1. Commitment to the Church

2. God doesn’t want us to be a TAKERS…God wants us to be GIVERS.. Committing to a church “doesn’t tie us down; it anchors us in the storm of life

3. 1.Committing ourselves to building each other up… Romans 14:19 19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

4. Galatians 5:13 13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh [a] ; rather, serve one another humbly in love.a

5. Limit our liberty out of love for each other Recognize the value of every person Romans 15:7 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 13:8 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Col. 3:13 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Do not force your opinion to others Romans 12:18

6. 2. Keeping our focus on what’s really important Colossians 3:2 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Matthew 6:33 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

7. Living in Faith Romans 1:17 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, [a] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” [b]ab James 5:16 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Col 3:13 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Romans 13:8 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

8. Col 3:13 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Romans 13:8 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Living with Vision Mark 10:46-52

9. Living with Vision Mark 10:46-52 Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight 46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.