Join Coggin Church for their 11 AM service this Sunday as Pastor Dr. Todd Gray delivers a message on the Judges. The sermon will focus on the theme of human sin and how God can use imperfect individuals to fulfill His will. The service will include spoken words and songs of worship, with references to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. There will also be an invitation for guests to provide their information for connection, as well as announcements of upcoming events, including a missions luncheon, kids worship service, and core class. Prayer will be offered for college students and faculty, and there will be a baptism of a believer named Hadley. Worship songs will proclaim faith and trust in God’s love, and the message will highlight the story of Samson from the book of Judges, focusing on Samson’s spiritual immaturity, impulsive decisions, and failed marriage. The conclusion will emphasize the importance of learning from Samson’s mistakes and turning to Christ to avoid personal and spiritual heartache.
Service Details
Time and Location
Join Coggin Church for their 11 AM service this Sunday at the church location. It’s a great opportunity to gather together with fellow believers and worship God.
Message by Pastor Dr. Todd Gray
The message for this service will be delivered by Pastor Dr. Todd Gray. He will be focusing on the Judges, specifically discussing the theme of human sin and God’s will. Pastor Dr. Todd Gray is known for his insightful and engaging sermons, so you won’t want to miss this message.
Focus on the Judges
The content of this service will center around the book of Judges, specifically chapters 14 and 15. The story of Samson, one of the judges, will be highlighted to illustrate how imperfect individuals can still play a role in God’s plan.
Theme: Human Sin and God’s Will
The overarching theme of the service is the relationship between human sin and God’s will. The story of Samson will be used as an example to explore the questions of how God can use a sinful person and how someone can be respected but still engage in wickedness.
Content Overview
Spoken Words and Worship Songs
The service will consist of a collection of spoken words and worship songs. These elements are designed to create an atmosphere of reverence and praise, helping attendees connect with God on a deeper level.
References to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit
Throughout the service, you will hear references to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. These references serve as reminders of the divine presence and the central role of the Trinity in our faith.
Belief in God and the Resurrection
The service includes a declaration of belief in God and the Resurrection. This affirmation reflects the core beliefs of Christianity and serves as a reminder of the hope we have in Christ’s victory over death.
Invitation for Connection
As a guest, you are invited to provide your information for connection. Whether you are joining in person or online, the church values the opportunity to partner and pray with you. You can fill out a connect card or scan a QR code to get connected with the church community.
Announcement of Upcoming Events
During the service, there will be announcements of upcoming events. These include a missions luncheon, a kids worship service called “Kids Connect,” and a core class on spiritual formation. These events provide opportunities for growth, fellowship, and service within the church.
Prayer for College Students and Faculty
In light of the return of college students to the community, there will be a special prayer dedicated to college students and faculty. The church recognizes the importance of supporting and uplifting this group as they navigate their academic and spiritual journeys.
Baptism of a Believer
During the service, there will be a baptism ceremony for a believer named Hadley. Baptism symbolizes a believer’s identification with Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. This momentous occasion reflects the commitment and faith of the individual being baptized.
Worship Song Lyrics
The service will include the singing of worship songs. The lyrics of these songs will proclaim faith and trust in God’s love and his power to bring about redemption and transformation.
Prayer for God’s Guidance
Before the message, there will be a prayer for God’s presence and guidance. This prayer seeks God’s wisdom and illumination, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak through Pastor Dr. Todd Gray’s words.
Availability of Bible in Pew
For those who might not have a physical Bible, there will be a Bible available in the pew. This ensures that everyone has access to the Word of God and can follow along with the references throughout the service.
Biblical Focus
Book of Judges, Chapters 14-15
The content of the service will center around the book of Judges, specifically chapters 14 and 15. These chapters outline the story of Samson, one of the judges whom God used to deliver Israel from their enemies.
Samson’s Role in God’s Plan
The focus of the message will be on Samson’s role in God’s plan, despite his flaws and sinful actions. This story serves as a reminder that God can still work through imperfect individuals to accomplish his purposes.
Discussion on Imperfect Individuals
The story of Samson raises questions about the use of imperfect individuals to fulfill God’s will. It challenges us to examine our own lives and consider how God can use us despite our flaws and mistakes.
