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Now displaying: October, 2021
Oct 31, 2021

QUESTION: CAN YOU TEACH ON THE “END TIMES”? HOW DO WE PREPARE FOR THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS?

WE BELIEVE AS A CHURCH IN THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST, OR IN OTHER WORDS THE FACT THAT JESUS IS COMING AGAIN!

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven?

Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:9-11

OVER 300 REFERENCES IN N.T. OF JESUS’ RETURN

216/260 CHAPTERS IN THE N.T. REFERENCE JESUS’ RETURN

23 OF THE 27 N.T. BOOKS REFERENCE JESUS’ RETURN

However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. Matthew 24:36

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Matthew 24:3-14

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

      WARS & THREATS

      FAMINES & EARTHQUAKES

      HATRED ALL OVER THE WORLD FOR BELIEVERS

      SIN WILL BE RAMPANT

      LOVE WILL GROW COLD

      THE GOSPEL BEING PREACHED TO THE WHOLE WORLD

      WORLD WIDE SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY

 

And for three and a half days, all peoples, tribes, languages, and nations will stare at their bodies. No one will be allowed to bury them. Revelation 11:9 NLT

      WORLDWIDE FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY

WHAT IS THE WORLD’S RESPONSE?

Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” 2 Peter 3:3-4

      MOCK THE TRUTH

      FOLLOW THEIR DESIRES

WHAT IS THE REALITY?

But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. 2 Peter 3:8-10

      GOD WANTS ALL TO BE SAVED

      MANY PEOPLE WILL NOT BE READY

Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Matthew 24:40-42

WHAT IS MY RESPONSE?

“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. Matthew 25:1-13 NLT

  WE SHOULD BE CLEAR-HEADED

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 1 Peter 4:7 ESV

For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. Philippians 3:18-20

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 1 Timothy 6:11-12,14 NLT

  WE SHOULD ELEVATE OUR RELATIONSHIPS

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. 1 Peter 4:8-9

  WE SHOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:10-11

  WE SHOULD RECEIVE JESUS’ FORGIVENESS

Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live? 2 Peter 3:11

Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. Isaiah 55:6-7

 

Oct 24, 2021

 

 

QUESTION: CAN WE TALK MORE IN-DEPTH ABOUT SIN STRUGGLES IN THE CHURCH, IE: LUST, SEXUAL SIN, AND ADDICTIONS, ETC...

 

1. WHY DO WE DEAL WITH IT?

 

Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires… Romans 1:21,25-26 NLT

 

Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18 NLT

 

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT

 

YOU WERE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE

 

YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN. YOU BELONG TO GOD.

 

HIS SPIRIT WAS PUT IN YOU

 

HONOR GOD WITH YOUR BODY

 

IT MEANS YOU ARE FREE FROM GODS WRATH

 

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. Romans 3:23-25 ESV

 

And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. Romans 5:9 NLT

 

IT MEANS YOU ARE FREE FROM SATAN

 

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Colossians 2:13-15 NLT

 

IT MEANS YOU ARE FREE FROM SIN

 

For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT

 

IT MEANS YOU ARE FREE FROM OURSELVES AND OTHERS

 

He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 2 Corinthians 5:15 NLT

 

God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world. 1 Corinthians 7:23 NLT

 

2. HOW DO WE CONQUER IT?

 

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV

 

A-

N-

T-

H-

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M-

 

A- AVOID

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But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:19,22 NLT

 

 

A- AVOID

N- NO (WITHIN 5 SECONDS)

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Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. James 4:7-8 NLT

 

'For if you live by its (sinful nature) dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. Romans 8:13 NLT

 

A- AVOID

N- NO (WITHIN 5 SECONDS)

T- TURN

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M-

 

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Colossians 3:1-2 NLT

 

for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:20 NLT

 

They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again. Mark 10:34 NLT

 

A- AVOID

N- NO (WITHIN 5 SECONDS)

T- TURN

H- HOLD

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M-

 

let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT

 

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 NLT

 

A- AVOID

N- NO (WITHIN 5 SECONDS)

T- TURN

H- HOLD

E- ENJOY

M-

 

