Buffalo Covenant Church: Recent Episodes

Buffalo Covenant Church

Buffalo Covenant Church is located in Buffalo, Minnesota. As a church we believe the following:

The Bible We believe that the Bible, consisting of Old and New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God. It is without error in its original writings. It is the complete revelation of the will of God concerning salvation and all matters of life. (2 Peter 1:21, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

God We believe in one God, the Creator of all things. Yet this God is manifest in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God has limitless knowledge, limitless power, and limitless presence. In His holiness He shares with us His grace and mercy. (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 90:2, Psalm 139:2-4, 7-12, Deuteronomy 6:4)

Jesus Christ We believe that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was born of Mary who was a virgin. He is both fully God and fully man. He came to die, purchasing our redemption upon the cross, being crucified by Pontius Pilate. He was buried and then arose on the third day, ascended into glory and is now seated at the Father’s right hand interceding for us. (Matthew 1:18, Luke 1:27, John 1:14, John 1:29, Hebrews 7:25)

The Holy Spirit We believe the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He glorifies Jesus Christ in all that He does. He convicts the world of sin, bears witness to the power of Jesus Christ, and intercedes on our behalf before the Father in heaven. He indwells, guides and empowers believers so that effective service for Christ can be accomplished. (Acts 5:3-4, John 16:7, John 15:26, Romans 8:26)

You may visit our website at: buffalocov.org

I’ve always found it very interesting that the very first problem that threatened the Early Church did not concern theology or doctrine. It concerned racial prejudices! And it concerned food! Now, from first glance, it would seem that this would be a simple problem to resolve, yet finding that resolution was taking valuable time away from the focus of the Apostles on preaching, teaching, and praying. So, for the first time in the history of the Early Church, there is a transference of authority and accountability to someone else. Seven men, full of the Spirit and wisdom, were chosen to bring this problem to a peaceful resolution. This scene is important for us as we get insights into how problems can and should be handled in today’s church. As one pastor explained it: “Problems are the prelude to new discoveries if we simply ask the Holy Spirit to help us.”

Luke does not share with us how long the interval of time is between the close of Acts 4 and the beginning of Acts 5. There does seem to be a longer interval though, enough so that perhaps some apathy or complacency has begun to creep into the Church. When that happens, God gives a “wake-up” call to refocus us. In the case of the Early Church, this “wake-up call” involved an offering. Barnabas brought an offering from his heart; Ananias and Sapphira brought an offering from pretense. The former was blessed; the latter was judged, and the judgment was severe. Oh the impact that judgment had upon the Church. It was a cause for self-evaluation. The Church would need this “wake-up call” as the first vestiges of persecution began. Complacency would be a thing of the past; dependence upon God would be the demand of the hour moving forward.

As we gather for our annual worship in the park, our focus is upon God’s love. When was the last time that you sat down and just reflected on God’s love? How would you describe God’s love to someone who asked you? What words would you use? What should be our response when we think of God’s love for us? Oh the incredible, amazing, incomprehensible, powerful, infinite love of God toward us!

From its very beginning, one of the heart-beats of the Early Church was that of community. There was a fellowship that brought encouragement: they had a passion to learn the Word of God; they had a passion to do life together; they had a passion to remember Jesus Christ; and they had a passion to worship and to pray. They also had a message that they wanted to share with others about how God can change lives. And yet, they were willing to suffer for Jesus if that is what He asked of them. The strength of a local church is grounded in the strength of its sense of community.

I. An Introduction - Deuteronomy 32:1-3
II. God is Faithful; People Became Unfaithful -
Deuteronomy 32:4-6
III. The Goodness of God Declared - Deuteronomy 32:7-14
IV. Prosperity versus Apostasy - Deuteronomy 32:15-18
V. The Pronouncement of God’s Judgment -
Deuteronomy 32:19-27
VI. Israel Lacks Discernment - Deuteronomy 32:28-33
VII. God Restores His Compassion for His People -
Deuteronomy 32:34-38
VIII. God Is Vindicated - Deuteronomy 32:39-44
IX. A Challenge

I. A Day Moses Would Have Liked to Have Had a
“Do-Over” - Numbers 20:1-13
II. The Death of Aaron - Numbers 20:22-29
III. Complaining, Snakes, and a Healing Pole -
Numbers 21:4-9
IV. A Challenge

