Face2Face (Week 1)  l  Good News, Not Good Advice  l  Mark 1:1, 16-20

Christianity isn’t about a self-help program or a list of rules—it’s about meeting a Person. 

In our brand new series, Face2Face, we are looking at how ordinary people met Jesus and were never the same again. When Jesus walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee and called out to the fishermen, He wasn’t looking for perfection—He was looking for faithfulness in the ordinary.

The incredible truth is that Jesus sees who we can become when we walk with Him. He doesn't just call you for who you are right now; He calls you for what He knows you can become through His grace.

Have you had your "one day" encounter with Jesus yet?

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What does it really mean to follow God when we don’t know where He is leading us?

In this sermon, Ps. Tirza talks about what it means to follow God by faith—even when we don’t know the outcome, have all the answers, or have everything we need.

Through the story of Abraham in Hebrews 11, Ps. Tirza reminds us that following God requires faith, obedience, trust, and a willingness to let go. Abraham went when God called him, even though he didn’t know where he was going. He trusted God’s promise and kept looking ahead.

Ps. Tirza walks us through four checkpoints of following God:

1. God calls everyone to follow Him.
The most important decision we make in our lives is to follow Jesus.

2. God calls us to rely on Him.
We pray in faith, acknowledging that God is both able and cares to act.

3. God’s call involves letting go.
We reorder our hearts so that God comes first.

4. God’s call has one destination: Him.
We choose not to settle for the world because our ultimate destination is not a place or a promise—it is God Himself.

Like Abraham, we may not always know what is ahead. But we can keep moving forward because we know the One who is leading us.

The destination has never been a geographical location. It’s always been God.

Watch the full sermon and take time to reflect:

• What is stopping you from following Jesus right now?
• What kind of prayers would you pray if you were convinced that God both is able and cares?
• What is God asking you to let go of right now?
• How would your life be different if God is your ultimate destination?

#IESJakarta #FollowJesus #Faith #Hebrews11 #ChristianSermon

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What Make the Church the Church l Missional Living God  

Acts 2:47; Acts 1:8

Life Group Guide: https://bit.ly/life-group-guide

As we conclude our series, "What Makes the Church the Church," we discover that the natural result of a healthy church is a church that grows.

Throughout this series we've learned that the early church was devoted to God's Word, authentic fellowship, prayer, and experiencing God's presence. Those weren't just activities—they formed the identity of the church. And because they were committed to these things, "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

Jesus' final words in Acts 1:8 were not simply a strategy for missions but a call for every believer to become a witness. A witness is simply someone who shares what they have personally seen and experienced. Evangelism isn't about winning arguments; it's about sharing what Jesus has done in our lives and inviting others to experience Him for themselves.

Jesus describes four circles of influence:

• Jerusalem – the people closest to us: our family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Often, these are the hardest people to reach because they know us best. Yet Jesus calls us to begin right where we are.
• Judea – people who are like us and with whom we naturally share life. God often uses existing relationships and common experiences to spread the gospel.
• Samaria – people who are different from us or who make us uncomfortable. Jesus intentionally calls us to cross barriers of culture, background, and preference because the gospel is for everyone.
• The Ends of the Earth – God's heart has always been for every nation, every tribe, and every people group. The church exists not only for itself but to participate in God's global mission.

If we believe God wants to reach more people, then we must be willing to make room for them. Whether it's serving, welcoming newcomers, moving toward the middle of a row, or simply inviting someone to church, every act of hospitality becomes part of God's mission. We don't grow for the sake of numbers—we grow because every number represents a person Jesus loves.

As we've said throughout this series, the church is not a building—it is a community of people transformed by Jesus and sent into the world so that others can experience His love.

Discussion Questions

1. Jesus calls us to be His witnesses. What do you think it means to be a "witness" instead of simply trying to convince someone about Christianity? How does that change the way you think about sharing your faith?

2. Which of the four circles—Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, or the Ends of the Earth—is the easiest for you to engage? Which one is the most challenging, and why?

