Advent Digital Fast

Why a Digital Fast?

Through this season of Advent, we are corporately engaging with the practice of fasting. Together, for the 25 days leading up to Christmas, we are challenging ourselves to fast from our digital devices.

Advent is a significant time in the Christian Liturgical calendar. Beginning on the first day of Advent, Sunday 12/01, this is an opportunity for us as a congregation to prepare our hearts and minds as we fix our eyes on Jesus through this fasting practice.

As we abstain from media, this Digital Fast is meant to help us silence the noise and distractions of our digital devices so that we can pursue greater intimacy with Jesus. The result being to get our spirituality into our bodies. Moreover, this fast is meant to reset our nervous system, help us bring greater awareness to how we relate to our digital devices, and see how we can be more present to God and to those around us.

How to participate in this Digital Fast

We encourage our whole community to prayerfully consider participating in one of the two fasting options: a full digital fast or a modified fast. No matter the option chosen, we believe that it will be life-giving through this season.

Option 1: Full Digital Fast

This option involves eliminating screens for personal use and enjoyment and embracing your device purely as a tool for utility. It is important to commit to staying off social media, shopping apps, and any other digital entertainment that distracts you.

• Audit smartphone apps. Remove any apps that are distracting, using the question: “Is this distracting (or supposed to distract) or is this something useful?”

  • Examples of distracting apps include email, social media, news apps, games, video, shopping apps, and browser.

  • Useful apps could include phone, text, calendar, airline apps, camera, and weather.

• Eliminate screens for entertainment and enjoyment. This includes gaming devices, streaming services, cable television, etc.

• Limit digital technology to work apps during work hours on work devices. Commit to no work outside of work hours.

Option 2: Modified Digital Fast

In this modified version there is freedom to adjust the parameters of this fast.

• Audit smartphone apps. Modifying this could include limiting the days of using certain apps or choosing a select amount of apps. We strongly encourage picking at least a few apps that are distracting and time-consuming to abstain from during this time. Use the question: “Is this distracting or is this something useful?”, and remove any apps that are distracting. 

• Create a limit for using other digital devices for entertainment. Fast from other entertainment through digital technology (such as TV) for a specific number of days during the week.

• Limit digital technology to work apps during work hours on work devices. Commit to no work outside of work hours.

Engaging with the Digital Fast

We are excited about what we will discover during this fast, both individually and communally, during this intentional time to abstain from screens and our various devices. As we engage with this fast, it can be expected that it will be difficult at first. This is a detox of sorts, and it will impact the nervous system. 

As we are tempted to grab our phones to scroll on social media, turn on the TV, or check our email, we have some resources to turn to so that we can redirect our attention to Jesus. The season of Advent is unique in the fact that to properly engage in the practice of fasting, one will have to incorporate the other practices of prayer, scripture reading, and generosity.

Prayer

Recite this prayer in moments where the practice of fasting proves difficult.

Redirect my wandering attention to You, God, even in my distraction and discomfort. Usher me into the peace of Your presence, to be truly known, fed, and satisfied. Heavenly Father, as I disconnect from my device, help me to reconnect with the people in my life. 

In these quiet moments away from the world’s noise, Lord, I seek Your presence. As I draw nearer, let Your love and wisdom fill my heart, guiding my thoughts, words, and actions. In this renewal, help me to see Your hand in all things and to walk more closely with You each day. 

Lord, I confess my need for distraction, entertainment, and my tendency to avoid my feelings, and even You. Jesus, be with me in this moment, and strengthen my spirit, so I may stay present with You. You alone truly satisfy my soul.

Help me, Lord, as I feel the need for distraction found on my phone and social media. Anxiety, fear, and busyness rob me of my true identity and the peace that comes from You alone. Help me turn my attention to You, Lord, to satisfy my desires.

Everyday Gospel Advent Devotional

Turn to scripture throughout this season of Advent. Our Everyday Gospel Christmas Devotional is a twenty-five-day Bible reading plan. As you read each of these Christmas entries, remember that the Bible is a story with a singular focus: to celebrate Jesus. Nothing could be more important this December than spending daily time in the Word, and rejoicing that the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (John 1:14). He is our hope and the reason for this Advent season!

CHRISTMAS gENEROSITY

When reaching for the phone or tablet, count the cost, and consider generosity.

