Fellowship of the Gospel

Chris Hearty
Philippians 1:3-11

The spiritual life is a work of God from beginning to end. Genuine biblical fellowship engages not only the heart toward others but the mind in knowledge and discernment as well. It involves active participation in both vertical and horizontal relationships.

Joy in Partnerships

Jim Leffel
Philippians 1:1-8

Joy is a sense of well-being that rises above circumstances--it can be experienced in bad circumstances and is often lacking in good, comfortable circumstances. This is because true joy is anchored in oneness with God, and substitute gods can't truly satisfy. One of the ways God cultivates joy in our lives is through partnerships--relationships--with others, as we work together to achieve God's purpose in this world. These relationships build our purpose, our gratitude to God, our prayer life (as we bring others' needs to God), and our joyful affection for each other.

Real Love in Spiritual Community

Dennis McCallum
Galatians 6:1-9

To have real love in spiritual community with God's people, we must be willing to know and be known by other people. Real Christian community involves being honest about our battles over sin and temptation and gently helping others with their struggles with the same. Imagine what life would be like in a community where people were not boastful but humble, not competitive but willing to help restore people, not bearing just their burdens but each other's burdens and never giving up?

Life Together

Chris Hearty
Galatians 6:1-9

To live life together with love in spiritual community with God's people, we must be willing to know and be known by other people. Real Christian community involves being honest about our battles over sin and temptation and gently helping others with their struggles with the same. Imagine what life would be like in a community where people were not boastful but humble, not competitive but willing to help restore people, not bearing just their burdens but each other's burdens and never giving up?

Others-Centered Life

Conrad Hilario
Galatians 6:1-9

An others-centered life would not be boastful or competitive. It would be humble and willing to gently correct others when needed. It would involve knowing and being known by others. It would involve mutual bearing of each other's burdens even while still bearing one's own burdens. Others-centered life gives sacrificially, but never gives up

Mature Christian Love

Ryan Lowery
1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

In this passage Paul describes several aspects of godly relating. They include valuing in-person time, serving and being served, being focused on prayer and time in the Bible together, and putting Christ at the center. Putting these aspects into practice will result in mature Christian love.

Taming the Tongue

James Rochford
James 3:1-12

James expresses the importance of taming the tongue--of using our words not in destructive ways that damage relationships and tear others down, but rather using our speech to love others and build them up. This is not only an outward discipline, but a result of a changed heart before God. Practical ways of taming our tongue include developing a respect for the power of our words, speaking less and listening more, regularly hearing from God through reading the Bible, and prayerfully planning ahead when entering into conversations.

Defending People Facing Discrimination

James Rochford
James 2:1-10

James writes that there should be no favoritism or preferential treatment within the Church. Racism, Sexism, Ageism, or any other form of discrimination have no place among God's people, since we all stand before God as His image bearers, all sinful and redeemed by His grace. We should never use superficial traits to make judgments about a person's character or value.

Authentic Community

Mike Sullivan
James 2:1-10

Studies show that people today are more isolated and lonely than ever before, and that we are suffering because of it. Psychology shows that people need social interaction to thrive, which confirms the emphasis the Bible places on relationships. Especially in turbulent cultural times, the church has an opportunity to stand out as a beacon of God's love and healthy community.