United Church, Atlanta, GA
The Price of Purpose: Why You Must Sacrifice Your Reputation
Everyone has a story. This Christmas season, we explore the Christmas miracle through the eyes of the people who lived it: Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds. What did they actually see? Discover the personal dramas, the very human wonder, fear, and stunning faith required to be a part of God's greatest plan.
Locations & Times
United Church
1775 Water Pl SE, Atlanta, GA 30339, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 11:00 AM
KEY THOUGHT
Embracing God's purpose often requires sacrificing our reputation. When we prioritize divine calling over public perception, we step into the realm of the impossible, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Embracing God's purpose often requires sacrificing our reputation. When we prioritize divine calling over public perception, we step into the realm of the impossible, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
INTRODUCTION: THE BURDEN OF RESPECTABILITY
PERSONAL APPLICATION
□ Where in my life am I prioritising reputation over God's calling?
□ How can I trust God's purpose over public perception?
PERSONAL APPLICATION
□ Where in my life am I prioritising reputation over God's calling?
□ How can I trust God's purpose over public perception?
I. The Universal Burden of Approval
Context: We all struggle with the tension between ambition and safety, risking reputation for God's call.
The fear of __________ often outweighs the call to purpose.
Context: We all struggle with the tension between ambition and safety, risking reputation for God's call.
The fear of __________ often outweighs the call to purpose.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
□ How can I overcome the fear of losing my reputation?
□ What steps can I take to prioritize God's purpose over public perception?
□ How can I overcome the fear of losing my reputation?
□ What steps can I take to prioritize God's purpose over public perception?
II. The Authority of the Impossible
Context: Mary's encounter with Gabriel illustrates the power of divine intervention over human limitation.
The Holy Spirit's __________ enables the impossible.
Context: Mary's encounter with Gabriel illustrates the power of divine intervention over human limitation.
The Holy Spirit's __________ enables the impossible.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
□ How can I rely on the Holy Spirit to accomplish God's purpose in my life?□ What impossible situation do I need to surrender to God?
□ How can I rely on the Holy Spirit to accomplish God's purpose in my life?□ What impossible situation do I need to surrender to God?
CONCLUSION: THE CALL TO SURRENDER
Reflection: What "reputation" do you need to sacrifice to embrace God's extraordinary plan?
The power to live with divine purpose comes from surrendering to God's will and trusting in His sovereignty.
Reflection: What "reputation" do you need to sacrifice to embrace God's extraordinary plan?
The power to live with divine purpose comes from surrendering to God's will and trusting in His sovereignty.
STEPS TO MORE LIFE
□ Embrace the call and surrender to God's purpose.
□ Trust in the Holy Spirit's power to accomplish the impossible.
□ Speak your 'Yes' to God's calling and reflect His purpose in your life.
□ Embrace the call and surrender to God's purpose.
□ Trust in the Holy Spirit's power to accomplish the impossible.
□ Speak your 'Yes' to God's calling and reflect His purpose in your life.
TODAY'S PERSONAL RESPONSE:
My next step of obedience: __________________________________________
My next step of obedience: __________________________________________
DISCIPLESHIP QUESTIONS:
□ How can I contribute to God's mission by prioritizing His purpose over my reputation?
□ Do I see God's calling as central to my faith journey?
□ How can I let God lead in areas where I feel stuck in maintaining my image?
□ How can I contribute to God's mission by prioritizing His purpose over my reputation?
□ Do I see God's calling as central to my faith journey?
□ How can I let God lead in areas where I feel stuck in maintaining my image?
PRAYER POINTS
□ For the courage to prioritise God's purpose over reputation
□ For joy in embracing God's extraordinary plans
□ For commitment to God's mission through radical obedience
□ For the courage to prioritise God's purpose over reputation
□ For joy in embracing God's extraordinary plans
□ For commitment to God's mission through radical obedience
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
□ Romans 8:28
□ Isaiah 55:8-9
□ Proverbs 3:5-6
□ Romans 8:28
□ Isaiah 55:8-9
□ Proverbs 3:5-6
WEEKLY CHALLENGE
This week, I will:
□ Identify one area where I am prioritizing reputation and pray for God's intervention
□ Embrace a period of reflection to meditate on God's purpose
□ Reflect God's calling in my interactions
This week, I will:
□ Identify one area where I am prioritizing reputation and pray for God's intervention
□ Embrace a period of reflection to meditate on God's purpose
□ Reflect God's calling in my interactions
Harvest Three-Year Discipleship Journey Continues
Harvest is a three-year discipleship journey at United Church to cultivate redemptive passion through radical generosity, sacrificial commitment, and spiritual growth. As we enter Year Three, we invite you to join us, pressing in, finishing strong, and aligning your heart with God’s mission.
https://united.online/harvest
Ugly Christmas Sweater Sunday - Dec 14
Get ready to bring the holiday cheer (and the questionable fashion) to church! On December 14, wear your ugliest Christmas sweater and join us for a festive Sunday as we continue The Cast of Christmas series.
Whether your sweater is hilariously hideous or delightfully tacky, come celebrate the season with us and spread some Christmas joy!
Whether your sweater is hilariously hideous or delightfully tacky, come celebrate the season with us and spread some Christmas joy!
Celebrate Christmas Eve With Us
Step into a warm, hope-filled Christmas Eve on December 24 where Jesus’ story becomes personal. This year, we’re celebrating how God stepped into our world at the perfect moment to bring us into His family. Bring your family, invite your One More, and come experience the peace your soul has been craving.
https://united.online/christmas
We're Almost Done With the Bible Reading Plan!
We’re in the final month of our Bible Reading Plan, and now’s the time to finish strong! This is your chance to complete the Bible in a year, and our latest check-in video is packed with encouragement, tips, and motivation to help you stay on track.
Plus, stay tuned for details on our Bible Reading Plan Year-End Celebration on YouTube on December 31!
https://united.online/bibleplanPlus, stay tuned for details on our Bible Reading Plan Year-End Celebration on YouTube on December 31!
Pray With Us
Continue seeking the Lord in prayer. Join us for Corporate Prayer on Saturdays at 10am. Please note, we will not be gathering on Saturday, December 27.
Sabbath Sunday - Dec 28
We won’t be gathering for church on Sunday, December 28, so you can take time to rest, spend the day with God, and enjoy your family. Use this Sabbath Sunday as an opportunity to connect with loved ones and explore God’s Word together. We will resume services on January 4.
Lunch With the Crumps - January 4
Come have lunch with Pastor Leonce and Breanna after second service and get to know more about the heart of United Church, discover your purpose, make a difference by joining the Dream Team, and become a member of United.
https://unitedchurchonline.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1333754
New Look, Same Heart
As we step into this new season with a new name, we're still the same church on mission to unite people to Jesus and each other. To learn more about the heart behind our rebrand and what’s ahead, visit our website.
https://united.online/visionConnect Card
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