Matthew 5:14-16

Luke 10:1-20

1. Encourage one another.

'But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. '

Hebrews 3:13

2. Actions speak louder than words.

'With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. '

James 3:9

3. You can encourage one another by your attitude.

NEXT STEP: - If Jesus is the Lord of your life be and ENCOURAGER.

Benchmarks Of A Spiritually Mature Christian

2 Peter 3:17- 18 (NIV)

1 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NIV)

Spiritual Maturity – Not just getting older, not just looks, not just achievement

1. A spiritually mature person is positive under pressure

James 1:2-4 (CEV)

2. A spiritually mature person is sensitive to the spiritual needs of other people

Philippians 3:18-19 (NIV)

3. A spiritually mature person is a peacemaker not a troublemaker

Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

The mark of a spiritually mature person is the lack of conflict in their life.

James 4:1 (MSG)

Romans 12:18 (NIV)

4. A spiritually mature person is patient

James 5:7-8 (NIV)

5. A spiritually mature person is prayerful

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (MSG Bible)

James 5:16 (NIV)

John 11:38-44 (NIV)

NEXT STEP:

Positive under pressure?

Sensitive to the needs of others?

Peacemaker rather than troublemaker?

Patient and prayerful?

While going through life. . .

Developing Our Character

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 (NIV)

1 Corinthians 4:1 (NKJV)

First Standard - Servants

Second Standard - Stewards

Third Standard - Faithful

Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. (V. 2)

1. Accountability

Mark 10:45 (NIV)

"As servants for Jesus Christ, who will hold you and me accountable?”

1 Corinthians 4:1

Romans 14:12 (NIV)

Serving out of love is about the relationship you want to have with God.

Serving in love is about the relationship you want to have with others.

2. Preparedness.

3. Commitment

Paul says "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."

Luke 9:62 (NIV)

Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

The Stages of Partnership

1. Friendship (Nehemiah 2:17-18 NIV, Galatians 6:3 NLT)

2. Formation Stage

3. Functioning Stage

4. Fruitfulness Stage (Nehemiah 4:6 NIV)

5. Prayer Stage (Nehemiah 4:7-9 NIV)

- "When You Partner in Prayer, you Partner with God" - John Maxwell

6.- If/when needed - Refocus Stage

Special guest pastor - Mrs. S. Maxwell

Importance of Bread in the Bible

- Genesis 14 - 18:19

- Exodus

- Mathew 4 - 2:4

- John 6 - 25:51

- Mathew 6

Partners In Ministry

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)

Partners pick us up

Partners give us comfort

Philippians 2:1-2 (NIV)

Partnerships combine our strength

NEXT STEP

Evaluate what kind of partner in ministry you have become.