Concord Church, Statesville NC

Seriously Doesn't mean Strictly by Concord Church, Statesville NC

The practices and identity of the church are our starting point for meaningful action in the world. Our corporate and personal practices should be forming us into the kind of people who can engage with the world in faithful and God-glorifying ways.

Our spiritual and political lives are not separate but are different aspects of our whole life offered as worship to God. Our communal worship and personal practices should lead us to seek justice and live righteous lives.

Forgive But Not Forget by Concord Church, Statesville NC

Peter is often all or nothing—either resisting Jesus or drawing closer to him in earnest. In this scripture, we see a version of Peter who is hungry to learn. His posture is humble and open—he wants to absorb Jesus’ teachings like a wet sponge. He asks a question and might expect a straightforward answer: “How many times should I forgive?” Instead, Jesus’ math is not predictable—it’s infinite. Forgiveness is abundant; grace is not earned. In your own faith, do you find comfort in theological formulas? Do you wish for straightforward answers? Can you let go of black-and-white thinking and instead embrace the infinite colors of grace?

When your world unravels and your beliefs are tested, you may cling to what you know. As Jesus foretells his death and resurrection, Peter protests. Peter is fixed upon the way he thinks things should go; he resists the pain of what will come. But Jesus is fixed upon his calling and calls Peter out. For everyone, there comes a time when your faith is tested and you will have to face difficult and inconvenient truths. We may want to take the easier path, the path with less pain. We may want to cling to easy or simplistic answers. Instead, what does it look like to welcome complexity? Can you stay fixed upon your convictions while also expanding your perspective?

Solid Foundation by Concord Church, Statesville NC

It takes bold courage to take a leap of faith—or to willingly step into a storm. Many of us know what it feels like to be thrown off balance, to feel as if we’re sinking. Doubt is a normal response to feeling like we are sinking.

Fear And Insecurity by Concord Church, Statesville NC

Peter is so human and is a model of faith which reflects all the different ways we experience it over our lives. It's ok that it takes us time to say yes or sometimes we aren't able to - and we see in Peter a model for both.
Scripture Reading: Luke 5:1-11; led by Rev. Liz Troyer
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