THEME: Write one sentence about the topic. A MESSAGE THAT CHANGES LIVES!!!

EQUIP THE SAINTS!!!

Date of Update: 2026-07-10

Overview:

Proposition:  Christ does not measure His Church by its size, influence, or earthly success, but by its unwavering faithfulness. Those who remain faithful through every trial will discover that Christ's strength is sufficient, His promises are certain, and His reward is eternal.

Theme:           Jesus Christ honors and blesses believers who remain faithful in the midst of weakness, opposition, and suffering. Though the world may overlook them, Christ opens doors no one can shut and promises an eternal inheritance to those who persevere.

Objective:      To encourage believers to persevere in faithful obedience despite weakness, discouragement, opposition, or limited resources, trusting that Christ sees their faithfulness, opens doors according to His will, and will ultimately reward those who endure.

How does this message change lives?

What is the message / theme?

How does it CHANGE LIVES?

How is it tied to our testimony?

How do we apply it in our lives?

What is the one thing hearers should walk away with, if they do not hear anything else?

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✔️CHECKLIST

Complete the Sermon Notes Insert.

CREATE NOTES AND BIBLIOGRAPH AS AN INSERT IN THE BULLETIN.

Select Background

Create an Introductory Slide (with name).

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WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

(Lay Leader) WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

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CALL TO WORSHIP

Psalm 121 NIV

A song of ascents. 1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

(LAY LEADER) I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?

(PEOPLE) My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

(LAY LEADER) The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;

(PEOPLE) The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

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CHOIR / SONG🎵47

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

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Today’s Bible Reading

(LAY LEADER) BIBLE (Reading): Revelation 3:7–13

Revelation 3:7–13 NIV

7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

(LAY LEADER) This is the Word of the Lord.

(PEOPLE) Thanks be to God!

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Sharing Our Joys and Spiritual Needs

(LAY LEADER) PRAYER NEEDS AND REQUESTS

[Go to front after Sharing of Prayer Requests.]

PASTOR: SILENT PRAYER

PASTOR: PASTORAL PRAYER for NEEDS.

Unspoken Prayer

Warden Community Church (Leaders, Servers, Givers, all other needs)

Mission Organizations (particularly the Navratils, the Elliots, the Killions, the Gideons, the NACCC, and others)

Persecuted Church (Iran, China, Africa, Asia, South America, and the Middle East . . . even those in Europe and Australia . . . your church everywhere)

Homeless and Destitute,

Those battling health issues,

The Hungry and Needy,

Those in Prison,

Those with addictions and mental health challenges,

(Life on line) Military, Fire, Police, all other Emergency Services,

Those who are new or visitors to Warden Community Church,

Those who are seeking after You and those who are lost. We pray for redemption.

And we lift up our families, friends, and and those close to our hearts, that they may seek and find You, Lord.

Others that we may not have mentioned.

And we pray as You, Lord, taught us to pray . . .

PASTOR: LORDS PRAYER or OTHER PRAYER (Bulletin)

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we

forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us

from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)

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(Lay Leader) GLORIA PATRI

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was

in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen, Amen.

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CHOIR / SONG 🎵#249

Standing on the Promises

[GO TO THE PLATFORM BEFORE music ends.]

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PRAYER OF PREPARATION (for the message)

PASTOR: May the words of my mouth . . .

PEOPLE: And the meditation of our hearts,

be acceptable in Your sight,

O Lord, Our Strength and Our Redeemer.

Amen. (Psalm 19:14)

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Lord, Help us to not call to mind the former things, nor ponder things of the past. Help us to behold, as You do something new, to observe as it springs forth; help us to be aware of it? Help us to follow You as You make a roadway in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:18-19)

Lord, revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your lovingkindness, O LORD, and grant us Your salvation. (Psalm 85:6-7)

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Faithful Through the Fire

Pastor Dave Marks

Warden Community Church

😁ANIMATED, EXPRESSIVE, PASSIONATE, POSITIVE. 😊❤️

1. Welcome 😊❤️

Good morning, church family!

It's a joy to gather together today, and I want to start by simply saying — God is faithful. He was faithful this past week, He is faithful this morning, and He will be faithful in everything we face ahead. What a reason to worship!

2. Welcome to Guests and Visitors

And to our guests and those joining us for the first time, we want to warmly welcome you. We’re thankful you’re here, and we pray that you would be encouraged, strengthened, and drawn closer to the Lord today.”

