This is a presentation from Pat Humphreys, the Worship Team leader for the Sacramento Metro church of Christ; it was delivered on November 21, 2009:
Revelation 4:1ff
-Do you see how intense worshipping God is?
-Worship shows our loyalty to Him.
-We must surrender our souls to Him with a humble and contrite heart.
James 4:6-10
-You are responsible for your humility before God.
Habakkuk 3:10
-Do you stand in awe of God's deeds?
Romans 12:1
-Worship is how Christians live!
-True worship demands complete engagement to God.
I Peter 2:9-10
-Are you, as a Christian, living up to your new description?
Acts 17:24-25
-You must worship God to please Him.
James 4:8
-Draw near to God to develop a Christlike character.
Romans 12:2
-You must renew your minds in worship
-Remember, God's people are His treasured possessions.
Colossians 3;16
-Sing songs, hymns, and spiritual songs.
I Timothy 2:1
-Prayer is important to remain engaged with God.
I Corinthians 4:8-13
You can either help or hurt the body of Christ by proper worship.
Comment: If each of us worships God in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:23-24), growth occurs. The Worship team is not formed to entertain, but to edify the saints. May God bless this new ministry! -CL
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Love your Neighbor
"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ,Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. " -James 2:8-10
The second part of the Great Commandment is to love our neighbors. Over the past month in the Sacramento Church, we as a congregation went through a month of repentance. As a fellowship, we have sinned greatly in not loving our neighbors, not only nonbelievers, but within the Body of Christ.
One concept that I personally struggle with is giving my heart to people. Often using my past hurts and the mistakes I made affecting others around me as an excuse, I come off a man who just doesn't want to be around humanity. I often have to fight to allow the Spirit to work with me as i interact with people. Yet, sometimes my ego and my fears conquer me. I even go as far as judging people without really getting to know them based on age, status, and even intellect.
James the Elder in the above passage of Scripture warns us that if we do not love, we are lawbreakers. I personally do not want to continue to commit this sin; I want to move forward and learn how to love as Christ loved me. -CL
The second part of the Great Commandment is to love our neighbors. Over the past month in the Sacramento Church, we as a congregation went through a month of repentance. As a fellowship, we have sinned greatly in not loving our neighbors, not only nonbelievers, but within the Body of Christ.
One concept that I personally struggle with is giving my heart to people. Often using my past hurts and the mistakes I made affecting others around me as an excuse, I come off a man who just doesn't want to be around humanity. I often have to fight to allow the Spirit to work with me as i interact with people. Yet, sometimes my ego and my fears conquer me. I even go as far as judging people without really getting to know them based on age, status, and even intellect.
James the Elder in the above passage of Scripture warns us that if we do not love, we are lawbreakers. I personally do not want to continue to commit this sin; I want to move forward and learn how to love as Christ loved me. -CL
Friday, October 2, 2009
Filling the Void.
Note: This is from a Bible Talk at California State University, Sacramento on October 2, 2009:
Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
-What would happens if you were given all the pleasures of the world?
-How would you feel ten years from now?
Mark 8:34-38
-What is the one thing you must give up to serve God?
-What does it really cost to gain everything from the world?
The void can only be filled by Jesus Christ, not materials!
Comment: Thank you ,John and Arlene Markowski of the Los Angeles church of Christ , for leading this thought-provoking discussion. These passages of Scripture is a reminder that, while God blesses us with our talents and gifts, the ultimate fulfillment comes from Him alone.
Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
-What would happens if you were given all the pleasures of the world?
-How would you feel ten years from now?
Mark 8:34-38
-What is the one thing you must give up to serve God?
-What does it really cost to gain everything from the world?
The void can only be filled by Jesus Christ, not materials!
Comment: Thank you ,John and Arlene Markowski of the Los Angeles church of Christ , for leading this thought-provoking discussion. These passages of Scripture is a reminder that, while God blesses us with our talents and gifts, the ultimate fulfillment comes from Him alone.
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Battle is God's, Not Ours!
Note: This is a sermon delivered to the Sacramento Church on September 13, 2009 by Don Splitt:
II Chronicles 20:1-30
-Why is the aspects of singing, praying, and worship important?
-Do you realize that you are in a spiritual battle on a daily basis?
-Are you alarmed by the sin (especially yours)?
-Do you inquire to the Lord (pray)? Fast? Sing?
-Do you seek help from Him?
James 1:1-3
-Do you consider trials a joy?
Matthew 18:15-17
-Do you confront sin or respond to hurt feelings or pet peeves?
-Are you honest in communication?
II Chronicles 20:12, 15-16
-Are you humble enough to allow God to help you?
-Are you willing to step up?
-What are you doing with your faith in Christ?
-Are you in the game or the sidelines?
Philippians 1:6
-Are you participating in the work of God?