I. A Family Spat
-Numbers 12
II. Let’s Check It Out before We Commit
-Numbers 13-14
A. It is Report Time
B. An Unfortunate Prayer Request
III. A Challenge

I. The Weekly Sabbath - Leviticus 23:1-3
II. The Three Spring Feasts
A. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread -
Leviticus 23:4-8
B. The Feast of First fruits - Leviticus 23:9-14
III. The Middle Feast - Feast of Weeks or Pentecost -
Leviticus 23:15-21
IV. The Three Fall Feasts
A. The Feast of Trumpets - Leviticus 23:23-25
B. The Day of Atonement - Leviticus 23:26-32
C. The Feast of Tabernacles - Leviticus 23:33-36
V. A Challenge

I. The Burnt Offering -
Leviticus 1:1-17; Leviticus 6:8-13
II. The Grain Offering -
Leviticus 2:1-16; Leviticus 6:14-23
III. The Peace Offering -
Leviticus 3:1-17; Leviticus 7:11-21
IV. The Sin Offering -
Leviticus 4:1-5:13; Leviticus 6:24-30
V. The Trespass Offering -
Leviticus 5:14-6:7; Leviticus 7:1-10
VI. A Challenge

I. The Burnt Offering -
Leviticus 1:1-17; Leviticus 6:8-13
II. The Grain Offering -
Leviticus 2:1-16; Leviticus 6:14-23
III. The Peace Offering -
Leviticus 3:1-17; Leviticus 7:11-21
IV. The Sin Offering -
Leviticus 4:1-5:13; Leviticus 6:24-30
V. The Trespass Offering -
Leviticus 5:14-6:7; Leviticus 7:1-10
VI. A Challenge

I. The Outer Courtyard and Entrance - Exodus 38:9-20
II. The Altar of Sacrifice - Exodus 27:1-8; Exodus 38:1-7
III. The Brazen Altar - Exodus 30:17-21; Exodus 38:9
IV. The Tabernacle Itself - Exodus 26:1-37; Exodus 36:8-38
V. The Golden Lamp stand - Exodus 25:31-40; Exodus 37:17-24
VI. The Table of Showbread - Exodus 25:23-30; Exodus 37:10-16
VII. The Altar of Incense - Exodus 30:1-10; Exodus 37:25-29
VIII. The Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat - Exodus 25:10- 22; Exodus 37:1-9
IX. A Challenge

I. The Scene at the foot of Mount Sinai - Exodus 32:1-6
II. The Scene at the top of Mount Sinai - Exodus 32:7-14
III. The Scene at the foot of Mount Sinai - Exodus 32:15-29
IV. The Scene at the top of Mount Sinai - Exodus 15;31-35
V. A Challenge

I. The Ten Commandments Given
A. The people prepared themselves
B. The arrival of God
C. The Ten Commandments summarized
D. Why did God give these Commandments?
II. A Moment with the Fourth Commandment- Sabbath Rest
III. A Challenge

I. The Plagues - Exodus 7-11
II. The Passover - Exodus 12
III. A Powerful Crossing - Exodus 13-15
IV. A Challenge

I. An Overview of Exodus
II. The Egyptian Background
III. The Story of Moses
A. His birth - Exodus 2:1-10
B. His failed leadership attempt - Exodus 2:11-22
IV. The Burning Bush - Exodus 3-4
A. God’s directive
B. Moses’ excuses and God’s responses
V. A Challenge

I. The Irritating Hands of Youth - Genesis 37:1-36
II. The Prospering Hands of Joseph - Genesis 39-50
A. Hands that prospered in slavery
B. Hands that prospered in prison
C. Hands that prospered on the throne
III. A Challenge

I. There will be some valleys to cross
A. Valley of physical affliction - 2 Kings 3:16
B. Valley of defeat - 1 Samuel 17:1
C. Valley of the shadow of death - Psalm 23:4
D. Valley of exaltation - Isaiah 40:3
II. There will be some walled cities to face - Numbers 13:28
III. There will be some mountains to scale
A. Mount Moriah - Mountain of complete obedience -
Genesis 22
B. Mount Sinai - Mountain of sweet fellowship - Exodus 33
C. Mount Carmel - Mountain of glorious triumph -
1 Kings 18
D. Mount of Olives - Mountain of precious promise - Acts 1
IV. A Challenge

