Believe

We looked at this question during a Midweek series.
Click on the image links below to see what we agreed on....

 

 

"So then, my brothers and sisters, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing him. This is the true worship that you should offer. Romans 12:1"

How can we live for/worship God?
 

Praise
Reminds us of the character of God, helps us to Thank God, and focuses our spirits on God.
(We do this on Sundays, at Midweeks, through our choirs and music Groups and individually, at any time!)


Scripture
Read 2 Timothy 3 15 - 17. Scripture leads us to salvation, right living and good deeds.
(We learn from Sunday Talks, answering the questions on our notice sheets, Midweek Series, cell groups and using books purchased from our book stall.)


Prayer
Is an act of trust and faith in God, not ourselves (read Matthew 6 5 - 15). Prayer is a sign that we understand that Jesus calls us to a personal talking/listening relationship with Himself and His Father through the power of the Holy Spirit.
(We have intercessions and prayer ministry on Sunday and Midweek series, in cell groups, when visiting homes and encourage individuals to learn how to pray on their own.)

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How can we stay together and not fall apart?

Unity
'...accept one another, then, for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you.' Romans 13:7.


Remember
That God is a God of unity (read Ephesians 3:16-18). So we need to meet regularly across the age, gender and ethnic divides of the congregation as well as those we 'naturally' relate to.
(We can do this on 'all age' Sundays, at mid weeks and parish events and outings, and by welcoming newcomers effectively.)


Realise
Who we are in Christ (Look at Galatians 3: 27 - 28).
(We try to meet all members equally and encourage a multi-racial leadership and congregation. Saying the Grace and exchanging peace both help).


Forgive
As often as we can! (Matthew 18:21 - 35)
(We can do this in prayer, the peace, and where necessary in conversation and the giving as well as receiving of forgiveness).

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'First they gave themselves to the Lord; and then by God's will they gave themselves to us as well.' (2 Corinthians 8:5)

Why should we give out?

God gives
He has given us his son and not held back (John 3:16). Jesus has given us his life, and not held back. (Philippians 2:6 - 8)

 

God gives growth
He helps those who are generous to be generous. He gives a harvest to their generosity. (2 Corinthians 9 6:12).

 

God receives Glory
People are challenged when they see deeds done for others in Jesus' name (Matthew 5:14 - 16).

So we tithe our regular Sunday income (with special mission gift days every tenth Sunday), tithe our annual Church Gift Day money, support the CARIS Toy Library, look to help schools and hospitals within our parish and local area, provide local groups with accommodation in our halls and run different social action projects, as well as having St Ann's open during the week for those in need or wishing to pray.

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Witnessing
'But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honour him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope that you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect....' (1 Peter 3:15 - 16)

Why should we share our faith? Because we have a:

 

Responsibility
Every Christian generation is called to pass on their faith to the next. If the chain breaks, the church dies. We are here because of others faithful witness to us (Psalm 78:1 - 6).

We are committed to an all age teaching programme that includes separate groups for all ages.

 

Command
Jesus longs to see us make new diciples from all backgrounds (Matthew 28:16 - 20).
we hold annual confirmation classes, promote cell groups for all ages and commit to working with and in our local community and its state and church schools. We aim to have our church open during the week.


Promise
What Jesus asks us to do He helps us with. (Acts 1:6 - 9)


Invitation
Witnessing is making known Jesus' own invitation. (Acts 1:6 - 9)

So we hold regular parties and special services, delivering Christmas, Easter and other service invitation cards to schools, homes, friends and neighbours.

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