redeemed people. Consider it an invitation to ask, “Lord, what do you have for me today? How can I join your work in the world?”
During the free-prayer portion, consider praying specifically for people God brings to mind (neighbors, co-workers, classmates, family members) asking that his light and love would be seen in and through you.
May this season draw us deeper into God’s story and help us walk with Jesus with renewed joy.
This Week’s Liturgy
Call to worship
Leader: Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
All: Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
Psalm 25:4-5
Confession of FAITH | the new city catechism question of the week
New City Catechism Q & A #1
Q: What is our only hope in life and death?
A: That we are not our own but belong, body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our Savior Jesus Christ.
Confession of sin
Most merciful Father, we confess that we hedge our bets with you. We divide our loves, trust you on our terms, and demand explanations before obedience.
We live with anxious hearts, grasping for control rather than resting in your faithful care. Forgive us.
Lord Jesus, Lamb who was slain for us, teach us to sing your story, that by your Spirit we might delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
Psalm 86:5
This Week’s Playlist
Looking Ahead
Join us next week as we explore Titus 2:1-15.