Lighthouse Church Durban

Jesus has commissioned all of his disciples - to be his witnesses and make disciples everywhere. This is a supernatural work that needs supernatural power. The Holy Spirit provides this power.Jesus said we can trust our Heavenly Father to give us this good gift - so we should ask!The book of Acts teaches us that there is no "formula", but we can pray together and ask   leaders we trust to pray and lay hands on us.Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:4-8, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 19:13-16, Luke 11:11-13, Acts 4:29-31, Acts 8:14-17, Acts 10:44-47

The Bible is full of stories of salvation - people putting their faith in Jesus and following him.Sharing the gospel is not reserved for those who are highly gifted and knowledgeable; the power is not in the speaker, but in the scriptures and in the gospel message itself!That said, Jesus was a master communicator and we can learn a great deal from how he interacted with people!- intentionally start conversations- recognise that many will side-track to avoid confronting their own spiritual condition- don't take offense when harsh views are expressed- confront issues without judging- focus on who Jesus really isMark 16:15-16, Hebrews 4:12-13, John 4:3-42, Romans 1:16

The apostle Paul prayed that the church would "know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."The love of Christ brings the fullness of God to us. As we grow in his love, we experience more of the fullness of God - everything that he has for us.When we co-operate with the work of the Holy Spirit, this will happen!We must therefore:1 surrender to the Lordship of Jesus; embrace the changes he makes2 surrender to God's words to us in the Bible3 surrender our "fleshly" desires that are contrary to God's waysEphesians 3:14-19, Isaiah 64:8-9, Ephesians 2:10 Romans 12:2, John 6:63, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 13:4-7

Even the most godly people experience setbacks. When you experience a setback or failure:- Recognise if it's caused by sin or not- Repent from any sin- Persevere through any hardship- Show loyalty to God and to his people- Trust God to step in: He has no equal! He makes the impossible possible! Acts 13: 22, 2 Samuel 11: 2-4, 14-15, Psalm 51:10-12, Ruth 1:16, 2:5, 4:13, John 20:14,19, Genesis 20:2, 26:1,7

Jesus values, expects & rewards FAITHFULNESS. He doesn't expect us to be faithful with what he hasn't given us, but with what he has given us: resources, gifts & abilities, relationships, influence & opportunities.Don't step back because others have greater abilities & resources than you. Don't think that your "smaller impact" matters less to Jesus.  Instead, be faithful, deserving to hear these words:"Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!"Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 2:52, Galatians 1:15-18

The encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus teaches us some valuable lessons. If we want to experience more of Jesus, we should:- Discuss matters of faith openly with others.- Acknowledge and expect Jesus' presence, power and reality in our daily lives.- "Make room for Jesus" in our hearts, our homes and our lives.Luke 24:13-34

We live in times when fake news abounds and we want to verify the news we receive. Here are four compelling verifying factors for the gospel message:1. The fulfilment of many ancient prophecies.2. The large number of first-hand witnesses.3. The courage of the many witnesses who suffered and died rather than deny Jesus.4. The supernatural evidence of the hand of God.Matthew 28:11-15, 1 Corinthians 15:1-6, Isaiah 53:2-11, 1 John 1:1-3

Jesus has given all of his followers work to do - particularly, the ministry of reconciliation to God. The Holy Spirit has given us all the power we need to do that work. Yet many things compete for our attention and resources; so we need to regularly re-examine our priorities.Jesus does not deny the importance of our needs, but he calls us to put his Kingdom and his ways first, promising that our needs will be met.When we get our priorities wrong, things go wrong!When we get our priorities right, God provides!2 Corinthians 5:17-19, Acts 1:8, Haggai 1:3-15, Matthew 6:31-33, Psalm 150:6, Nehemiah 4:10-17

Paul's prayers for the Ephesian church are really powerful. As Elisha prayed for his servant's eyes to be opened to his spiritual realities, Paul prays that the "spiritual eyes" of church members would be opened to their spiritual realities.We would do well to pray those prayers for ourselves and for one another - so that we will:-know God better-see beyond the present into eternity-see ourselves & each other as God see us-see God's awesome power at work in & through us2 Kings 6:14-17, Ephesians 1:15-20, 1 Peter 2:9, Mark 9:22-24

