Our vision of “being and making disciples” starts with glorifying God in dynamic worship! Worship is central to who we are as followers of Jesus! Genuine worship takes place in the context of obedience to God, as we discover in Genesis 12:1-5. Worship is not merely a feeling or a particular form. For Abram, worship in part was obeying God’s prompting to go to the land of Canaan. We cannot truly worship God unless we are in a place of obedience.
Wherever Abram went he built altars to the Lord where he would worship, as we discover in Genesis 12:7-8. Now, we have an altar which is in Christ! We read in Hebrews 13:10: “We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat.” Through Christ’s blood we have access at any time to God. Abram would have used raw stones (not touched by human strength or skill) to represent yielding to God’s strength and not trusting in his own strength.
I would suggest that we need to make personal worship a priority in our lives. In the midst of President Woodrow Wilson’s difficulties in international negotiations he felt the need for divine guidance. When President Wilson arrived at a cabinet meeting his face wore a solemn look. It was evident that serious affairs of the nation were on his mind. He said to the cabinet members: “I don’t know whether you men believe in prayer or not. I do. Let us pray and ask the help of God.” The President of the United States fell upon his knees with the members of the cabinet, and offered a prayer to Almighty God for help!
In light of this past week’s challenges in our nation, I would suggest that is precisely what we need to do. We need to fall on our knees, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and seeking God’s face for mercy and wisdom.
Abram prioritized such times of seeking God in his life. Wherever he went he established places of worship. We read in Genesis 12:6 that Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree Moreh at Shechem. Shechem literally meant “the shoulder – place to carry burdens.” It was between two mountains, Mount Ebal (Barren) and Mount Gerazim (Fruitful). The Jews used to proclaim God’s blessings for obedience on Mount Gerazim and curses for disobedience on Mount Ebal. As we build this altar of personal worship, the Lord will bear our burdens and keep us from the barren, cursed life. And, the Lord will help us live a fruitful, blessed life even in the midst of challenges all around us.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
THIS SUNDAY we will meet once again at 2910 West Main Street for our worship service at 9:30 a.m. We will Live Stream the service on Facebook and our website.
Pastor Glen’s sermon will be “Seeing God’s Grace” based upon John 4:16-26. Please read this text in preparation for worship!
We will expect individuals and families to follow appropriate social distancing guidelines. We want to be respectful of our brothers and sisters. You will need to bring and wear protective masks while entering and moving about the building. We will not pass an offering plate (an offering plate will be available for your tithes and offerings). Online giving opportunities are available on the website.
Children are welcome but families must sit together.
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Our Annual Congregational Meeting will be held immediately after worship on Sunday, January 17th. We will hear updates regarding our congregation and will approve the terms of call for the pastor. Please make plans to attend!
DISCIPLESHIP ESSENTIALS
If you are interested in growing in your faith, please contact Pastor Glen or Mike Adams about joining a Discipleship Triad or Quartet. These groups provide an opportunity for you to grow exponentially in your faith through intimate, accountable relationships centered on the essentials of God’s Word! PLEASE consider reaching out to participate in this type of group. During COVID-19, these groups could be held virtually.
PRAYER CONCERNS
We are grateful for Janet Coiner’s prayer ministry in our congregation. If you have a prayer concern or praise report, please let Janet or Pastor Glen know. We desire to be a PRAYING congregation!! Martin Luther stated, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”
BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS: Stephen Wright (1/14); Candi Brown (1/22); Mary Jane Trimble (1/24); Janet Coiner (1/27); Linda Ritchie (1/30); Dan Woodworth (1/31)