Leaving Simple

"Ingratitude is worse than revenge. Revenge is doing bad for bad. Ingratitude is doing bad for good." If you want to destroy any relationship, then focus on what's wrong. Correct, criticize, point out the flaws. If you want to build any relationship, then focus on what's right. Affirm, encourage, support, be grateful, share thankfulness.

Around the world there is so much pain between the generations; there is disappointment, hurt and brokenness. But today we heard such wonderful affirmation. There was the recognition of disappointment and hurt, but also a deep recognition of the good and a sincere gratitude for the good. In spite of the struggles, there was still a deep thankfulness from one generation to the other. That’s so healthy!

We are invited together into the eternal experience of God's presence, His fellowship, His self-giving love. We're invited to look at Him, to know Him. And this happens together. Together, as His people, we experience His fullness. And out of His life in us, we express His love. This is the meaning of our relationships together in the church. This is the source and the nature of our unity together. It's Him - His life, His presence, His love.

What's a "multicultural church" and is it a biblical idea? In reality, the churches in the New Testament were all multicultural. Moreover, God's vision for His redeemed people has always been that they would be one, united in Him, serving and preferring one another. This should be the vision of every church!

We need to start with the end in mind. Rev 7:9 tells us that John, "saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before The Lamb." Heaven is a place where every culture, every language, and every people group, will be represented. His church is to be a replica of what Heaven will be like. Yes, we still have our preferences but our preferences should never become prejudices. If my preference turns into prejudice, then something is very wrong. Our fears and prejudices will prevent us from doing what God wants us to do.

Through the centrality of Jesus Christ, everyone grows in God and we become a people of His presence. One life, one truth, one family, one vision. "Let all things be done for building up".

Gods vision is for His church to be a healthy church through the indwelling life and presence of Christ in every member. Through the indwelling life of Christ, every member grows, builds others, reaches out, and serves others.

It’s a promise for those who are abiding in Christ, united with Him, looking at Him, loving Him, deeply surrendered to Him, giving ourselves to Him. His will is our will. His purpose is our purpose. His love for others is our love. His unity with the Father is our unity together with each other. His obedience to the Father is our obedience to the Father. Deep union of life! His life.

Paul gives practical instructions to Christians so that their gatherings can be full of character (fruit of the Spirit) and power (gifts of the Spirit) without confusion or disorder.

Paul addresses a messy church at Corinth and teaches young believers how to act when they come together in church meetings.

A balanced approach to character and charisma in the Holy Spirit. We need powerful character and powerful gifts in the Holy Spirit.

We respond with human energy and with human wisdom to human need. Jesus responded, always, with the Father's energy and with the Father's wisdom to the Father's will! That's why we often fail. And that's why Jesus was always perfectly successful.

While you stay the course, God is making you into a source of life! A look at how Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and what we can learn from His example.