CULTO DE LOUVOR E ADORAÇÃO | FIDELIDADE EM TEMPOS DE APOSTASIA l 30/11/2025

Worship and Praise: A Celebration of Holiness

The Essence of Worship

• The worship begins with a declaration of God's holiness, emphasizing His worthiness to receive praise and honor.

• The lyrics highlight the eternal nature of God, describing Him as invisible yet real, deserving of all glory and power.

• There is a strong emphasis on surrendering oneself to God, recognizing His dignity and the importance of adoration in worship.

• The congregation is encouraged to sing praises across generations, acknowledging God's sovereignty and holiness.

• A call for unity in worship is made, inviting all creation to exalt God's name above all powers.

Proclaiming God's Greatness

• Repeated affirmations are made about God's supremacy over thrones and dominions, reinforcing His ultimate authority.

• The lyrics express a commitment to singing praises forever, highlighting the everlasting nature of worship towards God.

• Descriptions of God’s attributes include being wonderful counselor and Prince of Peace, showcasing His multifaceted character.

• An invitation for children to join in worship signifies inclusivity within the church community during praise sessions.

• Acknowledgment that there is no one like Jesus emphasizes His uniqueness and centrality in faith.

Call to Action in Worship

• Participants are urged not to remain silent but actively declare their devotion through words of praise.

• Transitioning from worship into community announcements highlights the church's activities aimed at fostering connection among members.

Friday Family Programming

Evening Activities

• At 8 PM, there are multiple events: a youth service in the Zoe space, a young adults service in the education space, and a senior citizens service in the video studio.

• Prior to these services, at 7:30 PM, there is a preparatory meeting for couples' encounters with Christ followed by an adult service.

• For children, "Futebol Kids" (Kids Soccer) takes place at 8:30 PM on the court.

Sunday Events and Highlights

Morning Schedule

• Sunday begins with the Dominican Bible School for adults at 9 AM, broadcasted live on YouTube and local TV channel 16.1.

Afternoon Activities

• At 5 PM, there's a leadership potential course followed by a major worship service at 6:30 PM, also streamed live.

Weekly Highlights

Recent Events

• On Tuesday, the last PgF (group meeting) for teenagers featured joyful fellowship and community bonding.

• Thursday marked the final youth and adolescent service of the year filled with praise and worship activities. Additionally, a seminar focused on soul restoration took place over the weekend led by church education groups. This event was characterized by profound spiritual experiences among attendees.

Upcoming Year-End Programs

Church Initiatives

• The church emphasizes using individual talents to transform lives through creative expressions in theater; interested individuals can connect via QR code provided during announcements.

Community Engagement

• An entrepreneurial women's fair is scheduled for December 12th and 13th aimed at promoting businesses and strengthening local economies within the church community.

Christmas Celebration Plans

Missionary Event

• The "Natal dos Ribeirinhos" event will occur on December 3rd from 10:30 AM to noon in Arrozal community featuring celebration and solidarity activities along with biblical teachings; limited spots available for missionaries aged 13+.

App Promotion

• Attendees are encouraged to download the church's app for easy access to information about services, events, prayer requests, etc., available through app stores or via QR code scanning.

Recent Women's Gathering

Chai Palavra Event

• A recent gathering called "Chai Palavra" offered women opportunities for fellowship through music, testimonies, and devotional moments; it culminated in planning a retreat at Zaviva camp while men participated in their own discussion group focusing on anxiety issues prevalent among both genders today.

Community Celebrations Ahead

Upcoming Events

• A communal wedding ceremony is set for Friday evening which transforms the church atmosphere into one of celebration; Saturday will feature family day activities as part of Thanksgiving celebrations involving various pastoral groups within the church community leading engaging programs together.

Special

The Sunday morning schedule includes an early Bible run from 6 AM to 7 AM where IPA has significant participation before returning for communion services later that day alongside special Advent materials prepared for children emphasizing Christmas themes through interactive learning tools like challenge booklets and coloring books designed around biblical narratives related to Christmas festivities.

Understanding the True Meaning of Christmas

Importance of Christmas for Children

• Emphasizes the need for children to grasp the true meaning of Christmas.

• Mentions a recent completion of an impactful church program called "legendários" involving two church members, Rodrigo and Wesley.

The Impact of "Legendários"

• Highlights that participating in "legendários" is a transformative experience for men and their families.

