Point of Grace Online Worship 9.27.20

Sermon Notes - “STRONGER TOGETHER – In Faith”

1 Corinthians 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

We are STRONGER TOGETHER in Love,

STRONGER TOGETHER in Hope,

STRONGER TOGETHER in Faith,

As we do the MISSION Jesus has given us!

FAITH? ………… Is the unique relationship people can have with God made possible by Jesus.

Our experience of this “faith” relationship involves believing, trusting and responding!

Ephesians 2 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—……8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Revelation 3 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Experiencing Faith in Jesus involves Believing – Trusting – Responding (steps of faith – “Yes” to Jesus)

God creates the faith in me to believe, trust and respond with steps of faith. I am not the creator of my faith but I am a participant. God gives me the power to believe I come only with the power to reject.

Lessons from a Wheelbarrow!

Matthew 14 22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

STRONGER TOGETHER in Faith means I have encouragement around me

- Believe rightly about God, myself and the world,

- Trust deeply in the one who loves me and gave Himself for me,

- Respond authentically with whatever steps of faith He is calling me to!

Some really Good News …

- Jesus is a really good tight rope walker and has a wheelbarrow made for me! Say “Yes” to Jesus!

- The meaningful life Christ intends is filled with “steps of faith” for me to say “Yes” to everyday! He loves me too much to do it any other way!

- I get to see “obedience to Jesus” not as a burden to be born but as “steps of faith” to be engaged.

- When I am finding it challenging to say Yes to a “step of faith” I get to ask Jesus, “What do I need to believe more deeply about You to do what You are asking me to do?”

Join in on “After Thoughts” Thursday at 7 pm – Go to www.pog.church/live to view or through Facebook or Youtube.

Afterthoughts is a live interactive internet conversation about the topic of this week’s sermon. We would love for you to join in to make your contribution to the conversation, share your thoughts and ask your question.

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of the week which help dive deeper into the theme for this week “Stronger Together in Faith”. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Ephesians 2: 1-10 Tue – Revelation 3: 14-22 Wed – Matthew 14:22-33 Thu – Hebrews 11:1-22 Fri – Hebrews 11:23-40 Sat - Hebrews 12:1-3

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Recommended Titles and Resources

The “One Minute Pause” App by Wild at Heart – Look in your app store. (use is multiple times every day)

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

Restoration Year by John Eldredge – A 365 Day Devotional - These daily devotions are excellent encouragement to live by the Spirit each day.

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Devotional Book)