I pray that your time with us in today's worship encourages your faith and helps you move closer to Jesus as you discover more of his plan for your life.
We are continuing a study of the book of Ephesians through a series of messages titled "Who do you think you are?".
Today we are challenged to consider the power of having an identity determined by God rather than ourselves, our performance, or the world. Our being "In Christ" is a work of grace in our lives which we are empowered to live in response to through faith.
As we read these words we discover what it means to be NEW rather than just improved.
8:30 am
Live @Raum Chapel UMC
9:30 am
Live @Wesley Chapel UMC
11:00 am
Live @Rock Hall Church
Live online @https://yourrockhall.online.church
This week's announcements:
Today's Order of Worship
Welcome
Morning Prayer
Opening Songs
Pastoral Prayer
Message
Closing Worship
Benediction
Songs for Worship
9:30am
Give Thanks
We Gather Together
Come Ye Thankful People Come
11:00am
Jesus Messiah
Way Maker
The Way
Message Notes:
Ephesians 4:17-5:20
Who do you think you are?
You are: NEW
Ephesians 4:1
Life: Now and Then
According to attribution theory:
Relationships shape our identity.
Identity affects our thought processes.
Thoughts inform our emotions.
Emotions influence our behavior.
Behaviors establish our relationships.
Way of H________________
Ephesians 4:20–24
Way of L________________
Ephesians 4:25–5:2
Way of L________________
Ephesians 5:3–14
Way of W________________
Ephesians 5:15–20
Keys to the New Life:
O______________ the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 4:30
F__________________ the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 5:18
You are: New
Take it Home:
Spiritual Development: Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina (Latin for "divine reading") is an ancient way of prayerfully reading and meditating upon the Scripture. Rooted in the Spiritual practices of the ancient Israelites and further developed in the Early Church, Lectio Divina has taken many forms over the centuries, but has come to be most often characterized by the following process:
Before beginning, still your heart and body, releasing tension and breathing deeply. Use a brief prayer of preparation such as the Jesus Prayer to "center ourselves" in the Presence of the Lord.
1. Lectio (Read) - read a passage of Scripture (not too long), slowly, reverently, listening for God's voice.
2. Meditatio (Reflect) - What word or phrase "catches your attention"? What "strikes a chord" with your spirit, your concerns, your memories? Is there something that challenges you? Focus upon that word or phrase, re-reading or reciting it, writing it on your heart...
How does this word speak to your life...?
What is Christ calling you to do or to become...?
3. Oratio (Respond in Prayer) - Speak your thoughts and feelings to God, still listening for his voice; offer to him in prayer your whole self, including any brokenness within that needs to receive the healing word he is speaking. This may be a time of repentance and also of receiving God's encouragement.
4. Contemplatio (Rest in God) - Silently rest in the awareness of the enveloping Presence, the embrace of the Living Holy and Triune God who has come to meet you through his Word. Enjoy the experience of being in the awesome Divine Presence.
We should be careful not to expect lightening or ecstasies whenever we practice Lectio Divina; God is not so much wanting to reach out and grab us as he is inviting us to listen to his 'still small voice'.
This week's prayer focus:
Sunday - Our Mission: God, increase the desire of believers to fulfill the Great Commission. Matthew 28:19-20
Monday - Our Church: God, direct our vision for the Future. Proverbs 19:21
Tuesday - Our Leadership: God, help our ministers and volunteers persevere in Your work. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Wednesday - Families: God, help our families be committed to the Lord and His Work. Joshua 24:15
Thursday - Our Community: God, bring salvation to the lost. Luke 19:10
Friday - Children/Youth: God, help our young people set an example of godliness for others. 1 Timothy 4:12
Saturday - Adults: God, give our adults discernment to not be deceived by the world and Satan. 1 Peter 5:8
Merger Prayer Focus: Laying the Foundation
At the beginning a process, many foundational pieces need to be in place. This week of prayer will focus on building a solid foundation.
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12
1. Pray for an openness to God’s presence. Isaiah 43:19
2. Pray for an openness to the action of God’s Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8
3. Pray for our Merger Team Matt 6:10
4. Pray for your neighbors Luke 10:25-29
5. Pray for the Mission Luke 4:17-21
6. Pray for Vision, Proverbs 29:18
7. Pray for Clarity of values Matt 6:24
Bible Reading Plan:
Join us for our 5x5x5 New Testament Reading Plan. 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week, & 5 questions to go deeper.
Opmerkingen