Prayer is one of the simplest and yet most powerful things we can do as followers of Jesus. At its core, prayer is not about reciting perfect words. It’s about drawing near to God.

Think of prayer as a conversation. Just as a friendship grows through talking, listening, and spending time together, our relationship with God deepens when we spend time with Him in prayer.

In Matthew 6, Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer, not as a formula to repeat without thought, but as a framework. It begins with worship, moves into surrender, asks for provision, seeks forgiveness, and closes with protection. In just a few lines, Jesus shows us what a whole and balanced prayer life looks like.

If prayer feels intimidating to you, start small. This week, take five minutes a day to talk with God. Tell Him what’s on your heart, thank Him for something good, and ask Him for guidance. You may be surprised how quickly prayer becomes not just a habit, but a source of peace and strength.

As we begin this journey together as a church family, let’s commit to growing in prayer. Remember, prayer isn’t about performance. It’s about presence. And God delights to be with His children.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8

Have you ever sent a text message and waited anxiously for a response that never came? An hour passes. Then another. Soon your mind begins spinning stories—*Did I offend them? Are they upset with me? Is something wrong?* Silence has a peculiar way of stirring up anxiety within us, making us assume things that aren't necessarily true.

Now imagine that silence lasting not hours or days, but 400 years.

For four centuries, Israel experienced a profound spiritual silence. No prophets. No fresh word from God. No divine messages breaking through the ordinary rhythms of life. Just silence—heavy, oppressive, and seemingly endless.

During those 400 years, generations lived and died still waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled. Roman domination pressed down on them. Political chaos swirled around them. Spiritual fatigue set in. And people began asking the same questions we still ask today:

God, where are you?

Do you hear me

Have you forgotten me?

Will you ever come through for me?

Yet long before that silence descended, God had spoken breathtaking promises through His prophets—promises that seemed almost too good to be true.

The prophet Isaiah, living through political upheaval and moral decline in the 8th century BC, proclaimed words that must have seemed impossible: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:2, 6).

Through the prophet Micah came another promise: from Bethlehem—a small, insignificant town—would come a ruler whose origins were "from of old, from ancient times" (Micah 5:2).

These weren't just poetic words. They were lifelines thrown to suffering people. Promises that God still saw them, that hope would enter the world in a way so pure, so holy, so unexpected that only God Himself could orchestrate it.

But then came the silence.

Some of us know what long waiting feels like. We know what delayed answers feel like. We pray and pray, and nothing seems to happen. We need results now—not in a week, a month, a year, or longer. The waiting tests our faith in ways that comfort never could.
When God's promises take longer than we expect, our humanity kicks in. That beating heart in our chest begins quietly wondering if the promise is still going to happen. Is it still possible?

This is not just ancient history. This is our story too.

Some of us wonder if God will ever step into our story. We know what it feels like when silence gets heavy, when it begins to feel permanent. We carry unanswered prayers, private battles, disappointments that sit in our minds and hearts, eating away at us.

But here's the truth that breaks through every silence: Nothing is impossible with God.

When heaven finally spoke again after 400 years of silence, God didn't choose the powerful or influential. He didn't select those with status or resources. Instead, He spoke to two ordinary, faithful, unnoticed people—a teenage girl named Mary and a young carpenter named Joseph.

The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary with news that defied all natural explanation: "You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High" (Luke 1:31-32).

Mary's response revealed both her humanity and her faith. "How will this be," she asked, "since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:34).

The angel's answer echoes through the centuries to us today: "For nothing will be impossible with God" (Luke 1:37).

Mary and Joseph weren't walking this path without questions or fears. They had moments of uncertainty, times when they must have wondered what had happened to their lives. But they walked in obedience. They trusted God step by step, even when their faith felt fragile.

Mary and Joseph knew the stories. The impossible wasn't new territory for God. He had breathed life into barren wombs like Sarah's and Hannah's. He had parted seas and shaken kingdoms. He had preserved His people in the most impossible conditions. He had worked through shepherd boys, fishermen, exiles, and the overlooked.

God's pattern throughout history has been to do the impossible through unlikely people in unexpected ways.

We're here today because God made a way. We're not simply retelling an old story from long ago—we're remembering that the God who has never lost His power is the same God today.

Perhaps your marriage feels too broken to be fixed. Maybe your sin feels too deep to be healed. Your future might seem too uncertain after waiting and waiting until you're exhausted. You might feel like your failures define you, or your grief sits so heavy on your chest that you can barely breathe.

But if God could bring the Savior into the world through a virgin, then God can work in the quiet, hidden places of your life too.

Nothing is impossible with God.

Advent means "coming." During this season, we remember that Jesus came once—born in Bethlehem, fulfilling centuries of promises. And we look forward to the day He returns again.

The delay might be difficult. Israel waited centuries for His first coming. We've been waiting centuries for His second. The world is heavy. Suffering continues. Sin wages war on our hearts. People lose hope. Some stop believing altogether.

But the second coming is not impossible. It's promised. And God keeps His promises.
He kept His word in Bethlehem. He kept it at Calvary. He kept it at the empty tomb. He keeps His word today, and He will keep His word when He returns.

The God who promised salvation fulfilled it. The God who promised redemption delivered it. The God who stepped into our world stepped into our suffering. He conquered sin, death, and the grave.

And He can conquer whatever you're facing today.

Bring your fears to Him. Bring your doubts, your long waits, your private battles. Bring those places where you're about to give up. Bring those questions you've been praying about, the ones that make you feel like quitting.

Don't give up.

The God who broke 400 years of silence with the cry of a baby in Bethlehem is the same God who hears your prayers today. Trust Him. He has never failed, and He never will.

Nothing—absolutely nothing—is impossible with God.

The story of Jesus’ birth is filled with tension, beauty, and the quiet courage of two ordinary people learning to trust God in impossible circumstances. In Part 1 of our Advent journey, we explored this hope together as a church family, and if you missed it or would like to revisit the message, you can watch the worship service below. To deepen your experience even further, I encourage you to also watch The Chosen: Holy Night, a powerful visual retelling that captures the humanity and wonder of the nativity in a way that complements the heart of our series.

I’ve heard Shallow a dozen times before — in the car, on the radio, saw the movie a couple of times, yeah I do that every so often...

But the other day it hit different. I don’t know if it’s because I’m older now, or because I was half-laughing at myself for trying to hit those Lady Gaga high notes in the kitchen while making coffee, but something about it stopped me cold.

That chorus came through — “I’m off the deep end, watch as I dive in” — and suddenly I wasn’t just thinking about a movie duet.

I started thinking about my kids. My friends. My family. My church family.

How much we are all in a fight for our lives when it comes to staying afloat in a world that is constantly trying to pull us under. Not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Some of us are barely treading water.
Some of us are going under, smiling for the picture, hoping no one notices.

And I thought — we’ve got to talk about this.

In A Star Is Born, Shallow isn’t just a love song — it’s a gut punch.

Bradley Cooper’s character, drowning in fame, addiction, and regret, sings like a man clawing for air. Lady Gaga’s character, caught between love and the blinding glare of the spotlight, answers with that haunting question:

It’s passion.
It’s desperation.
It’s two people searching for something real while the world around them is loud, fake, and shallow.

When they hit that chorus — “I’m off the deep end, watch as I dive in” — you feel the plunge. But in the story, the deep end isn’t rescue — it’s beauty tangled with pain, vulnerability wrapped in tragedy.

And here’s the uncomfortable truth: That’s our world.

We’ve convinced ourselves we’re “diving deep,” but most of us are just sinking slowly — chasing meaning in careers, relationships, entertainment, politics, or status, all while our souls grow weaker.

If we’re honest, social media has become the stage for the world’s most convincing masks.

We see smiling families, dream vacations, perfectly plated dinners, and motivational quotes… yet behind the glass is a heart breaking in silence.

We hear the truth in quiet conversations —
“I’m exhausted.”
“I feel alone even in a crowd.”
“I smile for the pictures, but I cry in the car.”

The shallow is where we curate our lives to look “blessed” while quietly suffocating under pain, anger, defeat, sadness, or crushing loneliness.

If this is you, hear me: you’re not weak for struggling — you’re human. Even Elijah, a prophet who called down fire from heaven, collapsed under the weight of despair and prayed for God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4).

What to do right now:

• Bring it to God raw. No filters, no edits — just the truth. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”
• Let someone in. Pain grows in isolation but begins to heal in community. James 5:16 says to “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
• Stop performing. God never asked for a perfect Instagram feed — He asked for a surrendered heart.

Maybe you’re on the other side — you suspect the smiling friend or picture-perfect sibling is actually drowning. Here’s how to help without making them feel like a project:

1. Be present, not pushy. Sometimes sitting in silence is more healing than quoting Scripture too soon.
2. Pray like it matters. Not “I’ll pray for you” in passing, but interceding like their life depends on it.
3. Remind them of their worth. Not by flattery, but by pointing them back to their identity in Christ.
4. Stick around. Pain doesn’t leave after a week. Don’t you, either.

We don’t just drift here — we’re trained to stay here. Social media and technology have discipled us to live on the surface:

• Content gets shorter — depth takes time, and time kills ad revenue.
• Truth gets diluted — algorithms reward outrage, not accuracy.
• Identity gets fractured — measured in likes, shares, and comments.

