Join us at Coggin Church for the 8:30 AM service this Sunday, where Dr. Todd Gray will be delivering a powerful message on the importance of finishing strong. The service will focus on the need to trust in the Lord’s strength, maintain endurance, and not fall short when serving God. In addition, the church also extends a warm welcome to all guests and encourages them to fill out guest cards for a personal connection with the church staff. Important upcoming events include a new members class, a family event called “Messy Family,” and a special celebration for Sam and Kyla’s resignation. Come and be a part of this inspiring and uplifting service that will help you grow in your faith and commitment to God.
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8:30 AM Service – Gideon: Finish Strong
Welcome to our 8:30 AM service! We are so glad you could join us today as we gather to worship and grow in our faith together. Today’s service is focused on the life of Gideon and the importance of finishing strong. We have a full program planned for you, so let’s dive right in!
Welcoming Guests
First and foremost, we want to extend a warm welcome to all our guests. Whether you are joining us for the first time or have been here before, we are thrilled to have you with us. We hope you feel at home and experience the love and community that this church strives to offer.
Upcoming Events
Before we begin our main program, let’s take a few moments to highlight some exciting upcoming events. Please mark your calendars for these dates, as you won’t want to miss out on what’s to come. Next Saturday, we have a community outreach event where we will be serving our neighbors in need. It’s an excellent opportunity to show the love of Christ to those around us. Also, remember that our annual retreat is just a month away! It’s a time of spiritual refreshment and deepening our relationships with one another.
Acknowledging Sam’s Resignation
Today, we sadly announce the resignation of our dear friend and brother, Sam, from his role within the church. Sam has been a dedicated member of our community for many years, and we deeply appreciate all the hard work and contributions he has made. As we celebrate his journey and achievements thus far, we also want to take this opportunity to pray for Sam as he transitions into the next chapter of his life. May God bless him abundantly and lead him on the path He has prepared for him.
Prayer for Sam’s Transition
As we mentioned earlier, let us now come together in prayer for Sam’s upcoming transition. Let’s lift up our voices in unity, asking God to guide and provide for him during this period of change. We thank God for his faithfulness in Sam’s life and trust that He will continue to walk with him every step of the way. May His peace and strength be upon Sam, and may he find fulfillment in the new opportunities that await him.
The Story of Moses and the Lord
Today’s message takes us back to the time of Moses and the Israelites. We find ourselves in the book of Exodus, where we witness the incredible journey of God’s chosen people as they escaped from Egypt and embarked on a transformative adventure through the desert. It is a story of liberation, faith, and the relentless pursuit of God’s promises.
The Song of Exodus
Among the many significant moments in the book of Exodus, we come across a powerful expression of worship known as the Song of Exodus. This song, led by Moses and the Israelites, celebrates the triumph of God over their enemies and the awe-inspiring wonders He performed on their behalf. It serves as a reminder that worship is not just a mere ritual but a heartfelt response to God’s deliverance and faithfulness.
Baptism and Professing Faith
At this time, we would like to give emphasis to the importance of baptism and professing our faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism symbolizes our identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. It is an outward expression of our inward transformation and commitment to living a life devoted to following Jesus. If you have yet to be baptized and would like to take this step in your faith journey, we encourage you to reach out to one of our pastors or elders who will guide you through the process.
Worship Songs
Let’s now enter into a time of worship through music. Our worship team has curated a selection of songs that will help us focus our hearts and minds on Jesus. Feel free to join in singing, clapping, or simply resting in His presence. Let the lyrics and melodies sink deep into your spirit as we praise and exalt the name of our Lord together.
Message from Judges Chapter 8
Our focus today revolves around Judges chapter 8, where we encounter Gideon’s story and his call to finish strong. Gideon was chosen by God to be a mighty warrior and deliver the Israelites from their oppressors. But as Gideon’s tale unfolds, we discover valuable lessons that apply not only to his life but also to our own journeys of faith.
Gideon’s Life and Finishing Strong
Gideon’s life serves as an example of both triumph and failure, reminding us that even great leaders can fall short. Nevertheless, his story offers valuable insights into the importance of finishing strong. Gideon faced numerous challenges and experienced moments of doubt, but ultimately, he learned to rely on the Lord and persevere until the end.
Importance of Finishing Strong
Why is finishing strong so crucial? As we navigate the ups and downs of life, it’s easy to grow weary and lose sight of the finish line. But finishing strong means remaining faithful to God’s calling and purpose for our lives until the very end. It means not giving up when the going gets tough but pressing on with perseverance and unwavering trust in the Lord.
Leaders Falling Short
Gideon’s story also exposes the reality of leaders falling short. We see how power, pride, and idolatry can lead individuals astray, even those who were once faithful and courageous. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to stay humble and vigilant, continually checking our hearts and motives as we lead others.
Paul as an Example
Paul, in the New Testament, provides another example of a leader who faced and overcame various obstacles while remaining faithful to his calling. Despite enduring persecution and hardship, Paul finished his race with unwavering faith. His life reminds us that we can overcome the challenges we encounter, no matter how daunting they may seem, by relying on the power and grace of God.
