Join us this Sunday at 11 AM for a powerful service at Coggin Church. Pastor Dr. Todd Gray will be delivering a thought-provoking message on the Judges, focusing on the importance of being aware of our dependence on God and the danger of being blinded by sin. The service will include a worship session with singing, prayer, and preaching. We will also be recognizing Miranda, a dedicated member of our preschool ministry team. Be sure to stay informed about upcoming events, such as the missions luncheon and the children’s church ministry, and join us in praying for the college ministry, “Genuine.” The sermon will be based on Judges chapter 16, which tells the captivating story of Samson, one of the judges of Israel. His journey serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the consequences of compromising faith and succumbing to worldly temptations. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to reflect on the story of Samson and discover the true strength found in humility and reliance on God.
11 AM Service – Samson: Lights Out!
Introduction
Join us this Sunday in our 11:00 AM service at Coggin Church as Pastor Dr. Todd Gray delivers a powerful message on the Judges. In this sermon, he will explore the theme of dependence on God and the importance of humility in our lives, especially during times of great success. The goal is to avoid being blinded by sin and to value our need for God’s guidance and strength.
Background Information
Pastor Dr. Todd Gray, a respected and knowledgeable leader, will lead the 11 AM service at Coggin Church. Coggin Church is a vibrant community that values the teachings of the Bible and the importance of a personal relationship with God. In this sermon series on the Judges, the congregation is encouraged to reflect on their own lives and the ways in which they depend on God in various aspects.
The focus of the sermon will be on humility. Pastor Gray believes that humility is crucial in our walk with God, especially when we experience success or achieve great things in life. It is during these times that we must remain humble, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God and that we are dependent on Him for our strength and success.
Content of the Service
The 11 AM service at Coggin Church will be a worship service that combines elements of singing, prayer, and preaching. The congregation will come together to worship and praise God through uplifting and inspiring music. This will create an atmosphere of reverence and joy, setting the stage for the sermon and message that will follow.
Special Recognition
During the service, the congregation will have the opportunity to recognize and appreciate someone from the church’s preschool ministry team. This week, Miranda will be acknowledged for her dedicated service and her contributions to the well-being of the church’s youngest members. It is important to celebrate and honor the hard work and commitment of individuals like Miranda, whose efforts make a difference in the lives of others.
Upcoming Events
Coggin Church has some exciting upcoming events for its members to look forward to. One such event is the Missions Luncheon, which will take place after the service. It is an opportunity for the congregation to learn more about Mission Oshawa Fellowship Church in Canada and the work they are doing to spread the message of Jesus Christ. Additionally, there will be a presentation and discussion about the Children’s Church Ministry, which is geared towards children between the ages of newborns and second grade. Parents can learn more about this ministry and how it can benefit their children.
Prayer for College Ministry
During the service, the congregation will be invited to join in prayer for the college ministry, known as “Genuine.” This ministry is dedicated to reaching out to university students and providing them with a supportive community where they can grow in their faith. The congregation will lift up these students in prayer, asking for God’s guidance and blessings on their journey.
Sermon Based on Judges Chapter 16
The sermon for this Sunday’s 11 AM service will be based on Judges Chapter 16. This chapter is a part of the biblical book of Judges in the Old Testament. It tells the story of Samson, one of the judges of Israel, and his encounter with a woman named Delilah.
Overview of Judges Chapter 16
Judges Chapter 16 occupies a significant position in the Book of Judges. It recounts the captivating story of Samson, one of the judges chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Philistines. Samson possessed incredible physical strength, a result of God’s favor upon him. Chapter 16 focuses on a particular period in Samson’s life where he falls in love with a woman named Delilah.
Story of Samson and Delilah
The story of Samson and Delilah is a cautionary tale about the consequences of compromising one’s faith and falling into the traps of worldly temptations. Delilah is approached by the Philistine leaders, who bribe her to discover the source of Samson’s strength. Despite Samson’s attempts to mislead Delilah, he eventually reveals that his strength comes from his long hair, which symbolizes his dedication and commitment to God.
However, Delilah betrays Samson by cutting off his hair while he is sleeping. This act weakens him, and the Philistines capture and imprison him. They gouge out his eyes and force him to work as a slave. Eventually, Samson regains his strength and uses it to bring down the Philistine temple, killing himself and thousands of Philistines in the process.
Cautionary Tale
The story of Samson and Delilah serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of succumbing to instant gratification and worldly pleasures. Samson’s addiction to fulfilling his own desires leads to his downfall and serves as a warning to believers about the consequences of straying from a life of faithfulness and obedience.
Sermon Discussion
During the sermon, Pastor Dr. Todd Gray will lead a discussion on the story of Samson and Delilah. He will pose the question of how long God will tolerate a follower abandoning a life of faithfulness for a life of sin and disobedience. This discussion aims to make the congregation reflect on their own choices and actions, urging them to align themselves with God’s will and purpose for their lives.
Character Analysis: Samson
Pastor Dr. Todd Gray will delve into a character analysis of Samson, highlighting his impulsive nature, selfishness, lack of self-control, and failure to take personal accountability for his actions. Samson’s addiction to fulfilling his own desires ultimately leads to his downfall and serves as a cautionary tale for believers.
Dangers of Instant Gratification
The sermon will emphasize the dangers of seeking instant gratification and succumbing to the temptations of the world. Samson’s reckless pursuit of pleasure and self-gratification resulted in grave consequences, leading to his loss of strength, freedom, and ultimately, his life. This serves as a warning for believers to be cautious of indulging in immediate but fleeting pleasures that can have long-lasting detrimental effects.
Delilah’s Betrayal
Delilah’s betrayal of Samson for personal gain is a significant aspect of the story. Despite Samson’s love for her, Delilah betrays him in exchange for 1100 pieces of silver. This act exposes the power of greed and selfishness, illustrating how one can forsake their loyalty and cause harm to those they claim to love.
Samson’s Strength and Weakness
Throughout the sermon, the preacher will highlight the dual nature of Samson’s character—his incredible physical strength, which is a gift from God, and his weaknesses, such as his susceptibility to worldly temptations and his failure to maintain his commitment to God. This contrast emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own weaknesses and relying on God’s strength to overcome them.
Comparison to Jesus
The preacher will draw parallels between the story of Samson and Delilah and the life of Jesus. Both Samson and Jesus experienced moments of weakness and vulnerability, but it is through their surrender to God and their humility that true strength is found. This comparison highlights the redemptive message of the Gospel and encourages believers to follow Jesus’ example of humility and surrender.
Message of Surrender and Humility
The overarching message of the sermon is the importance of surrendering to God, confessing our sins, and embracing humility. Through these actions, believers can find true strength and empowerment in God. Pastor Dr. Todd Gray will urge the congregation to examine their lives and identify areas where they may be led astray by self-centered desires or the pursuit of instant gratification.
Conclusion
The 11 AM service at Coggin Church promises to be an enlightening and thought-provoking experience. Pastor Dr. Todd Gray’s sermon on Samson and Delilah will serve as a reminder of the dangers of compromising our faith and succumbing to worldly temptations. By embracing humility, surrendering to God, and relying on His strength, believers can find true empowerment and live a life aligned with His will.