Dover Assembly of God

4.21.2019 | Worship - Week 3 - Giving God Our Best
Locations & Times
Dover Assembly of God
4790 Carlisle Rd, Dover, PA 17315, USA
Sunday 10:30 AM
Welcome!
Welcome to Dover Assembly of God! We're glad that you've joined us this morning. If you're on Facebook, we encourage you to take a moment to check in at Dover Assembly.
http://facebook.com/doverassemblyThis Week's Bulletin
April 21, 2019
Welcome to Dover Assembly!
We are so glad you have chosen to attend Dover Assembly this morning. It is not by accident that you are here. We believe that God has allowed you to be here so that you might receive all that He has for you. We pray you are blessed as you allow the Lord to work in your life.
THIS WEEK
Sunday
9:00 am ~ Coffee & Donuts
9:30 am ~ Sunday School
10:30 am ~ R.O.C.K. Children’s Ministries
10:30 am ~ Worship Service
1:00 pm ~ Spanish Service
Monday
6:30 pm ~ WOP Bible Study
Wednesday
6:30 pm ~ FAMILY NIGHT
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday Adult Small Group
We have begun out new study using the book by Lee Strobel “The Case for Faith”. We will study the toughest objections to the faith. Subjects include: Why is there Evil & Suffering?, Does Science Contradict the Bible? Is Jesus the Only Way? This class is designed to deepen our convictions and give us fresh confidence in discussing Christianity with others.
Men's Breakfast
Join the guys as we go to 83 Diner on Saturday, May 4. Be there at 8:00 am for a great time of fellowship and food. Invite along a friend and sign up in the lower foyer!
Women of Purpose Tea
Our Women of Purpose ministries will be having a Tea on Friday, May 10 at 6:00 p.m. Please see today’s insert for the invite! Hope to see you there.
Graduation Service
Can you believe that we are planning our graduation service already? It’s less than one month away. Plan to be a part of this service on Sunday, May 19. Come and support our young people as they take the next step in God’s plan for their lives!
Our graduates:
~ Noah Cleck
~ Dasyn Edwards
~ Katlynn Havens
~ Chris Jones
BODY NEWS
VBS
We had a great response to our request for VBS help. Thanks to all who volunteered to be a part of this tremendous outreach. NEXT SUNDAY, immediately following the worship service we will have a meeting approximately 15 minutes in the downstairs fellowship hall. Please plan on staying for this important meeting
Online Giving
In the age of smart phones, websites, social media and electronic banking, our church wants to be sure that we are exploring every technology that will ultimately benefit the work of God here in Dover Assembly. We have partnered with the company Tithe.ly.com and put a link on our website and phone app that will permit online giving.
Easter Offering
We will be receiving our special Easter Offering this morning that Pastor and the board have designated to go to our chair fund. We have a had a tremendous blessing as we have already received $4300 towards the purchase. PTL! We believe that today’s gifts will be enough to purchase them. Thank you in advance for your faithfulness and generosity!
In Sympathy
To Mark Crumrine and family at the home-going of his uncle, Ed Crumrine on Monday, April 15. Keep the family in prayer during this time.
PRAYER NEEDS
Please take time to review and pray for those on this list. Drop them a card or call to set up a time to visit. They will be blessed!
Shut-Ins
~ Helen S.
~ Beulah S.
Prayer Needs
~ Robin H.
~ Rose K.
~ Jeff K.
~ Phil & Murina S.
~ Marian T.
Welcome to Dover Assembly!
We are so glad you have chosen to attend Dover Assembly this morning. It is not by accident that you are here. We believe that God has allowed you to be here so that you might receive all that He has for you. We pray you are blessed as you allow the Lord to work in your life.
