Knowing God As A Group Sermon 2 of 4 March 16 th 2014

Marching Forward with Hope We would like to propose some restructuring in our leadership and ministries to get back to being more purpose driven, having the right people in the right place, having a place for everyone, more small groups, and a reworking of the action groups.

In Specific In specific, at the end of the month I see us: 1.Offering some new small groups, 2.New ministry opportunities, and 3.Having people resign up for the action groups.

Your Thoughts? We have the opportunity to make things better so that God receives the glory and is better honoured. What input do you have? 1.What changes do you see that could be made, 2.How are you an active part of what the Lord wants to do here, 3.Where do you have a voice? 4.What responsibilities do you have, or would like to have?

Where Do We Start? The slogan: “Knowing God and Making Him Known.” Last week our focus was on the individual aspect that a healthy and active body is made of active and healthy parts. “What am I currently doing that helps me know God and reflect his character?”

The Church Body

Revelation 2-3 Page 1914 God evaluates and speaks to them as a group. The group was supposed to work together to know God and make Him known. The commendation, complaint and correction of the group can be seen in Revelation chapters 2-3.

7 Churches - Commendation 1.Ephesus: Deeds, hard work, perseverance, uncompromising, enduring hardships (Rev 2:2-3). 2.Smyrna: Affliction, poverty, slander, suffering, imprisonment, death (Rev 2:9-10). 3.Pergamum: Unwavering in faith (Rev 2:13). 4.Thyatira: Deeds, love, faith, service, perseverance, doing more than before (Rev 2:19). 5.Sardis: None! 6.Philadelphia: Faithfulness, patient endurance (Rev 3:8,10). 7.Laodicea: None!

7 Churches - Condemnation 1.Ephesus: Lost their first love (Rev 2:4). 2.Smyrna: None. 3.Pergamum: False teaching (Rev 2:14- 15). 4.Thyatira: False teaching (Rev 2:20). 5.Sardis: Fake reputation (Rev 3:1). Incomplete deeds (Rev 3:2). 6.Philadelphia: None. 7.Laodicea: Lukewarm (Rev 3:16). Wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, naked (Rev 3:17).

7 Churches - Correction 1.Ephesus: Remember. Repent (Rev 2:5). 2.Smyrna: Be faithful (Rev 2:10). 3.Pergamum: Repent (Rev 2:16). 4.Thyatira: Hold on (Rev 2:25). 5.Sardis: Wake up. Remember. Repent (Rev 3:2,3). 6.Philadelphia: Hold on (Rev 3:11). 7.Laodicea: Buy gold, white clothes, salve (Rev 3:18).

A Word To … Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Ro 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

Romans 12:1-8 on page 1763 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Ro 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

Romans 12:1-8 on page Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Creating A Clearer Image

Reflection and Filling

Knowing God As a Group

Ministry Opportunities Discipleship Action Group Teach Sunday School Classes or Cradle Roll Fill and Clean up Communion Trays Make Casseroles for Families Visitation of Members. Visitation of Newcomers (Lunch with them?). Teaching Adult Bible Classes Singing Ministry Encouragement Ministry (Cards?)

Ministry Opportunities Building Cleanup Potluck Servers/Cleanup Missions Committee Yard Maintenance Building Maintenance Fellowship Action Group Personal Bible Studies Small Group Leaders/Co-leaders Evangelism Action Group Host/Co-ordinate Youth Activities

Ministry Opportunities Prayer Ministry Ladies Class Men’s Breakfast Worship Action Group Take Communion to Sick or Shut-ins. Special Events Help Ministry Action Group Other items: Please feel free to share an area of ministry that you see worthwhile for our congregation.