The Compass. Leading Families Toward Spiritual Maturity. Turth Walkers: Warning #1 One: Insights from the Single-Chapter Books of the New Testament

Transcription

1 First Family Church VOLUME 3 ISSUE 7 NOVEMBER 15, 2015 Leading Families Toward Spiritual Maturity Turth Walkers: Warning #1 One: Insights from the Single-Chapter Books of the New Testament This week s R2R distinctive The Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4:15-16): We believe in the church as the body of Christ, which is composed of all believers who have accepted Christ as Savior. We believe the church is God s primary way to accomplish His purposes on earth today. W e live in an amazing age of advancement. When I was growing up in the 1970s, we essentially had two versions of the Bible, the King James Version and the New International Version. There were other more obscure translations, but these were the two primary translations of the Bible. Today, we have dozens of Bible translations and paraphrases. One I have found particularly interesting is The Cotton Patch Gospel by Clarence Jordan. He has creatively retells the New Testament by resetting it in the mid-20th century American South. Here s a sample from Acts 1:6-12: 6. So those about him began asking, Will that be the occasion on which you will take over the government? He said to them, You are not to get all worked up about timetables and events which the Father has under his own control. But as the Holy Spirit comes over you, you will get power and will be my agents in Atlanta and Continued on page 2...

2 Page 2 Continued from page 1... throughout Georgia, in the ghetto and across the land. As he said this, and while they were watching, he was carried away and a cloud kept them from seeing him. 10. As he went away, and while they were still staring into the sky, two men in blue jeans joined them and asked, Citizens of America, why stand there looking at the sky? This Jesus who was carried away from you into the sky will come just as you saw him going into the sky. 12. Then they returned to Atlanta from Peach Hill Orchard, which is in the suburbs of Atlanta. When they got back, they went upstairs where they were living. This included Rock and Jack and Jim and Andy, Phil and Tom, Bart and Matt, Jim Alston and Simon the Rebel, and Joe Jameson. All of them, including the women and Mary, Jesus mother, and his brothers, were continually praying together. As you can see, Jerusalem is now Atlanta; Peter, James, and John are not Rock, Jack, and Jim. It provides a humorous, creative retelling of familiar events from the New Testament. With the advent of things like The Cotton Patch Gospel and a multibillion dollar Christian media/publishing industry, Christians today have more opportunity than ever to learn from different voices within the church. On your smart phone you can listen to the podcast of almost any pastor in America, regardless of the size or location of the church. You can download apps that have complete Bible libraries only a couple of touches away from your smart phone home screen. It really is amazing. Yet, with all of this information, the need for discernment has never been greater. False Teachers have greater access to the church today than at any time in history. A key factor in maintaining purity and unity within a church is the need for fellow church members to hold one another accountable. This is the thrust of 2 John. He is encouraging his readers in this short letter to walk in the truth and to love one another. At First Family, this kind of personal accountability and love for one another is found within our Lighthouses. None of us is infallible, and we must keep watch over one another to ensure that we don t inadvertently fall victim to a false teacher. As you study and read the lesson this week from 2 John, prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to protect you and your family from the false teachers of our day, while at the same time to give you courage and boldness to lovingly caution a fellow believer if you sense he or she may be wandering into doctrinal error. Chris Eller Day 1 2 John 1-13 (ESV) ENCOUNTER God s Word to put yourself in touch with him. Greeting 1 The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father s Son, in truth and love. Walking in Truth and Love 4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5 And now I ask you, dear lady not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. Final Greetings 12 Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13 The children of your elect sister greet you.

