​Church Covenant Message 2021 Part 3
We can trust that the church will never fail
Matt 16:18  “I will build my church”
 
But why do local churches come and go?
Society Reasons
-economics, population shifts:  churches die when towns die
-cultural change- churches cling to previous cultural traditions
 
Spiritual Reasons
-they stop trusting the Bible as their final authority for truth
-they become a social club instead of a spiritual community
-they stop sharing the Good News consistently
-Power and popularity become more important than people
 
How does the Bible define a local church?
1.  The Church Is A FELLOWSHIP
Acts 2:42  “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer” 
 
-A top priority in a fellowship is HARMONY and UNITY.
 
2.  The Church Is A FAMILY
1 Peter 3:8  “Finally, all of you should be like-minded and sympathetic, love one another, and be compassionate and humble”
1 Timothy 5:1-2  ”Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters with all purity.” 
 
-Our family focuses on RELATIONSHIPS not RULES.
 
3.  The Church Is A BODY
1 Corinthians 12:27  “Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it.”
 
-We are a body — not a business! 
-We are an organism — not an organization!
 
4.  The Church Is A FLOCK
-The Church is cared for and led by SHEPHERDS.
-1 Peter 5:1-3  Elders, Shepherds, Overseers
 
This is why we are committed to a Church Covenant
Our Covenant defines how we relate to one another
 
Our Covenant is defined by on Biblical Principles
 
Our Four Covenant Agreements as church members
Review from last two messages
1.  I WILL PROTECT THE UNITY OF MY CHURCH
     ...BY ACTING IN LOVE TOWARD OTHER MEMBERS
     ...BY REFUSING TO GOSSIP
     ...BY FOLLOWING THE LEADERS
 
2.  I WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MY CHURCH
     …BY PRAYING FOR ITS GROWTH
     …BY INVITING THE UNCHURCHED TO ATTEND
     …BY WARMLY WELCOMING THOSE WHO VISIT
 
3.  I WILL SERVE THE MINISTRY OF MY CHURCH
     …BY DISCOVERING MY GIFTS AND TALENTS
     …BY BEING EQUIPPED BY MY PASTORS
     …BY DEVELOPING A SERVANT’S HEART
 
Part 1 and 2 Messages, including sermon notes, are available on our website.
-Worship Videos are on our YouTube channel
-Audio Sermons are available on many podcast sites
 
 
Today’s focus is on our final covenant commitment
 4.  I WILL SUPPORT THE TESTIMONY OF MY CHURCH
     …BY ATTENDING FAITHFULLY
     …BY LIVING A GODLY LIFE
     …BY GIVING REGULARLY
 
Hebrews 10:24-25  And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
 
Philippians 1:27  Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel
 
1 Corinthians 16:2  On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he is prospering, so that no collections will need to be made when I come.
 
Leviticus 27:30  “Every tenth of the land’s produce, grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.
 
 
What must we do now with this church covenant?
1.  Ask God to affirm His Word in your heart
 
2. Evaluate your own commitment level to the local church
-Community- never/rarely attends
-Crowd- regular attender
-Congregation- member, committed to the covenant
-Core- giving yourself in practical and consistent ways
 
3.  Enroll in our Discovering Membership Class
-A four session (3.5 hours at once usually) Bible study
  -When and where?
 
4.  Let us know how to help you!
-Connection Card, website contact page, Facebook Page

​Church Covenant Message 2021 Part 2
What community are you depending on above all others?
National/Political community comes and goes
Cultural community evolves over time
The church community lasts forever!
-Matt 16:18  “I will build my church”
-Hebrews 13:13-16  God’s family of faith lasts forever!
-The Church will survive every earthly government!
 
