Orrville Christian Church Sermons

Father's DayThe Ripple Continued2 Timothy 1:2“Leading a family through the chaos of American culture is like leading a small patrol through enemy-occupied territory…” Steve Farrar, Point ManHow can our faith RIPPLE out to the next generation?R – REMEMBER your ROOTS (2 Timothy 1:3-5; 3:14-15)I – INVEST INTENTIONALLY (2 Timothy 1:13-14)P – PERSEVERE through CHALLENGES (2 Timothy 2:1; 4:3-4)P – PASS on the FAITH (2 Timothy 2:2)L – LINK arms with OTHERS (2 Timothy 4:19-21)E – EMBRACE your CALLING (2 Timothy 1:6-7)Takeaway: What RIPPLE will you start today?  “If I could relive my life, I would devote my entire ministry to reaching children for God.” D.L. Moody

The story of Jonah ends with God asking, “Should I not be concerned?” God was concerned about two things: 1. God was concerned about FORGIVENESS. (Jonah 4:1-5)The entire story of the Bible is one of forgiveness.While God was concerned about forgiveness, Jonah was concerned about FAIRNESS.Which are you most concerned about: forgiveness or fairness?Jesus teaches us about forgiving those who have sinned against us in Matthew 6:14-15.  2. God was concerned about PEOPLE. (Jonah 4:6-11)   God knows exactly what we need to help us become more like Christ.  While God was concerned about people, Jonah was concerned about a      PLANT.               Which are you most concerned about: people or things?Takeaway:Be concerned about that which God is concerned about.  OCC Core Value: “Others First: Where we prioritize others, especially people far from God.”

1.  New BEGINNINGS “The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.” Jonah 3:5 (NIV) 2.  True REPENTANCE. “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.” Jonah 3:10 (NIV) 3.  Divine COMPASSION Takeaways:·Let's be people who TRULY REPENT.·Let's be willing to GO and SHARE God's message wherever He sends us.

Rock Bottom: Prayers from the DeepJonah 2 2 Truths about God: 1. God is SOVEREIGN. 2 Extremes: DEISMDETERMINISM 3 Means: PERMISSIONDETERRENCEINFLUENCE God is never absent, never out of control, never hands-off.  2. God is SAVIOR. “Salvation comes from the Lord.” Jonah 2:9b  Takeaway: TRUST in God – because He is Sovereign. Give THANKS to God – because He is Savior. “As for you, were dead in your transgressions and sins… But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ… For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God…” Ephesians 2:1, 4, 5a, 8

Jonah: Prophet on the RunRunning Toward (or from) What's NextJonah 1:1-17 46 Love Week projects were completed this year!  4 Lessons from Jonah 1: 1. God's call isn't OPTIONAL – He sends us out for a REASON. (vv. 1-2)  2. You can't OUTRUN God – He's already where you're headed. (v. 3)  3. Sometimes the STORM is the WAKE-UP call you need. (vv. 4-6)  4. God's ultimate purpose is SALVATION and RESCUE. (vv. 15-17)  Takeaway: You can RUN, but you can never OUTRUN God's love. Take a 30-minute walk (or drive) this week to listen to God.

The Ripple2 Timothy 1:5 “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV) 2 Keys to Creating Christ-centered Ripples in Your Family: 1. LIVE out a SINCERE Faith. Make it PERSONAL. Make it VISIBLE. Make it RELATIONAL. 2. LINK arms with OTHERS. JESUS FAMILY CHURCH RESOURCES Takeaway: The Ripple Letter Challenge THANK your “Eunice.” ENCOURAGE your “Timothy.” 

Honest Questions, Real Answers: “Why Bother with Church When I Can Find Community Anywhere?”Hebrews 10:19-25 Bother with church because we are the only community who… 1. Approach God together in WORSHIP and PRAYER. (v. 22)“Let us draw near to God.” 2. STRENGTHEN each other's grip on HOPE. (v. 23)“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.” 3. Intentionally push each other toward ACTION with ETERNITY in view. (vv. 24-25)“Let us consider how we may spur one another on.” Takeaways:Stop treating church like it's OPTIONAL.Don't settle for SURFACE-LEVEL community.The question isn't “Why bother with church?” but “Why SETTLE for anything LESS?”

