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Have you ever been to a retreat or a training program where they had you do the trust fall? The trust fall is where you trust that when you fall backward the people behind you will catch you. It is hard to put ourselves completely into the hands of others, no matter what the situation is or who the people are. We like to be in control. But the Christian faith is fundamentally based on our reliance on another, Jesus, for our fiuture and our entire lives and our salvation.
Join us as we explore the urgency embedded in Jesus' command to make disciples and teach obedience, as this message challenges us to contemplate whether we view it as a compelling directive or merely an optional choice – prompting us to reflect on the true essence of discipleship and proactive engagement in spreading the teachings of Christ.
As we conclude our Sermon and Study Series, "Eyes of Faith: Viewing Life Biblically," our focus shifts to the practical application of living out our faith. Join us in exploring the fundamental question: How do we live our lives biblically? Through God's guidance, leaning on His wisdom, and aligning with His Word, we will delve into the transformative journey of keeping in step with His Spirit as we navigate and address the world's issues through a biblical lens.
The word "come" might sound simple, yet its genuine commitment can be challenging to embrace in our journey of faith. We’re going to delve into the beautiful truth that Jesus personally invites each of us to join him. When we are supported and surrendered to the Holy Spirit, we're also entrusted with the mission to extend this invitation to others.
At some point, we all feel unqualified and ill-equipped to tell someone else about what Christ has done for us. We may think we don’t have the right words to say or can’t do what God is calling us to do. Well, that’s good because then we aren’t relying on our own strength, but on the Holy Spirit to work in and through our words and actions. God equips those who are called. Since He has called you to Himself, He is the one who will help you through.
The Bible calls us to be transformed into being overcomers through becoming more like Christ. If you think back on your life before Christ, before knowing Him and being united to Him, there may have been times you were addicted to something— and it doesn’t have to be drugs or alcohol— it could have been your career, money, fame, influence. But when Christ came, He changed everything. There is power in our testimonies. We become the light of the world when we share about the blood of the Lamb and our testimony. By sharing with others they too can become overcomers.
Did you know we can still be me-centered when we serve others? We could be focused on the “thank you” more than the thanksgiving of serving with the hands and feet of Christ. Jesus stated, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28. Jesus served with mercy. He is our example. He showed us what is required in service to others— to give not only of yourself, but to have mercy guide our hearts while we serve.
Our God is not only a pursuing God, he is a sending God. Jesus’ great commission is for his people to go and do likewise. To go and seek those who are lost and share their witness, their testimony of who Jesus is and what he has done in and through our lives. God calls us to be part of the rescue mission, the search party, the body of Christ to love those who are lost.
Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost (Luke 19:10). Therefore, we must conclude that those who are lost, those who have yet to believe in Jesus, and those who are living according to the flesh are of value to God. If they are valued by Him, we must also recognize their worth and love them as Christ loved them. Maybe you’ve tried to love those who are far from God. That’s great! Guess what God calls us to remember their worth and continue to love them through Christ-like action.
We begin a new series in this new year. It’s entitled, “The One.” This first we we think and talk about ourselves being the one who Jesus sees. Before we become passionate about sharing Christ with others, we have to become secure in the fact that He first loved us. We have to personalize His promises and to a heartfelt understanding that we are God’s dearly loved children.
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WORSHIP GATHERINGS:
Sundays at 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. 835 Riverside Avenue Torrington, CT 06790 See our regathering info here PHONE (860) 482-4705 OFFICE EMAIL secretary@firstcong.com GENERAL CHURCH EMAIL fcongrchurch@optonline.net |