THIS WEEK
Sunday
9:00 am ~ Coffee & Donuts
9:30 am ~ Sunday School
10:30 am ~ R.O.C.K. Children’s Ministries
10:30 am ~ Worship Service
1:00 pm ~ Spanish Service
Monday
6:30 pm ~ WOP Bible Study
Wednesday
6:30 pm ~ FAMILY NIGHT
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday Adult Small Group
We have begun out new study using the book by Lee Strobel “The Case for Faith”. We will study the toughest objections to the faith. Subjects include: Why is there Evil & Suffering?, Does Science Contradict the Bible? Is Jesus the Only Way? This class is designed to deepen our convictions and give us fresh confidence in discussing Christianity with others.
Men's Breakfast
Join the guys as we go to 83 Diner on Saturday, May 4. Be there at 8:00 am for a great time of fellowship and food. Invite along a friend and sign up in the lower foyer!
Women of Purpose Tea
Our Women of Purpose ministries will be having a Tea on Friday, May 10 at 6:00 p.m. Please see today’s insert for the invite! Hope to see you there.
Graduation Service
Can you believe that we are planning our graduation service already? It’s less than one month away. Plan to be a part of this service on Sunday, May 19. Come and support our young people as they take the next step in God’s plan for their lives!
Our graduates:
~ Noah Cleck
~ Dasyn Edwards
~ Katlynn Havens
~ Chris Jones
BODY NEWS
VBS
We had a great response to our request for VBS help. Thanks to all who volunteered to be a part of this tremendous outreach. NEXT SUNDAY, immediately following the worship service we will have a meeting approximately 15 minutes in the downstairs fellowship hall. Please plan on staying for this important meeting
Online Giving
In the age of smart phones, websites, social media and electronic banking, our church wants to be sure that we are exploring every technology that will ultimately benefit the work of God here in Dover Assembly. We have partnered with the company Tithe.ly.com and put a link on our website and phone app that will permit online giving.
Easter Offering
We will be receiving our special Easter Offering this morning that Pastor and the board have designated to go to our chair fund. We have a had a tremendous blessing as we have already received $4300 towards the purchase. PTL! We believe that today’s gifts will be enough to purchase them. Thank you in advance for your faithfulness and generosity!
In Sympathy
To Mark Crumrine and family at the home-going of his uncle, Ed Crumrine on Monday, April 15. Keep the family in prayer during this time.
PRAYER NEEDS
Please take time to review and pray for those on this list. Drop them a card or call to set up a time to visit. They will be blessed!
Shut-Ins
~ Helen S.
~ Beulah S.
Prayer Needs
~ Robin H.
~ Rose K.
~ Jeff K.
~ Phil & Murina S.
~ Marian T.
Download the Dover Assembly app!
Connect with Dover Assembly as we connect to God, build people, and offer hope. Keep up to date with the latest news and events, watch our latest videos, and more all within our app!
https://doverassembly.com/appThank you for your faithfulness!
You can now give to Dover Assembly online at your convenience. Click the link to learn more!
https://doverassembly.com/give
Last week we discussed that just the presence of Jesus should evoke a sense of worship from us.
One thing to clarify before we get into today's message...
Sensing God’s presence is different from being in God’s presence. God is here whether or not we “sense” it.
We use the term “sense” as emotional reaction. If that songs are sung well, if they were songs that we knew and liked, if the band played flawlessly and the singers sang very melodiously. Or if the service goes smoothly.
Then we say we “sense” God’s presence.
Do we realize that if we hate the songs, and the band messed up and the singers were off key, God is still here?
So our attitude of worship should not be just an emotional response. We should worship even when we don’t feel like it.
One thing to clarify before we get into today's message...
Sensing God’s presence is different from being in God’s presence. God is here whether or not we “sense” it.
We use the term “sense” as emotional reaction. If that songs are sung well, if they were songs that we knew and liked, if the band played flawlessly and the singers sang very melodiously. Or if the service goes smoothly.
Then we say we “sense” God’s presence.
Do we realize that if we hate the songs, and the band messed up and the singers were off key, God is still here?
So our attitude of worship should not be just an emotional response. We should worship even when we don’t feel like it.
Ok, let’s go into the next aspect of worship.
Worship also means “giving to God”. In other words, true worship is costly.
All throughout the Old Testament, every aspect of worship was involved with “giving something to God”.