BIG Idea: Want to FIND your life? LOSE your life in SERVING others. 1. The REQUEST: AMBITION Revealed (Mark 10:35-37) 2. The RESPONSE: REALITY Check (Mark 10:38-41) “The WAY of the Lord is through the CROSS of the Lord.” 3.  The REALITY: True GREATNESS Defined (Mark 10:42-45) “Not so with you.” Mark 10:43 (NIV) SERVANT SLAVE “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (NIV) “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16 (NIV) Takeaway: Exercise your SERVE muscle through LOVE WEEK. Community Influence: We seek to impact every corner of our community. – OCC Core Value

Welcome to Orrville Christian Church! New around here? Simply text “New” to 330-597-9119 to get connected. Let us know you're watching! Connection Card: https://www.orrvillechristian.org/connectioncard Our Giving Website: https://www.OCCgive.com Visit us online at https://www.orrville.church

The CrossJohn 19:16-42 How the Cross changed What Jesus said from the Cross“Father forgive them…” (Luke 23:34)“…today you will be with me in paradise.” (Juke 23:43)“Woman, here is your son” (John 19:26)“My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)“I am thirsty” (John 19:28)“It is finished” (John 19: 30)“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)Why the Cross mattersThe cross lets us know we are forgivenThe cross shows the fulfillment of the LawThe cross show us the grace of God.The cross demonstrates the love of God.The cross invites us into relationship with God. Come to the Cross

The Final Hours: Christ's Journey to the Cross – The TrialBefore Jewish Authorities:·Phase #1: ANNASJohn 18:13-23·Phase #2: CAIAPHASMatthew 26:57-68; Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:54, 63-65; John 18:24·Phase #3: The SANHEDRINMatthew 27:1; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71 Before Roman Authorities:·Phase #4: PILATEMatthew 27:2, 11-14; Mark 15:1-5: Luke 23:1-6: John 18:28-383 Specific Charges in Luke 23:2 Against Jesus:1.He subverts the NATION.2.He opposes paying TAXES to Caesar.3.He claims to be the Christ, a KING. ·Phase 5: HERODLuke 23:6-12·Phase 6: PILATEMatthew 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-15; Luke 23:13-25; John 18:39-19:16 1.Stand firm in your IDENTITY.2.Know your MISSION.3.Be on the side of TRUTH.Keep the BIGGER PICTURE in mind.

4 Ways to Stand Firm When Things Get Tough:1.Build a STRONG FOUNDATION.2.Expect OPPOSITION.3.Be READY to give an ANSWER.4.Remember Christ's EXAMPLE.

Welcome to Orrville Christian Church! New around here? Simply text “New” to 330-597-9119 to get connected. Let us know you're watching! Connection Card: https://www.orrvillechristian.org/connectioncard Our Giving Website: https://www.OCCgive.com Visit us online at https://www.orrville.church

The Final Hours: Christ's Journey to the Cross – The Last SupperElements of Passover Meal:1.Passover LAMB2.Four CUPS of WineExodus 6:6-7·Promise 1 - The Cup of SANTIFICATION·Promise 2 - The Cup of DELIVERANCE·Promise 3 -  The Cup of REDEMPTION·Promise 4 - The Cup of PRAISE3. UNLEAVENED Bread4. Special PRAYERSQuestion #1: How often should Communion be taken?Question #2: Does taking Communion forgive my sins?Question #3: Should non-Christians take Communion?Question #4: How should I prepare myself to take Communion?1.REMEMBER the cross.2.REPENT of sin.3.RESPOND with obedience. 

