The video titled “‘Let The Race Begin…Again’ – 12/31/23 – Pastors Bill Welsh & Andrew Russell” is a Sunday morning service from Refuge Calvary Chapel. The service starts with a Bible reading from Revelation 3:20 and encourages listeners to open the door to Jesus and develop a relationship with Him. The pastors announce a Bible reading program that will begin on January 1st, where participants will read one chapter a day and journal their thoughts and reflections. They also welcome new attendees and mention the presence of missionaries Stephanie Gomez and the Russell family. The pastors also mention the upcoming New Year’s Eve service, inviting everyone to join for games, fellowship, worship, and the Word.
Bible Reading: Revelation 3:20
Welcome to this Sunday morning service at Refuge Calvary Chapel! We hope you’re doing well and are excited to be here. Let’s begin by standing and reading the Bible passage for today, Revelation 3:20. Take a moment to process that you are in church and then let’s read it together:
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with me.”
What an amazing invitation we have from Jesus! He stands at the door of our hearts, knocking, and if we open the door, He promises to come in and have a relationship with us. Let’s read this verse together once more, Revelation 3:20:
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with me.”
Let us pray and acknowledge that this is the kind of intimate relationship that God desires with each and every one of us. Maybe someone here this morning needs to stop running and living a life apart from God. Today, Jesus is inviting you to open that door and allow Him to come in and dwell with you, to have a meal with you, and to have intimacy with you. Let’s pray for those who need to open their hearts to Jesus and also thank God for those who have already said yes to Him. Their lives have been influenced and transformed by His presence. Let us take a moment to worship and glorify His name. Amen.
Worship Songs: King of Kings
Now that we have read the Bible passage and spent a moment in prayer, let’s continue with our worship songs. Today, we will be singing a powerful song called “King of Kings.” This song exalts Jesus as the King of Kings and declares His victory over all things. Let’s lift our voices and worship together, declaring that our God is the Lion of Judah, roaring with power and fighting our battles. Every knee will bow before Him. Let’s sing and praise His name!
Announcement: Bible Reading Program
We have an exciting announcement for the New Year! Starting from January 1st, we will be embarking on a Bible reading program. The goal is to read one chapter of the Bible each day throughout the year. Tomorrow, on January 1st, we will begin with Mark chapter 1. Don’t worry if you missed the memo or don’t have a Bible reading plan yet. We have provided a handout for you to check off each chapter as you read. So, tomorrow morning, as you wake up, take a few moments to read Mark chapter 1 and join us as we dive into God’s Word together. May this reading program deepen our understanding of Scripture and draw us closer to God.
Encouraging Personal Reflections: Journaling thoughts and reflections
As we embark on this Bible reading program, we encourage you to take some time each day to journal your thoughts and reflections. Write down any insights, questions, or prayers that arise from your readings. Journaling can be a valuable tool to help us process and remember what we have learned. It allows us to look back and see how God has been speaking to us throughout the year. So, grab a journal and a pen, and let’s make it a habit to reflect on God’s Word and seek His guidance and wisdom.
Welcome New Attendees
A warm welcome to all the new attendees joining us today! We are so glad to have you here with us. Whether this is your first time or you have been attending for a while, we want you to know that you are part of our church family. We encourage you to connect with others, join a small group, and get involved in the various ministries and events we have to offer. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our pastors or friendly volunteers. We are here to support and walk alongside you on your spiritual journey.
Introduction to Missionaries
Today, we have the joy of introducing two missionary families who are part of our church community. First, we have Stephanie Gomez, who is serving as a missionary in an undisclosed location. Stephanie has been sharing the love of Jesus and reaching out to those in need in the mission field. We are grateful for her dedication and commitment to spreading the Gospel.
Secondly, we have the Russell family from Paris and the Russell family from Australia. They have answered God’s call to serve as missionaries and have been actively involved in local ministries, serving the communities where they are based. We are blessed to have them with us today and look forward to hearing more about their work and experiences.
Let’s take a moment to express our gratitude to all the missionaries who have dedicated their lives to spreading the Gospel and bringing hope to the nations.
Announcement: New Year’s Eve Service
As we wrap up this year, we want to invite you to our annual New Year’s Eve service. The service will begin at 8 PM, and we have a night filled with games, fellowship, worship, and the Word of God planned for you. It will be a joyous and uplifting way to welcome the new year. Our worship team has prepared a special set of songs, and our pastors will share a powerful message to inspire and encourage us as we step into the new year. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gather with the church community, worship together, and seek God’s guidance for the year ahead. See you there!
Conclusion
Thank you for joining us for this Sunday morning service. We hope you had a blessed time of worship, reflection, and fellowship. Remember to start the Bible reading program tomorrow, and don’t forget to journal your thoughts and reflections along the way. Let’s continue to welcome and support new attendees and missionaries in our church community. Lastly, join us for our New Year’s Eve service, starting at 8 PM, as we say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new year with praise and thanksgiving. May God bless you abundantly in the coming year. Have a wonderful week!