Gideon’s Mistakes
Like all humans, Gideon was not immune to mistakes. In his journey, we witness moments of doubt, fear, and even anger. As we reflect on these, we must remember that God’s grace is available to us all. Through Gideon’s imperfections, we are encouraged to acknowledge our own weaknesses and seek God’s forgiveness and guidance as we navigate our own challenges.
Contempt from Ephraim and Sucka
During Gideon’s time, he faced contempt from his own people, the Ephraimites, and also from the city of Sucka. Their contempt and refusal to offer support left Gideon feeling rejected and discouraged. However, in these moments of rejection, Gideon leaned on the Lord and chose to focus on God’s promises instead of the opinions of others.
Gideon’s Anger and Rejection
Gideon’s anger towards the Ephraimites and the people of Sucka reveals his humanity and the natural emotions that arise when faced with rejection. It serves as a reminder that even in our moments of anger or hurt, we can turn to God for comfort and guidance. Gideon’s story teaches us the importance of responding with grace and seeking reconciliation, even when faced with rejection.
Reflecting on Gideon’s Reaction
As we reflect on Gideon’s reaction to the contempt and rejection he faced, we are challenged to examine our own responses in similar situations. How do we react when others reject us or speak negatively about us? Gideon’s story prompts us to reflect on our own attitudes and actions, reminding us that true strength lies not in retaliation but in seeking God’s perspective and responding with love.
Staying Connected to the Lord
One of the key lessons we can learn from Gideon’s story is the significance of staying connected to the Lord. Gideon’s strength and success were ultimately derived from his relationship with God. Similarly, as followers of Christ, our faith journeys are anchored in our daily communion with God through prayer, reading His Word, and seeking His guidance. Staying close to the Lord enables us to navigate life’s challenges and finish strong in our faith.
Blindness to Unexpected Opposition
Another aspect of Gideon’s story is his initial blindness to the unexpected opposition that awaited him. As he faced the Midianites’ threat, Gideon realized the importance of seeking God’s direction and guidance before taking action. Sometimes, we too can be blindsided by unforeseen challenges, but if we remain rooted in our relationship with the Lord, we can trust that He will lead us through every trial.
Continuing to Seek the Lord
Gideon’s story emphasizes the necessity of continually seeking the Lord, even when circumstances seem favorable. We should not become complacent in our faith journey but instead pursue a deeper relationship with God by continuously seeking His wisdom, guidance, and presence. It is through this ongoing seeking of the Lord that we can remain strong and faithful until the very end.
Loving Enemies
As we read about Gideon’s encounters with the Midianites, we witness a powerful example of loving our enemies. Gideon’s transformation from a fearful and oppressed individual to a mighty warrior was not fueled by vengeance but by a desire to see God’s justice prevail. This challenges us to reevaluate our own attitudes towards those who may oppose or mistreat us, and to respond with love and compassion.
Commands to Love One Another
The call to love one another is not limited to loving our enemies. Throughout the Bible, we are repeatedly commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. This radical love that Jesus taught challenges us to look beyond our differences, prejudices, and grudges and extend grace, forgiveness, and compassion to those around us.
Persecution and Hatred
Unfortunately, living out our faith and demonstrating love for one another can also result in persecution and hatred. Just as Gideon faced opposition and contempt, we too may encounter hostility and rejection because of our beliefs. However, we can take solace in knowing that Jesus Himself faced such persecution and has promised to be with us in the midst of our trials.
Relying on the Lord
As we consider the dangers of power, pride, and idolatry, Gideon’s story reminds us of the need to rely fully on the Lord. It is not by our own strength or accomplishments that we find victory, but through surrendering to God’s will and depending on His power. When we recognize our limitations and lean on the Lord’s strength, we guard ourselves against the temptations that can lead us astray.
Dangers of Power, Pride, and Idolatry
Gideon’s journey highlights the dangers of power, pride, and idolatry. It serves as a sobering reminder that success and victory can lead to a sense of self-sufficiency and, eventually, idolizing our achievements or abilities. We must continually surrender our hearts to God, acknowledging that all we have and accomplish is ultimately because of Him.
Seeking the Lord Daily
Finishing strong in faith requires seeking the Lord daily. We must cultivate a habit of spending time with Him, seeking His presence, and aligning our hearts with His will. By devoting ourselves to prayer, worship, and the study of His Word, we open ourselves up to receive His guidance and strength, empowering us to overcome obstacles and remain faithful until the end.
Finishing Strong in Faith
Finishing strong in our faith journey goes beyond mere endurance—it involves seeking to glorify God with every step we take. It means embracing the challenges, learning from our mistakes, and continually growing closer to Christ. Just as Gideon finished his mission with God’s help, we too can finish strong by relying on His grace, holding onto His promises, and living in obedience to His Word.
Applying the Lessons
As we conclude this service, let’s take a moment to apply the lessons we have learned today. Reflect on Gideon’s story and the importance of finishing strong in your own life. Consider areas where you may need to surrender control, seek reconciliation, or grow deeper in your relationship with the Lord.
Responding to the Holy Spirit
Finally, we invite you to respond to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Whether it’s through prayer, speaking with one of our pastoral staff, or engaging in further study and reflection, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in your next steps. Remember, you are not alone in your journey. Our church community is here to support and walk alongside you as you continue to grow in your faith and finish strong. May God bless you abundantly as you pursue His plans and purposes for your life.