Paul warned in 2 Timothy 4:3–4 that people would “gather around them… to say what their itching ears want to hear.” Today, our “teachers” are influencers, memes, and headlines — not shepherds of our soul.

A recent Al Jazeera segment on AI and media laid it bare:

• AI can fabricate voices, faces, and videos so real you can’t tell they’re fake.
• News is tailored to confirm your bias and hide uncomfortable truths.
• Surveillance and predictive algorithms are already shaping what you see, what you buy, even what you believe.

We’re not just losing privacy — we’re losing the ability to think independently. Jesus said in John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” If the truth is hidden or replaced with simulations, freedom dies quietly.

Shallow living is deadly to faith.

When we live in the performance, the noise, the curated version of ourselves, we become:

• Spiritually malnourished (Hebrews 5:12–14).
• Easily swayed by deception (Ephesians 4:14).
• More loyal to an online tribe than to the Kingdom (Philippians 3:20).

Instead, God calls us to:

• Anchor in Christ’s identity – Colossians 3:3
• Pursue truth at all costs – Proverbs 23:23
• Slow our pace – Jesus walked, noticed, engaged deeply.
• Choose community over consumption – real conversations, not curated feeds.

The shallow feels safe because it’s familiar.
It’s possible to be surrounded by followers and still feel unseen.
It’s possible to post joy while drowning in sorrow.
It’s possible to wear the “blessed” shirt while your soul quietly bleeds.

The good news? Jesus doesn’t stand on the shore yelling at you to swim harder. He gets in the water, pulls you close, and says, “I’ve got you. Let’s go deeper.”

But here’s the question you’ll have to answer —
When He reaches out His hand, will you take it… or will you keep smiling for the picture?

School is back in full swing.

For many families, this means new routines, earlier alarms, car lines, homework battles, sports practices, and a calendar so full you need a GPS to navigate it. And yet… step outside, and it still feels like summer. The sun’s hot, the pace is relentless, and the temptation is strong to just keep running without stopping to ask: Where am I going?

Paul’s words in Ephesians remind us that busy doesn’t always mean wise. We can be in constant motion and still be moving in the wrong direction.

As Christians, we face a subtle danger right now: overcommitment. It’s easy to let activity crowd out intimacy — with God, with your spouse, with your family, and with your church family.

The world will gladly fill your calendar for you. But it won’t prioritize your walk with God. That’s on us.

I had the privilege to raise five children — three girls and two boys — and each one was completely different in personality, pace, and passions. Some loved structure, some thrived in the chaos. Some wanted to be at every event, others preferred quiet.

But here’s what surprised me: the moments they loved most weren’t the big events — they were the simple, almost ordinary moments.

My oldest daughter loved to play Josh Groban or Taylor Swift while we drove aimlessly around the neighborhood, just singing together and “wasting gas.” For my boys, it was spontaneous trips to the gas station to grab some snacks and hang out. Those weren’t grand, expensive outings — but they were quality, unhurried moments that stuck in their hearts.

The truth? Their mom and I were busy. Life was full. But we learned that we had to fight for those simple moments — because if we didn’t make them happen, the busyness of life would erase them.

One thing I learned quickly: if I didn’t lead our family with clear priorities, the calendar would lead us. And the calendar doesn’t care about your walk with God, your marriage, or the deeper needs of your kids’ hearts.

Looking back, the moments that mattered most weren’t the tournaments, recitals, or school events — they were the unhurried conversations at the dinner table, the late-night talks in the car, the prayers before bed. Those moments only happened because we guarded them, even when it meant saying no to good things so we could say yes to the best things.

Here’s a biblical rhythm to keep from losing what matters most:

1. God First
   • Matthew 6:33 — “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
   • Your time with Him isn’t a leftover; it’s the fuel for every other relationship and responsibility.
2. Your Own Soul
   • Mark 6:31 — “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
   • Rest, pray, journal, reflect. You can’t pour out if you’re running on fumes.
3. Your Marriage
   • Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 — “Two are better than one… if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
   • Date nights, real conversations, praying together — invest here first.
4. Your Family
   • Deuteronomy 6:6–7 — “These commandments… are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.”
   • Relationship beats relentless schedules.
5. The Kingdom
   • Hebrews 10:24–25 — “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… not giving up meeting together…”
   • The church isn’t just another activity — it’s the place where we live out our calling.

Back-to-school isn’t just about academics — it’s a spiritual season for our children, too.

Be alert for:

• Friend groups — Who they spend time with will shape who they become. (Proverbs 13:20)
• Social media — Identity can be stolen by comparison and likes.
• Achievement pressure — Good grades and sports wins are fine, but they’re not greater than walking with Jesus.

Parents, pray for your kids daily. Know their friends. Ask real questions. Model the priorities you want them to follow — because they will catch more from your example than your instruction.

Lord, in this busy season, teach us to number our days so we may gain a heart of wisdom. Help us to keep You first, love our families well, guard our time, and invest in Your Kingdom. May our children grow not just in knowledge, but in godliness. Amen.

On Sunday, we explored a truth that challenges both ancient Corinth and our modern hearts: In Christ, we have real freedom — but love often calls us to limit that freedom for the sake of others. This is what I call a “messy liberty” — where what is biblically permissible can still be relationally harmful.

Today, I want to take you deeper into the world of Corinth, into the flow of Paul’s argument, and into the cultural parallels that shape how we apply this in 2025.

To really understand 1 Corinthians 8–10, you have to picture Corinth in Paul’s day:

• Religious Overlap: Temples to Apollo, Aphrodite, and dozens of lesser-known gods dominated the skyline. Religion wasn’t separate from life — it was life. Business deals, political meetings, weddings, and funerals often happened in temple banquet halls.
• Meat Market Reality: After an animal was sacrificed to an idol, the leftover meat was sold in the market. Buying meat often meant buying what had been part of idol worship.
• Social Pressure: Refusing to attend temple events could damage your reputation, your income, and your relationships. For some Christians, the easiest option was to attend and “just not mean it.”

This is why the Corinthians were debating: If idols aren’t real, what’s the harm?

Paul actually agrees with the theological point — idols are nothing (8:4–6). But he pushes the conversation beyond what is “right” into what is “loving.”

• Not Everyone Knows This: Some believers were fresh out of idol worship. Eating that meat would feel like worshiping their old gods.
• The Ripple Effect: Your freedom could become their downfall if it caused them to act against their conscience (8:7–12).
• Paul’s Personal Standard: He’d rather never eat meat again than cause a brother or sister to stumble (8:13).

We don’t face meat-offered-to-idols decisions, but our world is full of similar gray areas:

• What we post on social media.
• Our entertainment choices.
• The language we use in humor.
• How we speak about politics in mixed company.
• The way we express style or wealth in a community with different backgrounds.

The principle still stands: Just because I can, doesn’t always mean I should. Every choice we make leaves a ripple — influencing how others see Christ in us.

Paul doesn’t stop at meat. He shares how he limits his freedoms in other areas (9:19–23) to reach people for Christ. He disciplines himself like an athlete (9:24–27) to avoid being disqualified.

In chapter 10, Paul frames the whole discussion with this principle:

“Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial… Let no one seek his own good, but the good of others” (10:23–24).

Paul’s closing thought in 10:31–33 is the north star for all messy liberties:

• Do everything for God’s glory.
• Avoid causing anyone to stumble.
• Seek the good of many so they may be saved.

Here’s a layer we couldn’t unpack fully in the sermon: In Corinth, public life was built on honor and shame. A believer who refused meat or a temple gathering risked being mocked, excluded, or even losing business. Choosing love over liberty wasn’t just inconvenient — it could cost you socially and financially. That’s why Paul’s teaching was radical. It said, “I will absorb the loss if it means you can keep your faith intact.”

We live in a self-branded age where personal expression is king. “Be true to yourself” is the mantra. But the gospel calls us to be true to Christ, even when that means letting go of something we have every “right” to enjoy.

Messy liberties force us to ask:

• Am I more concerned about my freedom or my brother’s faith?
• Will my choice make the gospel more attractive or more confusing?

The kingdom of God advances when love trumps liberty. This week, don’t just ask, “What can I do?” Ask, “What can I lay down so others can see Jesus more clearly?” That’s the messy — and beautiful — way of Christ.

Before diving into this guide, we strongly encourage you to watch or listen to the full message:

This message lays the foundation for everything we’re talking about here. It’s raw, honest, and rooted in grace.

Let’s be real. For many of us, confession has become a lost practice. We talk about sin in general, but we rarely name it personally or share it in community. And yet, the Bible points over and over to confession as a pathway to freedom—not shame.

In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul confronts a church that had let sin become normal—lawsuits, sexual immorality, division. It was messy. But Paul didn’t walk away from them; he called them higher. And not because he was trying to shame them—but because they were too valuable to leave stuck in compromise.

Confession brings us back to our identity. It reminds us that we’re not our failures—we’re washed, sanctified, justified (1 Cor. 6:11). When we stop hiding and start confessing, something powerful happens: the grip of sin breaks, the burden of shame lifts, and the love of Jesus feels real again.

And let’s face it—our souls get heavy when we carry stuff alone. Confession helps us drop the baggage and walk in step with the Spirit again.

