2020-11-08 The Battle Without and the Battle Within

[Colossians 2:16-23 ESV] Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations– “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)–according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

Call to Worship

Leader:
There is one God
and there is one mediator, Christ Jesus,
who came as a ransom for all,
to whom we testify.
All:
This saying is sure
and worthy of full acceptance:
That Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners,
and was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated in the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed in throughout the world,
taken up in glory.
Great indeed is the mystery of the gospel.
Amen,

Music

UMC Hymnal: 57,  O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing. vs. 1 through 4
UMC Hymnal: 79,  Holy God, We Praise Thy Name, vs. 1, 6 and 7
UMC Hymnal: 77,  How Great Thou Art
UMC Hymnal: 451, Be Thou My Vision