January 11, 2026 - Worship Gathering

21 Days of Prayer and Fasting: Sharing Burdens

The Importance of Community in Faith

• The speaker introduces the theme of sharing burdens among believers, referencing 1 Thessalonians as a guiding scripture for their prayer and fasting initiative.

• A personal anecdote is shared about meeting with a close friend to discuss life challenges, emphasizing the significance of mutual support in faith.

• The speaker highlights that Christians are called not only to share struggles but also to celebrate victories together, reinforcing the importance of presence in these interactions.

• While technology allows for communication, being physically present with one another is portrayed as essential for deeper connection and encouragement.

Worship and Encouragement Through Song

• The gathering transitions into worship, inviting participants to stand and sing together as an act of collective encouragement.

• Lyrics from a song emphasize themes of hope and victory through Christ, underscoring the belief that God provides strength for tomorrow.

• The message continues with affirmations about overcoming battles through faith, reiterating trust in God's promises despite uncertainties.

Speaking the Name of Jesus

• A reference from Proverbs 18:10 illustrates that calling on Jesus offers safety and refuge; it's emphasized that His name represents more than just a word—it's about relationship.

• An analogy compares calling on Jesus to how children seek help from parents, stressing the personal nature of invoking Christ's name during worship.

• As they prepare to sing again, there's an emphasis on declaring peace and freedom through Jesus' name over various struggles like addiction and anxiety.

Power in Worship

• Repeated declarations highlight Jesus' power over strongholds, encouraging participants to proclaim His name boldly across different contexts (mountains, streets).

• The session concludes with a powerful affirmation of faith in Jesus’ ability to break chains and bring healing, reinforcing community support through shared worship experiences.

Praise and Worship: A Reflection on Faith

The Worthiness of Jesus

• The speaker emphasizes the worthiness of Jesus, repeatedly affirming that He deserves praise and glory.

• The lyrics express deep gratitude towards Jesus, recognizing Him as Lord and Savior, deserving of all honor.

• Jesus is described not just as a name but as a personal Savior, Creator, and source of life for believers.

Laying Down Burdens

• The speaker encourages the congregation to lay down their sins and anxieties before God to find peace in His presence.

• A hymn is sung reflecting on the peace found in faith despite life's challenges, reinforcing the message of comfort through worship.

Testimony of Healing and Community

• A testimony is shared about God's work in individual lives, highlighting the rest and peace found in Him amidst struggles.

• The speaker expresses trust in God during both good times and challenges, emphasizing reliance on divine support.

Personal Journey with Illness

• Ashley Fogle introduces herself and shares her journey with kidney cancer diagnosis leading to surgeries in 2022.

• Her daughter’s desire to attend church sparked their family's commitment to Eagles Landing Baptist Church post-COVID.

Acts of Kindness: Kidney Donation Story

• Laura Sharp recounts her decision to share her medical journey with her life group, which led to unexpected support from others.

• After learning about Laura's need for a kidney donation, Ashley felt compelled to research donation options due to her healthy status.

• Discussion arises regarding scheduling surgery; Ashley suggests waiting until summer for Laura's family stability while acknowledging urgency.

The Importance of Community and Giving

The Role of Life Groups in Personal Growth

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of being part of a life group, stating that community is essential for personal growth and spiritual development as intended by God.

• Reflecting on past experiences, the speaker shares how their journey in faith has led to a willingness to give, attributing this change to learning within their life group and developing close relationships.

Wisdom Through Relationships

• A story is shared about speaking to students, highlighting Proverbs 13:20 which underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with wise individuals for personal growth.

• The speaker encourages young people not only to seek better friendships but also to deepen their relationship with Jesus, who shapes all significant connections.

Community Over Isolation

• The necessity of community is reiterated; isolation leads to stagnation rather than maturity. Engaging with others fosters growth.

• Group leaders are mentioned as resources available after service for those looking to connect with a life group.

