August 27, 2017

Call to Worship:

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

And also with you.

Come into God’s presence with a clean heart, with a new and right spirit.

We will worship in the discipline of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer of Confession

All-knowing God, we confess our worry and anxiety over unimportant matters. We admit the fears that make us defensive instead of loving. We acknowledge our resentment over losses we have sustained and oppression we have suffered. We recognize that we have been far more concerned for our own welfare than for the building up of Christ’s body, the church. In our congregation, we have focused on survival more than service. We look for what we can gain more than for what we can give. Re-establish Your rule among us, we pray, and save us from ourselves. (Moment of personal silent prayer). Amen.

Sermon Message by Rev. Dr. Parrish L. Bridges

"The First Building Block: PATIENCE"

Message Series:      Building Blocks to Great Relationships

Today's theme:       "Relationships can determine your happiness, your success, 

                                  and they can also develop your character."

LISTEN to the SERMON MESSAGE HERE

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Bible Texts: NIV (New International Version)

Old Testament: Proverbs 14: 25-30

25) A truthful witness saves lives,

but a false witness is deceitful.

26) Whoever fears the Lordhas a secure fortress,

and for their children it will be a refuge.

27) The fear of the Lordis a fountain of life,

turning a person from the snares of death.

28) A large population is a king’s glory,

but without subjects a prince is ruined.

29) Whoever is patient has great understanding,

but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

30) A heart at peace gives life to the body,

but envy rots the bones.

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Bible Texts: NIV (New International Version)

New Testament: Ephesians 4: 1-6

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

1) As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2) Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4) There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5) one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

New Testament: 1 Corinthians 13: 1-4

1) If I speak in the tongues1 Or languages of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2) If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3) If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,3 Some manuscripts body to the flames but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 5:14

FINAL INSTRUCTIONS

14) And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.