by Rich Fry

Last week over 20 men from West Seattle gathered early Wednesday morning to pray for each other, the community and our church. In addition to sharing about the conversations we had with unbelievers, we also shared about those we met at Mars Hill that were either new to our church or that we did not already know. One brother confessed some sin issues of pride that he had been struggling with, and his doing so was convicting for many of us. 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).

Pastor Cliff then led us to focus on Colossians 3:15-17:

15) And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17) And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Some thoughts on this passage that were shared include the fact that our identity is in Christ, and as the body of Christ we are all teachers, instructed to pursue right teaching and have the word live within us so that we may be prepared to teach each other and even admonish each other with God’s wisdom. Paul also stresses that our identity in Christ should involve a regular expression of gratitude, an indwelling attitude of thankfulness to God, with an appreciation for what Christ has done and is still doing for us. This leads to a right mind and heart for both individual and corporate worship, as well as strengthening the unity of the body, and sharpening us in community.

Pastor Cliff reminded us that it is the peace of God that should both guard and govern our hearts, connecting verse 15 with Philippians 4:7-8, and that the peace of Christ gives us confidence in our faith despite what is seen in the world.

We then gathered into smaller groups through the building to discuss the questions Pastor Cliff had prepared, and to pray for each other and our church.

Questions:

• Do you preach the gospel to yourself?

• In what areas of your life are you not finding peace?

• In what areas are you not thankful to God?

• Who individually sharpens you or speaks into your life?

• What do you worship more than God?

Prayers this week:

• That the doctrine of Christ would be clearly studied and known at Mars Hill

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

• Pray for Pastor Mark and Grace as they are up in front during the Q&A. Pray against any fear and discouragement.

• Pray for the single people and the hurting people during this SOS series that they would experience the peace of Christ through Mark’s teaching

• Pray for the marriages in our church that there would be intimacy and oneness in Christ. Pray that priorities would be based on an identity in Jesus. Pray that men would lead well and cover the family.

• 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.

• Continued prayer for the Equip classes 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 come 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.