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MEETING GOD AT THE SUMMIT
"Killing Your Enemy With Kindness"
II Kings 6:8-23
Mateen Elass
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Meeting God At The SUMMIT - "The Cost of Intergrity" II Samuel 24:1, 10-25 John Gruel
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Meeting God At The SUMMIT
"The Cost of Intergrity"
II Samuel 24:1, 10-25
John Gruel
Meeting God At The SUMMIT
"The Cost of Intergrity"
II Samuel 24:1, 10-25
John Gruel
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Meeting God At The SUMMIT - "A Mountain-Top Experience" II Samuel 15:13-37 John Gruel
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Meeting God At The SUMMIT
"A Mountain-Top Experience"
II Samuel 15:13-37
John Gruel
Meeting God At The SUMMIT
"A Mountain-Top Experience"
II Samuel 15:13-37
John Gruel
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Meeting God At The SUMMIT - "So Close...and Yet So Far Away" Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Rev. Leo Wideman
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Meeting God At The SUMMIT
"So Close...and Yet So Far Away"
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Rev. Leo Wideman
Meeting God At The SUMMIT
"So Close...and Yet So Far Away"
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Rev. Leo Wideman
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Meeting God At The SUMMIT - "Standing On Holy Ground" Exodus 3:1-12 Mateen Elass
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Meeting God At The SUMMIT
“Standing On Holy Ground”
Exodus 3:1-14
Meeting God At The SUMMIT
“Standing On Holy Ground”
Exodus 3:1-14
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Senior Sunday & Mother's Day "Are You My Meighbor?" Luke 10:25-37 David Leard
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Senior Sunday & Mother's Day
“Are You My Neighbor? ”
Luke 10:25-37
Students from our youth Sunday School Class this semester, Ethne, will be leading us in worship. (The Greek word "Ethne" is translated ‘all tribes, tongues, and nations’.) They have spent this semester studying the impact of the great commission to share the good news with people who have never heard it.
Senior Sunday & Mother's Day
“Are You My Neighbor? ”
Luke 10:25-37
Students from our youth Sunday School Class this semester, Ethne, will be leading us in worship. (The Greek word "Ethne" is translated ‘all tribes, tongues, and nations’.) They have spent this semester studying the impact of the great commission to share the good news with people who have never heard it.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “The Secret of Contentment” Philippians 4:10-23 Mateen Elass
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“The Secret of Contentment”
Philippians 4:10-23
As Paul brings his letter to an end, he speaks very personally of his own situation as a way both to commend the church for its generosity toward him in his need and also to teach them how to face adversity and plenty. The secret of contentment is anchored in two mighty promises found in this final section of the letter: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me, ” and “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ” To walk in the light of these promises is to know contentment in this world, something in very short supply today as our economy squeezes the living daylights out of our normal perspectives and threatens us with fear, doubt and disaster.
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“The Secret of Contentment”
Philippians 4:10-23
As Paul brings his letter to an end, he speaks very personally of his own situation as a way both to commend the church for its generosity toward him in his need and also to teach them how to face adversity and plenty. The secret of contentment is anchored in two mighty promises found in this final section of the letter: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me, ” and “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ” To walk in the light of these promises is to know contentment in this world, something in very short supply today as our economy squeezes the living daylights out of our normal perspectives and threatens us with fear, doubt and disaster.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “A Mind Worthy of the Gospel” Philippians 4:8-9 Mateen Elass
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“A Mind Worthy of the Gospel”
Philippians 4:8-9
Christians often shy away from anything related to the term “meditation, ” assuming that it is inescapably tied to Eastern mysticism and so should not be practiced by followers of Christ. But such is not the case. There is a biblical way to practice meditation, and in this passage, Paul points to this, highlighting the content that we are to spend time ruminating on. These nine realities, when we plumb their depths, lead us to such a level of maturity in Christ that nothing the world may throw at us can shake us from our assurance of the goodness and victory of God – hence our discovery through this process of meditation that “the God of peace will [always] stay with us. ”
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“A Mind Worthy of the Gospel”
Philippians 4:8-9
Christians often shy away from anything related to the term “meditation, ” assuming that it is inescapably tied to Eastern mysticism and so should not be practiced by followers of Christ. But such is not the case. There is a biblical way to practice meditation, and in this passage, Paul points to this, highlighting the content that we are to spend time ruminating on. These nine realities, when we plumb their depths, lead us to such a level of maturity in Christ that nothing the world may throw at us can shake us from our assurance of the goodness and victory of God – hence our discovery through this process of meditation that “the God of peace will [always] stay with us. ”
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “Stand Firm in the Lord” Philippians 4:1-7 John Gruel
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Stand Firm in the Lord”
Philippians 4:1-7
What does this command mean? In the Philippian context, it means at least: that all conflicts are to submit to agreement in the Lord, with help if necessary from others who are mature in the Lord; that joy will be a discipline of life as we keep our focus on Christ; likewise that forbearance (tolerance and patience) will mark our lives as we recognize that “the Lord is at hand; ” and that peace will evidence itself as we rest in the certainty that God will hear and answer our pleas for help.