3. "Before God sends us across oceans, He usually sends us across the room."  Who is someone in your everyday life that God may be inviting you to pray for, encourage, or intentionally share your faith with this week?

4. What are some practical ways our Life Group and our church can become more welcoming to first-time guests and people who are still exploring faith?

5. Which of these core values has challenged or encouraged you the most?

• God's Word Changes Lives
• Everyone Is Welcome
• God Answers Prayer
• Experiencing the Presence of God
• Missional Living

What is one step you will take this week to live out that value?

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What Make the Church the Church (Week 4)  l  Experiencing the Presence of God  l  2 Corinthians 4:8-10, 17

Read 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, 17

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Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshiping what's right with God!

In our series What Makes the Church the Church, we are looking at what happens when a community moves beyond just knowing about God to truly experiencing His life-changing presence. The life of Christ in us means that even when the enemy attacks, a song of praise still rises from deep within.

No matter what you're facing today, you can find a reason to praise. 

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What Make the Church the Church (Week 3)  l  God Answers Prayer  l  Luke 18:1-5

Life Group Guide: https://bit.ly/life-group-guide

The only way to fail at prayer is to not pray.

We are continuing our series, What Makes the Church the Church, and today we’re diving into our third Biblical Core Value: God Answers Prayer.

We often get discouraged when we don’t see immediate changes, but God calls us to persistence. Whether you are waiting for a breakthrough, a healing, or direction in your life, remember this:  Don't let your circumstances get between you and God; instead, put God between you and your circumstances.

Our most powerful prayers are the ones rooted in His promises. When life gets complicated, remember that the blessings of God often complicate our lives in beautiful, holy ways.

Whatever you are praying for today, don’t quit. Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep working.

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What Make the Church the Church (Week 2)  l  Everyone is Welcome  l  1 Peter 1:18-21 MSG

Life Group Guide: https://bit.ly/life-group-guide

What if church was more than just a place you attend? What if it was a community where everyone belongs?

In Week 2 of our series, "What Makes the Church the Church," we explore one of the defining characteristics of the early church from Acts 2:42–47—their devotion to fellowship (koinonia). The first Christians discovered that following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey. We are saved individually, but we grow in community.

Whether you've been following Jesus for years, you're new to church, you've recently moved to Jakarta, or you're simply exploring faith, this message is for you.

At IES Jakarta, we believe:

No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here.

Join Pastor Jamison as we discover how God uses authentic community to encourage us, strengthen our faith, and transform our lives.

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What Make the Church the Church (Week 1)  l  The Word of God Changes Lives  l  2 Timothy 3:16

Life Group Guide: https://bit.ly/life-group-guide

What makes the church the church?

In the first message of our new series, "What Makes the Church the Church," Pastor Jamie explores one of the foundational values of the early church from Acts 2:42–47: they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching.

At IES Jakarta, we believe this timeless truth:
God's Word Changes Lives.

In this message from 2 Timothy 3:16–17, you'll discover how God's Word is more than an ancient book—it is living, powerful, and "God-breathed." Scripture teaches us what is true, lovingly rebukes and corrects us when we wander, and trains us to become more like Jesus so that we are equipped for every good work.

Whether you're new to the Bible or have been following Jesus for years, this message will encourage you to build your life on God's unchanging truth.

In this message you'll discover:
 • Why the Bible is God's authoritative Word
 • How Scripture teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains us
 • Why God's correction is an expression of His love
 • How spending time in God's Word transforms us into the likeness of Christ
 • Practical ways to make Bible reading a daily habit

Key Scripture:
 📖 2 Timothy 3:16–17

Series: What Makes the Church the Church
Week 1: The Word of God Changes Lives

If this message encouraged you, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who needs hope today. Join us every Sunday at IES Jakarta as we grow together in God's Word, experience His presence, and live on mission for Jesus.

#IESJakarta #TheWordOfGodChangesLives #WhatMakestheChurchtheChurch #2Timothy316 #Acts242 #BibleTeaching #ChristianSermon #Faith #Discipleship #Jesus #Church #Jakarta

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