Is diligence (hard-work) a mark of a good Christian? God has allotted a certain portion for each of us; though the amount is different, God’s expectation for us to be faithful and diligent is the same across the board. The way we work, the way we steward what God has given us will often bear witness to the rest of the world. Today, we explore the why and what diligent life looks like.
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
The Gospel of John states that eternal life is to know God and to know Jesus, whom God has sent. But what does it mean to know God? Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, indicates that what he desires most is to know Jesus - a knowing so intimate that it involves "participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death". Are we truly willing to die to ourselves in order to participate in God's redemptive plan?
Passage: Philippians 3:7-14
Text: Ephesians 4:25-32]
Summary:
Following the sermon on being positive, we explore deeper on the effects of negativity in our attitude and speech. We cause so much pain for others by the way we speak. We seek to look into the core of our pessimism, bitterness, and even anger. Why are we so easily angered? Why do we gossip? We are called to live a Grace-driven life where our speech and conduct reflect the character of our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray for all of us to be who are gracious properly reflecting God’s grace in our lives.
Numbers 13:1-3, 25-33; 14:4-10
Would people consider you to be one who is positive or negative? Encouraging or Discouraging? One thing we know about positivity and negativity is that both are contagious and effective. They both have the ability to influence. Meaning we all have the ability to influence others, as well as ourselves, in ways that are positive and negative; encouraging and discouraging. And usually our influence takes place through actions, attitudes and words. My prayer today, is that we are Encouraged through scripture so we can Encourage others. Because only then we will see and experience the power and promise of God in action and only then will we see and experience what God can do in and through us.
Be Authentic
Text: James 5:13-16 (*16 main); Galatians 6:1-2
What does it mean to be intimate? What does it mean to be an intimate community? Today, we explore what it means to go beyond the surface-level relationships with those in the same community of faith. What marks would people who desire to be genuinely intimate bear? Intimacy necessitates and celebrates vulnerability. We pray to be a church that encourages people to share their burdens (troubles of all sorts) with one another. Let’s get REAL!
An interview with our members Esther and Jason followed by today's message with guest speaker Pastor Jeff Hyun.
Scars might be visible reminders about our broken and painful past, but they also serve as reminders about Jesus' ability to heal and restore. As followers of Jesus, we too bear the marks of Christ, not only on our bodies but on our hearts as well. When we are willing show our scars and share the stories behind them, God can use them to heal the hurting and even help others come to believe.
Passage: John 4:4-39
Be Humble
1 Peter 5:56
There is not much more off-putting than the people who are arrogant. Why is arrogance so difficult to deal with? What counters arrogance? What does it mean to be humble? How does being humble (humility) affect our relationship with God and others? We seek to learn the importance and method of being humble through this sermon.
Read MoreSummary: We have so many encounters with different people every day and throughout the course of our lives.
Text: Matthew 5:13-16
Live Intentionally
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Summary:
As we welcome a brand new year, we long for things to be made new in our lives. Many of us are reluctant to change, we tend refuse to accept the new things which God has prepared for us. In 2019, we seek to be more intentional in the way we live—be clear with our goals, to give our best, and to be mindful of our faith life.
Text: Joel 1:14
We want to prepare for our annual fast that’s coming up. Today, we will discuss the key elements of how fasting is mentioned in the Bible. We believe in the power and many benefits of fasting as we participate together in the new year. Fasting is something we consider to be a valuable inheritance for this church and we long to experience the wonderful blessings of entering a corporate fast.