Pray Like This: The insight we need

Today’s Message

There are at least three things common to everyone alive: birth, death, and, in between those two, prayer… I have never met a person who has not prayed. It may be a spiritual prayer born of deep faith or the desperate cry in hopes that Someone might be listening after all. Everyone, everywhere, and of any age has prayed. It unites ancients, moderns, and post-moderns.

At times it is as natural as breathing while at other times it is difficult and painful. Prayer can be both easy and challenging; inspiring and disappointing; gratifying and exasperating; comforting and distressing. At times our longings are abundantly fulfilled and at other times we can feel ignored and our affections betrayed.

The One who prayed, “My God, My God, why have you forsakened me?” taught His followers how to pray and what to pray for. This series is a reflection on the prayer Jesus taught us.

Jesus teaches us to pray for something that is not going to happen! Every follower of Jesus will face tests and temptations. So what are we praying for here since Scripture clearly tells us: “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.” So what are we praying for and what are the areas that every follower is vulnerable to?

Today’s Scriptures | Matthew 6.7-13

Matt. 6:7   “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Matt. 6:9   “Pray, then, in this way: 
‘Our Father who is in heaven, 
Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come. 
Your will be done, 
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’

Click here for resources for this series.

INFO | OPPORTUNITIES:

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

WELCOME TABLE:

Stop by the Welcome Table to receive your free gift, pick a charity, and to find out more information about Faith Community and our LifeGroups

Also in the Courtyard after service

OPPORTUNITIES are ministries and studies offered and led by women and men from Faith Community. Stop by the table and learn what they are and how YOU can start one!

Stop by and learn more about Journey as well.

Plant With Purpose

Stop by the Plant With Purpose table to learn more how you can reverse global poverty and bring hope across the developing world.

We set aside the first Saturday night of the month to worship and pray together as a community.  Join us on Saturday April 6th at 5pm in the Worship Center.

Click here for all upcoming Easter events.

Pray Like This: The Grace We Need to Give

Today’s Message

There are at least three things common to everyone alive: birth, death, and, in between those two, prayer… I have never met a person who has not prayed. It may be a spiritual prayer born of deep faith or the desperate cry in hopes that Someone might be listening after all. Everyone, everywhere, and of any age has prayed. It unites ancients, moderns, and post-moderns.

At times it is as natural as breathing while at other times it is difficult and painful. Prayer can be both easy and challenging; inspiring and disappointing; gratifying and exasperating; comforting and distressing. At times our longings are abundantly fulfilled and at other times we can feel ignored and our affections betrayed.

The One who prayed, “My God, My God, why have you forsakened me?” taught His followers how to pray and what to pray for. This series is a reflection on the prayer Jesus taught us.

Today we look at the second prayer request Jesus urged us to bring to God: “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”. Last week we looked at God’s part (forgive us our debts); this week we examine our part — forgiveness. Must a follower of Jesus always forgive? Does forgiveness require forgetfulness? Are there some things that God will not forgive us for? And what about others? These are some of the questions we will be answering today and next week.

Today’s Scriptures | Matthew 6.7-15

Matt. 6:7   “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Matt. 6:9   “Pray, then, in this way: 
‘Our Father who is in heaven, 
Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come. 
Your will be done, 
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’

14 “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 “But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

********************************************

Matt. 18:21   Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus *said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Matt. 18:23   “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 “When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 “But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made. 26 “So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’ 27 “And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt. 28 “But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ 29 “So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’ 30 “But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed. 31 “So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. 32 “Then summoning him, his lord *said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 ‘Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ 34 “And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. 35 “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”

Click here for resources for this series.

INFO | OPPORTUNITIES:

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

WELCOME TABLE:

Stop by the Welcome Table to receive your free gift, pick a charity, and to find out more information about Faith Community and our LifeGroups

Also in the Courtyard after service

OPPORTUNITIES are ministries and studies offered and led by women and men from Faith Community. Stop by the table and learn what they are and how YOU can start one!