Our church is driven by two key scripture passages
1.  The Great Commandment:  Matthew 22:36-40
-Love God- Worship
-Love your neighbor as yourself- Ministry/Service
 
2.  Great Commission:  Matthew 28:19-20
-Go…make disciples-  Evangelism/Missions
-Baptizing them- Fellowship/Community
-Teaching them- Discipleship (make disciples)
 
Everything we do fits into these Five Purposes
Worship
Ministry
Evangelism
Fellowship
Discipleship
 
Our Fellowship is guided by our Church Covenant
A promise to perform in a certain manner
Biblical Examples
-God and Man (Genesis 2:16,17; 9:1-17; 15:18)
-Leader and People  (Joshua 24:1-28)
-Person to Person (Genesis 31:43-55)
-Descriptions of a local church
-Marriage is a covenant
A Covenant = Relationship Commitment
 
Church Covenant = Fellowship Commitment
 
 
Our Four Covenant Agreements as church members
1.  I WILL PROTECT THE UNITY OF MY CHURCH
     ...BY ACTING IN LOVE TOWARD OTHER MEMBERS
     ...BY REFUSING TO GOSSIP
     ...BY FOLLOWING THE LEADERS
Romans 14:19  So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.
 
Romans 15:5  Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus,
 
1 Peter 1:22  Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure heart love one another constantly,
 
Ephesians 4:29  No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.
 
Hebrews 13:17  Obey your leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
 
2.  I WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MY CHURCH
     …BY PRAYING FOR ITS GROWTH
     …BY INVITING THE UNCHURCHED TO ATTEND
     …BY WARMLY WELCOMING THOSE WHO VISIT
 
1 Thessalonians 1:2  We always thank God for all of you, making mention of you constantly in our prayers.
 
Luke 14:23  “Then the master told the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges and make them come in, so that my house may be filled.
 
Romans 15:7  Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.

3.  I WILL SERVE THE MINISTRY OF MY CHURCH
     …BY DISCOVERING MY GIFTS AND TALENTS
     …BY BEING EQUIPPED BY MY PASTORS
     …BY DEVELOPING A SERVANT’S HEART
 
1 Peter 4:10  Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.
 
Ephesians 4:11-12  And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ
 
Philippians 2:3-5  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.  Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.  Adopt the same attitude as that of Jesus Christ.
 
 4.  I WILL SUPPORT THE TESTIMONY OF MY CHURCH
     …BY ATTENDING FAITHFULLY
     …BY LIVING A GODLY LIFE
     …BY GIVING REGULARLY
 
Hebrews 10:24-25  And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
 
Philippians 1:27  Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel
 
1 Corinthians 16:2  On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he is prospering, so that no collections will need to be made when I come.
 
Leviticus 27:30  “Every tenth of the land’s produce, grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.
 
 
 
What must we do now with this church covenant?
1.  Thank God for every brother and sister who is committed to a spiritual relationship with you!
 
2. Evaluate your own commitment level
-Community- never/rarely attends
-Crowd- regular attender
-Congregation- member, committed to the covenant
-Core- giving yourself in practical and consistent ways
   -Connection Group participation
   -Serving somewhere in our church regularly
   -Giving personally
 
3.  Enroll in our Discovering Membership Class
-A four session (3.5 hours at once usually) Bible study
  -When and where?
 
4.  Let us know how to help you!
-Connection Card
-Contact page on our website
 

Church Covenant Message 2021 Part 1
What will define our lives? Circumstances or Commitment?
Will current events sweep you away, define your choices?
-you will live a storm tossed life!
Or will we anchor our lives in what is true for all time?
Our church is defined by our covenant relationships
-we trust God’s Word to define who we are and what we do
 
What is a covenant?
A promise to perform in a certain manner
Biblical Examples
-God and Man (Genesis 2:16,17; 9:1-17; 15:18)
-Leader and People  (Joshua 24:1-28)
-Person to Person (Genesis 31:43-55)
-Descriptions of a local church
-Marriage is a covenant
A Covenant = Relationship Commitment!
 
Why does a church expect commitment?
1.  Christ is committed to the church!
-Eph 5:25  Christ loved the church, gave his life for it
-Matt 16:18  “I will build my church”
-The Church will survive every earthly government!
 