Here are four simple, grounded ways to bring confession back into your walk with God without making it weird, legalistic, or performative:

Set aside time this week—10 quiet minutes, no phone, no distractions. Tell God what’s real. Don’t sugarcoat it. Say, “God, I’ve been prideful... I’ve been angry… I’ve been struggling with lust.” Use Psalm 51 or 1 John 1:9 to help you pray through it.

Confession isn’t about guilt—it’s about coming home. God isn’t shocked by your mess. He’s just waiting to clean it up.

Sometimes we share our struggles with people who can’t spiritually carry them. That leads to judgment, gossip, or shallow advice. Instead, talk to someone who is truly following Jesus—who knows what it means to listen with grace and respond with truth.

This could be a trusted friend, mentor, minister, or someone in your small group who’s walking the walk. Let them pray with you. Not because you can’t go straight to God—but because healing comes in community too (James 5:16).

And a note here: be wise. Church hurt is real. Don’t unload your soul to someone who isn’t ready to handle it. Pick someone who will point you back to Jesus, not just vent with you.

Confession doesn’t stop when we hit 40 or 60. In fact, it gets more essential. As we age, there’s a temptation to bury stuff, to get bitter, to hold on to pride or regret instead of staying soft and open before God.

Make confession a lifelong rhythm. Ask yourself: Is there anything I’m holding onto that God wants to heal?

Confession isn’t just for rock-bottom moments. Don’t wait for life to fall apart before you get real with God or a brother/sister in Christ.

That said, some moments do call for deep reflection—baptism, marriage, leadership, or even grief. These are chances to clean house spiritually.

Before her baptism, I asked my Aunt Olga, “Is there anything you're holding onto before you meet our Father?” She confessed and entered the water clean, free, and at peace. That’s the power of confession—it prepares us to fully meet God.

If your soul’s been tired… if your temple’s gotten messy… if you’ve been hiding stuff under “I’m fine”—this is your moment to run back to Jesus.

You’re not your sin. You’re His.

Don’t carry shame another week. Talk to God. Find someone trustworthy to confess to. Let Jesus wash it clean. And walk lighter into whatever’s next.

— God Bless & Godspeed

You’re the Professor. Your Children are the Students.
 
The metaphor of marriage as a "morality class" is a powerful image that elevates the role of parents to a higher level of responsibility. It underscores the importance of intentionality in teaching children values, particularly biblical ones, in a world filled with distractions and conflicting moral messages.

Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. Then the Lord’s anger will burn against you, and he will shut up the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the Lord is giving you. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.

In this view, parents are not just partners in a relationship but also moral educators shaping the next generation. Deuteronomy 11:16-21 reminds us of God's command to instill His ways in the hearts and minds of our children, reinforcing the idea that faith and values are not optional add-ons but core foundations of life. The "classroom" of marriage, therefore, is not passive but an active, ongoing engagement that happens in everyday moments—when we sit, walk, lie down, and rise.
 
The challenge today, as pointed out, is the presence of competing voices—social media, entertainment, and societal norms—that are shaping children's worldview in real-time. If parents do not intentionally take on the role of moral instructors, these external influences will fill the void.

The practical takeaway is clear: Parents must step up to teach their children consistently and intentionally about God’s ways, even when it's uncomfortable or met with resistance. The idea of having weekly conversations with your spouse and creating a routine for family instruction echoes the rhythm of life described in Deuteronomy. It’s a call to prioritize spiritual and moral education within the home, which will leave a lasting impact, even if it's not immediately visible.
 
Your personal story is a testament to the enduring power of this kind of upbringing. Even in times of rebellion or wandering, the teachings of your parents were seeds that ultimately bore fruit later in life. This serves as a reminder that no effort in this area is wasted; God's truth, when planted in the hearts of children, has the potential to grow and flourish, even in challenging circumstances.

The question, "How about you?" is an invitation to every parent to reflect on their own role in this critical responsibility. It challenges parents to be proactive in shaping the moral and spiritual character of their children, not leaving it to chance or outside influences.

Worship is a deeply meaningful act of connection with God. It’s more than just singing—it’s about opening our hearts to Him, surrendering our struggles, and giving Him our undivided attention. But how do we worship if singing or public praise doesn’t feel natural to us?

These are questions I’ve often pondered. Worship isn’t limited to a particular skill or expression; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about inviting God into our daily lives, making room for His presence, and allowing Him to work in and through us.

For example, when our church gathers for worship devotionals, it’s a powerful reminder that worship is not a performance but a way to grow closer to God, both individually and as a community. Participating in these moments of shared faith is an encouragement to set aside our distractions and fully focus on Him.

A Song That Speaks to the Heart

One song that has personally impacted me is “Make Room.” This song speaks deeply to my heart because it reminds me to surrender everything at God’s feet—my worries, my pain, and even my doubts—and let Him take control.

The lyrics encourage us to lay down every burden and distraction and make space for God’s will in our lives:

Here is where I lay it down
Every burden, every crown
This is my surrender

Here is where I lay it down
Every lie and every doubt
This is my surrender

[Chorus]
And I will make room for You
To do whatever You want to

These words have been a comfort and a challenge for me, especially during difficult seasons. Like many of you, I’ve faced moments of loss, family struggles, and insecurity. During those times, the enemy works hard to make us feel defeated and isolated.

But this song reminds me to fight harder and to trust that God’s plans are greater than anything I could imagine. When I’ve laid my burdens at His feet, He has given me peace and strength, even in my most vulnerable moments. Only God can bring us through the fire and use those experiences to deepen our faith.

Worship as a Testimony
Worship is also an opportunity to share our testimonies. Each of us has a song, a verse, or a prayer that speaks to our journey with God. These personal reflections are part of how we witness to His goodness and faithfulness in our lives.

Do you have a song that connects with you spiritually? A song that reminds you of God’s love and strength? I encourage you to share it with others—it could inspire someone who is walking a similar path.

Worship is a journey, and through it, we grow closer to God. Together, we can encourage each other to lay down our burdens and make room for Him to move in our lives.
If you’d like to listen to “Make Room,” you can find it here: “Make Room” by Community Music.

Let’s continue to reflect on what worship means and how it transforms our hearts, drawing us nearer to the One who is worthy of it all.

In our fast-paced world, it can be easy to overlook the unique gifts that God has given each of us. These gifts are not just for our personal benefit but for the building up of the church and serving others. Today, let's explore what spiritual gifts are, how they apply to us today, and how you can discover your own spiritual gifts.

Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan city, strategically located on a narrow strip of land connecting mainland Greece with the Peloponnesian peninsula. This prime location made Corinth a major hub for trade and commerce, attracting a diverse population, including many who were wealthy and powerful.

Often, we hear Corinth referred to as "Sin City," likened to our modern-day Las Vegas. While Corinth had its fair share of immorality, this comparison can sometimes overshadow the more nuanced reality. The church in Corinth wasn't just struggling because of the city's notorious reputation; it was also dealing with internal challenges.

As Phillip J. Long, PhD, professor of biblical studies at Grace Christian University, explains:

This insight helps us understand that the issues in Corinth were deeply rooted in the attitudes and behaviors of its church members. They were grappling with how to live out their faith while being immersed in a culture of wealth, power, and status.

Paul addresses these challenges head-on in his letters. He recognizes the diversity within the church—people from various backgrounds, each bringing their own strengths and weaknesses. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul emphasizes the importance of unity and diversity within the body of Christ. He reminds the Corinthians that their spiritual gifts, though varied, all come from the same Spirit and are meant to serve the common good.

In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NIV), Paul outlines a variety of spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit. These gifts are designed to work together to strengthen the body of Christ. Here are some key gifts mentioned and how they can manifest in our lives today:

• Message of Wisdom and Knowledge: Think of someone who provides profound insight or practical advice during tough situations. This could be a mentor or friend who always knows the right thing to say. (James 1:5)

• Faith: This isn’t just everyday faith; it’s an extraordinary confidence in God’s promises. You might see this in someone who stays strong and hopeful even in the darkest times, inspiring others to trust God. (Hebrews 11:1)

• Gifts of Healing: While we might not see miraculous healings like in biblical times, think about those in the medical field or those who have a special gift for comforting and praying for the sick. Their presence brings healing and peace. (James 5:14-15)

• Miraculous Powers: This might be seen in those who bring about extraordinary change through their actions, like transforming a community through service or advocacy. These are "miracles" in a modern sense—amazing works that reveal God’s power. It's important to note that while we might not often witness supernatural miracles today, God is still capable of performing them according to His will. (Ephesians 3:20) 

• Prophecy: Prophecy today can be understood as speaking God’s truth into situations. It’s that person who boldly declares what’s right and true, encouraging and sometimes challenging us. (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21) 

• Distinguishing Between Spirits: This gift is about discernment, knowing what’s from God and what’s not. It’s crucial for making wise decisions and guiding others away from false teachings. (1 John 4:1)

• Speaking in Different Kinds of Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues: In our context, this might involve bridging cultural and language barriers, helping to communicate God’s love across different groups. (Acts 2:4)

1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV) reminds us:

These gifts are not ours to keep; they are given by God to serve and glorify Him. When we use our gifts, we demonstrate God’s love and power in the world.

