February 2019 “We were Made for Love”

God is love 1 John 4:8b-10 (NIV) 8b … because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 

“We are Going to Need Each Other Now than Ever Before” Jesus describes the tremendous turmoil in the last days in Luke 21 Just to mention a few: Deception, Wars, Famine, Division, hatred, natural disasters, people filled with fear, betrayal

“We are Going to Need Each Other Now than Ever Before” US National Debt $22,000,000,000,000 US National Deficit approximately – we bring in 3 and half trillion and spend 4 and a half trillion a year Almost a trillion per year

“We are Going to Need Each Other Now than Ever Before” We are more connected than any time in history but we are also more separate than any time in history: Technology was supposed to connect us. But we're more disconnected than ever. - Rogette Harris

“We are Going to Need Each Other Now than Ever Before” Modern technology enables us to connect to anyone in the world whenever we want. A recent film called "Disconnect" challenges us to think about whether or not we are really more connected to each other or more alone since human interaction decreases the more technology increases.

Believers are relationally disconnected now than ever before Mega Churches Social Media has replaced community Busyness Complacency Entertainment Apathy Wrong Priorities Truth lacking

The Community of Believers: What should be provided?

1. Discipled in the Word

2. PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER Ephesians 6:18 (MSG) In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

3. Encourage

4. CARE AND SUPPORT Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV) 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

5. SERVE ONE ANOTHER Roman 12:4-8 (NIV) 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;

5. SERVE ONE ANOTHER Roman 12:4-8 (NIV) 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

6. LOVE AND RELATIONSHIP Romans 12:9-10 (NIV) 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

7. ACCOUNTABILITY Proverbs 27:17 (ESV) Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Galatians 6:1 (ESV) Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ

8. FORGIVENESS Colossians 3:13 (NIV) Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

9. The Presence and Power of Jesus

How the Body of Christ started Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

How the Body of Christ started Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

THE BODY OF CHRIST Romans 12:5 (NIV) … so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

THE BODY OF CHRIST 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 (NIV) 25 … so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

THE BODY OF CHRIST Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

ONE LOAF OF BREAD 1 Corinthians 10:16 (NLT) 16 When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ? 17 And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body.

THE LAST SUPPER

THE BODY MINISTERING TO ONE ANOTHER 1 Peter 4:7-11 (NIV) 7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

THE BODY MINISTERING TO ONE ANOTHER 1 Peter 4:7-11 (NIV) 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen