Mandarin Baptist Church

As followers of Christ in this world we should find our delight in His Word, and our faith should be emboldened. We cannot determine our circumstances, but whatever we face we are imprisoned to hope. The only thing we have to do to drift is nothing!

Many things fight to control our lives such as custom, culture, country; but let it be truth that rules our lives. Truth is not confined solely to profound words written on fine parchment by ancient scribes, but it is bound up in a person, the Lord Jesus Christ. You might go to church, be familiar with scripture and stories, but have you have a personal, life changing encounter with the Truth of God?

Our actions and thought pattens reveal where our hearts are. We must be anchored in truth that is bigger than you. If we delight in the word of God, it will consume all that we are.

The only thing that you have to do to drift, is nothing. In life we must be anchored to something bigger than ourselves, and sturdy in its foundation. What are you anchored to?

More than anything else, God uses people to heal people. We have the opportunity and responsibility to be that voice of love, healing, and encouragement in peoples lives. There is never a time when encouragement isn't needed.


Our Redemptive Family (6)

Colossians 1.3-14

There is never a time when encouragement isn’t needed.

Take in Colossians 1.3-14.  What do you learn about encouragement from Paul?  Encouragement speaks life; gives hope; shares truth and assures that one is known and loved.

Get creative and list as many ways that can encourage someone.

Pray for God to give you an open mind and heart toward speaking life (encouragement)

DO IT!  Write the text; make the call; send the note; start the car… Speak and give life!

There is never a time when encouragement isn’t needed.

Who has carried you to a deeper place in Jesus?  Probably, there are quite a few people who have helped you along the way.

Take the initiative to contact them and thank them for their encouragement.

Tell them how God used them in your life.

A Redemptive family is an encouraging family.

Pray that the Spirit of God infuses a culture of encouragement among and throughout our Mandarin family.

A generous faith family gives regardless of their circumstances. They give from their hearts because God gave first. We should be eager to give, especially when we see Christ glorified, and His Kingdom advancing all around us.


Our Redemptive Family (5)

2 Corinthians 8:1-9 

1.How has God shown generosity to our family? 

2. Why did Paul point to the Macedonian church as an example for other to follow? 

3. Why is it so important  that we give back to God through the local church? 

4. Finances and money are mentioned over 800 times in the Bible and 11 or the 39 parables of Jesus focused on money?  Why do you think Jesus talked so much about our finances? 

5.  What would a next step of faith and obedience look like as we respond to the gospel through generosity?

Without confession, there is no culture of forgiveness; Without forgiveness, there is no confession. We know that there is nothing that can be known, revealed, exposed or confessed that has not already been covered by the life, sacrifice and victory of Jesus. As the body of Christ, we should be freely guiding others into the grace in kindness of Jesus.


Our Redemptive Family (4)
Ephesians 4.32; Romans 14.1; Romans 15.7

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ Jesus. - Ephesians 4.32

* Without confession, there is no culture of forgiveness. Without forgiveness, there is no confession.

* Based on the Scriptures listed above, respond to the above statements. 

* Why are they important within the faith family?

* What makes up a culture of a confessional and a forgiving church?

* How could this shape the faith family? The community around us? 

* A confessional community is a forgiving community. A forgiving community is a confessional community. 

* Read the verses surrounding Ephesians 4.32

* Paul presses the church toward a 4.32 culture. After reading, why does he do so?

* What would you desire that others experience as they make way into our Mandarin family? 

* What are first steps in shaping a culture among us of confession and forgiveness?

* What is YOUR first step?

We love, because we are first loved. We forgive, for we are greatly forgiven.  We confess, in need of grace and goodness… and we are FREE!