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Stand Firm in the Lord”
Philippians 4:1-7
What does this command mean? In the Philippian context, it means at least: that all conflicts are to submit to agreement in the Lord, with help if necessary from others who are mature in the Lord; that joy will be a discipline of life as we keep our focus on Christ; likewise that forbearance (tolerance and patience) will mark our lives as we recognize that “the Lord is at hand; ” and that peace will evidence itself as we rest in the certainty that God will hear and answer our pleas for help.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Good Friday Service "Denials and Trials" Isaiah 53:1-12 John 18:15-27 David Leard
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Good Friday Service
"Denials and Trials"
Isaiah 53:1-12
John 18:15-27
Good Friday Service
"Denials and Trials"
Isaiah 53:1-12
John 18:15-27
Monday, April 13, 2009
EASTER SUNDAY Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians What Are We Waiting for?” Philippians 3:17-4:1 Mateen Elass
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EASTER SUNDAY
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“What Are We Waiting for?”
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Because of Easter, Paul declares that all Christians await a Savior from heaven who will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body by the resurrection power which he wields as he rules over all creation. But, because we await this promise, we are active presently in other ways: imitating those living worthily of the gospel; embracing the cross and a life of servanthood; focusing on things of eternal importance rather than on the temporal; nurturing the mindset that we belong to a commonwealth of heaven (that we the Church exist as a colony of heaven on earth) ; and therefore that we are to stand firm daily in the Lord as we make our way in this world. All this because Christ is risen, and will come again!
EASTER SUNDAY
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“What Are We Waiting for?”
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Because of Easter, Paul declares that all Christians await a Savior from heaven who will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body by the resurrection power which he wields as he rules over all creation. But, because we await this promise, we are active presently in other ways: imitating those living worthily of the gospel; embracing the cross and a life of servanthood; focusing on things of eternal importance rather than on the temporal; nurturing the mindset that we belong to a commonwealth of heaven (that we the Church exist as a colony of heaven on earth) ; and therefore that we are to stand firm daily in the Lord as we make our way in this world. All this because Christ is risen, and will come again!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “Essential Steps to Spiritual Growth” Philippians 3:12-16 Leo Wideman
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Essential Steps to Spiritual Growth”
Philippians 3:12-16
Paul unveils his own strategy for growth in Christ, beginning with a focus on Christ’s persistent love, followed by releasing the past and stretching forward to the clear goal of heaven, refusing to give up any ground already gained. These four simple steps, when practiced consistently, will produce a life worthy of the gospel.
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Essential Steps to Spiritual Growth”
Philippians 3:12-16
Paul unveils his own strategy for growth in Christ, beginning with a focus on Christ’s persistent love, followed by releasing the past and stretching forward to the clear goal of heaven, refusing to give up any ground already gained. These four simple steps, when practiced consistently, will produce a life worthy of the gospel.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “What Gives You Confidence in God?” Philippians 3:1-11 Mateen Elass
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“What Gives You Confidence in God?”