Homes of Hope Table

Faith Community will be taking a team made up of 25-30 men, women, and families with children to Ensenada, Mx, May 25-27, 2019 (Sat-Mon) to build a home for a family in need. We will also be performing other ministry outreach activities for the children in the area. Families are encouraged to join us. To date, teams from our congregation have built 57 homes for needy families in Tijuana & Ensenada.

Dick and Shirley Johnson will be at the table to provide you with all the information… if you can walk and wave an arm you are fit to join our team!

Stop by the Hidden Treasures Table. Hidden Treasures is dedicated to the rescue and restoration of women and children victimized by sex slavery in the human trafficking industry.  

Click here for our Good Friday easter schedule.

Families save the following dates…

Pray Like This: The Grace We Need

Today’s Message

There are at least three things common to everyone alive: birth, death, and, in between those two, prayer… I have never met a person who has not prayed. It may be a spiritual prayer born of deep faith or the desperate cry in hopes that Someone might be listening after all. Everyone, everywhere, and of any age has prayed. It unites ancients, moderns, and post-moderns.

At times it is as natural as breathing while at other times it is difficult and painful. Prayer can be both easy and challenging; inspiring and disappointing; gratifying and exasperating; comforting and distressing. At times our longings are abundantly fulfilled and at other times we can feel ignored and our affections betrayed.

The One who prayed, “My God, My God, why have you forsakened me?” taught His followers how to pray and what to pray for. This series is a reflection on the prayer Jesus taught us.

Today we look at the second prayer request Jesus urged us to bring to God: “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”. What does it mean to ask God to “forgive us our debts”? Does forgiveness require forgetfulness? Are there some things that God will not forgive us for? And what about others? Must a follower of Jesus always forgive? These are some of the questions we will be answering today and next week.

Today’s Scriptures | Matthew 6.7-13

Matt. 6:7   “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Matt. 6:9   “Pray, then, in this way: 
‘Our Father who is in heaven, 
Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come. 
Your will be done, 
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’

Click here for resources for this series.

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Pray Like This: The Provision We Need

Today’s Message

“Give us today our daily bread” is a petition to God for the provision of human needs. When we pray these words, we are asking God to provide us with the things we need to live. But these words are also a proclamation. They are a proclamation of complete dependence on and trust in God to provide for our simplest and most fundamental needs. As we pray these words God’s Spirit transforms our own hearts to live in dependence, trust, and simplicity as we await the coming of God’s kingdom.

Today’s Scriptures | Matthew 6.7-13

Matt. 6:7   “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Matt. 6:9   “Pray, then, in this way: 
‘Our Father who is in heaven, 
Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come. 
Your will be done, 
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’

Click here for resources for this series.

INFO | OPPORTUNITIES:

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Pray Like This: Prayer Stations [Family Sunday]

Today’s Message:

February 17th was a Family Sunday and we continued our series in the Lord’s Prayer by engaging with various prayer stations after our time in worship together. 

If you missed our time together, here are some ideas for your engagement with praying through the Lord’s Prayer

Journaling: You will find journaling paper and pens at the journaling station, feel free to take a sheet of paper and return to your seat for meditation and reflection. 

Prayer: Using each line of the Lord’s prayer as a prompt, take time this morning for an extended time of prayer.

Worship and thanksgiving: take time praising God for who is and all He has done for you and for the world throughout history 

Intercession, submission and surrender: What in your life do you need to surrender to God’s will? Where in the world are you longing to see God’s kingdom and will being done?

Provision: Ask God to care for your needs and the needs of the community and world.

Confession, and giving forgiveness to others: How have you sinned against God and against others this week? How have you sinned in your actions, and words? How have you sinned by not speaking, or acting? How have you sinned in your thoughts and attitudes? 

Asking God for strength: Where in your life do you need God’s guidance, and deliverance? How do you need His strength to come along side you in this upcoming week?

Meditation: Here is a way to meditate on the Lord’s Prayer, by simply saying the prayer very slowly and very meditatively. 