Curious about your own spiritual gifts? Take the Spiritual Gifts Survey at this link. This survey can help you identify your unique gifts and understand how you can use them to serve others and grow in your faith.

Team Ministry Spiritual Gifts Survey | FREE Spiritual Gifts Test Discovery Tool 

Imagine the church as a company like Apple Inc. As shareholders in this invaluable organization, each of us has a critical role to play. Just like Apple thrives because of the diverse talents of its employees, our church flourishes when we all use our spiritual gifts. Your role is vital, and you are all equal shareholders in this incredible mission in God's Kingdom. Embrace your gifts and contribute to the success and growth of the church community, it is to His Glory.

Embracing and using our spiritual gifts is a vital part of our faith journey. It’s about more than just personal fulfillment; it’s about serving others and glorifying God. So, take the survey, discover your gifts, and step into the incredible purpose God has for you.

Introduction:
In the heart of the message "The Birth of a Church: Unified in the Spirit," we find a profound lesson in the early days of the Christian Church, as narrated in Acts 2:1-13. This passage not only tells us about the coming of the Holy Spirit but also paints a vivid picture of unity amidst diversity – a blueprint for our modern churches, offering timeless lesson for our church.

Historical Context of Acts 2:1-13:
During the Pentecost, people from various nations gathered in Jerusalem. This gathering was not a mere coincidence; it was a divine setup. The presence of Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and others highlights the diverse tapestry of the early Church, mirroring our own global community today.

Unity in Diversity: The Core of the Early Church
This diversity was not just geographical; it was cultural, linguistic, and experiential. Yet, in this diversity, there was unity – a unity fostered by the Holy Spirit. The early Church's ability to embrace this diversity was not just its strength but its very identity, a lesson that's crucial for our contemporary church.

The early Church, born in the midst of Pentecost’s miraculous diversity, stands as a testament to the power of unity in diversity. This foundational principle is not just a characteristic of the early Church; it's a blueprint for all Christian communities.

Modern Reflections: Unity in Diversity in Today's Church
As we consider the early Church's example, it becomes clear that the principle of unity in diversity is not just historical; it is a living, breathing aspect of our faith today. In our contemporary church communities, this principle is as relevant and necessary as it was in the days of the apostles.





Conclusion
As we reflect on the message of Acts 2:1-13 and the early Church's example, we are reminded of the timeless importance of unity in diversity within our faith communities. This principle, established during the Pentecost, continues to be a guiding light for our churches today. It encourages us to embrace our differences, learn from one another, and grow together in our shared journey of faith. Let us carry forward this legacy of unity, celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds in our congregations, as we work towards embodying the inclusive and unconditional love of Christ in our world.

References

1. BibleRef. "What does Acts chapter 2 mean?" BibleRef.com. 
2. Bible.org. "Lesson 4: The Meaning of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13)." 
3. Insight for Living Ministries. "Book of Acts Overview." Link
4. Third Millennium Ministries. "The Book of Acts: The Background of Acts." 
5. Wikipedia. "Acts 2." 
6. Enduring Word. "Enduring Word Bible Commentary – Acts Chapter 2."
7. Bible History Online. "Acts 2 Background Information with Maps and Images." 

Welcome to our study of Acts 1, where we await, with the early disciples, the fulfillment of Jesus' promise. In this post, we'll dive into the historical and theological depths of Acts 1, understanding its significance in the broader narrative of the New Testament.

Before jumping into Acts 1, it's important to understand its place in Luke's writings. We find Luke's writing, the Gospel of Luke, it parallels the other gospels in describing Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. However, his second writing, the book of Acts, stands uniquely as a history book, chronicling the establishment and growth of the early church. Written to Theophilus, a Gentile official, between 60-68 AD, Acts shifts from the narrative of Jesus to the actions of His Apostles, primarily Peter and Paul.

Pentecost in Jewish Tradition:
Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot in Hebrew), is one of the three major Jewish festivals, alongside Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles. It falls fifty days after Passover and marks the end of the Counting of the Omer, a period of seven weeks following Passover. This festival originally celebrated the spring harvest and the first fruits of the wheat harvest in Israel.

In Jewish tradition, Pentecost also commemorates the giving of the Torah to Moses at Mount Sinai. This adds a significant layer of spiritual and religious importance to the festival, as it's not only an agricultural celebration but also a remembrance of the covenant between God and Israel.

The early chapters of Acts focus on Peter's ministry. Luke begins with a review of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, teachings about the kingdom, and His ascension. The disciples are instructed to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. This waiting period is crucial, as it represents a shift from Jesus' physical presence to the spiritual empowerment of His followers.

As we dive into Acts 1, we find ourselves immersed in a pivotal moment of transition and expectation. The disciples, having witnessed the profound mysteries of Christ's resurrection, now grapple with His impending ascension and the promise of the Holy Spirit.

A Time of Unity and Anticipation:
In Jerusalem, the air is thick with anticipation. The disciples, united in purpose yet diverse in their backgrounds, gather together, holding on to Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit. This gathering is not just a physical convergence but a profound spiritual union, an embodiment of faith and hope amidst uncertainty. Their unity, forged through shared experiences and a common mission, sets a powerful example for the church throughout the ages.

Acts 1:4-5 (ESV): "And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, 'you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.'"

Jesus' Ascension: A Moment of Awe and Promise:
The ascension of Jesus is a moment etched in the annals of Christian history, marked by awe and wonder. As Jesus is lifted up before their eyes, a tangible sense of both loss and hope fills the air. This event is not merely a miraculous spectacle; it's a pivotal turning point. It signals the end of Jesus' earthly ministry and the beginning of a new chapter for the disciples – a chapter where they will transition from followers to leaders, from learners to bearers of the Gospel.

The Role of Prayer and Preparation:
In these days of waiting, the disciples are not passive. They engage actively in prayer, seeking divine guidance and wisdom. This period of prayerful waiting is as crucial as the action that will follow. It's a time for spiritual preparation, for aligning their hearts and minds with God's will. Their devotion to prayer exemplifies the power of communal intercession and sets a pattern for Christian life, underscoring the significance of seeking God’s guidance in times of transition and decision-making.

The Implications for the Modern Church:
The events of Acts 1 resonate deeply with the contemporary church. They remind us of the importance of unity in diversity, the power of shared anticipation, and the transformative nature of prayerful waiting. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded that periods of waiting are not merely times to endure but opportunities to prepare, pray, and align ourselves with God’s purposes.

In exploring Acts 1, I'm reminded of a personal struggle with waiting and the frustration of being patient. Years ago, I faced a significant crossroads in my life. Fresh out of high school, I was torn between the allure of immediate action through military service and the uncharted potential of college education. Financial constraints and a lack of visible support clouded my vision of the latter path.

Driven by a mix of fear, impatience, and a desire for quick resolution, I leaned towards joining the military. It felt like the only viable option. I remember feeling the pressure of making a swift decision, one that seemed to offer a clear direction in the midst of uncertainty. But was it the right choice? In retrospect, only God knows.

This decision, made in haste and without seeking divine guidance, set the tone for subsequent choices in my life – many of which led me down paths I later regretted. It was a decision rooted in selfish motives, not in patient waiting for God's direction.

Reflecting on this now, I see how it parallels the disciples' experience in Acts 1. They, too, were at a crossroads, facing uncertainty about their future after Jesus' ascension. Yet, unlike my younger self, they chose to wait. They gathered in unity, praying and seeking God's guidance, trusting in His promise.

This chapter in Acts teaches us about the power of waiting on God. It's a lesson in trusting His timing, even when the world urges us to hurry. We learn that in the waiting, there is growth, learning, and an opportunity to align our desires with God's will.

Looking back, I wish I had embraced the art of waiting, seeking God's guidance rather than rushing ahead. It’s a lesson I carry with me, a reminder of the importance of patience and faith in the face of life's crossroads.

As we conclude our exploration of Acts 1, we are left with profound insights that echo through time to our modern experiences. This chapter, rich in historical and spiritual significance, serves as a timeless reminder of the value of unity, patience, and the pursuit of divine guidance.

The disciples' journey, marked by anticipation and reliance on God's promise, offers a blueprint for our faith walk. In a world that often demands swift decisions and instant results, the lesson of Acts 1 is particularly resonant. It teaches us the virtue of waiting on God's timing, the strength found in communal prayer, and the importance of aligning our hearts with His will.

As we face our crossroads, uncertainties, and transitions, may we draw inspiration from the early believers in Acts 1. Let us embrace the art of waiting, not as a passive state, but as an active, prayerful preparation for the plans God has for us. In doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of faith, and the endless possibilities that unfold when we align our paths with God's purpose.

Today is Father’s Day. Blessed is the person who had a father who loved them enough to give them love, guidance and discipline.  Blessed is the person whose father loves God and strives to please Him.  Blessed is the person whose father imparted his wisdom and experience to their children.  I realize that not everyone has or had such a father.  Some are estranged from their fathers and get very little love and guidance from them.  But even fathers who fail short in many ways often give their children wisdom.

The writer of Proverbs says, “Listen, my son, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.  I give you sound learning so do not forsake my teaching.  When I was a boy in my father’s house still tender and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said, ‘Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will get wisdom and understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. . .” Proverbs 4:1-5.  