In addition to fasting, another way to engage in Advent is through generosity. We are also practicing Generosity during the season of Advent in order to not just focus on self-denial (an inward practice), but also to show love to our neighbors and tangibly care for them (an outward practice). 

This year, our Christmas Missions Offering supports a local church plant here in Portland in an under-resourced community, an international missionary family in Turkey, and global church planting amongst unreached people groups. Our goal as a church is $2400.

Consider what it looks like to both withhold (fast) and give generously through these next twenty-five days. 

To participate in our Christmas Missions Offering, donate to the Christmas Missions Offering fund.

How to Prepare

In preparation for Advent, browse through these best practices. These are here to aid in planning for how best to engage with the Digital Fast. Here are some things to consider:

• Find a few people who are also fasting and establish a regular check-in rhythm for the month and questions to ask one another regularly. 

• Keep this question in mind while participating: What do I want to learn about myself and God in the next twenty-five days?

• Change the settings on your phone to greyscale. It will make the phone less visually enticing.

• Turn off notifications on your phone.

• Consider getting an alarm clock instead of using your phone to wake up.

• Talk with your work teams and supervisor about your hope to disengage from work and technology during non-working hours.

• An alternative option to auditing your smartphone is switching to a simple, utility oriented phone like a Light Phone.

• Check out the resources below for more recommended reading around fasting.

Resources

Below is a helpful resource meant to aid and encourage in the fasting journey:

• Darren Whitehead, Digital Detox. Our Digital Fast is adapted from this book. We encourage you to learn more through this great resource.

*The above was primarily provided from Reality Church in San Francisco.

Practicing the Way of Jesus Together

This past Sunday in our sermon series, The Way of Jesus, we looked at what it means to Practice the Way of Jesus together. At the beginning of 2024 we had a list of four priorities we were committing to as a church, which are right in line with our Life Together at Sojourn. We have many new faces since January so we wanted to share these as a way of reminder for our entire church family.

Priorities we are committed to as a church family:

1. We invite you to make a monthly financial commitment to Sojourn.

• Pursue generosity with your finances as an act of trust in God.

• Recurring electronic gifts can be set up at sojournpdx.org/give.

2. We are committed to gathering in intimate community (Gospel Community and Tables).

   • We will return to our rhythm in 2025.

3. We are calling you to Stay, Embrace the Pain, and Grow Up with One Another.

• We are committing to living out Matthew 18 as a church family.

4. We are suggesting embracing servanthood.

• Proactively making a monthly commitment of regular service within the church.

• Not sure where to start — Chat with us!

Crafting a Rule of Life

This week in our Practicing the Way course and sermon series we looked at Crafting a Rule of Life.

Now we’re ready to take all the ideas we’ve been learning and “put it into practice” by writing our own Rule of Life.

There’s no “right way” to craft a Rule of Life, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to spiritual formation. The goal is to write a Rule that is customized for your unique personality, situation, and community.

To that end, we’ve created a digital tool called the Rule of Life Builder.

01 Go to practicingtheway.org and log in.

02 Click on the Rule of Life Builder and follow its prompts. It will guide you through daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal practices in a number of categories.

03 You can utilize the suggestions, write yours completely from scratch, or do a mix of both.

• Remember: start small. Your Rule can begin with just a few small practices and rhythms.

• In this Course, we’ve covered three basic rhythms:

o A daily prayer rhythm that includes the reading of Scripture in the quiet of solitude.

o A weekly Sabbath.

o And next session, we’ll invite you to a weekly touchpoint in community.

• You can continue these practices and add, subtract, and edit as you sense the Spirit’s direction.

• A Rule of Life isn’t static, but dynamic. It changes with the seasons of our lives and stages of our discipleship. This digital template is easy to return to and modify. As time goes on, revisit your Rule and take the next step in your spiritual journey.

• You can do this exercise one time before the next session, or every day. It’s also an exercise you can practice for the rest of your life, to open deeper and deeper parts of your inner world to God.

*The above is from Practicing the Way. To learn more check out practingtheway.org.

Support Hurricane Helene relief efforts through your prayers.

P R AY F O R :

Families and Survivors

• Physical healing and comfort for families who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods.