3 Page 3 Day 2 ENQUIRE the answer to these questions to better understand what the passage means. Use the questions below to guide your reading and to ensure you are grasping the key lessons and themes of the text. This is called Inductive Bible Study, in which you ask the questions, Who?, What?, Where?, Why?, When?, How? as you read the text. (Also known as the 5Ws and an H. ) 1. To whom was this letter addressed? (1:1) 2. Who wrote this letter? Why? (1:1-2) 3. What unique characteristic do Christians have? (1:2) 4. What did the elder say would be with him in truth and love? (1:3) 5. What gave the elder great joy? (1:4) 6. What command did the writer give to his readers? (1:5) 7. What is love? (1:6) 8. What did many false teachers of John s day deny? (1:7) 9. What did the elder encourage his readers to do? (1:8) 10. What is true about someone who does or does not continue in the teaching of Christ? (1:9) 11. Who was the reader of this letter not to welcome into his or her house? Why? (1:10-11) 12. Why did John not want to write all that he had to say? (1:12) 13. Who shared in John s greeting? (1:13) Summary Notes Write a one paragraph summary of this week s text including key areas of interest and significant instruction. Consult the commentary on the text and the notes following this page for additional help.

4 Page 4 Day 4 EXPLORE the commentaries to answer the questions. 2 JOHN by Robert Yarbrough Important Facts AUTHOR: The elder (v. 1). All Greek manuscripts name John in the title. This is probably the same John who wrote 1 John (and 3 John). DATE: Perhaps the last third of the first century a.d., near the time when 1 John was written. OCCASION: John is coming to visit a local church soon (v. 12). Until then, he wants believers to be faithful to God s commands, especially the love command (v. 6). He also needs to pass on warnings regarding deceivers (v. 7). KEY THEMES: 1. The truth of Christ. 2. The command to love. 3. The threat of antichristianity masquerading as gospel belief. 4. Preparation for the elder s visit. The Setting of 2 John Little is known outside of what the letter itself contains. Because the language and topics of 2 John are similar to those found in 1 John, and since both letters appear to have the same author, it is reasonable to conclude that they are addressing similar concerns. These include obeying what the Father commanded (4), resisting heresy (7 8), and contributing to the Christian joy that the apostolic message brings to the world by continuing an authentic embrace of the gospel (12). Structure of the Letter The organization reflects the conventions of a Hellenistic letter: author s name and greetings (1 3), body of letter (4 11), final words and farewell (12 13). What is different from a Hellenistic letter is the content of each section. John expresses thoughts, concerns, and convictions (e.g., Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, v. 3) that are foreign to normal Greco-Roman correspondence. (For samples of ancient letters see Ancient Letters in the introduction to 3 John.) Message of the Letter The letter serves as a stopgap until a longer, personal visit is possible (v. 12). The writer assumes much more information than he actually conveys. But what he does convey may be summarized by taking note of the letter s commands: v. 5: love one another v. 8: watch out lest you lose your reward v. 10: do not support the travels and ministry of heretical Christian leaders v. 12: be prepared for an apostolic visit Assumptions of the Letter Among ancient churches 2 John seems to have struggled to find universal acceptance. But its underlying premises are consistent with apostolic Christianity as modeled in other New Testament letters. These premises include: the close identification of the true and living God with Jesus Christ his Son (3) the validity and redemptive power of the commands coming from this God (4 6) the importance of right belief concerning God s Son (7) the promise of heavenly reward, assuming believers faithful perseverance (8) the responsibility of Christians to participate in the furthering of Christ s kingdom through (discerning) support of gospel messengers (10 11) the joy of knowing God in Christ (12) the communion of saints in churches everywhere (1, 13) The elder (1). In early Christianity elders were the leaders or shepherds of local congregations in other words, they were pastors. But an apostle could also refer to himself as an elder, as Peter does: To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder (1 Peter 5:1). In other words, the word elder could apply to an apostle and thus to the elder