NCCF Church Sharing

March 23, 202129mWatch on YouTube

Speaker: NCCF Church Sharing Title: NCCF Church Date: 03/21/2021 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 members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The central message emphasizes that the goal of Christians is to reflect Jesus Christ by growing in personal purity and functioning corporately within the local church. The speaker draws from the two great commandments—loving God and loving neighbor—and stresses that true knowledge of Christ is demonstrated through selfless love toward one's neighbor, even when it is difficult. Furthermore, the message encourages embracing weakness, drawing from Paul's testimony, to allow God's power to be evident.

Outline

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

What is the greatest commandment?An expert in the Mosaic law asks Jesus about the greatest commandment, and Jesus summarizes the entire law with loving God with all one's heart and loving one's neighbor.Matthew 22:35

Sitting at the feet of JesusJust as Jesus spent time listening to God and Mary of Bethany chose to sit at Jesus' feet, believers must take time each day to listen to God.

Loving our nearest neighborsLoving our neighbor begins at home with our spouse and children, mirroring the persistence taught in the parable of the persistent neighbor in Luke 11.

The benchmark of Christ's loveBecause God loved us first, we are called to show His kindness and love to our family, friends, and co-workers, proving we know Christ through our love.1 John 4:12

My grace is sufficient for youApostle Paul boasted in his weaknesses so that the power of christ could dwell in him, remaining content despite insults, hardships, and persecutions.2 Corinthians 12:9–10

Moving past fight or flightInstead of reacting to trials with human fight-or-flight instincts like defending ourselves or running away, believers should draw near to the Lord in humility.

God's promises in trialsThrough life's difficult uphill race, God promises strength for the day, grace for trials, and unfailing love, as reflected in Annie Johnson Flint's hymn.

Spiritual tire realignmentJust like a car needs a tire realignment, a believer's perspective needs to be realigned on Christ after getting caught up in personal struggles and work busyness.

Avoiding the nature of JonahStruggling with anger, bitterness, and craving human recognition reveals the nature of Jonah rather than the image of Jesus, who chose to do God's will.

What we worship, we becomeJust as people become like the idols they make, getting constantly preoccupied with checking phones for messages turns modern devices into idols, whereas fearing the Lord brings true help.

How do we love our enemies?Loving enemies and praying for those who persecute us goes against natural human instincts for revenge and can only be achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Examples of forgiveness from Christ and StephenBoth Jesus on the cross and Stephen while being stoned demonstrated a powerful testimony by forgiving and praying for those who persecuted them.Luke 23:34

Entrusting oneself to the just judgeBelievers forgive and endure unjust suffering by being mindful of God, turning away from envy and hatred, and entrusting themselves to God who judges justly.

Related messages

Back to the catalog

NCCF Church

NCCF Church Sharing

March 23, 2021 · 29m

Following Jesus The church