North Main Street Church of God
Learning to Follow
1201 North Main Street Ext. Butler, PA 16001 02/05/2023
Locations & Times
North Main Street Church of God
1201 N Main St Ext, Butler, PA 16001, USA
Sunday 10:30 AM
Sunday Morning
Join us on Sunday Mornings online where you can Check-in/Connect, Give, and Watch along with us.
https://northmaincog.org/online/Welcome
We are so glad that you joined us today at North Main Street Church of God. At North Main we exists to develop completely committed followers of Christ who...
Know Christ intimately,
Grow in Christ continually, and
Go for Christ daily
Know Christ intimately,
Grow in Christ continually, and
Go for Christ daily
Joining us online?
Thank you for joining us today! Please check in here:
https://northmaincog.org/online-connection-form/
Newcomers to North Main
If you are a newcomer, we’re so glad you’ve joined us! If you’re here in person, make sure to stop by the Welcome Center where we have a gift bag for you with some information about us and some delicious homemade chocolate chip COOKIES.
For those online please visit the website below and make sure to click the COMMUNICATION CARD button and fill that out so we can send you a free gift!
https://northmaincog.org/onlineFor those online please visit the website below and make sure to click the COMMUNICATION CARD button and fill that out so we can send you a free gift!
Church Mobile App
Did you know North Main has a church mobile app? Access videos anytime from your device and never miss a sermon. Securely and easily give your tithes, offerings, and donations. Instantly register for upcoming events, and stay in the know of what's happening. Contact Us at any time with a simple message. Find others in the North Main directory.
To download go to:
https://northmaincog.org/app/Bible Reading Plan
Join us in 2023 as we read through the Bible in a year and highlight evidence of “KINDNESS” throughout our daily Scripture readings. Reading Guides and GREEN highlighters, the color that represents KINDNESS, are available at the Welcome Center. You can also access the resources digitally on NORTHMAINCOG.ORG/BIBLE
https://northmaincog.org/bible/
Events
We have several upcoming events including a CHURCH GAME NIGHT on Jan 28th at 6pm, and a CHILD DEDICATION service on Feb 5th. To sign up or for more information, please visit the Welcome Center or our website at:
https://northmaincog.org/eventsCONNECTION LUNCHEON
Join us AFTER SERVICE TODAY for our Connection Luncheon! Anyone new to North Main eats for free! Cost: $6/adult $4/child and a max of $20/household. ON THE MENU: Shepherd's Pie, Salad, Dinner Rolls, Ice Cream Sundae Bar, and Drinks.
Join us AFTER SERVICE TODAY for our Connection Luncheon! Anyone new to North Main eats for free! Cost: $6/adult $4/child and a max of $20/household. ON THE MENU: Shepherd's Pie, Salad, Dinner Rolls, Ice Cream Sundae Bar, and Drinks.
Softball Team
If you’re interested in playing softball with our church league this summer, the interest meeting is on February 26th. For more information please follow the link below.
https://northmaincog.org/softball/Meals on Wheels
North Main has an opportunity once again this winter to partner with Meals on Wheels in February by supplying them with desserts. MEALS ON WHEELS is a program that delivers food to homebound people who are not able to prepare food for themselves. They receive a full-course hot meal along with dessert. Please bring in your desserts to North Main's Kitchen on Sunday, February 26th. Have the items labeled & packed ready for the freezer in non-returnable containers. NO ICING, NUTS, OR CREAM PIES Suggestions: Cookies or Brownies– no nuts Gingerbread Cupcakes – no icing on top (can be filled) Bundt cakes – no icing Pies – any kind except cream pies Angel Food cakes – for diabetics Sugar-Free desserts – for diabetics
https://northmaincog.org/events/meals-on-wheels/CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
After service, you MUST HAVE your security sticker to pick up your children. When we dismiss the elementary students before the sermon If you do not have a security sticker or have any questions, please head to the Welcome Center where there will be a staff member there to assist you.
After service, you MUST HAVE your security sticker to pick up your children. When we dismiss the elementary students before the sermon If you do not have a security sticker or have any questions, please head to the Welcome Center where there will be a staff member there to assist you.
Give
We thank you for your faithful gifts. You can give online and, of course, on Sundays by using the secure drop boxes located outside the doors of the Sanctuary. THANK YOU FOR YOUR FAITHFULNESS.
https://northmaincog.org/give/
Learning to Follow
(Numbers 9:15-23)
Yearly Theme: “Kindness is… Action”
Series Title: “Kindness in the Wilderness”
February 5th, 2023
(Numbers 9:15-23)
Yearly Theme: “Kindness is… Action”
Series Title: “Kindness in the Wilderness”
February 5th, 2023
Something to think about:
One cannot lead unless they first learn to follow.
Today we begin a new series entitled “Kindness in the Wilderness,” and we will be exploring GOD’s kindness toward the Israelites during their 40-years of wilderness wanderings, as described in the Old Testament books of Numbers and Deuteronomy. Though the punishment was given by GOD, the 40-years of wilderness wandering was a result of the people’s rebellion against GOD and all He was offering them in the Promised Land.
We pick up the ongoing narrative today in Numbers 9, where Moses describes how GOD led them throughout those 40 years. Let’s take a look…
One cannot lead unless they first learn to follow.
Today we begin a new series entitled “Kindness in the Wilderness,” and we will be exploring GOD’s kindness toward the Israelites during their 40-years of wilderness wanderings, as described in the Old Testament books of Numbers and Deuteronomy. Though the punishment was given by GOD, the 40-years of wilderness wandering was a result of the people’s rebellion against GOD and all He was offering them in the Promised Land.