Welcome to Orrville Christian Church! New around here? Simply text “New” to 330-597-9119 to get connected. Let us know you're watching! Connection Card: https://www.orrvillechristian.org/connectioncard Our Giving Website: https://www.OCCgive.com Visit us online at https://www.orrville.church

Welcome to Orrville Christian Church! New around here? Simply text “New” to 330-597-9119 to get connected. Let us know you're watching! Connection Card: https://www.orrvillechristian.org/connectioncard Our Giving Website: https://www.OCCgive.com Visit us online at https://www.orrville.church

Minor Prophets, Major Message: JoelFebruary 23, 2025“The Day of the LORD” is the major theme in Joel. (1:15; 2:1, 11, 31; 3:14)Joel's major message to God's people in light of this Day:1. RETURN to God. (2:12, 13)“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart… Return to the LORD your God…” Joel 2:12, 13 (ESV)2. REND your heart. (2:13)“Rend your heart and not your garments.” Joel 2:13 (NIV)3. Trust in God's power to RESTORE. (2:25, 26)“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten… You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you.” Joel 2:25, 26 (ESV)Takeaway:“For we will all stand before God's judgment seat.” Romans 14:10 (NIV)“And everyone who calls    on the name of the Lord will be saved…” Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21 (NIV)“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 (NIV)How will you respond to what God is saying through Joel?

Welcome to Orrville Christian Church! New around here? Simply text “New” to 330-597-9119 to get connected. Let us know you're watching! Connection Card: https://www.orrvillechristian.org/connectioncard Our Giving Website: https://www.OCCgive.com Visit us online at https://www.orrville.church

Welcome to Orrville Christian Church! New around here? Simply text “New” to 330-597-9119 to get connected. Let us know you're watching! Connection Card: https://www.orrvillechristian.org/connectioncard Our Giving Website: https://www.OCCgive.com Visit us online at https://www.orrville.church

Thriving Through Surrender - A Study of the Life of Zacchaeus  Luke 19:1-10I. The Condition of Zacchaeus' Life (Luke 19:1-2) ·  Zacchaeus was wealthy and influential, but he was still spiritually empty.·  No amount of success or wealth can substitute for real connection with God.·  The first step toward surrender is recognizing our _____ (Need). II. Zacchaeus' Pursuit of Jesus (Luke 19:3-4) Zacchaeus' pursuit of Jesus was marked by: 1. _________ (Humility) – He was willing to run and climb a tree, ignoring social expectations. 2. _________ (Desperation) – He didn't let obstacles stop him from seeing Jesus. 3. _________ (Faith) – He took bold action, believing that Jesus was worth the effort.  III. Jesus' Invitation and Zacchaeus' Response (Luke 19:5-6) · Jesus called Zacchaeus by _________, (Name) showing that He knew and valued him. · Jesus said, "I _________ (Must) (δεῖ) stay at your house today," showing divine purpose.  IV. A Life Transformed by Surrender (Luke 19:8-10) Zacchaeus' transformation was demonstrated by:·_________(Repentance)  – He acknowledged his past and sought to make things right. ·_________ (Restitution) – He willingly gave up what once defined him. ·_________(Restoration) – Jesus affirmed his salvation and restored his identity.

Welcome to Orrville Christian Church! New around here? Simply text “New” to 330-597-9119 to get connected. Let us know you're watching! Connection Card: https://www.orrvillechristian.org/connectioncard Our Giving Website: https://www.OCCgive.com Visit us online at https://www.orrville.church

THRIVE in '25: Have a Genuine FaithMark 11:12-25 3 Keys to a Genuine Faith:1. Focus on the HEART, not OUTWARD APPEARANCES. (vv. 12-14)2. Keep the MAIN THING the MAIN THING. (vv. 15-19)3. Cultivate a life of PRAYER. (vv. 20-25)A confidence in the POWER and GOODNESS of God.A willingness to FORGIVE.Takeaway: What is your next step toward a GENUINE FAITH?PRAY and MEDITATE on the Lord's Prayer every day this week.“This, then, is how you should pray:‘Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name,your kingdom come,your will be done,    on earth as it is in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.And forgive us our debts,    as we also have forgiven our debtors.And lead us not into temptation,     but deliver us from the evil one.For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.'”(Matthew 6:9-13)

THRIVE in ‘25: Answer God's CallExodus 3:1-4:173 Stages of God's Call to Moses: 1. Moses Doubts HIMSELF. (3:11-12)“Who am I?”“I will be with you.” Exodus 3:12 (NIV) 2. Moses Doubts His RECEPTION. (3:13-4:12)“What is your name?” (3:13-22)“What if they do not believe me?” (4:1-9)“I am not eloquent.” (4:10-12) 3. Moses REFUSES God's Call. (4:13-17) Takeaway: What does it mean for us to be CALLED by God?SALVATIONVOCATIONWITH OthersIn WORSHIP 