“St. Ignatius suggested to those who were searching to grow in prayer to pray the Our Father very slowly and silently in harmony with the pattern of deep, relaxed breathing. Pray only one word with each slow breath, letting the mind, heart and imagination dwell on that single word.

St. Ignatius also suggested a second method: become relaxed and dwell on the first word of the Our Father, for as long as it is meaningful. Then, move on to the second word. (A young novice once asked Teresa of Avila, “Mother, what shall I do to become a contemplative?’ Without missing a beat, Teresa responded, ‘Say the Our Father – but take an hour to say it.’).” - Sister Janet Schaeffler, O.P.

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Today’s Scriptures | Matthew 6.7-13

Matt. 6:7   “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Matt. 6:9   “Pray, then, in this way: 
‘Our Father who is in heaven, 
Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come. 
Your will be done, 
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’

NOTE: There was no recording of this message.

Pray Like This: Your Will Be Done

Today’s Message:

When we pray the words ‘your will be done,’ we are acknowledging God’s good intentions for earth, the reality of the present evil that is against these good intentions, and our own longing to see His will fulfilled. Praying this prayer will cost us both our worldview and our will as we are invited to partner with God in His good intentions for creation.

Sermon Series:

There are at least three things common to everyone alive: birth, death, and, in between those two, prayer… I have never met a person who has not prayed. It may be a spiritual prayer born of deep faith or the desperate cry in hopes that Someone might be listening after all. Everyone, everywhere, and of any age has prayed. It unites ancients, moderns, and post-moderns.

At times it is as natural as breathing while at other times it is difficult and painful. Prayer can be both easy and challenging; inspiring and disappointing; gratifying and exasperating; comforting and distressing. At times our longings are abundantly fulfilled and at other times we can feel ignored and our affections betrayed.

The One who prayed, “My God, My God, why have you forsakened me?” taught His followers how to pray and what to pray for. This series is a reflection on the prayer Jesus gave us.

Click here for resources for this series.

Today’s Scriptures | Matthew 6.7-13

Matt. 6:7   “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Matt. 6:9   “Pray, then, in this way: 
‘Our Father who is in heaven, 
Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come. 
Your will be done, 
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Pray Like This: The Kingdom We Long For

Today’s Message

There are at least three things common to everyone alive: birth, death, and, in between those two, prayer… I have never met a person who has not prayed. It may be a spiritual prayer born of deep faith or the desperate cry in hopes that Someone might be listening after all. Everyone, everywhere, and of any age has prayed. It unites ancients, moderns, and post-moderns.

At times it is as natural as breathing while at other times it is difficult and painful. Prayer can be both easy and challenging; inspiring and disappointing; gratifying and exasperating; comforting and distressing. At times our longings are abundantly fulfilled and at other times we can feel ignored and our affections betrayed.

The One who prayed, “My God, My God, why have you forsakened me?” taught His followers how to pray and what to pray for. This series is a reflection on the prayer Jesus gave us.

The first thing that Jesus teaches us to pray is “Your Kingdom come.” But many followers of Jesus do not understand what are we praying for. Some think the Kingdom is a political realm that we must persist in creating. Some say it is purely spiritual and something that we spiritually align our lives with. Still others say it is the rule of God which will be established at the end of time. So what IS the Kingdom Jesus taught us to long for?

Click here for resources for this series.

This week’s message notes

Today’s Scriptures | Matthew 6.7-13

Matt. 6:7   “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Matt. 6:9   “Pray, then, in this way: 
‘Our Father who is in heaven, 
Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come. 
Your will be done, 
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’

INFO | OPPORTUNITIES:

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Pray Like This: The Identity That Inspires Us

Today’s Message

There are at least three things common to everyone alive: birth, death, and, in between those two, prayer… I have never met a person who has not prayed. It may be a spiritual prayer born of deep faith or the desperate cry in hopes that Someone might be listening after all. Everyone, everywhere, and of any age has prayed. It unites ancients, moderns, and post-moderns.