Respecting Someone Engaging in Wickedness
Another aspect that will be addressed is the tension between respecting someone while they engage in wickedness. The story of Samson raises ethical questions about how we should approach individuals who have both positive and negative attributes.
Samson’s Journey
Childhood Memories and God’s Plan
The narrative will explore Samson’s childhood memories and how they shaped his journey. Despite the destructive aspects of his early experiences, God had a plan for Samson’s life.
Spiritual Immaturity and Selfishness
As Samson grew older, he began to show signs of spiritual immaturity and selfishness. These character flaws led him down a path of impulsive decisions and disobedience to his Nazarite vow.
Impulsive Decisions
Samson’s impulsive decisions further showcased his lack of self-control. He often acted on his emotions without considering the consequences, leading to destructive outcomes.
Disobedience to Nazarite Vow
One of Samson’s major failures was his disobedience to his Nazarite vow. This vow required him to abstain from certain actions and behaviors. However, Samson repeatedly broke these vows, disregarding God’s commandments.
Anger Leading to Violence
Samson’s anger was another prominent characteristic that influenced his journey. His anger often led to acts of violence and revenge, causing harm to himself and others.
Failed Marriage and Revenge
Samson’s failed marriage to a Philistine woman fueled his desire for revenge. He sought vengeance on the Philistines, leading to a cycle of violence and bloodshed.
Learning from Samson’s Mistakes
The story of Samson serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the consequences of pride, selfishness, and disobedience. By examining Samson’s mistakes, we can learn valuable lessons for our own lives.
Turning to Christ to Avoid Heartache
The overarching message of Samson’s journey is the importance of turning to Christ to avoid personal and spiritual heartache. By placing our trust and reliance on Jesus, we can find forgiveness, healing, and redemption.
The Story of Samson
Gathering 300 Foxes
One notable event in Samson’s story is his gathering of 300 foxes. This act demonstrated his determination and resourcefulness in carrying out his plans.
Burning Foxes Destroy Philistine Harvest
Samson tied the foxes together by their tails and set their tails on fire. This caused widespread destruction in the Philistines’ harvest, serving as a form of retaliation against them.
Retaliation and Revenge
When the Philistines retaliated by killing Samson’s new wife and her father, Samson sought revenge. This event set off a chain reaction of violence and bloodshed.
Samson’s Killing Spree
Driven by anger and revenge, Samson went on a killing spree, unleashing his strength against the Philistines. This act further escalated the conflict between Samson and the Philistines.
Taking Shelter in the Cleft of a Rock
Samson took shelter in the cleft of a rock, seeking refuge and safety from his enemies. This moment of vulnerability highlights the contrast between Samson’s strength and his need for protection.
Binding by Israelites
The Israelites, fearing the repercussions of Samson’s actions, chose to bind him and deliver him to the Philistines. This betrayal further complicated Samson’s journey.
Killing a Thousand Philistine Men
Even in his bound state, Samson managed to break free and killed a thousand Philistine men with the jawbone of a donkey. This display of strength showcased God’s unwavering support for Samson.
Victory Over Philistines
Samson’s actions resulted in a victory over the Philistines, demonstrating God’s power and deliverance. This victory served as a turning point in Samson’s journey.
Thirst and God’s Provision
After the battle, Samson found himself thirsty and cried out to God. Despite his immaturity and drama, God showed patience and mercy by providing him with water to drink.
Samson’s Ineffective Judging
Despite his heroic feats, Samson’s journey also revealed his ineffective judging of Israel. His rule lacked the desired spiritual depth and led to a continued cycle of sin and oppression.
God’s Providence and Mercy
Working Despite Man’s Sinfulness
The story of Samson highlights God’s ability to work through and despite human sinfulness. God is not limited by our flaws but can use them to accomplish his purposes.
Using Human Failures for Success
God often uses human failures as the foundation for his success. The story of Samson serves as a reminder that even in our weaknesses, God can bring about redemption and victory.
Jesus’ Crucifixion as Example
The crucifixion of Jesus serves as the ultimate example of God using sin and human depravity to accomplish salvation. This reminds us that no sin is too great for God’s grace to overcome.
No Excuse for Sinning
While God can use sin for his purposes, Christians should not use this as an excuse for sinning. We are called to live lives of holiness and obedience, striving to reflect God’s character and love.
