“Partnerships/ Discipling: Partnerships are The Emphasis”

Q.How are partnerships/ how’s one another relationships going!? Calling EVERYONE to go after partnerships/ discipling….. Emphasis is partnership!

Partnerships/ Discipling/ Relationships: “Wind Beneath our Wings”

“Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly”

It’s the wind that lifts up our wings to fly/ to soar spiritually. Bette Midler song: Wind beneath My Wings

#1. Jesus’ basic approach to us was as a friend

JOHN 15:12-15; Before Jesus goes to the cross, his death, his last conversation with the disciples is to remind them we are friends.

LUKE 5:27-31; Jesus’ approachability is so motivating & inspiring. For me, it was amazing to believe that after all I had done, God wanted to be my friend!

LUKE 19:1-10; Even when Jesus is just “passing through” he took notice of the one searching for him!

JOHN 1:14; MSG The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood!

Jesus was willing to die to be our friends…. Even though he would be betrayed, hurt, rejected, deserted…. He chose to LOVE! So should we!

#2. Examples of Friendships

EXODUS 33:11; Lord spoke to Moses face to face like a friend. JAMES 2:23; Abraham was called God’s friend ACTS 17:24-28; God wants us to seek him & reach out to find him. Be His friend.

So often it is the quality of our relationships that determine the quality of our lives! Q. Who are your closest relationships that you allow to help you spiritually (Jesus had James, John & Peter)?

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. ECCLESIASTES 4:9-12;

Without friends we are like ships floating aimlessly without a rudder, without purpose on a lonely sea. We need wind to guide us & propel us forward through this sea of life!

EXAMPLES IN THE BIBLE: 1 SAMUEL 20:42; Jonathan & David had covenant/ sworn relationship! 1 SAMUEL 23:16; Jonathan & David had mutual/ serve each other relationship! 2 SAMUEL 15:37; Hushai was David’s confidant 1 CHRONICLES 27:33; Ahithopel was counselor to king David & Hushai was King David’s friend.

#3. Teamwork & unity is so inpsiring, to the church & to the world

EXODUS 17:8-16; This team work impressed even God. Everyone was needed to do his/ her part. Aaron & Hur helped by holding Moses hands up! “Wind beneath our Wings”

We need to help hold others hands up as well, not just expect others to hold our hands up. Friendship is a 2 way street! We need each other!!

EXAMPLES IN DOUG’S LIFE: Mae/ Jaxon/ Jeric John Causey/ David Kim/ Bob Harpole Bob Henley & Edgar Sanchez Cerritos FG: Brent/ Aldwin/ Dahle Singles: McGlothins & Singles Frank Williams/Guy Berndt/ Guillermo Adame Oversee Partnerships Worship Team: Daniels’/ McGlothins/ Dave Klements/ Danny Hicks

Cracked Pot

Let’s complete each other NOT compete against each other.

Partnerships/ Discipling/ Relationships: “Wind Beneath our Wings”

#1. Jesus’ basic approach to us was as a friend #2. Examples of Friendships #3. Teamwork & unity is important