• Encourages men to enroll in this program, which is closely associated with the church's activities.

Community Engagement

• Invites attendees to connect with current participants (referred to as "legendários") for more information about the program.

• Acknowledges Eduardo Costa’s birthday celebration during the service, fostering community spirit.

Welcoming Visitors and Preparing for Worship

Greeting New Attendees

• Welcomes visitors present at the service, encouraging them to identify themselves for acknowledgment.

• Extends greetings to online viewers who are not church members, emphasizing inclusivity.

Transitioning into Worship

• Prepares congregation for a significant moment in worship: the exposition of God's word.

• Offers a prayer thanking God for various individuals and asking for blessings on offerings and faithfulness among congregants.

Worship Through Music

Expressing Joy in Worship

• Invites everyone to stand up again and express joy through worship music.

• Engages congregation with songs that celebrate God's greatness, reinforcing communal worship experience.

Reflection on Faithfulness Amid Challenges

Theme Introduction: Faithfulness in Apostasy

• Introduces a reflective theme titled "Faithfulness in Times of Apostasy," addressing contemporary challenges faced by believers.

• Suggestion that this theme could also be framed as “The Importance of Being Faithful When Our Faith is Tested.”

Scriptural Foundation

• Plans to use 2 Chronicles 24 as a foundational text for discussing King Joash's life and reign after Israel's tribal division.

Joás: A Story of Faithfulness and Apostasy

The Early Life and Influence of Joás

• Joás has an interesting story that reflects a time of faithfulness and devotion to God, particularly during the priest Joiada's leadership.

• After Joiada's death at around 130 years old, the leaders of Judah flattered Joás, leading him to abandon Yahweh and return to pagan worship.

• This shift angered God, resulting in severe consequences for Jerusalem as they turned away from their ancestral faith.

Themes of Faithfulness Amidst Challenges

• The narrative highlights how many begin well in their faith but struggle to persevere when spiritual oversight is removed.

• Joás initially thrived under Joiada’s guidance but faltered after his mentor's death, revealing his weak foundation in faith.

• Influenced by flattering leaders, Joás returned to idolatry instead of maintaining his commitment to God.

Understanding Apostasy

• Despite ruling for 40 years with initial dedication, Joás lacked deep-rooted faith; he was swayed by external influences rather than genuine conviction.

• Apostasy is defined as abandoning previously held beliefs; it involves turning back from faith in God towards former pagan practices.

The Call for Deep-rooted Faith

• In times like these, a profound fidelity rooted in God's word and sustained through communion with the Holy Spirit is essential for believers.

• Maintaining a clear connection with God requires addressing unconfessed sins that may hinder one's relationship with Him.

Contextual Background on Joás' Lineage

• To understand Joás better, it's important to consider his lineage—his father Acazias and grandmother Atalia were not exemplary figures.

• The Book of Chronicles focuses on the kings of Judah and emphasizes David's lineage while omitting Israel’s history due to its focus on the promised Messiah.

This structured overview captures key insights from the transcript regarding the life of King Joás, emphasizing themes such as faithfulness amidst challenges and understanding apostasy within a biblical context.

The Rise and Fall of King Joash

The Context of Joash's Reign

• The narrative begins with the father of King Joach visiting the king's son, Akhabi, who is engaged in battle against the Syrians. This visit occurs at a critical moment when God raises Jehu to enact justice on the house of Akhabi.

• Atalia, mother of King Akhasius, recognizes her son's defeat and seeks to eliminate all descendants of David to secure her power. She orchestrates a massacre against David's lineage.

• Amidst this chaos, Joiada, a priest and sister to Akhasias' wife, saves baby Joash from being killed by hiding him in the temple for six years. This act ensures that God's promise regarding the Messiah through David’s line continues.

Joash's Early Life and Influence

• After six years in hiding, Joiada presents Joash as king. Atalia is executed for usurping power. Joash grows up under Joiada’s guidance within the temple, learning about God's promises.

• Under Joiada’s influence, Joash initially leads reforms that restore true worship and eliminate idolatry in Judah. His reign reflects a commitment to God during his formative years.

The Dangers of Superficial Faith

• However, once Joiada dies, it becomes evident that Joash's faith was largely dependent on external influences rather than personal conviction. He shifts towards worldly influences when spiritual oversight diminishes.