Our culture is not strong on generational learning.  By that I mean we are not strong on listening to the older generation and gleaning wisdom from their experience.  Too many of us think the older generation doesn’t really know what they are talking about and so we plot our own course without much input from our parents.  Imagine how much better off we would be if we could listen and really learn from the experiences of our parents.  Lord, my father is gone.  He was imperfect in many ways, but I am grateful for him. And Father whether we had a good father or a poor one, we have you as our Father and you give us love, guidance and discipline for which we are grateful.

Contribution by Greg Nevil

In the panoply of occasions we celebrate each year, there's one holiday that perhaps doesn't receive the recognition it deserves: Father's Day. Sandwiched between Mother's Day, a widely lauded tribute, and the dazzling fanfare of Independence Day, it's easy to overlook this special day dedicated to our fathers. Yet, we must understand that our fathers' influence is as vital as any other in shaping us into who we are.

Let us take a moment to reflect on the significance of our fathers, rooted deeply in the teachings of the Bible.

Ephesians 6:4 states, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse not only exemplifies the importance of fathers in our lives but also calls upon them to bear the responsibility of nurturing their children in the way of the Lord.

In the Christian tradition, God is often referred to as our Heavenly Father. He provides, nurtures, disciplines, and loves unconditionally. The role of earthly fathers, thus, becomes a mirror reflecting God's love and guidance. Each father has the unique privilege and duty to showcase these divine traits to their children, providing a tangible expression of God's love on earth.

However, as we reflect on Father's Day, it seems that we, as a society, have not fully grasped the significance of this day and the profound influence our fathers wield. It's not as elaborately celebrated as other holidays; it's not festooned with glamorous decorations or loud fanfares. And while it's true that love cannot be measured by the amount of celebration, it's essential to remember that recognition matters.

Recognition encourages. It affirms the sacrifices our fathers make, the wisdom they impart, and the love they bestow. It fortifies them in their challenging role, reminding them of their worth and impact. We don't just celebrate fathers one day of the year because it's marked on our calendar, but because they are fundamental pillars in our lives, every single day.

It's high time we rekindled the spirit of Father's Day, not with grandeur, but with heartfelt appreciation and love. Let's make it a day of sincere gratitude, a day of shared stories and lessons, a day where fathers and their children can deepen their bonds.

Let us honor the teachings of Proverbs 20:7, "The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him." Our fathers are our first heroes, our guides, walking beside us as we navigate the complexities of life. They plant the seeds of faith, water them with love, and cultivate our growth with their unwavering strength and wisdom.

Remember, a father's love is often silent, expressed more in deeds than in words. It's in the steady support they offer, the sacrifices they make without complaint, the wisdom they impart, and the love they give unconditionally. This Father's Day, let's ensure we recognize and appreciate these silent love songs.

As we celebrate this coming Father's Day, let us all be reminded of our Heavenly Father's love and the earthly fathers who emulate this love. Let us show gratitude for their presence, their sacrifices, their guidance, and their unyielding love. May we express our love for them not just in words but in actions that speak volumes.

It may not be the most flamboyant of holidays, but Father's Day serves as a gentle, yet powerful, reminder of the significant role our fathers play in our lives, mirroring the love and guidance of our Heavenly Father. Let us not forget the importance of this day, as it is not just a celebration, but an affirmation of the lasting impact our fathers have on our lives.

A father's influence is beyond what we see. It is found in the lessons they teach, the values they instill, and the love they share. Our fathers stand as lighthouses, guiding us through the turbulent seas of life, their lives testament to courage, perseverance, and faith.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 16:14, "Let all that you do be done in love." Our fathers embody this scripture, their actions steeped in love, their decisions guided by it. They may not always express their feelings openly, but their love is evident in the comfort of their presence, the safety in their embrace, and the wisdom in their words.

Fathers, on this day, we want you to know that you are not unsung heroes. Your actions do not go unnoticed, your sacrifices do not go unappreciated, and your love does not go unfelt. We might not say it enough, but we value you, we respect you, and most importantly, we love you.

To everyone else, let's make this Father's Day not just another day on the calendar but a day filled with love, appreciation, and acknowledgement. Reach out to your fathers, tell them you love them, thank them for the part they play in your life. If distance separates you, make a call, write a letter, send a prayer. For those whose fathers are no longer with us, honor their memory, cherish the moments you had, and remember the love they shared.

As we celebrate Father's Day, let's also remember our Heavenly Father, who loved us so much that He gave His only Son to save us (John 3:16). In honoring our earthly fathers, we also honor our Heavenly Father, our ultimate example of love and sacrifice.

Let's make Father's Day a celebration of love - love that protects, love that guides, and love that never fails. Because every father is a testament to this love, a reflection of our Heavenly Father's love for each of us.

So, here's to the unsung heroes, our fathers - the guiding lights in our lives. Your day may not be the most celebrated, but in our hearts, your love is the most cherished. Happy Father's Day!
As we conclude this article, I leave you with a prayer from Numbers 6:24-26: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Let us live this prayer out, extending this blessing not just to our fathers, but to all those we encounter. In doing so, we not only celebrate our earthly fathers, but also our Heavenly Father, whose love is the ultimate model for us all.  

Contributor: Miguel Candelario

In 2020, The United States and the world was changed drastically by an unknown pandemic. Our older generations, the baby boomers, had seen unprecedented changes in their lifetime, but now this type of situation will be marked in the history books of all nations, because it affected us globally. One of the hardest hit groups, while it may not be recognized, were the evangelicals and Christian denominations.

While many of these congregations have been planning for the end times to be played out by some kind of human force, coming to take us away in chains, throw us in prison, and torture us until we renounce the Lord Jesus, we were caught completely off guard to an unseen, force of nature. Sure, in some of the political circles, there had been suspicions of mankind manipulating viruses and talk of human depopulation conspiracies, but even if mankind had their hands in the mix of this, it is abundantly clear this pandemic was undoubtedly brought upon by the Evil one. His only purpose was to divide and conquer. How did we become so comfortable to believe that such a thing would not occur in our lifetime?

We were caught off guard, and unprepared and we seem to still be picking up the pieces this pandemic planted on us. But despite this gloomy introduction, there is a blessed assurance hidden behind the scenes in this narration.

You see, even though we had to isolate, wear masks, and even curfew and restrict ourselves for a short time, God was working overtime to let His will continue to be known. While this testimony is not the only victory in Jesus our congregation had, as I am sure there are many stories more worthy of the one I am blessing your eyes from reading, God was still working to lift up and edify the church and encourage those brothers and sisters who just missed the warm hugs and embraces from church and family members.

One such moment was the South Lake Church of Christ Worship Team. Behind the scenes and with delicate care, they worked hard to provide worship to the congregation. A little bit of the details I will share.

First, there were hours spent behind recording devices, in solitude, to get the correct beat, sound, and mix it down on tracks on a small iPad device. Then, each individual had to record a single track of their voices, any mistake having to painstakingly start over from the beginning. Once all the vocals came together, the final draft was mixed and rendered into a musical masterpiece.

God cannot be defeated, His will never falters, and he will never let His people take more than they can handle. Through the power of Christ in faith, I present to you this sweat and tears created masterpiece from the South Lake Church of Christ. Ok so maybe not a masterpiece as you will hear some of the audio deficiencies, but for a pandemic planned worship song, with limited tools, I give it an A for effort.

Contributor: Troy Jacobs, Worship Leader

In the beat of our daily lives, there's a sacred rhythm that often goes unnoticed - a divine tempo that underlies all creation and invites us to join in. This rhythm can be found in God's Word, where we find transformation and renewal.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

The practice of Lectio Divina, a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer, is one way to deeply connect with this rhythm. It encourages us to slow down, read Scripture with a listening heart, and let God's Word take root in our lives.

We encounter Jesus in the Scriptures and through Him we are transformed. As we ponder the living Word of God, we allow it to permeate our being and influence our actions.

One key element of this transformative process is understanding that it's not a single moment, but a journey, much like the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Ask yourself: Have you experienced this spiritual renewal and transformation in your life? What were the moments when you felt most connected to God's Word? How have you seen your life transformed through these encounters with Scripture?

Let's use Lectio Divina as a way to attune ourselves to the sacred rhythm. As we read (Lectio), meditate (Meditatio), pray (Oratio), and contemplate (Contemplatio), we engage in a rhythmic dance with God, moving closer to Him with each step.

In Lectio, we listen to the Word, allowing it to resonate within us. In Meditatio, we ponder on the Word, digesting its meaning in the context of our own lives. In Oratio, we respond to the Word, engaging in a dialogue with God. And in Contemplatio, we rest in the Word, letting its truth and power transform us.

Ask yourself: How have you experienced Lectio Divina in your spiritual journey? What aspects of this practice resonate with you the most? How has it transformed your understanding of God's Word and His will for your life?

Remember, transformation is not instantaneous, nor is it easy. It's a continual process of growth and change. It's akin to the journey the caterpillar takes to become a butterfly – an intricate, delicate process that's guided by a divine blueprint.

References:
Barton, Ruth Haley. "Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation." Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2006.


Foster, Richard J. "Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth." San Francisco, CA: HarperOne, 1998.