Transition into Giving

• As the service transitions into offering time, the speaker reflects on their late mother's cheerful giving spirit during Christmas.

• A personal anecdote illustrates how giving can sometimes be met with mixed feelings but emphasizes that God values both giving and receiving joyfully.

Encouragement in Generosity

• The speaker encourages attendees to give cheerfully, reminding them that their contributions are meaningful and impactful.

• A prayer is offered before collecting offerings, asking for blessings on those who give faithfully.

Upcoming Events and Engagement Opportunities

• Information about an upcoming event called "Starting Point" is shared, inviting newcomers to learn more about the church community.

• An announcement about "Revive Night" featuring Shane Pruitt encourages attendees to invite friends and family for a night focused on revival.

Introduction to Discipleship Strategy

Overview of the Packet and Structure

• The speaker introduces a packet that summarizes last year's activities, formatted according to their discipleship strategy: gather, group, give, go.

• This structure will also guide the sermon today, focusing on what it means to gather, group, give, and go as disciples of Christ.

Exploring Acts Chapter Two

Context and Purpose

• The sermon centers on Acts chapter two (verses 42-47), which is familiar territory for many listeners; however, the focus will be on key insights rather than an in-depth exegesis.

• The book of Acts is not just church history but illustrates how God advanced the gospel through ordinary people empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Birth of the Church

• The church's birth in Acts chapter two was not due to marketing strategies or seminars but resulted from being filled with the Spirit of God.

• This filling led believers to become who they were meant to be under God's guidance.

Characteristics of a Healthy Church

Mission Driven Community

• Acts chapter two provides a model for understanding what a healthy church looks like—one that is mission-driven and aware of its purpose given by God.

• Togetherness is emphasized; all actions taken by this early church were done collectively rather than through organized events or programs.

Supernatural Work Among Believers

• There’s little strategizing visible in Acts; instead, there’s evidence of supernatural work among believers shaped by the gospel. This reflects how they operated under divine influence rather than human planning.

The Gospel's Impact on Believers

Three Key Aspects

1. Salvation: The gospel saves individuals but does not end there; it initiates further growth.

2. Sanctification: It matures believers into Christ-like figures; ongoing need for the gospel persists even after salvation.

3. Sending: The gospel imparts purpose in life—believers are called to emulate Christ's mission through active participation in God's work as His church.

Results of Surrendered Lives

• When ordinary believers surrender fully to God's purposes under the Holy Spirit's guidance, undeniable results follow—illustrated by verse 47 where daily additions to their number occur as people are saved.

The Importance of Togetherness in the Church

Desire for Growth in Faith

• The speaker poses a reflective question to the congregation about their desire to see people saved daily through the church, emphasizing this as a core ambition.

• The theme for the year is introduced as "Ford together," highlighting the need for collective movement towards spiritual growth and community engagement.

Moving Forward Together

• The phrase "Ford together" encapsulates both the church's mission and reflects practices seen in Acts 2, where early Christians operated in unity.

• Emphasizes that God intended His church to function within a biblical community rather than in isolation, stressing that gospel advancement requires collective effort.

Engaging with God's Mission

• The central idea presented is that the gospel advances when every believer actively participates in God's mission, reinforcing communal responsibility.

• A call to action is made for believers to engage fully with God's mission by removing distractions that hinder their commitment.

Scriptural Foundation

• The speaker plans to read from Acts 2:42-47, setting up an exploration of what it means to move forward together as a church family.

Gathering Around the Gospel

• After reading scripture, the first point discussed is gathering around the gospel as essential for moving forward collectively.

• Highlights that unity around Jesus' life, death, burial, and resurrection is crucial; drifting apart hinders progress.

Devotion vs. Dabbling

• The concept of devotion is explored; true devotion involves persistent commitment rather than casual interest.

• Encourages reorganization of priorities around gospel teachings, indicating its supreme importance must be reflected in believers' lives.

