John 15:1-8God is always the same!The rest of us should be progressively changing!God wants to upgrade our production:Experiencing the process of spiritual growthGod wants to upgrade our position:Receiving the transforming power of graceGod loves us too much to leave us where we are.

Hebrews 10:24-25God has a stimulus package for our community. Not our geographical community, but our spiritual community. Our church is "community"; that is a group of people who belong to Christ and committed to each other. God's stimulus works in the worst of times, even to the end time!Stimulate one another with a love for God and love for each other.Stimulate one another to do good works.Our church needs to be a place offering loving arms, not a cold shoulder.

Ephesians 5:18-21Do you find yourself trying to live the Christian life by your own power? Do you feel like you're running the spiritual race on empty? These are symptoms of living by our own plan and not God's. Let's consider His plan...A command to be considered: Let you life be permeated with the Holy Spirit.A companion to be cherished: Live in dependence daily on the Holy Spirit.A Course to be completed: Fulfill God's purpose by the power of the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 4:7-16Followers of Christ are more than a crowd that gathers on Sunday mornings. We are a body of believers brought into a living union with God and fellowship with each other. We are a living organism joined to exalt our Savior and expand His kingdom.Body life has development in spirit and size.Body life has direction from the SaviorBody life has diversity for service

Ephesians 2:19Paul used a vivid metphor, "household", to illustrate the reality and significance of God's spiritual family.Followers of Christ have a favored place in God's Family - Sharing Faith1. Spiritual birth2. Spiritual familyFollowers of Christ have a purpose to fulfill - Sharing Lives1. Ministry in the family2. Motivation for the family

Haggai 1:2-8, 14-15The prophet Haggai speaks a short but strong word from the "Lord of the Angel Armies" to think seriously about the direction of their lives and to act specifically in changing their destination.The Problem of Misplaced Priorities:Seek the Kingdom of God first. (Matt. 6:33)Misplaced priorities displease the Lord, disgrace His name, and dilute the power of His people.The Picture of Displaced Passions:Our heart always follows what we treasure. (Matt 6:21)Buildings are not museums achoing the past or monuments to elevate places and people, but mission stations existing to exalt God and experience kingdom work!

Acts 2:42-47; 1 John 1:1-4The journey in becoming a mature and dynamic follower of Christ involves authentic fellowship - real relationshipsThe Greek term koinonia means to share something in common.Our fellowship begins with an expression of faith and an experience of grace in Christ Jesus.Our fellowship flows to one another in our burdens and our blessings.The local church was ordained by God to be a group of people who care for one another and love one another because of Christ.

Acts 12:1-18

Romans 5:8The Lord's Supper reminds us of the truth about us and God's love for us.We have a problem with an unbearable penalty.1. The problem is missing the mark God requires.2. The penalty is missing Heaven and a personal relationship with God.God offers a provision with an unforgettable price.1. God provides the sufficient sacrifice that solves my problem.2. God offers a pardon for sin that is sufficient for everyone, but is efficient only for those who believe.

John 6:22-27