2.  Commitment is needed in our culture today!
-Commitment is at an all time low-  marriage, jobs, anything!
-Consumer Christianity, Church shopping hopping too normal
-Spiritual commitment leads to stronger families & communities
 
3.  Commitment defines who we can count on
-Every other important organization has a roster, enrollment, etc
-A local church deserves to know who can be counted on
-Church membership identifies who is in our “family”
 
4.  Commitment produces spiritual growth
-Our covenant highlights many Bible verses that ask for mutual trust and commitment, which makes us grow up, become ---
-Accountability helps us grow up, stay faithful to Christ
-We are stronger together than we can ever be by ourselves
Our Four Covenant Agreements as church members
1.  I WILL PROTECT THE UNITY OF MY CHURCH
     ...BY ACTING IN LOVE TOWARD OTHER MEMBERS
     ...BY REFUSING TO GOSSIP
     ...BY FOLLOWING THE LEADERS
Romans 14:19  So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.
 
Romans 15:5  Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus,
 
1 Peter 1:22  Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure heart love one another constantly,
 
Ephesians 4:29  No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.
 
Hebrews 13:17  Obey your leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
 
2.  I WILL SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MY CHURCH
     …BY PRAYING FOR ITS GROWTH
     …BY INVITING THE UNCHURCHED TO ATTEND
     …BY WARMLY WELCOMING THOSE WHO VISIT
 
1 Thessalonians 1:2  We always thank God for all of you, making mention of you constantly in our prayers.
 
Luke 14:23  “Then the master told the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges and make them come in, so that my house may be filled.
 
Romans 15:7  Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.

3.  I WILL SERVE THE MINISTRY OF MY CHURCH
     …BY DISCOVERING MY GIFTS AND TALENTS
     …BY BEING EQUIPPED BY MY PASTORS
     …BY DEVELOPING A SERVANT’S HEART
 
1 Peter 4:10  Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.
 
Ephesians 4:11-12  And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ
 
Philippians 2:3-5  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.  Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.  Adopt the same attitude as that of Jesus Christ.
 
 4.  I WILL SUPPORT THE TESTIMONY OF MY CHURCH
     …BY ATTENDING FAITHFULLY
     …BY LIVING A GODLY LIFE
     …BY GIVING REGULARLY
 
Hebrews 10:24-25  And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
 
Philippians 1:27  Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel
 
1 Corinthians 16:2  On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he is prospering, so that no collections will need to be made when I come.
 
Leviticus 27:30  “Every tenth of the land’s produce, grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.
 
 
 
What must we do now with this church covenant?
1.  Thank God for every brother and sister who is committed to a spiritual relationship with you!
 
2. Evaluate your own commitment level
-Community- never/rarely attends
-Crowd- regular attender
-Congregation- member, committed to the covenant
-Core- giving yourself in practical and consistent ways
   -Connection Group participation
   -Serving somewhere in our church regularly
   -Giving personally
 
3.  Enroll in our Discovering Membership Class
-A four session (3.5 hours at once usually) Bible study
  -We will schedule one soon, in person and online options
 
4.  Let us know how to help you!
-Connection Card
-Contact page on our website
 
 

How To Find Jesus:  Lessons from the Wise Men
Matthew 2:1-12
Intro
 
 
 
How to find Jesus
1.  See the Signs
-Wise Men saw the star- miraculous phenomenon
-Witness of creation- Romans 1:20
Possible signs that are leading you to Jesus
   -Life changing event
   -Lack of purpose
   -Lack of true satisfaction
   -Conviction- guilt from your sin
 
2.  Search the scriptures
-Wise men looked for answers from God’s people
   -They used scripture to answer the Wise Men
-Search the Bible to answer your questions
   -Prophecy of the Old Testament
   -Testimony of the New Testament
   -study your own Bible
   -go to our website to “Who is Jesus?”
   -ask a Christ follower in our church that you trust
 
-The Wise Men searched until they found Jesus!
   -they trusted the scriptures- went to Bethlehem
-Keep searching for Jesus through the testimony of
   His followers, through His church, this church!
   -let the evidence lead you to Jesus!
 