John, the apostle especially in his pastoral capacity among Asia Minor congregations. The apostles did not see themselves as social superiors to elders but as their coworkers in the gospel and as brothers to other Christians of all levels (Acts 15:23). The chosen lady (1). The word translated lady is the Greek word kyria. Some have thought that John refers to a female person by the name Kyria or to an anonymous select lady. But this Greek word was also used for a sociopolitical subdivision in Athens, a subdivision of the larger ekklesia (often translated in the New Testament as church ). John appears to be using a word for a local congregation that is not attested elsewhere in early Christian writings. This word is chosen because of distinctive local social and linguistic conventions about which we have no additional information. Chosen lady, then, simply means a local congregation who, as God s people, are by definition elect or chosen (a common term for Christians; see, e.g., Rom. 16:13; 1 Peter 1:1; 2:9). All who know the truth (1; cf. 2, 3, 4). Among pagan writers truth was arrived at by rational contemplation or by observation of nature, or perhaps by both. There was no widespread agreement on what truth is, on how knowledge of it can be assured, or on what, if anything, ought to be done once truth has been determined. For biblical writers there is a common conviction that truth relates closely to God; he is the God of truth (Ps. 31:5; cf. Isa. 65:16). Truth is God s possession. It is grounded in his nature just as love is (Ps. 40:11). God sends forth truth like light; this truth guides us to the place where God dwells (43:3). God s truth will be the basis for final judgment: He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth (96:13). God always speaks the truth: I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right (Isa. 45:19). God commands his people to seek and love truth (Jer. 5:3; Zech. 8:16, 19). Truth is not rational knowledge alone but relates equally to wisdom, discipline and understanding (Prov. 23:23). Truth is found in God s word (Ps. 119:30). Jesus claimed to speak the truth he had heard from God (John 8:40). He claimed to be the truth that leads to God (14:6) and equated truth with God s word (17:17). He told Pilate that he came into the world, to testify to the truth, and added, Everyone on the side of truth listens to me (18:37).

5 Page 5 Jesus apostles saw truth as residing in Christ and the gospel message about him (Gal. 2:5, 14; Col. 1:5). Christians are taught in [Christ] in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus (Eph. 4:21). Truth is part of the Christian s armor: Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist (6:14). To reject the truth of the gospel is to be eternally lost (2 Thess. 2:12). Truth is not something merely known but is to be sought and loved (2:10). Belief in the truth is the way to be saved (2:13). The church is the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15). Gospel truth leads to godliness (Titus 1:1); it is not about abstract speculation but an honest and godly life. Obeying God s truth leads to love for others (1 Peter 1:22). The Johannine letters contain numerous references to truth. No single definition explains every occurrence. The references seem to fit into the following categories: 1. Truth is possessed and imparted by the Holy Spirit, who is truth. 2. Truth refers to the ethical standards God has established for his people as expressed in his commandments. 3. Truth is God s sanctifying presence, which gives the believer the capacity to reflect God s character traits, such as love and aversion to sin. 4. Truth refers to the quality of conformity to the way things are in God s omniscient wisdom (2:8). 5. Truth refers to the gospel of Jesus Christ, its implications, and the sphere of eternal life into which the gospel ushers those who embrace it. The Johannine letters are distinct in their clear, forceful, and diverse characterization of God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as the God of truth. This truth is known particularly through the gospel and is mediated to believers by the Spirit. The test of truth is not intellectual brilliance or scientific accuracy (though these are not disparaged) but divinely imparted character traits, especially love and compassion for others and zeal for Christ s gospel and ways. Great joy (4). For Stoic thinkers joy, like all strong emotions, was to be avoided. But joy had always accompanied news of Jesus: There was joy at his birth (Luke 1:14; 2:10); there was joy among his disciples as they ministered (10:17); there