Friendship Church Sermon Notes

Welcome and Worship

• Warm welcome to the congregation, encouraging everyone to worship together.
• Songs focus on themes of redemption, glory, and God's presence guiding believers through life's challenges.
• Emphasis on God's faithfulness and grace being present in all situations.

Announcements

• Welcome to newcomers and encouragement to fill out connect cards.
• Mention of prayer requests and the church's dedication to praying for the congregation.
• Upcoming Christmas Eve services at both campuses with candlelight services.
• Recap of events: children's Christmas celebration, women's event, Spanish-speaking discipleship ministry.

Worship and Doctrine

• Worship is both a personal enjoyment and a sacrificial act.
• Importance of sound doctrine in worship music.
• Encouragement to compare worship music with scripture.

Hymn of the Month: Hark the Herald Angels Sing

• Written by Charles Wesley in 1739.
• Three verses: announcing Jesus' birth, the mystery of the virgin birth, and Jesus' power through resurrection.
• Reminder to "Hark" (listen) to the story of Jesus’ birth with renewed attention.

Prayer and Transition to Sermon

• Collective prayer focusing on exalting God, praying for the coming of His kingdom, and asking for daily needs and forgiveness.
• Emphasis on the congregation being a house of prayer.

Sermon: Romans Road Series Conclusion

• Theme: Moving from the path of death to the path of life.
• Key Text: Romans 4, with emphasis on faith like Abraham's.

Two Paths in Life

• Path of Obedience, Love, and Righteousness: Leads to eternal life.
• Path of Selfishness and Disobedience: Leads to God's wrath.
• All humans start on the path of selfishness due to inherent sinfulness.

How to Move from Death to Life

• Not by Works: Good deeds cannot earn righteousness.
• Not by Religious Symbols: Symbols like circumcision do not grant righteousness but represent existing faith.
• Not by the Law: The law highlights sin but doesn't empower righteousness.

The Role of Faith

• Faith in Jesus is the only way to be declared righteous and move to the path of life.
• Abraham’s faith was credited as righteousness before any symbols or law adherence.
• Genuine faith leads to obedience, as seen in Abraham’s actions.

Application to Believers

• Encouragement to examine personal faith in Jesus.
• Obedience is a natural result of genuine faith but not the cause of righteousness.

Communion and Offering

• Communion as a celebration of Jesus' sacrifice and righteousness granted to believers.
• Time of offering as an expression of gratitude and love.

Closing and Dismissal

• Reminder of upcoming memorial service.
• Invitation for prayer with ministers and mention of a benevolence offering.
• Closing prayer celebrating Jesus as the living hope.