The tower of Babel teaches many valuable life lessons:-Seeking our own glory will distract us from seeking God and his purposes.-Godless empires and enterprises rise - but then they fall.-Find your significance in God, not in achievements.-Our pride will be our downfall.-When we humble ourselves, God lifts us up.-Rather build your life on God's words and ways.Ephesians 2:1-2, Genesis 4:17, Genesis 6:13, Genesis 9:1, Genesis 11:1-9, Zephaniah 3:9, Acts 2:6, Revelation 21:10, 24-26, Revelation 7:9, James 4.10

Unbelief stands in the way of what God wants to do - in the lives of his people and through his people. Faith pleases God. It doesn't have to be "big", because God is the object of our faith - and he is big enough!Sound Bible teaching builds up faith. God's words can always be trusted; he will fulfil them!When we put God's word into practice, things change!But we need to trust God's perfect timing, not doubting when we don't see immediate fulfilment.Mark 6:5-6, Hebrews 11:6, Luke 17:3-6, Mark 11:22-23, Jeremiah 1:12, Romans 10:17, James 1:22, Romans 4:18-21

When Jesus said "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed", he wasn't overstating our freedom! We have been set free: -from the grip of sin -from the grip of the devil -from condemnation -to approach God with confidence -to leave our past behind and live a glorious new life.WE ARE FREE INDEED!!John 8:31-36, Romans 6:18, Colossians 1:13, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Romans 8:1-3, 1 John 2:1-2, Hebrews 10:19-22, Matthew 27:50-51, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Galatians 5:1

We are not under the law of the Old Covenant, but have a relationship with Jesus under the New Covenant. Instead of offering animal sacrifices, we are to offer ourselves to God, as a living sacrifice.Gratitude and thanksgiving please Jesus - and bring peace into our lives. Know that God is working in all things for our good!Let's consistently testify and give praise to God for everything that he has done!Leviticus 21:16-24, Hebrews 8:10-12, Romans 12:1, Philippians 4:4-7, Hebrews 13:8, John 10:28-29, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Romans 8:28, Isaiah 29:13, Luke 17:11-18

Jesus invites us to join the most privileged people on earth - the people who are on God's mission with him. But before we say "yes", we need to:-make it an informed decision: to follow Jesus knowing that it will be difficult at times.-surrender our selfish agendas and follow Jesus as our Lord (master).-renounce all other masters, knowing that we can only follow one.We are not saying "Yes, but..."We are saying "Yes, Lord"!Luke 9:57-62, John 15:18-20, Luke 14:25-27, John 10:10, Hebrews 12:2, 2 Corinthians 4:17

God has good plans for his people. But he works his plans his way - with light and with order.God's light enables us to see his order and to bring things into that order.God can bring order at many levels: personal, church, community & nation. We can all embrace his order personally & contribute to the order of the other levels.When we embrace God's light and order, we open the way to more of his wonderful plans for us!Genesis 1:1-2, 1 Corinthians 14:33, Genesis 1:3-4, Acts 9:3-18, 1 Corinthians 14:40, Titus 1:5, Ephesians 4:14-16, Genesis 1:26-27

Like many heroes of the Bible, we may also experience some dark, difficult days. In those times, we should not be afraid to pour out our hearts to God in lament, knowing that:- He is GOD- His ways are BETTER- He is GOOD- He SEES us- He UNDERSTANDS us- NOTHING is impossible for him- He WORKS GOOD in all things- He will lift you up in his perfect time.Psalm 22, Job 42:3, Isaiah 55:8-9, James 1:17, Luke 12:6-7, Matthew 6:8, Hebrews 4:14-16, 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, Romans 8:28, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Psalm 40:1-3

The Bible and history teach us that seemingly insignificant people can have a great impact. We need to realise this so that we step forward in faith; if we think we are insignificant, we won't.God knows every one of us and has a plan for us. He prepares us and develops us so that we can do what he has planned. This journey can be hard, but it is worth it.The devil and human critics may tell us that we are useless or insignificant; we need to choose to believe God.Beware comparison; you do not have to be someone else to do what God has called you to do.This is not possible because of our power, but because of the Holy Spirit working in us. Psalm 139:1, Jeremiah 1:5, John 1:48, Genesis 50:20, Judges 6:12, Psalm 139:14 2 Corinthians 4:7, Acts 1:8

