Multiple Bible Texts - What are the Sacraments?

Multiple Bible Texts - What are the Sacraments?

Last Sunday afternoon, we finished our sermon series considering our church’s core beliefs by thinking about the sacraments together. We saw that the sacraments are signs and seals of the gospel, pointing us to Jesus Christ and assuring us of God’s promises. In particular, baptism points us to Jesus’ work cleansing our hearts from sin and pouring out the Holy Spirit on God’s people. The Lord’s Supper points us to Jesus’ body and blood given for our forgiveness. Yet, the sacraments do not work “automatically.” God’s gospel promises must be received and embraced by repentance and faith. This week, take some time to thank God for the wonderful gift of the sacraments. Reflect on your baptism and give thanks to God for the promises it symbolizes and seals. Prepare your hearts prayerfully for the next time we take the Lord’s Supper together, as we both remember Christ’s death and look forward to His return.

1 Peter 5:1-5 - What Does it Mean to be Presbyterian?

Last Sunday afternoon, we continued our brief series on the key beliefs of our church by thinking about what it means to be Presbyterian from 1 Peter 5:1-5. In particular, we saw that a Presbyterian church is a church led by elders. Elders are spiritually mature men who point us to Jesus Christ, but elders are still just sinners saved by God’s grace. The role of our elders is to shepherd the flock at All Nations out of love for Christ and His people. God calls us to submit to the elders He has given us, praying for them and giving due attention to their guidance and discipline as they teach us from God’s Word. In all of this, God also gives us a great encouragement: after the suffering and struggle of life right now, an eternal crown of glory is coming for all God’s people. This week, take some time to pray for the elders of All Nations. Pray that our elders would lead us with wisdom and shepherd the flock faithfully. Pray that God would raise up more elders at All Nations. Pray that God would help all of us—elders and members alike—to press on in the Christian life as we wait for the eternal glory that is coming.

1 Corinthians 12 - What Does it Mean to be Part of a Church?

Last Sunday afternoon, we continued our brief series on some of our core commitments as a church by hearing from 1 Corinthians 12 together. This passage reminds us that the church is made up of many different members with many different gifts, but together we form the one body of Jesus Christ. Although we are all different, God has saved us through the same Savior Jesus, and God has filled us with the same Holy Spirit. This means that we should not divide over silly things; instead, we should each use our unique gifts to serve and encourage one another, as we all seek to serve Jesus together. This week, take some time to thank God for making you a part of the body of Christ at All Nations. Thank God for ways that you see other people serving Christ’s body and prayerfully consider how you can use the unique gifts God has given you to serve others at All Nations.

Ephesians 6:10-20 - How Do We Grow Amid a Spiritual Fight?

Last Sunday afternoon, we continued our short series thinking about our church’s membership questions by hearing from Ephesians 6:10-20 together. In this passage, Paul reminds us that we are in a spiritual war. We are not fighting against other human beings; we are fighting against Satan himself. How can we stand firm against such a strong foe? We can be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might, knowing that Jesus Christ has already defeated Satan at the cross. Even more, Jesus has given us armor for the battle. We especially looked at the armor of God under three big headings: salvation, Scripture, and supplication. As we understand the gift of our salvation more, as we read and meditate on the Scriptures, and as we pray to God for help, God helps us to stand firm and to grow as Christians. This week, take some time to thank God for the gift of our salvation, to consider how you can know and treasure God’s Word even more, and to pray for other Christians as they too seek to follow after Jesus faithfully.

Ephesians 2:1-10 - What is a Christian?

Last Sunday afternoon, we continued our series on our church’s core beliefs by considering what a Christian is from Ephesians 2. In particular, we saw that all of us were spiritually dead sinners who followed the sinful desires of our heart and the lies of Satan instead of following God our Maker. As sinners, we all deserved God’s judgment. But God has saved us by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone! We could never do anything to make ourselves alive, but God has done it all in and through Jesus Christ. When we really begin to see the wonder of God’s grace, it should make us long to serve God with new enthusiasm—not to earn His love but because of how much He already loves us in Jesus Christ. This week, take some time to re-read Ephesians 2:1-10. As you do, thank God for His amazing grace and pray for His help to increasingly walk in the good works He has prepared for us.