• Restoration of basic needs, like access to food, clean water, medication, and other essential supplies for those cut off by damaged roads and infrastructure.

• Strength and hope for survivors as they navigate the long road to recovery and rebuild their lives after such widespread destruction.

First Responders and Volunteers

• Protection and resilience for first responders and volunteers who are working in dangerous conditions, from collapsed bridges to flooded towns.

• Strength and compassion for the volunteers working long hours to provide essential services across multiple states.

• Safe and quick access to devastated areas for Send Relief, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR), and other responding agencies so they can deliver food, water, and medical care to those in critical need.

• Effective collaboration between relief organizations like Send Relief, SBDR, The Salvation Army, and American Red Cross as they distribute meals and supplies to those in need.

Local Churches and Communities

• Churches to be a beacon of hope, offering comfort, meals, shelter, and gospel hope.

• Community leaders to unite and respond swiftly, offering safe spaces for those displaced and ensuring vulnerable populations are cared for during this crisis.

• Openness to the gospel, that, through the work of Send Relief, SBDR chaplains, and local churches, hearts may turn to Christ even amidst the devastation.

Government and Local Leaders

• Swift and effective action by government officials to repair infrastructure and restore access to isolated communities.

• Strategic coordination with disaster relief agencies to bring aid to the hardest-hit areas.

• Wisdom and foresight to prioritize the safety and recovery of all those affected, particularly in underserved and remote communities.

S C R I P T U R E O F E N C O U R A G E M E N T :

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”

Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV)

Sabbatical Prayer Guide

This morning Wes Hughes preached a message on Sabbath Rest and he concluded by providing 5 specific areas Sojourn will commit to pray for our pastor, Matt, and his family during their one month Sabbatical.

Sabbatical Prayer Guide:

1. Rest and Renewal - Pray for deep rest and rejuvenation as God spirit cares for him/them.

2. Spiritual growth - deepen his love for God, for others and for himself.

3. Protection and guidance - kept safe and guided in his journey, experiencing God in profound ways.

4. Family - time of refreshing, memories and bonding.

5. Re-entry - return with renewed vision, energy, passion and love for God, Sojourn and the community.

In addition to praying these 5 specific ways, we were also challenged to live out the “one-another” we see in Scripture and to all step up and be the church that God has called us to be in their absence.

Gospel Prayer

In the opening message of our Life in the Spirit series, Pastor Matt mentioned a useful tool, the Gospel Prayer, from a former pastor of his, JD Greear. See the full prayer below as you remember who you are in Christ daily this summer.

Mission Priorities we are committing to as a church Family in 2024:

Priorities we are committing to as a church Family in 2024: 

1. We are committed to living a holy lifestyle.

2. We are committed to living in such a way for the flourishing of all of creation (creation care).

3. We are committed to serving and sharing locally and globally.

4. We are committed to give of our time, talent, and treasure in order to see the mission move forward.

5. We are committed to living a missional lifestyle. 

PRIORITIES WE ARE COMMITTING TO AS A CHURCH IN 2024 (2/2)

Priorities we are committing to as a church family in 2024 (part 2/2)

1. We are inviting you to make a monthly financial commitment to Sojourn.

• Pursue generosity with your finances as an act of trust in God.

• Recurring electronic gifts can be set up at sojournpdx.org/give.

2. We are asking you to commit to gather in intimate community, namely Gospel Community and Tables.

• Gospel Community — 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month.

• Tables — 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. 

3. We are calling you to Stay, Embrace the Pain, and Grow Up with One Another.

• We are committing to living out Matthew 18 as a church family.

4. We are suggesting embracing servanthood.

• Proactively making a monthly commitment of regular service within the church. Setup/Teardown, Tech, Greeters, Hospitality, etc.

Priorities we are committing to as a church in 2024 (1/2)

This past Sunday we started our annual Vision and Values series, United, at Sojourn by looking at our first value: gospel. At the end of my message I gave us a list of priorities we are committing to as Sojourners (those who call Sojourn home) in 2024.

The gospel grows deeper in you and wider through you:

• Character - Commit to Practicing: Sabbath, Prayer, Fasting & Bible Intake 

• Community - Commit to Participate in our weekly worship gathering and a Table/Gospel Community.

• Mission - Commit to Serving our city, Sharing the Gospel, and Inviting others.

