Cleansed From All Sin + Midweek Updates
Because of the work of Jesus, we are safe to come forward in honesty.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
Transparency–real honesty about what is really going on (walking in the light)–is terrifying. It’s terrifying because of sin–our own and others’. It’s terrifying because of what will be revealed if we are honest and how other sinners will respond to us. So thank God for this verse, especially that last phrase: the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Isn’t the feeling of dirtiness and shame what stops us from being honest, of coming into the light, of coming to Jesus? Isn’t fear of God’s condemnation and the judgement of other people what smothers confession and honesty? Isn’t our fatigue and disgust with ourselves why we give up–”God won’t forgive me again, he must be out of mercy by now.” We feel we can’t bring our filth and shame and embarrassment into the light of Jesus alongside his people. So we hide it in the dark. And it festers. It rots. It keeps us from life and freedom.
But 1 John 1:7 shows us that because of the work of Jesus, we are safe to come forward in honesty. The blood of Jesus is enough for the worst of our sins, the history of our sins, the accumulation of our sins. And the accomplishments of Christ transform us and give us the capacity to be merciful to other sinners, and them to us.
SUMMER BREAK: WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT IMMANUEL
Our Adult, Student, and iKids gatherings are taking a summer break! Thank you for such a wonderful semester of gathering and rejoicing in the Lord together. We’ll kick things back up again in the fall. In the meantime, you may want to check out a community group. We’ll see you in August!
ON THE HORIZON
SUMMER WORK PROJECTS - This summer, we’re coming together for a series of projects to spruce up and care for our church home! We invite you to sign up for one (or more) of the project dates below:
Saturday, June 21 (indoor cleaning & organizing)
Friday, July 18 (cleaning, paint prep, painting)
Saturday, July 19 (painting, grounds maintenance)
No matter your skill level, there’s a place for you on the team. Thank you for making Immanuel an even more welcoming place for all who enter!
INFANT BAPTISM & DEDICATION SEMINAR - Interested in baptizing or dedicating your baby at Immanuel? Sign up to participate in our Infant Baptism & Dedication parent seminar on Sunday, June 8th at 10:45 am! Sign up here!
MARRIAGE FOUNDATIONS SEMINAR - If you are considering marriage, engaged, or are young in your marriage, join us for our next Marriage Foundations Seminar. The seminar will take place on Saturday, August 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the café. Lunch will be provided. Register here.
Such good news, thank you Barnabas 🙏🏼