Here at Lancaster First UMC, I am privileged to be part of two weekly bible study groups that study the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday worship services.
Last Sunday’s Sermon – It’s Not too Late to Eradicate Killer Diseases
This Sunday’s Sermon – It’s Not too Late to Rejuvenate the Church
Main Text for this Sunday – Revelation 1:1-4, 2:1-5
- Book of Revelation Context – This book has often been misused primarily because people fail to understand this book in its historical context.
- Historical Context:
Author – John (Not clear which John because of writing style.)
Exiled on Patmos
Writing to the 7 churches of Asia Minor
Apocalyptic – Revealing hidden things of God
- Meant to be a book that offers comfort to God’s people, not fear.
- Main theme – To remain steadfast in midst of a secular/pagan society.
Points people to what is happening in heaven now – martyrs praising and
worshiping God & to the future when heaven and earth will be one and creation will be fully renewed.
- Church of Ephesus – What does John have to say about this church?
Good at discerning the truth and enduring. A church with a lot of energy.
BUT – They have abandoned the love they once had as a church.
- What does it mean to have the love they once had?
- How can a church reclaim that love? List some possible ways:
- The five core values of a growing and healthy church:
Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission, & Extravagant Generosity
- 2011 Priorities (2) – Passionate Worship (Re-launch Wednesday Worship & Intentional Faith Development (Begin At Least Ten New Small Groups)
A Daily Prayer for Rejuvenation
Dear God, thank you for First United Methodist Church. Strengthen us through the power of the Holy Spirit to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world through radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission, and extravagant generosity. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Last Sunday’s Sermon – It’s Not too Late to Eradicate Killer Diseases
This Sunday’s Sermon – It’s Not too Late to Rejuvenate the Church
Main Text for this Sunday – Revelation 1:1-4, 2:1-5
- Book of Revelation Context – This book has often been misused primarily because people fail to understand this book in its historical context.
- Historical Context:
Author – John (Not clear which John because of writing style.)
Exiled on Patmos
Writing to the 7 churches of Asia Minor
Apocalyptic – Revealing hidden things of God
- Meant to be a book that offers comfort to God’s people, not fear.
- Main theme – To remain steadfast in midst of a secular/pagan society.
Points people to what is happening in heaven now – martyrs praising and
worshiping God & to the future when heaven and earth will be one and creation will be fully renewed.
- Church of Ephesus – What does John have to say about this church?
Good at discerning the truth and enduring. A church with a lot of energy.
BUT – They have abandoned the love they once had as a church.
- What does it mean to have the love they once had?
- How can a church reclaim that love? List some possible ways:
- The five core values of a growing and healthy church:
Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission, & Extravagant Generosity
- 2011 Priorities (2) – Passionate Worship (Re-launch Wednesday Worship & Intentional Faith Development (Begin At Least Ten New Small Groups)
A Daily Prayer for Rejuvenation
Dear God, thank you for First United Methodist Church. Strengthen us through the power of the Holy Spirit to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world through radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission, and extravagant generosity. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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