Worship in the Park

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Introduction:

Housekeeping:
Do intro if it makes sense.
Brief sermon.
Stand Alone
Open your bibles to Matthew.

History of the Parks system:

So thankful for Indy Parks and Paul Evans.
When Indianapolis was first planned in 1821, there were no parks in the layout.
Now, in 2024 we have over 200+ parks
including 11,258 acres of green space, 125 playgrounds, 155 sports fields, 136 miles of trails, 23 recreation and nature centers, 19 aquatic centers, 21 spray grounds, 13 golf courses, and four dog parks. It also provides a range of sports, art, education, and recreation programs and more than 3,000 programs throughout the year.

History of Perry Park (This Park):

Established in 1961
Cooperation between the City and Perry Township
Perry Park is the only current Indy Parks ice rink was was built in 1971 as an outdoor rink.
1992 Pool was added, Playground was added.

Perry Park has been a staple in this community for such a long time:

1960s:

Civil Rights Movement
Vietnam War
1963 President Kennedy was assasinated.
1968 Martin Luther king was killed.
1974 Nixon is impeached.
1986 the Challenger explodes.
1990 we have the beginning of the Persian Gulf war.
In 1999 Clinton is impeached.
On 9/11/2001 two terrorist fly planes into the twin towers.
In 2007 the Colts win the superbowl.
In 2013 their is the Boston Marathon bombing.

Why do I share this with you? ( I think this will help illuminate our passage this morning)

No matter what has been happening in the world the sun is still rising and setting over a place like Perry Park.
A park serves its community regardless, or weather, or any circumstance.
Over the years Perry Park has Looked very different, yet the Park still serves its people.
We have to ask ourself the same questions as a church….
How is the Lord calling us to serve this community as a church?
How can Ascend Bible Church bring hope and peace, and more importantly the gospel to a community that so desperately needs it.
What does it look like to be an anchor of hope in a community going forward?
This morning we are going to look at 3 verses in the sermon on the mount….
You are familiar with these verses but I want us to think about them in how they relate to the context we find ourself in.
As Christians gathering in an open field on this Sunday morning.

Read and Pray

Matthew 5:14–16 ESV
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Big Idea: you are the light of the world.

Illustration explained:

1) Light as an illustration in a world with no electricity.
Last Sunday my son graham came home with a “flashlight” that Denise gave him.
They are talking about Sunlight, or candles.
You cannot prevent it (Trying to put a toddler to bed)
Genesis 1:3 ESV
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
The God Who created light with his words… is now saying you have a similar impact on the world
Psalm 119:105 ESV
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
The way in which scripture illuminates to us our next steps so should our actions and words point people to Jesus.
John 1:5 ESV
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Darkness cannot put out your light.
John 9:5 ESV
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
2) Jesus recorded calling himself the truee light of the world… is now using the same illustration to talk about his followers.
You are the light of the world
You are a city set on a hill
People should not be able to miss your testimony to Jesus
The hope we have to offer them
Transition: Friends we have been given a role, that I would argue is the most important aspect of our lives. To be a light in our community (Where we live, work, and play), and point people to Jesus. Jesus just doesn’t just call the crowd light, but he continues by explaining what do lights do?

Application: What do lights do?

Matthew 5:16 ESV
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Part 1: Do Good Works: They do good works…
In the same way …..
As Jesus did you do…
People wondered what in the world was up with him.
The term Christian : The original Greek word for Christian is “Christianos” which comes from the two Greek words “Christ and tian.” The word Christ means “anointed” and tian means “little.” So the word “Christian” literally means “little anointed ones.”
Throughout the book of Acts people who were followers of Jesus weren't called Christians but they were called followers of The Way or people of The Way
Matthew 20:28 ESV
even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
How can you serve others?
What are the needs around you?
What is God calling you to step into.
Part 2: Give God the Glory.
Every good thing that we do is in response to what God has done.
Your actions should point people to Jesus.
Filter the actions of your life through how does this bring God Glory?
How am I pointing to Gods Glory?
What do I need to change? (my actions, my words)
This is our mission as a church:
To Glorify God by making disciples
We are a church family on mission to work to see every person follow Jesus.
As we continue in worship I encourage you to reflect on how can you bring God Glory in this community or wherever you live, and how can we collectively be a light to Perry Township!
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