The gospel brings meaning, purpose, unity, and strength to us in any situation, including times of suffering.

Additional Scripture References:

2 Thessalonians 3:13, Hebrews 13:5, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 11:36, Hosea 6:1-3, Psalm 30:5, Romans 10:1, Romans 10:14-15, Romans 1:16

If it is our lives that are to be envied, we must search out the love that keeps us steadfast.

Additional Scripture References:

Philippians 1:6, Philippians 1:8-11, Hosea 6:4-6, Luke 9:23, 1 Corinthians 7:8, Revelation 12:10, Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Peter 1:5-8, Proverbs 24:16, Philippians 2:17

Jesus called the little ones to come and commanded not to hinder them.

Additional Scripture References:

Luke 2:25-38; Luke 1:57-80

We must give grace if we want biblical koinonia (fellowship).

Additional Scripture References:

Romans 4:1-4, Romans 4:23-25

What is our prayer? Our church will commuit ourselves to community, worship, discipleship, and missions as we look and move forward.

Additional Scripture References:

Acts 2:42-47, Romans 12:1, Philippians 2:3, John 6:66-69, Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 24:14

How should we pray? Through the illustration in Matthew 6, we learn the essential elements, yet that it is not a mantra.

Additional Scripture References:

Matthew 6:7, Hebrews 4:16, Ephesians 1:3, Exodus 34:5-7, Matthew 13:45-46, Revelation 22:20, Matthew 6:34, Romans 8:1, Psalm 139:23, James 1:13, James 1:1, 1 Corinthians 10:13

Why pray? Scripture tells us among other things, it accomplishes much.

Additional Scripture References:

Matthew 6:5-8, Psalm 15:1-2, Ephesians 1:7-8, Hosea 6:6, Proverbs 15:8, Isaiah 65:24, Isaiah 62:6-7, Colossians 4:2-6, James 1:6-7, James 5:13-15, Ephesians 1:4-5, Ephesians 1:11, Psalm 37:4, 1 John 5:14, James 5:17-18

Fighting the good fight means our lives will never come to a place of total completion if we are still alive.

Additional Scripture References:

Romans 8:29

Paul reminds Timothy to teach his people to desire to be content with whatever God has given them.

Additional Scripture References:

Philippians 4:11, Proverbs 30:8-9, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Isaiah 41:10, Hebrews 13:5-6, Exodus 21:16, 1 Timothy 1:10, Luke 7:1-10, Romans 1:30, Colossians 3:22-23, James 1:27, Proverbs 3:5

Patience in the process of selecting leadership in the church allows sin and good works to come to light, which, in a sense, is a large part of the selection process itself.

Additional Scripture References:

John 5:19-20, Psalm 127:1, Hebrews 1:5, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, 1 Chronicles 16:24, Ephesians 4:11, Mark 10:43-45, Philippians 2:3