Philippians 3:1-11
This text highlights two opposing perspectives on how to develop confidence in God’s love and favor: either to earn it by the moral effort you have engaged in, standing out from the crowds of humanity; or to put your trust in what Christ has accomplished on your behalf to please God and redeem you from your sins. Paul himself has fully plumbed the depths of each approach, and declares with no hesitation that the only approach to true confidence in God’s love is through Christ. Further, the benefits of knowing Christ completely outshine the seeming benefits of self-styled accomplishments, whatever they may be.
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“What Gives You Confidence in God?”
Philippians 3:1-11
This text highlights two opposing perspectives on how to develop confidence in God’s love and favor: either to earn it by the moral effort you have engaged in, standing out from the crowds of humanity; or to put your trust in what Christ has accomplished on your behalf to please God and redeem you from your sins. Paul himself has fully plumbed the depths of each approach, and declares with no hesitation that the only approach to true confidence in God’s love is through Christ. Further, the benefits of knowing Christ completely outshine the seeming benefits of self-styled accomplishments, whatever they may be.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “Illustrated in Living Color” Philippians 2:19-30 Mateen Elass
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Illustrated in Living Color”
Philippians 2:19-30
Who in your circle of family, friends or acquaintances lives a life worthy of the gospel? Is there anyone who would point to you as their model? In this text, Paul points to two (or three, if you include Paul himself) individuals with whom the Philippians are well-acquainted and shows how their behaviors reflect the mind and priorities of Jesus. Such living illustrations encourage and motivate the people of God to strive for excellence in discipleship? Who would you point to in our church family as such illustrations?
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Illustrated in Living Color”
Philippians 2:19-30
Who in your circle of family, friends or acquaintances lives a life worthy of the gospel? Is there anyone who would point to you as their model? In this text, Paul points to two (or three, if you include Paul himself) individuals with whom the Philippians are well-acquainted and shows how their behaviors reflect the mind and priorities of Jesus. Such living illustrations encourage and motivate the people of God to strive for excellence in discipleship? Who would you point to in our church family as such illustrations?
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “Shine don't whine" Philippians 2:14-18 David Leard
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Shine don't whine"
Philippians 2:14-18
Life worthy of the gospel will stand out so clearly from the surrounding culture that it will shine like a star against the blackness of the night sky. Christians lives ought to be described as “blameless and innocent”, “without blemish” as children of God in the middle of a crooked and perverse world. We are called to live differently than the world around us. There is a command given today's scripture text to address one of the biggest ways we can be different and shine before others with the love of God. We are commanded to do "all things" without "grumbling" or "arguments". This will occur as we hold fast to and hold forth the “word of life. ” Paul’s own joy over the church in part depends on his eternal perspective – that they are growing in maturity and hence increasingly demonstrating this kind of life.
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Shine don't whine"
Philippians 2:14-18
Life worthy of the gospel will stand out so clearly from the surrounding culture that it will shine like a star against the blackness of the night sky. Christians lives ought to be described as “blameless and innocent”, “without blemish” as children of God in the middle of a crooked and perverse world. We are called to live differently than the world around us. There is a command given today's scripture text to address one of the biggest ways we can be different and shine before others with the love of God. We are commanded to do "all things" without "grumbling" or "arguments". This will occur as we hold fast to and hold forth the “word of life. ” Paul’s own joy over the church in part depends on his eternal perspective – that they are growing in maturity and hence increasingly demonstrating this kind of life.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “Working for Pleasure” Philippians 2:12-13 Mateen Elass
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Working for Pleasure”
Philippians 2:12-13
This text presents an apparent paradox. On the question of our salvation, who’s doing the work: we or God? It seems clear on the face of it; the imperative is written to humans – work out your own salvation…. But the last clause is theologically so rich; we can only work out into public practice the new life that God has worked into us, and His purpose cannot be thwarted, because He is at work within us both to will and work for His pleasure. The work of salvation, including our sanctification, is something we often find to be a laborious hardship. But God for His part is smiling, doing what He does in and through us out of sheer joy. The fact that He is willing to work in and through us is a monumental truth, and should strike us with awe and wonder (“fear and trembling”).
