NCCF Church Sharing Time - July 27, 2014

July 31, 201448mWatch on YouTube

07/27/2014 - Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning member of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The session emphasizes that the goal of Christians is to reflect Jesus Christ both individually through purity and corporately within the local church. The speaker encourages attendees to view the church gathering as an opportunity to experience love and community, rather than focusing on perfect speaking or performance. A key discussion point revolved around reconciling the biblical concepts of being both a 'son' and a 'bond slave' of Christ, concluding that these two identities are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary aspects of the Christian life.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

Act as free men yet bond slaves of GodWe are freed not to sin or follow an Americanized version of freedom, but to be bond slaves of God.1 Peter 2:16

The paradox of being sons and slavesThough Jesus called His disciples friends rather than slaves, many New Testament writers refer to themselves as bondservants, showing we are called to be both sons and slaves.John 15:14–15

Takeaways on embracing mystery and correct orderInstead of demanding simple answers to apparent biblical contradictions, we must embrace mystery and ensure our servanthood flows from God's love.

Doing spiritual things without missing GodIt is possible to engage in spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible reading as a checklist while entirely missing a genuine encounter with God.

Loving one another as Christ loved usA true church family is marked by a deep, Christ-like love for one another that acts as a witness to the world.Romans 12:9–15

Healing and learning biblical truthAfter coming out of the Roman Catholic background, the speaker shares how God heals and reveals the true gospel of grace and faith.

The right definition of faith and balanceFaith believes that God is eager to give His promises, and scripture holds a perfect balance between no work for justification and plenty of work for sanctification.

Praying for the transformative power of the early churchThe early apostles were transformed by the Holy Spirit from terrified men into bold witnesses who turned the world upside down.

God uses available people rather than angelsThrough the account of Cornelius and Peter, God chooses to use ordinary, available human witnesses who hunger for Him rather than angels.

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and diesTo truly serve Christ and bear fruit, we must be willing to give up our personal worldly ambitions and surrender our lives.John 12:23

Understanding the New CovenantMany sincere Christians do not know how to explain the New Covenant agreement sealed in Jesus's blood, which is foundational to our church family's identity.

Holding fast to the truth that God is a fatherDespite our past baggage and poor theology, we must pursue the truth that through Christ we can always call God our father.

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NCCF Church Sharing Time - July 27, 2014

July 31, 2014 · 48m

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