Serving Love and the Body of Christ (Part 3)

Dennis McCallum
John 15:4-5

Paul commands Christians to rejoice, pray continually, and to be thankful. Rejoicing is a choice made in faith to remember God's promises, and it often leads to abiding to God's presence through prayer. Lastly, thanksgiving focused on specific events and circumstances leads to spiritual maturity, and these three commands together promote living by faith in God's goodness no matter what the circumstances.

Walking Wisely: Be Filled With The Spirit

Scott Risley
Ephesians 5:15-21

Christians have interpreted scripture regarding alcohol in many different ways, however, a closer examination concludes that alcohol is not forbidden. This does not mean that it should be abused, as we are to walk in the will of the Lord and he commands us to be sober and alert. Still, alcohol can be considered a gift from God when used appropriately and even Christ himself partook in it. We should not rely on alcohol for escape or to feel good, but instead focus on gratitude and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Why the Waste?

Scott Risley
Matthew 26:1-16

The story of Mary pouring out her expensive perfume on Jesus to anoint him before his burial is still being told for almost two thousand years, just as Jesus predicted. The Lesson we can learn from this is nothing that we pour out on Jesus is a waste. Most people won't understand, but Jesus sees it differently. "Have our eyes been opened to see the preciousness of the One whom we are serving?...that nothing less than the dearest, the costliest, the most precious, is fit for Him?"

Dealing With Negativity

Dennis McCallum
Romans 8:5-7

Christians are called to forbear with one another's faults and to cultivate a positive mindset. For most believers though, negativity is natural and accepted, \r\nbut this casual attitude blinds them to the truth that negativity is self-fulfilling and a serious sign of unbelief. In contrast, believers with positive mindsets focus on what is good and choose to be grateful in the midst of difficult circumstances, and this mindset provides relief from anxiety and self-absorption. A video testimony from Joe Botti is included.

Spiritual Attitudes that Transform

Jim Leffel
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Paul explains key attitudes that reflect and foster God's sanctifying work in a Christians life. The five attitudes he mentions are: 1) rejoicing; 2) prayerfulness; 3) gratitude; 4) sensitivity to the Spirit; 5) forth telling-giving God's perspective. God is involved in this lie long process of transformation.\r\n

The New Worship & Gratitude

Gary DeLashmutt
Hebrews 13:15

God doesn't need our gratitude as validation for Himself, so why does it matter? Firstly, our level of gratitude reveals our spiritual health. Gratitude is a natural response to grace, so if we are understanding grace, we should be expressing gratitude. Gratitude is also a medicine that promotes spiritual health. This means we should be practicing gratitude actively. Several helpful ways to do this are to utilize spiritual songs, ask God to sensitize you to grumbling (and give others the green light to say something to you about it), keep a journal, reflect, thank others, and spend time with other grateful people.

Aspects of Godly Influence

Jim Leffel
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica to teach them aspects of Godly influence. He calls on them to imitate his life as he has imitated Jesus' life. He explains five ways to be influential: 1) lead by example; 2) be persuasive; 3) pray for others; 4) communicate gratitude; and 5) give concrete encouragement.

God Loves to Give

Lee Campbell
Exodus 5:21-22

God loves to give. There are many lies we believe about the way God gives, as the people of Moses and the people of Israel struggled with. However, we can expect to give in unexpected ways because He is good. Ultimately, God gives us the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus. \r\n\r\nAt the end of the teaching, two women spoke about their experience of what God had done in their lives.\r\n

Christian Euphoria

Dennis McCallum
Ephesians 5

Within Christian community, we should enjoy fellowship through the Holy Spirit and refrain from drunkenness. We should also cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving, which allows us to appreciate God and what He's doing in our lives or the lives of others. Real living comes from Christ-centered relationships, seeing God move in people's lives, and refreshing times of fellowship.