Building a Life Framework that is Ready to Suffer

Dennis McCallum

1 Peter 4:1

Dennis McCallum sheds light on the theological and practical sides of the unity between Christian believers, unpacking both the spiritual connection between Christians and the down-to-earth instructions for Christian community. Dennis makes the case that the highly committed, deeply connected community life prescribed in scripture is a far cry from the experience of church in modern America. Experiencing this connection with other believers is an essential factor in being prepared to suffer well.\r\n\r\n

How a Pastor Must Die

Ajith Fernando

Matthew 5:23-24

Leaders have been called to die to self. The way to accomplish this task is by being committed to the body of Christ. Within this commitment must come a fight for unity. It is the unity within the church that demonstrates the power of God. This type of commitment will bring upon suffering but God's love and His power are greater than any suffering that will come.

ACCESS Ministry: Serving the Disabled at Xenos

Ephesians 4:16

This workshop explains the motivation and the work behind ministries that serve the disabled at Xenos. We are all created equal in God's image, and we are all important parts of the body of Christ. Therefore, this group leads a multitude of programs such as: an Oasis Children's Program, the Young Adult Adapted Bible Study, home church liaison, and sign language interpreting in order to help meet the needs and incorporate members of the church who may have disabilities. At the end of the presentation, there is a panel discussion of volunteers in these programs.

A New Community! (Part 2)

Scott Risley

Acts 4:32-35

How did the early church structure their meetings? The foundations of church meetings are explained in the lives of the new believers in Acts. We see how their daily lives reveal God's nature and learn about the benefits of group meetings.

The Body of Christ (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

Acts 2:44-47

Following Pentecost and the arrival of the Holy Spirit's permanent indwelling of believers, we see the dynamic Body of Christ at work. The early church was dynamic for several reasons, including: 1) generosity and sacrificing for others needs; 2) having a corporate unity of heart and mind; 3) interacting in both small and large groups, where large groups were dynamic and exciting and small groups allowed for deep intimacy and relational involvement; 4) authentic community that was sincere about the time spent with one another; 5) active gratitude, praising God regularly; 6) integrated with the culture around them; and 7) outreaching to others with the message of Jesus' forgiveness. These qualities have disappeared throughout the majority of the Western Church because of materialism and different priorities. This type of ethos within the church is powerful in demonstrating God's power and love to others.

The Gospel Polarizes

Jim Leffel

Mark 3:20-35

As Jesus drew more attention, groups of people began to make judgment about him. His family started to call him insane, while the scribes called him an evil charismatic figure. Jesus' response to the scribes is to give a sober warning that rejecting the Spirit's work through him is the issue of their hearts. On the topic of family, Jesus proclaims that he is bringing together a new community of people that are his true family.

The Heart of God and His Servant

Jim Leffel

Jeremiah 8:18-9:2

God desires us to cultivate His heart for people and to resist the desire to flee from relationships. He wants us to identify with others and display spiritual sensitivity through faith in prayer and by being energized by hope.

Conflict

Dennis McCallum

Colossians 3:14

God calls believers to be unified to all people. When conflict arises we can use the opportunity to enhance communication, build continuity, and demonstrate God's love through relationship. There are many practical steps we can take to preserve unity while experiencing conflict. We can change our orientation to glorify God, recognize our own fault, consider a unilateral resolution, and clarify issues within the conflict.

Life in the Body of Christ

Scott Risley

Romans 12:6-13

In contrast to the common clergy-laity model, Paul describes a church that acts more like a body, in which each member has a specific and indispensable role to play. Within the body, God has a ministry for each person, and has given to each one spiritual gifts to build up the body. Relationships within the church should be characterized by sacrificial love for one another.