• This transition highlights the risks associated with superficial faith—Joash appears devout only while under strong leadership but falters without it. Many today mirror this behavior by remaining steadfast only when guided by strong leaders.

Biblical Parallels and Lessons

• Jesus addresses similar themes in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:21-22), illustrating how shallow faith fails under pressure due to lack of deep roots.

• Such superficiality often leads individuals to abandon their beliefs when faced with challenges or societal pressures; they fail to develop genuine convictions necessary for enduring faith.

Causes Behind Superficial Faith

• Common reasons for superficial faith include a lack of new birth—a concept emphasized by Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus about true transformation through spiritual rebirth (John 3).

• Ezekiel 36:26–27 speaks about God promising a new spirit that enables obedience; true conversion involves surrendering oneself for divine transformation rather than maintaining surface-level beliefs.

• A second reason identified is insufficient biblical convictions; Psalm 119:11 emphasizes storing God's word in one’s heart as essential for maintaining communion with Him amidst life's challenges.

• Additionally, Paul warns against seeking approval from people over God (Galatians 1:10), highlighting how such desires can lead believers away from authentic faith practices.

Personal Encounter with Christ and the Struggle of Identity

The Challenge of Seeking Approval

• The speaker reflects on the tension between seeking human approval versus divine acceptance, emphasizing that true servitude to Christ requires prioritizing God's approval over societal validation.

• There is a struggle within personal relationships, particularly with family and friends, who may question changes in behavior due to newfound faith, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining one's identity in various environments.

Superficiality vs. Depth in Faith

• The desire to please others can lead to superficiality in faith; individuals may compromise their beliefs in non-Christian settings for acceptance.

• The speaker references Romans 1:23-25, discussing how humanity has exchanged God's glory for created images, illustrating a universal inclination towards idolatry.

Understanding Idolatry

• Idolatry is not limited to physical images but extends to anything that takes God's place in our hearts; this includes desires and personal convictions that distract from true worship.

• Historical examples are provided, such as the Israelites creating a golden calf despite witnessing miracles, demonstrating how quickly people can turn away from God.

Insights from Thinkers on Modern Idolatry

• John Calvin's assertion that "the human heart is a perpetual factory of idols" emphasizes the tendency of humans to replace God with false securities or identities.

• Sociologists like Max Weber and Charles Taylor discuss modern man's inclination to elevate personal desires into absolutes, which can become forms of idolatry by replacing God’s authority.

Contemporary Examples of Idols

• Autonomy is identified as a potential idol when it leads individuals to reject dependence on God or community support.

• Success and performance-based identity can overshadow spiritual pursuits; while striving for success isn't inherently sinful, it becomes problematic when it replaces time spent with God.

Understanding Idolatry and Faith

The Nature of Idolatry

• Discusses the concept that anything in balance that does not take God's place is not idolatry; however, when it becomes excessive, it can blind individuals and become an idol.

• Money and stability are highlighted as potential idols, along with social media image and approval, which can lead people to lose their sense of self.

Identity Construction

• Emphasizes the need for individuals to construct identities for recognition by others, which can also become an idol.

• Points out that emotions and experiences based on sensations rather than truth can lead to a faith rooted in seeking emotional highs rather than genuine belief.

Supernatural vs. Natural Faith

• Argues that supernatural occurrences often happen with specific purposes, such as during the early church's establishment to strengthen faith among believers.

• Warns against seeking experiences as the primary reason for worship; true faith should be grounded in God’s word rather than solely on personal experiences.

Political Engagement and Idolatry

• Acknowledges the necessity of political participation but cautions against allowing political figures or ideas to become idols.

• Highlights the importance of maturity in handling faith-related issues without compromising convictions.

Biblical Examples of Resilient Faith

• Cites biblical figures like Joseph and Daniel who maintained their faith amidst trials without succumbing to external pressures or temptations.

• References Apostle Peter's declaration from Acts 5:29 about prioritizing obedience to God over human authority after facing persecution.

Importance of Scripture Knowledge

• Stresses the significance of dedicating time to understand God's word, especially considering historical contexts where knowledge was passed down orally due to widespread illiteracy.

• Encourages believers today to utilize scripture as a guide for their faith journey while recognizing ongoing growth in sanctification throughout life.

