Humility and Unity

Gary DeLashmutt

Philippians 2:3-13

The Word of God calls Christians to pursue humility and unity in the Body of Christ. Unfortunately, our fallen natures will always be attracted to to pride and repelled by humility. Therefore, we need divine resources for this heart-transformation. Jesus' example inspires us with gratitude and vision to follow His example. God's Spirit is constantly at work in us to enable us to grow in humility and love.

Three Essential Elements of Christian Unity

Gary DeLashmutt

Philippians 1:27-2:2

Three essential elements of Christian unity are we have a common relationship with Jesus, a common source of truth, and a common mission. We are not united by a common membership in the same human organization but we have a common love relationship with Jesus through His Spirit who directs us into truth and His purpose for us.

Unity Between God's People

Gary DeLashmutt

Psalms 133

Gary DeLashmutt answers three questions raised by Psalm 133 regarding the unity of God's people. What is so good about this unity? From whom does this unity come? How can we experience this unity? This very short Psalm is packed with some very deep truths!

Embracing a Lifestyle of Love:Toward Other Christians

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 3:12-16

Spiritual maturity is facilitated by receiving and focusing on God's love toward God, toward other Christians and toward non-Christians. This week we examine loving other Christians. God calls us to a love that forges observable unity, a love that humbly serves those who are messy and sinful, and a love that is fueled and informed by God's Word.

Avoiding Capture

Ryan Lowery

Colossians 2:1-9

Biblical Christians face many pressures to take their eyes off the primary importance of the Gospel--appreciating and sharing the good news that God offers forgiveness as a free gift. In a culture of people dividing up into "tribes" and causes, it's easy to be sucked into opinions, fears, and forms of manipulation, taking our eyes off God's truth and isolating us from unity with other Christians. There are many ways to resist capture, including being discerning about current culture, remaining unified with other believers, and, through our faith, standing against evil.

How to Be a Winsome Follower of Jesus

Conrad Hilario

1 Peter 3:8-15

In order to be a witness for God to an ungodly world, Christians are called to possess winsome qualities, to be winsome in what we say and do and give a winsome response to those who ask about our faith. We are called to give an account for the hope that is in us. We have good reason to believe in Jesus because He is true! Even atheistic scientists cannot explain the puzzle of the "Fine Tuning of the Universe."

Community Renewal:Christ Is All in All

Jim Leffel

Colossians 3:10-17

As Christians, we have become a new creation in Christ, not just as individuals but also as the corporate body of Christ. We are to put on the newness of Christ not merely as individuals but as a whole community. A renewed community thrives on grace, is united through love, cultivates peace, grows in truth, and reflects Christ to others.

The Call to Community

Timothy Clarke

Acts 2:42-47

This passage in Acts provides us with a picture of the "beloved community" of Christians, showing us the context, concept, and consequences of the Body of Christ as God designed it. We see the "big idea"--obedience, openness, and oneness--leading to a wonderful community that is appealing to those in the outside world, and invites them in.

A Community of Forgiveness

Conrad Hilario

Matthew 18:21-34

Forgiveness is necessary to healthy Christian community. It calls on us to lay aside our right to make someone pay, even for grievous wrongs. While difficult, it reflects our appreciation for all our wrongs that God has forgiven.