The Gospel costs nothing--it is merely God’s free gift of grace to us--but it demands everything from us! It demands that we go ‘all in’, a term that simply means placing all that you have into God’s hands. Over these next few weeks we’ll be inspired from the lives of many Bible heroes and challenged by Jesus’ words. This decision could change your life. Are you ready to go ‘all in’?
This series is based on the book "All In," by Mark Batterson.
January 12 - "All In... Living God’s Way in 2014"
What changes do we need to make in 2014 to be ‘All In’ with Christ? Has Christ been tugging at your heart but you have not been able to take the steps needed for God to show you His true power? Are you ready to go ‘All In’?
January 19 - "All In... Christ-Centered Relationships"
The role of friendship, accountability, and mentorship in the church. Are we going to be Pharisees or Prophets in our relationships (from Mark Batterson's "All In", p. 118)? Three types of
relationships.
Story of David and Jonathon. Moses and Joshua.
1 Samuel 18:1-3, Proverbs 27:17, Galatians 6:1-2, Matthew 18:15-17, Hebrews 10:24-25, Zechariah 8:4-5, Titus 2:1-7
Congregation Council Meeting (Annual Business Meeting) from 11:20-11:50 AM
January 26 - "All In... Generosity"
What would this world looked like if we simplified to allow for space to truly be generous with our finances, time, and love? Christ calls us to live generously but we live in a world that tries to manipulate what we do with our resources. It is time for us to take back what God has given us and use it for His purposes. Story of the church in Corinth. If you sense the need, do it! It doesn’t always have to be through the church!
2 Corinthians 9:1-15, Matthew 25:21, Acts 2
Communion
All IN... Generosity - Tell us how you've engaged with others in generosity
February 2 - "All In... Passionately Living Out the Mission of Christ--CHARGE!!!!"
"The church was never meant to be a noun. And when it turns into a noun, it becomes a turn-off. The church was meant to be a verb, an action verb... In fact the last week of His life is called
"Passion Week." So regardless of personality type, His followers ought to be the most passionate people on the planet" (from Mark Batterson's "All In", p. 50). As the church of Christ are we
ready to look beyond the burdens of this life and live out the mission God wants us to be passionate about? Story of Joshua Chamberlain. Story of Joshua and Caleb (not playing it safe or
shrinking back in fear).
Numbers 13, Philippians 2:12 (MSG)
February 9 - "All In... Burning the Ships to Our Past"
"One of our fundamental spiritual problems is this: we want God to do something new while we keep doing the same old thing. We want God to change our circumstances without us having to change at
all." (from Mark Batterson's "All In"). What is in your life currently that you need to step away from before you can truly be ‘All In’ for Christ. Is it a ministry that you are no longer
passionate about? Is it a job that steals your joy and energy causing you to fail as a spouse or a parent? Is it a sin that keeps a grip on you? What ships do we need to let burn so that we can
look forward to the new things Christ has for us? Story of Elisha.
1 Kings 19:19-21
February 16 - "All In... Wholehearted Devotion"
The story of Caleb, his report, his faith in God, his salvation, his devotion to God. Are you a wholly devoted follower of God or a mere spectator and passive observer? We have God on our side
and we were not meant to play it safe? Discovering what a wholehearted follower of Christ is really like.
Numbers 13:35-14:45, Joshua 14
February 23 - "All In... Taking a Stand"
The stories of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and their refusal to bow to the king’s giant statue and their faith in the face of fire. In a politically correct world, will you be so bold enough
to take a stand for the truth of God even if the consequences are daunting?
Daniel 3, Hebrews 11:34, Ephesians 6:10-11, Joshua 24:14-15
March 2 - "All In... Life's Cycles"
Guest Speaker: Chuck Gregory
The story of God’s test of Abraham’s faith, commitment, devotion, and obedience. What is God asking you to place on the altar?
Genesis 22, Hebrews 11:17-1
March 9 - "All In... Noah"
The story of Noah obeying God despite opposition and even when it didn’t make total sense.
Genesis 6, Hebrews 11:7