Community: When it’s gotten tense

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Community: When it’s gotten tense

June 16, 2024 • Ryan Rovito • Luke 15:11–32, Colossians 3:12–17

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What does community look like when our conflict has gotten tense? Disagreements and conflict can feel gut-wrenching and fill us with anxiety to the point where we feel like running away. Isn’t community supposed to be peaceful? In reality, it just isn’t always happy and friendly. Yet, Paul teaches us to “put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

We are transforming into a community through whom God’s love flows, but that’s easier said than done. Community sounds good and all, but what about when there are problems? What about when people hurt each other? What about when things get tense, or we’re just not feeling it? The fact is that we transform community by how well we manage expectations and resources. Join us for six weeks in Colossians 3:12-17 as we explore what we can reasonably expect of a healthy Christian community.

Community: When I don't want to be a part of the group

July 7, 2024 • Ryan Rovito • Colossians 3:12–17, Matthew 26:69–75

Sometimes, groups do things that we disagree with. The church has many flaws, and it’s tempting to decide to associate when we align but then disassociate when we don’t. How much do I need to align myself with my church community? Paul teaches us to, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” We are transforming into a community through whom God’s love flows, but that’s easier said than done. Community sounds good and all, but what about when there are problems? What about when people hurt each other? What about when things get tense, or we’re just not feeling it? The fact is that we transform community by how well we manage expectations and resources. Join us for six weeks in Colossians 3:12-17 as we explore what we can reasonably expect of a healthy Christian community.

Community: When I’m just not feelin’ it

June 30, 2024 • Ryan Rovito • Colossians 3:12–17, Acts 16:16–34

What does community look like when I’m not passionate about it like others? Do I always need to be excited, happy to be there, eager, and driven, or can I just “be” for a while? Do I need to engage when I’m not feeling connected personally? Paul teaches us to celebrate and live as one “through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” We are transforming into a community through whom God’s love flows, but that’s easier said than done. Community sounds good and all, but what about when there are problems? What about when people hurt each other? What about when things get tense, or we’re just not feeling it? The fact is that we transform community by how well we manage expectations and resources. Join us for six weeks in Colossians 3:12-17 as we explore what we can reasonably expect of a healthy Christian community.

Community: When I need direction

June 23, 2024 • Ryan Rovito • Colossians 3:12–17, Matthew 7:24–29

What does community look like when I need some good advice? Do I just hear a bunch of pleasantries, or do people dive into the scriptures and seek the wisdom of God alongside me? We don’t have all the answers but must pursue them together. Paul teaches us to, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.” We are transforming into a community through whom God’s love flows, but that’s easier said than done. Community sounds good and all, but what about when there are problems? What about when people hurt each other? What about when things get tense, or we’re just not feeling it? The fact is that we transform community by how well we manage expectations and resources. Join us for six weeks in Colossians 3:12-17 as we explore what we can reasonably expect of a healthy Christian community.