Bulletins
Terre Haute
Grace Communion
“LIVING AND SHARING THE GOSPEL”
Welcome
Worship Service
July 26, 2020
Call To Worship
“Blessing & Honor”
Opening Prayer
“Thy Word”
“Forgive Me”
Prayers of Intercession
Worship Offering
Sermon: Don Auxier
Sardis
Closing Song
“He Who Began A Good Work”
Closing Prayer
MISSION STATEMENT
Worship God in Spirit and Truth
Grow in His Grace and Knowledge
Share the Love and Hope we have in Jesus
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Grace Communion International – We are an international Christian fellowship, on mission with the Father, Son and Spirit, living and sharing the gospel in ways that birth all kinds of churches, for all kinds of people, in all kinds of places. As an international Christian fellowship, we have about 50,000 members formed into 900 churches spread across 100 countries.
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Dear GCI Family and Friends,
Back in April I was on a group email provisionally planning for a future event. My good friend Pastor Dishon Mills was on the same message. He ended his communication with the statement “This pandemic is making me more deeply appreciate being Spirit-led.”
I have heard others use the phrase Spirit-led, and I think I know what they mean. In this instance, I felt bold, so I wrote back to Dishon and asked, “What does the phrase Spirit-led mean to you”? He was kind enough to take the time to respond.
Hey Greg. I hope you are doing well. Sure, I can share what I believe I understand about “Spirit-led” so far, as I pray for God to continue to bring me clarity. One of our small groups has been studying the book of Acts, and one of the threads we have been following is the ways in which the emerging church discerned the will of God in a dangerous, confusing time. From Acts 15, we gleaned some thoughts about Spirit-led discernment:
- Discernment does not happen in isolation, but through Christ-centered conversations amongst a diverse group (diverse with regard to perspectives, backgrounds, gender, etc.) within the church.
- When we discuss an issue, we need to give priority to God’s present activity—what God is saying and doing in the church and in the intersection of the church and its community.
- Then, we need to look to Scripture for confirmation of what we hear from God and to temper our approach (this may require a shift in perspective).
- We establish doctrine, rules, and/or protocols based on what we discern. –
- (Point added by Greg) Then make the understanding known throughout the church. Acts 15:30 says they were sent out carrying the letter (news) with them.
So, for me, Spirit-led is a communal or relational term because it is through the life of the church that revelation comes. I believe this is true of Christians both individually and collectively. Yes, God does speak to us directly. He brings affirmation, conviction, and guidance to those willing to listen. While this may appear to be Spirit-led in an individual sense, this too is communal and relational. I believe the Bible teaches us that we should not concretize anything we believe we have heard from God until we have the opportunity to run it by trusted Jesus-loving counselors. The Holy Spirit always leads us into relationship. Practically every time I am “spontaneously” sent to minister to someone (i.e. call a member to check-in), I find that my efforts were an answer to prayer. His leading is confirmed in my conversations with brothers and sisters about what I heard God say. Or my bias is exposed in the conversation when I mistake my voice for God’s.
Nicely stated, Dishon. I feel strongly about the Spirit working with us within the community of the church. We are no longer Moses going to the mountain alone —we are the church participating with Jesus and joining in community and relationship. This means lots of discussion and sharing, lots of processing and discerning, and lots of prayers leading to the decision that “It seems good to the Holy Spirit and us.”
May we be the Christ-centered, Spirit-led church that brings glory to the Father!
Greg Williams
Prayer Requests
Betsy Archer – suffering with hives
Barbara Rogers- recovery from serious accident
Tammy Higginbotham– brain seizures & severe headaches
Ena – Barb Hudson’s neighbor with kidney failure
Carl Franz (Laf) He was hospitalized this week with low blood count. An endoscopy Friday didn’t show any areas where blood loss was occurring. Today his blood count is back up. Also Carl has to endure bouts with severe itching. Continued prayers for him and his wife Anita as they go through this trial.
Sharon Washington (Indy) She will have cataract surgery on July 29.
Brian Warner’s Father (Hope) Brian’s father in his 90’s is having failing health
Zadie Conklin (Indy) in health care facility suffering from back pain and Alzheimer’s Bill & Georgia Whitt (Indy) For a new home to move in to soon
Prayers for the Body of Christ World Wide
Prayers for our Persecuted Christian Brothers & Sisters. Our Nation, Our World,