Thrive in ‘25: Choose to Obey GodGenesis 1-3“Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him.” Psalm 128:1 (NIV) 4 Factors:1. Acknowledge God's AUTHORITY over your life. (Genesis 1:1, 26-28)2. Know the STRATEGY of your ENEMY. (Genesis 3:1-5)3. Understand that you have a SINFUL NATURE. (Genesis 3:6-13)4. Find HOPE in God's PROVISION for you. (Genesis 3:15, 21-24) Takeaway: 

How Do You Want to Be Remembered?Acts 20:17-38“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NIV)3 Compelling Epitaphs:“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.” Acts 20:24 (NIV)1. I have been FAITHFUL to do what JESUS told me to do.SUCCESS in life is identifying what GOD has called you to and being completely FAITHFUL in it.2. I told the TRUTH.May no one close to you go UNWARNED and UNPRAYED for.3. I finished STRONG.God will give you STRENGTH to take the NEXT STEP.Takeaway: How do you want to be remembered?Write your own EPITAPH.Take your next step TODAY.

Welcome to Orrville Christian Church! If you'd like to chat or have a prayer need, you can check out our live stream at https://www.orrville.church/live New around here? Simply text “New” to 330-597-9119 to get connected. Let us know you're watching! Connection Card: https://www.orrvillechristian.org/connectioncard Our Giving Website: https://www.OCCgive.com Visit us online at https://www.orrville.church

The Colors of Christmas: RedAnger Can Steal Our Joy· Core Verse: Matthew 2:16· Anger is usually your second emotion.· What is your first emotion this Christmas?· Progression of Anger:· Starts with bitterness and rage → leads to anger → results in slander and malice.· Key Solution: Ephesians 4:31-32 How to find joy this Christmas Season: 1. Joy Is Found in Choices, Not Circumstances· Core Verse: Romans 6:23· Joy begins with accepting God's gift of Jesus Christ as Savior.· Jesus bridges the gap between sinful man and a holy God.2. Respond with Immediate Obedience· Core Verse: Luke 2:15-16· The shepherds responded when the angel announced Jesus' birth.· Delayed obedience is still disobedience.· What has Jesus called you to do that you've been delaying?· Responding immediately to God's call brings joy.3. Share Your Discovery with Others· Core Verse: Luke 2:17-18· The shepherds couldn't help but spread the word about Jesus.· Sharing Jesus with others brings joy to them and to you.

The Colors of Christmas: BlueLuke 2 4 struggles in this season that go back to the first Christmas:1. FINANCIAL pressure2. PHYSICAL challenge3. EMOTIONAL turmoil4. RELATIONAL loss Hope is not found in PRESENTS, but in PRESENCE. Takeaway: Who needs your PRESENCE this Christmas?“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23 (NIV)Be PRESENT this Christmas.

The Colors of Christmas: GreenJohn 10:1-18Green = LIFE“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (NIV)“I am the good shepherd…” John 10:11, 14 (NIV) 1. Jesus is the RIGHTFUL shepherd of the sheep.In him is TRUTH. 2. Jesus is the RULER of the sheep.In him is PEACE.3. Jesus has a RELATIONSHIP with the sheep.In him is LIFE. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11b (NIV)He gave his LIFE so we can have LIFE.Takeaway:RECEIVE Jesus.“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:12 (NIV)REST in Jesus.“He makes me to lie down in green pastures…” Psalm 23:2a (NIV)

To The Ends of the Earth: Standing Tall, Part 2Acts 26:1-32How do we Stand Tall as witnesses for Christ in a hostile world?1. Be RESPECTFUL. (vv. 1-3)2. RELAY your story. (vv. 4-18)3. Make the RESURRECTION and the call to REPENTANCE central. (vv. 19-23)4. RELY on God's help. (v. 22)5. Prepare yourself for REJECTION and RIDICULE. (vv. 24-26)“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” John 15:18 (NIV)6. Ask for a RESPONSE. (vv. 27-28)Just being NICE won't lead others to CHRIST.7. Pray RELENTLESSLY. (v. 29)"Pray that the Lord's message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes…” 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (NLT)Takeaway: R you ready?"It is doubtful that you will ever be summoned to stand before kings and queens or be invited to address the political elite or high-ranking military officers; but you will have your own opportunities to stand and deliver. As you determine in your heart to stand tall, God will lay those opportunities before you when you least expect it. You can count on it. When He does, will you be ready?” - Charles Swindoll

