28 Jun “7 Letters”| Part Two – “Don’t Let Religion Replace Relationship” -All Locations
Check the Events Page for What is Happening (not everything is listed here) (waterschurch.org/events)
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NEW ENGLAND — GET READY!
Join us for our Second Annual Waters Academy Golf Tournament!
We invite you to be part of this exciting event by registering to play or becoming a sponsor. Your participation helps us continue to grow and build Waters Academy!
Click the links below to get involved:
Please consider supporting our tournament by donating a themed raffle basket, raffle items, gift cards, products, services, or a monetary contribution. Your generosity helps make this event a success and directly benefits the students of Waters Academy.
To contribute, please contact Mary Ann Parsons at maparsons@waterschurch.org or Renee Scafidi at renee@watersacademy.org.
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WATERS UNIVERSITY
We’re looking to grow healthy Christians at Waters Church…spiritually, physically, mentally, financially, and relationally — that is the mission of Waters University.
Alpha is a welcoming, conversation‑driven introduction to the Christian faith where anyone (new & non-believers) can explore life’s big questions in a relaxed, judgment‑free environment.
Re‑Engage Christ‑centered marriage enrichment
Financial Peace University : Achieve financial stability with God
Celebrate Recovery Overcome hurts and habits
We’re looking for Life Groups and/or individuals to provide or donate meals for upcoming Alpha classes at the North Attleboro, Woonsocket, Southcoast, and Apollo Beach campuses. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
Go to the Waters Events page or click the link below for more information on classes, Alpha meal prep, and to register for both.
WATERS U (https://watersu.org/)
Please note: Life Groups that generously provide or sponsor a meal for Alpha are deeply appreciated. To help create a safe and consistent environment where guests feel comfortable opening up, we kindly ask that groups serve the meal and then allow the Alpha team and registered participants to continue the class and discussion.
Thank you!
Waters Class Schedule:
- Growth Track – Check the schedule and register on the events page.
- 4th Sunday: Baptism Class – after every service
Waters Help: Need marriage and family care, or have a group member who does? Click here: help resources page or visit waterschurch.org/help
Location Text Alerts:
| North Attleboro | Text “subscribe” to 508 695-1300 | |
| Norwood | Text “subscribe” to 781 762-3357 | |
| Apollo Beach | Text “subscribe” to 813 642-6979 | |
| Woonsocket | Text “subscribe” to 833 241-4837 | |
| Southcoast | Text “subscribe” to 508 809-3490 | |
Check the Events Page for What is Happening (not everything is listed here) (waterschurch.org/events)
PLEASE CHECK YOUR NOTIFICATIONS AND OR YOUR PLANNING CENTER PROFILES FOR NEW MEMBER REQUESTS.
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SATURDAY MORNING PRAYER AND 6:00 AM WORSHIP ON PAUSE THROUGH THE SUMMER.
NOTE:
Two opportunities to pray:
Leaders only: Please be available at the end of services to pray for those who come forward. If you are not actively serving during the service you are attending, make it a priority to head to the front when the invitation is given. Your presence matters!
North Attleboro Leaders and members: If you or any member of your group who currently serves is available, there is an opportunity to meet for prayer in the conference room off the break room during the second and third services. Please see Doug and Joanie White or Felix Shyllon if you would like to be a part of that ministry.
Please note: if you have a member who is not currently serving and would like to be part of the prayer during the service team, please have them take the appropriate steps to become a serve team member.
NORTH ATTLEBORO
Prayer at the Altar – AFTER SERVICES
If possible, please make an effort to be at the altar after this service to pray for others.
Your presence makes a difference—thank you for serving!
**Please read all scripture in the ESV, unless otherwise noted.**
**The Leader prompts help you, as the leader, move the conversation along.**
Key Verse: Revelation 2
7 Letters – Part 2
Ice Breaker:
Q. If your life had a “Favorites” playlist like a music app, what are the top three things that would make the list?
Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us first and inviting us into a relationship with You. As we study Your Word today, search our hearts and reveal anything that has taken the place of our love for You. Help us not to settle for simply doing the right things, but to delight in knowing You and loving You with all our hearts. Restore our passion for You and teach us to live out our faith with genuine love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The first challenge Jesus addresses to the first Church concerns a Church that lost its love for Jesus.
Don’t let religion replace relationship when it comes to Jesus Christ.
Revelation 2:1-3 ESV
The word angel in Greek means messenger. God speaks to the Church, not just people individually.
Jesus walks among us, and He knows us.
Revelation 2:4-6 ESV
A Church can have all the right theology but be emotionally distant from the Lord.
- It is possible to be DUTIFUL but not LOVING.
When we think we deserve better and compare ourselves to others, we fall into the trap of dutifully serving Jesus without genuinely loving Him.
Luke 10:40-42 ESV
Q. What are some warning signs that our relationship with Jesus has become more about duty than devotion, and how can we rekindle our first love for Him?
Leader Prompt:
Encourage the group to think about their daily walk with Christ. Ask, “What are some signs that our spiritual routines have become habits instead of expressions of love for Jesus?”
Practical Application:
Set aside intentional, uninterrupted time with Jesus this week—not to complete a spiritual task, but simply to enjoy His presence through prayer, worship, and His Word. Ask God to rekindle your first love for Him.
2. It’s impossible to faithfully REPRESENT Jesus without LOVE.
Revelation 2:4 NLT
Jesus tells us to love each other and to love Him.
John 13:34–35 ESV
1 John 4:20–21 ESV
Romans 12:9–10 ESV
LOVE is the SOIL where our CONNECTION to God and others GROWS.
Jesus wants us to love Him more and more as the years go on.
Q. How does the way we love others reveal the authenticity of our relationship with Jesus?
Leader Prompt:
Ask the group to reflect on this question: If someone only observed the way you treated others this week, what would they conclude about your relationship with Jesus?
Practical Application:
This week, intentionally show Christlike love to someone who may be difficult to love or someone who simply needs encouragement. Let your words, actions, and attitude point them to Jesus, remembering that love is the soil where our connection to God and others grows.
3. It’s possible to GROW deeper in LOVE with God and EACH OTHER.
- DESTROY the things that SEPARATE you from God.
Acts 19:18–19 ESV
B. PARTICIPATE in BIG and SMALL community.
Acts 20:18–20 ESV
C. Visibly EXPRESS your BOND with each other.
Acts 20:36–38 ESV
Romans 12:9 NLT
Revelation 2:7 ESV
Q. Which of the three responses—removing what separates you from God, engaging in biblical community, or expressing love to others—is the greatest growth opportunity for you right now, and why?
Leader Prompt:
Encourage the group to think practically. Ask, “Which of these challenges speaks to you most right now: removing something that’s pulling you away from God, engaging more intentionally in Christian community, or expressing Christlike love more openly? Why?”
Practical Application:
Choose one intentional step this week:
* Remove a habit or distraction that is weakening your walk with God.
* Make a commitment to participate more fully in your Life Group or church community.
* Express your love for someone through encouragement, prayer, hospitality, or a simple act of kindness.
Sermon in a sentence:
Jesus loves His church too much to let our DUTY replace our DEVOTION.
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