Serving Love in the Body of Christ (Part 1)

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 5:11-13

Just like other organizations, a body of Christ/church must have leadership. Though unlike worldly leaders, godly leaders are long-term servants of God who have been recognized as such (not ?made?). Leaders are called by God to serve, provide for the church's needs, protect the members, and supply direction/vision for the church. Leaders are to be involved deeply in peoples' lives; prayerful; and accountable to Scripture and to their co-leaders. The members of the body of Christ are called to live in peace with one another; this entails respecting the church's leaders, who work hard to serve the church.\r\n\r\n

Elijah and Elisha: A Comparison

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 10:12

Elijah and Elisha were both prophets appointed by God and key figures in the Old Testament. How do their lives compare and contrast? Take a look at the similarities and differences between these men. Lessons we can draw from their lives and service to God include: 1) God has fashioned each of us perfectly for unique roles in His service; and 2) success is faithfully fulfilling God's role for us. A testimony by Ish Gajary is included.\r\n

Passing the Baton

Gary DeLashmutt

Proverbs 27:17

Near the end of his life, Elijah focuses his efforts on discipleship. He spends a great deal of time investing in other people's spiritual development. God calls us to do the same. Discipleship involves helping people fulfill God's purpose for their lives. We must be personal and intentional. Possible reasons why Elijah is taken up to heaven are discussed.\r\n

The Key Elements of Serving Love

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Serving love has many roles and and benefits. It involves sharing the good news without deception, selfishness, or manipulation. Serving love is not flattery or for profit or glory. It is nurturing and personal. This is where the root of discipleship relationships is found.

Unity: The Most Convincing Evidence

Gary DeLashmutt

Ephesians 4:1-3

The Upper Room Discourse contains Jesus' longest recorded prayer. Throughout this prayer, Jesus prays for himself, his disciples, and the world at large (including Christians and non-Christians). He frequently prays for unity among all these people. Unity is both spiritual and relational. There is a spiritual union between believers in Christ and also a relational unity that other people can see. It is important to cultivate this kind of unity. A testimony by Julia Choops is included.\r\n

Jesus' Farewell Teaching to His Disciples

Gary DeLashmutt

John 15:1-16

On the last night Jesus spent with his disciples, he imparted the wisdom he felt was most important for the disciples to hear. Jesus explained what it looked like to bear fruit for God. He did this through the teaching of the vine and the branches. The first step in having a spiritually fruitful life is to "be in the vine" which means "have a personal relationship with God." Jesus talked about what it means to cooperate with the vine-dresser and how to abide in the vine. A testimony by Sue Olah is included.\r\n

Two Keys to a Fulfilling Life

Gary DeLashmutt

John 13:34

How did Jesus spend his last hours on Earth? He spent time with his disciples, washed their feet, and ultimately gave them a profound example of sacrificial service. During The Last Supper, Jesus lowered himself to wash the dirt and grime off each of his disciples' feet. This showed us two important things: 1) we need to let Jesus wash us; and 2) we need to do the same for other people. This is an example of the way we are to serve and love one another.\r\n

Three Responses to the Finished Work of Christ

Mike Sullivan

Hebrews 10:19-25

The Old Testament sacrificial system pointed towards the final sacrifice that Jesus would make on the cross to cover human sin. There are three responses that the author of Hebrews calls us to: 1) draw near to God; 2) hold fast the confession of our hope; and 3) consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.

True Happiness

Gary DeLashmutt

Hebrews 10:19-25

God's design for personal fulfillment and happiness comes from self-giving love that emulates Christ. As we move away from self-saving and selfish love and move towards giving out to meet the needs of others, we are able to experience: increasing contentment, relational success, and substantial emotional health. This type of love is only possible through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The best context for self-giving love is in a healthy Christian community.