Personal Growth in Faith

• Reflecting on personal transformation through understanding scripture emphasizes gradual improvement over time rather than perfectionism.

• Concludes with a reminder that while everyone is a sinner, growth in faith leads to reduced frequency and severity of sinning compared to past behaviors.

The Importance of Testimonies in Faith

Understanding the Role of Testimonies

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of testimonies in glorifying God, illustrating personal transformation through faith.

• A testimony serves to highlight how God has changed a person's life, moving from past struggles to current strength and hope.

• The speaker reflects on hearing testimonies from admired pastors, noting that even leaders experience moments of fragility, showcasing God's work in their lives.

The Power of Personal Stories

• Sharing personal stories allows others to identify with struggles and see God's transformative power, fostering hope for their own situations.

• The challenge is to remain faithful amidst external influences; staying connected to the "true vine" (John 15:4) is essential for spiritual growth.

Staying Connected to Spiritual Roots

The Necessity of Spiritual Convictions

• Being rooted in the true vine ensures faithfulness during challenging times; believers must develop deep convictions based on Scripture.

• The heart symbolizes one's innermost being; it’s crucial for convictions to penetrate deeply into one’s soul for lasting change.

Transformative Change Through Faith

• Individuals are encouraged to confront themselves and alter behaviors in pursuit of becoming more Christ-like, reflecting on His sacrificial love.

• Dependence on the Holy Spirit is vital; personal faith should not rely solely on church leaders but be rooted in individual relationship with God.

Prayer and Vulnerability

Authentic Communication with God

• Jesus teaches about genuine prayer practices, emphasizing humility over public displays of piety (Matthew 6:6).

• True prayer involves vulnerability before God, acknowledging human limitations and seeking divine assistance for transformation.

Real-Life Application

• A recent personal conflict illustrates the need for forgiveness and reliance on God's grace within relationships.

Faith and Community: The Importance of Local Church

The Role of Personal Reflection in Faith

• Acknowledging personal shortcomings is essential; one should seek forgiveness and open their heart to God, which fosters a deeper faith and vital communion with the local church.

• Despite the rise of virtual pastors, there is a critical need for physical pastoral care from someone who knows you personally, emphasizing the importance of being part of a congregation.

Family and Community Engagement

• Families should prioritize attending church together, even if it requires financial effort like using Uber on Sundays, as this strengthens communal faith.

Warnings Against Apostasy

• The story of King Joash serves as a cautionary tale about starting strong but failing to remain faithful; his apostasy illustrates the dangers of superficial faith reliant on human approval.

• Joash's downfall included abandoning his spiritual guide, leading to dire consequences when he faced external threats from enemies.

Consequences of Turning Away from Faith

• Apostasy can lead to vulnerability; Joash’s neglect resulted in an attack by the Syrian army that devastated Jerusalem and its leaders.

Self-Examination and True Devotion

• Individuals must introspect whether their faith relies on Christ or fluctuates with circumstances; true devotion persists even when not under supervision or scrutiny.

• Idols can compete for God's glory in one's heart, hindering genuine communion with Him.

Strengthening Faith Amidst Challenges

• The fall of church leaders can shake one's faith; however, it's crucial to recognize that many churches genuinely uphold God's word despite negative perceptions.

Call to Action: Public Declaration of Faith

• An invitation is extended for those seeking to profess or reaffirm their faith publicly as part of community support during prayer.

Closing Reflections on Spiritual Growth

• Emphasis on public acknowledgment aligns with biblical teachings about manifesting one's faith openly.

• A reminder that God’s word fulfills its purpose by encouraging believers to strengthen their commitment against sin and idolatry.

Prayer and Blessings

Invocation of Blessings

• The speaker begins with a call for affirmation, asking "amém?" which translates to "amen?" indicating a moment of collective agreement or prayer.

• A heartfelt blessing is extended, invoking the love of God the Father, the grace from Jesus Christ, and the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit. This reflects a deep spiritual connection and communal support.

• The speaker reiterates "Amém?" emphasizing the importance of unity in faith and encouraging those present to respond affirmatively, reinforcing community bonds through shared belief.

• The message concludes with well wishes for a blessed week ahead, showcasing an uplifting tone aimed at fostering positivity among listeners.

• The phrase "Deus abençoe" (God bless you) is used as a closing remark, highlighting the central theme of divine blessings throughout the discourse.