14 Jun “IDOLS” – North Attleboro
UNIVERSITY STUDIES AT WATERS CHURCH – FILL OUT THE INTEREST FORM BY JUNE 10TH!
Check the Events Page for What is Happening (not everything is listed here) (waterschurch.org/events)
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LIFE GROUP LEADER TRAINING – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17.
Please have your apprentices who are ready to lead a group register using the link below:
NEW>>>>
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:
We are also looking for themed raffle baskets, raffle items, or services. If you’d like to contribute, please email maparsons@waterschurch.org or 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: Exodus 32
ICE BREAKER
Q. If you could add one completely useless but hilarious feature to your car, what would it be?
Examples: popcorn dispenser, confetti cannon, karaoke machine, hot dog roller, etc.
Opening Prayer:
Father, we thank You for gathering us together today. Search our hearts and reveal anything that is competing for Your rightful place in our lives. Give us the humility to repent, the courage to surrender, and the desire to follow You above all else. Help us hear Your voice and respond with obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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In our world today, people are always searching, chasing for something, and looking for direction in all the wrong places.
All the things we chase after apart from God eventually become idols. Running to something other than God for fulfillment will always leave us empty because only He can truly satisfy.
Q. What are some things people create idols out of?
Exodus 32:1-8 ESV
Exodus 20:3 NIV
Like Israel, though God is blessing us, we are still looking for security in the wrong places.
3 IDOLS OF THIS GENERATION:
- The IDOL of SELF.
When we put our own desires and our own truth over the word of God, we are making ourselves our own idol.
Luke 9:23-24 ESV
Q. What are some ways our culture encourages us to put ourselves at the center instead of Christ?
Leader Prompt:
Help the group recognize that following Jesus requires daily surrender and the choice to set His will above our own desires.
Practical Application:
Identify one area where God is calling you to surrender your own desires and follow Him more fully. Would anyone like to share?
2. The IDOL of APPROVAL.
Chasing likes, relationships, recognition, and praise from people. When your worth depends on someone else’s acceptance or validation, approval has become an idol.
Luke 6:26 ESV
Q. How can the desire for acceptance or approval from others affect your walk with God?
Leader Prompt:
Encourage the group to consider whether they are seeking people’s approval more than God’s.
Practical Application:
Ask God to reveal where the fear of people’s opinions has been influencing your decisions, and take one step this week to put His truth first.
3. The IDOL of SECURITY.
Exodus 32:4 ESV
Security is found only in Jesus. Our riches and possessions belong to Him.
Q. What are some things people often look to for security instead of trusting God?
Leader Prompt:
Remind the group that anything we depend on more than God can become an idol, even good things.
Practical Application:
Identify one area where you’ve been relying on your own resources, plans, or comfort more than God. This week, take one intentional step to trust Him instead through prayer, obedience, or surrender.
3 WAYS TO DESTROY IDOLS:
- RECOGNIZE the IDOL and REPENT.
You can’t defeat an idol you refuse to identify. Often, others can see things in us that we cannot see in ourselves. We need the humility to receive godly correction and allow God to reveal what may be competing for first place in our hearts.
1 John 1:9 ESV
Q. Why is honest confession and repentance essential for breaking the power of idols in our lives?
Leader Prompt:
Help the group see that freedom begins when we acknowledge our idols and bring them before God.
Practical Application:
Ask God to reveal any idols in your life and spend time this week confessing them and turning back to Him.
2. RETURN to HIS PRESENCE.
Exodus 33:15 ESV
If God’s presence isn’t there, we shouldn’t want to be there either. The best place for a believer is wherever Jesus is leading.
We need to be people who seek God.
Q. How does spending time in God’s presence help keep idols from taking root in our hearts?
Leader Prompt:
Encourage the group to prioritize God’s presence over performance, activity, or distractions.
Practical Application:
Commit to one practical step this week that will help you spend more intentional time in God’s presence each day.
3. REPLACE the IDOL with total SURRENDER.
Exodus 34:10 NIV
We cannot hide from God; He can see everything.
When the Israelites destroyed their idols, God made a covenant with them.
Q. What does total surrender to Jesus look like in everyday life?
Leader Prompt:
Remind the group that idols lose their grip when Jesus becomes our highest priority and greatest treasure.
Sermon in a sentence:
ANYTHING I place before GOD becomes an IDOL, but SURRENDERING to JESUS restores Him to His rightful place in MY LIFE.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for loving us enough to reveal the things that compete for Your place in our hearts. Forgive us for the times we have placed ourselves, approval, security, or anything else above You. Help us recognize our idols, return to Your presence, and surrender every part of our lives to You. May You be first in our hearts and the center of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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