The Jesus Difference

New Year’s is a time when many people make resolutions. Statements of new, or renewed, commitments. What commitments to our faith walk with God do we need to reinvigorate? What areas of our fellowship do we need to keep in clear focus? Culture and society may attack or ignore Biblical wisdom and direction. We can be influenced in both obvious and subtle ways. What is God’s will for us, as individuals and as a community of believers, to fend off and speak into those influences within our community with mercy, grace, and love? What difference does Jesus make?

January

       18         Truth and Authority of the Bible      Doug

How well do we know what and why the Bible teaches as it does? Do we consistently seek and honor the authority of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit as we walk in faith? The authority of God’s Word is to be listened and adhered to with the same truth, patience, grace, mercy, and love that Jesus Christ has for us. What difference does Jesus make as we face these challenges?

2 Timothy 3:14-17; Matthew 5:17-20

This world frequently places an importance on getting the “best deal” for ourselves. As we enter into fellowship and worship, are we focused upon “getting something” out of the experience – or are we focused upon honoring God with our fellowship and worship of Him as Lord? God has called us to build up the body of Christ and seek the good of others. Church is a place where members of the body come together for purposes beyond themselves. What difference does Jesus make as we face these challenges?

February

        1           The Idol of Autonomy vs. Presence   Wes

Secular culture tends to glorify individualism. What “feels right for me” can be elevated above the lordship of Jesus Christ revealed in scripture. Christians are called to be people of presence, connected to God and to one another through the inhabiting, unifying power of the Holy Spirit. Can I be present to help build up a fellow brother/sister in Christ? Can I be present so that God can be fully present in me? May we be committed to mutual encouragement and admonition within the body of believers. What difference does Jesus make as we face these challenges?

Philippians 2:1-4; Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

Congregational Meeting/No Sunday School

           8                   Aversion to Commitment                Wes

Every day we commit our time and energy to various things. Society can encourage holding off on making commitments, waiting for something “better” to become available. How and where are we willing to commit our gifts and talents and time to the Body of Christ? Are we willing to persevere through challenging experiences and relationships that require time to process and honor God’s community of fellowship? What difference does Jesus make as we face these challenges?

Romans 12:9-13; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Philippians 2:5-11

                 15                       Compartmentalization            Doug

Everything we do is to be part of God’s work in and through us. Walking in the Truth and the Light doesn’t occur solely on Sunday morning. Do I conduct my daily and weekly activities separate from the faith I profess in Jesus? Do I commit to honoring God in all I say and do – during the workday, with family, and at play? Compartmentalization of our faith is not consistent with God’s teachings of commitment to Him. What difference does Jesus make as we face these challenges?

Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 2:20 

1 Corinthians 10:31; Matthew 6:33