3.  Surrender yourself
-Wise men searched until they found Jesus!
-Wise men immediately knelt and worshiped Jesus
-Wise men gave generously to Jesus
-Wise men dedicated their future to Jesus
 
 
What is your next wise step?
See the signs
-What are other people telling you?
 
-What circumstances are revealing your need to change?
 
-How has everything else you have tried failed to satisfy?
 
 
 
Search the scripture
-Is there anything more you need to learn about Jesus before you give your life to Him?
 
-You may really need more information
 
-Or, you may be using this as an excuse to keep rejecting Jesus
 
 
Surrender yourself to Jesus right now!
-surrender your whole life to Jesus
 
 
-surrender all you have to Jesus
 
 
-surrender your future to Jesus
 
 
 
 
 
 

Be Encouraged By Christ’s Birth
Luke 2:1-7
This year we have a fresh appreciation for the little things
-Time with family, walks together
-We miss handshakes and hugs, coffee shop talks
-some miss friends at the gym exercising together
 
The ordinary things in life have become extra-ordinary
 
I want to challenge us to have a fresh appreciation for the ordinary story of Christ’s birth
-We often glance through these verses as common knowledge
-Manypeople who don’t follow Jesus even know the story
-A young girl gives birth to a child-  big deal to Mary btw!
    -however, childbirth is common, ordinary, 385,000 a day!
    -Billboard on Coliseum Blvd announces birth names 24/7
-This child was not well known at birth
-The town didn’t even care that his first bed had to be a manger
 
Christ’s birth is also extraordinary!
-This birth fulfilled prophecy
-Mary was a virgin- this disrupted his parent’s lives!
-Jesus grew up to change our world forever as our redeemer!
 
I want us to be personally encouraged by Christ’s birth
-discover a new appreciation for this ordinary/extraordinary story
 
Why Christ’s Birth is encouraging
1.  Every birth is important
-Jesus chose to enter humanity through childbirth
-He honored the way in which everyone is born, didn’t just appear or descent from the heavens like an alien or extraterrestrial being
 
-Your birth was important!
   -it doesn’t matter how many people got the announcement
   -it isn’t dependent on how important your parents were
 
 
2.  Every parent is important
-Jesus needed Joseph and Mary to take care of him
   -He could have been born self-sufficient, but he wasn’t
   -Mary had to wrap him in cloths to keep him warm
   -Mary had to find a bed for him- the manger
-Jesus didn’t need popular or powerful parents
   -Joseph and Mary simply had to do the normal things
      Parents must do to take care of children
-I wonder if Mary and Joseph felt inadequate!
   -how do you raise God?   What will this be like?
   -can you mess up raising God? 
 
-You are important to your children (or children around you)
   -children don’t care how important the world thinks you are
   -children just need you to do the ordinary tasks of
      Nurturing them, protecting them, loving them
 
3.  Beginnings do not determine endings
-Jesus was unknown to the world at birth
    -He gained a godly reputation growing up but wasn’t a world
       influencer!
-Jesus simply came to fulfill will of His Father
   John 5:19;  Philippians 2:5-8
 
-Your beginning does not determine your ending!
   -Stop blaming your past for your present problems
   -Stop believing the lie that you will never matter
-Jesus invites all of us to live a fruitful life!
   John 14:4
 
Be encouraged by Christ’s birth!
1.  Thank God for your birth
 
2.  Take care of the children God gave you
- you can do it!  God didn’t mess up by giving them to you
 
3.  Live for the purposes of God
-Do not let your beginning dictate your ending!
-Surrender your life to Jesus Christ!

​Trust the Story of the Virgin Birth
Luke 1:26-38
Every Bible story is important
2 Timothy 3:16  All scripture is inspired, profitable
 
The Bible is one story
-How God has redeemed us from our sins through Christ
-There are many stories, but they all point to this Main story
-Each smaller story is meant to increase our faith in God
 
The Virgin Birth story is a small but significant story!
-Recorded in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-38
-Matthew 1:23 says this fulfills the Isaiah 7:14 prophecy
-The early church continued to declare their belief in it
-Textual evidence suggests it was NOT inserted later
 
