Pastor Michael Grove | July 31 & Aug. 1, 2021
The Life-giving Church
The Life-giving Church is
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayer, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people … that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior … - I Timothy 2:1-3 (NIV)
God’s people were designed to be a people of impact in a broken, hurt, lost and dying world.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of the darkness into His marvelous light. - I Peter 2:9 (NIV)
How can we be the life-giving church?
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. - Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
How can we be the life-giving church?
- Devote yourself to
• II Timothy 4:1-5
• Be prepared in season and out of season
- Immerse yourself in
• Proverbs 27:17 : As Iron sharpens Iron, so one person sharpens another.
• Hebrews 10:24-25 : Let us consider how we may spur one another on …
- Be in
• James 5:13-16 : Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray …
- Give
• Hebrews 13:15-16 : … Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others…
• Philippians 2:5-8 : … Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus who … humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Next Steps
• Download a devotional on the Bible app, get a study Bible or follow an online devotional.
• Join a small group in order to pursue fellowship with other like-minded believers.
• Ask your neighbor to come over for dinner or coffee.
• Serve somewhere in the church! Start by going through Growth Track.
Recommended Resources
• thebibleproject.com
• “After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters” by N.T. Wright