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Working for Pleasure”
Philippians 2:12-13
This text presents an apparent paradox. On the question of our salvation, who’s doing the work: we or God? It seems clear on the face of it; the imperative is written to humans – work out your own salvation…. But the last clause is theologically so rich; we can only work out into public practice the new life that God has worked into us, and His purpose cannot be thwarted, because He is at work within us both to will and work for His pleasure. The work of salvation, including our sanctification, is something we often find to be a laborious hardship. But God for His part is smiling, doing what He does in and through us out of sheer joy. The fact that He is willing to work in and through us is a monumental truth, and should strike us with awe and wonder (“fear and trembling”).
Sunday, February 22, 2009
"Trading Places" II Corintians 5:21 Mateen Elass
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"Trading Places"
II Corintians 5:21
"Trading Places"
II Corintians 5:21
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “Being Re-Minded” Philippians 2:1-11 Mateen Elass
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Being Re-Minded”
Philippians 2:1-11
Another way to talk about living worthily of the gospel is that of seeing life the way Jesus sees it, and living accordingly. In this exemplary passage, Paul highlights the mindset of Jesus as that of the King of heaven who leaves his throne to serve the human race in the most humble and ignominious way – ultimately suffering a painful and disgraceful death to accomplish his Father’s plan. As a result, the Father honors him above all creation. Likewise, we as apprentices of Jesus are to have his same mindset in serving others for the sake of the Kingdom, and to trust God with the results.
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Being Re-Minded”
Philippians 2:1-11
Another way to talk about living worthily of the gospel is that of seeing life the way Jesus sees it, and living accordingly. In this exemplary passage, Paul highlights the mindset of Jesus as that of the King of heaven who leaves his throne to serve the human race in the most humble and ignominious way – ultimately suffering a painful and disgraceful death to accomplish his Father’s plan. As a result, the Father honors him above all creation. Likewise, we as apprentices of Jesus are to have his same mindset in serving others for the sake of the Kingdom, and to trust God with the results.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “The Politics of Heaven” Philippians 1:27-30 Mateen Elass
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“The Politics of Heaven”
Philippians 1:27-30
This text contains what I believe is the key verse of the whole letter (1:27), which is Paul’s central exhortation to his flock. Everything in this letter teaches what it means to live worthily of the gospel. This is politics in its original sense of proper public conduct. For Christians that entails standing firm in one spirit against cultural tides; striving side by side for the truth of the faith; acting confidently and courageously in the face of enemy attacks. Interestingly, Paul sees suffering for Christ as a gift God has granted us, along with the gift of faith! Grace over arches all of life!
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“The Politics of Heaven”
Philippians 1:27-30
This text contains what I believe is the key verse of the whole letter (1:27), which is Paul’s central exhortation to his flock. Everything in this letter teaches what it means to live worthily of the gospel. This is politics in its original sense of proper public conduct. For Christians that entails standing firm in one spirit against cultural tides; striving side by side for the truth of the faith; acting confidently and courageously in the face of enemy attacks. Interestingly, Paul sees suffering for Christ as a gift God has granted us, along with the gift of faith! Grace over arches all of life!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “The Key to Joy” Philippians 1:12-26 Mateen Elass
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“The Key to Joy”
Philippians 1:12-26
Joy comes from accurately discerning God’s handiwork in the circumstances of life. For those in Christ, God is always at work to achieve His good purposes both for their welfare and for the Kingdom. Hence, even though Paul writes this letter from prison and knows of so-called Christians who are preaching from false motives to make his circumstances more dire, he nevertheless rejoices because he sees the cause of Christ advancing. God’s plans can never be overturned, so if we’ve thrown our lot in with Christ, we will always find something to rejoice in!
