...intentional, biblical community

...meaingful relationships with followers of Jesus

Luke 17:1

It is almost impossible to stumble out of community.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

When you stumble, what you need the most you will desire the least.

The best preparation you can make for the inevitability of stumbling blocks is to be connected relationally.

Yahweh

Exodus 3:13-15

I AM WHO I AM

I AM = self-existent or self-sufficient one

John 8:56-59

John 18:3-6

YHWH

EL

Elohim / Trinity / Genesis 1

EL ROI

the God Who sees / Genesis 16

John 1:45-49

Psalm 33:13-14

Psalm 102:18-20

Psalm 139:3

Psalm 139:15-16

YOU. ARE. SEEN.

The promised answer to our prayers may not be found in the promised lands but in wilderness. (Ann Voskamp)

Matthew 10:29-30

Psalm 121

TTITUDE

Life is a battle of attitudes...

mostly between pessimism and optimism.

Proverbs 15:13

Proverbs 15:15

Proverbs 17:22

Jesus asks, "Do you love me?"

..."Feed my sheep."

We often need a change in attitude, but also in our actions.

Matthew 5... the "BE attitudes"

Seek to become the disciples Jesus is calling us to BE.

The church was designed to be primarily a volunteer organization.

...drape a serving towel over your arm.

John 13:13-15

Following Jesus into radical servanthood is the sure pathway to fullness of life!

1 Corinthians 12:7

1 Corinthians 15:58

Acts 2:42-47

OPEN hand / CLOSED hand

Two types of church leaders in the New Testament:

1) DEACONS

one who serves

2) ELDERS

- lead the church with a servant attitude

1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-3

- equip the saints by teaching the Scriptures

Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 4:4-16; 2 Timothy. 4:2-4

- protect the church from false doctrine

Acts 20:17, 28-30; 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 6:20-21; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 1:10-16

- preserve the unity of the Body

2 Timothy 2:14-18, 23-26; Titus 3:9-11

Qualifications:

1 Timothy 3:1-13

Titus 1:5-9

- a good reputation

- self-control

- godly values

- a spiritually healthy home

- a proven, mature faith

- a teachable spirit

**The New Covenant brought new attitudes and customs concerning the intrinsic value and beneficial involvement of all ethnicities, socio-economic levels, and specifically women.

We believe that when the Bible is interpreted comprehensively, it teaches the full equality of men and women in status, giftedness, and opportunity for ministry.

Galatians 3:26-28

Would you qualify for a position of leadership in the church? Why or why not?

Are you willing to follow Christ and show others the way? If not, what needs to change?

Let's choose to follow Christ, and be people worth following!

________________________________

1 Timothy 5:17

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

Exodus 3:13-14

Zechariah 14:9

All names in the Bible have meaning.

**The Hebrew names of God...

Judges 13:17-18

Genesis 32:24-30

His name is Jesus!

**Excellence honors God and inspires people.

CONTROL: We like to be in control.

How do the people you have power over experience YOU?

Control doesn't inspire; INFLUENCE does.

John 13:1-5, 12-15

Influence gives your temporary power an eternal purpose.

The opposite of control is INFLUENCE.

ADDING VALUE:

1) See value in people.

2) Think of ways to add value.

3) Look for ways to add value.

4) Actually add value!

Ask yourself: Did I add value to anyone today?

**Excellence honors God and inspires people.

STRESS <> INFORMATION CONSUMPTION

Why do you suppose you get so stressed daily??

Philippians 4:6-8

The problem could be your source.

Why does it matter?

↓

Our thoughts become our actions;

our actions become our habits; and

our actions become our way of life.

We have a "default position": PRAYER

Genesis 24:2-3, 9

Numbers 30:2

Matthew 5:37

Not keeping promises will not only allow us to lose our testimony within the church, but will also destroy our testimony (and the church's testimony) to the non-church world.

God will keep His promises:

1) To never leave us nor forsake us

2) To always be there for us

3) Forgiveness of sin through our belief in the sacrifice made by Jesus

**Excellence honors God and inspires people.

MARRIAGE

Control in relationships is driven by expectations

Two types of expectations:

- expectations you bring into a relationship

- hopes that become expectations

PRESSURE

Pressure over time turns marriage cracks into canyons.

Expanding cracks in your marriage push you towards control or escape.

Ephesians 5:21-25

How do your relationship cracks become canyons?

1 Peter 5:5-7