In Christ and Christ Alone
His theme for Elim Church for 2021 is this:
In Christ and Christ Alone
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3 Things to PUT in Place
1. Point People to Jesus
- He is the only God
- He is the only Way
- He is the only Truth
- He is the only Life
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (Jn 1:1)
Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.” (Jn 14:6)
2. Uplift Jesus and His Name
- He alone is high and lifted up
- He alone is worthy of all
- He alone is exalted and magnified
3. Trust Jesus Always and Completely
- Acknowledge Him
- Believe in Him
- Call on Him
- Depend on Him
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Pr 3:5-6)
For nothing is impossible with God. (Lk 1:37)
Everything is possible for him who believes. (Mk 9:23)
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. (Jer 33:3)
… and call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honour Me. (Ps 50:15)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Ps 46:1)
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Challenge
PUT your hope in Christ and Christ alone.
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God. (Heb 12:1-2)
1. Pray always and never give up
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (Lk 18:1)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Php 4:16)
2. Unload your cares and burdens on Him
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Pe 5:7)
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. (Ps 55:22)
3. Thank Him in all circumstances
… give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Th 5:18)
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How to pastor/minister in times like this?
Our Experience
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore, my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. (Ps 28:7)
Our Priority
- Prayer
- People
- Plan
- Program
- Purpose
- All may know Jesus and love Him