Devoted
Devoted to the Church
March 3, 2019 • Nate Akin
Summary: The early church was committed to each other. Jesus' plan for our growth and the expansion of the Kingdom is the church and her members. Therefore, the healthy christian is committed to the local church for their good, the good of others, and the glory of God. Ephesians 4:1-16 Main Idea: A vibrant, healthy Church (and Christian) is marked by unity, gifts, and maturity. I. A healthy Church (and Christian) is devoted to maintaining unity (v. 1-6) a. Unified in our calling (v. 1) b. Unified in our conduct (v. 2-3) c. Unified in our confession (v. 4-6) II. A healthy Church (Christian) is devoted to using their gifts (v. 7-12) a. Be thankful for a giving savior (v. 7-10) b. Be thankful for gifted leaders (v. 11) c. Thankfully use your gift (v. 12) III. A healthy Church (and Christian) is devoted to maturity (v. 13-16)
Devoted to Prayer
February 24, 2019 • Nate Akin
Summary: The early church was committed to intentional, regular communion with God through prayer. Jesus graciously taught the church how to pray and petition the Father. The healthy, growing, and vibrant christian and church will not just be a praying church, but a church that prays the right ways. Matthew 6:5-15 I. Pray with the Right Heart (V. 5-8) II. Pray with our Focus on God (V. 9-10) A. On God's Name (V. 9) B. On God's Kingdom (V. 10a) C. On God's Will (V. 10b) III. Pray then with a focus on neighbor and self (v. 11-15) A. Daily Needs (V. 11) B. Repentance and Forgiveness (V. 12, 14-15) C. Deliverance from Evil (V. 13)
Devoted to the Bible
February 17, 2019 • Nate Akin
Summary: The early church was committed to learning and meditating on the scriptures. The scriptures are worthy of our devotion because they have been written by God Himself. Therefore, the healthy Christian and church will look to the scriptures as our final authority in matters of life and doctrine. 2 Peter 1:12-21 Main Idea: We must trust and devote ourselves to the Scriptures because they are the very voice of God I. (V. 16-18) Trust the Scriptures because they contain an eyewitness account of His glory II. (V. 19-21) Devote yourself to the Scriptures because: A. They are a more sure Word (V. 19) B. They will illuminate and sanctify us (V. 19) C. They are the very voice of God Himself (V. 20-21) Theological Applications: 1) We must affirm the inerrancy, sufficiency, infallibility, and authority of the Scriptures 2) We must trust the Scriptures even when we don’t feel it 3) We must stop waiting for “extra” revelation Practical applications: 1) Come ready to listen to the sermon 2) Read the text before Sunday 3) Read at the dinner table with your family, even if it is just one Psalm a night 4) Download the ESV Bible App and listen to it on your way to work 5) Gather with others to read it together 6) Memorize it 7) Be Berean
The Devotions of a Healthy Christian and Church
February 3, 2019 • Nate Akin
Acts 2 gives us a picture of the early church and the devotions that shaped this church. These simple devotions led to the World being turned upside down by the church. It is these same devotions that should shape us today if we are going to be healthy, growing Christians in a healthy, growing church. Acts 2:41-47 Main Idea: The Church that turns the world upside down has 5 simple devotions 1) We must be devoted to the gospel (V. 41) 2) We must be devoted to the Bible (V. 42) 3) We must be devoted to prayer (V. 42-43) 4) We must be devoted to the Church (One Another) (V. 42-47a) 5) We must be devoted to witnessing (V. 47b)