CCC Worship Gathering 8.25.24

Making Way for the King of Glory

Psalm 24

Intro: grasping the grandeur

1. Holder of the World (v.1-2)

Creator

• Mountains, trees, seas

Sustainer

Owner

2. Drawn Upward (v.3-6)

Ascending the Hill

Change from the Inside-out

Positional Righteousness

Seeking God

Genesis 32:30 - So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” (ESV)

3. Make Way (v.7-10)

Lifting Heads

Gates and Doors

• False thoughts

2 Corinthians 10:3–5 - For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. [4] For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. [5] We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, (ESV)

Ephesians 6:12 - For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (ESV)

The King of Glory

• Strength and might

Conclusion: the coming King

CCC Worship Gathering 8.11.24

God’s Hand Upon Our Witness

Acts 27

Intro: the hands of a clock face

Three observations about this chapter:

1. Physical Barriers

Difficult Weather

• Winds were against us (4)

Difficult Weariness

• Violently storm-tossed (18)

2. Spiritual Realities

Demonic Opposition

Divine Encouragement

3. Unstoppable Grace

Life Preservation

Luke 12:7 - Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. (ESV)

Spiritual Strength

Provision

Conclusion: God’s purpose will stand

Psalm 138:8

[8] The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;

God moves in a mysterious way,

Deep in unfathomable mines,

Ye fearful saints fresh courage take,

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

His purposes will ripen fast,

Blind unbelief is sure to err,

William Cowper

CCC Worship Gathering 7.28.24

Serving as Jesus’ Witness

Acts 26

Intro: your story of God’s glory

Psalm 107:2

[2] Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,

1. Our Audience

Respect

God seeks his enemies

Romans 5:10 - For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

1 Peter 3:15 - but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect

Appeal to General Knowledge

Central Issue

2. Our Message

• Life without Christ

• Encounter with Christ - light in to shine through

The Light found Paul

Ephesians 2:1–5 - And you were dead in the trespasses and sins [2] in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—[3] among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. [4] But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, [5] even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

Opposing God not Helping God

The Moment of Salvation

• Response to Christ - obedience to mission

Purpose and Mission

Colossians 1:13–14 - He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Obedience to Mission

3. Reactions

• Festus - ‘You’re crazy’

• Agrippa - ‘Not ready’

Romans 10:13–17 - For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Conclusion: share the hope that is in you

CCC Worship Gathering 7.14.24

Acts 24

Intro: the courtroom

1. The Judge

Presiding Judge in the Cosmic Courtroom

2. The Prosecution (v.1-9)

Nauseating Flattery

Charges of Sedition and Sacrilege

Strawman Construction

Prosecution in the Cosmic Court

3. The Defense (v.10-21)

Religious Record

Civil Behavior

Romans 13:1 - Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (ESV)

1 Timothy 2:1–2 - First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, [2] for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (ESV)

Personal Message

The Defense in the Cosmic Courtroom

1 John 2:1 - My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (ESV)

Romans 8:31–34 - What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? [33] Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. [34] Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. (ESV)

4. The Ruling (v.22-27)

Continued Freedoms

Continued Questioning

Continued Witness

John 16:8–11 - And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: [9] concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; [10] concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; [11] concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. (ESV)

Continued Holding

2 Corinthians 5:7 - for we walk by faith, not by sight. (ESV)

Ruling in Cosmic Court

Romans 3:23–26 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, [25] whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. [26] It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (ESV)

Conclusion: be all there

CCC Worship Gathering 6.9.24

The Path of Discipleship

Acts 21:1-36

Intro: what makes a hero in the faith?

Hebrews 11:32–38 - And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—[33] who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, [34] quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. [35] Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. [36] Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. [37] They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—[38] of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. (ESV)

What makes a hero in the faith? Faithful sacrifice for Jesus.

