75 th Anniversary Lesson April 14

Tell Us About It … What kind of anniversaries have you celebrated? Normally we look to the past – Today we want also to look to the future … – And what we can do right now to achieve that future

Remembering the Past

Listen for activities taking place in this early church. Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [43] Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. [44] All the believers were together and had everything in common. [45] Selling their possessions and goods,

Listen for activities taking place in this early church. they gave to anyone as he had need. [46] Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Remembering the Past What activities do we see both in that early church and in our church over the past 75 years? What were the results of the early church activities among the people involved? What have been results of the preaching, teaching, and other ministries within our local congregation?

Remembering the Past What words or phrases do you see which describe their attitudes and emotions? What can we today learn from the church described in Acts?

Remembering the Past The early church was joyful, victorious, and full of praise. We see these sort of attitudes throughout our church history.

Remembering the Past Note their custom of extensive sharing of material goods, sharing the proceeds of possessions and goods. We can apply that concept in our fellowship today. – Faithful tithing – Crazy Big Mission – Support for mission trips – Ministries to hurricane refugees

Remembering the Past The early church experienced miracles … we can pray for these same miracles to happen in our church. – Unsaved loved ones, neighbors – Healing … physical, spiritual – People to be set free from bondage – People respond to God’s call

Praying for Miracles Let’s pause right now and pray for some of these kinds of miracles to happen – In our homes – In our small group – In our church

Celebrate the Present

Listen for a partnership Paul valued. Philip. 1:3-8 (NIV) I thank my God every time I remember you. [4] In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, [6] being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus

Celebrate the Present When Paul thought about the Philippians, what did he do? How were the Philippians in partnership with Paul? How can we be in partnership with our church leaders?

Celebrate the Present Paul spoke with confidence … – God had begun a good work in their lives – God would carry it out, continue it – This would go on until the end of the church age … until the return of Christ

Celebrate the Present We celebrate the “good work” that God has begun and carried out over the last 75 years. Consider God’s role (through the Person of the Holy Spirit) in this process. – The Holy Spirit convicts/convinces us of our sinful condition – He also convinces us of God’s power to rescue us from the penalty and power of sin – He empowers all believers

Celebrate the Present How will this “good work” by the Holy Spirit affect our lives? Are there actions or attitudes that short circuit or interrupt this good work that Christ has begun? What steps can you take, individually and as a Small Group, to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to foster this good work

Imagine the Possibilities

Listen for Paul’s exhortations. 2 Tim. 1:6-8 (NIV) For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. [7] For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. [8] So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, …

Listen for Paul’s exhortations That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. [14] Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Imagine the Possibilities What future possibilities do you anticipate or hope for your family? According to Paul, what kind of spirit does God give (and not give) to His people? How would this spirit/attitude help you see your family hopes come to reality? When Paul says “keep as the pattern” the word could be translated “echo”. What are we to “echo”?

Imagine the Possibilities As we anticipate new church plants, outreach, and “suffering” for the Gospel, Paul’s declarations encourage, challenge us. – Our anticipation is positive, not fearful – It may require sacrifice – We can be convinced of God’s desire and help in future ministry efforts – We are voluntary prisoners – submitted to God’s direction and empowerment

Application Thank God for His faithfulness over the past 75 years – Express your gratefulness for pastors and teachers and workers who ministered to you (wherever you attended church) – If appropriate or possible, write them a note of thanks for their contribution to your life

Application Take advantage of the different ministries available to you and your family right now – Make sure your kids and/or grandkids are involved in different kids’ ministries and missions. – Maybe you know someone who needs one of the recovery or stewardship training sessions – Pray for your church staff – that God would bless and empower them for their responsibilities – Encourage your staff – through serving, prayer, and words of support.

Application Pray that God will give Mobberly Baptist His vision for the future – Pray that we will see and take advantage of new opportunities for ministry and missions. – Pray that we will adapt new ways to reach out to a needy world … here in Longview and also far away – Pledge yourself and your family to support future ministries with your time, your treasure and your talents

75 th Anniversary Lesson April 14