Series: Growing Grace
Text: Luke 10:1-20
Theme: As a disciple, I must commit to sharing the good news.

There is Joy in Sharing the Good News

One: The joy of my kingdom purpose.

Two: The joy of my announcing the good new.

Three: The joy of my sharing in Christ's rejection.

Four: The joy of my fresh experience of faith.

Five: The joy of my encounter with other believers.

Six: The joy of my experience of power.

Seven: The joy of my eternal security.

...the Lord sent them...they returned with joy... ~ Luke 10:1,17

Text: John 4:1-15

Series: Growing Grace
Text: 2 Kings 22:1-23:25
Theme: As a disciple, I must commit to know and do what the Bible says.

One: Could it be that the people of God would willfully neglect the Word of God?

Two: Could it be that hearing the Word of God would awaken our hunger for it?

Three: Could it be that the Word of God would guide us into faithful obedience?

Four: Could it be that the Word of God needs a more prominent place in your life?

And he made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. ~ 2 Kings 23:3

Series: Growing Grace
Text: Ephesians 4:1-16
Theme: As a disciple, I must commit to serving the church.

7 Reasons to Serve the Church

One: To display God's glory. 3:20-21

Two: To reflect your calling. 4:1-2

Three: To maintain unity. 4:3-6

Four: To steward God's grace. 4:7

Five: To foster growth. 4:12

Six: To promote truth. 4:15

Seven: To exalt Christ. 4:13, 15

...when each part is working properly, the body grows... ~ Ephesians 4:16

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