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“The Key to Joy”
Philippians 1:12-26
Joy comes from accurately discerning God’s handiwork in the circumstances of life. For those in Christ, God is always at work to achieve His good purposes both for their welfare and for the Kingdom. Hence, even though Paul writes this letter from prison and knows of so-called Christians who are preaching from false motives to make his circumstances more dire, he nevertheless rejoices because he sees the cause of Christ advancing. God’s plans can never be overturned, so if we’ve thrown our lot in with Christ, we will always find something to rejoice in!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “What to Pray for Those You Love” Philippians 1:9-11 Mateen Elass
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“What to Pray for Those You Love”
Philippians 1:9-11
Our prayers for others are often so insipid and small-minded in what we ask for. Paul here offers a meaty prayer whose petitions, when granted by God, become the source of great spiritual and practical blessing: that God’s love, informed by knowledge and discernment (i. e., wisdom), will abound so that the Philippians will hit the bull’s-eye of moral virtue in their everyday lives (pure and blameless), evidencing the full fruit of righteousness, whose source is Jesus. All this to the glory of God – a prayer that God is sure to answer!
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“What to Pray for Those You Love”
Philippians 1:9-11
Our prayers for others are often so insipid and small-minded in what we ask for. Paul here offers a meaty prayer whose petitions, when granted by God, become the source of great spiritual and practical blessing: that God’s love, informed by knowledge and discernment (i. e., wisdom), will abound so that the Philippians will hit the bull’s-eye of moral virtue in their everyday lives (pure and blameless), evidencing the full fruit of righteousness, whose source is Jesus. All this to the glory of God – a prayer that God is sure to answer!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “Partners in the Gospel” Philippians 1:3-8 Mateen Elass
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Partners in the Gospel”
Philippians 1:3-8
The hub of this passage is Paul’s perception of the Philippians as active partners in advancing the gospel in their community and beyond. His thanksgiving to God, his expression of joy, his confidence of their future, and his heart of love for them all stem from the knowledge that they share his passion, which of course is also God’s passion. How do our lives measure up against this standard of partnership in the gospel? Where is our focus as a church, and as individual believers?
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“Partners in the Gospel”
Philippians 1:3-8
The hub of this passage is Paul’s perception of the Philippians as active partners in advancing the gospel in their community and beyond. His thanksgiving to God, his expression of joy, his confidence of their future, and his heart of love for them all stem from the knowledge that they share his passion, which of course is also God’s passion. How do our lives measure up against this standard of partnership in the gospel? Where is our focus as a church, and as individual believers?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians “A Missional Approach to Life” Philippians 1:1-2 Mateen Elass
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Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“A Missional Approach to Life”
Philippians 1:1-2
Mateen Elass
As we begin our study of this letter, we will do some background work in Acts 16 to discover Paul’s passion and methodology in church planting, and ask the question, “What does it mean for us as a congregation and as individual believers to live with a missional mindset? ”
Seeking God’s Pleasure – A Study of Philippians
“A Missional Approach to Life”
Philippians 1:1-2
Mateen Elass
As we begin our study of this letter, we will do some background work in Acts 16 to discover Paul’s passion and methodology in church planting, and ask the question, “What does it mean for us as a congregation and as individual believers to live with a missional mindset? ”
Monday, January 5, 2009
“Chosen and Appointed” John 15:1-17 Mateen Elass
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“Chosen and Appointed”
John 15:1-17
Mateen Elass
This “I Am” saying of Jesus provides excellent help as we take a fresh look at our church mission statement. Emphasizing that true community develops from being connected to the same source, and that joy arises from living in accord with the will of that source, Jesus declares that we have been chosen and appointed by him to “go and bear much fruit. ” Without the verb “Go”, one might assume that bearing fruit simply meant loving others in the community with Christ’s love. But in light of Jesus’ major theme in the Gospel of John that his disciples are “sent” into the world, bearing fruit must have a larger scope – to make disciples for Christ as a central consequence of love.
“Chosen and Appointed”
John 15:1-17
Mateen Elass
This “I Am” saying of Jesus provides excellent help as we take a fresh look at our church mission statement. Emphasizing that true community develops from being connected to the same source, and that joy arises from living in accord with the will of that source, Jesus declares that we have been chosen and appointed by him to “go and bear much fruit. ” Without the verb “Go”, one might assume that bearing fruit simply meant loving others in the community with Christ’s love. But in light of Jesus’ major theme in the Gospel of John that his disciples are “sent” into the world, bearing fruit must have a larger scope – to make disciples for Christ as a central consequence of love.
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