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http://bible.com/events/49019183 Church of the Nazarene Mission in Action Part: Hope "God, fill me with your hope so it overflows into the hearts of those you send to me." Our mission statement says “Transformed by God to bring hope to others through Christ” We believe this concise, yet powerful statement gives light and guidance to our purpose as the church and as individual believers. This teaching series, called Mission in Action, is not just about knowing the mission, but it is challenging us all to engage in the mission more deeply than ever before. Today we will focus on HOPE, both the invitation to experience it and the call to share it with others. Romans 15:8-13 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.” Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.” And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. -The Jews were God's chosen people, and while Paul is reminding the church that God kept His promises, he is also reminding them that the fulfillment of that promise was not just for the Jews as some believed. -Paul points back to the Old Testament to remind the church of the promises God has already made, and now fulfilled. -Finally, Paul introduces this concept of hope. This hope is possible because of what Christ has done. Hope in Him -Paul is specific about who the source of true hope is (verse 12 says "in Him [Jesus] the Gentiles will hope"). -This is a hope that is available now and forever. Hope for Forever -Eternal hope is possible because we have been reconciled to God through the blood of Jesus. -This is why Paul would write to the church in Phillipi, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21) Hope for Today -Paul's words do not just point to a hope one day in the future, but also a hope for right now. -"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him", meaning as you trust Him now. You fill be filled with hope as you trust God today. Philippians 1:20-21 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. It's not enough to experience this hope. We are called to share this hope with others. This is why Paul points to 'overflowing' hope. Our prayer of response: God, fill me with your hope so it overflows into the hearts of those you send to me. Verses for further study/reflection: Isaiah 40:31 Jeremiah 29:11 Psalm 39:7Romans 5:1-5 Romans 8:24-25 Romans 12:12 Colossians 1:24-27 Giving at COTN If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@cotnaz.orgThank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!https://www.cotnaz.org/giving/
Christ gave like no other-do you remember the poor widow who cast into the offering -all of her living-, everything that she had- And THIS WOMAN'S -willing heart- in her offering got the full attention of Christ--Her giving was Christ-Like- I'm not teaching this because you're not giving- this is where the Lord has us in our exposition of 2 Corinthians-. -SO NOW, let us learn from God's revealed will-THAT-. WHICH He would have us to learn-. THAT, when we DO give an offering to the Lord, it would be from willing hearts, and so be accepted by Him- -Paul was getting the attention of the saints at Corinth, and -with God's help and grace- he means to get our attention here as well- Christ, GAVE ALL THAT HE HAD, All of His life and soul for poor and helpless sinners-
Mark Booker | Colossians 3:5-11 | Walk in Him | Paul continues teaching on the resurrection ethic by outlining the kinds of behaviors and practices that we are to put away, to leave behind. This sermon considers 1) why we would put away certain behaviors, 2) what these behaviors are, and 3) how we might put them away.
Mark Booker | Colossians 1:15-23 | Walk in Him | Paul grounds the thanksgiving of the church in the present reality of Christ as Lord. In a world where our imaginations are too often captivated by lesser things, Paul uses poetry to captivates our imaginations with the grandeur and magnitude of the person and work of Christ.
Mark Booker | Colossians 1:9-14 | Walk in Him | Paul's reveals his unceasing prayer for the church, addressing the topics of knowledge, power, and thanksgiving and clarifying a vision of Christian maturity as a fruit-bearing life that is worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him.
How do we live in a manner worthy of the Lord and fully pleasing to Him? Paul spells it out in Colossians 1:9-14.
Weakness can be a tough thing. How do you handle things you struggle with not doing? Or maybe it’s a part of your personality that isn’t part of you? If you are a fan of any sort of business or management strategy like Gallup’s Strengthfinders, you probably do everything you can to eliminate the need to function in the realm of your weaknesses. As we journey into an investigation of the Fruits of the Spirit, we slowly begin to realize that we simply can’t ignore the things that might not appear to natively manifest themselves in our life. Just looking at our strengths, or even deeper, just the things that make us happy, isn’t really an engagement with the fruits of the spirit. They are us engaging with our own self, which doesn’t lead us to salvation or show the world of Jesus in our life. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 Paul instantly calls us into this truth. God’s kingdom is one that manifests God’s own attributes through His people. He Makes Is Us What is Unmade in Him Paul lists out three different fruits in this verse. None of them can’t be accomplished through human endeavours, but only by each of us learning to rest in the presence of God and allow Him to transform us. Jesus describes two of these fruits in his final words to His disciples in the gospel of John. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:11 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 Joy and Peace. Two attitudes that show the power of the Holy Spirit in our life. And we can’t create them on our own. No matter how hard we try.
To donate to Concord UMC, click HERE. “When Jesus Got Mad” John 2:13-22 Why talk about anger? ...especially on Communion Sunday? We are in the season of Lent The lectionary reading for today is Jesus clearing the temple If we are in any way connected to the larger world via news reports, podcasts, social media, anger is now in the air we breathe. Earlier this past week, while the news was still focused on the Parkland.. Did you watch the CNN town hall meeting? I listened to it, and when the NRA spokeswoman was speaking I did indeed hear a cry of "burn her," although it could have been someone mangling the word "murderer." So much anger. Did you hear the Broward county deputies (multiple) stayed outside? We have since learned they were told to set up a perimeter So much anger over that. What do we do with this anger? Write nasty replies on social media? Take it out on other people during the day? (or worse, when at home in the evening?) WWJD? What Jesus did... Why was He upset? (Yes, He really was upset. The "wrath of God" is real...) Disrespecting God's holy place was a part of the story... (John 2:16) The other part was the "unjust scales" alluded to in Matthew 21:13 with the "den of robbers" quote How often had Jesus and Mary and Joseph traveled to the temple, and how often had Jesus seen exorbitant prices demanded of the poorest people? How did He respond? Not politely! But not out of proportion, either... A "whip" would have been used to get the animals moving Turning over the tables and chairs got the moneychangers moving He did not go around wailing on the money changers... And when it was over, it was over! It doesn't say Jesus was carrying the anger around with Him, even against those who crucified Him. How are we to follow Him? Paul speaking to the church as a whole: Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil. - Ephesians 4:26-27 (NRSV) The writer of Hebrews (maybe Paul) addressed lingering anger: See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled. - Hebrews 12:15 (NRSV) Ever let a bull thistle grow in your garden? Do not allow yourself to be infected by this era of anger that we are living in If your anger is just, do not allow it to become sinful Treat others as persons deserving respect and understanding Do not respond disproportionately Do not in frustration take past wrongs out on present family, friends, churchgoers, coworkers, motorists... In short, give your frustration and anger to God! Allow just anger to move you to action, but don't allow it to curdle into bitterness. Make no room for the devil, but make room for love and forgiveness instead. Do your best in this age of anger to spread love, not hate, through the power of Jesus Christ. Even if you don't feel it yet, set an example by your actions not only for others, but for yourself! If you do this, the feelings will start to change...
In his eighth message in the series The Victorious Plan, Brother Whitt Madden examines the life of Paul from the moment of his conversion until some thirty years later writing to the church at Philippi, considering how his life answered the question, What do you think of Jesus Christ and what will you do with Him? Paul counted everything as a loss in comparison to knowing Jesus. What is your response?
How can we have confidence before the face of God? How can we know we are right with Him? Paul describes An Unjustified Confidence, A Justified Confidence, and Marks of a Justified Confidence.Rev. Brian Habig's thoughts on this passage were particularly helpful and used liberally.