And so, dear brothers and sisters,I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42 (NLT)
Why are we better together?
Together we reject a culture of ___________.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…
Together we reject a culture of _______________.
They devoted themselves to…fellowship...
Together we reject a culture of _________________.
They devoted themselves to…the breaking of bread….
Together we reject a culture of _____________________.
They devoted themselves to …prayer.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Pastor Craig Groeschel says, “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” Relationships are not just important. They are essential. They make faith real and life meaningful. In this short two-week series, we will consider the importance of living in rich, genuine and life-giving community. Remember, “life is better together.”
Ed Horne was born and raised in Fort Myers. His grandparents were charter members of Central UMC when it started in 1922. He grew up in the church, and gave his life to Christ in 1972 at a Vacation Bible School. After high school he took a job managing movie theaters. God used his time there to develop his leadership skills. Ed spent the next 17 years seeking after success and money. In 2001 God got his attention when he lost the theater job. He came back to the church and made his walk to Emmaus in 2005. He finally let Jesus have his full life and became a lay speaker at Central. He was there when the it was adopted by Grace Church, and became part of the Guide Team.
Shortly after he received a call into the ministry. He served in Charlotte Harbor at Trinity UMC. During his three years there, the church experienced growth and in 2017 was awarded the One Matters award by the Conference for the greatest increase in professions of Faith and attendance.
He has now returned home to Grace Church Central Campus.
Ed is also very involved in The Kairos Prison Ministry, which brings the love of Christ to the incarcerated. He also serves on The District Leadership Committee.
Ed is married to Jami and has three children. Son's Lin and Chris, and daughter Lea. He has two grandsons, Xavien and Cas.
And so, dear brothers and sisters,I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42 (NLT)
Why are we better together?
Together we reject a culture of ___________.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…
Together we reject a culture of _______________.
They devoted themselves to…fellowship...
Together we reject a culture of _________________.
They devoted themselves to…the breaking of bread….
Together we reject a culture of _____________________.
They devoted themselves to …prayer.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
"
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