First Chapel of the Year

My name Pastor James Watson

This year’s theme is More than Sunday.

The idea is that we want a faith that is more than just a church service, more than just a building, more than just our immediate family.

Our faith needs to carry over into our every day lives.

And while we we know that we aren’t promised that our lives will be perfect and filled with joy, peace, and devoid of trials, the Bible repeatedly talks about the life following Jesus as greater than the life following the ways of the world.

Greater is all over scripture.

First it tells us that our God is greater than other so called God. Why? Because, our God is personable.

2 Chronicles 2:5 ESV

5 The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.

We’re told that our savior is greater.

Matthew 12:6 ESV

6 I tell you, something greater than the temple is here.

Matthew 12:41 ESV

41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.

Matthew 12:4 ESV

4 how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests?

We’re called to a greater life.

John 10:10 ESV

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

And while the word here is abundant, the idea is that Jesus calls us to the greater more abundant life that is in Him.

But something amazing happens when we follow Jesus together.

John 14:12 ESV

12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.

You are called to great essence h

Think about that for a second. Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons. And while he was on earth He did amazing things.

And then he said he was going away, but he leaves us with this incredible promise.

But I want you to notice some things.

1. GREATNESS begins with BELIEF in Jesus.

2. GREATNESS leads to good WORKS.

3. GREATNESS depends on the HOLY SPIRIT.