Worship Guide

Sermon Notes: September 24, 2023 

Pastor Mike Powers 

Title: Gather 

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

¹² For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. ¹³ For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. ¹⁴ For the body does not consist of one member but of many. ¹⁵ If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? ¹⁸ But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. ¹⁹ If all were a single member, where would the body be? ²⁰ As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

²¹ The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” ²² On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, ²³ and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, ²⁴ which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, ²⁵ that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. ²⁶ If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. ²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 

Main Idea: The Church is essential to following Christ. 

1. You are part of the body of Christ 

• Moving Forward:   
  • Unifying Identity 

2. You are in need of the body of Christ  

• Moving Forward:   
  • Unifying Identity 
  • Meaningful Membership

3. You are gifted for the body of Christ

• Moving Forward:   
  
  • Financial Stewardship 
  • Healthy Leadership 
  • Better Together 

Support Scripture:

Romans 15:5-6

⁵ May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, ⁶ that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

Quote: 

“To summarize, the proper ends for a local congregation’s life and actions are the worship of God, the edification of the church, and the evangelization of the world. These three purposes in turn serve the glory of God.” – Theology for the Church – Mark Dever/Danny Akin

Weekly Prayer Prompts: 

Week 1: Gather //  Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

As you reflect on today’s message, let the following prompts from 1 Corinthians 12 guide your prayers.

• Praise God that He unifies believers into one body through salvation in Jesus.
• Thank God that every believer has a different and important job to do in the church to glorify Him and advance His kingdom.
• Praise God for giving different gifts to different believers so that we all work together for God’s glory.
• Ask God to clarify your part in the body and where you should be serving.
• Pray that the members of our church will be committed to the mission of gathering to glorify, grow and go.
• Ask God to give Richland Creek unity as we move forward.

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Biblical Principles For Giving

Financial Report

Total General Fund Contributions and Preschool at The Creek Income

Week of September 11-17: $55,835

Year to Date: $2,709,612

Ministry Report: 

September 17, 2023 

Sunday Worship Count - 9:00 & 10:30: 1432

Food Pantry Update: 

Our next Community Food Pantry - Saturday, October 14 & 28 (9am-11am) 

** immediate need for non-perishable items **  

Click Here for a List of Needed Food Items

Our Community Food Pantry events are held twice a month on the second and fourth Saturday. Please contribute as you are able to assist us in helping families facing hunger. Items may be dropped off in the collection barrels both inside and outside the church near the office entrance. Thank you for your donations and compassion.

>> Questions about Church Membership? If you have questions regarding how to become a member at Richland Creek or if you would like to update your information for our church database then please email Donna Wright  . 

>> Where are you serving? Be sure to visit the SERVE page on our website CLICK HERE! This page is a great source for you to stay informed about how to plug into the ministries of the Creek, using your gifts and talents to the glory of God. If you missed Dr. Mike Powers sermon on "The Work of the Ministry" take time and listen this week to the "why" we are to serve.

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