Trinity Big Rapids

Ephesians 2:11-22 ESV

He came to serve GENEROUSLY; He did not come to be served but to serve.

Jesus came INTENTIONALLY. In the fulness of time He came to the world He created. A world in which He would be the one who would suffer the most

"I want to remind you of the Gospel" - 1 Corinthians 15:1 NIV

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The long view of history and its outcome brings longevity to our impact IN our communities. Trouble streaming? Try watching on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/191355009

We are never so old or have had so much success that we shouldn't expect to suffer for our faith. Our service IN our communities must be a lifelong lifestyle.

Kingdoms will come and go but God is always on His throne. We must be willing to read the handwriting on the wall for our broader culture.

Egos may look like they win the day, but God opposes the proud.

We may serve IN our communities but our ultimate loyalty will be exposed when we draw a line in the sand. We must determine what is worth dying for.

Standing on our convictions means allowing our commitment to God to impact everything about us. Hebrews 11:13 Hebrews 13:12-14 1 Peter 2:11-12 Jeremiah 29:5-7 John 17:14-16 Daniel 1:1-21

Does Vision 2019 GAIN the focus God has for us? YES!!! It sends us to be IN our communities: . . . Intentionally (John 17:18-23) Courageously (Acts 4:29-33) Generously (Acts 13:2-4) For the “WIN” (Luke 15) How do we SUSTAIN this focus? TOGETHER!!! We need each other IN the midst of distractions, like . . . The world’s hatred (John 17:14-17) Satan’s attacks (John 17:14-17) Unholy temptations (John 17:14-17) Relational dis-unity (John 17:18-23) Powerful threats (Acts 4:29-30) Daily needs (Acts 4:32-33) Jealousy of self-righteousness (Luke 15:25-30)

Promises We can have what it takes to speak COURAGEOUSLY: --As the Fragrance of Christ, we speak in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14~17). --As the Witness of Christ, we speak through the Spirit (Matthew 10:16~22). --In the Opportunities from Christ, we speak a mouth of wisdom (Luke 21:12~19). Practices We will speak COURAGEOUSLY if we remain: --PRAYER-FUL for an open door. --AWARE-FUL of each opportunity. --SPIRIT-FUL, walking in step with Him. Colossians 4:2~6, Ephesians 5:15~18, Acts 4:13 and 29~31.

INtentional We have been Commissioned. We have been Positioned: --Intentionally --Naturally --Providentially We MUST be INtentional... Beginning in Prayer.

Answers to questions submitted during the Summer of Reconciliation Series.

The Twin Confusions of Forgiveness The Challenge of Care-Fronting Jesus Care-Fronts Local Churches --The Church in Ephesus (Rev. 2:2~4) --The Church in Thyatira (Rev. 2:19~21) A Local Church Care-Fronts A Sinning Member --1 Cor. 5:1~13 --2 Cor. 2:5~11 A Brother Care-Fronts His Brothers (Gen. 44:16, 45:3~5, 50:15~17) --Joseph --The Brothers