2024-07-14 Who We Are - The First Marks of the Church

Title: Embracing the Simple Mission of the Church

Have you ever wondered what the true mission of the Church is? Or perhaps, how you can play a part in fulfilling it? If so, you're not alone. Many of us grapple with understanding our role in the grand scheme of God's plan. Today, let's dive into the heart of the mission of the Church and discover how you can actively participate in it.

In a recent sermon, we explored Acts 1:12-26, where the early disciples exemplified key disciplines that helped them fulfill their mission. These disciplines are not just historical anecdotes; they are practical steps you can take today to live out your faith and contribute to the mission of the Church.

The Main Point: The Simple Mission of the Church

The main point of the sermon is clear: The mission of the Church is to make disciples and be witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This mission is simple, yet profound. It requires us to embody certain disciplines that the early disciples practiced, which are obedience, unity, prayer, and discernment.

Obedience: Following Jesus' Commands

The first discipline is obedience. In Acts 1:12, the disciples returned to Jerusalem as Jesus had instructed them. They didn't fully understand what awaited them, but they obeyed. This teaches us that obedience to Jesus' commands is crucial, even when we don't have all the answers.

Action Step: Reflect on areas in your life where you might be resisting God's direction. Commit to taking a step of obedience this week, whether it's reaching out to someone in need, spending more time in prayer, or sharing your faith with a friend.

Unity: Being of One Accord

The second discipline is unity. Acts 1:14 tells us that the disciples were "with one accord" in prayer. Unity doesn't mean we all have to agree on everything, but it does mean we should be united in our mission and purpose.

Action Step: Seek to build unity within your community. This could be as simple as resolving a conflict, participating in a group prayer, or supporting a church initiative. Remember, unity is a powerful testimony to the world.

Prayer: Seeking God's Guidance

The third discipline is prayer. The early Church was marked by its commitment to prayer. They understood that their mission could not be accomplished without God's intervention.

Action Step: Dedicate a specific time each day to pray for the mission of the Church, for unity among believers, and for opportunities to share the gospel. Consider joining a prayer group or starting one if it doesn't exist.

Discernment: Listening to God's Voice

The fourth discipline is discernment. In Acts 1:24-26, the disciples prayed for guidance in choosing a new apostle. They sought God's will and trusted His direction.

Action Step: Practice discernment by spending time in God's Word and seeking His guidance in your decisions. Ask God to help you recognize His voice and follow His leading.

Conclusion: Taking the Next Step

The mission of the Church is simple, but it requires your active participation. Jesus calls you to be obedient, to seek unity, to pray fervently, and to discern His will. These disciplines are not just for the early disciples; they are for you, here and now.

What will you do this week to embrace these disciplines and fulfill the mission of the Church? Will you take a step of obedience, work towards unity, commit to prayer, or seek God's guidance in your decisions? Remember, the Church is only as strong as its individual members. Your commitment can make a significant impact.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the clear mission You've given us. Help us to be obedient to Your commands, to seek unity with our fellow believers, to commit to prayer, and to discern Your will in our lives. Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to live out this mission and make a difference in our communities. In Jesus' name, Amen.

By embracing these disciplines, you can play a vital role in fulfilling the mission of the Church. Let's commit to this journey together and see how God will work through us to bring His kingdom to earth.

2024-07-07 A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE NEW CREATION

Title: Embracing God's New Creation: A Journey to Eternity

Have you ever wondered what heaven will be like? Maybe you've imagined it as a place where all your dreams come true, where you can eat anything you want, or be as fit as you desire. But what if heaven, or more accurately, the new creation, is not about what we want, but about what God wants for us?

In our recent sermon, we explored the concept of the new creation as described in Revelation 21. This isn't just a theological idea; it's a promise of a future where God makes everything new, a place where He will dwell with us forever. Let's dive into what this means for you and how it can transform your life today.

The New Creation: A Place of New Beginnings

The Bible tells us in Revelation 21:1, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more." This new creation is not just a refurbished version of our current world; it's a completely renewed and restored place, free from the effects of sin and death.

Imagine a world where there is no more pain, no more grief, and no more death. Revelation 21:4 promises, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." This is the life that awaits those who have placed their trust in Jesus.

Why Should You Care?

You might be wondering, "What's in it for me?" The answer is profound: God wants to live with you. Revelation 21:3 says, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God." This isn't just about a future promise; it's about a relationship that starts now and lasts for eternity.

God's desire to dwell with us is not new. From the Garden of Eden to the Tabernacle in the wilderness, to Jesus walking among us, and now through the Holy Spirit living in us, God's plan has always been to be with His people. The new creation is the culmination of this divine desire.

What Should You Do?

So, what does this mean for you today? Here are some concrete steps you can take to align your life with God's eternal plan:

1. Trust in Jesus: If you haven't already, place your trust in Jesus. He lived a perfect life, died for your sins, and rose again to give you eternal life. This is the first step to experiencing the new creation.

2. Live with Eternity in Mind: Start living your life with the new creation in mind. This means prioritizing your relationship with God, loving others, and seeking to do His will in all areas of your life.

3. Share the Hope: Tell others about the hope of the new creation. Many people are living without hope, and you have the opportunity to share the good news of what God has prepared for those who love Him.

Conclusion

The point is clear: God wants to live with you forever in a new creation that is free from sin, pain, and death. What will you do this week to draw closer to Him? Will you trust in Jesus, live with eternity in mind, and share this hope with others?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of a new creation where You will dwell with us forever. Help us to trust in Jesus, live with eternity in mind, and share this hope with those around us. May we always seek to align our desires with Your perfect plan. In Jesus' name, Amen.