This
Sunday we will hear a testimony from Harvey Ramsdell, and Dale will
continue our study of the early church in the book of Acts. One of the
first forms of describing Christians was that they "belonged to the Way
(Acts 9:2)."
It is a beautiful picture of our life as the church. Jesus has lived a
life full of the love of God, and calls us to walk in His way, follow
His path, and fix our eyes on Him as our guide and friend. He has not
left us on the way alone, but has given his Spirit to direct our steps,
to warn us of wrong turns, and to spur us on when the way seems dark,
tedious, or difficult. In all circumstances, we know that God has walked
this earth before, and he can understand our pain and trials. We also
know that we do not have to follow the way alone. God calls others
alongside us to share the journey, and the community we share at church
is a holy gift we have been given. We must not try to plow on by
ourselves, but join together with God's people to walk in the Way of
Holiness (Isaiah 35:8).
SONGS:
Let Everything that Has
Breath (1997, Matt Redman) - All of our services should begin with
praise. It is what we are created to do. We are to "be for the praise of
His glory (Eph. 1:12)."
As we walk the way of God, we should do so rejoicing and celebrating
who He is, "calling all the nations to Your praise."
Blessed Be Your Name (2002
Matt & Beth Redman) - The difficulty of our circumstances does not
diminish the worthiness of God. He still deserves our praise, "when the
sun's shining down," as well as "on the road marked with suffering."
There is nothing easy or simple about this reality, but we must see God
for who He is, and that is the author and sustainer of all life and
truth. He will provide for all our needs along the way.
Hear the Call of the
Kingdom (2006, Keith & Kristyn Getty) - We sing of committing to
"answer the call" and to "follow, bringing hope to the world." We
respond to all that God has done for us by pledging, through the power
of His Spirit, to faithfully serve and follow Him.
I Have Decided to Follow
Jesus (folk song from India) - A classic song that reiterates the call
of Christ to "Come, follow Me! (Luke 9:23)"
As we continue preparing to send out our team to Paraguay, we will sing the first verse in Spanish:
He decidido seguir a Cristo (x3)
No vuelvo atras, no
vuelvo atras.
We will close with the hymn, "A
Child of the King." We do not follow our God as slaves or conquered
subjects. He calls us His children. What an amazing thought! It should
inspire us even more to chase after God with all our heart, mind, and
strength.
-Patrick