Sermons

- Far from Home - Ezekiel and Israel in Exile (1:1-3) - Vision of God’s Glory (1:4-28) - Experiencing the One who Calls Us

Main Point – Christ instituted His church to be victorious; let’s steward it to win souls! 1. The Person of Jesus Christ – “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God (v16).” 2. The Promise of Jesus Christ – “I will build my church… (v18)” 3. The Call of Jesus Christ – “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, … (v19)”

Introduction : Is there still a need for missions today? 1. What is not God’s mission (vs 1-2) 2. What to do on a mission trip (vs 3-9) 3. The long term impact of short term missions (vs 10 – 19) Reflection: Will you go when God calls you by name?

Main Point: Every believer is called to participate in God’s mission by supporting, serving, and partnering with God’s workers. 1. Support God’s Worker (v1-2) 2. Faithfully play our part (v3-15) 3. Unite around God’s mission (v16) Reflection: - How does Romans 16 change your understanding of who participates in God’s mission? - What has God entrusted to you that you can use to support His work? - What is one practical step you will take this week to become a more faithful sender?

A) A House of Prayer for all Peoples B) Missions is Spiritual Warfare C) The Whole Church Praying the Whole Time for the Whole Church D) What do we pray for: 1. all God’s people 2. the saints who must endure violence 3. more to go and serve in global mission 4. our missionaries The Atmosphere of an Antioch Church

1. I will not fail (vv 26-31) 2. When our willpower fails (vv 37-41) 3. Surrendering our will to God (vv 35-36, 42) Reflection Questions 1. What are some areas in your life that you have failed to deal with? 2. Practice praying Jesus’ prayer at the Garden of Gethsamane. - Acknowledge who God is to you - Recall an attribute of God - Tell him your requests - Surrender your will to God

Main Point: When God’s providence meets human responsibility, joy and remembrance follow. 1. Recap: Divine Providence & Reversal 2. The Need for Human Responsibility 3. Celebrating and Remembering God’s Deliverance Reflection: 1. Why is it important to celebrate special occasions like Holy Communion, Good Friday, Easter or Christmas? 2. Reflect on Esther 10:3. How can we serve with courage and for the welfare of others?

Main Idea: The church community is a continuation of Jesus’s ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit to actively participate in the life of Christ with one another. 1. The church community begins from common starting points (vv 38-41) – Repentance – ⁠Baptism 2. The growth of the church community is built on common devotion (vv 42-27) – God’s word – Prayer – Generous living Application: How can our gatherings with fellow brothers and sisters embody the meaning of koinonia? Consider these three aspects: 1. Conversations anchored in God’s Word 2. ⁠Offering prayers for one another 3. ⁠Opening up our circles to include newcomers and those in need

Main point: God uses ordinary things to bring extraordinary reversals for His purpose. 1. The story thus far… 2. God uses the ordinary events of life to accomplish His extraordinary purposes 3. God is working even when nothing seems to be happening 4. God can reverse our lives for His grand purpose Reflection: - Where do you sense God working in your life even though you may not see it? - Looking back at your life, where have you experienced His “reversal” in your life? - The gospel has the power to reverse life. Who can you share this life- changing news with?