At times it is as natural as breathing while at other times it is difficult and painful. Prayer can be both easy and challenging; inspiring and disappointing; gratifying and exasperating; comforting and distressing. At times our longings are abundantly fulfilled and at other times we can feel ignored and our affections betrayed.

The One who prayed, “My God, My God, why have you forsakened me?” taught His followers how to pray and what to pray for. This series is a reflection on the prayer Jesus gave us.

Jesus teaches His followers to pray: “Hallowed be Your name.” What does it mean “to hallow”? Why would Jesus teach this? and How does this practice shape our identity?

Click here for resources for this series.

This week’s message notes

Today’s Scriptures | Matthew 6.7-13

Matt. 6:7   “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Matt. 6:9   “Pray, then, in this way: 
‘Our Father who is in heaven, 
Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come. 
Your will be done, 
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Pray Like This: The Setting We Pray In

Today’s Message

There are at least three things common to everyone alive: birth, death, and, in between those two, prayer… I have never met a person who has not prayed. It may be a spiritual prayer born of deep faith or the desperate cry in hopes that Someone might be listening after all. Everyone, everywhere, and of any age has prayed. It unites ancients, moderns, and post-moderns.

At times it is as natural as breathing while at other times it is difficult and painful. Prayer can be both easy and challenging; inspiring and disappointing; gratifying and exasperating; comforting and distressing. At times our longings are abundantly fulfilled and at other times we can feel ignored and our affections betrayed.

The One who prayed, “My God, My God, why have you forsakened me?” taught His followers how to pray and what to pray for. This series is a reflection on the prayer Jesus gave us.

Click here for resources for this series.

Today’s Scriptures | Matthew 6.7-13

Matt. 6:7   “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Matt. 6:9   “Pray, then, in this way: 
‘Our Father who is in heaven, 
Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come. 
Your will be done, 
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’

INFO | OPPORTUNITIES:

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Pray Like This: The Foundation For All Prayer

Today’s Message

There are at least three things common to everyone alive: birth, death, and, in between those two, prayer… I have never met a person who has not prayed. It may be a spiritual prayer born of deep faith or the desperate cry in hopes that Someone might be listening after all. Everyone, everywhere, and of any age has prayed. It unites ancients, moderns, and post-moderns.

At times it is as natural as breathing while at other times it is difficult and painful. Prayer can be both easy and challenging; inspiring and disappointing; gratifying and exasperating; comforting and distressing. At times our longings are abundantly fulfilled and at other times we can feel ignored and our affections betrayed.

The One who prayed, “My God, My God, why have you forsakened me?” taught His followers how to pray and what to pray for. This series is a reflection on the prayer Jesus gave us.

Jesus teaches His followers to call God, “Father”. Why are we encouraged to do this? What does this teach us? And can people who have horrible fathers ever consider calling God Father? These are some of the questions today’s message seeks to consider.

Click here for resources for this series.

Today’s Scriptures | Matthew 6.5-13

5 “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Matt. 6:7   “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Matt. 6:9   “Pray, then, in this way: 
‘Our Father who is in heaven, 
Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come. 
Your will be done, 
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’

Click here for the message outline.

INFO | OPPORTUNITIES:

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Pray Like This: A Preface to Prayer

Today’s Message

There are at least three things common to everyone alive: birth, death, and, in between those two, prayer… I have never met a person who has not prayed. It may be a spiritual prayer born of deep faith or the desperate cry in hopes that Someone might be listening after all. Everyone, everywhere, and of any age has prayed. It unites ancients, moderns, and post-moderns.

At times it is as natural as breathing while at other times it is difficult and painful. Prayer can be both easy and challenging; inspiring and disappointing; gratifying and exasperating; comforting and distressing. At times our longings are abundantly fulfilled and at other times we can feel ignored and our affections betrayed.

The One who prayed, “My God, My God, why have you forsakened me?” taught His followers how to pray and what to pray for. This series is a reflection on the prayer Jesus gave us.

Click here for resources for this series.

