Sunday Words of Encouragement April 2, 2017

Our elder brother continued his message this morning on pressing on for the prize. Philippians 3:7-16. He noted how much Paul suffered and, even knowing he was deemed an enemy and would face death, he continued to share the good news wherever he went.

Pastor continued the sermon series "DNA – Who We Are".
He reminded us of last week’s lesson that stated: “Fellowship builds belonging.” Then proceeded to remind us that there are times in every life when we have butterflies in our gut: a 20 year old making a lifelong commitment to marriage; becoming a parent for the first time; or stepping into a career job the first time. On those occasions we may feel insufficiently prepared. They are times of feeling inadequate. Any time we take on responsibility or lead, we step out into deep water that comes with risk. This is part of living.

Pastor asked “When was the last time you had nerves for responsibility in church?” We must always be about LIFE-CHANGE. The only real way to measure church effectiveness or success is not the number of people attending but the number of people experiencing LIFE-CHANGE. LIFE CHANGE is the proof that we are doing the other things well.

Point: The advancing church is a LIFE-CHANGING church.

Reading in Acts 2:37-47 we learn that Peter led the believers and admonished them to change their lives “save yourself from this crooked generation”. The same could be said in today’s world.
Many were saved and they “devoted themselves” to going out and gathering others. Believers were scattered because of persecution. Acts 8:1-4. They did not just meet in church on Sunday but they changed their pattern of life every day.

Persecution of Christians is happening around the world, although not yet in America. Some say that religion is a personal matter. For Christ followers that is a lie from the enemy because we know that faith goes beyond personal. The church must be alive, loving God and loving people. Changing lives.


What do we have to do to show our Church as alive and a place of victory?
1. Allow God to change your life.
2. Understand the need. Take down barriers to life changes. Know that all lives matter.
3. Join a team. The believers went out, not just the apostles.
Start by praying: "God, change me."

I had a couple of good video choices this morning. This is one that fits well.

A Verse for Today:
Acts 2:40 NLT
Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

Lord I do pray – change me. Change my daily life that I may focus more on You and loving others in Your name each day.