2023 Wk 6: I Believe wk 1

Song

Child of Love

2 Minute Break

Grab a Life Card

So you will be ready to Take Notes that Grabs the Heart

BUMPER VIDEO

Band take the Platform

New Series starts TODAY…

“I Believe” A look at Jesus to lift him higher to draw all men unto him.

Do you Believe?

Is there proof for others to see that you Believe?

ARE YOU READY TO WORSHIP?

Songs

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Give Me Faith

NEW: Too Good To Not Believe (chorus/bridge)

Jesus We Love You (chorus only)

Lesson Intro

TOP 5 FASTEST GROWING RELIGIONS

5. Buddhism

Based on the removal of ignorance and craving brings you liberation and happiness.

Compassion, mindfulness, and pursuit of wisdom.

4. Christianity

Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodox

Wide spread, but greatest concentration in America.

Growing due to increased conversions and high birth rate.

Teachings on grace, but possibly hindered by it’s many divisions.

3. Skhism

Founded in 15th Century in India. 25 Million follower.

Based on the teachings of 10 Sikhism Gurus and the belief of one God.

Strong focus of Equality, justice, and a rejection of superstition and blind rituals.

They also believe in Community, social justice, and an adherence of a simple and practical faith.

What not to say to a Sikh? Worthless talk: Bragging, gossip, lying, slander, "backstabbing," et cetera, are not permitted.

Yet challenged by prejudiced and conflict they continue to grow.

2. Hinduism (3rd largest religion)

1 Billion followers with a strong devotion of gods and goddesses.

Teachings focused on reincarnation and the pursuit of spiritual liberation known as Maksha.

Attractive through community, family, rich traditional heritage, and adaptability to change.

Yet challenged by discrimination and prejudiced .

1. Islam (2nd largest religion)

1.8 Billion followers, based on teachings of Mohammed, one God Allah

Charity, prayer, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Popular through Community, simplicity of it’s teachings, and moral values.

Yet challenged by religious extremism, conflict, and prejudicism.

Number 1 largest religion is Christianity — 2 billion+

STORY: Could this Emphasis Lazy Christianity?

At an event famous for giving out awards in bizarre categories, the emcee enthusiastically announces, “The next prize will go to the laziest person in the audience. If you think you qualify, raise your hand.” Everyone raises their hands except a middle-aged man who seems to show little interest. “Congratulations! You are the winner,” says the emcee to the man. “Your prize is this $100 bill!” Still showing no emotion, the man replies, “Would you mind coming over here and putting it in my pocket?” —Submitted by José J. Zuluaga

Could it be that we have been so proud of the feather in our cap that we may be like the frog resting in the warm water?—not really thinking about how in a short time he may be cooked?

Are we

Complacent?

Comfortable?

Set in our ways?

Are we just Okay with others doing the work while we sip on our coffee?

if so, Paul says...

It’s time to Wake up!

In Ephesians 5 Paul encourages us to not live like those in darkness, but know that we are to be children of the light— then he says in verse 14...

Ephesians 5:14–17 NLT

14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

Then he lists...

4 things that are truly God’s Will:

vs. 18 …Be filled with the Holy Spirit.

vs. 19 …make melody in the Lord with your heart.

vs. 20 …give Father thanks always in the Name of Jesus.

vs. 21 …submit to one another because you reverence Christ!!!

CarePortal Responders for 111Project

Annette Langley

Meeting Physical Needs

take care of the Orphans and Widows

those who are Marginalized

Responders Day at Cornerstone is Feb. 19th with simple training to follow that next Sunday with a light lunch, Feb. 26th.

1 Church 1 Family 1 Purpose

It’s time to Wake up!

Be filled with the Holy Spirit. vs. 18

Hebrews 11:6 NLT

6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

We have to COME TO HIM.

He rewards those who SEEK HIM.

Jesus said...

Acts 1:7–8 NLT

7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 2:4 NLT

4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

Luke 11:13 NLT

13 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”

Make melody in the Lord with your heart. vs 19

We are not God and that should make our hearts light and glad.

Psalm 100:3 NLT

3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Sheep frolic and play! NOT worry, lead and direct the masses.

song...

To Good To Not Believe (Cody Carnes)

I've lived stories that have proved Your faithfulness

I've seen miracles my mind can't comprehend

And there is beauty in what I can't understand [we don’t have to understand God...that’s kinda cool...

Jesus, it's You, Jesus, it's You and we don’t have to carry the God mantle]

I believe

You're the wonder-working God

Give Father thanks always in the Name of Jesus. vs 20

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 5:20 NLT

20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:15–17 NLT

15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Philippians 4:6 NLT

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Submit to one another because you reverence Christ!!! vs.20

Why are sheep so critical?

Why do we spend so much time judging others and comparing ourself to the world.

Romans 12:2 NLT

2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

We have become citizens of Heaven

Colossians 3:1–2 NLT

1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

Matthew 6:33 NLT

33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Closing

Be like Nike--Just Do It (You are not God)

According to Dan Wieden the phrase, Just Do It was inspired by the final words of an death row inmate who was facing execution and said, "You know, let's do it."  Pondering on this statement, Dan Wieden stated, "I remember when I read that-- I was like, that's amazing. I mean how, in the face of that much uncertainty, do you push through that and say ‘Just Do It’ ?” https://www.npr.org/2022/10/06/1127032721/nike-just-do-it-slogan-success-dan-wieden-kennedy-dies

The Nike Swoosh comes from the wings of 'Nike,' the Greek goddess of victory. https://www.npr.org/2022/10/06/1127032721/nike-just-do-it-slogan-success-dan-wieden-kennedy-dies“the righteous take it by force”

Jesus is our Victor—

we don’t have wings...

we need the Holy Spirit!

we don’t need a Swoosh...

we need the cross!

we don’t follow after the world...

we trust and rely upon Jesus Christ

His blood is sufficient in every way

we don’t sleep our life away...

we wake up and say, “I Believe”

LET’S PRAY!

salvation

holy spirit

to wake up

to believe

Offering

A. J. Ash

Update

Doors Open at 10am…

Cafe’ Hope… It will refresh the soul and your thirst.

Upcoming MidWeek Stream

will be a Book Study with Christine Caine started last Wednesday “Stop Acting Like a Christian… Just Be One.” It’s about “Living from the Inside Out”.

MidWeek Ministry relaunch for Children and Adults.

Still streaming LIVE on Facebook, but Would you consider praying about attending face to face or would you consider assisting as a cook, sing, teach, and play each Wednesday? #bettertogether

Men’s Breakfast Feb. 18th at First Naz. at 8am.

Followed by FriendDay the next Day!

“Who will you bring?”

The Chosen Part 3

Tonight at 6pm at the First Nazarene Church. Bring a snack to share and come to connect as we see the Story of Jesus Through the Eyes of Those Who Followed Him.

Super Bowl 2023… This special time will be fellowship and fun as we connect around your favorite Soup and snack! Starts 5:30pm