Sermon: Truth and Reconciliation

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-23

Date: Sept. 26, 2021

Worship

Listen to a Worship song (If you need suggestions, you can use one from the YouTube Playlist for this week) or express something that you are thankful to God for.

Welcome

• Check In – How is everyone doing (good things, lessons learned, prayers answered)?

Word

• What was your reaction to some of the news stories in Canada about residential schools?
• Why is reconciliation important to the heart of God?  How does it show up in our relationships?
• How do we overcome the misuse of power and authority that the church and government displayed?
• Read: Colossians 1:15-23
• What do we learn about Jesus and His role in verses 15-19?
• How was reconciliation accomplished?
• The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) recommends that we reflect on your own personal biases, attitudes or stereotypes that might hinder loving relationships with Indigenous neighbours.  How can we do this?
• What do you need to apply in your life?

Witness

How can we reflect God’s love to the indigenous community?

Prayer

The EFC encourages us to pray.

• For openness across congregations in Canada to explore God’s heart for restored relationships among all people, and with all of creation.
• For healing and renewed hope for those who have been impacted by systemic barriers and injustice.
• For a posture of humility and learning for all Christians in Canada as evangelicals’ journey towards right relationship with Indigenous peoples.
• For wisdom, discernment, courage and God’s leading as evangelical leaders respond and engage in this work.
• For a commitment from all levels of government to prevent and combat racism and injustice.

Pray as well for unity in our country and the church.  Pray for our family members and friends that do not know Christ.  Pray for any other concerns that your group has.