was joy in the presence of the Lord after his resurrection (24:41, 52). Jesus had promised abundant joy to his disciples (see John 15:11; 16:20, 24). Jesus prayed to the Father that his followers would have joy after he left them (17:13). Joy is often associated with human celebration, but this is too simplistic: Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief (Prov. 14:13). True joy comes from participation in the kingdom of God, which is not a matter of partying, of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22). The joy John expresses is closely related to the love he has for his readers. Shared labor for Christ s sake brings a sense of togetherness, appreciation for each other, and praise for the Lord because he forgives our sins and is redeeming our lives. Such work together often involves fervent prayer, sacrifice, and even suffering; these are powerful bonding agents in human relationships, especially when they are truly for Christ s sake. The result can be a profound shared sense of how great the message of the cross is and what a privilege it is to share in gospel ministry, benefits, and challenges. This is to say nothing of the indescribable joy of the presence of Christ himself through his Spirit. This is most likely the sort of joy of which John speaks. Dear lady (5). John probably addresses the congregation as a whole; see comments on verse 1. This is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands (6). Some religions seem obsessed with commands; Paul may have been addressing such a viewpoint in Colossians 2: Other religious perspectives seem intent on rejecting or flaunting the commands of Scripture (Titus 1:16; 2 Peter 2). Jesus warned of a time when disregard for God s law would be widespread (Matt. 24:12). John apparently feels the necessity of stressing that those who claim to know and love God must be diligent in seeking to obey Christ s commands and follow his example. This is exactly what Jesus taught during the last hours of his life on this earth. Deceivers (7). Some scholars think that the warning against docetic doctrine in 1 John 4:2 is different from the warning in 2 John 7. In the 1 John passage the word translated has come is in the perfect tense. But in 2 John 7 the word translated coming is in the present tense. Accordingly, in 2 John the warning is perhaps against those who deny the coming appearance of Christ on earth, that is, his literal physical return in judgment and glory to inaugurate an earthly messianic era. Runs ahead (9). This unusual expression is probably explained by what follows: does not continue in the teaching of Christ. While apostolic Christianity was richly creative, it was equally committed to a definite and sure foundation. This means that sheer novelty was unwelcome if it was felt to be untrue and therefore destructive of the gospel message, which could not be tampered with (cf. Gal. 1:8 9; Jude 3). Do not take him into your house (10). This is not a contradiction of Christian teaching elsewhere that commends hospitality to strangers (e.g., Heb. 13:2). False teachers are no longer strangers once their identity becomes public knowledge! John has in mind the kind of hospitality that Jesus told his followers to look for in Luke 10:5 8. To open one s home to non- or quasi-christian religious propagandists for the sake of their ministry is forbidden to Christians. An ancient Greek father warned his son, The evil man wants the good man to turn bad so he will become like him. John s warning in no way questions philanthropic work by Christians on behalf of non-christians rescue missions, building projects, prison ministries, care for the homeless, medical missions, educational initiatives, disaster relief, and other outreaches too numerous to detail. It may call in question, however, the tendency of some in recent times to put the resources of Christian churches at the disposal of interfaith enterprises whose main effect seems to be the dethronement of Jesus Christ from his place as sole Lord and Savior and the replacement of evangelical Christianity with a tolerant humanitarianism bearing only negative resemblance to the gospel of Christ s death and resurrection (see also comments on 3 John 8). Chosen sister (13). Since the author of 2 John refers to the congregation he addresses as chosen lady [kyria] in verse 1, he may be extending the metaphor in verse 13 in referring to a sister congregation, using language of the nuclear family. Clinton E. Arnold, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Hebrews to Revelation., vol. 4 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002).

