DownshoreDrift

Here are the message notes from Sunday. Most of you got a handout with them, but I thought I would post them on line for future reference. We had an incredible time of prayer on Sunday night about these things and I am very encouraged about what God is doing in our midst. I pray that we continue to grow in these areas over the coming year!

Knowing God . . . Loving One Another . . . Blessing All People

If you have been around our church very long, you know that we are a church that values 3 things:

1. Spiritual Depth & Growth

2. Authentic Relationships

3. Kingdom Impact

Obviously, each church wants to take part in these things and we know that it is God’s will that these facets are present in the life of every believer.  But, at Gateway we take seriously God’s purpose to make these three aspects of His work and will the foundation of our personal lives and our church.

Spiritual Depth & Growth (Read Philippians 3:7-14)

            What is Needed?

• Forsake all other things – we are to be holy, set apart

• Value knowing Christ – worship – the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ

• Righteousness that comes by faith

• Know Christ and the power of His resurrection

• Be willing and ready to suffer

• Forget the past, look ahead to the goal

Practical Application @ Gateway:  LIFE Groups, Sunday School, Wednesday Nigh Worshipt, Bible

Reading

Plan, Family & Personal Devotions, Prayer & Fasting

Authentic Relationships  (Read Philippians 2:1-5)

            What is Needed?

·         Take an account of what YOU have received from Christ

·         Give it away in relationships

·         Come together, be unified

·         Love one another deeply

·         Don’t promote yourself – be humble

·         Look to the interests of others, not just yourself

·         Have the same attitude as Jesus Christ – be a servant

Practical Application @ Gateway: Family, LIFE Groups, Sunday School, Personal Relationships, Ministries within the body (children, youth, praise team, etc.)

Kingdom Impact  (Read Matthew 24:14)

            What is Needed?

• Gospel of the Kingdom (Matt. 6:9-13) Pray that God’s will be done on earth

• Whole Gospel to be preached to the whole world – Acts 5:20; Is. 61:1-4

• Then the end will come – before judgment comes the offer of new life.

Practical Application @ Gateway: Local & Global Missions, A Time to Serve, Katrina Relief, Large Outreaches, Kingdom impact through workplace, daily life, involvement in ministry

Matthew 28:18-20   “Go and make disciples of all nations . . . “