I. A peek into the lives of these shepherds
II. Angels that brought a message of hope and fear
III. The shepherds’ response
IV. The first evangelists of the Christmas message
V. A Christmas Challenge

I. Joseph: A Willing Husband - Matthew 1:18-25
A. What does the Bible tell us about Joseph?
B. What does the Bible tell us about Joseph’s dilemma?
II. Mary: A Willing Wife - Luke 1:26-38
A. What does the Bible tell us about Mary?
B. What does God share with Mary?
C. What was Mary’s decision?
III. A Christmas Challenge

I. Jacob’s Early Life
A. He was born as an answer to prayer - Genesis 25:21
B. Jacob had problems even before he was born -
Genesis 25:22-26
C. Jacob traded the invaluable for the valuable -
Genesis 25:29-34
D. Jacob deceives his father to receive the family blessing -
Genesis 27:1-40
II. Jacob: The Fugitive
A. Jacob at Bethel and an encounter with God - Genesis 28:1-22
B. Jacob meets his match in Laban - Genesis 29:1-31:55
III. Jacob: The Broken Man
A. An encounter with Esau - Genesis 32:1-21
B. An encounter with God - Genesis 32:22-31
IV. A Challenge

I. The Setting of the Story
II. The Challenge Offered - Genesis 22:1-3
III. The Challenge Accepted - Genesis 22:3-5
IV. Questions Asked and Answered - Genesis 22:6-8
V. The Obedience of the Son - Genesis 22:9-11
VI. The Response from God - Genesis 22:12-14
VII. A Portrait of the Cross is Described
VIII. A Challenge

I. The Covenant has two focal points
A. Descendants - Genesis 15:1-5
B. Land - Genesis 13:14-15 and Genesis 15:18-21
II. Abraham’s response - Genesis 15:6
III. God’s response
A. The cutting of a Covenant - Genesis 15:9-12, 17
B. Circumcision - Genesis 17:9-11
IV. A Challenge
A. This is a Covenant based upon God’s grace - alone!
B. This is an eternal Covenant based upon God’s grace
alone!

I. Abraham’s Background - Genesis 11:27-32
II. The Call of Abraham - Genesis 12:1-3
III. But I Don’t Have a Perfect Faith-
Genesis12:10
IV. A Challenge

I. The book of Job - Its Background
II. The Story of Job
A. What was this man - Job 1:1-8
B. The first behind the scenes encounter in heaven - Job 1:6-12
C. The flood of tragedies begin - Job 1:13-22
D. The accusations of his friends and the defense by Job -
Job 3-37
III. So, why is there suffering in the world?
A. Suffering refines our faith - 1 Peter 1:5-7
B. Suffering grows us toward maturity - James 1:2-4
C. Suffering may allow us the opportunity to display the work
of God - John 9:1-3
D. Suffering is a tool God uses to help us to conform to the
image of His Son - Romans 8:28-29
E. Suffering produces within us perseverance and character
- Romans 5:3-5
IV. A Challenge

I. The Tower of Babel- Genesis 11:1-9
A. An act of disobedience - Genesis 11:1-2
B. A leader of this rebellion - Nimrod -
Genesis 10:8-12
C. The act of rebellion - Genesis 11:3-4
D. God’s intervention - Genesis 11:5-8
II. The Table of Nations - Genesis 10
III. A Challenge

I. Two Fathers
II. The History of Manasseh - 2 Chronicles 33
III. This History of Josiah - 2 Chronicles 34
IV. We Reap What We Sow
V. The Turn Around Generation
VI. Never Too Late

I. Time Before the Flood - Genesis 6:1-8
II. Noah’s Story - Genesis 6:8-9:28
A. The Prologue to the Story
B. The Story Told
C. The Epilogue to Noah’s Story
III. A Challenge from Noah

I. The Fall of Adam and Eve - Genesis 3:1-24
A. The ability to choose came with a warning
B. The act of rebellion against God.
C. The progression of the act of rebellion
D. The consequences of the fall.

