Notes from Sunday Worship

Sunday, January 12

Sunday School – Subject: Solomon – 1 Kings 8:14-21; 2 Chronicles 6 – Teacher: Kevin Longenecker

The Ark of the Covenant represented God – God’s Power.

Since God now dwells in us – and not in the Ark – do we recognize and represent God’s power?

Even the false god, Dagon, fell over – toward the Ark.

“When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the Lord.” I Samuel 5:2-3 KJV.

Glory. What do you think about when you think about glory?

Manifestation of God’s presence.

Can people see the manifestation of God in you?

Worship Service – Winter Series: Spiritual Growth – Minister: Merv Groff

Sermon title: Why must I take responsibility to grow spiritually? 2 Peter 1:1-13

Your spiritual growth is your responsibility – not that of anyone else – not a preacher, teacher or book. They can, and should be helpful, but you are responsible for your own spiritual growth.

What is spiritual growth?

It is a process that happens when God’s power enables us to grow and realize that with Him we have everything we need.

God loves to increase our knowledge of Him.

Vital Steps to Spiritual Growth

Spend time reading the Bible

The clearest way to find God’s wisdom for spiritual growth.

Meet with other believers regularly

Find a way to participate.

Pray daily

Pray for direction, pray for others – anywhere, anytime. Make praying enjoyable.

Study the Bible

Find good resources for Bible study

Be baptized by water

To identify with God and Jesus

Daily devotions

Discover the joy of daily communication with God.

Avoid temptation

Follow Jesus. Surrender yourself to Him. Do not look to “the world” for wisdom.

Spiritual growth is not easy, because Satan is warring for your soul.

Discern good from the best.

Get rid of anything in your life that is keeping you from winning and growing in this Christian race. Know that The Holy Spirit will help you.

Read the Bible

To know what Jesus would do and how to follow His example. Learn to live a life of poise – like Jesus – composure, self-control, timing

Control your tongue

It is a fire when used for criticism, gossip, rumor, evil speaking. Words can divide family, friends, co-workers. If you do not control your tongue, you cannot control the rest of your life.

Be Aware of Your thoughts

Is what you think – true, honorable, gracious? Thoughts are the foundation for everything we do.

Satan is trying to destroy your spiritual growth. Sin destroys spiritual growth and drives God away.

We should daily live like we are living on Holy ground.

Be aware of how you spend money

Use of money is a dead giveaway to our desires. We are responsible for our financial choices.

Control your temper

Use and control our passions by following God?

Get on with the process of growing spiritually. You are responsible for your own spiritual growth.