Impact on the World

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 5:13-16

Continuing the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus instructs his followers the kind of impact he wants them, and us, to have in the world. Using the analogies of salt and light, Jesus urges them to be involved but distinct, and have their lives reflect the love that they have found in Christ. Do our communities impact others in this way?

Christian Community (Part 7) - Accept One Another

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 5:16-17

God welcomes all people into His fellowship through the work of Jesus. His church is called to welcome and accept one another by following His example. Laying aside differences that create barriers, we can look to our shared identity as children of God for the ability to accept one another. By doing this we share who God is with the watching world.

Christian Community (Part 3) - Encourage One Another

Gary DeLashmutt

Hebrews 10:24-25

Biblical encouragement communicates God's truth and hope in ways which personally strengthens us to go on following God's will for our lives. We can encourage one another by affirmation, praise, consolation, and exhortation. It takes practice to become a good encourager in Christian community, but God provides His Word to lead the way.

Christian Community (Part 1) - Introduction

Gary DeLashmutt

Romans 12:3-15

Many Christians believe that being part of Christian community is about what you do, but Paul argues in the book of Romans that it is about who you are. If you have come into a personal relationship with Jesus, you are an independent member of Christ's body. To grow in your relationship with God it is important to regularly exercise your spiritual gifts and build Christ-centered relationships.

Finding Your Role in the Body of Christ

Dennis McCallum

1 Corinthians 12:1-14:40

When people put their faith in Christ, they are united not just with him, but also with other believers. The identity and function of the Body of Christ is well-defined in scripture. We explore how this plays out in believers' lives and how to become more deeply involved in and experience true fellowship. Includes a reference: Case Study on the Church in China, 1949 to present.\r\n

Framework For Successful Community

Gary DeLashmutt

Philippians 1:27-2:4

Paul writes to the Philippian Christians about the framework needed to have a successful Christian community. Believers share a common spirituality?being indwelt by the Holy Spirit?allowing them to be in fellowship with one another. They share the same source of truth?God's Word. Having the same access to truth enables them to love people in a godly way. Christians also share an understanding of Christ-like love and they have a common focus on reaching other people for Christ. All of these factors make for an enjoyable and deep community.

Spiritually Compromised Relationships

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 6:11-7:2

Paul writes to the Corinthians to resolve alienation between himself and some of the members of the Corinthian church. Paul has affirmed that we are to be in the world as ambassadors for Christ. Now Paul warns against being "of the world". This is best defined as any kind of relationship with someone which involves compromise of our commitment to and witness for Christ. Are you taking a clear stand for Christ verbally and in your actions? Who is influencing whom? \r\n