Hempfield UMC

This week we will study an important passage of Scripture regarding the return of Jesus Christ: the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. The unique characteristic of this story is that it reveals the criterion by which Jesus will judge the world. When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate them one…

Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47) Pastor John’s Notes: Our role in church growth is to be an authentic worshipping community and to bear witness to our faith with all those we encounter. But we do this work with the understanding that God is also working to draw people to himself. Jesus said, “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). The…

They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. (Acts 2:46-47) Pastor John’s Notes: The way that the early Christians lived served as a witness of God’s love and power. The people around them noticed the change and spoke well of the new believers. Here is the strongest validation of the church’s effectiveness. It is not in the number of our ministries nor how full our sanctuary is, but what…

They broke bread from house to house. (Acts 2:46) Pastor John’s Notes: The believers of the newly born church didn’t just meet for worship in the temple, they met together for fellowship in each other’s homes. The breaking of bread is a simple meal. Jesus meets us not only in the context of our corporate worship but also in our intimate conversations. Christianity is more than a set of beliefs; it is a network of relationships. God wants us to…