6 Page 6 Daily Bible Reading Plan SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 11/15 11/16 11/17 11/18 11/19 11/20 11/21 Ezeckial 31:1-32:32 Ezekiel 33:1-34:31 Ezekiel 35:1-36:38 Ezekiel 37:1-38:23 Ezekiel 39:1-40:27 Ezekiel 40:28-41:26 Ezekiel 42:1-43:27 Hebrews 12:14-29 Hebrews 13:1-25 James 1:11-18 James 1:19-2:17 James 2:18-3:18 James 4:1-17 James 5:1-20 Psalm 113:1-114:8 Psalm 115:1-18 Psalm 116:1-19 Psalm 117:1-2 Psalm 118:1-18 Psalm 118:19-29 Psalm 119:1-16 Proverbs 27:18-20 Proverbs 27:21-22 Proverbs 28:23-27 Proverbs 28:1 Proverbs 28:2 Proverbs 25:3-5 Proverbs 28:6-7 For complete details on First Family s Daily Bible Reading Plan, visit our website at WORDSEARCH all the words come from this week s text or lesson. Truth Walkers: Warning #1 November 15, John 1-13 I E N I R T C O D A V B V O R F J H N S A R V L E T C Q N O D O B N M K T W F R V A M E R N V B U Y G G E L D E R G R A C E K E B F X Y G E Q N C Q L O L K D Z A S T U E F Y D V F F K E C V B L B R Z D H Q D G N Z J L X U I F V E O I J U I H X K A T T R F Z W V H E E M B I I V H S M Q M E M K S N B H W H O G K C J W A I L O R F T U P Y C R E M T S E J O G T T Z K B Z I L L O M M Q O U E F L X I U F P V R L X E P O L W G Z R K H Z S H D J U D C B A G U A L Z G T E R E H T O N A E N O E V O L H D T D D Y Y D S I G A C T Y G B X L M I L Q N X R M H Y Z H T U R T F Y C N K N I D N A R E P A P I U E T R A N S G R E S S E S V I H Y T Z E G V O S K R R Y Y M H A Y A F C O M M A N D M E N T R L T J F T S I R H C S U S E J D R O L T P E I O D R P P V B D C L R H E B X I R E W A R D L I Y S X Y Z L B H V S R L B Z C I F I Q R X E C I O J E R Q K G Elder Elect Lady Truth Love Grace Mercy Peace Lord Jesus Christ God the Father Rejoice Commandment Love One Another Deceivers World Antichrist Reward Transgresses Abide Doctrine House Paper and Ink Amern To see the answers to the puzzle, go to

7 Page 7 CONNECTING THE FAMILY FFC Youth the children s ministry of first family church On This Solid Rock I Stand Even a cursory reading of 2 John shows that the background to this short epistle overlaps in some measure with the background to 1 John. In both epistles there is a truth question tied to the identity of Jesus Christ. Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world (2 John 7). These particular deceivers denied Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh which, interpreted paraphrastically, means they denied that Jesus was Christ come in the flesh. They introduced a hiatus between the flesh-and-blood Jesus and the Christ who came upon him. Thus they denied the essential oneness of Jesus Christ, the God/man, the one who was simultaneously Son of God and human being. There were many sad implications. The reasons for this doctrinal aberration were bound up with widespread cultural pressures. Suffice it to say that these deceivers, these errorists (as some have called them), thought of themselves as advanced thinkers, as progressives. They did not see themselves as evaluating the Christian faith and choosing to deny certain cardinal truths, picking and choosing according to some obscure principle. Rather, they saw themselves as providing a true and progressive interpretation of the whole, over against the conservatives and traditionalists who really did not understand the culture. That is why John speaks of them, with heavy irony, as running ahead of the truth: Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son (9). John s stance is much like the old minister who hears some newfangled doctrine and opines, the youth ministry of first family church Memory Time Memory Verse And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. 2 John 6 R2R Life Distinctive The Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4:15-16): We believe in the church as the body of Christ, which is composed of all believers who have accepted Christ as Savior. We believe the church is God s primary way to accomplish His purposes on earth today. You say I am not with it. My friend, I do not doubt it. But when I see what I m not with, I d rather be without it. The crucial issue, of course, is not whether one is progressive or not, or a traditionalist or not: one could be a progressive in a good or a bad sense, and a traditionalist in a good or a bad sense. Such labels, by themselves, are frequently manipulative and rarely add much clarity to complex matters. The real issue is whether or not one is holding to the apostolic Gospel, whether or not one is continuing in the teaching of Christ. That is the perennial test. Which contemporary movements fail this test, either because they rush ahead of the Gospel in their drive to be contemporary or because they have become encrusted with traditions that domesticate the Gospel? D.A. Carson