Difficult circumstances can undermine our faith and cause doubt. But, irrespective what we may go through, the name of Jesus has power over: - sickness and disease - sin - demonic Influence - even death! As we get to know Jesus - and live in obedience to him - we will experience more of the power of his name to heal, forgive, deliver and give eternal life. John 14:6, John 8:12, John 11:25, Matthew 15:30, Mark 1:30-31, Matthew 9:6, Ephesians 1:7, 1 John 1:9, Acts 10: 38, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Acts 19:13-16, James 4:7-8

God gives us dreams and visions and puts godly desires into our hearts. We need to walk towards those goals, step by step. God's path for us to walk into our destiny is often not the obvious one or the easiest one! He uses difficulties and detours to prepare us and equip us for what is to come. A clear vision, shared with people we trust, helps us to keep on taking the next step when the route is hard, or takes a surprising turn. Proverbs 16:9, Exodus 13:17-18, Genesis 37:9-10, Habakkuk 2:2

We were created by God, on purpose, with purpose! He has put us in the right place at the right time for his perfect purposes! While he may have some specific purposes for you, he definitely has some general purposes that apply to us all. Two of these purposes are: -be salt and light where God has put us -make disciples. We are salt and light to our communities when we add life and provide a godly example to others as we follow Jesus' example. And when we provide an example of what it looks like to follow Jesus, others can follow our example - we can be disciple makers! Ephesians 2:10, Acts 17:26-27, Matthew 25:23, Matthew 5:13-16, Acts 2:47, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:1

In terms of the sheer scale of the universe, we are SO tiny! We may conclude that we are insignificant. Yet the Bible teaches us that: - We are God's work of art, made to reflect his image! - We were made on purpose and with purpose! We should therefore - seek to discover our purposes - seek to fulfil our purposes - reveal the love and glory of God as we do so! Psalm 8:3-6, Genesis 1:26-27, John 3:16, Psalm 139:14, Ephesians 2:10

If we want this new year to be different - for the better - then we will need to make some changes. This is why we make resolutions. These four resolutions based on Jesus' words will definitely bring changes for the better: God helping me, I will: -love God with all that I am -love the people around me -love other disciples like Jesus does -help others find and follow Jesus Matthew 22:34-40, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Philippians 2:13, Matthew 6:24, Matthew 7:12, John 13:34-35, John 15:12-13, Matthew 28:18-20

Our conscience is a great gift from God, keeping us on good terms with God and with people. Yet it can be corrupted; then we lose our sense of right and wrong, our "moral compass". Fortunately, it can be cleansed and restored by the work of the blood of Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures. We should therefore pay attention to the state of our conscience, asking God to cleanse it, correct it and lead us into his ways through it. Titus 1:15-16, Hebrews 9:14, 1 Timothy 1:8-9, Romans 2:13-15, 1 Corinthians 8:7, 2 Corinthians 1:12, Romans 9:1, Acts 24:16

The message of Christmas is   GOOD NEWS     of GREAT JOY       for ALL PEOPLE! The good news is that the promised Saviour and King has come to deliver us from the dominion of darkness! Great joy is what Jesus brings - forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, adoption as God's children and an eternal home with him! And this is for ALL people - whoever you are, wherever you are, however you were brought up, whatever you have done! Luke 2:8-12, Colossians 1:13-14, John 10:10, John 15:11, Romans 4:7-8, Philippians 1:25, John 3:16, Revelation 7:9-10

The birth of Jesus was not just a miracle pregnancy - it was God coming to us as a man! Instead of sending another prophet or angelic messenger, the Creator made himself like one he created, leaving his glory behind and coming as one who we could relate to. This "incarnation" gives us a model for ministry to others:  - We don't wait for them to come to us; we go to them.  - We go to them in a way that they can understand.  - We engage them as they are, where they are. John 1:1-4, 14, Philippians 2:5-8, Matthew 1:22-23, John 3:16-17, Luke 19:10, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, Mark 2:16-17