'You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires. Colossians 2:20-23 NLT

 

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalms 16:11 NLT

 

The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. Psalms 19:8-10 NLT

 

A- AVOID

N- NO (WITHIN 5 SECONDS)

T- TURN

H- HOLD

E- ENJOY

M- MOVE

 

I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber. Proverbs 24:30-34 NLT

 

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:14 NLT

Oct 17, 2021

18 to 29-year-olds that grew up as Christians

 

10% are Resilient Disciples

 

5 PRACTICES OF RESILIENT DISCIPLES

 

1. THEY EXPERIENCE INTIMACY WITH JESUS WHICH FORMS A RESILIENT IDENTITY

 

2. DEVELOP MUSCLES OF CULTURAL DISCERNMENT IN A COMPLEX AND ANXIOUS CULTURE

 

3. THEY BUILD MEANINGFUL, INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

 

4. THEY ARE MOTIVATED AND TRAINED FOR VOCATIONAL DISCIPLESHIP

 

5. RESILIENT DISCIPLES CURB THEIR ENTITLEMENT AND SELF-CENTERED TENDENCIES BY ENGAGING IN COUNTERCULTURAL MISSION

 

 

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 12:2 NLT

 

If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. But don’t begin until you count the cost. Luke 14:26-28 NLT

 

WITHOUT INTENTIONALITY WE WILL DRIFT TOWARDS CONFORMITY AND COMPLACENCY

 

let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2 NLT

 

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT

 

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.  John 14:6

 

My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT

 

that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:5 NLT

 

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30 NLT

 

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. Matthew 5:5 NLT

 

WHAT GETS RID OF SELF-CENTERED WAYS AND CHECKS ENTITLEMENT IS SERVICE, SACRIFICE, SILENCE, SOLITUDE, LETTING GO OF CONTROL, AND THINKING LESS ABOUT YOURSELF. DAVID KINNAMAN

 

HOW DO WE LIVE ON MISSION WHILE IN EXILE?

 

1. EXILES SHOULD MAKE PRAYER A MISSION.

And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7 NLT

 

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2

 

2. EXILES SHOULD BE FAITHFUL AND HOLY

 

Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 NLT

 

So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.”  1 Peter 1:17 NLT

 

3. EXILES SHOULD BE FRUITFUL

 

Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! Jeremiah 29:5-6 NLT

 

4. EXILES MUST BE WARY, REALISTIC, AND HOPEFUL

 

Do not let your prophets and fortune-tellers who are with you in the land of Babylon trick you. Do not listen to their dreams, because they are telling you lies in my name. I have not sent them,” says the Lord . Jeremiah 29:8-9 NLT

 

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

 

5. EXILES SHOULD TAKE EPIC RISKS TO SAY AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT

 

And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. Philippians 1:12-14 NLT

 

6. EXILES MUST FIND THEIR HOME IN GOD

 

'In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord.  Jeremiah 29:12-14 NLT

Oct 10, 2021

18 to 29-year-olds that grew up as Christians

 

22% are Prodigals

 

30% are Nomads

 

38% are Habitual Churchgoers

 

10% are Resilient Disciples

 

5 PRACTICES OF RESILIENT DISCIPLES

 

1. THEY EXPERIENCE INTIMACY WITH JESUS WHICH FORMS A RESILIENT IDENTITY

 

2. DEVELOP MUSCLES OF CULTURAL DISCERNMENT IN A COMPLEX AND ANXIOUS CULTURE

 

3. THEY BUILD MEANINGFUL, INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

 

4. THEY ARE MOTIVATED AND TRAINED FOR VOCATIONAL DISCIPLESHIP

 

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 NLT

 

'A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. ' 1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT

 

“A SPIRITUAL GIFT IS A SPECIAL SUPERNATURAL ABILITY THAT GOD GIVES TO EACH OF HIS CHILDREN SO THAT TOGETHER WE CAN ADVANCE HIS PURPOSES IN THIS WORLD.” -PASTOR CHRIS HODGES

 

