START NOW: THE POWER OF PRAYER AND WORSHIP

Pastor Jonathan Falwell 

Last week we talked about the power of God’s Word. This is the starting point of the mission of this church. Our mission statement: To Change Our World by Developing Christ Followers who Love God and Love People. 

We are able to accomplish this mission through six values that undergird everything we do: 

1. A Commitment to Scripture
2. A Culture of Prayer
3. A Lifestyle of Worship
4. Connected in Community
5. A Heart for Serving
6. A Passion for Sharing 

Hebrews 4:14-16 (CSB) Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. 

1. He has invited us in 

Vs 14a Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God

• Jesus has stepped into the mediating role between us and God
• This role provides protection, provision, propitiation

2. He welcomes us as we are

Vs 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.

• The high priest of the Old Testament was chosen from among men so could identify with those he represented
• Jesus allowed Himself to experience all of the temptations and challenges we face
• Hebrews 5 gives us a picture of this responsibility of a high priest
  Hebrews 5:2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he is also clothed with weakness

3. Take advantage of the invitation 

Vs 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need

Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

• In this verse, we have a description of two elements of our six core values as a church:

1. Culture of prayer
   1. “let us approach” – we are specifically called to call to Him
2. Lifestyle of worship
   1. “approach the throne” – this is a clear representation of the awesomeness and holiness of God

• Thus, we have a call to live in worship

4. Honor Him as a result

Col. 3:22-23 (CSB) Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.

• Everything we do is an opportunity to honor Him, serve Him, serve others
• So how can we put this into practice daily:
  • Seek Him daily for our own needs and failings
  • Seek Him daily for opportunities to impact others
  • Answer the call to be used no matter what
  • Give Him the glory for every win