Devotion vs. Dabble: Understanding Commitment

The Nature of Devotion

• When we dabble in activities, our engagement is infrequent and inconsistent; however, devotion implies a full commitment to something significant, such as family.

• Devotion leads to a reorganization of priorities; for instance, one may adjust their schedule to prioritize family over other commitments like gym attendance.

Early Church's Devotion

• The early church was devoted to four key elements, starting with the apostles' teaching, highlighting their steadfast commitment to learning and growing in faith.

• Members of the early church were affectionately committed to gathering together for gospel teachings, recognizing the importance of continual engagement with the gospel message.

Importance of Gospel Centrality

• The need for consuming the gospel was constant; it shaped their lives and helped them resemble Jesus more closely.

• The focus on the gospel precedes community building or generosity; it emphasizes that before outreach efforts can begin, there must be a strong foundation in gospel understanding.

Sequence of Gathering and Mission

• Before engaging in outward missions, the church first gathered around the gospel. This sequence is crucial for effective ministry.

• Just as one must fill up on gas before driving, believers need spiritual nourishment from Christ before they can effectively share His message with others.

Commitment to Gathering

• Hebrews warns against neglecting gatherings with fellow believers; regular participation is essential for communal growth and support.

• The gathering at Eagles Landing occurs every Sunday at 10:30 AM, emphasizing its significance as a time for worship and community building.

Infrastructure for Growth

• To facilitate growth within the church community, there is an ongoing effort to build healthy infrastructure that supports spiritual development.

• Leadership development is prioritized this year as part of preparing the church structure for anticipated growth and outreach initiatives.

Gathering and Grouping for Spiritual Formation

Importance of Gathering Around the Gospel

• The speaker emphasizes the need to focus on church infrastructure to ensure spiritual health as they prepare for upcoming activities.

• Gathering around the gospel is essential for moving forward together, highlighting that grouping aids in spiritual formation and connection among members.

The Role of Grouping in Spiritual Growth

• Grouping helps individuals feel connected within the church community; without it, some may feel spiritually isolated.

• The early church was devoted not only to the gospel but also to one another, showcasing a commitment to fellowship and mutual support.

Understanding Fellowship

• Belonging to God inherently means belonging to His people; this concept can be challenging but is crucial according to scripture.

• Fellowship transcends casual interactions; it involves sharing life deeply with others, emphasizing a commitment beyond mere social gatherings.

Practices of Early Church Fellowship

• The early church engaged in breaking bread together, indicating shared meals and communal living outside traditional church settings.

• Their faith extended beyond gatherings; they lived out their beliefs in everyday life, demonstrating community presence.

Devotion to Prayer and Shared Needs

• The early Christians were committed to praying together, recognizing their dependence on God for meeting each other's needs.

• They actively took their needs before God collectively, fostering a shared reliance on divine support within their community.

Impact of the Gospel on Community Life

• The gospel shaped both beliefs and actions within the community; functional theology reflects how belief influences behavior.

• Acknowledging God's existence in community encourages believers to live similarly, reinforcing that belonging leads to familial relationships within the church.

Family in Faith

The Concept of Church as Family

• We are part of a family, akin to the dynamics within a church community, where relationships can fluctuate based on various life experiences.

• The church is described as a familial unit where members are brothers and sisters in Christ, sharing the same heavenly father and being adopted as children of God. This connection emphasizes eternal unity despite earthly disagreements.

Importance of Meaningful Relationships

• A key phrase emphasized is that "real life change happens best in meaningful relationships," highlighting the necessity for deeper connections beyond mere attendance at gatherings. It suggests adding "real" to emphasize authenticity in life changes.

• Transitioning from attending gatherings to engaging in smaller groups fosters discipleship, allowing individuals to share their lives—both good and bad—with others who will support them spiritually.

Growth Through Connection

• Reflecting on personal experiences over the past year illustrates how both joyful and challenging moments shape our lives; these experiences are better navigated with support from a group. Disconnection hinders growth, while connection facilitates it through shared experiences and encouragement.

