Sunday, July 31, 2022 - Being an Influencer that Changes Lives
Online Playlist
Welcome
Hymn 81 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken (In Person Only)
Awakening to God’s Presence (In Person Only)
Prayer for God’s Guidance
Hebrews 6:1-3 Common English Bible Translation
So let’s press on to maturity, by moving on from the basics about Christ’s word. Let’s not lay a foundation of turning away from dead works, of faith in God, of teaching about ritual ways to wash with water, laying on hands, the resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgment-all over again. We’re going to press on, if God allows it. (Question: What do you recognize as the basics of living Jesus’ teachings and what do you consider to be on a higher level?)
Hymn 749 Come! Live in the Light! (In Person Only)
Hebrews 6:4-8
Because it’s impossible to restore people to changed hearts and lives who turn away once they have seen the light, tasted the heavenly gift, become partners with the Holy Spirit, and tasted God’s good word and the powers of the coming age. They are crucifying God’s Son all over again and exposing him to public shame. The ground receives a blessing from God when it drinks up the rain that regularly comes and falls on it and yields a useful crop for those people for whom it is being farmed. But if it produces thorns and thistles, it’s useless and close to being cursed. It ends up being burned. (Question: What do you need to change in your life to have a greater influence?)
Hymn 743 O God, You Are My God (In Person Only)
Hebrews 6:9-12
But we are convinced of better things in your case, brothers and sisters, even though we are talking this way – things that go together with salvation. God isn’t unjust so that he forgets your efforts and the love you have shown for his name’s sake when you served and continue to serve God’s holy people. But we desperately want each of you to show the same effort to make your hope sure until the end. This is so you won’t be lazy but follow the example of the ones who inherit the promises through faith and patience. (Question: What efforts have you made in your life that result in having hope?)
Hebrews 6:13-16
When God gave Abraham his promise, he swore by himself since he couldn’t swear by anyone greater. He said, I will certainly bless you and multiply your descendants. So Abraham obtained the promise by showing patience. People pledge by something greater than themselves. A solemn pledge guarantees what they say and shuts down any argument. (Question: What words do you often say that come to life in action and which ones remain just words?)
Hymn 614 Great Are You, Lord (In Person Only)
Hebrews 6:17-20
When God wanted to further demonstrate to the heirs of the promise that his purpose doesn’t change, he guaranteed it with a solemn pledge. So these are two things that don’t change, because it’s impossible for God to lie. He did this so that we, who have taken refuge in him, can be encouraged to grasp the hope that is lying in front of us. This hope, which is a safe and secure anchor for our whole being, enters the sanctuary behind the curtain. That’s where Jesus went in advance and entered for us, since he became a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. (Question: What about God anchors your life?)
Offering Ourselves to God
During this time let us reflect upon the words from the Brief Statement of Faith
In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!” With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Special Music (In Person Only)
Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom and the power
and the glory, forever. Amen
Closing Hymn 853 We Are Marching in the Light of God (In Person Only)
Benediction
****
Hymn List
81 Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken
614 Great Are You, Lord
743 O God, You Are My God
749 Come! Live in the Light!
853 We Are Marching in the Light of God
Upcoming Themes for Sunday
Aug 7th – Cultivating a Healthy Mindset
Aug 14th – Decision Making that Can Give you New Energy
Aug 21st – Giving Yourself a Chance at a Good Life
Aug 28th – Practices that Can Bring You Freedom
Baby Diaper and Wipes Drive: July & August
For Starfish Family Services
The need is great, especially now, for baby diapers and baby wipes. Diapers are basic material necessities all babies and toddlers require, as essential as food, shelter and clothing. Most state and national safety-net programs do not recognize baby diapers as a basic need.
The Need:
Diapers: Sizes 2 to 7
Pull-Ups: Sizes 3T to 7
Baby Wipes
Monetary donations to LPPC will also be accepted and applied to the purchase of baby diapers and baby wipes.
Sunday, August 7th – Rebecca Soubel Gillespie, Community Engagement Specialist from Starfish Family Services will be in worship with us during our Minute for Connection and will be available after to worship to answer questions.