We Give For What God Is Doing In Us, Not For What We Are Doing For God
November 17, 2024
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-13
As we gather for worship there will always be many dynamics at play. Since Sunday morning worship happens in the context of a gathered people there are social and relational dynamics at play, but what makes it different from a community concert or presentation by our school kids are the spiritual dynamics. We come to interact with a God who is Spirit. We come both needing to receive the blessings of encouragement, strength, and wisdom, as well needing to give material and heart gifts, our sins and our burdens. We aren’t likely to be aware of all these different aspects coming together when we gather, but we can trust if we come open to the work of the Holy Spirit we will be able to both give and receive what is necessary to grow in Christ. 2 Corinthians 9:6-13 will be our guide as we worship today.
A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving: Giving From The Depths Of Our Souls
November 10, 2024
Scripture: Hebrews 13:15-17
Scripture tells us that faith is the assurance of things we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). The world does not see Jesus in part because they are consumed by their darkness and they do not have the ability to see the work of the Spirit. Hebrews 13:15-17 calls us to give testimony to God’s goodness, as we do see Jesus at work. In addition to giving God praise, we are also called to let that praise overflow as a spring of hope. This overflow fuels our hearts to help others and share Christ’s love. Let us continue in our series, To Know God is to Thank God, as we worship this morning.
The God Who Is Worthy
November 3, 2024
Scripture: Psalm 50:1-6
Is it difficult for us to trust that God’s abundance is enough for all that we need? It is easy to list all the ways that we wished we had more than what we do, but do those wants outweigh all that God gives. Is abundance or scarcity how you experience the world? To know God in this life is the richest blessing there is. The abundance that comes from knowing God should lead us to give thanks. Psalm 50:1-6 will help guide us our hearts in worship.
Deeply Formed Practices Of Missional Presence
October 27, 2024
Scripture: Mark 2:13-17
What does it mean to be a missional presence? It sounds like a lot of work. How is this one of the answers to living a deeply formed life in Jesus that brings us life from a deep well of God’s grace? We must keep our eyes on what we know God is up to and how we are being filled to work with the Holy Spirit. None of us can fix the brokenness of the world by ourselves, but we can join in the work of Jesus and help be a part of the healing that he is doing all around us. Let Mark 2:13-17 be our guide as we join together in worship.