Safe People

Trust in Christ invites vulnerability without fear, shame or fragility. The church is called to be a safe place for people to be vulnerable and for the church to be vulnerable, it has to be made up of safe people. Joe Scruggs kicks off our new series with a call to be safe people.

Safe

Vulnerable | Week 1

March 5, 2017 | Joe Scruggs

We are all going to have struggles with what the Bible calls sin at one time or another in our lives.

At all times, but especially during those times, we will need support and encouragement from one another.

Vulnerable —

Acknowledging or revealing a behavior or thought or situation which opens up the possibility of physical, emotional, mental or spiritual wounding of some type.

Big Question:

Is the Christian community a place where it is safe to risk being vulnerable?

Romans 15:1-2 (MSG)

Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step up and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”

Matthew 7:1-5 (MSG)

Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

James 5:16 (PHILLIPS)

You should get into the habit of admitting your sins to each other, and praying for each other, so that if sickness comes to you, you may be healed.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (PHILLIPS)

and let us think of one another and how we can encourage each other to love and do good deeds. And let us not hold aloof from our church meetings, as some do. Let us do all we can to help one another’s faith...

Big Question:

What makes a church a safe place?

Big Question:

How do we do this?

Mark 8:22-25 (NIV)

They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.