​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
 

​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 

The Tragedy of Rejecting God Part 2
Romans 1:24-32
The righteous will live by faith!
This is the theme of the entire letter to the Roman church
-nobody can be come perfect by themselves
We receive righteousness by putting our faith in Jesus
-He came to earth, died for our sins, rose from death
 
Rejecting God has tragic consequences!
-last week- we suppress truth, worship creation instead of the
   Creator, and become foolish in our thinking
-God’s wrath (punishment) is currently displayed in humanity
 
Today:  God gives people what they ask for!
 
Observations from Romans 1:24-32
1.  God gives us what we want!
-“God delivered them over”  vs 24, 26, 28
-illust:  God ceases to hold the boat as it is being dragged by the
   current of the river” 
-CS Lewis:  “[They] enjoy forever the horrible freedom they have
   demanded, and are therefore self-enslaved”
-God permits us to continue in and to plunge more deeply into
   the sin we have chosen, which begins with our rejection of
   God Himself, and the testimony of His existence in nature
 
2.  We worship the “desires of our hearts” vs 24
-Sex and worldly pleasure become our gods- 
-The Roman church and most of the world was a sex saturated
   culture, much like today
-Sex is our god- we measure the identity of people based on
   how they like to have sex, rather than how they were naturally
   born.  Personal heart feelings are the ultimate authority
 
3.  We worship creation instead of the Creator  vs 25
-We worship ourselves, exchange the truth of God for a lie
-Or we worship creation, and then devalue human worth as
   equal, or worse, to less than the value of earth itself.
 
4.  Rejecting God leads to unnatural sexual relations
-vs 26-27 are the clearest NT teachings on human sexuality
-“natural sexual relations” are rejected for unnatural sex
      -sex between people of the same sex
-1 Cor 6:9-10,   vs 11 says some were delivered from this
-Leviticus 18:22-23 condemns homosexuality
-There is no translation of this passage that justifies same sex
   monogamy. 
-God meant for sex to bond a man and woman in marriage for
   life, and to build humanity through procreation.
    -Having sex for only the sake of sex destroys and disfigures
      the natural building blocks of relationships and society
-Paul is not ashamed of the gospel, not ashamed to tell the
   truth, and neither should we today. 
 
5.  Rejecting God destroys human relationships
-vs 28-32 describes a life of self-validation at the expense of
   others
-Note:  this list is no better or worse than sexual sin.  Anyone
   attempting the sexual moral high ground to be righteous will
   quickly be brought low by this list of vices!
-We exchange the authority of God for the authority of the
   individual self- which leads to all kinds of exploitation and
   even murder!
-Cheering on evil behavior is even more tragic!
   Matthew 18:6-  woe to you who offend children!
 
We can escape this human tragedy!
1.  Stop denying the witness of nature and your conscience
-you are suppressing the truth and know that sin deserves death
-Without Christ, we are slaves to our flesh, an enslavement to a
   corrupt nature that is naturally seeking relief, but because of a
   refusal to worship the Creator, will never find it.
-God is letting you see that only He can satisfy your hunger
 
2.   Trust the love of God (Romans 5:8)
-He is trying to get your attention!
 
3.  Place your faith in Jesus Christ now!
​

​So next Sunday preparing for more is the message today and we're going to go through a ton of scriptures and you might just want to take your bulletins on the back and write down the Scriptures I'm going to blaze through several So there's no one particular passage although I'm going to end and you can go to Luke Chapter the one we just read Luke chapter four and you're going to and you can go there and that we're going to end on that and we're going to use that kind of as a launching pad to what are we going to do next but I want to talk today a little bit about where we came from. why we exist as a church. ​