Sunday's Words of Encouragement March 12, 2017

We had an elder brother (age 92), the father-in-law of our Sunday School teacher, share a good message with us today. I’ll save that for another morning.

We had a wonderful time of praise and worship. Then our Pastor began the Easter Sermon Series titled: DNA - Who We Are?

Scientists have been able to study the DNA coding that makes up each species and unique individuals within each species. DNA is defined as: a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in growth, development, functioning and reproduction. Just imagine: the God who created the universe inscribed each individual’s characteristics on a tiny molecule.

We are all flawed human beings – flawed as far as following God’s instructions. Some people may blame their traits and limitations on their DNA. Although the World teaches independence God requires surrender or dependence on Him to truly survive (into eternity) and serve Him while in the earthly realm. When we make the choice to surrender, generational curses can be severed.

What makes up the church? Each person brings our unique experiences and DNA, complete with flaws, to the church setting. Just think of children who rebel and lie at early age – this is part of the broken nature – the sinful nature – of man. If we look at the very beginning of the Bible, we see that man is incapable of being “good enough”. We need to be saved; we need a savior. When we surrender and accept Christ as our Savior, to forgive our sins, He pushes the reset button that allows us to break free of our past. It doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences to our past behaviors but it means He provides a way, a new path.

Our Heavenly Father is the one who has authority (see Acts 1:6-8). Jesus told His disciples, and therefore current disciples (members of the church body), what our mission is. Matthew 28:18-20. The Church, being each member or person, is instructed to go (to the whole world that is lost and dying) and share the Gospel. Sometimes we do other ‘good’ things but not what we were instructed to do.

THE POINT: The church exists to win the world to Christ through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Your testimony, combined with the power of the Holy Spirit, is all you need; it is enough even without special training. We each can – and are instructed to – share with everyone we have contact with. In a world full of bad news, let us share the Good News.

The Gospel, when carried by disciples of Jesus, is POWERFUL. It breaks through all barriers – social, racial, economic, religious, and political. It breaks through chains of deception.
Healthy DNA will build and reproduce healthy DNA.
We must be careful not to be Christian isolationists by associating only with other Christians. Fellowship is a wonderful thing, but we are only reaching the lost if we are walking and talking to unbelievers.

The Gospel must be central to our purpose and the church purpose. What can we do? Share with each person, wherever we encounter them. “Let me tell you a story....” Advance the gospel in our community and world.

We, as the church, are to be ready to take the message with our own experiences. Pray for opportunities to share and build relationships. Without the Gospel, we have nothing – no salvation and no hope.

I haven't shared this song for a number of years but it is worth sharing again!

The Mission

Verses for Today:
Acts 1:6-8 (NLT)
6So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”
7He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Thank you Lord for this additional perspective: "The one thing you can do to kill the Great Commission is make it all about you. The Great Commission is God’s work for his glory; we’re just the instruments in the hands of the Savior."

Lord - Help me pray for and reach out to the lost each and EVERY day.

Sunday Words of Encouragement May 5, 2013

Our Pastor’s Sermon this morning caught attention: Leaving the Zombie Zone!
Zombies are known as the reanimated dead. They have no soul; they have no walk--only a shuffle; they have no life, no interest other than seeking the next bite (i.e. earthly pleasure). See the comparison with people? And even with Christian pew sitters? (See the verses for today below.) We do nothing but shuffle through life, seeking earthly pleasures, if we are not obedient to God’s call and living abundantly through His gifts. There is nothing we can do to save ourselves other than to accept the Gift of Grace that was freely given through Christ’s sacrifice. Ephesians 2:5.  The fullness of our lives in Christ propels us to share the Gospel of Grace through loving others.

Today was Missions Sunday and Pastor noted that Jesus himself directed man with what we call The Great Commission. Mark 16:15. “Go” – take action, don’t just sit in your seat. “[Y]e” that means “you”, each of us. “...[I]nto ALL the world...” - start in you backyard but reach out to the ends of the earth.  If you cannot go yourself, then share support to send others to share the Gospel of Grace across the world.
***As a note to this – we continue to study End Times in our Sunday School and our teacher mentioned that around the world today persecution brings death to one Christian every 3 and a half minutes!***

This seemed like an appropriate song:
The Mission

Verses for Today
Ephesians 2:1-5 (NIV)
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

I give thanks again, Lord, for your grace and your blessings. I pray that you give strength and protection to your missionaries and servants as they take your word to the ends of the earth.

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 15, 2012

This morning we had a sweet celebration of communion.  
Pastor’s sermon was entitled “Believer or Christian?” The summary of the message is that true Christians are believers who try to walk in the teachings and follow the way of Christ.  The followers of Christ are:

•   God’s ambassadors to the world.
•   God’s salespeople, sharing His good news.  
•  God’s dividing line, showing the difference His way makes in our lives.

Our lives reflect a fragrance - an attitude.  Are we sharing the aroma of life with those around us?

 This was also Mission Sunday.

Many bring lunch foods representing countries around the world.

This song is perfect of Missions.
Hopefully as we serve we reflect a loving fragrance.

Verses for Today:

2 Corinthians 2:15-16  (NIV)

¹⁵ For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. ¹⁶ To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?

I prayed today that I might be a true follower of Christ, living a life that reflects the sweet aroma of Christ's love.