- today's service was a collection of messages from all the pastors re: praise report for what the Lord did through CCE in 2007 and also encouragement for 2008
- don't let church be just a routine, an act of "doing", but "be" and "live" a spirit filled life
Acts 2:42 Continue steadfastly in:
- Doctrine
- Fellowship
- Breaking of bread (communion)
- Prayer
- prayer is the blood of the church
Romans 12:3-10 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.
- church is an entity we are a part of and meets the needs of others
- it's NOT about what can be done for ME, rather how the Lord can USE me to bless others
Mathew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Acts 1:8 (Jesus speaking) "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and tot he end of the earth."
Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
- nothing is from us, but God working in us; therefore all glory to Him
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
- good works don't save us, Jesus saves us by his perfect atoning sacrifice on the cross (He who knew no sin became sin for us)
- good works were prepared by God that we should walk in them
Acts 26:18 (Jesus speaking) "to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me."
- go out to serve others to witness and win souls for Christ
Definition of Grace (Strong's concordance): "that divine influence upon the heart, and it's reflection in that life"
- good explanation on this web page (added by me)http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/6-26-2006-100512.asp
- We love God because He first loved us; He IS love
- God is 1st and foremost; He is the worker and initiator
- We are living mirrors - either reflecting our own image (darkness & carnal) or His image (by grace we show His light to the world)
- Prayer is the blood of the church - if your blood is sick your body is sick - but if your blood is healthy your body/life reflect that - healthy prayer leads to a healthy church body and individuals
How precious is Christ to YOU?
Are you willing to LET GO (of other stuff getting in the way), so that you can LAY HOLD OF CHRIST?
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