Gifts Without the Fruits of the Spirit
The story of Samson highlights the danger of using spiritual gifts without producing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. It is essential to cultivate both the gifts and the fruits of the Spirit to truly represent God.
Importance of Exhibiting Fruits of the Spirit
The fruits of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control, are crucial for believers to exhibit in their lives. These characteristics should be evident in how we use our spiritual gifts.
Misrepresentation of God
Using spiritual gifts without the fruits of the Spirit can misrepresent God and convey a distorted image of his character. It is essential to align our actions and attitudes with God’s nature, reflecting his love and grace.
Correlation to First Corinthians Chapter 13
The correlation between Samson’s misuse of his gifts and the lack of love is reminiscent of First Corinthians chapter 13. This chapter emphasizes the importance of love as the foundation for using one’s gifts effectively.
Squandering Gifts and Lack of Humility
Samson’s Lack of Love for God and Humility
Samson’s story reveals his lack of love for God and humility. His pride and self-serving nature led to a squandering of his incredible gift of strength.
Pride, Self-Control, and Anger
Samson’s pride was a prominent factor in his journey. It resulted in a lack of self-control and anger, causing him to make impulsive and destructive decisions.
Misuse of Gifts by Intellectuals and Athletes
Samson’s story serves as a cautionary tale for intellectuals and athletes who can also misuse their gifts due to pride and self-serving arrogance. It highlights the importance of humility and submission to God’s will.
Abiding in Relationship with Christ
To avoid squandering our gifts and falling into the same pitfalls as Samson, it is crucial to abide in a deep and meaningful relationship with Christ. This relationship grounds us in humility and directs our actions according to God’s will.
Seeking God’s Will and Bearing Fruit
Seeking God’s will and inviting the Holy Spirit to guide our lives is essential for bearing the spiritual fruit. By cultivating a heart of humility and reliance on God, we can use our gifts in a manner that brings glory to him.
Signs of Spiritual Immaturity
Impulsivity and Lack of Self-Control
Samson’s journey demonstrates signs of spiritual immaturity, including impulsivity and a lack of self-control. These characteristics hindered his ability to make wise decisions and caused unnecessary turmoil in his life.
Unteachable Attitude
Samson’s unteachable attitude and unwillingness to learn from his mistakes further reflected his spiritual immaturity. This closed-mindedness prevented growth and hindered his relationship with God.
Jesus as the Example
Jesus stands as the ultimate example of self-control and meekness. His life and teachings serve as a model for believers to emulate, especially in cultivating a teachable spirit.
Teachability Requires Humility
Being teachable requires humility and a willingness to admit our limitations and learn from others. It is through humble submission that we can grow in our faith and journey towards maturity in Christ.
Hope and Salvation in the Gospel
Despite our flaws and spiritual immaturity, the gospel offers us hope and the opportunity for salvation. It is through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross that we can find forgiveness and restoration.
Trusting God’s Sovereignty
Trusting in God’s sovereignty is crucial in our journey towards maturity. Even in moments of confusion or hardship, we can rest knowing that God is in control and working all things for our good.
Bringing Complaints to God
Samson’s story teaches us the importance of bringing our complaints and brokenness to God. He is always ready to listen and provide for our needs, demonstrating his love and care for his children.
Availability of Altar for Prayer
During the service, there will be an altar available for prayer and reflection. This sacred space allows individuals to commune with God and pour out their hearts before him.
Additional Information
Pastoral Staff Availability
The pastoral staff will be available in the cafe and information booth after the service. They are ready and willing to answer any questions or meet with guests who desire further conversation or prayer.
Altar as a Place of Reflection
The altar serves as a place of reflection and personal connection with God. It is a space where individuals can seek solitude, offer prayers, and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
Importance of Learning from Samson’s Story
The story of Samson serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the consequences of pride, selfishness, and disobedience. By examining Samson’s mistakes, we can learn valuable lessons for our own lives and avoid similar pitfalls.
Turning to Christ to Avoid Heartache
Ultimately, the key to avoiding personal and spiritual heartache is turning to Christ. By placing our trust in Him, we can find peace, forgiveness, and redemption. May we strive to live lives that honor and reflect the love and grace of our Savior.