Sunday Service | Confession: August 2, 2020

We had our very first livestream this week, and judging by the chat as many of us tuned in, it is an exciting time in our community here in Nashville at the Anchor Fellowship. Though we cannot currently meet together physically, tuning it at the same time as “normal” was a joyful experience.

April Ban shared a testimony about how we are to be in the business of setting people free: free to be who they are, free to do God’s will, free to experience God’s love. The pandemic has led to many of us turning inward and protective of ourselves, which is good, but we are still called to be in the business of setting people free. Her testimony was feeling free up by getting a simple text cheering the team on before the livestream began! How can we do something similar to set people free, even in the midst of current circumstances? 

Brian took us back to Luke 10 and the story of the Good Samaritan to set the context of being a good neighbor into the theme of eternity, of eternal life, which is the question that the religious ruler asks: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

But eternal life for believers isn’t a future-oriented, far-off concept. It starts now, and it begins with what the religious leader knows: Love God and love our neighbor as ourselves. But, like us, the religious leader wants Jesus to be more specific about this. “Who is my neighbor?”

Answer: the one in need of mercy.

That means anyone. All of us are in need of mercy.

And mercy doesn’t mean fixing someone or convincing them to think like us. Mercy is simply a willingness to engage, with love, kindness, and compassion.

The process of becoming a good neighbor is an invitation to be present and to offer value to everyone.

How do we do that? These are all steps in the process:

Confession
Lament
Forgive
Repent
Reconcile.

This is the process for all of our relationships, including our relationship with God. This is the process of finding eternal life, starting right now.

Confession

Confession, at its core, means slowing down and recognizing that we have flaws and shortcomings. In the world, this is seen as weakness. But in the Kingdom of God, this is a powerful place to own the issues at hand and position ourselves to move forward. Confession ends separation and disconnection. In the context of Luke 10’s story, closeness to God through our own works and attempts to be perfect is what leads to disconnection and disunity in relationships with others. It’s what led to this religious scholar wanting to define his neighbor and then balking at the Samaritan being typed as a good neighbor.

Confession requires vulnerability and humility; we miss it when we just keep covering up who we truly are and where we are at.

How do we practice confession?

1. Pay attention.
Find the places of disconnection between ourselves and God and ourselves and others.

2. Pray.
The presence, filling, and guiding of the Holy Spirit must be our compass in this task.

3. Reflect.
Where have we fallen short in our relationships, in our attitudes, beliefs, and actions?

4. Confess.
To God first, then to another trusted believer. Be yourself, be patient, and receive the 

encouragement offered to you in return.

This is a long and oftentimes lonely road. But take heart! Jesus shows us the way to deeper confession.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll continue walking through this process. Join us every Sunday at 10:30 CST.