Beyond The Selfie
Relationship with Non-Believers
October 23, 2016 • Lester Zimmerman
Today we continue the series called “Beyond the Selfie” where we are exploring what it means to have meaningful relationships in a superficial world. This morning we will talk about building relationships with those who have not yet put their faith in Jesus. When we become a Christian we become part of God’s family. We attend church, enter into relationships with other Christians who help us grow in our faith and help us break off old unhealthy patterns in our lives. We find we now have more in common with followers of Jesus then our old set of non-Christian friends. There is both an upside and downside to this. The upside is our old sinful lifestyle has less and less of a pull in our lives. The downside is we begin to lose opportunities to reach our non-believing friends for Christ. It is a challenge to know how to break out of our old lifestyle without losing our relationships with our non-believing friends. - Sometimes they cut us off because we don’t indulge in their ungodly behavior. But let’s not cut them off unless we are in an unhealthy relationship that keeps pulling us down. - Sometimes that is the case when we are trying to come clean from drugs and addictive lifestyles. We need to break away from the old crowd for a while. We will look at God’s heart and our heart motivations when it comes to developing friendships with those we want to reach for Christ. This is so important.
Relationship with Loved Ones
October 9, 2016 • Pastor Brian Flewelling
We’ve been asking the question: How do we develop meaningful relationships in a superficial world? Apply that question to our Family & Friends. – deeply enriching relationships. Ruth 1:1-11, 14-18 Hard to find a more powerful and moving story in all of scripture and in ancient literature. Ruth’s affection and faithfulness to her mother-in-law Naomi. Ruth’s commitment to her family changed the course of history. This outsider became the great-great grandmother of the King David. Ruth clearly did something right. Today, we will learn three simple ideas that will build that kind of history-changing relationships and families.
Me, Myselfie and I
October 2, 2016 • Ben Dodd
Ben Dodd, Petra's Counseling Ministry Director, challenges us to consider these questions and what God says about our true value and worth. Who are you when you are alone? Who or what is your source of value and worth? Does the idea of caring for yourself seem prideful or selfish? How do you treat your body on a daily basis? Are you in tune with your body? How do you want others to see you…and how closely does that line up with how you see yourself? What is the first thought that pops into your head right after you make a mistake? What thought about yourself do you focus on the most often? What is your earliest memory of becoming consciously aware of your own value and worth? Was it positive or was it negative? Who influenced it? What is the state of you spirit…Content? or chaotic? How do you think God views you? And does that view agree with all the many scriptures that speak to who we are in Christ?
My Relationship with the Church
September 25, 2016 • Lester Zimmerman
“God’s answer to the relational vacuum in the 21st century is the church. God calls us beyond the selfie world of social media, and the hectic world of busy activities into relationship with each other as the church community. Church is much more than a Sunday activity that you attend. It is a family you belong to and share life with.”
Relationship With God
September 18, 2016 • Brian Flewelling
In this six week study we’re hoping to help you develop habits that will improve five different types of relationships. Your relationship with God. With yourself. With family and closest friends. With your church community. With the world around you.