by Matt Huey

This week 15 men from West Seattle gathered to pray. In addition to sharing about the conversations we had this week with unbelievers, we also shared about those we met at Mars Hill this week that were either new to our church or that we did not already know. We desire to be a body of people that is tuned into God’s perspective on all interactions we have with others (see the apostle Paul’s statement in 2 Corinthians 5:16).

We then turned our attention to Colossians 3: 8-11 (below):

“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”

Pastor Cliff then talked about how living in the “old” self causes us to be slaves to sin and keeps us living in enmity with God and man. Instead, we are called to live in the “new” self, which causes us to put on the righteousness and holiness of Christ that then allows us to see that we are all created in the image of God such that the barriers of hostility between nations, social groups, and classes are removed.

Pastor Cliff then posed these application questions for us to consider through the week:

Questions:

• Are there any people groups that you do not love?

• How could your old self be causing you to continue in sin?

• How is your old self hiding your image before God, and causing you to live in hostility to others?

• What steps are you taking daily to put on your new self?

Prayers this week:

• Continue to pray for a spirit of humility and unity among the leadership and staff at Mars Hill

• Pray for a spirit of unity in the Church and that people would respond to the Mission of our church out of an identity in Jesus. Pray that the believers at Mars Hill would take tangible steps to mature in faith and bear fruit (2 Peter 1: 5-9).

• Continue to pray for the Song of Solomon series. Pray that all believers will seek to pursue their primary identity in Christ, that marriages will be strengthened, and that those yet to be married will pursue relationships that are honoring to Jesus.

• Continue to pray for the Tuesday evening “Equip” classes. Pray that people will grow through the process and remain faithful to attend and do the work.

• Pray for the Apprentice training of potential community group leaders – that competent and committed leaders rise up out of the class.

• Pray against Satan, his tricks, and divisive attempts to hamper the mission of Mars Hill and lead people astray from the truth of the gospel.