8 Page 8 R2R Life! Becoming Ready to Reproduce Disciples of Jesus Christ 10 R2R Core Beliefs The Bible (2 Timothy 3:16 17): We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God, and the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct. God the Father (Psalm 121:1 2): We believe God is personally involved in and cares about the daily lives of His children. Jesus Christ (John 1:12): We believe in Jesus Christ, His deity, virgin birth, sinless life, vicarious death, burial and bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father and His personal future return in power and glory. We are significant only because of our position as children of God. The Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14): We believe the God of the Bible is the only true God and is eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Humanity (John 3:16): We believe all people are born separated from God by sin, but God in his love sent his Son Jesus Christ as their savior. Eternity (John 14:1 4): We believe there is a heaven and a hell and that Jesus Christ is returning to judge the earth and to establish his kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the dead: the believer to life everlasting and the unbeliever to the resurrection of judgment. The Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4:15-16): We believe in the church as the body of Christ, which is composed of all believers who have accepted Christ as Savior. We believe the church is God s primary way to accomplish His purposes on earth today. Stewardship (1 Timothy 6:17-19): We believe that everything we have, including our very life, belongs to God. Salvation by Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:23-25; 8:38-39): We believe a person has a right relationship with God only by His grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. This makes believers eternally secure in Jesus Christ. Compassion (Psalm 82:3-4): We believe God calls all Christians to show compassion to those in need. 10 R2R Core Practices Worship (Psalm 95:1-7): I worship God for who He is and what He has done for me. Bible Study (Hebrews 4:12): I study the Bible diligently to know God, to become like Christ, and to discern His will for my life. Service (Colossians 3:17): I give away my time to fulfill God s purposes. Witness (Matthew 28:18-20): I live to tell the story of Jesus and to make disciples of Him even to the ends of the earth, knowing he is with me always. Biblical Community (Acts 2:44-47): I fellowship with other believers in a small group to accomplish God s purposes in my life, others lives, and in the world. Prayer (Psalm 66:16-20): I pray to God to know Him, to lay my request before Him and to find direction for my daily life. Spiritual Gifts (Romans 12:4-6): I know and use my spiritual gifts to accomplish God s purposes. Authenticity (John 13:33-34): I know and understand biblical truths and transfer these truths into everyday life. Who I am on the inside and outside is a pure reflection of Christ and His Word. Simplicity (Matthew 6:33): I seek to live a simple life focused on God and his priorities for my life. Possessions (Luke 16:11 12): I seek to maintain an eternal perspective on money and possessions, realizing God has give me all that I have, and that he expects me to manage it wisely for His glory. 10 R2R Core Virtues Gentleness (Philippians 4:5): I am thoughtful, considerate and calm in dealing with others. Faithfulness (Proverbs 3:3-4): I have established a good name with God and with others based on my long-term loyalty to those relationships. Hope (Hebrews 6:19-20): I can cope with the hardships of life and with death because of the hope I have in Jesus Christ. Joy (John 15:11): I have inner contentment and purpose in spite of my circumstances. Love (1 John 4:10-12): I sacrificially and unconditionally love and forgive others. Peace (Philippians 4:6-7): I am free from anxiety because things are right between God, myself and others. Self-Control (Titus 2:11-13): I have the power, through Christ, to control myself. Humility (Philippians 2:3-4): I choose to esteem others above myself. Patience (Proverbs 14:29): I take a long time to overheat and endure patiently under the unavoidable pressures of life. Kindness/Goodness (1 Thessalonians 5:15): I choose to do the right things in my relationships with others. About is produced throughout the school year to help you connect with the Word of God on a daily basis and to study and meditate on the specific biblical text that will be the focus of the upcoming weekend services. also helps tie-in the principles of discipleship found in 10 Core Beliefs (doctrine) 10 Core Practices (disciplines), and 10 Core Virtues (spiritual fruit). Together, we call these R2R Distinctives, or becoming a Ready to Reproduce Disciple of Jesus Christ. If you would like delivered each week to your box, you can to to and register.