Peterson, Eugene H. "Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading." Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2006.


The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2001.

Please note that these references serve as supplemental resources and further reading for those interested in the topic. The perspectives offered in these texts do not necessarily reflect the views of our Church but provide various insights on spiritual transformation and the practice of Lectio Divina.

Contributor: Miguel Candelario

As Christians, one of our primary callings is to love and serve one another. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands His disciples to love one another, saying "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

So, how can we serve one another in love? Here are a few scriptural principles to guide us:

1. Put others before ourselves. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." We can serve one another in love by being willing to set aside our own needs and desires and prioritize the needs of others.
2. Use our gifts to bless others. In 1 Peter 4:10-11, Peter writes, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace...in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." Each of us has been given unique gifts and talents, and we can use them to serve and bless others in love.
3. Bear one another's burdens. In Galatians 6:2, Paul writes, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." We can serve one another in love by being willing to come alongside those who are struggling and help carry their burdens.
4. Speak truth in love. In Ephesians 4:15, Paul writes, "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ." Sometimes serving one another in love means speaking difficult truths, but we can do so in a way that is gentle and compassionate, seeking to build up and encourage rather than tear down.

Ultimately, serving one another in love is an outworking of our love for God and our desire to follow Jesus' example of selflessness and sacrifice. As we seek to serve one another in love, may we be reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 25:40: "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

Serving the church in love is also an important aspect of our Christian faith. Here are a few ways we can serve the church in love:

1. Use our gifts to build up the body. As mentioned earlier, each of us has been given unique gifts and talents that can be used to bless others. In the context of the church, we can use our gifts to serve and build up the body of Christ. This might include volunteering in a ministry, serving in a leadership role, or simply using our gifts to encourage and support others.
2. Pray for the church and its leaders. Prayer is a powerful way we can serve the church in love. We can pray for our pastors, elders, and other leaders, asking God to give them wisdom, strength, and guidance as they seek to lead the church. We can also pray for the members of the church, asking God to help us grow in our love for Him and for one another.
3. Give generously. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Giving financially is one way we can serve the church in love, supporting its ministries and outreach efforts. But we can also give of our time and resources, volunteering our skills and talents to help the church in practical ways.
4. Serve with a humble and willing heart. In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul writes, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." As we serve the church, whether through volunteering, giving, or simply being present and supportive, we can do so with a humble and willing heart, recognizing that we are ultimately serving Christ Himself.

By serving the church in love, we not only bless and strengthen the body of Christ, but we also grow in our own faith and obedience to God. May we be faithful and joyful servants of the church, using our gifts and resources to advance God's kingdom and bring glory to His name.

Consider This:
1. What is one practical way you can serve someone in love today, using the principles outlined in scripture?

2. What is one specific way you can serve your local church in love this week?

This lesson is designed to help you if you have been given the opportunity to do communion at the worship service.  This is an outline of the message given at midweek and is intended to give structure to our communion speakers so that we can have an organized service.

Structure is essential in delivering a consistent message.  It also can help you a lot when you are trying to come up with a topic and make it flow during your talk.  If we are going to grow as a church and grow individually, we need structure.  This is no time to rebel and do it your way, if we all attempt to follow a organized structure, it will help people connect with God and also keep the flow of the worship service moving.

Being prepared is the key to everything in public speaking.  There are very few people who can just wing it and have everything come out fine.  John 14:2 says Jesus has prepared a place for you and I in heaven.  The key word is prepare, we can at least do some of the legwork necessary to help our people.  There is no part of the service that does not have any preparation.  The song service requires a lot of thought and practice, its hard enough to go up there and lead the congregation in song without preparing it first.  The same goes with the sermon, it takes the speaker a whole week to prepare what they are going to say and how they plan to deliver the message.  Preparation and structure go hand in hand.

This is the structure or format that you can use to prepare for communion:

1. Opening/Introduction
   
2. Headline
3. Commentary
4. Scripture
5. Prayer

You can change the order around a little bit if you like.  Lets break it down into components so that you understand the format.

This is fairly easy and straight forward.  Introduce yourself and give the audience the scripture reference you will be using for the communion.  This allows them to turn to the page while you are getting ready to connect them to God.

The goal of communion is to help everyone make a connection to God and to remember the cross.  A headline is something you state that gets everyone’s attention.  Good Headlines grab the listener and tell them that this is not going to be boring and you need to listen to what I am saying.

The commentary is the verbiage that supports the headline.  This is where you make a simple point that is about the theme of your message.

• It is ONE main thought
• It can be a story
• It is sharing, not preaching
• It has to tie to into the scripture and message of the cross
• Lists are good if they are interesting

The key to a good communion is to use ONE scripture.  When you ask people to start searching their Bibles for the next awesome scripture that you think is essential to your message, you risk losing them.  So many people start searching, some can’t find it, pages are rustling and you may go to the connection killing “pause”  All scripture is awesome, so pick one and go with it.  One thought, one scripture, its as simple as that.

• Use a real Bible (the book) not your phone.  Bibles are credible and a well worn one says a lot about your walk with God.  When you use a phone or a tablet you invite the opportunity for something not to work correctly.  You can lose your open page, the battery could die, or you get an email or a tweet from someone that says your not entirely focused on God’s Word.  Put a bookmark in your Bible, it will never fail you.  When you are ready to read your scripture your audience will already be there waiting for you!
• Use a version that most of the congregation uses.  Here is why:  When you start reading in a different version, the persons brain takes a second to figure out that you are using a different version.  They then have to transfer versions while you are reading and simultaneously listen to what you are saying and interpret what they are reading.  This again invites a disconnect that you are so reverently trying to produce.  I have found the 1984 version of NIV is what most people have, using that version will give you the higher success rate of being on the same version as everyone else.

When you are done with your scripture you may tie together the point of the scripture to the point of your message and then go to prayer.  A lot of times I use the prayer time to “clean up” my message.  If I forgot something important I just add it into the prayer.  Also when you pray, do not read it.  Reading it sounds mechanical and rote, something that other churches do with great ineffectiveness, pray from your heart.

That pretty much covers the structure lets take a few minutes and give you some good practical points to implement into your outline.

The perfect communion is 6 to 8 minutes long.  A disciplined man or woman learns this and prepares for this accordingly.  It is imperative you stick to this timeline.  When you go long, you do three things.  The first is you mess up the time line of the service and the song leader may have to adjust the number of songs sang because you went too long.  The second is, it is not fair to the person that is speaking next when you go long.  Thirdly and most importantly, when you go long you increase the odds of losing the connection you are trying to create between the listener, the point, and the cross.  So how do you know if you are on time or not?  Practice.  I practice my communions several times before I get up and speak.  I also use a cool timer app on my iPad and set it to 6 minutes.  I then go over and over my delivery and my point so that it flows nicely and its tight.  Good preparation does this every single time, it will also make you confident and cause you to memorize your thought which lends itself to you speaking more naturally to the audience. Practice and timing are great tools.

Brian & Ellen Royer

    February; the month of Love, the month of Valentine’s day, the “greeting card holiday” and of course, the third biggest day for chocolates!! So many people long to be part of committed relationship and we who are married need to be ever so thankful that God has already blessed us with a spouse.  As many of you know, our daughter just got married to the man of her dreams last month and as we participated in their wedding and with Valentine’s day coming up, we could not help but to think about our wedding day, our courtship and what brought us together.

Proverbs 5:18 May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth!
Song of Songs 7:10 I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me.

We all need reminders of how blessed we are to have our spouse.
Here are some practical’s that hopefully can help each one of us remember the specialness of our relationship with our spouse.

Questions:
1) What did you do to encourage your now spouse while you dated?
2) Share an encouraging memory of your dating relationship.
3) Start today, looking for ways to encourage the wife/husband of your youth this week and for the month.

The holidays are a joyful, fun time, but they can also be stressful, overwhelming and lonely because of COVID-19 restrictions that make travelling to celebrate with family not possible for some. If you have a concern about your teen, please know that there are resources and counselors available at Montverde Academy; and nationally, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 800.273.8255.

Watch Video: 

Review of points from Proverbs Study Series Lesson 1

Who Do we consider successful?  Why?  Who is more successful?

• Athletes
• Warren Buffet or Jeff Bezos
• Actors & Actresses
• Leaders

Does it take special talent or brain power to succeed?  Why?

Reference Material Used - Get Wise | Wise Feet - Part 1 & 2

What are well worn paths?

• Pursuit of money?
• Better job BBD
• What we do when we are alone
• Who we hang out with

What are spiritual well worn paths?

• getting up early to work on my relationship with God
• being on time
• deciding to give to the church instead of take
• creating resources

What happens when you try to establish a new well worn path?

• You get a battle
• Israelite's in the desert

What can be a fork in the road?  Are forks good or bad?

It is said that humans are 93% predictable because of patterns.  What happens when we do not plan our finances?  What happens if we don't make spiritual friends?  What happens if we do not read our Bibles daily/weekly?  Why?

How about this, if we are so predictable, why is discipline and diligence not defining concepts in our lives?

Author: Ken Schulte 

This is the introduction video that will get the course started. 

Outline of Proverbs

Chapters 1-9  Ten speeches of father to son.  Learning wisdom and fear of the Lord.  We will use four videos to accomplish understanding wisdom.