3. Warden Community Church ⛪♥️

We are a Bible-believing, Christ-centered church seeking God together through His Word, through prayer, and through a life of worship. Our heart is to grow in Christ, love one another deeply, and share the hope of Jesus Christ with our community and the world. This church strives to be an Embassy for the Kingdom of God on earth. We are His ambassadors.

4. Special Announcements or Messages

We invite you to join us in the Fellowship all after the service for some food and fellowship. We’d love to get to know you better.

SOME QUICK MESSAGES: [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

LOOKING FOR DEDICATED AND COMMITTED CHRISTIANS TO SERVE:

SERVERS

Lay Leaders

Greeters

Ushers

Hospitality

Nursery and Children’s Church

Helpers at the Food Bank - Outreach to the Community

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Worshippers for our Night of Praise on 1st/3rd Sundays starting on

Sunday, September 13.

ALL ARE OPPPORTUNITIES

Serve God as we Serve Others

WORSHIP SERVICE ON SUNDAYS . . . NEED MUSICIANS.

PRAYER CARDS: Importance. I pray every day for this church.

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

MEN: The Forge Men’s Fellowship starting on Monday, September 28.

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

5. Series (we are in . . . (series)

Hear What the Spirit Says: A Call to Awaken

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Faithful Through the Fire

Introduction to Message

A MESSAGE THAT CHANGES LIVES!!!❤️😁

IMPORTANT: Include your own story and/or experience in this message.

"This morning we come to the church at Philadelphia.

Unlike most of the other churches we've studied,

NO REBUKE.

They are not the largest church.

They are not the wealthiest church.

They are not the most influential church.

In fact, Jesus tells them, 'You have but little strength.'

Yet this small church receives one of the greatest commendations in all of Scripture.

THEY HAD SOMETHING THAT THE OTHER CHURCHES LACKED

AT LEAST IN ANY QUANTITY.

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Story or Quote (with history)

Off the east coast of Scotland lies one of the most dangerous reefs in the North Sea—

a submerged sandstone reef

Bell Rock.

For centuries, it was almost invisible at high tide

ships passing over it were often ripped apart.

Hundreds of vessels were wrecked there,

Lives lost - countless sailors

By the early 1800s, something had to be done.

The Scottish engineer Robert Stevenson—

was commissioned to build a lighthouse on the reef itself.

the grandfather of author Robert Louis Stevenson—

Many believed it was impossible.

The Bell Rock reef is

submerged beneath the sea for about 20 hours every day.

During construction, the workers often had only 2–4 hours at low tide

They built in small increments, laying one course of stone at a time.

Sometimes an entire day's work consisted of setting only a few stones.

Workers battled pounding waves,

violent storms,

freezing temperatures, and

constant danger.

Yet after four years, the Bell Rock Lighthouse stood complete in 1811

Still stands today - world's oldest surviving sea-washed lighthouse.

NOW The lighthouse had to be staffed.

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Keepers lived there for weeks at a time,

isolated from their families and

surrounded by the sea.

During fierce North Sea storms,

enormous waves crashed against the granite tower.

The keepers could not stop the wind.

They could not calm the sea.

They could not rescue every ship battling the storm.

BUT THEY COULD DO WHAT THEY WERE CALLED TO DO.

Every evening they climbed the tower,

trimmed the wicks,

refilled the oil,

cleaned and polished the lenses, and

kept the light burning.

IN THAT TASK, MANY LIVES WERE SAVED.

Bell Rock often had multiple generations from the same families serving as lighthouse keepers.

Fathers, sons, and grandsons devoted themselves to the work.

Some resigned because of the hardships.

Others actually preferred the lonely station and faithfully served there for years.

Night after night.

Storm after storm.

Year after year.

The Bell Rock Lighthouse has stood in the North Sea for more than two hundred years.

It survived violent storms,

German machine-gun attacks during World War II,

a devastating fire,

a helicopter crashing into its lantern room in 1955.

The granite has been scarred.

Windows have been replaced.

Railings have been rebuilt.

But through every trial, one thing remained true: the light kept shining.

They understood that if the light ever failed, sailors depending on it might perish in the darkness.

Their greatness was not found in dramatic heroics but in quiet, unwavering faithfulness.

Point or Perspective from Story

Faithfulness often feels unimpressive because progress seems so small. But God builds His kingdom one act of obedience at a time.

Our calling as Christians is much the same.

We cannot control the storms around us.

We cannot change the culture overnight.

We cannot eliminate persecution.

But we can remain faithful.

Jesus never asked His Church to stop every storm.

