Worship

WELCOMING GOD’S WONDERS

(Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7)

Have you ever faced a situation that seemed impossible, yet God graciously rescued you? Maybe you let go of a dream, only to realize that God had a different plan. Or perhaps you’re currently in a difficult place where only God can see you through. As we continue our study of Faith in Action in the book of Genesis, we will discover how to trust God even when circumstances seem hopeless. With the right mindset and approach, we can welcome God’s plan for our lives with joy and eager anticipation.

1. We Embrace the Lord’s Presence

¹ The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. ² Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.

 When Abraham saw the Lord’s presence at his doorstep, he eagerly welcomed Him. Recognizing that his life was about to change, he approached by yearning (hurrying to meet them) and yielding (bowing low to the ground) as an expression of reverence and devotion.

Reflection: How do you respond (approach) to God’s surprising pronouncement in your life?

2. We Exalt Him and His Divine Plan

Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. ¹¹ Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. ¹² So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”

At first, Sarah responded with skepticism. However, in Genesis 21:6, her laughter transformed into joy and praise as she nursed her son, Isaac, fulfilling God’s promise.

Reflection: How do you reply (attitude) upon knowing God’s plan in your life?

3. We are Empowered to Properly Obey

Gen 21: 4  When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him.

Although they were not perfect, Abraham and Sarah sought to follow the Lord and remain faithful to His plan.

Reflection: How do you react (action) while waiting for God’s purpose to unfold in your life?

(Genesis 12:1-8)

 We have introduced our new 2025 theme: “Faith in Action: Minding the Mission.” Today, we continue our 1^st series called “Faith in Action in the Book of Genesis” (Studies on the Faith of Abraham & Joseph), looking at Abram’s life. Though Abram was not perfect (12:9-20; 20:11-13; 26:7), he lived out his faith in Genesis. As he grew in faith, God changed his name from Abram (“exalted father”) to Abraham (“father of many nations”; 17:5). Based on Gen. 12:1-8, what is important to remember in acting by faith on what God says?

 1. Recognize our God who Calls & Promises (12:1-3)

 God calls Abram by taking the initiative to talk with him (12:1), by giving a series of promises of what He will do (12:2-4), & by appearing to Abram (12:7a). God gives him 2 commands (12:1, 2b) & 2 sets of promises (12:2a, 3). God’s commands need faith from Abram because he did not know where God would lead him (12:1b); he did not have a child & land (to become a great nation & for offspring to be given in Canaan [12:7b]); & he did not have a great name (as a foreigner). Yet, it’s God who can make all these promises fully fulfilled later in Christ (Gal. 3:16; Acts 3:25-26). God, who calls & promises us, is worthy to be obeyed by faith!

2. Respond in Obedience with Worship & Witness (12:4-8)

 Abram obeyed God (12:4a) & along with Sarai (meaning “princess”) & Lot (Abram’s nephew) (12:4b-5a), he “set out for the land of Canaan, & they arrived there” (12:5b). He followed the itinerary God showed from Shechem (12:6) to Bethel (12:8) to Negev (12:9). As he traveled to where God led him as a pilgrim who pitched a tent (home for someone simply passing through), Abram built an altar to the Lord to meet with Him in worship (12:7b) & to “call on the name of the Lord” (12:8b) as a witness in proclaiming (or preaching) Yahweh to the people. May our lives be a witness of God’s presence in our mission to proclaim God’s name.

TRUSTING GOD WITH SELFLESS ACTIONS

Genesis 13:1-18

 Abraham, though imperfect, is known to be the “father of faith” and listed in the Bible’s hall of faith. In Hebrews 11, a good number of faith expressions were recorded in his name (vv.8-19).

Today, as we start the series on “Faith in Action in the Book of Genesis,” we will study Genesis 13 that records the return of Abram to Canaan (vv.1-4), his separation from Lot (vv.5-13), and the reaffirmation of God’s promise to him (vv.14-18). In this narrative, three principles or actions that describe faith will be explained and applied.

1. Worship as a Priority: Faith Seeks God First before Decisions (vv.1-4)

 “Abram went up from Egypt… to the place… where his tent had been earlier and… had first built an altar.There Abram called on the name of the Lord.” (vv.1,3,4)

2. Wisdom of Liberality: Faith Chooses Generosity over Greed (vv.5-13)

 “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me… for we are close relatives… Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.” (vv.8,9)

3. Words with Certainty: Faith Trusts God’s Promises Amid Problems (vv.14-18)

 “Look around from where you are…  All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. ” (vv. 14,15).

SEEING FAITH THAT WORKS

(James 2:14-26)

Happy New Year! We welcome 2025 with a new theme: “Faith in Action: Minding the Mission.” This year, we hope to live by faith, which is evident in love through works (Gal. 5:6b). As we know, “faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone.” We see the reality of this faith that is not alone through the reality of works that fulfills God’s mission. In other words, we can know faith that works. Based on Jam. 2:14-26, how do we know faith that works?

1. Faith that Works Is Tangible (2:14-20)

Faith that does not lead to works has no value (“What good is it?” [2:14a, 16b]), is dead (2:17, 26), & is useless or empty (2:20; an empty boast or false claim). Faith by itself (i.e., faith in & of itself without evidence of action) is dead (has no vital signs, no heartbeat, no pulse/ worthless, unproductive, barren). James is not pro-works/anti-faith nor is he pro-faith/anti-works, but he is advocating that faith & works are inseparable (not for salvation but for sanctification). James is also not against Paul, because Paul talks about declared righteousness (Rom. 3:28) while James talks about demonstrated righteousness (Jam. 2:18; cf. Tit. 3:8). In 2025, let’s show tangible faith.

2. Faith that Works Is Visible (2:21-26)

Faith in action must be seen: “You see that his faith & his actions were working together” (2:22a); & “You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do & not by faith alone” (2:24). This faith that is seen or evident in 2 different O.T. persons: (1) Abraham (2:21-23)—the respected patriarch & friend of God whose faith was in full bloom (obeying God); & (2) Rahab (2:25)—the redeemed & righteous prostitute whose faith was about to blossom (protecting God’s people). The lesson of faith from Abraham is this: trust in God does what God tells the person to do (even if it does not make sense). The lesson of faith from Rahab is this: trust in God helps God’s people (despite much risk & cost). In 2025, let’s show visible faith.

LIFE WORTHY OF GOSPEL

(Philippians 1:27-30)

Welcome to the first Sunday service of 2025! As we set our goals and resolutions for the year ahead, let us remember the mission God has entrusted to us. May we live not solely for ourselves but with a deeper awareness of the greater purpose and calling for our lives on Earth. As we explore today’s passage more deeply, may we come to see that a life dedicated to God is truly worth living. In 2025, let us actively live out our faith and lead lives that reflect the worthiness of the Gospel.

1. Live to Inspire: Encourage Faith

²⁷ Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 

2. Live to Ignore: Eliminate Fear

²⁸ without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

3. Live to Identify: Endure Faith

²⁹ For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him