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.
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:
Some of the Small Groups this fall
Today's Order of Worship
Welcome
Morning Prayer
Opening Songs
Pastoral Prayer
Message
Closing Worship
Benediction
Songs for Worship
9:30am
“From The Rising Of The Sun” 2024
“He Leadeth Me O Blessed Thought” 128
“Rescue The Perishing” 591
11:00am
Control - Somehow you need me
King of Kings In Christ Alone
Message Notes:
Ephesians: Who do you think you are?
You are: Saints
Ephesians 1:15-23
Destination Fixation
We spend so much of our time trying to get somewhere. While much of it is good: like paying rent on time, raising children, or education. It's important to see how endless striving - getting the next task done, on climbing the next mountain - can become unhealthy.
How does our identity as saints help us keep our future in right perspective?
You are: Saints
Ephesians 1:15–16 NIV
The life of a saint... Now and Not Yet
The future He has planned us.
Ephesians 1:17 NIV
The riches of His inheritance
Ephesians 1:18 NIV
John 14:19 NIV
The power He has for us.
Ephesians 1:19–21 NIV
Ephesians 1:22–23 NIV
Who do you think you are?
A saint knows -and- continues to seek after God.
Take it Home:
Spiritual Development: Fasting
In this week's sermon, we discussed how fasting is a means by which we enjoy and abide in our identity as saints.
Below are some questions to help reflect on, discuss and apply the this spiritual practice.
What has your past experience with fasting been? Why have you or haven’t you fasted in the past? What has Jesus taught you about or through fasting?
Read Matthew 9:14-15. What does Jesus say is the purpose of fasting? In what ways has Jesus’ kingdom not fully come to bear in your world? Where are you praying for Jesus to come in and push back darkness?
Read Isaiah 58. What insights does God give us about the type of fasting that He desires?
Are there any "functional saviors" that you should consider fasting from? If so, what? (These could be morally neutral things.) Here are some helpful questions to help you diagnose:
What things absolutely draw you away from Jesus?
What things distract you from Jesus or cause you to grow numb to Him?
What things become excuses for not participating in community or serving others?
What things do you run to when you are hungry, angry, lonely or tired?
What might help you to be encouraged in your times of fasting?
This week's prayer focus:
Sunday - Our Mission: God, grant boldness and opportunities for us to share the Gospel with others. Ephesians 6:19
Monday - Our Church: God, help us be financially responsible and good stewards of the blessings You’ve provided. Malachi 3:10
Tuesday - Our Leadership: God, allow nothing to hinder our ministers and volunteers from Your calling on their lives. Nehemiah 6:3
Wednesday - Families: God, help us recognize the importance of first making disciples of Christ in our homes. Proverbs 22:6
Thursday - Our Community: God, we ask for your healing of the broken structures and systems in our community. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Friday - Children/Youth: God, help our young people humbly submit to and honor those in authority over them. Ephesians 6:1-3
Saturday - Adults: God cause our adults to humble themselves and seek Your face. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Merger Prayer Focus: Laying the Foundation
At the beginning of the Vital Merger process, many foundational pieces need to be in place. This first 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.