​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
 
 

Stop Trying!
Romans 3:9-31
The righteous will live by faith   Romans 1:17
 
 
 
Stop Trying To Be Good Enough!
1.  No one is good enough  (Romans 3:9-18)
-Actions and attitudes condemn us all
 
-Paul quotes the OT, aiming at self-righteous Jews
   -knowing the law didn’t make them perfect
 
-Today, we are told people are born with a  blank slate
   -Society/Government/Religion makes good children go bad
   -vs 10-18 says we by nature do bad, everyone!
 
-Any solution to world/society problems that rejects God, His Word, and Jesus Christ, will fall short!
   -Rules cannot cure the human heart
   -Good people may spring up, but they still aren’t good enough
 
-A Judeo-Christian worldview has led to the most moral, benevolent and just societies and governments- but they still fall short of perfection!
-Abolition of slavery, human rights, elevation of women legally, sanctity of human life, all have sprung up from the soil of a Christian worldview.
-However, a worldview isn’t enough- America still falls short of the glory of God!  We are still sinful, still unjust, still destroying human life in the womb, still corrupt
-Government rules and rulers won’t fix our hearts!
 
2.  We have no defense   (Romans 3:19-20)
-Illustration:  have you ever been caught doing wrong? 
   -unable to talk, you willingly accept judgment
-“every mouth” will “be shut” in front of God!
-The Law will condemn us!  (whether external or internal)
 
Stop trying to be good enough!
3.  Jesus removed our guilt    (Romans 3:21-26)
-God announced His plan through the Law and Prophets!
 
-vs 22  “The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ”  
   -John 14:6  Jesus is the only way, truth, life!
 
-vs 23-24  A compare and contrast analysis
   -We all sinned, we all fall short of God’s glory  (vs 23)
   -HOWEVER, God justifies us freely, by his grace (unmerited
     Favor)  through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus
-Heb 10:10 “sanctified…through Jesus Christ once for all”
 
    -received through faith-  trust, surrender
 
-God remains righteous-  not a corrupt judge overlooking sin
 
-God declares righteous the one who has faith in Jesus!
   -Give up
 
 
Christian, Stop trying to be good enough!
4.  We cannot boast in ourselves   (Romans 3:27-31)
-Stop trying to steal God’s glory!
-Hebrews 10:14  For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are sanctified.
-Ephesians 2:8-9  saved by grace through faith….not from works, so than one can boast
-Luther:  by grace alone, through faith alone, to God alone be the glory
 
Stop Trying And Start Trusting!
1.  Trust what Jesus did for you- place your faith in Him
 
2.  Keep trusting what Jesus did for you- live for Him
​