• Having wise feet
• Having a wise heart
• Having a wise tongue

Chapters 10-29  Various Topics of Wisdom and Understanding

Chapters 30-31 Agur & Lemuel

To build unity, understanding and love within the South Lake Church of Christ. To take what we learn and share it with our local community as well as our Nation at large. 

We will endeavor to encourage our brothers and sisters as disciples of Jesus Christ to acknowledge, accept and celebrate our cultural, ethnic and racial differences.  For far too long we have denied that these differences exist. While we are all united as Christians under the cross of Christ, it does not mean that we cannot rejoice in the uniqueness that our creator has blessed us all to have. Coming from different backgrounds means that we all bring special gifts and talents to the Kingdom. Let’s begin to encourage and promote that diversity. Whether it’s
linguistics, cultural or artistic we need to embrace the varied backgrounds of others.

The SCUAD seeks to begin the conversation in answering the questions that have faced our Churches as well as our Nation. One of our former Attorney Generals has noted “When it comes to discussions on race our people are cowards.”* We seek to break that trend. One of the key questions we will address is; “How do we express the love of Christ to our brothers and sisters who are ignorant and insensitive to the racial discrimination that people of African descent have suffered.” We have to admit that it’s a challenge. The answer lies in the example
of Jesus and our Guiding Scripture; with humility, prayer, patience, perseverance and of course love.

While there are many other painful issues that face our Nation as well as the rest of the world, such as the plight of indigenous peoples and undocumented immigrants, we will tackle the curse of racial discrimination and systematic disenfranchisement first. In doing so we hope to gain the tools necessary to deal with other issues that affect our society.

We will meet as a committee a minimum of once a month. With the approval of our evangelist we seek to have a Town Hall meeting with the entire congregation at least once each quarter. Again, one of our primary goals is to begin the conversation on building racial unity and understanding. Let’s contemplate as we proceed the future that we want our children to inherent. One where they are free of discrimination, segregation and racism. We don’t want the next generation to be excluded from opportunities because of the color of their skin. It is worth
the effort and the sacrifices we are making now to secure a brighter future for our children. As hard and painful as it is we need to confront the brutality, rape and wholesale slaughters of the past propagated by the slave trade and perpetuated by the belief that one person is better than another because of the color of their skin.

We know that the task before us is formidable. Our enemy, the evil one, seeks to divide and conquer; but the love of Jesus unites us. From generation to generation and from one administration after another these issues have been swept under the rug, rarely confronted or kicked down the road for someone else to handle. The time has come for us as the people of God to have the courage to boldly confront these issues and begin the conversation. By the power and love of Jesus Christ we will have the victory. His sacrifice on the cross makes us more
than conquerors.

Respectfully submitted,

The SCUAD Committee

This is lesson three.  We are going to add to the main points that we have expanded upon from the first two lessons.  Those are:

1.  You have to value yourself
2. You have to value people

We have learned some great concepts along the way about how to encourage each other and how to take a hard look at ourselves and our willingness to be unified.  Remember this is still about intent, we have to be like the good Samaritan and deliberately cross the road.  So in order to do that we are going to list points 3 and 4 together and then go through an amazing concept to bring an intense amount of value to the church.  This value will serve others and also serve ourselves by bringing us closer together.  By working together, we will be one step closer to a unified church.

3.  You need to know and relate to what people value.  This is a learning process.  Obviously, there are things that some people value more than others. These things are often wildly different between men and women. Stop and take a moment to figure out what truly motivates a member in your church. Is that something you think about on a regular basis?  Chances are the answer is no because our lives are busy and there usually is a hundred and one things to do instead. This simple exercise can make all the difference in the world. First you have to take the time to find out what is near and dear to someone, then you take the time to act on it. It is an exercise in value that pays huge dividends. Every time that person sees you they are reminded that you care about them on a different level.  In the book of Acts 2:44 it says that the Disciples were all together and had everything in common.  We tend to gloss over the fact that having everything in common is a lot of work, it’s intentional. Do you think that just happened in a day?  I tend to think that this was the beginning of a lifetime project of figuring one another out and giving to each other. It’s only one sentence but it powerfully speaks of Unity.

Questions:

• How do you think you find out what other members in our church value?
• Are you a good listener or is this something you need to work on?
• Do you think it would be a good idea to make a note on someone’s value and pray about it?

 

4. You should want to do do the things that God values. There is nothing more important than pleasing the Father.  Sometimes we think that this is a burden but it really is not. Most of the times what God values is very simple, it’s us that make it hard. Let me ask you this simple question, how do you think the parents of the man who was beaten felt about the man who helped him?  Quite possibly it made an impact that will change everyone’s perspective for the rest of their lives. That is how God thinks, he thinks on a scale much bigger and grander than we are ever capable of.

How do you think he feels about a church that wants to be more unified?  How do you think he feels about someone valuing others and learning how to bond with that person on a deeper level?  He is elated of course.  I am sure these are the things that are most pleasing to him and for sure it is the most discouraging for Satan. If anything we should be motivated to please God first and foremost for this example fulfills the scripture of loving the Lord God with all your heart soul and mind.

So now here is where we put this lesson into practice. We have to be intentional here, otherwise it is just another sermon or just another lesson that sounds good but does not change anything.

These first four concepts are the ground floor to an exceptional transformation of unity.  I promise you that we will build on each one in the next coming lessons.  For now, take the time to answer these questions.  You can do them by yourself or if you really want some good insight, do them together in a family group.

The next lesson will have one more foundational concept and then we will jump into a couple of practical applications.  It will be fun!

So now here is where we put this lesson into practice. We have to be intentional here otherwise it is just another sermon or just another lesson that sounds good but does not change anything.  We need to start to develop the concept of being a contributor. Let’s look at one more foundation learning point and then jump in.

1.  Day one, someone comes to church for the first time, they are consuming the word and the fellowship of the members, which is fine
2.  Day two, they do “ something” with the person that brought them.  Still a consumer, nothing to see here.
3.  Day three, they study the Bible one on one and learn what God’s plan is.  Still consuming and rightfully so.  They eventually become baptized and are added to the kingdom of God.  Still consuming.
4.  Next comes our part, Matthew 28, teach them to obey, this is our part of helping them transform from being a consumer into a contributor. Granted the maturity level of every new disciple is different and some people take longer to arrive at the fact that we all add value, but we have to learn to be conscious of teaching this, often times we run off in search of a new study and a new person to baptize.
5.  Lastly, there comes a point, usually years down the road, where we have our matrix moment.  Remember that in the movie “The Matrix” where Neo takes the blue pill and suddenly everything becomes crystal clear?  If you are still reading this, that moment is now.  Know this and embrace this fact, most churches never get past step 2.  It’s time to wake up and add value to our churches. It’s time to contribute, it’s what building up the Kingdom really is. It is something you were specifically chosen for and it’s time to act.

Practical Value Creation

Let’s get one thing cleared up, what I am about to suggest is NOT about performance. Years ago church was measured by how much you did and your performance was measured as a form of spirituality. It was a slap in the face wake up call that got us to realize that God’s love is unconditional.  So what I am about to suggest is not a “to do” list at all. However, crossing the road (so to speak) and intentionally adding value will change your life forever and help you grow spiritually like you have never experienced before.  The power of Unity is the most powerful spiritual force in the world. So let’s get started.

Think for a moment like an evangelist or an elder and ask yourself, what does the church need? Go ahead, stop and do that, write down your ideas. Here are some of mine that I have noticed over the last few years.

• The need to teach our children
• The need to have conversations
• The need to volunteer
• The need to look for things that need to be done
• Meeting the needs of others
• Participating in community events and helping increase our name recognition
• Participating in the growth of our website (a tool that works 24 hours per day, 365 days per year)
• Incorporating our tag line into your life. “The best place to be is together”
• Real life stories
• Being early
• Developing a unique prayer list based on others
• Becoming an inspiration
• Leading people and solving problems
• Giving of our time as well as our money

Church challenge

I can tell you one glaring item that has been ignored for a very long time and that is our opportunity with our website. I truly believe that most people have no idea the power that is in your hands to reach someone and add value to their life. This is mostly because a lot of us consume the internet and all it’s social qualities  Did you catch that?  If you consume it, so does someone else.

EVERYONE is on their phones, it’s a fact and it’s almost annoying to be honest. There is a real chance, or real opportunity here that takes a community of believers to get behind.

• Let’s say for example you sit down and write a short testimonial.  I am not talking about an academy award or Pulitzer Prize winning publication. I am talking about a short testimonial of why you like coming to our church. And if your thinking I don’t like to write, then make a video. A simple this is why I like it and this is how it makes me feel. ( I know you can do this because I have read some your Facebook posts).

Now we take that and just post it on the site under testimonials and let that sit there with a bunch of other testimonials. Here is the fun part. That individual post becomes indexed by Google allowing it to be found by some other consumer. Someone that is searching for God will eventually read it and the post stays forever. If you don’t think People will find or value your short post, then you do not know God.  God uses people, and even more so, he uses their stories.

Just think you don’t have to give your testimonial over and over and over again.  The internet takes that over for you.