Divine providence is the governance of God by which He, with wisdom and love, cares for and directs all things in the universe. The story of Esther is a great example of this. God in his providence: - places his agents in suitable situations for doing His work - tests his people - restrains his enemies. Esther 2:17, 3:2-6, 4:1-17, 6:1-2, 7:3-6, Proverbs 16:9

Jesus demonstrated some ways of thinking that are vastly different from the way that many around us think - and the way that we may be thinking now: -Being faithful in waiting and in obscurity -Being a willing servant and sacrifice (not a "victim") -Being passionately zealous for the Kingdom of God -Looking past the pain of the present to the eternal joys of the future. Isaiah 55:8-9, Matthew 11:28-30, Luke 2:49-52, John 1:46, Luke 3:23, Matthew 20:25-28, John 10:17-18, Matthew 5:44, John 2:13-17, Revelation 3:15-16, Hebrews 12:1-3, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Fear of the Lord is taught in the Old & New Testament. It is a deep respect, a reverent awe of the omnipotent Creator and Sovereign Lord of the universe. Fear of the Lord leads us to honour and obey God. It leads us out from human folly and into God's wisdom. Who (or what) we fear most will determine how we live. Psalm 33:8-16, Philippians 2:12-13, Acts 9:31, Proverbs 1:7, Romans 3:10-18, Deuteronomy 13:4, Luke 12:4-5

The Holy Spirit continues the work of Jesus, empowering us, leading us and revealing things to us. Just as we are dependent on Jesus, we are dependent on the Holy Spirit and when we keep in step with the Spirit, we keep in step with Jesus. When we keep in step, we will bear fruit - our character and behaviour will change. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in our gatherings. He works amongst us and he gives us supernatural gifts - working in different ways with different people. All of this strengthens and equips the church. John 14:15-18, Acts 1:4-8, John 14:25-26, 15:26, 16:13-14, Galatians 5:25, Acts 16:6-10, Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Disobedience can keep us from God's good purposes; obedience leads us into them. We need to trust God when his actions, his chosen instruments and his instructions don't make sense to us - his ways are higher than ours! The path of obedience can be difficult, even painful - but the pains are temporary while the blessings are eternal! 2 Kings 5:1-15, John 10:10, Isaiah 55:8-9, Ephesians 3:20-21, Matthew 16:24-26, Romans 8:28, Matthew 26:36-44, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

The true Christian life is a supernaturally charged life! God himself works in us to motivate us and enable us to do the work that he has prepared for us to do.  To experience this, we must learn to live in close relationship with Jesus, moving in his direction, in his time, at his pace.  Daily disciplines that help us to do this are: - seeking his presence in prayer and worship - seeking his will in reading his words - obeying him as he leads us - asking him for wisdom Acts 1:4-8, Philippians 2:12-13, John 15:5, Matthew 11:28-30, James 1:5

Accountability helps us to grow mature and fruitful. Jesus modelled accountability as Son to his Father. Accountability is built on submission - to God's authority and to godly authority. Shame and fear make us avoid accountability. A selfish heart and a "seared" conscience can make us blind to our guilt and our responsibility for it. Helpful ways forward are: -to grow a habit of prayerful reflection and self-examination and -to make ourselves accountable to trusted leaders. Hebrews 10:5-9, Hebrews 5:7-8, Ephesians 5:21, James 4:7-10, Romans 14:12, Luke 9:1-2,10, Genesis 3:8-10, Genesis 4:11-14, 1 Timothy 4:2, 1 John 1:8-10

God has re-created us to do good things - in his eyes, we are "the right person for the job"! He works in us and through us - with HIS power! It's not about who WE are, it's about who HE is. It's not about our ability, it's about our AVAILability! It's not about people being impressed with US, it's about them being impressed with Jesus! Exodus 3:7-4:13, Ephesians 2:10 & 3:20, Isaiah 6:8, 2 Corinthians 10:10 & 4:7

Jesus made a way for us to live in a covenant relationship with God. This covenant is wonderfully represented in the account of King David and Mephibosheth. Here are four powerful messages of this covenant: -"Come to me" (Jesus) - in your inadequacy - and worship! -"Fear Not" - God will show you kindness for the sake of his Son. -"I Will Restore" - God will restore you - to himself and his image. -"You eat at the table as my son" - enjoy God's favour, protection and provision. We can live secure in this covenant - because it is made with the One who is perfect in every way! Romans 8: 28, 1 Samuel 18: 1-4, Luke 24: 49, Ephesians 4: 22-24, Ephesians 6: 14-17, 2 Samuel 9: 1-5, 2 Samuel 9: 6-11