II. Cain and Abel: A Brothers’ Story - Genesis 4:1-26

III. A Book of Death - Genesis 5:1-32

IV. A Challenge

I. Adam and the Image of God - Genesis 1:26-28
II. Adam and the Theology of Work - Genesis 2:15, 29
III. Adam and a Freedom with Restraints - Genesis 2:16-17
IV. Adam and His Loneliness - Genesis 2:18, 20-23
V. Adam and His Marriage - Genesis 2:24-25
VI. A Challenge

I. A Brief Introduction to Genesis
II. The Account of Creation
A. There is a beginning to everything except God
B. God created everything
C. God created in a progressive fashion
D. God designed His creation to reproduce themselves in a
logical fashion
III. A Challenge

I. Living through and Triumphing Over Our Circumstances - Phil 4:10-13
A. Paul expresses his gratitude for the gift that he had been sent
B. Paul speaks about his attitude toward material gain
C. Paul relates the variety of conditions he had experienced
D. Paul shares the secret of contentment

II. Sharing Our Resources with Others - Phil 4:14-23
A. The Philippians gave more than was expected
B. Paul experienced joy when he had received their gift
C. Paul related that those who give are as blessed as those who
receive

III. A Challenge

I. There is to be stability - Philippians 4:1
II. There is to be unity - Philippians 4:2-3
III. There is to be joy - Philippians 4:4-5
IV. There is to be freedom from worry - Philippians 4:6-9
V. A Challenge

I. The Way of Self - Philippians 3:18-19
II. The Way of the Cross - Philippians 3:17, 20-21
III. A Challenge

I. Dissatisfaction - Philippians 3:12
II. Dedication - Philippians 3:13a
III. Not Haunted by the Past - Philippians 3:13b
IV. Have a Goal - Philippians 3:14
V. Keep the Rules - Philippians 3:15-16
VI. A Challenge

I. Background
II. A Declaration that There is Only One God
III. A Command to Declare
IV. A God to Share with Our Families
V. Why is This So Important?
VI. A Challenge

I. A Sermon Worth Repeating - Philippians 3:1-4a
II. A Man of the Year Award - Philippians 3:4b-6
III. Losses that Became Gains - Philippians 3:7-11
IV. A Challenge

I. Timothy: God’s Teenager - Philippians 2:19-24
A. Timothy had the mind of a servant
B. Timothy had the training of a servant
C. Timothy experienced the rewards of a servant
II. Epaphroditus: God’s Layman - Philippians 2:25-30
A. He had a balanced life
B. He had a concern for others
C. He had risked his life
III. A Challenge

I. Purpose to Achieve - Philippians 2:12
II. Power to Receive - Philippians 2:13
III. A Contrast between the Believer and the Nonbeliever- Philippians 2:14-15
IV. Promise to Believers- Philippians 2:16-18
V. A Challenge

Biblical community requires honesty. (2 Thes 2:1-2)
Biblical community models the integrity of the gospel. (2 Thes 2:3-5)
Biblical community models commitment to Jesus' priorities. (2Thes 2:6-12)

I. Christ’s Humility - Philippians 2:5-8
A. Jesus did not think of Himself
B. Jesus became a servant
C. Jesus became a sacrifice

II. Christ’s Exaltation - Philippians 2:9-11
A. Actions of exaltation
B. Results of exaltation

III. A Challenge

“Come follow me . . .” The first step to being a disciple is to follow Jesus and be in an intimate relationship with him.
“. . . I will make you . . . “ The second step to being a disciple is to allow the Spirit of Christ to transform your heart so that you increasingly become more like Jesus.
“ . . . fishers of men.” The final step of being a disciple is to go on mission with Jesus and make disciples . . . of everyone.

I. The Boyhood Home of Jesus - Luke 2:41-53
A. The only scene
B. A summary statement
II. The Boyhood Home of Timothy - 2 Timothy 3:14-15
III. The Importance

This morning’s message is the last in the series that Pastor Steve and Pastor Mary have been doing with regard to our Mission Statement and Values.

Our Mission Statement is:
To glorify God by being disciples who make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our Values are that we are a people called to…
KNOW the Word through worship and study,
LIVE the Word at home and in the community,
SHARE the Word through service and mission.

