Here is a recap of our message from this weekend...

May We Honor: Pentecost Sunday

In this week's sermon, Pastor Jared explores the significance of Pentecost, the birth of the Church. He emphasizes that the Church exists for God, for those far from Christ, and for each other. Through Acts 1 and 2, he illustrates how the Holy Spirit empowers us to spread the gospel and build a community rooted in love and generosity. As we celebrate the birth of the Church, we are reminded of our mission to share God's love and be a supportive, healing community.

The sermon sheds light on three important attributes of Mary—her unpreparedness, fear, and God's favor, all of which are seemingly shared by all of us in different ways. Mary was initially unprepared and fearful for the assignment God had chosen for her, just as we often feel when faced with unfamiliar challenges. However, she embraced God's plan, underlining the importance of trusting God's power above our fears and limitations

Weekly Bible Study List

1. Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
2. Acts 2:1-4 - "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
3. Acts 2:37-39 - "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.'"
4. Matthew 16:18 - "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."

3 Things To Understand About the Church

1. The Church Exists for God - Pastor Jared emphasizes that the Church is God's creation, orchestrated by Him from the very beginning. He references Acts 2:1-4 and Matthew 16:18, highlighting that the Church belongs to God and not to us. He addresses the common issue of "church hurt," reminding us that while people may fail us, the Church itself, as God's creation, remains pure and purposeful.
2. The Church Exists for Those Far from Christ - The mission of the Church is to communicate God's love to those who are far from Him. Pastor revisited the events of Pentecost from Acts 2:5-8, where the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in different tongues, thus spreading the gospel to a diverse audience. He underscores that the Holy Spirit empowers us to reach those who are distant from Christ, fulfilling the Great Commission.
3. The Church Exists for Each Other - In Acts 2:37-41, the early Church grew through fellowship, teaching, prayer, and communion. We are reminded that the Church is a community designed to support and equip each other for the mission of sharing the gospel. The transformative power of the Holy Spirit creates a loving and generous community, which led to the exponential growth of the Church.

From Sermon to Action

Pastor Jared calls the congregation to action, encouraging them to honor the Church's true purpose and mission. We all shared in communion and prayed for one another, reflecting on the significance of Pentecost and the Church's impact on the world. 

Worship Setlist

1. You Are Good
2. Cry Out
3. Give Me Jesus
4. Make Room - Prayer Moment at End of Service

Notable Sermon Quotes to Repost on Social Media

1. "God started the church. God created the church. God brought the church into being, and don't miss this, it is His Church, not ours."
2. "Sometimes we come to church on Sundays more excited to see what the church will do than what God will do.
3. "The church isn't flawed, those who participate in church are flawed."
4. "The church is the bride of Christ. And it is through the church that God intends to share the gospel of Jesus with those who are far from him."
5. "The church exists for those far from Christ."
6. "We receive the power of the Holy Spirit to go into unfamiliar places, and speak the language of those far from Christ so they experience him in a transformational way."
7. "The world changed after Pentecost because of the church’s influence on that world. And it ought to be the same today."

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