Sunday Worship Service "Sticky Identity"

First Covenant Church of Willmar

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Sunday Worship Service "Sticky Identity"

September 24, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • John 17:15–26, Ephesians 2:8–10

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It would seem in our current Western culture that the Christian faith is often treated like a team jersey: Something to put on to show your support on game day but unsuitable for all occasions. The idea that faith in Jesus affects a person’s day-to-day choices seems increasingly naive and outdated in today’s hyper-individualized society. Developing a sticky faith in Jesus requires that we believe and trust that Jesus is who the Bible says he is and that he did what the Bible says he did.

But how do we develop and nurture a faith in Jesus that is sticky? It begins with a sticky identity. We know what the Bible says about Jesus, but what does it say about you? “Who am I?” is one of the most important questions a person will ask -- and they may spend their entire life trying to answer. If you want to develop a sticky faith in your own life and help others around you do the same, you must come to “grip” with your identity -- who you are in Christ Jesus.

Join us this Sunday and discover the Bible’s answer to your question, “Who am I?”

Primary Text: John 17:15-26, Ephesians 2:8-10.

"Sticky Faith - Legacy" Sunday Worship Service

October 29, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • 2 Timothy 1:3–8

This Sunday we wrap up our Sticky Faith sermon series and consider the importance of Sticky-Faith Legacy. Everyone wants to be remembered for something. There is something hardwired into our souls that longs for a life of meaning and significance. However, our time on earth is short, especially when compared to our promised eternity. So, what kind of legacy do you want to leave? Often, people will ask, “How do I want to be remembered?” But perhaps a more fitting question is, “How will my life on earth bring glory to God for all eternity?” The answer to that question points in one direction: Our purpose is to make disciple-makers. Disciple- making is at the heart of the Christian Mission. A mission and purpose established by Christ Jesus and entrusted to His church until he returns. The hard truth we must face as human beings is that nothing material we create will endure, only that which is destined for eternity will be welcomed into eternity. So, what is your legacy? And will it follow you into eternity? Primary text: 2 Timothy 1:3-8.

" Sticky Handoffs" Sunday Worship Service

October 22, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus

Relay events in sports are fascinating to watch and exhilarating to participate in. It seems the perfect combination of individual achievement and team reliance. In many ways, the passing of the proverbial baton, and the race set before each athlete is a wonderful depiction of the church. At any moment in time, Christians are participating in God’s kingdom work as part of a grand relay team. From generation to generation, the great commission has been passed on and entrusted to Jesus’ Disciples. And what is our objective? To go and make disciples. We are commanded to live faithfully in Jesus and nurture faith in the next generation. Sticky Faith is encouraged as people step into God’s Kingdom unfolding around them and humbly serve in ways that bring God glory. Because the world is always changing around us, the methods we use (in pursuit of God’s mission) also change. However, the message of God’s salvation in Christ Jesus NEVER changes. "Sticky Handoffs" are critical for each generation to experience God’s missional call and live in faithful obedience to the Holy Spirit. This week, we will explore the necessary (yet too often overlooked) practice of handing off the Christian faith to the next generation.

Sunday Worship Service "Sticky Justice"

October 15, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • Daniel 9:4–19

This week, we continue to explore ways to develop a sticky faith in your own life while nurturing this kind of faith in others. Intentional conversations and relationships (where people feel safe, seen, soothed, and supported in their faith formation), help to build one another up in faith. However, at some point, we must put our faith into action outside the walls of our institutional religion and familiar relationships; we must follow our LORD into places which seem dark and spiritually oppressive. Jesus claimed to be God’s light in our world. He then commanded the Church to be His light in the world. We understand that to mean that the Church is sent to the least, the lost, and the left behind as bearers of Jesus’ good news. We do not turn a blind eye to sin in our world. We confront abuse, hatred, and oppression. We are invited to join God in God’s work of bringing justice and righteousness. But what does that mean in our world and how does such a commitment result in creating a stickier faith? This week, we explore the importance of Sticky-Faith Justice in developing and nurturing an enduring faith in Jesus Christ.