2. A. A Purpose in Every Season B.What Is Important?

3. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

4. Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

5. But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.

6. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

7. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

8. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

9. A.Our Vision

10. The Heart of God Relationship With God Relationship with Believers Relationship With Our Community Relationship With The Unreached Discover Demonstrate Declare

11. A.Our Vision B.Our Purpose in Gathering 1)To Establish

12. For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

13. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

14. A.Our Vision B.Our Purpose in Gathering 1)To Establish 2)To Equip

15. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

16. A.Our Vision B.Our Purpose In Gathering 1)To Establish 2)To Equip 3)To Empower 4)To Engage

17. A.We All Need Encouragement

18. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

19. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

20. Being involved in God’s church is meant to be a place of encouragement! God uses the teaching of His Word to encourage us to be free to be all that He created us to be.