Introduction
A friend of mine recently posted “A Short History of Violent Men” on his Substack. There he makes the claim “Since 1775, the U.S. has been engaged in conflict for over 80% of its existence.” (bold authors) He goes on to note the longest period of peace (lacking international conflict) was the 33 years immediately following the Civil War. We like to think of ourselves as a “peaceful” country, peaceful people, a peaceful person… but are we? What does the evidence say? What about our thoughts and actions? I don’t know if it’s necessarily good news, but the truth is we are absolutely not alone in our violence. Paul specifically addresses it in the text we’re digging into this week. Let’s see what we can find.
Grace and peace y’all,
John Ray and the teaching team.
Text:
Communal Confession for Vine and Branch
Rejoice, Grace Church this time culminates our Sabbath day, our gift of rest and renewal.
We rejoice in this time for worship and wonder.
God gives us Sabbath as freedom from and freedom for.
God is worthy of worship, our Creator, Healer, and Inspiration.
Hang on Grace Church, we were never promised an easy road.
Jesus bids each and all of us to take up our cross and follow Him.
We have the promises and person of Jesus with us every step of the way.
Because we have this we will endure, even though we struggle.
We have the testimony of those who have gone before us to encourage and enlighten us.
Because we have this we will follow their example and receive their encouragement.
We have been given each other to rejoice with, grieve with, grow with and work with.
Because we have this community and all these things we will not lose heart or be forever discouraged.
Grace be to you now and forever in the Name of our Lord Jesus
Lord’s Prayer
Christ, who taught us to pray saying:
Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who’ve sinned against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory forever. Amen.
