Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Sunday Circles - Church Growth

Sunday Circles
        Building Your Family With Friends
Church On The Rock
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Prayer
Hymn: Are You Washed in the Blood
Memory Verse: Psalms 27:13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Lesson: Church Growth

Pastor Ron’s remarks and intro of first principle

First Principle: Steadfast Doctrine
Scripture Reference: 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Our doctrine details the fundamental beliefs we hold dear and unchanging.
Doctrines are fundamental truths which establish the foundation of the church. 
Question: What were some of the non negotiable absolutes taught by the apostles? 
Follow Up Question: Did the apostles believe in and establish doctrines concerning: salvation; forgiveness; healing; water baptism; the baptism of the Holy Spirit; and other church beliefs? Should we be familiar with what they taught? 
Conclusion: Our doctrine provides the foundation of our lives and establishes our world view. In order to stabilize our lives, we must stand upon the solid foundation of God’s Word as taught by the apostles and embraced by the first Church. The fundamental doctrines of the New Testament Church are absolute and non-negotiable.

Pastor Ron’s remarks and intro of second principle

Second Principle: Continued Prayer
Scripture Reference:   1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
Question: What is prayer?
Follow Up Question: Jesus evidently believed He would benefit from the prayers of others (Matthew 26:41). What do you believe some of those benefits could be?
Conclusion: Jesus taught His disciples to pray. The Apostles taught the First Church the importance of including daily prayer in their Christian life and practice. We also should embrace the benefits which come with personal prayer, corporate prayer, and teaching others the power of prayer as well. Prayer is not the last resort of a desperate person. Prayer is the first response of a Believer.


Pastor Ron’s remarks and intro of third principle

Third Principle: Make time for Church and Christian friends.
Scripture Reference:  Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Question: What do friends add to our life?
Follow Up Question: Life is busy and time is short. How important is it that we make room in our busy schedules for Christian friends and Church?
Conclusion: When it is all said and done, the only thing God will have left for all of His hard work, is family. God is working to birth and build lasting relationships. If God, as busy as He is, feels it is important to spend time on relationships, we should take note. Figure out a plan and spend quality time each week with Christian friends, family, and Church.


Pastor Ron’s closing remarks
·        Connect Cards; Offering and Prayer
·        Memory Verse

·        Pre-Praise & Worship Prayer will be hosted by one of our Elders, John and Fronnie LeBlanc in the Sanctuary Studio. Worship will begin in just a few minutes.