Such Good Lives: Love Always 1 Peter 2:9-12  YOU have a ROLE to PLAY in what Christ is doing through his church for the sake of the world.  Wherever there is a task, there is an opportunity to REPRESENT JESUS.  Baptism is not only LIFE-SAVING and LIFE-CHANGING, it is LIFE-DETERMINING. God loves HIS PEOPLE. He TREASURES and CHERISHES you.  This is NOT our forever home! ABSTAIN from sinful desires.                                     Beware of two extremes: ACCOMODATION and ISOLATION            Good/beautiful lives can turn ACCUSATION into ADORATION.  We live with an “EVEN IF” resolve . . .  

To the Ends of the Earth: Standing TallActs 25:13-26:23How do we stand tall as witnesses for Christ in a hostile world?1. Be RESPECTFUL. (26:1-3)“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)2. RELAY your story. (26:4-18)What's your 15-second testimony?3. Make the RESURRECTION and the call to REPENTANCE central. (26:19-23) "If you ever have any doubt about what to say when bearing witness, head for the cross, to an account of the resurrection, and then give a clear call for repentance.” - Tony Merida4. RELY on God's help. (v. 22) 

To The Ends of the Earth: Dealing with CriticsActs 24:1-25:12CRITICISM will come, but we can't let it CRUSH us.3 principles for dealing with criticism:1. SEE it as an OPPORTUNITY. 2. STICK to the FACTS. 3. SUBMIT to God's PLAN and PURPOSE. Takeaway:When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:23 (NIV“) 

God, Government & You: How to Be a Good CitizenRomans 13:1-7Two important questions in any election season:1. Who will honor BIBLICAL values the most?2. Who will fulfill GOD'S intended purpose for government the best?The purpose of government is to UPHOLD JUSTICE.Our responsibility to the government is to SUBMIT to their authority.How do we submit to governing authorities?1. OBEY the law.·Because of possible PUNISHMENT.·Because of CONSCIENCE.2. Pay TAXES.“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” Matthew 22:21 (NKJV)3. Show RESPECT and HONOR.“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:17 (NIV)Government's authority is not ABSOLUTE; God's is.“We must obey God rather than human beings!” Acts 5:29 (NIV)Takeaway:·LOVE your neighbor.·Get INVOLVED in the political process.·PRAY.

God, Government & You: The Purpose of GovernmentRomans 13:1-7 Two important questions in any election season:1. Who will honor BIBLICAL values the most?2. Who will fulfill GOD'S intended purpose for government the best? Romans 13:1-7 1. True HUMAN authority begins with GOD and is established by GOD. Three main areas:· FAMILY· CHURCH· GOVERNMENT 2. The purpose of government is to UPHOLD JUSTICE. · Promote GOOD. “For the one in authority is God's servant for your good.” Romans 13:4a (NIV) ·PUNISH wrongdoers. “…for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” Romans 13:4b (NIV) Takeaway:·PRAY for governing officials.· Put your hope in GOD, not GOVERNMENT.

Face to Face with God in PrayerLuke 11:1-13 Two essential insights about prayer:1. Prayer requires EFFORT.· When our prayer is PERSISTENT it becomes EFFECTIVE.2. Prayer demands FAITH.A. It demands faith in God's WILLINGNESS to hear our prayer and to answer it.B. Prayer demands the faith to ACCEPT God's answer. Three Takeaways:1. Not to demand THINGS from God, but to SUBMIT ourselves to God.2. Not to USE God, but to be USED by God.3. Not to get our WILL done, but to get HIS will done in US.

SENT: EXALTING JESUS ABOVE ALLActs 19:1-41“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)“This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. Acts1:10 (NIV)5 Ingredients for Gospel Saturation:1.True BAPTISM into the name of Jesus.2.BOLD testimony about the kingdom of God.3.PATIENCE and PERSISTENCE.4.Extraordinary MIRACLES.5.Public CONFESSION and REPENTENCE.Takeaway:“In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.” Acts 18:20 (NIV)We are SENT.

