Worthington Christian Church

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. — Proverbs 4:23 Here are some of our primary heart shapers: family of origin, everyday life experiences, defining moments and sin. A question we all should ask: What are the primary shapers of my heart? Negative Heart Shapers » Sore Spots » Hindered Behavior A great example of this is found in Numbers 13:26-32; 14:20-24. • Sore...

…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles… — Hebrews 12:1 We all have things that hinder us from living life to the full. Our journey over the next six weeks is to unhinder our heart to unhinder our story. The great part is that God invites us to partner with Him. We have a role to play in our healing journey, and it’s not easy, but it’s worth it. A few things...

Let’s let the phrase WE > ME guide our church family. What does this group of mighty warriors teach us about how to be a church that understands WE > ME? 1. Let’s move in the direction the Lord is leading. 2. Let’s move as a group. 3. Let’s move with spiritual grit.   When we look at the story of David and his mighty warriors, we could say that they experienced revival and resilience. That’s what...

Everyone is seeking something to give them meaning and hope in this life. * We all seek Happiness * We all seek Love * We all seek Peace All the answers to deep searches of meaning can be found in Jesus. 

The Birth of Jesus: In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line o...

Why does Matthew start Jesus’ birth account with a long list of names? Matthew wants us to know that in a world full of sin, let’s start with God’s grace because grace is at the core of Jesus’ arrival. Here’s what we learn about Jesus’ messy family tree: * Our past mistakes don’t disqualify us from being in God’s story. * God doesn’t flinch at our mess – He steps right into it. * Obedience is mess...

Overwhelm happens when life feels bigger than we can handle. Gabriel’s announcement about Jesus included: » Jesus is the ultimate leader into the true Promised Land. » Jesus is the Son of the Most High God. » Jesus is the fulfillment of David’s eternal throne. » Jesus is the one who reigns over God’s people. When something chaotic happens, we need a plan in place — a "Mind Insurance Policy." How s...

Important words that Luke uses in Luke 1: v2: by those who from the first were eyewitnesses... v3: have carefully investigated everything from the beginning... v3: an orderly account for you... v4: so that we may know the certainty of the things we’ve been taught v6: “Righteous” means to be in right relationship with God through faith v13: “Do not be afraid” is used 365 times in the Bible. One tim...

How do we trust God when we can’t see what’s next? We hold on to his promises. » the Promise of Eternity » the Promises of Right Now A QUESTION TO REFLECT ON: How might God be using a season of uncertainty to help me grow?

Our purpose is to accept our calling to ministry. Our purpose is to accept our calling as Christ’s ambassadors. Our purpose is to accept our calling as God’s co-workers. How do I know God’s purpose for my life? God’s purpose for my life is to accept His love and to share His love. A few things about purpose… » Purpose isn’t discovered; it’s received. (Micah 6:8) » Purpose isn’t mysterious; it’s mi...

In the power of the Holy Spirit… » We live free from what has held us back. » We love others as Jesus would love them. » We battle for spiritual growth. » We walk daily with Jesus.  A QUESTION FOR REFLECTION: Am I close enough to Jesus to get dusty? 

I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. – 1 John 5:13  We are saved when we realize we are sinners in need of a Savior, believe that Jesus is that Savior, and respond to God’s gift of grace.  Our response to God’s grace:  Faith -> Repentance -> Confession -> Baptism  Other Scripture referenced: Romans 6:3-4; 10:9-10; Acts 18...

Patience is the key that unlocks perseverance. Patience keeps us faithful when life feels slow. (James 5:7-8) Patience protects our relationships when we feel stressed. (James 5:9) Patience focuses on God’s character, not our circumstances. (James 5:10-11) “I know you can do all things...” Job 42:2a Patience keeps us spiritually connected when we feel tempted to check out. (James 5:13-16) Patience...

James’ plan for living a better life: Adjust our priorities—don’t be consumed by mere activity. (James 4:13)  Barrenness of the 3 C’s  » Calendar  » Career  » Cash  Accept life’s brevity—don’t miss out on today’s opportunities.  (James 4:14; Psalm 39:4-5; Acts 8:36-38; Acts 16:33) Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.  (Psalm 90:12 NLT) Align with the Lord’s Sover...

A good adventure means anything can happen! It’s unpredictable! What causes fights and quarrels among us? CLARIFYING WORDS IN JAMES 4:  Desires — hedonistic Kill — direct assault on the image of God You — used seventeen times in the first three verses of James 4.  Friendship with the World — fondness or companionship with the way of the world Enmity — hatred toward God “God’s Spirit” (Romans 8:9-1...

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. — Psalm 141:3 Our words are a window into our hearts. (Luke 6:45) When it comes to words, as Christians, we are called to set the example. 1 Timothy 4:12 Here are a few reminders about our words: * Our words have eternal implications. (Proverbs 18:21; Romans 10:9-10) * Our words need ongoing formation. (James 3:2) * Our words ha...

MESSAGE THEME: A faith that is alive is a faith that acts. …faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. —James 2:17 The Greek word ‘ergon’ means act, work, or good deed. (Titus 1:16, Matthew 5:16) Ephesians 2:8-10 * We are saved by grace * Through faith * For good works. Here are some self-reflective questions to motivate us to put faith into action: * When was the last time I ac...

God’s purpose for every life is to be in: » Forever relationship with Him. » Healthy relationships with Others.   How did you come to know about Jesus?   “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16 What is the Gospel “Good News?” » God Created  » We Sin  » God Loves  » God Gives  » Whoever Belie...

God wants us to break the huddle and get in the game. A formula to live by: quick to listen + slow to speak = slow to become angry Proverbs 17:28  We don’t just learn for the sake of knowledge, but we learn so that we can live out our faith. * Commit to the Play Caller – Accept God’s Word and follow His way.  * Connect with the Community – Listen well and meet people where they are.  * Carry the B...

How do we know the resurrection to be true?  1. Eyewitness testimony  2. Consistent accounts  3. Martyrdom  4. A global movement  5. Life change    The resurrection changes lives. Has it changed yours?    Timothy Keller, “If the resurrection is true, then everything’s going to be alright.”    How do we view trials as pure joy?  * Reframe our perspective.  * Identify the temptation.  * Cling to our...

Series Theme: We are the light of the world because of the Light that lives in us. Message Theme: The light God began to shine in us 50 years ago is still burning, and we commit to carrying it forward, shining brighter together. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary as a church, we thank everyone who has contributed to this body of believers since our founding on September 7, 1975. You have made a...

SERIES THEME: We are the light of the world because of the Light that lives in us.   MESSAGE THEME: The Church was never meant to hide from darkness – it was meant to bring Light to it. What does our surrounding community need from this church? * Prioritize real faith connections. * Notice and touch each need. * Speak truth to real issues. * Wrestle with tough faith questions.  * Understand that e...

SERIES THEME: We are the light of the world because of the Light that lives in us. “In the beginning” …Somebody + Nothing = Everything  We believe in the Latin phrase ‘Creatio ex nihilo,’ which means ‘creation out of nothing.’  Life = Light  Light = Victory MESSAGE THEME: Before we can shine Jesus’ light into the world, it first needs to shine in our hearts. What steps do we take next? * Acknowled...

Who you are walking with makes all the difference.

The Parable of the Tenants angered the teachers of the law and religious leaders because they didn't want to believe or weren't ready to believe. It's too late for them to move toward belief, but not for us. Now, it's our move. We need to: Move from Disbelief to Belief Move from Solitude to Community Move from Uninvolved to Involved