- This event has passed.
Solemn Assembly
January 4, 2015 @ 12:00 am - January 10, 2015 @ 8:00 am
Solemn Assembly
Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly… (Joel 2:15)
In Revelation 2:1-7 the Master carefully commended the Church at Ephesus for their diligent behavior. They had the appearance of a Christ loving body and the typical onlooker would have been impressed by the apparent culture of the church. But Christ leveled a devastating charge against them. They, forgot their “first love.” While their behavior was commendable, Christ indicted them for demoting him; treating him as less than the Sovereign King. We would like to begin the New Year by corporately recognizing Christ as first and foremost in our lives.
What is a fast? Biblically speaking, fasting is the act of momentarily abstaining from a significant possession or practice (something you will miss!) for the sake of subordinating it to your hunger for God. Fasting from food is common (Matt. 4:2), but the Bible records fast that were not dietary (1st Cor. 7:5). In our context, any physical possession or practice can be sacrificed for this purpose (e.g., a daily meal, marital sex, television, internet, social media, etc.). The idea is to devote the time that we typically spend on these activities to prayer and worship before the Lord.
While the Solemn Assembly begins on Sunday January 4th @ 12:00 A.M., we are asking that everyone start their fast on Monday January 5th @ 12:00 AM and end on January 10th @ 8:00 AM.
Our theme throughout the week will be “seeking Christ first” as we corporately pray through the following points:
Sunday: Pray for a need that is unique to you. We wish to begin the week with a moment in which you have personal and quiet time with God prior to delving into our corporate time of prayer and fasting (Psalm 51)
Monday: Pray for the health of our Marrieds AND Singles (Eph. 5:22-33; 1st Cor. 7:32-35)
Tuesday: Pray for evangelistic impact on our city and the world beyond (Matt. 28:16-20)
Wednesday: Pray for God’s guidance over the leaders of The Embassy Church (Heb. 13:17; 1st Thess. 5:25)
Thursday: Pray for the unity of the churches in our city (Eph. 4:4-6)
Friday: Pray for racial reconciliation in our city and beyond (Eph. 2:11-22; Gal. 2:11-14)
Saturday: Break the fast with members of your Missional Community; praying for the needs that are shared among you. (Rom. 12:15; Gal. 6:2; James 5:16)