-Are you really prepared and focused during worship?
II Chronicles 20:18-21
-Will you stand firm?
Zephaniah 3:17
-God rejoices over singing
Psalm 136:1ff.
-Why do we sing?
-Does it move you to draw near to God?
(Don used the example of singing over his two children, Alicia and Alek and its impact on their lives.)
II Chronicles 20:29-30
-The importance of fasting.
Acts 2;42-47
-God works if you obey Him.
Comment: Worship and drawing near to God is crucial for survival of this spiritual battle. The one thing I took from it is not allowing defeats and the lack of other people's responses to God to hinder my own walk with Him. I also have to realize that worship is not to be taken lightly and I have to come to church with respect and reverence for God. I pray that you read and remember this lesson to allow God to work in your life. -CL
II Chronicles 20:1-30
-Why is the aspects of singing, praying, and worship important?
-Do you realize that you are in a spiritual battle on a daily basis?
-Are you alarmed by the sin (especially yours)?
-Do you inquire to the Lord (pray)? Fast? Sing?
-Do you seek help from Him?
James 1:1-3
-Do you consider trials a joy?
Matthew 18:15-17
-Do you confront sin or respond to hurt feelings or pet peeves?
-Are you honest in communication?
II Chronicles 20:12, 15-16
-Are you humble enough to allow God to help you?
-Are you willing to step up?
-What are you doing with your faith in Christ?
-Are you in the game or the sidelines?
Philippians 1:6
-Are you participating in the work of God?
-Are you really prepared and focused during worship?
II Chronicles 20:18-21
-Will you stand firm?
Zephaniah 3:17
-God rejoices over singing
Psalm 136:1ff.
-Why do we sing?
-Does it move you to draw near to God?
(Don used the example of singing over his two children, Alicia and Alek and its impact on their lives.)
II Chronicles 20:29-30
-The importance of fasting.
Acts 2;42-47
-God works if you obey Him.
Comment: Worship and drawing near to God is crucial for survival of this spiritual battle. The one thing I took from it is not allowing defeats and the lack of other people's responses to God to hinder my own walk with Him. I also have to realize that worship is not to be taken lightly and I have to come to church with respect and reverence for God. I pray that you read and remember this lesson to allow God to work in your life. -CL
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Enduring Kingdom
Note: This is a sermon from the Sunday Worship service at the conclusion of the ICMC on August 9, 2009; it was delivered by Tommy Thang, Richard Buckner, and Bruce Williams. These men minister to the Los Angeles church of Christ and serve the Campus Ministries at UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, and Cal State Fullerton, respectively.
I Chronicles 17:16-19
-Gratitude is an enduring attitude.
-Are you grateful?`
-What qualities in you you can help share the message of hope in Christ?
vv 20-22
-Realize as a believer that God is with you and you have to expect victory.
I Samuel 17:34-37
-Do you have the integrity to dig deep in my walk with God?
vv.23-24
-Expect victory!
Psalm 5:3
-If you want to be part of God's enduring Kingdom, I ought to expect more from your ministry(and your fellowship).
Exodus 33:17-18
-Do I want to see god's glory on your institution (or area)?
-Matthew 7:7-11
-Do you settle when God doesn't answer prayer right away? [Note: God always answers prayer, but in His timing, not ours.]
Practicals:
-Save more souls! Set a goal [Lord willing, the SMCC Campus Ministry will double from 12 to 25].
-Get trained in the Word!
Comment: What a way to end the ICMC! Withe the 2009-2010 school year underway, it now time for us, as the Body of Christ, to proclaim the gospel. The Campus Ministry is off to a good evangelistic start with a baptism and we will allow the Spirit to work with us to seek and save the lost.
I Chronicles 17:16-19
-Gratitude is an enduring attitude.
-Are you grateful?`
-What qualities in you you can help share the message of hope in Christ?
vv 20-22
-Realize as a believer that God is with you and you have to expect victory.
I Samuel 17:34-37
-Do you have the integrity to dig deep in my walk with God?
vv.23-24
-Expect victory!
Psalm 5:3
-If you want to be part of God's enduring Kingdom, I ought to expect more from your ministry(and your fellowship).
Exodus 33:17-18
-Do I want to see god's glory on your institution (or area)?
-Matthew 7:7-11
-Do you settle when God doesn't answer prayer right away? [Note: God always answers prayer, but in His timing, not ours.]
Practicals:
-Save more souls! Set a goal [Lord willing, the SMCC Campus Ministry will double from 12 to 25].
-Get trained in the Word!
Comment: What a way to end the ICMC! Withe the 2009-2010 school year underway, it now time for us, as the Body of Christ, to proclaim the gospel. The Campus Ministry is off to a good evangelistic start with a baptism and we will allow the Spirit to work with us to seek and save the lost.
Monday, August 17, 2009
It's a Small World After All!
