Nov 22 - What have we learned together
Together, We’ve Learned…
1. We reach people far from Jesus by reflecting Him personally & practically Good works, produce good will, which gives opportunity for the Good News.
Acts 2:45-47
Acts 2:45-47 NLT
They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
1 Cor 8:1
1 Corinthians 8:1 NIV84
Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
Romans 15:14
Romans 15:14 NLT
I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them.
Together, We’ve Learned…
4. We serve extravagantly by changing our motivation from duty to love
Romans 12:1-11
Romans 12:1-11 NLT
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
Together, We’ve Learned…
5. We worship God completely through generous living & giving
Luke 10:27-28
Luke 10:27-28 NLT
The man answered, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”
Numbers 14:24
Numbers 14:24 NIV84
But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.
Greatest Lesson We’ve Learned:
“Life is most fulfilling when we exchange our small dreams for God’s Greater Dream…” That that lost are found… The found are growing… The growing are serving… The serving are reaching… All for the Glory of God!