• Generosity - Pursue generosity with your finances as an act of trust in God.

The gospel grows wider through you in the world:

• Are we as eager to share the gospel and invite someone into this spiritual journey?

• Who is the one person you can identify in your life that you can share the gospel with this year?

• Start by praying for them daily.

• Invite them to a gathering, Gospel Community, Serve night, or hangout event.

• Inviting them over for dinner or out for coffee as you build a genuine relationship with them out of love.

• As you are present with them, listen to them, and sense where they are then invite them to take next steps.

Fasting and Praying Communally

This is the fourth and final installment in a series about the guidelines for prayer and fasting.

As you have read in the three previous posts, the practice of fasting in the Christian’s life is, simply put, a time when the believer gives up something in order to concentrate and be reminded of our utter dependence on God for our every need. Doing this allows our hearts and minds to reflect on the foundational truth that nothing in this world ought to be more important to us than the Lord Himself. 

We want to pray to the Lord in faith, trusting in the words of Psalm 10:17: “O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear.”

How do we do this practically?

When most think of fasting, the first thing that comes to mind is abstaining from food. While this certainly is a common way to fast, it is not the only way fasting can be practiced. We can ask oneself this: what is it in my daily routine that consumes the majority of my attention or is important to me? The answer could be food, TV, coffee, a game, a hobby, or any number of things. When we fast, we abstain from partaking in that particular thing for a set time, and in the time when we would normally do that, we replace it with spending that time with the Lord in the Scriptures and prayer. 

Why are we doing this?

We are taking Wednesdays as a church to fast and pray for spiritual deliverance in our lives and in the city of Portland.

What are we praying for?

• Spiritual deliverance, both inside and outside the church.

• For the Gospel to go forth in Portland, our nation, and around the world this year.

• Our friends, family, and neighbors would join us and be changed by the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that the Lord is not willing that any should perish. His greatest desire is for all to come to repentance.

• God, in His mercy, would stop this pandemic and save lives - not only in our city and nation, but around the world, particularly in places that are unequipped medically to deal with the virus.

When is this taking place?

The fast will be on the following Wednesdays, November 1st, 8th, and 15th. Each week we will gather together in our Gospel Community to break the fast and pray together.

PRACTICAL GUIDELINES ON FASTING

This is the third part in a four part series about the guidelines for prayer and fasting.

Fasting is one way we actively humble ourselves and devote our energy to prayerfully seeking God’s face. When we fast, we voluntarily deprive ourselves of immediate gratification for the sake of intense spiritual activity. Instead, we point ourselves to a greater need, a hunger and thirst for God.

During our emphasis on the Fasting Practice, we want to fast and pray for spiritual deliverance and for the salvation of many in our community.

HOW IS A FAST TO BE DONE?
First of all, the heart attitude and motive must be right. Fasting is directed to the Lord, not to the people (Matthew 6:16-18).

Secondly, let the Lord lead you as to the timing and length of a fast. Remember, it is the heart attitude. We can't go on a "holy hunger strike" and expect the Lord to "give in" to our desires.

Thirdly, here are some PRACTICAL Guidelines:

• Keep your focus on the Lord, trusting him in the situation and need.

• Stay in the attitude of prayer throughout the day. Set aside specific times for prayer and pray often.

• Read Scripture much during your time of prayer and fasting. Remember that prayer is as much listening as talking.

• Write down specific requests in a journal, also record any insight given.

• Concerning meals, skipping one, two, or three meals is a normal fast. Some may choose to do two or three days. Drink plenty of liquids.

• For those on medication, be cautious and get medical approval before fasting.

• Some are not able to fast due to physical condition. Remember the Lord may lead you to fast from certain foods for a time.

• Sometimes there may be a little dizziness, headache, or nausea from not eating. Do not be alarmed. Remember to drink plenty of liquids and it helps to eat fruit when the fast is finished.

Make sure to check back next week for our fourth and final blog installment on prayer and fasting.

These are modified from Rick Shepherd's, Seeking God. 

Understanding the Practice of Fasting

This is the second in a three-part series about the guidelines for prayer and fasting.

At the root of fasting and prayer is a deep conviction that we are completely dependent on God. He alone is the source of all our hope. No one and nothing else can save us. Our deliverance depends on him. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that the Lord is not willing that any should perish. His greatest desire is for all to come to repentance.