• The speaker stresses that if the gospel is to advance, individuals must move beyond mere attendance to genuine connection within their communities. This aspiration is vital for spiritual growth and communal advancement.

Application of Scripture

Grouping vs Gathering

• Gathering provides knowledge ("where we get the word"), but grouping allows for application ("where the word gets in us"). Emphasis is placed on applying biblical teachings rather than just accumulating knowledge, which can lead to pride without practical implementation.

• Community context enables individuals to see how scripture influences daily living; this year’s focus will be on enhancing discipleship structures through life groups aimed at multiplying disciples rather than merely adding them.

Leadership Development

• There will be an examination of the leadership pipeline within the church, focusing on equipping members with necessary skills for multiplication—essentially preparing them for ministry roles and responsibilities within their communities.

• Launching "The Institute at Eagles Landing" aims to train new leaders by bringing residents from educational institutions like Liberty University into practical ministry settings, fostering future church planters and ambassadors for Christ outside traditional boundaries.

Mission Through Sacrifice

Commitment to Mission

• The discussion concludes with an emphasis on moving forward together by giving sacrificially towards mission efforts, reinforcing collective responsibility towards achieving shared goals within the community and beyond its walls.

Mission and Generosity in the Church

The Importance of Sacrificial Giving

• The mission of God progresses through sacrificial giving, emphasizing stewardship discussed in previous series.

• A few individuals cannot carry the entire burden; collective effort is essential for the mission to advance.

Congregational Participation

• Statistics suggest that 20% of the congregation does 80% of the work, raising questions about individual involvement.

• Discipleship involves recognizing that all possessions belong to God, encouraging a mindset of stewardship for His glory.

Generosity as a Lifestyle

• Early believers shared their possessions freely, indicating a shift in how they viewed material goods—holding them loosely while clinging tightly to God.

• True generosity becomes an ongoing pattern rather than a one-time act; it reflects a lifestyle shaped by faith.

Recognition of Generosity

• The church community is commended for its generosity, which supports the advancement of the Gospel.

• Genuine understanding of Jesus' sacrifice leads to becoming generous givers, reflecting gratitude for what has been received.

Understanding Our Neediness

• Recognizing ourselves as needy sinners before God fosters humility and openness to give generously.

• The Gospel emphasizes Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection as our only hope for salvation, prompting us to live with open hands regarding our possessions.

Intentionality in Spreading the Gospel

• Moving forward together requires intentional efforts in sharing the Gospel; gathering strengthens believers before scattering into their communities.

• The cycle of gathering and scattering mirrors life’s rhythms—encouraging believers amidst challenges faced outside church walls.

The Scattering of the Church

The Movement of the Church

• The church's presence is felt throughout various locations in the community, such as parks, restaurants, and gas stations. This scattering represents opportunities for the gospel to spread.

• As agents of the gospel, believers are called to share their faith in places that may not have been reached before or where it can be reintroduced.

Living a Sent Life

• The early church exemplified a "sent life," emphasizing that believers are commissioned to spread the gospel wherever they go.

• Their faith was active daily, not confined to church gatherings; they were visible and consistent in worship and community involvement.

Community Impact

• The early church gathered regularly both in homes and at church, which made them noticeable within their community. Their support during significant life events drew attention from neighbors.

• The community recognized their faithful witness; their lives reflected Christ’s message through generosity and praise.

Gospel Influence

• The gospel influenced how early Christians lived and interacted with others, shaping perceptions among outsiders positively.

• Faithful witnessing led to growth within the church as God added new believers daily.

Our Role in Evangelism

• Emphasizing obedience over results, it's stated that while individuals are called to cast nets (evangelize), it is ultimately God who brings about spiritual growth.

Personal Testimony of Evangelism

Experiences in Outreach

• A personal story illustrates how evangelistic efforts began at a young age within a supportive church environment focused on reaching out to non-believers.