Whether animals for sacrifice, money for the temple or as part of the Old Testament law. Each of those was part of their worship.
In fact, the Passover lamb wasn’t be one just from the flock, it was supposed to be one that the family took into their homes like pets, raised them, then offer them as the Passover lamb.
It was designed so that the family would have to give something important to them.
The most common one we use as a reference was David’s act of worship.
Worship also means “giving to God”. In other words, true worship is costly.
All throughout the Old Testament, every aspect of worship was involved with “giving something to God”.
Whether animals for sacrifice, money for the temple or as part of the Old Testament law. Each of those was part of their worship.
In fact, the Passover lamb wasn’t be one just from the flock, it was supposed to be one that the family took into their homes like pets, raised them, then offer them as the Passover lamb.
It was designed so that the family would have to give something important to them.
The most common one we use as a reference was David’s act of worship.
Lest everyone think I am only talking about money, our worship should include all aspects of our lives.
The woman who poured the perfume on Jesus’ feet. Not only was this very costly to her in money, but it also cost her time-she had to stop her schedule and seek Jesus out.
It cost her dignity-she washed His feet and dried them with her hair.
What was Jesus’ reaction to her worship?
It cost her dignity-she washed His feet and dried them with her hair.
What was Jesus’ reaction to her worship?
He accepted her worship. And commended her for what she gave.
The point isn’t the costliness of our worship, but what the state of our heart is.
Is Jesus worth more than these things to you? Is Jesus worth more than your possessions? Is Jesus worth more than your time?
What would you NOT give up to worship? Is there anything in your life that is more important?
The point isn’t the costliness of our worship, but what the state of our heart is.
Is Jesus worth more than these things to you? Is Jesus worth more than your possessions? Is Jesus worth more than your time?
What would you NOT give up to worship? Is there anything in your life that is more important?
Israel was giving their leftovers as a sacrifice when God wanted their best.
Do we give God our leftover time, talents, abilities?
Do we treat our employers, family members or our extra-curricular activities with the same attitude?
If there is nothing else to do, I guess we can go to church. If I have spare time at the end of the day or week, I guess I can give it to God.
We may laugh at that idea, but if we think about it, isn’t that what we do sometimes with God?
Worship isn’t only the singing of songs on a Sunday morning. It is a way of life.
Do we give God our best? Do we sacrifice things we want in order to please God?
Do we offer Him the “sacrifice of praise”?
How does this tie into Easter?
I think or hope we can see the comparison.
Do we give God our leftover time, talents, abilities?
Do we treat our employers, family members or our extra-curricular activities with the same attitude?
If there is nothing else to do, I guess we can go to church. If I have spare time at the end of the day or week, I guess I can give it to God.
We may laugh at that idea, but if we think about it, isn’t that what we do sometimes with God?
Worship isn’t only the singing of songs on a Sunday morning. It is a way of life.
Do we give God our best? Do we sacrifice things we want in order to please God?
Do we offer Him the “sacrifice of praise”?
How does this tie into Easter?
I think or hope we can see the comparison.
GOD GAVE HIS BEST SO THAT WE COULD BE FORGIVEN!
Do we think that God, who is perfect in love, loved Jesus any less than we love our own children?
Yet he loved us enough to allow Him to be sacrificed for us.
How does that not warrant giving God our best?
We celebrate the Resurrection today, which according to scripture is the only reason we have faith.
Yet he loved us enough to allow Him to be sacrificed for us.
How does that not warrant giving God our best?
We celebrate the Resurrection today, which according to scripture is the only reason we have faith.
Jesus’ suffering and death was God giving his best for us, but the suffering and death in and of itself does not forgive us our sins.
It does not make us righteous in God’s eyes.
Many righteous people suffered. Many prophets, priests and kings suffered for doing right.
But not one was resurrected.
Jesus was the only one that God resurrected. Jesus is alive today.
It does not make us righteous in God’s eyes.
Many righteous people suffered. Many prophets, priests and kings suffered for doing right.
But not one was resurrected.
Jesus was the only one that God resurrected. Jesus is alive today.