THE PRACTICE OF FASTING
There are several types of "fasts" that we can practice. Often times the intensity of the need will determine exactly what type of fasts. Here are some answers to basic questions about the practice of fasting:

What kind of fast?

There is 1) a limited fast - a person limits their diet for a time as a part of seeking to do the will of God. We see this in Daniel 1:8-13 where Daniel and his three friends asked for a limited diet in order to follow God's law and will.

There is 2) a standard fast - a person eats no food but does drink liquids. This is the most common fast found in Scripture and probably today.

There is 3) an absolute fast - a person does not eat or drink for a period of time. Usually this is for one to three days but there are examples of this type of fast lasting as long as 40 days as with Moses.

Who should fast?
A fast can be by one person - a personal fast. It can be a partner fast in which two or more enter together. For example, a husband and wife can fast together once a week on the behalf of a particular work or cause. There is also such a thing as a community fast, where an entire small-group or congregation would fast together on behalf of a city or people group like we are doing during the month we are going over the Fasting Practice.

When should a person or a group fast?
The Scriptures command one regular fast for those in the Old Covenant. In the New Testament there are no regular fasts commanded. If you have been told otherwise, it is due to man-made regulations that developed out of man-centered pride. So all other fasts are considered occasional fasts according to the need of the moment. Personally, I encourage a regular fast as it is a good way of continually recognizing ones need for God.

These are modified from Rick Shepherd's, Seeking God. 

What Is The Purpose of Fasting?

This is the first in a four part series on the guidelines for prayer and fasting.

THE PURPOSE OF FASTING
Why Fast? The Scriptures clearly revel the purpose of fasting through several examples in the life of the nation of Israel and in the life of Jesus and the early church. In a survey of the Scriptures, there are at least three summary reasons given for fasting.

1) A HUMBLE ADMISSION OF NEED. 
The need may be forgiveness of sin, comfort over grief/sorrow, concern over a situation, a city or a nation, or the need for clear guidance and direction from the Lord. For biblical examples, see Nehemiah 1:4-11; Daniel 9:3; 1 Samuel 7:6; 1 Kings 21:27-29; Nehemiah 9:1; Isaiah 58:5-6; Psalms 35:13; 69:10; 109:24.

2) A HUMBLE REQUEST FOR HELP.
Closely linked to the first reason, we need to admit there is a need before we ask for help. God alone is the one who can give the needed help. This may include seeking the Lord's guidance for a decision, for healing, for safety or protection. For biblical examples, see Judges 20:26; 2 Samuel 12:16-23; Ezra 8:21-23; Jonah 3:3-10. Also see, Matthew 4:2; Luke 2:37; Acts 13:1-3; 14:23.

3) A HAUGHTY ATTEMPT TO GET ONE'S OWN WAY.
This kind of fast is of no benefit as we see from the example of rebuke of a proud heart in Isaiah 58:1-4.  Also in Luke 18:12, we see the ritualistic Pharisee receiving no benefit or response from God due to his fast being done for self-righteous reasons.

This should serve as a reminder that God looks at the heart not the outer man. His desire as that we would seek Him first, which at times will include fasting.

The above are modified from Rick Shepherd's, Seeking God.

Day of Rest

Summer is one of our busiest times of year at Sojourn. It is for this reason that once a year, we are committed to practicing rest as a church family by breaking from our usual rhythms. This is an opportunity for us to spend a day resting alongside our community, whether that looks like spending the day hiking, setting aside time to fast and pray, or encouraging one another over brunch. However you choose to spend the Day of Rest, we hope it’s a gift that cultivates intimacy with Jesus and his church in a new and refreshing way. For ideas on how to spend this day resting with others in our church family, see the resources below.

*On Sunday, September 3rd we will not gather for our regular gathering time, our normal scheduled gathering will resume at our Fall kickoff on Sunday, September 10th.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:

Sabbath Sermon Series | Matt Boyd

Practicing Rest and Solitude | Jeff Vanderstelt

The Power of Deep Rest | Tim Keller

4 Steps to a Meaningful Sabbath | Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

Sabbath & Garden City | John Mark Comer

God Rested on the Seventh Day | Jon Bloom

Do You Fear a Day of Rest? | Adam Mabry

The Beauty of Rest | Rich McCaskill

To Rest is Human | Daniel Montgomery

Nate Akin — 9 Things to Consider When We Gather

This past weekend at Sojourn we looked at Hebrews 10:19-25 and when looking at verse 24 Pastor Matt gave us 9 Things to Consider When We Gather from Nate Akin.

