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God has a purpose for you— and this purpose is unique to you and unlike anyone else’s. Once you understand the uniqueness of you, it will put you well on the way to pursuing the purpose for which you were created. The Apostle Paul encourages the early church to press on toward the goal of the upward call. Are you chasing after your God-given dream? Let us pursue everything God has for each one of us
In order to continue using our gifts, being effective in this world for the glory of God we must be plugged into Christ. It bears repeating, no one can do anything without being plugged into the source of all things, especially when using and perfecting the spiritual gifts God has given you. Scripture reminds us, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me [plug into me], you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5, emphasis mine). So, how do we remain plugged in for life? Well, glad you asked. Listen in on the Sermon today.
Everyone needs encouragement and the Church at Philippi is no stranger to needing guidance and support from Paul and one another. In his final words to the church, Paul tells them to rejoice in the Lord at all times, pray with thanksgiving, and guard their hearts and minds. The Christian life requires practice and we as believers will focus on what is good, lovely, excellent, and praise-worthy as we are encouraged in the Lord.
We can rejoice knowing that it is through the righteousness of Christ and our faith in Him that we are redeemed people of God. We find out this week it takes perseverance in faith to stay on track, to set our eyes on the goal of knowing Christ. There will be some who come along our pathway and try to lead us off the mark set before us. Let us remember we are people who are growing in their knowledge of Christ and growing in our understanding of just how powerful God is. It is in His strength we find the assurance to stand firm, to press on, to journey toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
There are two emotions or thoughts we could have as we move into Pilate's Judgment Hall. We can either search for the truth about Jesus the Christ or fear what will happen. Earth's kings and rulers joined forces to destroy the Lord's Anointed, the Messiah. The nations raged against Him and people plotted in vain against Him. And yet, full authority was given to Him. Such a plan God had in mind from the beginning of the world to ransom souls through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. Truth always overcomes fear.
If you know Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life, then you are a witness to what He has done for you. Your life, your marriage, your work, your actions, your statements all ought to bring to light the love of Christ. However, we often feel like the disciples looking on at Jesus in the courtyard of the Sanhedrin afraid to speak up, afraid to stand up, afraid to give our lives for the Gospel. Join us this week as we walk into the courtyard with Peter and find the courage to be unafraid witnesses for Jesus today.
Navigating the narrow road requires us to be in-tune with God to know when to move and where to move toward. That’s where discernment comes in the life of a believer. This week, we continue in our sermon series on LAND. We will learn what it means to Discern Movement. This is knowing where God is moving and joining Him in His plan and purpose. It means keeping our eyes and ears tuned to His Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to be at work helping us discern the decisions we have to make in this world.
Discontentment often has society looking for fulfillment in other places. It may result in a pattern of turning away from God rather than running toward Him. Being content in all things is a discipline we all can use strengthening in. Join us as we discuss what it means as a follower of Jesus to be content.
We are studying what it means to L.E.A.P. toward God’s plan and purpose for our lives and as a church. This week, we top it off by maintaining focus on what God longs to do in us and through us.
Today, we look at what it means to join in with God's Purpose and Plan. We begin to ask ourselves if we are ready and willing to share in God's plan? Jesus calls us all to GO. This week is the first of two parts of joining God's plan, join us next week as we discover what it means to GO and what it takes to GO.
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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 |