New Testament | Romans 12:9-21 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
This is the Kingdom by Chris Brown, Jason Ingram, Pat Barrett, and Steven Furtick

Lyrics:
Blessed are the poor in spirit
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Blessed are those who mourn
For they will be comforted
Blessed are the meek
For they will inherit the earth
Blessed are those who hunger
And thirst for righteousness

They (You) will be filled
They (You) will be filled
This is the kingdom
This is the kingdom
This is the kingdom of heaven
Ask and He will
Ask and He will
This is the kingdom
This is the kingdom
This is the kingdom of heaven

Blessed are the merciful
For they will be shown mercy
Blessed are the pure in heart
For they will see God
Blessed are the peacemakers
For they will be called children of God
Blessed are those who are persecuted
Because of righteousness
For theirs is the kingdom
Theirs is the kingdom
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Seek first the kingdom and all will be added
Seek first the kingdom and all will be added
Seek first the kingdom and all will be added
All will be added all will be added

Passage:
Marks of the True Christian
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,[a] serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.[b] Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[c] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Musical Reflection:
Harp Meditation No. 3 by Gretchen Kirby

Reflection Notes:
This harp reflection features rich, full chords with a strong melody. The tension between major and minor chords reflects the challenges and triumphs of daily life.

Prayer:
O Lord God, grant your people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.