Today, Pastor Mary will be focusing on our third value, Share the Word through service and mission. We are commanded to serve the Lord as ambassadors. What is an ambassador? What are the responsibilities and qualifications of someone who serves as an ambassador? How can I be effective in my role as a representative of my King Jesus?

I. A Basis for Love - Philippians 2:1
A. If any encouragement from being united with Christ
B. If any comfort from his love
C. If any fellowship with the Spirit
D. If any tenderness and compassion
II. A Diversity of Love - Philippians 2:2
A. Being like-minded
B. Having the same love
C. Being one in spirit
D. Being one in purpose
III. Safeguards of Love - Philippians 2:3-4
A. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit
B. Each of you should not look only to your own interests
IV. A Challenge

A Christian Conduct - Philippians 1:27
Christian Unity and Testimony - Philippians 1:27
Christian Courage - Philippians 1:28-30
1. Because we face opponents
2. Because we face suffering
3. Because we face struggles
A Challenge

This morning’s message is the seventh in the series that Pastor Steve and Pastor Mary will be doing with regard to our Mission Statement and Values.

Our Mission Statement is:
To glorify God by being disciples who make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our Values are that we are a people called to…
KNOW the Word through worship and study,
LIVE the Word at home and in the community,
SHARE the Word through service and mission.

Today, Pastor Steve will be focusing on our third value, Share the Word through service and mission. Pastor Steve will be encouraging families and households to take a step in reaching out to others, with the intent of being Christ, and presenting Christ to those they reach.

God Used Paul's Chains - Philippians 1:12-14
God Used Paul's Critics - Philippians 1:15-19
God Used Paul's Crisis Situation - Philippians 1:20-26
A Challenge

I. The Authors: God’s Slaves; The Recipients: God’s Saints - Philippians 1:1-2
II. Paul Had People in His Mind - Philippians 1:3-6
III. Paul Had People in His Heart - Philippians 1:7-8
IV. Paul Had People in His Prayers - Philippians 1:9-11
V. A Challenge

A Woman Facing the Wrong Direction - John 20:1-18
Women with Wrong Attitudes - Mark 16:1-8
A Wrong Place to Look - Luke 24:1-12
A Challenge

I. Philippi: A Church with a Humble Beginning
A. A Business Woman
B. A Slave Girl
C. A Threatened Jailer
D. Prisoners who did not escape
II. Philippi: A Humbled Leadership
III. A Conclusion

We are thankful to have as our special guest Dr. Jeff Myers, President of Summit Ministries. As a communicator, Dr. Myers weaves together biblical insight, penetrating social commentary, fascinating research, and hilarious personal stories to motivate and challenge listeners.

A Conclusion - Ecclesiastes 12:8
A Competent Study - Ecclesiastes 12:9-12
1. The workings of a wise man
2. The writings of a wise man
A Commanding Close - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
1. Two startling commandments
2. A startling declaration
A Challenge

This message is the sixth in the series that Pastor Steve and Pastor Mary will be doing with regard to our Mission Statement and Values.

Our Mission Statement is:
To glorify God by being disciples who make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our Values are that we are a people called to…
KNOW the Word through worship and study,
LIVE the Word at home and in the community,
SHARE the Word through service and mission.

Today, Pastor Mary will be focusing on the second value, Live the Word at home and in the community. James challenges us to be more than just hearers of the Word of God, but to apply what we learn from the Bible to everyday life. We are called to be DOERS of the Word of God.

How Do People Handle Aging?
1. Self-pity
2. Despair that results in bitterness
3. Uselessness
4. Fear
What is the Picture of Old Age? - Ecclesiastes 12:2-6
How Can We Smile at Old Age? - Ecclesiastes 12:1, 7
1. Begin old age with God as your friend
2. Anticipate the fulfillment of old age
A Challenge

Enjoy Light Before Darkness Sets In - Ecclesiastes 11:7-8
What Is a Life of Joy? - Ecclesiastes 11:9-10
1. When is it time to get excited about life?
2. What are the hindrances to joy?
A Challenge

The text is from Luke 23:34. And the outline is as follows:

Background
The Scene at the Cross
An Attitude of Forgiveness

An Introduction

Prayer is Foundational

Hannah: A Mom Who Knew How to Pray

Lessons to be Learned

Hannah was a woman of prayer

Hannah prayed that God would use her son

A Motto That Works: "A family that prays together, stays together."

