Community – do we have anything exciting happening?

When I or others get excited about Jesus, we don’t have to be reminded to read the Word, sing, praise, worship and share. It just happens. Maybe that is why the early church was so successful — they were experiencing a living, interacting, powerful savior.

When we have a need to cajole someone to share, pray, or show some excitement about their walk with God, we can suspect that maybe nothing “real” is going on. Brad House speaks of that:

If you want to inspire people to the mission of God, you must lift up the Son. When we grasp the glory of Jesus, it becomes the sustaining inspiration that transforms life. Isaiah was inspired by seeing Jesus in the temple. Peter was inspired by seeing Jesus after his resurrection. Paul was inspired when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. These men were changed when they saw the glory of Jesus. His mission became their mission. His glory was enough to change everything. Our apathy toward the mission of God is not because of a lack of knowing what to do. It is our blindness to his glory and grace that keeps us satisfied with nominal Christianity. If you want to light a fire under your church for the mission, don’t simply trot out your goals; lift up Jesus.

~ House, Brad,  Community (p. 75). Kindle Edition.

Community – pursue other believers?

If we pursue God because we have been reconciled to him through the cross, then why would we not pursue one another? We have been reconciled to each other through that same cross. We cannot call ourselves a community if we continue to compartmentalize our lives.

~ House, Brad,  Community (p. 96). Kindle Edition.

We ought . . .

Bible “contradicts” itself??

Pray too much?

Money

4 Ways to Fall Deeper in Love With God

http://faithinthenews.com/4-ways-to-fall-deeper-in-love-with-god/

22 Historical Things We Know For Certain About Jesus

https://jamesbishopblog.wordpress.com/2015/01/24/23-historical-things-we-know-for-certain-about-jesus/?preview_id=1596

 

10 Disciplines of a Godly Man

By Jarrid Wilson

Real men will make sure they are growing in these 10 characteristics.

 

Matt Chandler once said, “We’ve got a lot of boys with beards these days,” and I believe these words speak powerful truth.

Our world is constantly throwing out ideas of what it means to really be a man. The reality is that everyone has their own opinion, but as a Christian the only blueprint men should mimic their life after is that of the Bible. To know what a true man is, we need look no further than the life of Jesus Christ himself. Makes sense doesn’t it? As the Son of God, Jesus is the epitome of manhood, manliness and what we should strive for in our attempt at being a reflection of true maturity in Christ.

 

Jesus was completely full of the Holy Spirit, not to mention he lived in complete dependence and obedience to the will of God. It’s a beautiful testimony. Easier said than done, but the strive for this lifestyle is one that will set apart men from the boys. Christ fully displayed the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and he did it with a righteous swagger. A true man of God will show evidence of these works.

Here are 10 other disciplines of a godly man.

http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/245272-10-disciplines-of-a-godly-man.html

Jehovah’s Witness’ Beliefs

https://www.carm.org/jehovahs-witnesses-beliefs