One Another
Encourage One Another
October 25, 2015 • Toby Henson
1. Through Generosity (Acts4:32-37) "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had" (Acts 4:32). Luke used Barnabas as an example to demonstrate generosity. He gave of his resources to help those in need. As encouragers, we called to take care of one another. 2. Through Trust (Acts 9:26-28) "Barnabas took (Saul) and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus" (Acts 9:27). Barnabas became Saul's advocate. His reputation with the apostles was such that when he professed his trust in Saul as a true disciple, they welcomed him into their fellowship. 3. Through Partnership (Acts 11:22-26) "Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch" (Acts 11:25-26). With the growing missionary success in Antioch, Barnabas needed help, and Paul immediately came to mind. Barnabas and Paul were co-laborers in the ministry. Together, they "taught great numbers of people" (Acts 11:26). 4. Through Accountability (Galatians 2:11-13) "The other Jews joined (Peter) in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray" (Gal. 2:13). To encourage one another is not always easy. It does involve holding one another accountable. In Hebrews, we read, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness" (Hebrews 3:13).
Teach One Another
October 18, 2015 • Toby Henson
1. The Word of Christ Christian teaching must be based on the teaching of Jesus himself. It must be unmistakably "the word of Christ" (Col. 3:16). We need to be defined by the gospel and driven by the gospel. The gospel is the centerpiece for all church is and does. 2. The Teaching of the Word Christians must grow together, not just as individuals. God never intended for us to grow our faith in isolation but rather within a community of faith. That is why Paul exhorted his readers to "teach and admonish one another with all wisdom" (Col. 3:16). 3. The Song of the Heart Christians have always sung their faith, and here is a biblical basis for it. As we reflect on God's Word and the salvation it reveals, we overflow with thanksgiving that results in praise. A heart changed by God's grace cannot remain silent.
Forgive One Another
October 4, 2015 • Toby Henson
1. The King's Unlimited Mercy (18:23-27) A king desired to settle accounts with his servants. One servant owed an astronomical amount--"ten thousand talents" (18:24). To the astonishment of Jesus' audience, the king took pity on the servant. The king's response was not to defer the payment, but to cancel the debt. The servant left the king's presence free from all obligations. 2. The Servant's Merciful Tirade (18:28-30) The servant left the presence of the king and went out and found a fellow servant "who owed him a hundred denarii" (18:28). The first servant unmercifully mistreated the second servant. The actions and words of the second servant were almost identical to those of the first servant. But the first servant refused to give the second servant a chance to repay the debt. 3. Self-Inflicted Torture (18:31-35) The forgiven responded with no forgiveness. The king was furious that the servant who had been the recipient of such lavish mercy acted unmercifully toward his fellow servant. The king would not tolerate an arrogant lack of forgiveness among his servants. He "handed him over to the jailers to be tortured" (18:34). An unforgiving heart produces self-inflicted torture.
Bear One Another's Burdens
October 11, 2015 • Toby Henson
1. The Truth of Burdens (Galatians 6:2-3) A. Everyone has burdens B. No one is self-sufficient C. God's design is mutuality D. Burden bearing fulfills Christ's law 2. The Traits of Burden Bearers (Luke 10:25-37) A. Compassion B. Flexibility C. Sacrifice D. Commitment
Serve One Another
September 27, 2015 • Toby Henson
1. The Example of Serving (13:1-5) Jesus assumed the position of a servant and washed the feet of the disciples, including the feet of Judas. It is startling that the Messiah would adopt a shameful and lowly posture in relation to His disciples, but in doing so, Jesus demonstrated servant leadership at its best. 2. The Risk of Serving (13:6-11) Jesus, taking a risk by leaving the head table and moving to the position of a slave, demonstrated servanthood. In the same way, when we accept our role as a servant, we will be called upon to take risk. When we trust that God is in control of our life, we can take big risk. 3. The Joy of Serving (13:12-17) We receive God's joy by acting on the principles of conduct that Jesus taught. First, we ought to pray, "Lord, wash me." Then, we need to pray, "Lord, help me wash others." This is Jesus' formula for true spiritual joy. Joy comes when we take up the towel of servanthood and minister to others.
Love One Another
September 20, 2015 • Toby Henson
1. A New Command (John 13:34-35) What makes this new command? The new thing appears to be the motivation for love--Christ's great love for us. The love of Jesus gives a greater understanding of God's love. The cross demonstrates it in a new way. 2. The Source of Love (1 John 4:7-8) Love flows from God and has God as its source. However, God is not only the source of all love; He is love in His inmost being. John states that "God is love" (4:8). It has been accurately said that "love does not define God, but God defines love." 3. The Example of Love (1 John 4:9-10) God the Father showed how He loves. "He sent His one and only Son" (4:9), knowing He would be horribly treated and ultimately crucified. This is how God loves. He sacrificed His Son so "we might live through Him" (4:9). 4. The Witness of Love (1 John 4:11-12) John writes, "No one has ever seen God" (4:11). This invisible God actually lives in us. The love God has for us is made visible and complete as we love one another. This is the way the world sees God's love.