Introduction
Mike Tyson once said “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face”. That’s a newer take on an old truth, we often think we are going to respond or behave one way, but when reality “hits” we may find ourselves responding or behaving very differently. Last week we dug into the idea that truth isn’t just communicated with words, but with our very selves. This week we see Paul and his companions longing to join back with their friends in Thessalonica and find out, by spending time together, what it is they need from each other. I’m sure they had some sort of idea or plan, but what would they find out when they got there?
Let’s dig in and see what we can find.
Grace and peace y’all,
John Ray and the teaching team.
Responsive Reading for Vine and Branch
Reader: Friends, today we affirm our identity and aspiration with the following declaration.
Everyone: Jesus you are the True Vine and we, your church, are a branch
Reader: Sisters and brothers and siblings, apart from the Vine, we can bear no lasting fruit.
Everyone: Holy Spirit help us to remain in you and you in us.
Reader: It is God’s will that we have life and have it in abundance.
Everyone: Jesus is the Way, the truth and the life. We abide in Him.
Reader: As we abide in Him not just for our own sake, but for the sake of others and the healing of all creation, to the glory of the Creator.
Everyone: We abide in you Jesus, align our hearts and minds, souls and spirits to yours.
Reader: In the Name of the Creator, Jesus the Messiah and God the Holy Spirit, Amen.
