Real Church - Sunday Gathering

JESUS SAID, “COME TO ME ALL YOU WHO ARE WEARY AND CARRY HEAVY BURDENS AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” SO HOW DO WE MAKE SENSE OF THIS PROMISE WHEN AS CHRISTIANS WE FEEL WEARY, ANXIOUS, STRESSED, AND TRUE REST CONTINUES TO ALLUDE US?

For many, the story of Jonah and the huge fish is a reason to mock the Christian faith. How can a man survive inside the belly of a huge fish for three days and nights? And, why did the Ninevites repent so quickly and so thoroughly? After the fish story, this seems like another logical barrier to taking Jonah seriously. But when we enter the polytheistic world of the Ninevites, it makes a little more sense, and after that, when we remember what Jesus said of their repentance, it not only makes more sense but it's also a gut-check moment for Christians.

Today’s message does not end in the triumph of depression it ends in the victory of Jesus.

Jonah stands out among the prophets due to his questionable decisions despite being a prophet. This week, we will explore Jonah's world to gain a better understanding of him. Then, we will use his story as a mirror to reflect on our own tendencies to make similar mistakes, going against the teachings of Christ's Sermon on the Mount. We will also explore what Jonah chapter 1 reveals about God's character and His sovereignty to accomplish His will in our lives.

Running in a race can be fun, but it’s even more fun if you win the prize! Today we learned that the Bible says that following Jesus is like running in a race. But to win the prize, Paul says we have to do 3 things.

After giving detailed instructions on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Paul seems to hit the brakes to talk about love. Before he went any further, he wanted to show how love was essential for the health of the church. Today we discuss the role that Love plays in keeping us in Rhythm with God's heart.

Last week we covered the first 5 of the 9 Spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 and covered 4 of the 7 reasons why the gifts are needed in the church today. This morning we cover the final 4 gifts and three more reasons why they are necessary in the conclusion of "Equipped."

Have you ever had a desire to help someone, but you felt unequipped? This is the very reason that the Holy Spirit has given us spiritual gifts. He desires to equip us so that we can help somebody.

This morning, we pick up where we left off last week with the final two guidelines to brave the potential mess that can come with seeking the gifts of the Holy Spirit.