Text: Philippians 1:12-21 The Gospel is more than forgiveness Forgiveness is not the ultimate goal of the gospel. Forgiveness is always a means to something greater. If you sin against your spouse, and wound her with your words,you need forgiveness. But not as an end in itself. You want forgiveness because you want her. The enjoyment of her presence without the icy barrier of offense. ~ John Piper Treasure God, Magnify Christ, Love People April 2017 All humanity seeks the

Text: 1 Timothy 4:1-5 Some will fall away from THE FAITH They will no longer trust in the work of Christ but insist that what they do is what makes them righteous before God. The deception of religion is that: Man can decide what makes us righteous. The False Path of Religion Recognized by: The “Rules” of right behavior Asceticism or Licentiousness Comparing oneself to others Judging the behaviors and practices of others A spirit of division and criticism The Signs of Religi

Text: 1 John 4:7-21 The Principles of Community in review: To KNOW and BE KNOWN: To SERVE and BE SERVED: To ADMONISH and BE ADMONISHED: To ENCOURGAE and BE ENCOURAGED: To LOVE and BE LOVED: The Barrier of FEAR Fear influences us to resist community Fear of Being Known Fear of Being Used Fear of Conflict Fear of Being Ridiculed Fear of Rejection Our greatest fears Being

Text: Jeremiah 29:1-13 SENT INTO EXILE God is Sovereign over nations and leaders By His plans He sent the Israelites into Exile. When results are not what you want, Do not presume that God has not heard your prayers. He still has a plan that he is pursuing LIVING IN EXILE Build Houses and live in them Plant gardens and eat their produce Marry and establish families Seek the welfare of your city Pray for the land where you live Seek the welfare of the land REFUS

COMMUNITY PRINCIPLES Knowing and Being Known Serving and Being Served Admonishing and Being Admonished Encouraging and Being Encouraged Loving and Being Loved The Essential Ingredient for Community with Christ in His Churchv You are My friends if you do what I command you (John 15:14) This is My command to you: Love One Another (John 15:12) Love is expressed in sacrifice and service (John 15:13) Loving and Being Loved Text: Romans 12:1-20 Step One: How you relate to