Today’s Scriptures | Matthew 6.5-13

5 “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Matt. 6:7   “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Matt. 6:9   “Pray, then, in this way: 
‘Our Father who is in heaven, 
Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come. 
Your will be done, 
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’

Click here for the message outline.

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Anna & Simeon

Today’s Message

Today is a Family Sunday, which means all ages at Faith will be together in our worship service. We’ll be looking at the stories of Anna & Simeon. Two older, faithful people that endured through life and were able to embrace Jesus when He was brought to the Temple by Mary and Joseph for His dedication.

Today’s Scriptures | Luke 2:25-38

25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,

as you have promised.

30 I have seen your salvation,

31 which you have prepared for all people.

32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations,

and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

36 Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. 37 Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four.[a] She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. 38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.

Stop by the Welcome Table to receive your free gift, pick a charity, and to find out more information.

Joseph... Do Not Be Afraid

Today’s Message

What do Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the Christmas Shepherds all have in common? 3 words! All 4 were visited and commanded: “Do not be afraid.” It is hard to live today and not have apprehension, concern, or alarm for what is happening in our nation and around the world. What might God have to say to you this Christmas season that would help you navigate the challenges of this time and circumstances in your life?

Today’s Scriptures | Matthew 1.18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.

Click here for additional resources.

This morning’s sermon outline.

ONLINE GIVING:

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Stop by the Welcome Table to receive your free gift, pick a charity, and to find out more information.

Mary... Do Not Be Afraid

Today’s Message

What do Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the Christmas Shepherds all have in common? 3 words! All 4 were visited and commanded: “Do not be afraid.” It is hard to live today and not have apprehension, concern, or alarm for what is happening in our nation and around the world. What might God have to say to you this Christmas season that would help you navigate the challenges of this time and circumstances in your life?

Today’s Scriptures | Luke 1:26-56

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed[a] to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”[b] 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”[c]

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[d] will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant[e] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be[f] a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat

46 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

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Every year we use the Advent/Christmas season to collect a Christmas offering to support some of our global partners. This year we celebrate 4 organizations started by women we know.

Children's Christmas Musical

Today the kids of Faith Community performed our annual Christmas Musical. A link to the video will be loaded soon.

Merry Christmas!

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Zechariah... Do Not Be Afraid

Today’s Message

What do Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the Christmas Shepherds all have in common? 3 words! All 4 were visited and commanded: “Do not be afraid.” It is hard to live today and not have apprehension, concern, or alarm for what is happening in our nation and around the world. What might God have to say to you this Christmas season that would help you navigate the challenges of this time and circumstances in your life?

Today’s Scriptures

Luke 1.5-25:  aIn the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named 1Zacharias, of the bdivision of 2Abijah; and he had a wife 3from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 They were both arighteous in the sight of God, walking bblamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in 1years.

Luke 1:8   Now it happened that while ahe was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot ato enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer aoutside at the hour of the incense offering. 11 And aan angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and afear 1gripped him. 13 But the angel said to him, “aDo not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and byou will 1give him the name John. 14 “You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 “For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will adrink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit 1while yet in his mother’s womb. 16 “And he will aturn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. 17 “It is he who will ago as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of bElijah, cTO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to amake ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Luke 1:18   Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For aI am an old man and my wife is advanced in 1years.” 19 The angel answered and said to him, “I am aGabriel, who 1bstands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 “And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

Luke 1:21   The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he akept 1making signs to them, and remained mute. 23 When the days of his priestly service were ended, he went back home.

Luke 1:24   After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she 1kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, 25 “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to atake away my disgrace among men.”

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Love God | Love People: Do Not Covet

The 10 Commandments are 10 simple and concrete statements that could transform the planet. There is nothing ambiguous about them. Consider this: if everyone practiced the 10 commandments there would be justice, everlasting peace, freedom, unity, dignity, integrity, prosperity, and love. If there is a even the slightest possibility that this is true we should study and reflect deeply upon them.