He simply commanded us to keep the light burning.

Philadelphia was that kind of church.

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Overview of Subject

Over the past six weeks we have watched Jesus address churches struggling with:

lost love

persecution

compromise

false teaching

spiritual corruption

spiritual death

Today we arrive at one of only two churches that receive no rebuke whatsoever.

That alone should make us stop and listen.

If Jesus never criticizes this church, then perhaps Philadelphia shows us the kind of church He desires every congregation to become.

Yet surprisingly...

They were not wealthy.

They were not influential.

They were not powerful.

In fact...Jesus says,

"You have but little power."

By the world's standards they looked insignificant.

By Christ's standards they were magnificent.

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Let’s take a look at the letter to the church at Philadelphia.

Key Scripture (if applicable)

ALREADY READ BY THE LAY LEADER

Revelation 3:7–13 ESV

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. 8 “ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Body of Message

CHART [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Let’s take a quick look at the chart as we evaluate the letter (Church of Sardis).

Explanation

Address - To what church. (Map of Route - Starting in Patmos)

Description / Title of Jesus - Each title

demonstrates His authority

relates to the substance of the letter

Commendation - What the church was doing right.

Two of the churches had little commendation.

Rebuke - What the church was doing wrong.

Two of the churches had no rebuke.

Call to Repent - This often came with consequences.

Promise to the Overcomer - What happens if the church or its members heeded the warning that Jesus gave them in the letter.

Closing Call - “He who has an ear, let him hear . . . “

It’s location is important.

Is it in the BODY OF THE LETTER?

Is it at the END OF THE LETTER (Post Script).

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We’re going to look at the address to the church and what it DOES NOT MEAN!!!

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Revelation 3:7 ESV

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

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Address - Philadelphia

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Means:

φίλος (philos) – "love," "affection," or "dear friend"

ἀδελφός (adelphos) – "brother"

City named after King Attalus II Philadelphus

Had a committed love and support for his brother while his brother was king (before him).

The city's name means brotherly love,

but that is not why Jesus commended this church.

He did not praise them because of the name on their city gates.

Jesus calls Christians brothers.

Matthew 12

Matthew 25

Matthew 28

The city of Philadelphia means 'brotherly love.'

But there is an even greater truth regarding this church.

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Jesus Title

Holy One - (Jesus was recognized as the HOLY ONE OF GOD (OT title for God).

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The True One - Truth - Jesus declared Himself the way the truth and the life.

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John 14:6 ESV

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

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has the Key of David

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From messianic prophecy Isaiah 22:22

Isaiah 22:22 ESV

22 And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.

This is based on exclusive authority given to Eliakim over Jerusalem and Judah.

indicating that the key grants

stewardship over the people and resources of the kingdom

gives control over access to the Kingdom.

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see last part of v.7

He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.

This is Jesus’ claim to the throne and His authority over all.

IN THIS TITLE JESUS IS CLAIMING

He is Holiness, one with God.

He is Truth and He is Faithful

Ties into His second coming.

Revelation 19:11 ESV

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.

CHART

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COMMENDATION [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Point 1 -Jesus Sees Faithfulness More Than Strength

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Revelation 3:8 ESV

8 “ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

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"I know your works."

Those four words should encourage every believer.

Christ sees.

He knows.

Nothing escapes His attention.

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Psalm 139:1–3 ESV

1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.

Notice He never says,

"I know your numbers."

"I know your budget."

"I know your popularity."

Instead He says, [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

"I know your works."

The church possessed little strength, yet great obedience.

They kept His Word.

They never denied His Name.

and this is the promise . . .

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Matthew 10:32–33 ESV

32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Our culture measures success by visibility.

Jesus measures success by faithfulness.

Churches can become obsessed with attendance, buildings, and influence.

Jesus asks something much simpler:

"Have you remained faithful?"

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Point 2 - Jesus Opens Doors for Faithful Servants

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Revelation 3:8–10 ESV

8 “ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.

For the church at Philadelphia specifically, this part of the promise, of the COMMENDATION . . .

carried urgent relevance.

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The church possessed “little power”

yet faced open doors for ministry.

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And they kept God’s Word

Did not DENY HIS NAME.

OPEN DOORS IS OPPORTUNITY

This was opportunity for Ministry

But THEY WERE FAITHFUL.

THEY WERE OBEDIENT.

THEY KEPT HIS WORD.

Christ’s possession of the key of David meant He (JESUS)—

not their circumstances or their enemies—

controlled what doors would open before them.

