Crossroads Church of God, Lima OH

John 13:34-35 NRSV

Romans 12:10 NIV

Philippians 2:1-8 NIV

“Not all of us can do great things, but we can all to small things with great love.” - Mother Theresa of Calcutta

HONOR/SERVE ONE ANOTHER

Christ first honored us

Way we follow Jesus

Take role of a servant

               Pray a blessing

               Listen with curiosity

               Serve in the mundane

Love One Another

John 13:34-35 NIV

Agape love is God’s characteristic

1 John 4:7-8 NIV…

Agape love is God’s characteristic

Agape love is unconditional

John 3:16 NIV

Agape love is God’s characteristic

Agape love is unconditional

Agape love is other-centered

Acts 2:42-47 NIV

Practices to engage…

               Regular attendance

               Prayer lines

               Practice of First Thoughts

               Daily recall the love of God over you

Walk in community

Galatians 6:1-2 NLT

Walk in community

Brokenness grows in hiding

Everyone needs counseling

          Peer – Pastoral – Professional

Healing comes from Jesus

James 5:13-16 NIV

One generation commends your works to another;
    they tell of your mighty acts.

Psalm 145:4 NIV

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.  Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.  Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.  The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.  Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

2 Timothy 2:1-7

Mentoring Others

• Relationally connected to one another (v.1)
• Strong in grace (v.1)
• Giving space for others to lead (v.2)
• Intentionality and effort (v.6)

Be a Blessing

[The church] is not meant to call men [and women] out of the world and into a safe religious enclave but to call them out in order to send them back as agents of God’s kingship.  - Leslie Newbigin

 “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” -  John 20:21 NIV

• We are a sent people
• Sent in service of God and others
• For the glory of God
• Cultivates Christlikeness

 “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Mark 10:42-45 NIV

Colossians 1:15-20 NIV

Mark 1:15 NIV

• Availability of life with God

Mark 10:17-22 NIV

• Availability of life with God
• Apprenticeship to Jesus
• Surrender to Jesus

The aim isn't to get what [we] need from God but to become something for God.  … You weren't meant to stay the person you are right now; you were meant for something more. … It's worth being, and becoming, that person. (Mindy Caliguire, Discovering Soul Care)

• Availability of life with God
• Apprenticeship to Jesus
• Surrender to Jesus
• All this is grace

Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

SIMEON’S SONG

Music Video: https://youtu.be/s8jObvpFbPM?si=cEyj6BuYr9ryLrLF

Isaiah 40:31 NIV

Luke 2:25-32 NIV

Galatians 4:4-5 NIV

Isaiah 53:5 NIV

• Waiting with active confidence in God
  • Wait by faith
  • Wait by the Spirit
  • Wait for Christ
• In Christ the promises of God are fulfilled
  • Living in our place
  • Dying in our place

ELIZABETH’S SONG

Luke 1:39-45 NIV

Joyful Friendship

• Celebration

Luke 1:42

• Acceptance

Luke 1:43

• Encouragement

Luke 1:45

Zephaniah 3:16-17 NIV

• Palms Up/Palms Down

Luke 1:46-56 NRSV

• Magnifies the Lord
• Resizes herself

Luke 1:47-49 NRSV

• Recognizes God’s mercy

Luke 1:49-50 NRSV

• Reorients her vision

ZECHARIAH’S SONG

Luke 1:68-79

Proverbs 3:5-6 NRSV

Expectation vs. Expectancy

Luke 1:5-7 NIV 

Luke 1:18 NIV

Expectancy

• Listen/Look for God

Luke 1:68-79 NIV

Expectancy

• Listen/Look for God
• Prioritize the Praise of God
• Centered on the Promise of God

Advent Prayer for the week:

God, give us eyes to see what you might do…

Give us ears to hear what you promise…

Give us an imagination to watch you at work and deepen our confidence to walk in service to you…