In our message today, we’re going to be thinking about “Connecting People to God through Worship.” We’re going to look at some of Jesus’ teaching in John 12, and then we’ll consider the implications of this teaching for our church, as well as, our personal lives. We’re going to talk about worship: what it is, why it’s important, and how it impacts others. And so rather than having a time for worship—followed by a message about how we are to worship—I want us to hear from God’s Word about the “how to” and then spend time together as a church family worshiping!
Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, “…but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6). Prayer is a theme that runs throughout his writings—and throughout the entire Bible. This morning, I want us to focus on Paul’s first letter to his disciple, Timothy, as we seek to understand its importance in the work of evangelism.
A few years ago, our ACTIVATE Team spent many hours working toward a unified and simple mission statement for our church. This statement is a concise explanation why our church exists. It outlines our purpose. It defines who we are! Our mission statement is centered around three primary words—connect, unite and equip. So over the next few weeks, we’re going to take some time to examine each one of these statements in our mission. As we look at each of these, I want to challenge you to evaluate how we are doing in fulfilling our purpose. How are you doing in fulfilling your role here at Temple Rogers? What can you do to help perpetuate this mission?
Anger itself is not sin. It is the natural reaction that we are not pleased with what is happening. Unfortunately, most of the time it is a foreshowing of the sin we are about to do. This morning we are digging into the conflict amongst Nabal, Abigail, and David, and how we can Deal with our anger appropriately, and not be dealing anger out.
The book of Acts contains a record of the events of the early church after the ascension of Jesus. God was faithful to bless and multiply the church both spiritually and numerically but as the church grew, persecution rose to meet it. Acts 9 is an account of God’s intervening hand in midst of persecution on behalf of the church. What He did helps us understand that His interventions are not interruptions, but an opportunity for God to witness Him work.
James instructed his readers to, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,” (James 1:2) His readers were followers of Jesus who were scattered across the known world as a result of persecution for their faith and he is calling them to consider their trials as a reason and opportunity to rejoice. How in the world would they do that? Why should they do that? And why should we do the same when we meet disruptions and difficulties in our life?
When it comes to following Christ, we’re not guaranteed a life without difficulty. While we live in this world, we will still face circumstances outside of our control and be challenged by those that deny the Truth. What should we do when this happens? Where can you find the confidence to keep pursuing Christ when it feels like everything is against you?
Ministering in the heart of the Philippines since 2015, Fil Kakilala is working hard to disciple new believers, train up new church leaders, and touch people’s lives with the gospel of Christ. The fruit of this ministry is evident, as many people are coming to know Christ and are being baptized!
In Acts 1:8, Jesus’ final message to His followers was: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.” There is no uncertainty in His statement–we will be His witnesses–the question is what kind of witnesses will we be?
Paul wrote to the church of Thessalonica and urged them “to aspire to live quietly, and to mind [their] own affairs” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). If we look at our lives honestly, that is not who we are nor is it how we live. Richard Foster wrote, “We crave things we neither need nor enjoy. ‘We buy things we do not want to impress people we do not like.’” He went on to say that, “Simplicity is freedom. Duplicity is bondage. Simplicity brings joy and balance. Duplicity brings anxiety and fear.” Jesus explained it this way: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24).