Series: Growing Grace
Text: Exodus 25, 35-36
Theme: As a disciple, I must commit financially to the Lord's work.

Giving from the heart is marked by...

One: Gratitude: Giving from the heart is the privilege of God's redeemed people.

Two: Stewardship: Giving from the heart is returning what God has entrusted to you.

Three: Investment: Giving from the heart is not a financial loss.

Four: Willingness: Giving from the heart should be characterized by joy.

Five: Faith: Giving from the heart believes that God will provide what is needed.

Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the Lord's contribution. ~ Exodus 35:5

Series: Growing Grace
Text: Acts 12:1-17
Theme: As a disciple, I must commit to pray for the church...

One: ...as a response to need.

Two: ...as a defiance of evil.

Three: ...as a focus on God.

Four: ...as a means of unity.

Five: ...as an act of faith.

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you. ~ 1 Samuel 12:23

Series: Growing Grace Text: Luke 14:25-33 Theme: As a disciple, I must commit myself to the church.

One: What is the church?

• The people of God in all ages
• Christians, who together worship, live out the gospel, and display the glory of God's holiness and love.

Two: What is church membership?

• A definition: an expression of 2-way commitment
• Member to Church:
  • Submission to church doctrine, leaders, & one another
  • Participation for the common good
• Church to Member:
  • Affirmation of one's profession of faith
  • Oversight of one's discipleship and growth

Three: Is procedural church membership biblical?

• There is no clear command for joining.
• There is a consistent emphasis on defining the church.

Foundational ideas for committing to the church

1. Foundation of general theological principles
2. Practical methods for preparing and committing to the church

Series: Preparation
Text: Luke 14:25-33

One: The use of the building.

• The glory of God
• The worship of God
• The gospel of God

Two: The construction of the building.

• A lot of workers
• A lot of time

Three: The planning of the building.

• A vision for use
• A gathering of resources
• A diligence of detail

Conclusion: Detailed planning and physical construction serve Gospel mission.

Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God. ~ 1 Chronicles 22:19

Series: Preparation
Text: Luke 14:25-33

What is the cost of following Christ?
Self-Denial

One: Everything I love must be subordinated to loving Christ.

Two: Everything I live for must be sacrificed to living for Christ.

Three: Everything I have must be surrendered to gaining Christ.

Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ~ John 12:25

Series: The Gospel According to Mark
Text: Mark 1:9-15

One: Jesus Fulfilled all Righteousness

• The compassion of Chris
• The Spirit empowered Jesus' human nature
• The Father declared the sonship of Jesus
• Revealed the Trinity - the Word of creation

Two: Jesus Defeated Satan

• The temptation of Christ
• The First Adam brought death
• The Last Adam gave life

Three: Jesus Offered Reconciliation

• The message of Christ
• The Gospel belongs to God
• The Kingdom is _

Four: God is the Gospel

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:21

Series: Summer Study of Songs
Text: Psalm 48

The Geography of Zion & The Kingdom of God
How do we link the two?

One: A great King

Two: A chosen people

Three: A formidable strength

Four: A responsive worship

Five: A confident faith

Six: A personal Shepherd

Text: Psalm 92

One: It is good to worship the Lord...

• Grateful worship
• Musical worship
• Public worship

Two: ...who is the God of every perfection...

Three: ...and whose nature is expressed in his works...

• He judges the wicked
• He rewards the righteous

Four: ...so that we will be glad.

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It is good to give thanks to the Lord ~Psalm 92:1