1. Who can I encourage today?

2. Pray on your drive here: worship, message, individuals, etc.

3. Come early and stay late

• You show up early to a movie, concert, etc. 

• What we do is WAY MORE IMPORTANT than any of those.

4. Sit with someone you don't know well or a new person

5. Pray for someone 

6. Consider serving and do it with a smile.

7. Offer to help someone when you see they need it

8. Sing - we are singing the truths of the gospel

9. Be an active listener for whoever is preaching.

Kingdom Come — The Gospel of Luke Reading Plan

During Lent we are studying through the Gospel of Luke in a series we are calling, Kingdom Come. Although we are not covering every verse and chapter in Luke’s gospel, we encourage you to read and study through the entire book on your own to get the full picture of this gospel as we walk towards Easter.

The schedule below is provided to give you a plan to read through the Gospel of Luke over the next several weeks. Each week we’ve give you a portion of your reading to “focus” on as these are the passages we will cover in our Sunday gatherings. This reading plan will allow you to engage all of Luke’s Gospel while focusing in on some key passages.

Week 1:

• Read Luke 3-5

• Focus on Luke 4:1-13

Week 2:

• Read Luke 6-7

• Focus on Luke 7:36-50

Week 3:

• Read Luke 8-10

• Focus on Luke 8:4—56; Luke 9:18-36

Week 4:

• Read Luke 11-13

• Focus on Luke 11:1-13; 12:1-48

Week 5:

• Read Luke 14-15

• Focus on Luke 14:7-24; 15:11-32

Week 6:

• Read Luke 16-18

• Focus on Luke 16:1-15

Week 7:

• Read Luke 19-22

• Focus on Luke 22:7-38

Week 8:

• Read Luke 23-24

• Focus on Luke 24:1-53

Christmas Day Home Liturgy

As a church plant in a transient city we knew that Christmas falling on a Sunday would mean the majority of Sojourners would be traveling to be with family. It is for this reason that we wanted to provide everyone with a home liturgy to celebrate and worship Jesus on Christmas day with your family. If your family does not identify as Christian then what a better way to point them to Jesus on this day you will spend together. 

(Read the below Scripture passages aloud and reflect on each one and then we have provided Christmas carols).

SCRIPTURE #1 — Isaiah 7:10-17

The Sign of Immanuel

10 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz: 11 “Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test.” 13 And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men,that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold,the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. 17 The LORD will bring upon you and upon your people andupon your father's house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria!”

SONG #1 - O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL

SCRIPTURE #2 - ISAIAH 9:1-7

For to Us a Child Is Born

1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee Of the nations.2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation;

you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

SONG #2 - HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING

SCRIPTURE #3 - Matthew 1:18-25

The Birth of Jesus Christ

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name eImmanuel”

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of theLord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to as on. And he called his name Jesus.

From Paul Tripp: “The Christmas story is this—that babe in the manger was the Son of the Most High God. He willingly came to a place where such unthinkable violence and injustice exists. The wrath of the ruler would eventually fall on him. He would die a violent death at the hands of evil men. Followers would weep that the Messiah was dead, but he would rise again and complete the work that he came to earth to do.”

SONG #3 - JOY TO THE WORLD 

From Paul Tripp: “As we sit beneath a beautifully decorated tree and eat rich food of celebration, we must not let ourselves forget the horror and violence at the beginning and end of the Christmas story. This story begins with a horrible slaughter of children and ends with the violent murder of the Son of God. The slaughter depicts how much the earth needs grace. The murder is the moment when that grace is given.”

SCRIPTURE #4 — LUKE 2:1-21

The Birth of Jesus Christ

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which theLord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

From Paul Tripp: “Look into that manger and see the One who came to die. Hear the angels’ song and remember that death would be the only way that peace would be given. Look at your tree and remember another tree—one not decorated with shining ornaments, but stained with the blood of the Son of God. As you celebrate, remember that the pathway to your celebration was the death of the One you celebrate, and be thankful.”

