WHO WE WILL BE IN 2023
January 8, 2023
Pastor Brian
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.(Acts 2:41–47, NLT)
1. The church is a
“On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized.” (Acts 2:41, CEV)
“Although I hope I can come to you soon, I am writing these things to you now. Then, even if I am delayed, you will know how to live in the family of God. That family is the church of the living God, the support and foundation of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:14–15, NCV)
“Now you are no longer strangers to God…but you are members of God’s very own family…and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” (Ephesians 2:19, The Living Bible)
I commit to be an active part of the Oak Ridge family!
2. The church is a group that
“A deep sense of awe came over them all…They worshiped together…” (Acts 2:43,46, NLT)
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30, CSB)
God wants me to love Him…
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“You have six days when you can do your work, but the seventh day of each week is holy because it belongs to me. No matter where you live, you must rest on the Sabbath and come together for worship. This law will never change.” (Leviticus 23:3, CEV)
I commit to worship weekly with my church family!
3. The church is a fellowship of followers that are
“They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together.” (Acts 2:42, CEV)
“Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11, NLT)
I commit to run the bases and practice the spiritual habits of maturity!
4. The church is a community that
“And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.” (Acts 2:44–45, NLT)
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10, NLT)
I commit to bless others using my time, talent, and treasure!
5. The church is a movement that’s
“And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47b, NLT)
Jesus: “And I tell you…I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not [hold out against it].” (Matthew 16:18, ANT)
I commit to help build His church by doing all I can to reach as many as I can for as long as I can!
ACTION STEP
I’M IN!