Their weakness became irrelevant because . . .

their destiny rested entirely in the sovereign hands of Jesus.

Sometimes we pray,

"Lord, make me stronger."

Perhaps instead we should pray,

"Lord, help me be faithful where You've placed me."

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(Referring to his ‘thorn in the flesh’) PAUL WROTE (referring to Jesus):

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 ESV

9 But he (JESUS) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

God rarely asks us to do everything.

HE DOES ASK US TO BE OBEDIENT.

CHART

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THERE IS NO REBUKE

Though they had little -

THEY WERE FAITHFUL.

THEY WERE OBEDIENT

Instead of a CALL TO REPENT . . . [CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

They were encouraged.

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Point 3 - Jesus Rewards Those Who Hold Fast

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Revelation 3:11–13 ESV

11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

The premise of this starts with the first four words.

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

I AM COMING SOON!!!!

Jesus’s return is imminent. WHEN?

Mark 13:31–33 ESV

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.

This isn’t merely a statement about timing;

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it’s an urgent call to vigilance.

From eternity’s perspective,

Christ’s return is perpetually imminent, (He can come ANY TIME)

making the promise always relevant to believers across every generation

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HERE IS THE KEY COMMAND TO THIS CHURCH.

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HOLD FAST!!!

Maintaining this grip proves difficult for those with limited strength,

and the stakes are eternal—

believers risk losing heavenly rewards through spiritual compromise.

Philadelphia’s believers must endure

without surrendering what they’ve already gained.

THEY ARE CALLED TO BE STEADFAST.

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Starting with “I WILL WRITE ON HIM . . . (Like branding of animals)

(THESE ARE THE BELIEVERS)

THESE ARE YOU AND I . . .

THE FAITHFUL BELIEVERS

THE OBEDIENT BELIEVES

THOSE WHO DO THE WILL OF GOD

THOSE WHO SUBMIT TO HIM

THOSE WITH A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM

God is making us part of His household, His Kingdom, His possession.

The inscribed names signify God’s ownership—

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the name of my God

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the name of the city of my God

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the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven

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my own new name

God marks believers as His redeemed property,

eternally belonging to His family.

WE, AS BELIEVERS, ARE BOUGHT AND PAID FOR . . .

BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. WE ARE HIS.

Application

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Every true believer longs to hear one day, this . . .

Luke 19:17 ESV

17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’

Not . . .

successful servant.

Influential servant.

Popular servant.

Faithful servant.

Summary (What have we learned?)

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Christ values faithfulness above human strength.

We don’t have the same gifts, talents, skills, etc.

We all have the capability to be faithful.

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Christ Himself opens the doors His people need.

We don’t need to worry about whether or not we are

good enough

strong enough

popular enough

influential enough

God is sufficient for ALL OUR NEEDS.

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Christ promises eternal reward to those who faithfully endure.

The Church at Philadelphia reminds us that God accomplishes extraordinary things

through ordinary believers who refuse to quit.

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Preview of Next Message

LAODICEA

Next week we encounter perhaps the most famous—

and most sobering—

letter of the seven churches.

The church at Laodicea believed it was rich.

Successful.

Comfortable.

Self-sufficient.

But Jesus saw something entirely different.

Philadelphia thought they were weak...

and Christ praised them.

Laodicea thought they were strong...

and Christ rebuked them.

The contrast could not be greater.

Call to Action

This morning...

Where has God placed you?

Perhaps you feel

too old...

too young...

too weak...

too discouraged...

too unnoticed.

Remember Philadelphia.

Jesus never asked them to become stronger.

He simply asked them to remain faithful.

To Trust in Him.

So this week...

Keep His Word.

Do not deny His Name.

Walk through every door He opens.

Hold fast until He comes.

And totally, unconditionally, TRUST IN GOD.

At the beginning of every AA meeting they recite the Serenity Prayer.

BUT ONLY THE FIRST FOUR LINES.

The true message of that prayer is captured in the entire prayer.

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Let’s pray this prayer together. (ON THE SCREEN)

Pray (Pastor) -> (Related to Message)

God, grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

enjoying one moment at a time;

accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;

taking, as Jesus did,

this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;

trusting that You will make all things right

if I surrender to Your will;

so that I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

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[Sit/Stand]

CHOIR / SONG🎵#368

Trust and Obey

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COMMUNION

(1st Sunday only - LAST PAGES)

INVITATION TO COMMUNION (1st Sunday only - BELOW)

RITE OF COMMUNION (1st Sunday only - BELOW)———————————————————

(LAY LEADER) OFFERING

(LAY LEADER) DOXOLOGY

DOXOLOGY: Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

(LAY LEADER) PRAYER OF DEDICATION (for Offering)

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CHOIR / SONG🎵#349

Take My Life, and Let It Be

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BENEDICTION

PASTOR: Inspirational Conclusion🎉😁❤️

BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN THE LORD

The world celebrates greatness.

