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.
Community: When it’s gotten tense
June 16, 2024 • Ryan Rovito • Luke 15:11–32, Colossians 3:12–17
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’ve been hurt
June 9, 2024 • Ryan Rovito • Matthew 18:21–35, Colossians 3:12–17
What does community look like when I’ve been hurt by people in that community? Do I give up? Do I tolerate abuse? How do I respond to others when they cause me deep pain? Paul teaches us to “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
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 things aren't working
June 2, 2024 • Ryan Rovito • Luke 5:17–26, Colossians 3:12
What does community look like when things aren’t working? People are suffering, needy, flawed, and mess up. We are broken people living with broken people, and our mutual inadequacy can get in the way of community. Paul teaches us to, in the face of one another’s brokenness, “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
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.
