Celebrating God's Faithfulness

Today our hearts full of gratitude and joy, for we are here to celebrate the faithfulness of our God!

Slide Our Mission – We are a Whole People, taking the Whole Gospel, to the Whole World!

In the past year, we have experienced the full spectrum of life's challenges and blessings.

Through it all, we have come to understand that we are whole people. That means we bring our joys, sorrows, victories, and struggles to our faith in God. We do not compartmentalize our lives, but we offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to the Lord, trusting in His grace to sustain us. The Apostle Paul writes,

Slide I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. Romans 12:1-2

Our journey toward wholeness happens, not as an individual or isolated practice, but rather in the context of community.

So we bring all that we are going through, to Christ and to each other. For even as Christ says to come to Him …

Slide The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

We are the body of Christ, to each other. We share, carry, pray for and lift up the burdens of each other. We are brothers, sisters, friends, neighbors … we are the church.

Just like the diverse parts of a body, we are unique individuals with different gifts and roles, but we are united in our faith. Together, we form the body of Christ.

Slide For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12

Our God has been faithful in strengthening us during times of weakness, comforting us in moments of grief, and rejoicing with us in times of happiness. Through it all, we have learned that our wholeness is found in Him with each other!

Let’s celebrate the wholeness of life in Christ in His church!

Whole People – Video

Wow! We are becoming more and more whole every day and in every way. But God is not redeeming, restoring us, rescuing us for our own comfort, our own benefit or even blessing. Because it is for the sake of the Gospel and the glory of God that you and I are being made whole.

The Gospel is not a mere story; it is the life-transforming message that permeates every aspect of our existence. It is not confined to the walls of our church but is meant to be lived out in our daily lives. Word and deed. The gospel is the good news that sinful human beings can be saved, redeemed, restored, rescued.

Slide For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16–17

Jesus' Great Commission to all his disciples said ...

Slide Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20

But we live in time where the gospel isn’t celebrated in the world or culture. We are called narrow minded, bigoted, hateful and worse if we dare proclaim God’s love in terms of his salvation through Jesus Christ. If ever there was a time to hear the words of Romans 1:16 … it is now.

Slide For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16

We are God’s people who can’t help but say … Jesus saved me, saved us and it motivates, informs, directs our lives, our values, our beliefs, our worldview and more. As Paul wrote …

Slide And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

In the past year, we have witnessed the power of the Gospel to save, as we shared it with our families, friends, and neighbors. We have seen lives changed, and we have been transformed ourselves. The whole Gospel calls us to love, to forgive, to serve, and to proclaim the good news. It's not just about speaking the words but living them out in our actions. This year we have seen 50 girls, boys, women and men publicly proclaim Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Whole Gospel – Video

Wow! What an amazing testimony of God’s saving grace!

God's faithfulness is not confined to our individual lives or even to our local Fellowship family. It extends to the ends of the earth. Our calling is to take the Gospel to the whole world, fulfilling Acts 1:8 …

Slide But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8

Being on mission with God isn’t just about adding another of slice of responsibility to our already full and busy lives. Mission is the substance of life.

Slide We are always on mission!

God is calling each of us to join Him in his greatest desire … for humanity to be reconciled, restored, rescued and redeemed.

Slide For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10

God has a heart for all peoples, for all nations, for all languages, for all tribes … all people. There is not person beyond the reach of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. No person beyond his love.

Slide he says: It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. Isaiah 49:6

But who will go … who will join me?

Slide And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me. Isaiah 6:8

Who will be the ones to bring the good news to neighbors and nations?

Slide And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news! Romans 10:15

As a church, we have been faithful in supporting missions and outreach, both locally and globally. We have seen the Gospel spread to places we may never physically visit, but our prayers and support have reached them. We are part of a global family, sharing in the joy and responsibility of bringing the message of hope to those who have not heard.

