Serving Love in the Body of Christ (Part 1)

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 5:11-13

Just like other organizations, a body of Christ/church must have leadership. Though unlike worldly leaders, godly leaders are long-term servants of God who have been recognized as such (not ?made?). Leaders are called by God to serve, provide for the church's needs, protect the members, and supply direction/vision for the church. Leaders are to be involved deeply in peoples' lives; prayerful; and accountable to Scripture and to their co-leaders. The members of the body of Christ are called to live in peace with one another; this entails respecting the church's leaders, who work hard to serve the church.\r\n\r\n

Serving Love and Sexuality

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:8

We contrast two views of sexuality: God's view and our culture's view. We examine the devastating effects of living outside of God's design in this area: a deep emptiness and deteriorating enjoyment of sex. On the other hand, we can experience renewed liberation and a deepening appreciation of sex when we live out God's design for sex. In a God-centered relationship, as we begin to deepen our dependence on God and draw power from Him, we also grow closer to our partner.

The Dynamics of Serving Love

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10

Serving love creates certain dynamics in the life of the church. Paul demonstrates being caught up in the lives of other people at the deepest level, being focused on giving to the other person. Contrast this to other relational dynamics in the world, such as codependency and tribalism.

The Key Elements of Serving Love

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Serving love has many roles and and benefits. It involves sharing the good news without deception, selfishness, or manipulation. Serving love is not flattery or for profit or glory. It is nurturing and personal. This is where the root of discipleship relationships is found.

The Logic of Grace

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

The church has the choice to be involved in what God is doing. Love motivates people to do so, and joy is the result! Together, the church gets to grow in hope with each other for heaven. The logic of this grace follows a pattern: faith (putting trust in God and beginning a relationship with Christ), hope (growing an eternal perspective), and love (learning the joy of giving your life away to others).

Two Keys to a Fulfilling Life

Gary DeLashmutt

John 13:34

How did Jesus spend his last hours on Earth? He spent time with his disciples, washed their feet, and ultimately gave them a profound example of sacrificial service. During The Last Supper, Jesus lowered himself to wash the dirt and grime off each of his disciples' feet. This showed us two important things: 1) we need to let Jesus wash us; and 2) we need to do the same for other people. This is an example of the way we are to serve and love one another.\r\n

Water to Wine

Gary DeLashmutt

Isaiah 25:6-9

Jesus' first miracle was to turn water into wine. Jesus condemned the ritualistic relating of the people of his day, while showing his love and compassion for the people in his life. God is a good God, and He has good and wonderful plans for our eternity.

True Happiness

Gary DeLashmutt

Isaiah 25:6-9

God's design for personal fulfillment and happiness comes from self-giving love that emulates Christ. As we move away from self-saving and selfish love and move towards giving out to meet the needs of others, we are able to experience: increasing contentment, relational success, and substantial emotional health. This type of love is only possible through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The best context for self-giving love is in a healthy Christian community.

It is More Blessed to Give than to Receive

Jeff Gordon

Acts 20:33-35

God's wisdom reveals that Christians will be more happy and content as they choose to give out to others. This principle goes against society and culture throughout history, but has profound impact for those who hold to it. We are able to give out to others based on God's love for us and as such become a blessing for others. Growing Christians realize more how God wants to use them to be givers of His love, resulting in real joy and happiness for them as they live it out.