What Good News Really Looks Like
Matthew 11
11 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.
2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’
11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.
16 “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
17 “‘We played the pipe for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
and you did not mourn.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
This week’s service can be viewed on our Facebook page at @ Sunday, September 8, 2024
Happy Friday NewDay family!
We are all excited for this Sunday, and the Block Party we will be hosting at the cabin. I sure hope you can make it, and enjoy time together, and hopefully we make some new friends with our neighbors.
We also will continue talking about the Gospel and Hospitality this Sunday. We were blessed last Sunday to hear from Jed von Steinbergs, as he shared questions for us about what hospitality looks like from Jesus' perspective, how we can share hospitality with Jesus and what attributes of Hospitality look like from God's perspective. We spent time listening to the Holy Spirit, and shared in conversation. Thank you for participating in these discussions during worship, and continuing to try new things in worship, and connect with Jesus together.
This week, we will explore the conversation Jesus has in Matthew 11, with John's disciples, as John sent them from his prison cell to seek Jesus out, to inquire if He was the One, the Messiah. Jesus' response was asking them questions in return, and providing evidence of how the Good News was good- by the signs Jesus was performing. John was needing confirmation- was there someone else coming, or was Jesus it? What Jesus provided was that He was the good news, and as He was, the good news was actively happening through His miracles.
Sharing the Gospel and practicing Hospitality are the last areas of Discipleship we will be focusing on during this sermon series. As we follow Jesus, we are to do like He does, being and sharing the good news. Last I heard, our world was in desperate need for some real good news.
See you this Sunday!
Pastor Kari
Jed challenged us with some excellent follow up questions from Sunday. May the LORD use these to draw you closer to Him and the discipleship of Hospitality.
WHAT CURRENTLY ATTRACTS YOU TO JESUS?
WHAT DRAWS YOU TO HIM RIGHT NOW?
WHAT ASPECT OF HIS NATURE OVERWHELMS YOU IN HIS PRESENCE?
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR YOU TO RECOVER IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?
WHAT GIFT DOES THE LORD LONG TO GIVE YOU?
WHAT CURRENTLY DISTRACTS YOU FROM ENJOYING THE PRESENCE OF GOD?
GATHERING FOR SUNDAY CAN BE FOUND AT: https://www.facebook.com/NewDayCovenantChurch/
Following the worship gathering, worship services will be uploaded to our website and will be available at www.newdaycov.org/listen.
NewDay Online Giving: https://newday.churchcenter.com/giving
September is National Recovery Month:
National Recovery Month is a September observance that promotes recovery practices, the recovery community, and service providers. It started in 1989. Mn Adult and Teen Challenge will be blessing us with music and testimonies on Sept. 15th. Please be in prayer for people going through Recovery from Substance Abuse, and their families. Ask God to prepare your own heart as well, and for God to be at work in us, through their message and worship. Teen Challenge is an addiction recovery program that focuses on faith, community, and health. They offer programs with four levels of care, including classes, physical and mental work, and restoration and healing.
To find out more about MN Adult & Teen Challenge & how it is helping in our community click on this link - https://vimeo.com/954651429
