Sunday Words of Encouragement January 28, 2018

We went off to church this morning in the rain. The Sunday School lesson turned from death into a concern to pressing in.

Pastor continued his Sermon series titled Vision.
He summarized the prior messages: be Connected; Minister to one another; Recapture the dream. Church is not a social club. We are to give our lives for God's mission. This is an outward focus.
There was a strong prayer meeting on Wednesday night. There is excitement, but that might be short lived. Pastor prefers the word “enthusiasm” which means ‘from God’.
We need to be pursuing God. We need to team together with enthusiasm.
We are meant to be victors and overcomers.

Matthew 20:20-31 tells how certain apostles were seeking to sit in the ‘special’ seat next to Jesus. But Jesus tells them those who want to be a leader must be a servant.
We are to serve the needs of community.
Pastor’s Vision for our church: We become known for our compassion for the people of this community, in turn making Jesus known.
We practice evangelism through service. Mark 9:41 (offer a cup of water). Someday the service of a Christ follower may change a life.

Point: Serving with compassion is not a task.
There are five things the church should be about:
1. Worship
2. Community Inside (relationship)
3. Spiritual Growth
4. Serve Outside
5. Invest in the World

This is a song that I think fits the message.

A Verses for today:
Mark 9:39-41 (NIV)
39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.

Lord, help me be a servant for You. Fill my heart with compassion for the people.