We are whole people, bringing our entire selves to the foot of the cross. We embrace a whole Gospel, living it out in our daily lives, and we share it with the whole world, knowing that God's faithfulness knows no bounds.

Whole World - Video

From children in poverty, to families in crisis, the hungry, the hurting, the sick, the homeless, the struggling … As we continue this journey of faith, may we always remember that we are whole people, sharing the whole Gospel with the whole world, all to the glory of our faithful and loving God. Amen.

Slide But where do we go from here?

As we continue to live into our mission, our values and beyond … where will take us …

Slide Next Year is our 30th Anniversary!

Our Theme - The Best is Yet to Come!

Slide A vision is not just a dream but a call to action.

It's a call for each one of us, as whole people, to live out the whole Gospel in such a way that we impact the whole world. It's a vision of God's faithfulness being revealed in every corner of the earth as we carry His message of hope, healing, and redemption to the ends of the world … beginning right here in Katy.

Our vision is one of transformation, unity, and impact. It's a vision that encompasses not just the local church but the entire body of Christ, working harmoniously to fulfill the Great Commission.

Can you imagine The Fellowship as a …

Slide A vibrant and flourishing church, where all people are loved, empowered, and equipped to follow Jesus for the transformation of our city and beyond.

Living into that vision over the next years would mean that we would see thousands of …

Slide Transformed Lives all around us!

As whole people, fully committed to living out the Gospel in our everyday lives, we envision thousands of lives transformed by the power of God. Families are restored, individuals finding love, forgiveness, purpose, and hope, and communities experiencing the healing and restorative power of the gospel. People no longer merely hear about God's love; they see it lived out in the lives of believers, you, me and we!

As Paul wrote…

Slide Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

In would mean that we would experience, champion, follow Christ and lead others in

Slide Unity in our Diversity!

The vision involves a beautiful tapestry of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences united in their faith. Christians from all corners of the world come together, recognizing that their differences are strengths, not divisions. This unity is a testament to the reconciling power of the Gospel.

Slide There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Slide Impact that is across the street and around the world!

Whole people, guided by the whole Gospel, have the potential to impact the whole world. Communities are uplifted, the marginalized are cared for, and the lost are found. Mission work reaches the unreached, and humanitarian efforts alleviate suffering. Churches globally are empowered to live out their mission with zeal.

Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Slide Ongoing Revival and Renewal in our Life and Church!

A vision of revival and renewal emerges as the Gospel spreads. Hearts are set on fire for God, and a hunger for spiritual growth ignites. Whole people become disciples, growing deeper in their faith, leading to a revival that sweeps through regions, revitalizing churches and communities.

Slide If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Slide Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. 2 Chronicles 7:15–16

Slide Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Psalm 85:6

Slide Expanding the Kingdom of God as Disciple making Disciples!

The vision is of a multiplying force of disciples, each equipped to share the Gospel effectively. Disciples make disciples, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate reach. This multiplication brings exponential growth to the Kingdom of God.

Slide And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2

Slide The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Matthew 9:37-38

Slide Living as a Compassionate Church in a Broken World!

The vision includes a world where compassion, love, and justice are core values. Whole people living out the Gospel understand the importance of caring for the poor, advocating for the oppressed, and seeking justice in all areas of life.

Slide He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

Slide Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause. Isaiah 1:17

Slide Using Technological Advancements for Kingdom Purposes!

In our mission to reach the whole world, we envision leveraging technological advancements for spreading the Gospel. The use of digital platforms, social media, and other communication tools becomes an integral part of our strategy, enabling us to connect with people locally and globally.

Slide The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Proverbs 4:7

Slide I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22

Slide A World Transformed by God’s Love!

Ultimately, the vision is of a world transformed by the love of God. This love transcends borders, languages, and cultures, breaking down barriers and bringing about a global awakening to the saving grace of Christ. It's a world where love conquers hate, where peace prevails, and where the knowledge of God covers the earth as the waters cover the sea.

Slide Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

Upbeat closing

prayer - song - Glorious day