A note from our Pastor

Returning to Discipleship part 6: A Life with Purpose 
Acts 9:36-43
(Mother’s Day)

During the sermon this Sunday, I am going to open with challenges faced by parents, especially mothers. I am going to emphasize the critical role of compassion in discipleship, backing this concept with illustrative examples. I am going to elaborate on the courage needed for compassion, leading to a broader discussion on the current state of apathy globally. I will also contrast different responses to compassion, exploring the story of a self-absorbed woman and a sympathetic girl who befriends a newcomer at school. I will spend some time delving into the biblical narrative of Tabitha, a compassionate disciple of Jesus, renowned for her kind deeds. When she dies, the power of belief brings her back to life, leading to a surge of faith in her community.

The sermon highlights the importance of having a purpose in life. I will further urge the congregation to transform their compassion into tangible action. The sermon concludes by drawing parallels with the lives of Tabitha and Dr. Martha Myers, both models of compassion that left lasting impacts on others. MC will be reminded of their divine purpose: to emulate Jesus’s compassion and thus make an eternal impact. The sermon resonates with themes of compassion, purpose, and the transformative power of kindness, inspiring the congregation to carry these lessons into their daily lives.

Grace and Peace,
Stephen

A note from our Worship Pastor

Once Saved Always Saved

I was raised in a Christian household and grew up in the Southern Baptist tradition. We were always taught that once you were saved you were always saved, there is nothing you can do to lose you salvation. But is this really true? To know this with absolute certainty we must look to the Scriptures, what does the Bible say about this?

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

When we become sons and daughters of God through faith in Jesus, we’re not simply improved or better, we’re a brand-new creation. For us to lose that, God would have to undo what was done, he would have to destroy the new creation.

1 Peter 1:18-19
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect

Beloved, if we are true followers of Christ then we’ve been redeemed by his blood that was shed for us. We’ve been bought at a price; the Lord would have to revoke his purchase for us to be lost.

Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

We’ve been justified through Christ Jesus; we’ve been declared righteous in his sight. The Lord will not un-declare the righteousness of those who now belong to him.

Romans 11:29
For the gifts of God and his calling are irrevocable.

Salvation from God through his Son Jesus Christ is a free gift to mankind. When we truly receive that gift by faith, it’s irrevocable; the Lord doesn’t take it back.

Romans 10:27-30
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one.

And so, verse after verse confirms that if we are true followers of Christ Jesus, then we are secure, we cannot lose our salvation. I think the real question that must be asked is this…are we truly saved?  The Apostle Paul invites us to examine ourselves…
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?

What test is Paul talking about? Christian, this isn’t always preached from the Lord’s pulpit but it should be, Jesus calls us to a changed life. Yes, we will still sin but we must live lives that are worthy of the calling as children of God. The Lord calls us to be holy just as he is holy. We must do this through a lifestyle of repentance and consecration. When we do sin, we must own it before God, and ask for forgiveness. When we do this we are positioning ourselves to be in right standing with our Lord, to be set apart and holy to be used for him and by him.

1 John 3:6
No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

If we are truly saved, the Holy Spirit will convict us when we sin. Beloved, if you can willfully sin against God and feel no conviction or remorse whatsoever, you may want to ask God if you are truly saved.

Christian, the days are evil and we need discernment from the Lord. The Bible teaches us that many false teachers will arise, that even God’s elect will be deceived if that’s possible. Well I promise you this, it is possible if we’re not walking closely with Jesus. Many churches today look just like the world. They’re rewriting and reinterpreting God’s Holy Word to mean whatever they want it to, all in an effort to justify sin.

Ephesians 5:6-7
Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. So have nothing at all to do with such people. 

This is a warning Christian, don’t sit under teaching that attempts to justify sin, have nothing to do with it.

So here’s the heart of the matter. If you are a true follower of Christ then God’s gift of salvation is an irrevocable gift. And here are a few ways to examine yourself and to protect your walk with God. In these days of deception, cling tightly to Jesus, he is faithful and will never leave us or forsake us. Go to a Christian church that teaches the truth, is surrendered to the Lordship of Christ Jesus and is surrendered to the authority of the Holy Bible. God’s Word should change us, we don’t have the right to change it to fit into popular culture. Join a Bible Study and delve into God’s Word, study and memorize it. And join a discipleship group of 3 or 4 people to hold each another accountable in your walk with Jesus.

Do these things and finish strong in your faith and look forward to hearing these words from your Savior when you finally meet him face to face, well done my good and faithful servant.

To God be the glory!
I love y’all
doug

Misty Creek Community Church Summer Block Party
Come join us June 1st
from 5pm-7pm for music, food and fun for the whole family.

Wear Colors of Pentecost
Next Sunday, May 19 at 10:30am as we celebrate Pentecost!

Creek Kids 
For nursery age through 5^th grade meets every Sunday in the Misty Creek basement. Children will attend worship with their parents/guardians at 10:30am and will be dismissed during the welcome and announcement time.

Youth Alpha Sunday School May 12 at Panera in Dunwoody. No Youth Alpha this evening 

Power Hour of Prayer 
Every Thursday at 7pm at the home of Brett and Marty Chambless. All are welcome. Text Marty for directions at 404-861-2636.

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