Trust - Ecclesiastes 11:1

Enthusiasm - Ecclesiastes 11:2-3

Involvement - Ecclesiastes 11:4

Faith - Ecclesiastes 11:5

A Challenge - Ecclesiastes 11:6

I. Patience Even When Understanding Is Lacking - Ecclesiastes 10:4-7
II. Keys to a Prosperous Government - Ecclesiastes 10:16-20
A. Mature leadership
B. Disciplined leadership
C. Industrious leadership
III. A Challenge

I. Beware of Dead Flies - Ecclesiastes 10:1-3
A. It takes far less to ruin something than it does to create something
B. What are the little dead flies?
C. How can we avoid these little dead flies?
II. Beware of Thoughtless Words - Ecclesiastes 10:12-14
A. The words of a fool
B. The words of the wise
III. Beware of Careless Planning - Ecclesiastes 10:8-11, 15
A. Care must be taken
B. Fools just jump in
IV. A Challenge

This message is the fifth in the that Pastor Steve and Pastor Mary will be doing with regard to our Mission Statement and Values.

Our Mission Statement is:
To glorify God by being disciples who make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our Values are that we are a people called to…
KNOW the Word through worship and study,
LIVE the Word at home and in the community,
SHARE the Word, through service and mission.

In this message Pastor Steve will be focusing on the second value, Live the Word at home and in the community.

This message is the fourth in the series that Pastor Steve and Pastor Mary will be doing with regard to our Mission Statement and Values.

Our Mission Statement is:
To glorify God by being disciples who make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our Values are that we are a people called to…
KNOW the Word through worship and study,
LIVE the Word at home and in the community,
SHARE the Word, through service and mission.

In this sermon Pastor Mary will be focusing on the first value, KNOW the Word through worship and study.

I. Glorying through Difficulties - Luke 2:1
II. Thoughtful Reflection and Worship - Luke 2:19-20
III. A Shout of Salvation
IV. A Challenge

Mary: Fear of Personal Responsibility - Luke 1:26-38
Shepherds: Fear of Personal Unworthiness - Luke 2:8-16
Joseph: Fear of Personal Cost - Matthew 1:18-25
Herod: Fear of Personal Jealousy - Matthew 2:1-3
A Challenge

This message is the third in a series of five that Pastor Steve and Pastor Mary will be doing with regard to our Mission Statement and Values.

Our Mission Statement is:
To glorify God by being disciples who make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our Values are that we are a people called to…
KNOW the Word through worship and study,
LIVE the Word at home and in the community,
SHARE the Word, through service and mission.

Today, Pastor Steve will be focusing on the first value, KNOW the Word through worship and study.

Sermon Outline:
I. Enjoy Life - Ecclesiastes 9:7-9
II. Work Hard - Ecclesiastes 9:10-12
III. Heed Wisdom - Ecclesiastes 9:13-18
IV. A Challenge

I. We Suffer but Are Secure - Ecclesiastes 9:1
A. We cannot explain the why of suffering
B. We can endure suffering

II. We Face Death but Not Alone - Ecclesiastes 9:2-3a

III. We See Ourselves but It Is Not Pleasant - Ecclesiastes 9:3b

IV. We Have Hope, but It Is Not Forever - Ecclesiastes 9:4-6
A. Where there is life, there is hope
B. When you die, there is no longer the enjoyment of life

V. A Challenge

I. Mystery: Crime Seems to Pay - Ecclesiastes 8:10-11

A. Honor comes to the wicked

B. Is Delay in judgment a sign of favor?

II. Mystery: Appearances Can Be Deceiving - Ecclesiastes 8:12-12

A. God rewards those who fear Him

B. God will judge sin despite the delay

III. Mystery: How Can I Enjoy Life in the Midst of Injustice - Ecclesiastes 8:14-15

IV. Mystery: There Are Things You Can't Know - Ecclesiastes 8:16-17

V. A Challenge

This message is the second in a series of five that Pastor Steve and Pastor Mary will be doing with regard to our Mission Statement and Values.

