higher, deeper, wider

God’s design for the church

Isaiah 61:1-4 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favour and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendour. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners …

God’s design for the church to show His glory to secure our faith to strengthen His family to spread His kingdom to serve the world

worship discipleship fellowship evangelism service

God’s design for the church to show His glory to secure our faith

Rooted in God we are secure

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:13-18

Ephesians 3:16-19 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6,7

3 ethical values that are valued by our culture – and come straight out of Jesus' teaching. 1) the intrinsic worth of every individual 2) love 3) care for the poor

How can we be securely rooted so we grow well as Christians? the part God plays the part we play for others the part we play

Rooted in God we are secure Rooted in God we can flourish “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6

higher, deeper, wider

Oak Tree: Nature's Greatest Survivor BBC4 Thurs Oct 1 st 9:00-10:30pm

"A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34,35

Foundations for our fellowship Personal faith in Jesus. “Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand.” Romans 5:1 God’s love

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Foundations for our fellowship Personal faith in Jesus. God’s love Unity “Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3

Ground Rules for Unity Check out anything you may have misunderstood. Don’t pass on gossip. “Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander of every kind.” 1 Peter 2:1 If you have a grudge or grievance against someone, sort it out with them. This is a biblical principle. Matthew 18:15 Guard against negativity and grumbling. 1 Cor 10:6-10 Pray!

Foundations for our fellowship Personal faith in Jesus. God’s love Unity Encouragement