5/19/24 (Pentecost) Misty Creek Community Church Sermon

"Do You Have Rhythm?"

(Returning to Discipleship, Pt. 7)

Senior Pastor, Stephen Streett

Returning to Discipleship part 6: A Life with Purpose 
Acts 9:36-43
(Mother’s Day)
During the sermon this Sunday, I am going to open with challenges faced by parents, especially mothers. I am going to emphasize the critical role of compassion in discipleship, backing this concept with illustrative examples. I am going to elaborate on the courage needed for compassion, leading to a broader discussion on the current state of apathy globally. I will also contrast different responses to compassion, exploring the story of a self-absorbed woman and a sympathetic girl who befriends a newcomer at school. I will spend some time delving into the biblical narrative of Tabitha, a compassionate disciple of Jesus, renowned for her kind deeds. When she dies, the power of belief brings her back to life, leading to a surge of faith in her community.
The sermon highlights the importance of having a purpose in life. I will further urge the congregation to transform their compassion into tangible action. The sermon concludes by drawing parallels with the lives of Tabitha and Dr. Martha Myers, both models of compassion that left lasting impacts on others. MC will be reminded of their divine purpose: to emulate Jesus's compassion and thus make an eternal impact. The sermon resonates with themes of compassion, purpose, and the transformative power of kindness, inspiring the congregation to carry these lessons into their daily lives.
 
Grace and Peace,
Stephen

Misty Creek Community Church

Men's Bible Study of Mark, Week 6 Overview

Senior Pastor, Stephen Streett

5/5/24 Misty Creek Community Church Sermon:

"Gathering" (Returning to Discipleship, pt.5)

Matthew 28:19-20

This week's sermon focuses on the importance of gathering disciples for mission, following Jesus' example of intentional disciple-making. It highlights Jesus' emphasis on discipleship in various settings, guiding disciples to gather and scatter for the kingdom. By prioritizing people, channeling God's presence, showing grace, caring for souls, and sharing wisdom, disciples can expand the kingdom like Jesus. The sermon encourages Misty Creek to continue the mission of making disciples, guided by the presence of Jesus, and empowered by the Holy Spirit for Kingdom expansion.
 
Grace and Peace,
Stephen

Misty Creek Community Church

Men's Bible Study of Mark, Week 5 Overview

Senior Pastor, Stephen Streett

5/2/24 Power Hour of Prayer: Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

King David wrote these words in Psalm 122:6
 
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:“ May those who love you be secure.
 
His words were not only for Jerusalem but for all of Israel and for all who love her. 
 
We will have a time of worship and then we will pray specifically for a de-escalation of tension between Israel and the surrounding nations. We’ll pray for the release of hostages from Gaza, for preservation of innocent life on both sides of this war. We’ll pray that Jesus will use this conflict to bring salvation and spiritual awakening to Jewish and Muslim people around the world, and we’ll pray for God’s hand of protection against the antisemitic spirit that is moving across many college campuses and around the world.  
 
Psalm 91:1-2
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
 will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

Misty Creek Community Church

Men's Bible Study of Mark, Week 4 Overview

Senior Pastor, Stephen Streett

April 28, 2024 Misty Creek Community Church Sermon:

Returning to Discipleship Part 4: A Team Approach to Unity 
Psalm 133

In this sermon, the main point is to emphasize the importance of unity among God's people, both within families and within the church. I will begin by highlighting Psalm 133, which speaks about how good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity. Emphasizing that God searches for unity in families, churches, and other relationships, as it is pleasing to Him. Satan desires to divide and conquer. He loves it when there is division, gossip, and slander in the church. In essence, individuals who disagree with the vision and leadership of the church and they make it known. Unity dismantles the power of the enemy. 
This Sunday, I will share with you the various ways unity is fostered within Misty Creek, including worship, missions, prayer, fellowship, and clear communication of vision and beliefs.
To illustrate the importance of unity, I will use the analogy of a rowing crew. Emphasizing that in rowing, the team's unity and synchronization are crucial for success. Similarly, within the church, unity is necessary for accomplishing God's purposes. We will be encouraged as a congregation to care for one another, to support each other's strengths and weaknesses, and to have a team mindset rather than an individualistic one.
In the sermon I will reference the book of Acts, highlighting the unity among the early believers on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out. We will look at Scripture to further emphasize the importance of unity, such as Philippians 2:1-2, 1 Corinthians 1:10, John 13:35, and Philippians 2:3.
The main takeaway is that unity among God's people brings about blessings, enables effective ministry, and displays the love of Christ to the world. It involves putting aside selfish ambitions, valuing others, striving for agreement and peace, and loving one another. Having a team approach to unity calls for repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation where there is disunity, emphasizing that unity is a vital aspect of discipleship and essential for the church to fulfill its mission; 
To Love God, Love People, and Make Disciples. 
Grace and Peace,
Stephen

Men's Bible Study of the Gospel of Mark

4/22/24 - Week 3 Overview

Pastor, Stephen Streett

Misty Creek Community Church

In this week’s sermon, "Abide and Produce," I will emphasize the importance of disciples staying strongly connected to Jesus. I will open the sermon with a personal story about my wife Karen's daily devotional habits, using her example to illustrate the concept of abiding in Jesus. I will reference the Gospel of John, particularly the unique perspectives John offers regarding life in Christ. The focus is on the concept of a new heart in God's children, where divine law becomes a living force shaping their lives, unifying them with Jesus just as He aligns with the Father.
The sermon employs powerful metaphorical imagery of the vine and its branches, a resonance with ancient Jewish traditions. In this allegory, Jesus designates himself as the true vine whose followers should remain connected to him to bear good fruit. I employ this metaphor to underline the essentiality of remaining linked to Jesus, as spiritual growth cannot be achieved independently. The act of abiding in Jesus signifies an ongoing intimate relationship with Him, fueled through consistent prayer, worship, and immersion in God's Word. Towards the conclusion, a call to action is made: disciples need to evaluate their lives, discern areas not bearing healthy fruits, and prune those parts to foster fruitfulness. Encouraging listeners to acknowledge their grafting into the divine vine through Jesus, I will underscore the need to bear fruit which testifies to God's glory.
The sermon highlights the importance of abiding in Jesus, thereby leading his followers towards a spiritually richer life firmly established in Christ. The sermon leaves an impactful message that a prosperous spiritual life stems from maintaining a close relationship with Jesus.
Grace & Peace, 
Stephen