Jesus celebrates faithfulness.

History remembers kings.

Jesus remembers servants.

The world admires power.

Jesus honors perseverance.

You may never write a famous book.

Lead thousands.

Stand before great crowds.

Maybe you will . . .

But if you faithfully follow Christ every day...

He sees.

He knows.

He remembers.

And one day...

The One who holds the Key of David...

The One who opens doors no one can shut...

Will welcome every faithful believer into His eternal kingdom.

On that day, every sacrifice will be eternally rewarded.

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PASTOR: BENEDICTION

Before we go, I want to extend an invitation. If God has been speaking to your heart today, or if there is a burden you've been carrying, please don't leave without receiving prayer. Come to the altar — I'll be waiting, and we will believe together."

Go now in the grace and strength of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When you feel weak, remember His strength is sufficient.

When you face opposition, remember He has opened the door before you.

When you grow weary, remember He sees your faithfulness.

Hold fast to His Word.

Do not deny His Name.

Walk faithfully until the day He comes.

And may the blessing of God Almighty—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—be with you and remain with you always.

Amen.

Go in PEACE AND LOVE.

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WHILE PEOPLE ARE DEPARTING:

If you need prayer today, come on. Don't leave without it.

If you need prayer, please come.

Don't leave carrying that burden alone.

If God is tugging at your heart right now, respond to that. Come.

If you came in today with a heavy heart, you don't have to leave the same way.

If the Lord is working in your heart today, you're welcome to come pray.

If you'd like someone to pray with you, I'll be here.

Whether it's a spiritual concern, a family matter, or a personal need, you're welcome to come.

If you would like to know more about following Christ, please come speak with me.

Don’t hesitate to come forward if you’d like someone to pray with you.

If the Lord is stirring something in your heart, come.

If you’re carrying a burden today, you don’t have to carry it alone.

FINAL SLIDE OPTIONS:

Go in the Peace of Christ You are invited to continue in fellowship in the Fellowship Hall. Please come join us.

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PASTOR: COMMUNION PORTION

READ/PREACH: 1 Cor 11:23-29

1 Corinthians 11:23–29 NASB95

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly.

1. Opening Prayer (Variable)

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, remembering the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we partake of this bread and cup, we proclaim His death until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26). Cleanse us from sin, renew our hearts, and help us approach this Table with reverence and faith. Thank You for the cross, for the blood that was shed, and for the grace that saves.

May this meal strengthen our unity, deepen our love for Christ, and stir our hope in His return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

2. Scripture Reading & Brief Exhortation (Variable)

Text: Luke 22:14–20

Luke 22:14–20 ESV

14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17

Luke 22:14–20 ESV

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19

Luke 22:14–20 ESV

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

(NASB)

When the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”

And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.

3. Exhortation (Brief) (Variable)

Condemned men in prison are customarily given a last meal before they are put to death. Jesus, too, was a condemned man, with one last meal to eat before dying. Soon He would be betrayed, condemned and crucified for crimes He did not commit. He would be arrested, beaten, abused, and killed. He endured this suffering for us, giving grace to all believers, and inaugurating this celebration of redemption. As we partake, let us all remember the cross, and the love that led Him there. Let us take a moment and examine ourselves, repent, and come to the table with renewed faith and reverence.

4. The Lord’s Supper

Invitation (Variable)

All who have put their trust in Christ alone for salvation, and who walk in fellowship with Him and with His church, are invited to join with us in communion.

Distribution of the Bread:

“This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24)

(Eat the bread together)

Distribution of the Cup:

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25)

(Drink the cup together)

5. Closing Prayer (Options)

Gracious Father,

As we sit in stillness before You, we thank You for the body and blood of Christ, given for us. May the gospel we have just proclaimed through this meal dwell richly in our hearts. Strengthen our faith, deepen our repentance, and renew our love for You and for one another.

Help us leave this Table not unchanged, but resolved to walk in holiness, bearing fruit in keeping with our salvation, until Christ returns in glory. To you be all glory and honor and praise.

In Jesus’ name we pray,

Amen.