• Now let’s go a step further and say I now have ten testimonials about why the best place to be is together.  We then take an ad out that says “why the SLCOC is the church you want to get to know” or something along those lines.  That ad is seen by hundreds if not thousands of people.  You have just transformed from occasional sharing your faith with one person to the ultimate leader of effective evangelism. And it didn’t even hurt or seem like a big deal. You did not leave your house or contribute any extra time.

This post will work for the church forever, it will continue to add to the reasons why someone would want to check us out, it is working smart. Let’s work smart.

•  Now imagine putting out your life story.  Remember the part I mentioned earlier about you being able to influence someone that can only relate to you?  It’s true, and that person is online and God will eventually use your story to reach someone in a personal way.  How many times have we heard or even said after a Sunday message, “that’s me” or how did that person know I was coming and had this in my brain.  That exact thought can happen over and over again, filling up our seats on Sunday. After all isn’t that what the goal is?  To seek and save the lost.  It’s time to add some personal value. NO OTHER CHURCH IS FOCUSED ON THIS TYPE OF UNITY, THIS TYPE OF VALUE.   Why should one person be in charge of the website?  One person cannot tell everyone’s story, I can’t capture it or relate anyone else’s personal timeline or impacting moments like you can.  Don’t just sit there, contribute.

I wrote an article years back about how to give a communion message.  It was meant to be a reference tool, to give an outline of effectively communicating a communion message. Guess what, it ranks on page one of Google.  If anyone ever is looking for a communion reference they are going to see it, and if they are looking for something specific or are moved by a sentence or two they will click around the site.  AND THAT IS THE GOAL.  Now I will say this, how to give a communion message is not a powerful topic and title that will draw you in and inspire you to explore the site, but your story is!  It will work for God, it will unify, it will inspire people to visit, it will inspire other members to make their own or put a twist on an idea.  And the next thing that happens....Unity. All of us working together, that, is never ignored by the creator. Let me say this, we have had actual visitors come to church and get baptized from our website presence. And that is from the boring home page and calendar of events that basically inspires no one to action.  Your story will motivate people forever, forever is history, history is powerful.  Stop consuming.

One more thing about the website, you may notice on our about us section a number of links to subjects that people may want to read.  There are some good subjects, some controversial subjects that may or may not get people’s attention.  Baptism is always a hot topic, someone always asks about it and people love to argue about it. So is the topic of sin and Bible study.  So instead we have been publishing articles that last forever and that can be promoted. People who may not want to take the step of coming to visit will read what our churches beliefs are.  We need to get away from the “selfie promotion” technique of sharing. We assume that people will want to come to our church or our event because it’s OUR event and that we are excited about it.  Guess what, most people don’t care about your church, your new series, your game night or your fill in the blank.  Our messages are self centered, they are really about us instead of about adding value. It’s one of the reasons why churches are ignored today, we have not taken the time to figure out what impacts people.

Let people get impacted by fulfilling their needs, by figuring out that there is someone else that feels or felt the same way.  People deep down want to belong, they don’t give a rip about a group picture or a picture of an event.  They want to be given too.  That is what Jesus was excellent at, giving to people.  Going to places and changing peoples lives by adding value.  The sooner we all work together the sooner we will realize collectively that we can change and be unified.

Here are some topics or ideas we can use on the site:

• A simple testimonial, either written or videoed
• Your life story, and why you became a disciple
• A failure that you overcame
• A welcome video
• An in-depth article about anything spiritual
• Your quiet time outline ( this should generate tons of content right?)
• If you speak on stage, your bullet points or outline
• Video interview of the kids
• Anything in your native language (not English) that will “speak or influence” them. It could be a cultural theme
• Links to great spiritual articles

So maybe you are not feeling the website idea as a way that you can add value, there are other ideas.

Starting a small group and posting it on our app.  One of our members Brian came up with a brothers breakfast idea to meet once a month.  He asked me if I liked the idea.  My response was, “I eat breakfast”. Of course I like the idea, it’s food, coffee and fellowship.  There is no hidden agenda, we just talk and let the conversation steer itself. We always sit in the same spot at the Cracker Barrel and even after week 1, our waitress said there was something different and very interesting about us.  If you been around you know a opportunity statement when you hear one.  But the point is not evangelism the point is adding value to each other’s lives, evangelism is the by-product.  It’s a conversation mindset that leads to conversion, not the other way around. (see lesson 2)

• How about writing a quiet time for someone else, or reconstituting one that impacted you.
• Create a unique prayer list by actually asking members what you want them to pray for instead of a generalized prayer

Stop sitting in the back.  Why do I say this?  Because someone that is visiting for the first time is not naturally going to come in and work their way to the front or even the middle of the room.  They are naturally wary and want to keep on the down low until they are comfortable. But those seats are taken by members who are ____________.  Go ahead fill in the blank, I guarantee the answer will not be unifying.

• Become a kingdom kids teacher. Nothing is more noble or satisfying that teaching your children about God. Go ahead and ask some teen disciples that were in kingdom kids, you make an impact on their lives. Give the Kingdom kids leaders a breath of fresh air by actually “wanting to serve”. It’s so hard to get people to serve in this capacity for some reason and it’s wrong.
• Organize an outdoor event. We have this amazing corner lot with lots of traffic. Having a flea market or yard sale type event is an easy way to meet people and also to raise money for a project. But do not just throw it together, advertise it.  Ask the board to run and ad or your evangelist to support it as something fun.  Car washes are effective as well and we have had two, in seven years. That is pitiful.
• Make something to eat for the kitchen. Why does one or two people have to do all the work?  And when I say make I don’t mean buy.  I can buy something from Publix just like the next guy, but if you make something from scratch, it’s noticed.
• Create a babysitting coupon and serve a family that needs a date night out.

God’s plan is that “the whole body” is to be “joined and held together by every supporting ligament” (Eph. 4: 16). Total body function is absolutely essential if a local church is to become unified.

This is lesson two of the Unity series Bible study.  If you have not did lesson one yet, please read and go through that first before starting this lesson.

To review we learned about intent in unity, to have some intention forces us to take action.  we also learned in step one that we have to begin by understanding how to value ourselves.  If we do not make up our minds to focus on unity, it will not change by itself.  This next lesson is about conversations and how to have them in addition to how to value people.

Adjust your strategy from “look at us” to “lets talk about you”  The ultimate “Value Concept”

• Jesus knew how to listen for meaningful conversations
• Do you think that with every single conversation Jesus had, that something amazing, miraculous or healing occurred? Something worthy or to be mentioned in scripture?  I am referring to probably thousands of conversations.

• Check out our brand new series or subject
• We are having an “epic” event
• We have this program or this thing or this speaker

Do you see the difference in the conversations shown in the video verses the ones we tend to have when we are trying to get someone to come to church?  Let people get impacted by fulfilling their needs, by figuring out that there is someone else that feels or felt the same way.  People deep down want to belong, they don’t give a rip about a group picture or a picture of an event.  They want to be given too.  That is what Jesus was excellent at, giving to people.  Going to places and changing people’s lives by adding value.  The sooner we all work together the sooner we will realize collectively that we can change and be unified.

Decide on how you show up.  What you look like, where you sit, how you sing, what you say, the look on your face.

When you decide to show up consistently as the best version of who you are,  it gives you the best opportunity to meet people where they are.  And you never know when someone needs you to be your best.

What conversations are you having that someone else will never forget? 

The key to conversation is building trust.  If someone trusts you, they will listen to everything you say and allow their hearts to be impacted.  Sometimes trust is earned quickly and sometimes people are long term projects of building friendships and trust.  When someone trusts you, you earn the right to ask and be a part of their life.

Point 2. You have to value people. This builds off our first point about valuing yourself. Now imagine every single person having that concept on straight. At some point you will realize that every single person that walks through the door has something extraordinary to give.  Part of our job in being unified is helping them give that special talent to others.  Do you know what the other part is?  It’s going to blow your mind, you are going to think that it’s too simple or silly to even be mentioned.  You might even think it’s selfish and contradictory to this message.  That amazing part is this: you get to experience and drink from that persons cup of value.  Does that change the way you look at a specific member in the church?  Maybe it’s the wall flower who sits in the back, maybe it’s the visitor that walks in the door.  Maybe they are crude, unspiritual and maybe even clueless.  But guess what?  They are a specialty tool just like you.  That person is here for a reason, so are you.

Questions: (break up into groups or do them at home with follow up)

• Does this change anything for you? If not why?
• Does this change the way that you look at others in regards to being unified?
• Do you feel like our church is unified? This is a tough question.  If not, could it be that not everyone understands how to value one another?
• Do I build trust with people or am I just a shallow invite church machine?
• How do I “show up” to church? Am I late?  Am I flustered?  Do I give?  Am I engaged with others?  Do I sit in the back?
• Does my job allow me to have conversations? Do I look for those opportunities?  If not, do I pray for those opportunities?  This is probably one of the most selfless prayers that we can have that never go unanswered because God works through opportunities.  There are countless scriptures about this very subject.
• What opportunities to serve are out there that you have been ignoring? Spend some time with this one, it’s a deep think.
• Am I trustworthy? Do I have a hidden agenda that people have branded me with?
• Are we good at asking engaging questions and then listening?
• Ask someone what having a conversation with you is like.

Colossians 4:6  Let your conversations always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.