Serving Love in the Body of Christ (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 5:11-15

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15 we cover five more aspects of ministry that are imperative for a body of Christ to be effective: 1) encourage one another; 2) admonish one another; 3) care for the weak; 4) exercise patience with one another; and 5) continue to show God's grace to each another. A community rich in those traits will thrive: members will grow spiritually and feel an extraordinary sense of belonging; their unity will also be an effective witness of God's love toward non-Christians.

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.

Motivation in Discipleship

Dennis McCallum

Isaiah 25:6-9

Dennis McCallum explains what it looks like to effectively motivate people through discipleship. People must be convinced of the correctness and urgency of Christian goals to such an extent that they're eager to act and keep acting to reach those goals regardless of what other people do or think. This requires instruction, modeling, direct influence, and occasional reproof. Although this works best in one-on-one relationships, these principles can work in small group settings as well.

World View Model of Discipleship

Gene Getz

Isaiah 25:6-9

Gene Getz explains his World View Model of Discipleship and how to help a church grow. He begins by explaining his succession plan and how others will step in to take over when he retires. He also explains four key functions of a growing church and defines fellowship segmentation. The emphasis is on understanding where people are at and seeking to get them involved in community. Gene concludes by encouraging people to learn to think about life through a biblical lens.\r\n

The Great Secret: Dealing with Negativity

Dennis McCallum

Romans 8:5-7

Paul called the Philippians to set their minds on the good things that are true of them in Christ. Paul found contentment in rejoicing in God's Love and trusting in His provision. Our relationship with God gives us a firm basis for joy.

What Does Spiritual Maturity Look Like?

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 4:3

Paul explained that trusting in the Lord and rejoicing in Him are not the fruit of happiness, but they are the means of attaining joy. When we face our anxieties how much of the time are we forgetting to put our trust in the Lord and/or depending on Him? This was key for Paul in his fight against anxiety in times of severe persecution.

The Body of Christ (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

Romans 12:7-8

The Body of Christ has been given a number of spiritual gifts to edify and serve the people in the church and around the world. God's given people gifts of service, understanding God's Truth, and through prayer. When we serve and love people, we live out God's mission for our lives.

Encouragement

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Encouragement is a major theme in Paul's first letter to the church in Thessalonica. Encouragement is one of the central features of true spirituality and a quality that all Christian communities should be known for. God is the ultimate Encourager, but He primarily wants to communicate His encouragement through His followers. Biblical encouragement communicates God's truth and hope in ways that personally strengthen others to follow His will for their lives. The four types of encouragement are affirmation, praise, consolation, and exhortation. We should strive to be both givers and receivers of Biblical encouragement. This teaching includes a video testimony from Tim Gleason on how encouragement has changed his life.\r\n

Living in Real Spiritual Community

Dennis McCallum

Titus 3:10-11

The Corinthian church was plagued with many moral issues, but God was able to speak powerfully in Corinth. Paul called them to unity and to focus on the Gospel.