Why would someone reject the Virgin Birth story?
-Attempt to discredit the unique nature of Jesus Christ
    -they would have to reject multiple other verses
-Disbelief that God performs miracles in our world
    -multiple other Bible stories would  have to be rejected
-Rejection of the Bible as a historically accurate record
    -Many have tried and failed to disprove this idea
    -We don’t have to check our brains at the door to believe
       in the Bible
-Belief that it is unimportant to our faith
    -Emphasis on his sayings, example, not his historicity
    -This would mean God’s word is untrustworthy
    -We have to accept all or none of the story of Jesus
-I welcome a personal conversation with anyone who is honestly
   and intellectually struggling with the Virgin Birth.  Let’s sit
   down sometime and examine the evidence together! 
 
I desire for us to trust the Story of the Virgin Birth
-Read Luke 1:26-38
 
 
 
 
Observations from Luke 1:26-38
adapted from Christian Theology by Millard Eerickson, 1985
1.  Salvation is supernatural
-John 3:5b-6  We must be born again, of spirit and water
-John 1:13  we are spiritually born of God, not by our will or by
   nature
-No one can save themselves- we needed God to intervene
-Our Savior Jesus came from outside of humanity!
-Stop trying to earn or keep your salvation by human effort!
 
2.  Salvation is a gift of grace
-Mary did nothing to earn God’s favor, many virgins available
-vs 34  “How can this be?”  Only God can do what we cannot do
-No one is deserving of God’s grace! 
-God offers
 
 
3.  God can do anything
-God is all powerful and has all authority to act
-The birth of Jesus is the most unique birth of all time
-Gen 18:14  “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”
-When we believe in the virgin birth, we can believe that God can and will work in our lives, to free us from the humanly impossible task of resisting temptation and living a pure and holy life
-God can save everyone, no matter how far they are from God, no matter how dark their lives
 
Trust the story of the Virgin Birth
1.  Admit that you cannot save yourself
 
2.  Accept God’s love and forgiveness as a free gift
 
3.  Let Jesus be the Lord/boss of your life
-Luke 1:38  “I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary.  “May it be done to me according to your word.” 
-Romans 10:13  “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”
 

​Shine Like Stars!
Philippians 2:12-16
We need shining stars right now!
Real people, Real Church, Real God!
-Christ followers who really trust each other and God!
 
Too many people are being controlled by feelings and fear!
-Jesus invites us to a better life of peace and purpose
 
How to shine like stars
1.  Work out your salvation with others
-“Therefore” refers to “have the attitude of Jesus Christ
    2:1-4 a checklist of proper attitudes and actions
-We cannot grow spiritually in isolation!
    -our salvation is tested when we are around other people
    -Jesus “proved” his humility while on earth, not heaven
-“work out”-  labor, this is not easy, we cannot be passive
    -live how God has empowered us to live!
    -even when you don’t want to!
-with fear and trembling- recognize we are accountable to God
    -We aren’t afraid of God rejecting us (Romans 8:1)
    -We do have a healthy fear of God’s discipline if we don’t!
-even when your spiritual leaders aren’t around!
    -Paul said “even more in my absence”
    -If you don’t want your pastor to see or hear you, then why
       do you think it is ok to do it when he isn’t around?
    -We are accountable to God- who is always present!
 
2.  Check your attitude
-Without grumbling or arguing- Phil 2:2 is the opposite of this
-God doesn’t just want our behavior, he wants our heart too!
-Illust:  we give Christmas gifts because we WANT to
              -it isn’t as enjoyable when we HAVE to!
-vs 15  A practical test to check your attitude
    -am I blameless-  do I keep short accounts with people?
    -am I pure-  do people know I live a clean life?
    -am I known as a true “child of God”
 
 
3.  Trust God completely
-vs 13  God is fulfilling His purpose in and through you!
-Hold firmly to the Word-   even when other are letting go of it
-Apply it to every area of your life- not just on Sunday!
-We are shining out in the darkness- spiritual depravity
    -The world is actively rejecting God and His Word
    -Eph 5:6-14  reject empty arguments, don’t go back to your
            Dark life, “live like children of light”
    -Real people, real church!
         -2 Tim 3:12  “In fact, all who want to live a godly life in
             Christ Jesus will be persecuted”
 
Shine Like Stars!
Who are you going to build relationships with to do this?
-What church family will you commit to?
    (attenders, viewers)
-What Connection Group/church friendships will you commit to?
    (attenders, members)
-Stop living in isolation! 
 