SONG #4 - ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH

A fresh reading back over the birth narrative, we see it is about a group of people estranged from their home:

• The people of Israel endured a census (which was a way of exercising domination and control over a subjected people). So even though Israel was living in “Israel,” they weren’t at home.

• Mary and Joseph were forced to leave their home, Nazareth, to go to Bethlehem because of the census.

• Jesus is laid in a manger because there was no room in the living quarters of the home.

• Shepherds were living in the fields (away from home)

All these people in the text are living displaced, separated from “home,” that which gives life its center and weight. And Jesus experienced this, too: “He came to his own home and his own people received him not” (John 1:11).

But then, in the midst of all this estrangement, Christ is proclaimed! Angels declare deliverance, salvation, and peace. The shepherds go see for themselves what has happened in Jesus and this leads them to “return home” (v. 20), rejoicing.

What keeps you from feeling like you are at home? What tyrant (external or internal) has dominion over you? Where are you living on the outside, with the ox and lambs, not with those “important, belonging” people on the inside? Where are you “living in fields”: doing mundane, unimportant, unrewarded work… feeling disrespected, unnoticed, unseen?

Will you look at God this afternoon? Will you come and see that “no more fear” has come? Will you behold Joy and Peace? Will you see that God has “made his home among us” so we can find our home, we can return home with great joy?” 

Christ is born! Old men and virgins, shepherds and babies: all of us get to come home to Peace, come home to Belonging, come home to deliverance from whatever threatens or binds you.

Merry Christmas, Church! God’s coming home to our world in Christ enables all of us to come home.

SONG #5 - SILENT NIGHT

Day of Rest

Summer is one of our busiest times of year at Sojourn. It is for this reason that once a year, we are committed to practicing rest as a church family by breaking from our usual rhythms. This is an opportunity for us to spend a day resting alongside our community, whether that looks like spending the day hiking, setting aside time to fast and pray, or encouraging one another over brunch. However you choose to spend the Day of Rest, we hope it’s a gift that cultivates intimacy with Jesus and his church in a new and refreshing way. For ideas on how to spend this day resting with others in our church family, see the resources below.

*On Sunday, September 4th we will not gather for our regular gathering time, our normal scheduled gathering will resume at our Fall Launch on Sunday, September 11th.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:

Practicing Rest and Solitude | Jeff Vanderstelt

The Power of Deep Rest | Tim Keller

4 Steps to a Meaningful Sabbath | Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

Sabbath & Garden City | John Mark Comer

God Rested on the Seventh Day | Jon Bloom

Do You Fear a Day of Rest? | Adam Mabry

The Beauty of Rest | Rich McCaskill

To Rest is Human | Daniel Montgomery

Why the Gospel Is Essential for Gen Z

To talk about the gospel is to talk about Jesus, his death and resurrection, and why it was the plan. God created a perfect world and because of human disobedience or sin, there was a separation between God and humanity. Sin not only separates us from God, but it requires sacrifice. In the Old Testament sacrifice was necessary to atone for sin, and we see that in Genesis 3:21 where God makes Adam and Eve garments of skins to clothe them. And thankfully God had a plan that did not require millions of lambs to be slaughtered every year, but instead one for the rest of time. The plan was to restore the separation caused by sin and to bring us back into relationship with God. In Genesis 3:15 God reveals his plan to the serpent saying, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel”.

So, God in his love sent his Son Jesus to live a life that we could never live, one without sin. He humbled himself and left his throne and security in heaven to be a perfect sacrifice for sin. Although Jesus was crucified, the hope comes in his resurrection. Jesus defeats death, conquers the grave, and is victorious over Satan. Now because of his death and resurrection, he offers forgiveness of sins, adoption into the family of God, and eternal life to all who believe in him. But in simple terms the gospel is “Jesus in my place”, and Gen Z desperately needs this good news since now we are living in a post Christian world.