SENT: Making Disciples Who Make DisciplesActs 18:23-28 1.ALL disciples need STRENGTHENED.The goal of disciple-making is TRANSFORMATION.·Through GOD'S WORD·Through SPIRITUAL MENTORS  2.ALL disciples need to GROW in the knowledge of the SCRIPTURESINFORMATION + APPLICATION= TRANSFORMATION  3.ALL disciples need to be READY to give an ANSWER fortheir faith in Jesus. ·Know WHAT you believe.·Know WHY you believe.

Sent: Proclaiming the One True GodActs 17:16-34 Wherever you are, that's where you've been SENT.Paul was systematic.Paul was spontaneous.Paul was consistent. Wherever you are, ENGAGE the culture.Be prepared.Be informed.Seek common ground.Be genuine.Be respectful. Wherever you are, PROCLAIM the One True God.God is Creator and Lord (17:24-26).God desires relationship with us (17:27-29).God is the Judge (17:29-31).God provides salvation in Christ (17:31). TAKEAWAYSTake your next step closer the Christ.Share Christ with one person this week.

SENT: Engaging in Spiritual ConversationsActs 16:13-34 A message of 3's: 3 PEOPLE3 CONVERSATIONS3 CONVERSIONS3 TAKEAWAYS Conversation #1: A WEALTHY businesswoman (vv. 13-15) “Despite professional success, she was still searching for more.” – Tony Merida  Conversation #2: A DEMONIZED slave girl (vv. 16-22) “When the owners realized their golden goose just got cooked, all Gehenna broke loose.” – Mark E. Moore  Conversation #3: A Philippian JAILER (vv. 23-34) “It was the jailer who was the prisoner, not Paul; and Paul not only saved the man's life, but pointed him to eternal life in Christ.” – Warren W. Wiersbe  Takeaways: 1. The GOSPEL is for EVERYONE. 2. God can CHANGE any HEART…and he can use YOU too. “Pain and tragedy are our best chances to be a witness!” – J.D. Greear 3. We are SENT.

Sent: We Are SentActs 13:1-3 “Scripture is full of sending language that speaks to the missionary, sending nature of God.” – Brad Brisco, A God Who Sends: The Church Must Live as Sent Ones “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV) 3 Truths: 1. God can SAVE and SEND anyone. “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? …I am sending you…” Acts 26:14, 17 (NIV) Application: SURRENDER your life to Jesus and his MISSION.  2. The CHURCH is God's SENDING station. Sent by the HOLY SPIRIT. Released by the CHURCH. Application: PRAY and FAST to discern God's sending assignment.  3. WE are SENT. “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21 (NIV) Application: CONNECT with other believers for the MISSIONAL adventure of a lifetime. Go to www.orrville.church/groups to get connected!  “God had only one Son, and He was a missionary.” – David Livingstone

Breakthrough: Removing BarriersActs 10: 1-33“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”Acts 1:8 NIV PRAYER leads to God's POWER and PURPOSE. Two Barriers that Block Gospel Saturation: Barrier #1: TRADITION and CUSTOMS Application: Identify any tradition or custom that is keeping you from FULL OBEDIENCE to God and his MISSION in the world. Barrier #2 PREJUDICE Application: Build a BRIDGE to people different from you for the sake of the GOSPEL.

The Power of CommunityActs 2:42-47 We were CREATED for COMMUNITY. “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 Fellowship is LOVING GOD'S FAMILY. Level 1: CONVERSION – Responding to JesusLevel 2: CONNECTION – Choosing to BelongLevel 3: COMMUNITY – Loving Like Family There are 59 “one another” passages in the New Testament! 3 Types of Groups at OCC: STUDY – ABF ClassSOCIAL – Small GroupSERVE – Ministry Team  Takeaway: Get CONNECTED in COMMUNITY. “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47b

Family Matters: Family ReunionMatthew 28:19-20,Galatians 3:28, 1 Peter 3:15, Ephesians 2:10, Esther 4:14How To Apply: 1.LIO- LIVE IT OUT2.SPEAK the GOSPEL3.INVITE4.Answer a DIFFERENT CALL.