Today’s Message:

The temptation that we face is to look past our neighbor and only see what they possess. The tragedy of coveting is that our neighbors become small in our eyes and their stuff becomes big in our eyes.

Today’s Scriptures

Exodus 20.17: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.” 

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Love God | Love People: No False-Witness

The 10 Commandments are 10 simple and concrete statements that could transform the planet. There is nothing ambiguous about them. Consider this: if everyone practiced the 10 commandments there would be justice, everlasting peace, freedom, unity, dignity, integrity, prosperity, and love. If there is a even the slightest possibility that this is true we should study and reflect deeply upon them.

Today’s Message:

There is no commandment that easily illustrates the simple and profound reach of God’s commands. Imagine a nation where there is no maligning, lying, deceiving, falsifying, stretching the truth, half-truth, scapegoating, blaming, implying, fabricating, deluding, or exaggerating at another’s expense or opportunity… the fact that we can’t and that many have given up trying is a crisis and a tragedy we must endeavor to overtake…

Today’s Scriptures

Exodus 20.16: “You shall not bear false witness.”

Psalm 15: O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill?

He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart.

He does not slander with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;

In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honors those who fear the LORD; He swears to his own hurt and does not change;

He does not put out his money at interest, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

Psalm 16: Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You.

I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.”

As for the saints who are in the earth, They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.

The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied; I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood, Nor will I take their names upon my lips.

The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot.

The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.

I will bless the LORD who has counseled me; Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.

I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely.

For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.

You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

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Love God | Love People: No Theft

The 10 Commandments are 10 simple and concrete statements that could transform the planet. There is nothing ambiguous about them. Consider this: if everyone practiced the 10 commandments there would be justice, everlasting peace, freedom, unity, dignity, integrity, prosperity, and love. If there is a even the slightest possibility that this is true we should study and reflect deeply upon them.

Today’s Message:

The eighth commandment God gave his people was “No Theft.” This simple statement calls God’s people individually, and communally to live with generosity and liberality in order to ensure that all people both near and far, both present and future, have the opportunity to partake in a just share of the goods of creation. 

Today’s Scriptures

Exodus 20.15: “You shall not steal.

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INFO | OPPORTUNITIES

Stop by the Welcome Table to receive your free gift, pick a charity, and to find out more information. 

Christmas Tree Give-A-Way

On December 1st we continue our Christmas season tradition of blessing our community with free Christmas trees!

$45 DONATION:
YOU RECEIVE A 5/6FT TREE AND YOU GIVE A TREE AWAY  

$55 DONATION:
YOU RECEIVE TREE A 6/7FT TREE AND YOU GIVE A TREE AWAY

$25 DONATION:
YOU GIVE A TREE AWAY

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Join us for an Open House at Tiffany's place in Escondido.  See the beautiful home for human trafficked girls that the many donations of time, talent and finances from FCC members helped prepare.  With deep appreciation for the generosity of each donor I invite everyone to join us for lunch, a prayer walk and a short program presentation.

Meet in the Courtyard by Hidden Treasures Foundation table immediately following the Sunday services to RSVP and for the address.

Saturday, Nov 17, 2018 @ 8:15 am to 10:30 am, Fellowship Center
Admission is FREE!

Join us for a fun and inspirational morning of food, fellowship, worship, prayer and encouragement.   Click here to RSVP

Invite your friends, youth 12+ are welcome!

This is an opportunity for men to gather, pray, worship and enjoy a time of connection, inspiration and encouragement.

Psalm 133:1  Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity!

If you have questions, contact Rich Swanson at (858) 945-2494 or email: rich.swanson1@gmail.com.  

Love God | Love People: No Adultery

The 10 Commandments are 10 simple and concrete statements that could transform the planet. There is nothing ambiguous about them. Consider this: if everyone practiced the 10 commandments there would be justice, everlasting peace, freedom, unity, dignity, integrity, prosperity, and love. If there is a even the slightest possibility that this is true we should study and reflect deeply upon them.

Today’s Scriptures

Exodus 20.14: “You shall not commit adultery.

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