Don’t get me wrong, the gospel is essential for all people. Every generation before Gen Z has needed the good news of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection for sinners and every generation that comes next will need it as well. However, unlike the generations before, Gen Z is notorious for not allowing their parents, the government, or even their friends to change what they believe in. This generation is firm in their beliefs of right and wrong or what they think is the correct way of living. This is a direct effect from the media they consume whether it be social media, the news, music, movies, or books. This generation has been taught time and time again to stand up for what they believe in and to not let anyone stick them in a box. Yet, this is the precise reason why Gen Z needs the gospel because they believe that they don’t. Gen Z struggles to find an identity, the purpose of life, or something to place their hope in, but the gospel offers all of these and more. 

Gen Z finds their identity in anything you could think of like their gender, sexual orientation, social media, political ideology, or even in their relationships. I have seen time and time again how identity has become a vital part of our societies because it gives us a sense of belonging or purpose. Yet, the identities we apply to ourselves are rooted in things that are always changing. However, the gospel offers an identity that is firm and unchangeable. 1 Peter 2:9 reads, “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called out of darkness into his marvelous light”. The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone and gives purpose and belonging to all who believe. The identity that is given to you as an adopted son or daughter makes you a co-heir with Christ and it cannot be taken away from you (John 1:12, Romans 8:17, 38-39). 

Since we are constantly seeking authenticity and a way to live a fulfilling life, there is no true satisfaction. This yearning for something more has been put in us since the beginning of time. The Bible says that “he has put eternity into man’s heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) so the desire for something more is only something that God can satisfy. I recently read a poem by Autumn Leigh Waite that says “the one who chases after the things of this world is like a dog whose every desire is fulfilled in chasing the rabbit. But once he catches the rabbit, he is empties of all the joy of the chase.” It showed me how easily we can become empty when the things that fulfill us become boring or don’t make us feel good anymore. But Jesus says in John 10 that “[he] came that they may have life and have it abundantly” and in John 4 he says to the woman at the well that “everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life”. Jesus is the fulfillment of all scripture and the hope for mankind, and he is the only one who can fully satisfy us. 

The hope of the gospel gives new life and radically affects our lives, relationships, service, and how we worship. Personally, I have seen my life change, my brother’s life, and my friend’s lives because of the gospel. It has changed the way I act, respond, and interact with people. Whether it be by letting go of the control I have on my life or treating someone who is different than me, the same. Even within the church, the gospel has healed my legalism and religious identity and given me a right understanding of who God is and who I am in him. It has restored my relationships with my family, it has shown me how desperately I need a savior, and what it means to love sacrificially. The gospel has the power to transform lives and Gen Z is needing something like this so they can stop searching for it in every corner of the earth.

As a Gen Z Christian, it has been incredible to see how the Lord has been and will be using this generation to make his name known. There is a revival happening here in the United States and although we don’t always see it, it is there, and it is happening. In the past few years there have been thousands of Gen Z believers who attended The Send conference, the Passion conference, and there are young believers who have used their platforms like Instagram or TikTok to reach people. He is still working on this generation that older generations have written off; he will be glorified no matter what in this post Christian generation. The Christians within this generation are getting louder and they will reach their friends with the gospel because Gen Z is influencing today’s culture and soon, they will be the culture.

Prayer & Fasting - April 1-17

The practice of fasting in the Christian’s life is, simply put, a time when the believer gives up something in order to concentrate and be reminded of our utter dependence on God for our every need. Doing this allows our hearts and minds to reflect on the foundational truth that nothing in this world ought to be more important to us than the Lord Himself.

We want to pray to the Lord in faith, trusting in the words of Psalm 10:17: “O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear.”

Why are we doing this?

We are taking these two weeks to fast and pray in preparation for Easter, that God would be glorified, for many first time visitors, and the salvation of many in Portland and our world.

What are we praying for?

• For the Gospel to go forth in Portland, our nation, and around the world this Easter.

• Our friends, family, and neighbors would join us and be changed by the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that the Lord is not willing that any should perish. His greatest desire is for all to come to repentance.

• For those taking the obedient step of baptism this Easter.

When is this taking place?

Beginning on Friday, April 1, we are going to replace one or more of our routines of breakfast, lunch, and dinner with prayer and Scripture between April 1 and Easter Sunday, April 17. Every Wednesday morning during this time we will meet together to pray on Zoom at 6:30am. Meeting ID: 548 260 8424 Passcode: 932022.

We will finish together on Easter morning at our gathering space at 9:30am as we pray for all that God will do that Sunday!