Note: This is the third keynote address delivered at the ICMC on August 7, 2009 by Anthony Galang. Anthony and his wife, Saun, serve the Los Angeles church of Christ and oversee the Campus Ministry at UCLA. They also were anchors in the LA Church's news program, Kingdom News Network (now Disciples Today).
Genesis 2:18
-We are designed by God to be connected.
-Who are three people you are connected to?
-If we stay connected, we'll be protected.
Matthew 6:33
-Seek first His Kingdom
Hebrews 3:12-13
-Call others to take their faith higher!
Hebrews 10:24-25
-Do not forsake meeting together in worship.
-We are ultimately responsible for staying connected.
Exodus 17:8ff
-lift each others arms up!
Ephesians 6:1ff
Global connections takes effort.
Comment: This lesson took place before everyone went to Disneyland that afternoon (Hence the title "It's a Small World"). However, the point to this that, as the body of Christ,we must stay connected in order to grow in our walk with Him. -CEL
Genesis 2:18
-We are designed by God to be connected.
-Who are three people you are connected to?
-If we stay connected, we'll be protected.
Matthew 6:33
-Seek first His Kingdom
Hebrews 3:12-13
-Call others to take their faith higher!
Hebrews 10:24-25
-Do not forsake meeting together in worship.
-We are ultimately responsible for staying connected.
Exodus 17:8ff
-lift each others arms up!
Ephesians 6:1ff
Global connections takes effort.
Comment: This lesson took place before everyone went to Disneyland that afternoon (Hence the title "It's a Small World"). However, the point to this that, as the body of Christ,we must stay connected in order to grow in our walk with Him. -CEL
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The World's Defiance
Note: This is the second keynote address from the ICMC delivered on August 7. 2009 by John Markowski. John and his wife, Arlene, serve the Los Angeles church of Christ and oversee the Campus Ministries of USC and California State University, Los Angeles.
Revelation 12:15
-Satan is out to attack us!
Psalm 58:3-5
-How do you view Satan-a sly, mischievous character in a red suit and a pitchfork or as a dangerous serpent?
Genesis 3:1ff (the Fall of Man)
-Satan is manipulative and a liar (see also John 8:44).
II Corinthians 11:3
-Have you been led astray by Satan's lies?
-Does worldliness creep into your life (James 4:4)?
-Do you want what the world wants (I Samuel 8:1-8)?
-Are you sucked into the worldliness of the "Christian" world (i.e., if Christianity what you do or being in Christ who you are)? (see Acts 11:26 and I John 2:6).
What about us?
-On average, young people spend 3518 hours on electronic media (TV, Internet, etc)?
-Are you willing to face your fears?
James 4:7, I Peter 5:9-Resist Satan and he will flee!
Numbers 23:9
-Are you, as a Christian, set apart (holy)?
Questions:
-Are you willing to change your view of Satan?
-What specific area in your life makes you vulnerable to Satan's attacks?
-What decisions you must make to remove evil (sin) out of your life?
Comment: After hearing John's address, I had to make the decision to repent of any bitterness and resentment I have in my life and to be part of the solution rather than complain about the problems I have with people. This flaw in my character stemmed from the ordeal and constant teasing from childhood, especially after I was burned in a fire. Now in my thirties, it is now time to stop bitterness and resentment from leading me to Satan's path of destruction. -CEL.
Revelation 12:15
-Satan is out to attack us!
Psalm 58:3-5
-How do you view Satan-a sly, mischievous character in a red suit and a pitchfork or as a dangerous serpent?
Genesis 3:1ff (the Fall of Man)
-Satan is manipulative and a liar (see also John 8:44).
II Corinthians 11:3
-Have you been led astray by Satan's lies?
-Does worldliness creep into your life (James 4:4)?
-Do you want what the world wants (I Samuel 8:1-8)?
-Are you sucked into the worldliness of the "Christian" world (i.e., if Christianity what you do or being in Christ who you are)? (see Acts 11:26 and I John 2:6).
What about us?
-On average, young people spend 3518 hours on electronic media (TV, Internet, etc)?
-Are you willing to face your fears?
James 4:7, I Peter 5:9-Resist Satan and he will flee!
Numbers 23:9
-Are you, as a Christian, set apart (holy)?
Questions:
-Are you willing to change your view of Satan?
-What specific area in your life makes you vulnerable to Satan's attacks?
-What decisions you must make to remove evil (sin) out of your life?
Comment: After hearing John's address, I had to make the decision to repent of any bitterness and resentment I have in my life and to be part of the solution rather than complain about the problems I have with people. This flaw in my character stemmed from the ordeal and constant teasing from childhood, especially after I was burned in a fire. Now in my thirties, it is now time to stop bitterness and resentment from leading me to Satan's path of destruction. -CEL.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