Our Mission Statement is:
To glorify God by being disciples who make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our Values are that we are a people called to…
KNOW the Word through worship and study,
LIVE the Word at home and in the community,
SHARE the Word, through service and mission.

Today, Pastor Mary will be preaching on the second part of the mission statement, “…disciples who make disciples of Jesus Christ”.

Why Obey Government? - Ecclesiastes 8:2-5a
1. We are obligated by an oath of allegiance
2. Ruler has authority to enforce what he commands
Can We Ever Disobey? - Ecclesiastes 8:5b-6
Are There Limitations to Authority? - Ecclesiastes 8:7-9
1. No one has authority over the spirit
2. No one has authority over death
A Challenge
a. We are to pray for our leaders
b. We are to give honor to our leaders

We are thankful to our Missions Conference special guest Dr. Fred Van Gorkom, Regional Director of Africa at Christian Veterinary Mission. Fred assists with missionary recruitment and placement of veterinary professionals for both short term and long term missions. He and his wife Vicki (along with their 4 children) were church planters and veterinarians in Ethiopia for 25 years. Fred has a passion to challenge people to pray, go, or partner in the Great Commission.

We are thankful to our Missions Conference special guest Dr. Fred Van Gorkom, Regional Director of Africa at Christian Veterinary Mission. Fred assists with missionary recruitment and placement of veterinary professionals for both short term and long term missions. He and his wife Vicki (along with their 4 children) were church planters and veterinarians in Ethiopia for 25 years. Fred has a passion to challenge people to pray, go, or partner in the Great Commission.

Sermon Outline:
Called to life, from helpless death (Ephesians 2:1-6, 9-10)
Called to die—to self and to this world (Galatians 2:20, 1 John 2:15)
Called to follow (Luke 9: 23-25)
Called to Go! (Matthew 28:18-20)
Discerning the Call and What it Looks Like
Confirming the call. You are called.

This message is the first in a series of five that Pastor Steve and Pastor Mary will be doing with regard to our Mission Statement and Values.

Our Mission Statement is:
To glorify God by being disciples who make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our Values are that we are a people called to…
KNOW the Word through worship and study,
LIVE the Word at home and in the community,
SHARE the Word, through service and mission.

In this message Pastor Steve will be preaching on the first part of the mission statement, to glorify God by being disciples.

Main Idea: My life is not precious to me, as long as I finish the work God gave me.
Bible Passage: Acts 20:24

I. Wisdom Provides Paths toward Living - Ecclesiastes 7:15-18

II. Wisdom Shows Strength and Faults - Ecclesiastes 7:19-22

III. Wisdom Shows the Incomprehensibility of God - Ecclesiastes 7:23-29

IV. A Challenge

I. Lessons Learned in the Funeral Home - Ecclesiastes 7:1-4

A. A good name is better than possessions

B. Our funeral is better than our birthday

II. Lessons Learned in the Home of a Friend - Ecclesiastes 7:5-9

A. The rebuke of the wise is better than the praise of a fool

B. It is better to wait for God's timing than to be impatient

III. Lessons Learned in the House of the Wise Man - Ecclesiastes 7:10-14

A. Better to accept the present than to wish for the good-old days

B. Wisdom is better than brute strength

C. Better to trust God than to trust self

IV. A Challenge

I. Stewardship vs. Forfeiture - Ecclesiastes 6:1-6

A. Resources

B. Family

C. A Startling Exclamation

II. Business of Life vs. Busyness of Life - Ecclesiastes 6:7-12

A. What’s Important

B. Quit wishing things were different

III. A Challenge

I. Guard Our Steps - Ecclesiastes 5:1

II. Listen to God - Ecclesiastes 5:1

III. Careful in Speech - Ecclesiastes 5:2-3

IV. Practice What Has Been Learned - Ecclesiastes 5:4-7a

V. Fear God - Ecclesiastes 5:7b

VI. A Challenge

I. Problem of Unrighteousness in the Courts - Ecclesiastes 3:16-17
II. Problem of Death - Ecclesiastes 3:18-22
III. Problem of Oppression - Ecclesiastes 4:1-3
IV. Problem of Man’s Cruelty to Man - Ecclesiastes 4:4-6
V. Problem of Loneliness - Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
VI. Problem of Fading Popularity - Ecclesiastes 4:13-16
VII. A Challenge