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Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 If our purpose is to be like a first-century church, how do we get there? The book of Romans contains more pieces of the puzzle on how to be the church than any other book in the Bible. Just as Paul understood who he was in Christ, we must understand the same. Our identity as believers is very different from what we used to be. Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God… Romans 1:1 ESV Paul’s message was to believers in Rome. 7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7 ESV Our (yours and mine) - Gospel message is for the world. The Great Commission – Matt 28:18-19 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt 28:18-19 ESV This is the purpose of the church worldwide. And GCCC is no exception. We don’t get an exemption. The Great Commission is the reason the church exists. We should be as earnest as Paul’s to share the full Gospel message. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:8-12 ESV The power of the Gospel is a foundational piece of the puzzle 1 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 ESV This power helps us: • Identify who we are in Christ • Know we are no longer what we once were • Gives purpose to our church and to us individually • Creates a desire to share its message • Allows us to be unashamed to be called a Christian What’s Next? Questions for reflection and discussion • Am I ashamed of the Gospel in any way? • Has transformation happened in my life? Is it continuing to happen? • Am I eager to share the Gospel? • How much would I endure to share it?

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 First Things First - Matthew 12:1-8 1/5/25 Why do “good things” get in the way of the “best things”? Or why do we prioritize the second, the fourth, or even the eighteenth thing ahead of what should be the first thing? At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here. And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” Matthew 12:1-8 ESV What the disciples did was allowed in Deuteronomy 23:25 and truly not outside of the law. Additional rules had been added to the law a supposed outward measure of a person’s spiritual health. And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” Matthew 12:7-8 ESV Rules had the unintended consequence of lowering the bar and distracting Jews from their relationship God. Jesus points to what should be considered first in every believer’s life. For I desire steadfast love[a] and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 ESV Jesus makes it clear that as “Lord of the Sabbath” that man’s rules can add nothing to it. What are the “best” things we should put first? • The Great Commandment - Matt 22:37-40 • The Great Commission – Matt 28:18-19 • Know & believe in Jesus – John 6:28-29 Questions for Reflections and Discussion: 1. How do I measure my Spiritual Health? 2. What am I putting first? 3. Do I trade what’s best for what’s “good”? 4. Are there any changes I need to make?

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 RESOLVED 12/29/24 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV Do Your Best σπουδάζω (spoudazó) To be diligent, to make every effort, to hasten, to be eager. Approved δόκιμος (dokimos) Approved, tested, tried, genuine Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb δέχομαι (dechomai), meaning "to receive" or "to accept." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "dokimos," the concept of being tested and approved can be related to Hebrew words like בָּחַן (bachan, Strong's H974), meaning "to test" or "to examine." Usage: The term "dokimos" is used in the New Testament to describe something or someone that has been tested and found to be genuine, reliable, or approved. It often carries the connotation of having passed a test or trial, thus proving its worth or authenticity. In a spiritual context, it refers to the quality of being approved by God after being tested. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, "dokimos" was often used in the context of metallurgy, where metals were tested for purity and quality. Coins, for example, were tested to ensure they were not counterfeit. This concept of testing and approval was familiar to the early Christian audience, who understood the importance of proving one's faith and character through trials. Not Ashamed ἀνεπαίσχυντος (anepaischuntos) a state of being unashamed or without shame. It conveys a sense of confidence and integrity, particularly in one's actions or beliefs. In the New Testament, it is often associated with the idea of standing firm in one's faith and convictions without fear of disgrace or embarrassment. Truth ἀλήθεια (alétheia) truth, but not merely truth as spoken; truth of idea, reality, sincerity, truth in the moral sphere, divine truth revealed to man, straightforwardness. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:12-21 Resolved To Grow To Challenge To Change To Press Forward

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 THE GIFT OF GOLD—JESUS IS KING Christmas Eve 2024 I. The Symbolism of Gold On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 NIV • The Wise Men acknowledged Jesus not just as a child but as a King deserving honor. II. Jesus as the Promised King For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV • His kingship brings peace, justice, and eternal life to those who follow Him. III. The King Who Deserves Our Worship The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever. Revelation 11:15 NIV • Worship is more than bowing; it involves surrendering our lives to Him. IV. How Can We Present Our “Gold” to Jesus Today? So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV • Gold represents the best of what we have—our time, talents, and treasures. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17 NIV Is Jesus the King of your life?

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 WHY IT MATTERS Christmas 2024 12/22/2024 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11 NLT All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own … Isaiah 53:6 NLT • Sheep are weak. • Sheep are witless. • Sheep are wayward. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. ... Isaiah 53:6-7 NLT He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. Isaiah 53:3-5 NLT Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. ... When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. Isaiah 53:8-9, 11 NLT And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:22-23 NIV TALK ABOUT IT 1. Read Isaiah 53:3-11. What stands out to you from this passage? How does knowing what Jesus did for you influence the way you live? 2. What are some practical ways you can take up your cross and follow Christ this week? 3. Who can you share the love of Jesus with this week? Who could you invite to Christmas Eve service with you?

Give Online: https://pushpay.com/pay/gatecitychristian Website: https://www.gatecitychristian.com/ Decision Card: https://gatecity.churchcenter.com/people/forms/371658 Attitude OG Church - Part 3 12/15/24 Series Scripture: And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:42–47 ESV This Week: So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:1-11 ESV English-Greek Truth Mind - φρονέω (phroneó) To think, to set one's mind on, to have a mindset; to direct ones mind to a singular focus Usage: The verb "phroneó" primarily refers to the act of thinking or having a particular mindset. It encompasses the ideas of setting one's mind on something, having an attitude, or being disposed in a certain way. In the New Testament, it often implies a deliberate choice of thought or attitude, reflecting one's values and priorities. It can denote both positive and negative mindsets, depending on the context. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of the mind (phrēn) was central to understanding human behavior and decision-making. The mind was seen as the seat of rational thought, emotions, and moral reasoning. In the New Testament, the use of "phroneó" reflects a Jewish understanding of the heart and mind as the center of one's spiritual and moral life. The early Christian community was encouraged to adopt a mindset that aligned with the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing humility, unity, and love Attitudes United in Thinking - Faith “being of the same mind” - Having unity in the Fatih/Truth(Eph. 4:13; 1 Cor. 1:10) United in Action - Love “having the same love” -.Love in such a way the world will notice (John 13:35; 1 Cor. 13) United in Perspective - Hope “being in full accord and of one mind” - Set your mind on the things above (Col. 3:2-10) Put others first in thought and action “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” - Time - Sacrifice - Service Obey in all things to the very end “he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death” - Obedience is the ultimate test of faith and love (John 14:15; Gal. 2:20) Tough Question: 1) Is the attitude of the early church critical to our faith today? If so why? 2) What attitude within the early church do you find the most compelling and impactful for you? 3) What attitude from the early church do you think the church today needs to embrace? 4) How can you begin to model the attitudes of the church within your daily life? 5) In a society that idolizes individuality of thought what does Gods call to unity of mindset mean? How do we choose to live counter-culture in order to live out this call. 6) How are you at living out the call to put others first? How are you going to embrace living this more fully? 7) What does it practically look like to “look to the interests of others”? 8) How can you grow in obedience? Is there a point short of death where your obedience stops? For most us that is a yes, so how do we live obeident to the point of death? 9) It truly comes down to a “mindset”, is your faith all of your life or something you do? (Joshua 24:15)