The end goal of the Kingdom of God is a wedding in heaven! It is to see the church, the Bride of Christ, a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language, ready for this wedding. So we need to get ourselves ready - and to help others to get ready. Getting ready is a journey of transformation, becoming more and more like Jesus. Jesus called this journey being his disciple - and called helping others on their journey disciple-making. If we can gain a clear, Biblical understanding of this goal and journey, we will live with greater purpose, direction and effectiveness. Philippians 3:12-14, Revelation 7:9-10 & 19:6-9, 2 Corinthians 11:2-3, Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Matthew 28:18-20

God has provided grace through Jesus to live lives that are totally dependent on him. This grace is available to all who believe. This grace does not just save us from the consequences of sin, but also from the power of sin. It stirs us to say "yes" to godliness and "no" to ungodliness. We learn to live in humble dependence on God and we discover that he does what seems impossible. As we fully submit our lives to him, he transforms us! He is faithful - we can trust him to do this! Titus 2:11-14, Romans 4:17-22, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, Ephesians 2:10, Romans 6:13-14, 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Mankind was created in the image of God and enjoyed fellowship with God. When mankind broke this fellowship, God pursued them - through many people and many events. This pursuit culminated in God sending his Son,  Jesus, to redeem mankind. And this pursuit continues as we obey Jesus' commission to make disciples of all nations. Genesis 1:26,27, Genesis 3:9,10, Exodus 16:4, 31, 35, Exodus 13:21-22, Psalm 8:3-5, Hebrews 2:6-7, Psalm 144:3-4, Job 7:17-18, Galatians 4:4-5, Mark 15:34, Psalm 22:1, Matthew 28:19-20

The Bible compares the church to a body - the Body of Christ. We are all part of this one body. Some parts are very different - so we can find some people hard to relate to or understand. But our differences enable us to perform different functions - all of which are essential. Let's not just tolerate those who are different, but celebrate them - and honour them! Let's also celebrate our own uniqueness, embracing what God is doing in us and serving one another! 1 Corinthians 12:27-30, 14-19, 21-26, 1 Peter 4:10-11

We can learn a great deal from Jesus as we read how he communicated with people. His conversation with a rich young man teaches us to: -Earn the right to ask questions. -Help people to see into their hearts. -Help people to understand the character of God. -Be indirect - help them to see for themselves. -Let idols of the heart be exposed. Luke 18:18-27, Romans 3:23, Matthew 5:21-22 & 27-28, Matthew 6:24, 1 John 3:16-18, Matthew 6:19-21

God has plans & purposes for each one of us. Discovering & living out these plans & purposes is a journey of discovery & adventure. Some are personal - there are specific things that we need to do. Others are corporate - there are things we do as part of a group. This journey can be challenging, even overwhelming - it requires discipline and there will be battles to fight. There will be times when we need encouragement from others. All of these plans and purposes align with God's great plan of redemption which will end with a great crowd from every tongue, tribe and nation with him for eternity. This IS possible because God works in and through us. Mark 1:36, Luke  4:18, Matthew 20:28, 1 Timothy 1:18, Mark 14:32-34, Revelation 7:9, 2 Peter 1:3-11

The message of the cross of Jesus is absolutely essential because it - reveals the amazing love of God for mankind - reveals our desperate need for salvation - reveals the way of salvation that God has provided But it also - demands a response from us - challenges our personal pride - challenges our religious pride 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, John 3:16, John 15:13, Romans 5:8, Romans 3:23, Hebrews 9:22, Matthew 26:27-28, Romans 10:9, Acts 4:12

God has taught his people to pass on to the next generation what he has revealed to them. Moses needed the practical wisdom of Jethro. Samuel needed the spiritual experience of Eli. Mary needed the revelation of Elizabeth. Caleb was ready for action at 85 years old; don't disqualify the elderly! As disciples of Jesus, we must entrust what we have learned to others - who will, in turn, teach others. Psalm 145:4-7, Exodus 18:13-19, 1 Samuel 3:4-9, Luke  1:39-45, Joshua 14:10-13, 2 Timothy 2:2

