God created us to experience the transforming power of Christ centered community. Too often we miss out on this experience because we give all of our time and energy to cheap imitations of community.

Our Associate Pastor Mike Buie has 40 years of experience helping others find their place in community. Today he shared insights into how we can all enjoy the benefits of community together and build God’s kingdom at the same time.

In this kickoff to a new message series on community, Pastor Chris explores why God made us for community and five common obstacles we must overcome to experience his plan.

Esther’s story teaches us that God arranges the details of our lives to get in us in the right place at the right time to be part of his kingdom action in the world.

Jesus knows about every problem we face and had a plan to overcome it. Nehemiah models an effective problem solving model for us that we can embrace and practice.

When we humble ourselves and ask for God’s wisdom, He promises to provide it! Solomon’s life teaches us that God’s is necessary and readily available for all of us.

Gideon’s story teaches us that we have an inheritance of receiving an identity from God that defies our circumstances, leads us on a new path, and results in God being glorified through us.

We learn through the story of Samuel that we have an inheritance of hearing God’s voice, and a responsibility to obey Him with He speaks to us. The life of Samuel teaches us how we can hear God’s voice for ourselves, and that we should also help others hear and discern God’s voice when He is speaking to them.

Daniel was unashamed of the God he served despite the culture he found himself in. Daniel was firm in standing out because he was committed, prayed, stood together with his friends, and his end goal was always the glorification of God. It’s through these examples that we can strive to glorify God in our own lives.

David’s life demonstrates his commitment to worship in all seasons and circumstances. Through David, we have received an inheritance to worship God likewise.