2. Great Commandment Our Passion Matthew 22 Developing Intentional Growth

3. 1. The Passion of the Church a.Christ’s Model of Love (John 13:12,14,15) (12) So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? (14) If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. (15) For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

4. 1. The Passion of the Church b.Christ’s Message of Love (John 13:34,35) (34) A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (35) By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

5. 2. The Practice of the Church “...you also ought to...” (14) (indebted) “...you should do as...” (15) (inasmuch) “...as I have loved you...” (34) (inasmuch) Love one another Like Jesus Loves

6. a. Opportunities for Connecting (Most people can’t keep up with more than 70 names) What was his name ? The PRINCIPLE of 70 “Greet one another...” (9 of 21)

7. b. Opportunities for Contact (People are uncomfortable with groups less than 7 and more than 17) The PRINCIPLE of 17 “with the twelve” (6x in Mark)

8. c. Opportunities for Closeness Principle that growth involves open and closed groups. (Matt. 20:17) Jesus used open groups and closed groups... Mark 4:1,10

9. (To develop relationships - the groups must be ongoing in nature) – Acts 20:31 (3 Years) Continued 18 mos. (Acts 18:11) The PRINCIPLE of continuation d. Opportunities for Continuity

10. e. Opportunities for Comprehension Principle of Sequential programming John 16:12,25; 1 Cor. 3:2

11. “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. John 16:12...but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.” (16:25)

12. “I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;” 1 Corinthians 3:2

13. f. Opportunities for Correlation 1 Corinthians 9:22; Philippians 2:4 Principle of Segmentation Principle of Segmentation (Since people are not generic, their needs are best met by segmenting and targeting them rather than using the scatter shot approach)

14. 1 Corinthians 9:19,22 (19) For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more... (22) I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

15. Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others....let each esteem others better than himself (3) Order of Interests?

16. “Closeness” and “Correlation” Open Groups My Needs My Interests Like Me Specific, pro-active strategy to reach outsiders and assimilate them into the group

17. “Closeness” and “Correlation” Closed Groups Body Needs Christ’s Goals Disciple Do not invite others to join. Focus on developing closeness and spiritual growth of members in the group

18. “Closeness” and “Correlation” Open Groups Closed Groups My Needs My Interests Like Me Body Needs Christ’s Goals Disciple

19. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 Our Love should attract others to Jesus Christ.