1. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture

2. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture III.The Proving Ground of Faith: the crucible of suffering

3. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture 1Pet. 1:6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 1Pet. 1:7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

4. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture Authentic faith rejoices not in the pain of suffering, but in the promise of future reward! 1Pet. 1:7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

5. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture A. Suffering for Christ’s sake should not surprise us. 1Pet. 4:12 ¶ Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

6. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture

7. B. Suffering is not necessarily retribution for wrongdoing. C. Suffering reveals the strength of my grip upon Christ.

8. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture 1Pet. 1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,

9. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture How can I tighten my grip? Word of God Prayer Fellowship & Encouragement from the Church

10. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture Navigating through Change

11. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture Creation. Out of nothing, the universe. Regeneration. From darkness light. Adoption. From enemy to son or daughter.

12. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture Sanctification. Growth, progress is grace. Glorification. The old now new -- forever. Ministry methods/paradigms.

13. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture Constructive and adaptive change is vital for the growth and development of the Church.

14. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture I. What changes should occur/What should not?

15. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture Functions & Forms Functions-What the NT prescribes Forms-How we do it

16. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture II. When should change occur? Case Study: Acts 6:1-7

17. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture II. When should change occur? A. Organizational strain B. Compromise of Biblical priorities.

18. Following Jesus in a Post-Christian Culture III. How should change occur? A. Initiation B. Involvement C. Implementation