Our new life in Christ does not mean that we won't face struggles - but we don't have to face them alone! Key questions we must answer are: -Will I humbly ask others for help? -Will I make myself available to help others? -Will I build healthy relationships with other disciples so that I can do these things? Two are better than one - we are stronger together! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 2 Timothy 4:9-16, John 13:34-35, John 15:12-13, Mark 6:7, Luke 10:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4

When we put our faith in Jesus as Lord, we become new creations and begin a new life as a child of God. Yet we are all "works in progress" - we are no longer what we were, but we are not yet all we will be! Wonderfully, our present imperfections don't stop God doing truly wonderful things in us & through us! If we compare ourselves with others, or try to be like someone else, we can miss the joy of walking the path God has planned for us. Let's walk our road and serve with our gifts - and enjoy God's amazing grace at work in us! 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, John 10:10, John 1:19-23, 1 Peter 4:10-12, 1 Corinthians 15:58, John 21:20-23, 1 Corinthians 3:5, 1 Corinthians 7:21-24

Our relationship with God is the most important relationship that we can ever have. And he wants us to know him - he is on our side as we seek him! The better we get to know him, -the more we will trust him, -the more we will want to obey him, -the more we will want to be with him, and -the more we will love him. If we sincerely seek him, he will make himself known to us - and our lives will be transformed! John 17:3, Exodus 33:7-16, John 5:39-40, Acts 9:1-6, Philippians 3:7-9, Jeremiah 29:13, Acts 17:26-27, 2 Timothy 3:16

The truth of Jesus' words "In this world you will have trouble" is evident all around us - we experience troubles of many kinds. These troubles can take their toll on our souls and we would be wise to pay attention to this. Jesus' next words were "But take heart! I have overcome the world." He is here to help! The Bible records the trials and heartaches of King David, and we can learn from his example of coming to God in brokenness and experiencing restoration of his soul. John 10:10, John 16:33, 1 Samuel 30:1-25, Psalm 19:7, Psalm 61:2

The church has always been "under fire" - but Jesus continues to build his church and all the powers of hell can't stop him! When we're under fire, - we shouldn't be surprised - Jesus told us there would be trouble! - we shouldn't be discouraged - Jesus has overcome the world! - we should stand strong - Jesus has all authority and is completely trustworthy! - we should stand together - we are stronger when we are in regular, healthy fellowship. Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:45-47, Acts 8:1-4, Acts 11:19-21, 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5, Philippians 1:12-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14, John 16:33, Hebrews 10:23-25

The Bible teaches us that we CAN overcome evil: - by refusing to repay evil with evil - by seeking peace - by leaving justice and punishment to God - by doing good to those who do us evil - by shining light into darkness by our good deeds We overcome evil with good! Luke 6:27-28, Romans 12:17-21, Luke 22:41-44, Matthew 5:14-16

We can learn a lot about how to correctly handle sin from Jesus - and how not to from the religious leaders who constantly challenged him: The religious leaders:  - were self-righteous, judgemental & condemning  - had a biased, incomplete view of righteousness Jesus demonstrated:  - understanding  - compassion  - forgiveness  - the pursuit of true righteousness John 8:2-11, Leviticus 20:10, Matthew 5:17-20

Church unity is beautiful and powerful! Everyone inside the community benefits - and those outside the community are drawn to this demonstration of the life of Jesus. Our unity grows as our devotion to Jesus leads to greater love for one another - and we grow stronger together. It glorifies Jesus and draws people to Jesus! Romans 1:8-12, John 17:22-24, Romans 12:10, John 13:34, 1 John 1:3, Philippians 2:1-2, Acts 2:43-47, 1 Corinthians 16:15-16

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to those who follow him. The Holy Spirit transforms our character and lives and also imparts supernatural gifts to us. He is a gift from God that is available to anyone who believes!  Jesus encouraged us to ask for this gift, so let's ask! And let's keep in step with him as he leads us!  John 16:7-15, Acts 1:7-8, Acts 2:36-39, Galatians 5:22-25, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Acts 9:1-6, Luke 11:11-13, Galatians 5:25