Church Family,
I pray that you and your family stayed safe and warm during the icy weather we have just had. I hope that you and your family had a chance to watch the sermon from this past Sunday. We wrapped up the Onward sermon series, and I pray that, through this series, you have been encouraged to keep pressing onward in your faith. I hated that we could not be together in person, but I felt our leadership made the best decision by meeting online.
I look forward to being with you tonight for midweek. I am excited about worshipping together this coming Sunday as we begin a new series titled "The Church Defined" and taking communion together. It will be a great day in the house of the Lord.
The passage from the sermon this past Sunday was from Hebrews 12:1-11, which emphasizes the importance of perseverance in our spiritual journey, encouraging believers to shed burdens and sin while focusing on Jesus as the ultimate example of endurance.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
This passage highlighted the necessity of running the race of faith with endurance, supported by the "great cloud of witnesses" from the saints who have gone before us. The onward sermon series explored themes such as active faith, the mission of sharing Christ, and how Jesus finds us. Key reflections include evaluating our faith journey and our role in helping others find Jesus. The teaching encouraged participants to identify obstacles in their relationship with God and embrace discipline as a means of growth, viewing trials as opportunities for spiritual refinement. Ultimately, the message called for believers to maintain their focus on Jesus, acknowledging that true victory comes through endurance and reliance on Him.
Some Application Questions From The Sermon:
Personal Reflection on Endurance:What specific burdens or sins do you need to lay aside to run your spiritual race more effectively?
Witness of Others:Reflect on the "great cloud of witnesses" in your life. Who are the individuals that inspire you in your faith journey, and how can their examples motivate you?
Response to Discipline:How do you typically respond to challenges or discipline in your life? Are there ways you can shift your perspective to see these experiences as opportunities for growth?
Focus on Jesus:In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to keep your eyes on Jesus? What practical steps can you take to refocus on Him during challenging times?
Understanding Chastening:How can you better understand and accept God’s discipline as an expression of His love? What lessons might you be learning through current challenges?
Evaluating Spiritual Goals:What is the ultimate goal of your faith, and how does this passage encourage you to pursue it with endurance?
Encouragement to Others:How can you encourage someone in your life who may be struggling to endure their own race of faith?
Daily Reminders:What daily practices can you implement to remind yourself that you are in a race of faith and to keep your focus on Jesus?
My prayer for each of you is that you will daily pursue, with intention, the presence of God in your lives.
Let's press onward in our faith, daily relying on God's presence in our lives!
Bishop Moore will be joining us at Sheffield Methodist Church
Thursday, February 5, at 2:00 PM
Church Family,
Bishop Moore will be leading a two-hour session focused on the "Beliefs, Values, Behavior, and Belonging" of the GMC, specifically addressing the foundational question: “Who Are We?”
I plan to attend and encourage others from our church to come and be blessed by our bishop's words and learn more about who we are as Global Methodists.
Event Details:Who: All Clergy and Laity (with a special invitation to local church leadership).Where: Sheffield Methodist Church701 N Montgomery Ave, Sheffield, AL 35660When: Thursday, February 5, at 2:00 PM.Duration: 2 Hours.