Family Matters: Honoring ParentsDeuteronomy 5:16; Ephesians 6:1-3 “Honor your father and your mother…” Deuteronomy 5:16 3 Questions: 1. WHAT does it mean to honor my parents? Honor: “to be heavy, WEIGHTY” 2. WHY should I honor my parents? Because it is RIGHT. (Ephesians 6:1) ·Because it is WRITTEN. (Ephesians 6:2) Because it brings BLESSING. (Ephesians 6:3) 3. HOW do I honor my parents? “…be filled with the Spirit…” Ephesians 5:18b As a child, I honor my parents by OBEYING and RESPECTING them. As a teen, I honor my parents by LISTENING and TALKING to them. As a young adult, I honor my parents by ACCEPTING and APPRECIATING them. As an older adult, I honor my parents by AFFIRMING and CARING for them. Takeaway:Identify one intentional ACTION you can do to HONOR your parents.

Welcome to Orrville Christian Church! If you'd like to chat or have a prayer need, you can check out our live stream at https://www.orrville.church/live New around here? Simply text “New” to 330-597-9119 to get connected. Connection Card: https://www.orrvillechristian.org/connectioncard Our Giving Website: https://www.OCCgive.com Visit us online at https://www.orrville.church

Family Matters: Building a Lasting Marriage1 Corinthians 7:1-7, 10-16 1.SELECT a marriage partner VERY carefully.·Are they a DEVOTED Christian?·Is there CHEMISTRY and COMPATIBILITY? 2.Guard your marriage against SEXUAL IMMORALITY.3.COMMIT to a marriage that stays TOGETHER no matter what.  Takeaway How is your marriage doing...REALLY·Resolve any CONFLICT.·Reignite your SEXUAL relationship.·Renew your COMMITMENT.

Family Matters: Embracing Singleness1 Corinthians 7:8-9 Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”  1 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)  1.There is nothing wrong with being SINGLE. “Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.” 1Corinthians 7:8 (NIV) 2.Singleness is a special GIFT from GOD. 3.Singles should pursue MARRIAGE if they cannot CONTROL themselves. “But if they cannot control themselves , they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” 1 Corinthians 7:9 (NIV) Takeaway: To Marry or Not to Marry? 4 Factors:·Consider the PRESENT circumstances.·Face the responsibilities HONESTLY.·Realize each situation is UNIQUE.·Remember that marriage is for LIFE.

How to Be Truly FreeGalatians 5“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…” Galatians 5:1 (NIV) 1. Freedom from the PENALTY of sin. 2. Freedom from the POWER of sin. ·We are not free to INDULGE the flesh. (v. 13) True freedom is found in SELF-CONTROL. ·We are not free to INJURE others. (vv. 13, 15) True freedom is found in loving SERVICE to our neighbor. ·We are not free to IGNORE God's law. (v. 14) True freedom is found in OBEDIENCE to God's word. 3. Freedom from the PRESENCE of sin. Takeaway: STAND FIRM in your Christian freedom. “Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”Galatians 5:1 (NIV) ·Preach the GOSPEL to yourself.·Keep in STEP with the SPIRIT.

B.L.E.S.S. U: ShareRomans 10:13-17 · Begin with Prayer· Listen· Eat· Serve· Share“PREACH the gospel, and since it's necessary, use WORDS.” - Ed Stetzer “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17 (NIV) 1. WHAT do we share? 2. WHY must we share?HEARING the message is a necessary condition for FAITH. 3. HOW do we share? · With GENTLENESS and RESPECT· CLEARLY · FEARLESSLY Takeaway: Be a BLESSER. · Share YOUR Story. · Step out of your COMFORT ZONE.

B.L.E.S.S. U: ServeMark 7:31-37  “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”Galatians 5:14 (NIV) We love our neighbor as we B.L.E.S.S. them. ·BEGIN with Prayer·LISTEN·EAT·SERVE·S____________ 1.A STRANGE Route2.A DESPERATE Need3.A TAILOR-MADE Response4.A KINGDOM Mission Takeaway: Who will you BLESS this week? ·Do EVERYTHING WELL.·Do “EVEN” greater things.