#M O V I N G F O R W A R D
Congratulations!
Greetings from Tanya and Baron! We wanted to take this personal moment to extend our warmest congratulations and heartfelt welcome as you join the family of Christ! Your journey has just begun, and we are genuinely proud of you.
Chances are, you're here because you've made the most significant decision of your life – determining where you'll spend eternity. This moment marks a turning point, and we're thrilled that you've either embraced Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior or are returning to God, moved by His relentless pursuit, His boundless mercy, His profound grace, His unfailing love, and His all-encompassing forgiveness through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Whether this is your inaugural declaration or a milestone among many, the remarkable news is that today marks the commencement of a fresh, vibrant connection with Jesus Christ. Once again, congratulations!
Scripture
What is scripture?
Scripture stands as the divine utterance of God, encapsulated within the Holy Bible. Among all the texts you encounter, this one uniquely engages with you as you engage with it.
What version of the Bible should I read?
Go for the translation that resonates with you! The Bible holds the record as the best-selling book ever, available in a language that's tailored for your comprehension. You can choose to interact with a physical copy or access it through the YouVersion Bible app.
Just like your daily sustenance, ensure you consume Scripture regularly. Much like the concept of daily bread, Scripture nourishes your spirit. Imagine the hunger if you only ate once a week; similarly, attending a weekly church service might leave you spiritually undernourished. To prevent this, it's essential to feed yourself daily with God's word, as what resides within will eventually manifest outwardly.
In Matthew 5:6, Jesus teaches, "Blessed are those who crave righteousness, for they will be satisfied." Incorporate prayer and scripture into the beginning of your day – a practice known as a Devotional. This dedicated time and space allow you to center yourself on Our Father.
Prayer
How can I speak to God?
Prayer isn't a one-sided speech; it's an interactive dialogue. Keep in mind that Jesus Christ serves as your immediate avenue of communication. It's akin to a conversation, where one voice speaks, and another listens. When you initiate communication with God, provide room for His response. Actively engage in listening – open your ears, and even more so, open your heart.
Is there a correct way to pray?
If you're uncertain about the right approach, here's a starting framework for conversing with God. Utilize the A.C.T.S acrostic [just like the book in the Bible]:
A – Adoration (Commence by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to communicate with God) C – Confession (Examine your heart. Address any sins or grudges that might obstruct communication) T – Thanksgiving (Reflect on the numerous things you're thankful for! Share your gratitude with Him) S – Supplication (It's a big term, but it boils down to making your specific requests. The preceding components of prayer demonstrate gratitude to God before seeking what we require. Although He already knows your needs, He still desires to engage in conversation with you!)
How does God speak to me?
God communicates through His word (scripture/the Bible). God conveys messages through individuals (prophetic insights and words of knowledge). God expresses Himself through the natural world (sunsets, sunrises, ocean waves, and all of creation). God's presence is evident in worship, offering a channel for His voice to be heard. Music serves as a vessel for God's messages. Through journaling, you can capture what you discern from His voice. God uses visions and dreams to convey His revelations. At times, God's voice is audible, directly reaching our ears.
How long should I pray?
Consider initiating your day with prayer. (Commencing your day with prayer welcomes God into the entirety of your day's journey.)
Start with just 5 minutes; you can even set a timer if needed. (As you begin to experience the presence of God, your yearning for more meaningful time with Him will naturally grow. Think of how engaging human conversations become... now amplify that by infinity! The architect of the cosmos desires a close, personal connection with YOU.)
Establish a dedicated time and place for these moments. (Whether it's a quiet space, a designated prayer room, or a peaceful corner – identify a consistent meeting spot and set a daily appointment to commune with Jesus. He eagerly awaits your presence.)
Worship
What is worship?
Worship reflects the state of our inner being through outward expression. Worship transcends music. Our praise celebrates God's deeds; our worship reveres God's essence. (This reveals that our affection for Him isn't contingent on circumstances.) Worship is a recognition of God's presence. Emmanuel: God with us. When we devote our thoughts and actions to God, both within and beyond the church walls, we demonstrate honor to Him through our lives.
How do I worship?
Offering our time to God. (Devoting and investing time, necessitating our full presence.) Offering our talents to God. (Engaging in ministry, utilizing your abilities within MPC or your local church.) Offering our treasures to God. (Contributing tithes and offerings for the advancement of the kingdom through His church. Our spending choices reflect our heart's allegiance and priorities.)
In Matthew 6:21, Jesus imparts to us, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Worship shifts our attention away from ourselves, positioning God at the core. Through worship, we realign our lives and find a renewed center.
Community
What is community?
Community involves living life collectively. Community involves coming together on a larger scale and dispersing in smaller group.
What does community look like?
Community manifests when we translate our CVC experiences into our daily existence. At CVC, community means perceiving "church" wherever you find yourself. It transcends the weekend service. Our unity revolves around assembling for a shared objective and then spreading the mission by living out the teachings we've received. CVC employs both physical gatherings and online platforms to unify us as a single entity. We urge you to convene with family, friends, and those you influence, effectively linking our homes across the globe.
Extend an invitation to someone, inviting them to join you in experiencing CVC services either in your home, through online chat, on your college campus, or at a common meeting spot. The aim is to avoid experiencing CVC in isolation; instead, we are setting an example of transforming our encounters into spaces of sanctuary.
Discipleship
What is discipleship?
Discipleship may sound churchy, but it's about embodying a life that mirrors Jesus, serving as an example for others to observe – that's what being a witness entails.
To be a witness means to convey what you've personally witnessed, heard, and undergone.
Discipleship entails directing people's attention back to Jesus in every facet of life: from relationships and parenting to business, friendships, and generosity.
By living our lives openly to reflect the image of Christ, we contribute to bringing a touch of heaven to earth, guiding others towards Jesus.
How do I become a disciple?
Incorporate this High 5 routine into your everyday existence. This practice will foster your spiritual journey alongside Jesus. The term "disciple" originates from "discipline."
Explore the "10 Qualities of a Disciple" authored by Pastor Dennis Rouse. This resource offers pragmatic insights to enhance your disciplined spiritual life.
Embrace mentorship and establish accountability with a leader or within a small group.
Regularly engage with CVC services, either by attending or watching. Apply the teachings and spiritual practices discussed. Cultivate an attitude of receptiveness to learning and growth.
By adhering to these 5 principles of prayer, scripture, worship, community, and discipleship, you might contemplate joining Chosen Vessel Church as a member. This step will prepare you for more significant achievements in areas such as ministry, missions, marriage, leadership, philanthropy, and further advancements for the Christian Church.