Devotion to God’s WordDevotion to God’s Word

Psalm 138:8 (NIV)Psalm 138:8 (NIV)8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for 8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures foreverme; your love, O Lord, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your — do not abandon the works of your hands. hands.

““Discovering the Discovering the Holy Act of Greeting”Holy Act of Greeting”Series: Greet One AnotherSeries: Greet One Another

Sunday, July 11, 2004Sunday, July 11, 2004Larry CantrellLarry Cantrell

Romans 16:1-16

““Discovering the Discovering the Holy Act of Greeting”Holy Act of Greeting”

Why do we greet others?Why do we greet others?• Greeting others is a biblical imperative.Greeting others is a biblical imperative.• Greeting others shows our openness to Greeting others shows our openness to

fellowship.fellowship.• Greeting others illustrates our common bond Greeting others illustrates our common bond

in Christ.in Christ.• Greeting others establishes community in Greeting others establishes community in

the church.the church.

““Discovering the Discovering the Holy Act of Greeting”Holy Act of Greeting”

The reason we greet by name• Greeting is encouraged in the scriptures.• We acknowledge friends or family

members by name.• Greeting allows for face to face

interaction.• Greeting is a clear demonstration of

unity.

““Discovering the Discovering the Holy Act of Greeting”Holy Act of Greeting”

Let’s us Greet one another• Devote 25 minutes to greet one another.

Arrive 15 minutes early (leaders and teachers arrive first).

9:15 a.m. Bible Class; 10:15 a.m. Worship.Immediately after service commit 10 minutes to

greet visitors or someone you do not know.

• Greetings prepare us for worship.• Greetings confirm our love for one another.

““Discovering the Discovering the Holy Act of Greeting”Holy Act of Greeting”

What should I say?Initial conversations• “It is nice to see you today.”• “Thanks for being here today.”• “Are you ready for Bible class or Worship?”• “Is this your first time here at Meridian Woods?”• “You are our honored guest.”• “Did you complete an attendance card today?”• “We want to greet you by name and pray for your week.”• “How long have you been a member?”• “Did you enjoy worship and/or Bible class today?”• “Would you like more information about our church?”

““Discovering the Discovering the Holy Act of Greeting”Holy Act of Greeting”

What should I say?Extended conversations• “Tell me about your week.”• “What kind of week are you hoping to have this

week?”• “Can I pray over your week?”• “I like for us to have lunch.”• “Can I help you get involved in our church?”• “What is God developing in your life?”• “What has God taught you this week?”• “Are you in a Life Group?”

““Discovering the Discovering the Holy Act of Greeting”Holy Act of Greeting”

What should I say?Deeper conversations• “Are you connected to the church (Meridian

Woods)?”• “Are we helping you to grow in Christ?”• “Into what ministry is God leading you?”• “How are your spiritual gifts developing?”• “What is your primary ministry in the church?”• “Has God given you opportunities to reach out

this week?”• “How is your Life Group?”

The Lord’s InvitationThe Lord’s Invitation

Philemon 4-5 (NIV)Philemon 4-5 (NIV)4 I always thank my God as I remember 4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.your love for all the saints.