We mentioned earlier this month about the reason for Jesus’ death.
It was not to fill a God shaped hole in your heart. It was not to even give you a better life.
He suffered, died and was resurrected to do one thing, save us from God’s judgment.
But let’s look at some of the events that took place that day.
We know that Peter and John raced to the tomb and found it empty.
Who was the first person Jesus revealed himself to?
It was not to fill a God shaped hole in your heart. It was not to even give you a better life.
He suffered, died and was resurrected to do one thing, save us from God’s judgment.
But let’s look at some of the events that took place that day.
We know that Peter and John raced to the tomb and found it empty.
Who was the first person Jesus revealed himself to?
Why would he choose her?
1st: He wanted everyone to know that he came to save sinners. If she had 7 demons you can be sure that her life was a sinful one.
He wanted everyone to know that even a person like Mary was worthy of being saved.
1st: He wanted everyone to know that he came to save sinners. If she had 7 demons you can be sure that her life was a sinful one.
He wanted everyone to know that even a person like Mary was worthy of being saved.
2nd: Women in those times were little more than property. Jesus wanted to elevate women to an equal position as the men. What better way than to choose a woman to appear to first and then have her tell the others.
She was given the awesome responsibility by Jesus himself, of breaking that information to all the others.
There is no one that is beyond the love of Christ. No matter what society may say, Jesus came to save YOU!
She was given the awesome responsibility by Jesus himself, of breaking that information to all the others.
There is no one that is beyond the love of Christ. No matter what society may say, Jesus came to save YOU!
Let's look at one more seemingly small thing . . .
When the ladies went to anoint Jesus’ body with spices they were met by an angel at the tomb.
Mark’s account has one little phrase . . .
When the ladies went to anoint Jesus’ body with spices they were met by an angel at the tomb.
Mark’s account has one little phrase . . .
Why would the angel specify Peter? Wasn’t he one of the disciples, too?
Yes he was, but if you know the story, Peter had denied Jesus just as Jesus said he would. In fact, Luke’s account says this.
Yes he was, but if you know the story, Peter had denied Jesus just as Jesus said he would. In fact, Luke’s account says this.
Can you imagine what is going through Peter’s mind right about now?
That he blew it so badly, that he could no longer be considered Jesus’ disciple or friend.
By saying to the ladies to tell everyone AND PETER, Jesus wanted Peter to know he’s been forgiven.
Do we think that Jesus knows every time we have sinned and fallen short? Do you think he knows every time in the future when we will fall short and sin?
He knew it with Peter and he knows it with us. Even the best of people who love Christ will eventually blow it big time.
That he blew it so badly, that he could no longer be considered Jesus’ disciple or friend.
By saying to the ladies to tell everyone AND PETER, Jesus wanted Peter to know he’s been forgiven.
Do we think that Jesus knows every time we have sinned and fallen short? Do you think he knows every time in the future when we will fall short and sin?
He knew it with Peter and he knows it with us. Even the best of people who love Christ will eventually blow it big time.
So what can we conclude about these 2 separate incidents?
a) Jesus came to save the worst of sinners. No matter what we have done in our past, God’s forgiveness is extended to each of us.
b) Jesus came to restore those of us who have strayed from our commitment to Christ. Maybe at one time we were really committed to the things of God, but life and circumstances have caused us to drift and maybe even walk away.
In either case, God’s desire is to wipe the slate clean and start new with each of us.
Resurrection day is the beginning of Christian faith. It can also be the beginning (or new beginning) of your walk with Christ.
a) Jesus came to save the worst of sinners. No matter what we have done in our past, God’s forgiveness is extended to each of us.
b) Jesus came to restore those of us who have strayed from our commitment to Christ. Maybe at one time we were really committed to the things of God, but life and circumstances have caused us to drift and maybe even walk away.
In either case, God’s desire is to wipe the slate clean and start new with each of us.
Resurrection day is the beginning of Christian faith. It can also be the beginning (or new beginning) of your walk with Christ.
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http://doverassembly.com