RISING HIGHER

“Committing to What Counts”
Pastor Ben Johnson – January 22, 2023

Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church - about three thousand in all. They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord's Supper and in prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity - all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved. — Acts 2:41-47

CONNECT — GROW — SERVE

We come to CHURCH so we can GO OUT and BE the Church.

1. Connect - MAKE FRIENDS
   
   “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” — John 13:35
   

2. Grow - MAKE DISCIPLES
   
   Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)
   

3. Serve - MAKE A DIFFERENCE
   
   Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. — Galatians 6:10

How can the Church increase our reach? We LOOK for OPPORTUNITIES.

We can…

Look for opportunities to SHARE with others that we’re Christ followers.

Look for opportunities to CARE for others.

Look for opportunities to SPEAK hope and life into others.

Look for opportunities to TELL our faith story.

Look for opportunities to INVITE others into God’s plan.

Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. — Matthew 16:16 (NLT)

One last thought: A life that’s all about Jesus is a life that’s committed to the CHURCH and to OTHERS. The church is ALIVE, growing, and needed like never before.