We pick up the ongoing narrative today in Numbers 9, where Moses describes how GOD led them throughout those 40 years. Let’s take a look…
Here’s the takeaway this morning:
Key Point: “Following GOD in obedience is the first step in understanding His loving-kindness.”
What did the cloud and fire represent in this passage, and how were the Israelites to respond to them?
Key Point: “Following GOD in obedience is the first step in understanding His loving-kindness.”
What did the cloud and fire represent in this passage, and how were the Israelites to respond to them?
· The cloud/fire reminded them of GOD’s constant ________.
Numbers 9:15-16 (NLT), 15 On the day the Tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered it. But from evening until morning the cloud over the Tabernacle looked like a pillar of fire. 16 This was the regular pattern—at night the cloud that covered the Tabernacle had the appearance of fire.
Numbers 9:15-16 (NLT), 15 On the day the Tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered it. But from evening until morning the cloud over the Tabernacle looked like a pillar of fire. 16 This was the regular pattern—at night the cloud that covered the Tabernacle had the appearance of fire.
· The cloud/fire tested their continued __________ on GOD.
Numbers 9:17-22 (NLT), 17 Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp. 18 In this way, they traveled and camped at the Lord’s command wherever he told them to go. Then they remained in their camp as long as the cloud stayed over the Tabernacle. 19 If the cloud remained over the Tabernacle for a long time, the Israelites stayed and performed their duty to the Lord. 20 Sometimes the cloud would stay over the Tabernacle for only a few days, so the people would stay for only a few days, as the Lord commanded. Then at the Lord’s command they would break camp and move on. 21 Sometimes the cloud stayed only overnight and lifted the next morning. But day or night, when the cloud lifted, the people broke camp and moved on. 22 Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on.
Numbers 9:17-22 (NLT), 17 Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp. 18 In this way, they traveled and camped at the Lord’s command wherever he told them to go. Then they remained in their camp as long as the cloud stayed over the Tabernacle. 19 If the cloud remained over the Tabernacle for a long time, the Israelites stayed and performed their duty to the Lord. 20 Sometimes the cloud would stay over the Tabernacle for only a few days, so the people would stay for only a few days, as the Lord commanded. Then at the Lord’s command they would break camp and move on. 21 Sometimes the cloud stayed only overnight and lifted the next morning. But day or night, when the cloud lifted, the people broke camp and moved on. 22 Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on.
· The cloud/fire required their _________ to GOD.
Numbers 9:23 (NLT), So they camped or traveled at the Lord’s command, and they did whatever the Lord told them through Moses.
Numbers 9:23 (NLT), So they camped or traveled at the Lord’s command, and they did whatever the Lord told them through Moses.
Something to take home:
So, who is it that you’re following today? Are you following your own desires and whims without any care for anyone or anything else? Are you following someone who is using you for their own benefit? Or are you following the One who created you out of a love to see you become all you were created to be? We’re all following something or someone, and it’s so vitally important to know where that something or someone is leading. If the one you’re following isn’t leading you into everlasting life, then you’re following the wrong person. Following Christ who was willing to humbly die so that we might have everlasting life is the only one worth following.
So, who is it that you’re following today? Are you following your own desires and whims without any care for anyone or anything else? Are you following someone who is using you for their own benefit? Or are you following the One who created you out of a love to see you become all you were created to be? We’re all following something or someone, and it’s so vitally important to know where that something or someone is leading. If the one you’re following isn’t leading you into everlasting life, then you’re following the wrong person. Following Christ who was willing to humbly die so that we might have everlasting life is the only one worth following.
WITH A GROUP
Why do you think this passage of scripture is so repetitious?
According to this passage, how did the Lord direct his people?
What indicates that this was no ordinary cloud?
What role did Moses play, if any, in the interpretation of God’s directions for Israel?
Why do you think this passage of scripture is so repetitious?
According to this passage, how did the Lord direct his people?
What indicates that this was no ordinary cloud?
What role did Moses play, if any, in the interpretation of God’s directions for Israel?
IN YOURSELF
How has God guided you in the past?
How is God currently guiding you?
How do you know it is God who is leading you?
Do you allow others to help you discern the direction God is calling you? Why or why not?
Do you trust yourself more than you trust God? If so, why?
How has God guided you in the past?
How is God currently guiding you?
How do you know it is God who is leading you?
Do you allow others to help you discern the direction God is calling you? Why or why not?
Do you trust yourself more than you trust God? If so, why?
APPLICATION
MEMORY VERSE:
Psalm 37:23
The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Psalm 37:23
The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Past Sermons
To view past sermons, please visit our website below.
https://northmaincog.org/media-resources/sermons/Contact Us
If you would like to update your information or have a prayer request, please fill out the link below.
https://northmaincog.org/media-resources/contact-us/North Main Street Church of God
1201 North Main Street Ext.Butler, PA 16001
(724) 285-4214 info@northmaincog.org
http://www.northmaincog.org/Give
We thank you for your faithful gifts. You can give online at NORTHMAINCOG.ORG/GIVE, text "give" to (724) 313-2211, and, of course, on Sundays by using the secure drop boxes located outside the doors of the Sanctuary. THANK YOU FOR YOUR FAITHFULNESS.
https://www.northmaincog.org/giveOFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday
9:00am - 4:00pm
Monday - Thursday
9:00am - 4:00pm