1. Ministry (v.1-16)

Fellowship

Strengthening

prediction and prohibition

1 Corinthians 14:33 - For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. (ESV)

Discerning the Leading of the Holy Spirit

• Faith

Prayer

Trust

Acts 20:24 - But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (ESV)

2. Allegiance (v.17-26)

Partnership Centered on Jesus

Partnership in Truth

Doctrine

Partnership to Win Souls

1 Corinthians 9:19–27

[19] For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. [20] To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. [21] To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. [22] To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. [23] I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

[24] Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. [25] Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. [26] So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. [27] But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (ESV)

3. Suffering (v.27-36)

Identifying with Jesus

Colossians 1:24 - Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, (ESV)

Walking in Jesus’ steps

• Arrest

Conclusion: superior love

Revelation 12:11 - And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (ESV)

CCC Worship Gathering 6.2.24

Learning from Paul’s Consistent Witness

Acts 20:17-38

Intro: leaving a spiritual legacy

1 Corinthians 11:1 - Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (ESV)

John Paton’s Father’s legacy

‘Though everything else in religion were by some unthinkable catastrophe to be swept out of memory, or blotted from my understanding, my soul would wander back to those early scenes, and shut itself up once again in that Sanctuary Closet, and, hearing still the echoes of those cries to God, would hurl back all doubt with the victorious appeal, 'He walked with God, why may not I?'’

Consistency is the key to a gospel legacy.

1. Marks of Consistency (v.17-27)

• Proximity

Philippians 3:7–11 - But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. [8] Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—[10] that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (ESV)

• Faithfulness

2. Passing the Baton (v.18-38)

Careful Attention

to Shepherds

1 Timothy 4:16 - Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (ESV)

to Flock

Vigilance

Ephesians 5:14–16

[14] for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,

Trust the Word of Grace

Generosity

Trust the Lord with the Future

3. The Big WHY (v.28)

Conclusion: Jesus is worthy of our lives

CCC Worship Gathering 5.26.24

Encouraging Our Witness

Acts 20:1-16

Intro: the filibuster

1. Elements of Encouragement (v.1-6)

Exhortation

2 Timothy 4:2 - preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. (ESV)

Ownership

2 Corinthians 11:28 - And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. (ESV)

Time

Romans 1:11 - For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— (ESV)

Companionship

2. Elements of Growth (v.7-16)

Gathered

• First day of the week…to break bread

Preaching

• Giving the sense

Nehemiah 8:8 - They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. (ESV)

• Conversation

• Faith

Romans 10:17 - So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (ESV)

• Stirring up

Hebrews 10:23–25 - Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (ESV)

Weariness

Life

Mission

Conclusion: commitment to encouragement and growth

CCC Worship Gathering 5.19.24

Gospel Effect for True Life

Acts 19:11-41

Intro: made to worship

Romans 1:25 - because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. (ESV)

1. Effect on Spiritual Realities (v.11-17)

Miracles Catch Attention

Attempts at Replication

Imitating Jesus

2. Effect on Hearts (v.18-20)

Genuine Repentance

True Value

The Word Prevails Mightily

3. Effect on Community (v.23-34)

Turning the World Upside Down

Costly Idolatry

Mark 5:1-20

Straw Man Construction

Doubling Down on Unbelief

Paul’s Concern for His Friends

4. Effect on Future Ministry (v.35-41)

A Cooler Head Prevailed

Life in a Hostile World

Conclusion: God wants you!

CCC Worship Gathering 5.12.24

A Mother’s Yearning and Yielding

1 Samuel 1

Intro: cycles of motherhood

1. Yearning of Motherhood (v.1-11)

Yearning for Completeness

Yearning for Comfort

Yearning for Christ

2. Yielding of Motherhood (v.13-28)

Yielding to God’s Sovereignty

Yielding of Personal Will

Yielding of Desire

Yielding God to God

Conclusion: go in peace

CCC Worship Gathering 5.5.24

Getting the Gospel Right

Acts 18:23-19:10

Intro: commotion v. substance

Full gospel ministry is understanding the depth of the gift the Spirit is in us as believers.

1. Gospel Strength (v.23)

Importance of the Local Church for Spiritual Growth

Ephesians 4:11–14 - And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, [13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, [14] so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. (ESV)

Commitment Represents Living for Another World

2. Gospel Clarity (v.24-28)

Meet Apollos

Baptism of John

Gracious Adjustment

Gracious Reception

Blessed Commission

1 Corinthians 1:4–6 - I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, [5] that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—[6] even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you (ESV)

3. Gospel Power (v.1-7)

Disciples of John

Responding to Jesus

Experiencing the Spirit’s Power

4. Gospel Repetition (v.8-10)

Doing the Same Things by Faith

John 16:8 - And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment (ESV)

Doing the Same Things Daily

Conclusion: Gospel Trust