What darkness do you need to turn away from right now?
-where do you tend to grumble and argue
-where do you need to be more blameless and pure?
-where are you blending into the crowd of unbelievers?
-Jesus is calling you to shine like stars- glorify Him, help others
 
Who must you tell about your spiritual commitment today?
-God uses pastors, elders and other spiritual leaders to help us
-We must depend on others to help us succeed spiritually!
-Who is “laboring” spiritually for you (vs 16b)?
-Let us pray for you, resource you, encourage you!
 
Contact us right now!
-stjoecommunity@gmail.com
-Contact page on our website
-Church Facebook Messenger
-Connection Card located at our Offering Boxes

​Thanksgiving Lord’s Supper
1 Corinthians 11:23-30
Thank you Jesus…
-What are you thankful for right now?  This year?
-Philippians 4:6-7  Don’t worry!  Pray with thanksgiving
    -Results:  God’s peace will guard your heart and mind
 
The Lord’s Supper is a…
 Reminder
 Symbol
 Church Family Practice
 Proclamation
 
 
“So a man ought to examine himself”  1 Corinthians 11:28
My Relationship with God  Matthew 5:3-7
-The poor in spirit-  admit my spiritual bankruptcy
 
-Those who mourn- grieve over my sin
 
-The humble- submit myself under Christ’s control
 
-Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
 
 
My relationship with people  Matthew 5:8-12
-The merciful-  show mercy to others
 
-The pure in heart- act with pure motives
 
-The peacemakers- seek peace whenever possible
 
-Those who are persecuted because of righteousness
    -do the right thing no matter the cost
 
 
Guided Prayer Time
 
 
We will observe the Lord’s Supper Together
1 Corinthians 11:24 
“This is my body, which is broken for you.  Do this in remembrance of me”
 
-Pray
 
-Eat the bread
 
1 Corinthians 11:25
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood.  Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me”
 
-Pray
 
-Drink the cup
 
 
 
Conclusion
1 Corinthians 11:26
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
-Our hope is in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ
   -regardless of our circumstances, world events, stage in life
 
-We are looking forward to the return of Jesus Christ!
   -Acts 1:6-8  We must share Jesus with others until He comes
   -Acts 1:9-11  We are confident that Jesus will come again
                         In person, just like he ascended into heaven
 
-Always remember what Jesus did to save you from your sins
 
-Always share Jesus with others!

 
St Joe Community Church
Worship Order for Sunday November 29, 2020
 
Distribute Lord’s Supper elements as people enter
 
Welcome
 
Scripture Reading   1 Corinthians 11:23-32
 
Prayer
 
Songs
 
Message on preparing for the Lord’s Supper
-1 Corinthians 11:27-32
-Matthew 5:3-12
 
Observe the Lord’s Supper
-Read 1 Corinthians 11:24
-Pray and eat the bread
-Read 1 Corinthians 11:25
-Pray and drink the cup
 
Concluding remarks-  Pastor Greg
         
Song
 
Closing Prayer  
 
 
 
 
 
St Joe Community Church
Worship Order for Sunday November 29, 2020
 
Distribute Lord’s Supper elements as people enter
 
Welcome
 
Scripture Reading   1 Corinthians 11:23-32
 
Prayer
 
Songs
 
Message on preparing for the Lord’s Supper
-1 Corinthians 11:27-32
-Matthew 5:3-12
 
Observe the Lord’s Supper
-Read 1 Corinthians 11:24
-Pray and eat the bread
-Read 1 Corinthians 11:25
-Pray and drink the cup
 
Concluding remarks-  Pastor Greg
         
Song
 
Closing Prayer