• An outreach experience involved visiting neighborhoods to share the gospel; initial encounters yielded little success until an unexpected meeting with a veteran changed everything.

Transformative Encounters

• Despite doubts about interest levels, sharing the gospel with an elderly war veteran resulted in him expressing eagerness for this news and accepting Christ.

Commitment to Gathering and Going

Continuous Cycle of Gathering

• The speaker emphasizes that the nature of the gospel involves gathering together as a community before going out into the world.

• Plans for launching new ministries like 323 Sports highlight ongoing commitment towards outreach efforts.

New Ministry Initiative: Three to Three Sports

Introduction to the Platform

• The initiative is described as a platform, not just another program, aimed at reaching individuals with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

• It focuses on building relationships within the community and engaging with children early in their lives, emphasizing that early exposure to faith increases the likelihood of lifelong belief.

Overview of Three to Three Sports

• The new ministry called Three to Three Sports will initially focus on basketball, followed by flag football throughout the year. This aims to engage elementary school youth while sharing the gospel.

Personal Testimony Highlight

• A letter from a college student named Kristy Unthink illustrates the impact of coaching upward basketball at church when she was nine years old, leading her to become a believer. This emphasizes the long-term effects of early engagement in sports ministry.

Importance of Participation

• The speaker expresses hope that volunteers will receive letters from kids acknowledging their influence in coming to know Christ, highlighting that such experiences make volunteer efforts worthwhile despite challenges like getting messy during activities.

Call for Action and Commitment

• There is an urgent call for church members to find ways to spread the gospel, whether through sports or other community engagements, stressing that God is already working; it's up to individuals to participate actively.

Commitment and Growth as Disciples

Spiritual Growth Goals

• The speaker prays for commitment among congregants in 2026 towards spiritual growth and discipleship for everyone present—men, women, boys, and girls alike. They are encouraged to assess their current spiritual journey and identify next steps toward deeper involvement.

Consistency in Gathering

• Emphasis is placed on consistent gathering as a community; recognizing potential distractions that may hinder attendance over time is crucial for maintaining fellowship within the church body. Questions are posed about what might compete for personal time away from church commitments.

Community Engagement

• Encouragement is given for those who may be gathering but not yet participating fully (e.g., serving or giving). The importance of finding one's place within biblical community life is highlighted as essential for spiritual growth and fulfillment of God's design for believers living in community together.

Interceding for Others

Outreach Beyond Church Walls

• Members are urged not only to surround themselves with fellow Christians but also seek out opportunities where they can connect with non-believers—intersecting lives with those who need Jesus so they can pray and guide them towards faith effectively.

Dependence on Divine Guidance

• Acknowledgment that achieving these goals relies solely on God's spirit; collective movement forward requires divine assistance as they aim for numerical growth alongside deeper understanding of the gospel within their congregation over time into 2027 and beyond.

Conclusion: Responding Together

Final Prayer and Invitation

• A closing prayer invites attendees to respond personally or seek prayer support if they feel led; it emphasizes knowing Jesus personally as central to this journey together as a congregation moving forward into new initiatives and commitments ahead in faith-filled action.

Jesus: The Name Above All Names

The Significance of Jesus' Name

• The speaker emphasizes the power and significance of Jesus' name, stating that "the world is finished" and highlighting the enduring impact of the cross and bloodshed.

• A proclamation is made that "there is no higher name," reinforcing the belief in Jesus as supreme, with a collective affirmation through repeated "Hallelujah" chants.

• The speaker encourages attendees to seek prayer from leaders present, indicating a supportive community atmosphere within the church setting.

Community Engagement and Upcoming Events

• An invitation is extended for participation in an upcoming event called "Revive Night," led by Shane Pruitt, emphasizing community involvement.

• The speaker highlights the importance of church as family, engaging the audience in a call-and-response exercise to reinforce this sense of belonging.