You Bear An Image

Pastor Kevin Rutledge - 3/3/2024 10:00 AM

Listen in as we explore the resonant message of Jesus when He instructed us to "give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." This sermon takes you on a reflective journey, examining the innate worth of humanity, crafted in the divine image as narrated in Genesis. We discuss how sin often obscures our ability to recognize God's likeness within ourselves and others. Imagine a coin collector, tirelessly working to restore a coin's original luster, marred by years of grime—this is the metaphor we use to describe Christ's redemptive work in our lives. His sacrifice is not only a path to salvation but also a revelation of our intrinsic value that has always existed in God's eyes.

Join us as we contemplate what it means to live as true bearers of God's image, drawing from the rich tapestry of characteristics outlined in 1 Corinthians. We converse about the transformative impact of patience, kindness, and humility in our daily interactions and how these attributes can help polish the divine image within us and those around us. As we seek forgiveness and restoration, we not only understand our worth in God's sight but also assist others in recognizing their own sacred value. Through this episode, we invite you to consider how our lives can be offerings to God, inspiring others by our example to embrace their identity as cherished children of the divine, proudly reflecting His image.

Scripture:

  • First Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4-12
  • Second Reading: Mark 12:1-17
View Order of Worship View Message Transcript View Small Group Discussion Guide

This Week's Reading Plan

Day: Reading:
Monday Debate on the Resurrection: Mark 12:18-27
Tuesday The Greatest Commandment: Mark 12:28-34
Wednesday Hear, O Israel: Deuteronomy 6:1-5
Thursday Love Your Neighbor: Leviticus 19:13-18
Friday Steadfast Love, Not Sacrifice: Hosea 6:1-6
Saturday Son of David: Mark 12:35-40
Sunday The Widow's Gift: Mark 12:41-44

This includes only the sermon portion of the service.

Reflections and Caring Conversations

Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.

  • Morning Prayer: Dear Lord, as the sun rises, I lift my eyes to You, the source of all light and truth. Remind me today of my sacred value as I carry Your image within me. Help me to extend patience, kindness, and humility to all, mirroring the teachings from the sermon that stirred my soul. May my words and deeds this day be a testament to Your transformative power at work in me. In Your holy name, I pray. Amen.
  • Evening Prayer: O Lord, as the day closes and I settle into the evening's calm, I come before You in gratitude for Your constant presence. Help me to reflect on the moments when I truly lived as Your image bearer, and forgive me for the times I fell short. May the sermon's insights on Your love and redemption be a lamp unto my feet, leading me to a place of restful assurance in Your grace. Grant me a peaceful night, resting in the knowledge that I am Your cherished child. Amen.

  • Reflection Question: Reflect on the idea that we are all created in God's image as stated in Genesis 1:27. How does understanding that we are made in God's likeness influence the way we view ourselves and others?

  • Reflection Question: The sermon speaks to the intrinsic value we have in God's eyes, which is highlighted by Christ's sacrifice. How does this perspective change the way we approach our self-worth and our interactions with others?

  • Reflection Question: Discuss how the idea of being "little Christs," as suggested in the sermon, resonates with Ephesians 5:1-2, which calls us to imitate God. How can we apply this call to our personal spiritual journey?

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