Here is a message recap and the top 3 things that you need to know about this week at One City...
Dirt or Diamonds: The Choice Between Worldly Influences and Faith-filled Life
In today's e-mail we dive into influence and its role on our spiritual path. It's clear from scripture that discipleship is more than mere following - it should lead to a profound, life-altering relationship with Jesus. When Jesus called His disciples, He was advocating complete dedication, a theme carried through the Bible. This path isn't easy, but it promises a deeply rooted relationship with God. The sermon advises us to let loose our worldly attachments and welcome the beauty of true discipleship. It's a choice we all need to make - giving in to the fleeting charm of worldly desires or embracing the lasting treasure of a faith-centered life. It's a tough choice, but then, aren't diamonds formed under pressure?
The Invitation to Transform
The call to discipleship is fundamentally an invitation to transform our lives. When Jesus called His first disciples, He was asking them to leave their old lives behind and embark on a journey of transformation. This invitation is not solely about change for its own sake but about becoming more like Christ in thought, word, and deed. Transformation is a deep, ongoing process that impacts every aspect of our being. It involves a shift in priorities, where the pursuit of personal ambitions gives way to the fulfillment of God's purposes. As we accept the call to discipleship, we agree to let go of our previous identities and take on a new life marked by faith, obedience, and service. Transformation through discipleship is challenging, but it paves the way for a richer, more meaningful life aligned with divine intention.
Weekly Bible Study List
- Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
- Matthew 4:18-22 - The call of the first disciples.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
- Revelation 21:4 - "He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."
Leaving the Comfort Zone
Accepting discipleship often propels us beyond our comfort zones, requiring us to trust in God's guidance even amidst challenge and sacrifice. This journey, while demanding, deepens our reliance on God and leads to an enriched comprehension of His grace and provision.
Key Points about Influence:
- Answering the Call: Becoming an influencer for Christ requires an active decision to mirror Him in all aspects of life, constantly striving to embody His love and truth. This journey, which involves being open to God's Word and ready to step outside our comfort zones, begins by positively answering His call and continues as we faithfully act on His guidance.
- Abandoning Worldly Attachments: The subsequent stride toward becoming a beacon for Christ entails letting go of earthly ties that hinder spiritual growth. By prioritizing our bond with God and manifesting life choices reflective of the Gospel's transformative power, we free ourselves to fully embrace our discipleship role.
- Collecting Eternal Rewards: The final step in our spiritual journey emphasizes collecting eternal rewards - not material riches, but the peace, joy, and love derived from a deep relationship with Christ. Our lasting influence, not based on merit but God's grace, expands by enhancing others' spiritual growth, serving our community, and spreading God's love, which not only keeps our focus on the truly important but also leaves a meaningful imprint on our environment.
Transformation through Discipleship
Embarking on the journey of discipleship fosters ongoing personal transformation, leading to a deeper comprehension of God's will and a more intimate relationship with Him. As we traverse this path, we confront challenges that fortify our faith, enabling us not only to experience profound personal change, but also to act as catalysts for transformation in the lives of others.
From Sermon to Action
Reflecting on "Dirt or Diamonds?" sermon, it's evident that the path between worldly influences and a life of faith requires a daily decision and continuous commitment. I urge you all to proactively embrace discipleship by evaluating your influences, seeking true transformation, and pledging to become a beacon for Christ. Remember, our shared aim is to lead impactful lives graced with the love and wisdom of Christ and this journey could begin or continue at One City this weekend.
3 THINGS TO KNOW THIS WEEK
#1 - KID CITY BEDHEAD PARTY (DAYLIGHT SAVINGS) IS THIS WEEKEND!
You know what's worse than LOSING THAT HOUR OF SLEEP THIS WEEKEND? NOT BEING AT OUR KID CITY BEDHEAD PARTY! Our Bedhead Sunday in March 10th, 2024 and is the perfect event to invite a family to. A simple INVITE can sometimes change everything!
#2 - JOIN US FOR PART 2 OF OUR SERIES "INFLUENCERS".
We live in a world of so called "influencers". And the question we need to answer is who are you going to follow and who are you going to lead? Pastor Jared is ready to BRING A BRAND NEW WORD this Sunday. #dontmisssunday Join us at 9AM, 10:30AM & 12PM.
#3 - OUR ANNUAL KINGDOM OFFERING IS STILL OPEN. YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE NOW.
Our Kingdom Offering is the most impactful offering of the year where we, as a family of believers, come together and present God with our VERY BEST financing offering. This year's offering is NOW OPEN and is what allows God to do the miraculous through One City. This year, our Kingdom Offering is being allocated to our new building so that we can transform our community by expanding the Kingdom of God into 8 strategic areas of our community.
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