“Our souls are not hungry for fame, comfort, wealth, or power. Those rewards create almost as many problems as they solve. Our souls are hungry for meaning, for the sense that we have figured out how to live so that our lives matter, so that the world will be at least a little bit different for our having passed through it.” Rabbi Harold Kushner

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NLT

'In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.  Romans 12:6 NLT

 

FOUR LIVED TRUTHS OF A VOCATIONAL DISCIPLE

 

1. I CLEARLY SEE HOW THE WORK I AM DOING SERVES GOD

2. I FIND PURPOSE AND MEANING IN THE WORK I DO

3. AS A CHRISTIAN, IS IMPORTANT TO MOLD THE CULTURE OF MY WORKPLACE

4. I AM DRIVEN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD

 

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward. Colossians 3:23-24 NLT

1. WE HAVE TO DISCOVER OUR WHY

 

'You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.' Psalms 139:13-14 NLT

 

“Humans were made to have meaning. Without purpose, life is meaningless. A meaningless life is a life without hope or significance. This is a profound statement and one that everyone should spend time pondering. God gives purpose. Purpose gives meaning. Meaning gives hope and significance. There is awesome truth contained within that logic.” Rick Warren

 

QUESTION 1: WHAT DO YOU CRY ABOUT?

 

QUESTION 2: WHAT DO YOU SING ABOUT?

 

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

QUESTION 3: WHAT DO YOU DREAM ABOUT?

 

2. WE UNDERSTAND SUSTAINABLE INFLUENCE IS BASED ON CHARACTER NOT TALENT

 

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14,16 NLT

 

MARK 1: A WISE PERSON TRUSTS IN GOD

MARK 2: A WISE PERSON WALKS IN HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

MARK 3: A WISE PERSON SEEKS GOOD COUNSEL

MARK 4: A WISE PERSON USES WORDS WISELY

MARK 5: A WISE PERSON EXERCISES SELF-CONTROL

MARK 6: A WISE PERSON MANAGES THEIR RESOURCES

MARK 7: A WISE PERSON LIVES IN PEACE

 

3. WE UNDERSTAND WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER

 

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16

 

4. WE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHERE WE ARE AT AND WE GROW INTO WHERE DESIRE TO BE.

 

 

 

Oct 3, 2021

18 to 29-year-olds that grew up as Christians

 

22% are Prodigals

 

30% are Nomads

 

38% are Habitual Churchgoers

 

10% are Resilient Disciples

 

5 PRACTICES OF RESILIENT DISCIPLES

 

1. THEY EXPERIENCE INTIMACY WITH JESUS WHICH FORMS A RESILIENT IDENTITY

 

2. DEVELOP MUSCLES OF CULTURAL DISCERNMENT IN A COMPLEX AND ANXIOUS CULTURE

 

3. THEY BUILD MEANINGFUL, INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

 

I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. 1 John 2:13 NKJV

 

GOD'S IDEA OF A HEALTHY CHURCH IS MULTIGENERATIONAL

 

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:1-5 NLT

 

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT

 

“We don’t merely bear one another’s burdens; the true burden is bearing one another. We overlook offense. We forgive. We show mercy and grace. We disabuse ourselves of our own pipe dreams and illusions of Christian community in order for the power of that community to take effect.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 

INSTEAD OF CULTIVATING COMMUNITY, WE ARE CULTIVATING ISOLATION 

 

'Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” Genesis 2:18 NLT

 

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3-5 NLT

 

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS IN A GODLY COMMUNITY CAN ANSWER SOME OF OUR DEEPEST LONGINGS.

  • AM I LOVED?
  • WHO ARE MY FRIENDS?
  • DOES ANYONE CARE ABOUT ME?

 

“Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.” 2 Corinthians 2:15 NLT

 

“Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NLT

 

You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.  Hebrews 5:12 NLT

 

1. WE SHOW UP

 

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT

 

2. WE ALLOW EMOTIONS AND VULNERABILITIES TO BE SHARED WITHOUT JUDGEMENT

 

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them... Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:9,15 NLT

 

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. Psalms 32:3 NIV

 

3. WE BECOME MENTORS

 

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13 NLT

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