Introduction Absent from the 1 st century church are exciting church programs that appeal to the masses today. –No youth programs –No celebrities or bands –No special effect shows Sound Boring?

Introduction So, what do visitors from the community see when coming here to worship our Lord? –Simplicities of the 1 st century. –Beyond that, what? –Is there anything appealing to the true seeker?

Introduction In other words, do others see in us a genuine passion for our God when we worship and serve Him in our daily lives?

Introduction What do we sound like? –Disinterested or filled with the Spirit? Eph. 5:18-19; Jas. 5:13 –NOTE TO SONG LEADERS: Lead, lead, lead: Set the proper tempo Lead with passion!

Introduction Having passionate prayers: –Reflect the joy of going to God in prayer. 1 Co. 14:15 –Pour your heart out when in need. –Rend your heart when confronting sin and God’s graciousness to forgive us. Joel. 2:13; Lk. 18:13

Introduction A Passion for God’s word: –Regard it as the sweetest form of nourishment that satisfies your soul. Psa. 19:7-10 –Passionately feed on it. 1 Pet. 2:2 –Passionately search it like the Bereans. Acts 17:11

A Passion for simple/pure ministry (service). –A passion to reach the gospel to our neighbors. Matt. 9:35-38 –A passion to edify fellow our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Conclusion God gave us emotions to express our love, appreciation, thanksgiving, sorrow. We use it with one another each day, use it with our God.