Day 5: F260 Reading Only

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Micah 1, 4:6-13, 5

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for the ministry of South Ridge Church. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Church:

1. Thank God for the miracle of SRC and our ministry.
2. Thank God for any way in which SRC has changed your life.
3. Commit SRC’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

Note: If you would like to be an official member of South Ridge Church, please complete the “Membership Covenant” located here.

 

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     Day 4: Financial Stewardship

OUR PLEDGE

1. Each year the budget is prepared and approved by the entire Board of Trustees.  
2. We will publish an annual financial statement which is made available to the church.  A more detailed statement is available to members upon request. 
3. When donations are counted, it is our policy to always have a minimum of 2 unrelated people present with the money at all times.  
4. We will do our best to help with genuine financial needs within the church.  The procedure to receive such help is to notify one of the pastors of your need or another’s need.  Where there is repeated financial need, financial accountability and counseling will be required.

GIVING TO GOD

What the Old Testament teaches about giving tithes and offerings to God:

What is tithing?

• “Tithe” means one tenth

What is the difference between a tithe and an offering?

• A tithe is giving 10% of my income.
• An offering is anything I give above or below my tithe.

Six truths about tithing: 

1. All of our money belongs to God.  He asks for a minimum of 10% back

“One tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord and must be set apart to him as holy.” (Leviticus 27:30)

2. God has connected refusing to tithe with stealing from him!

 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me!

“But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’

“You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me.  Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in!” (Malachi 3:8-10)

3. Tithing gives God a chance to prove he is God and wants to bless you!

“Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” (Malachi 3:11)

4. New Testament giving is marked by sacrifice and generosity.

“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)

5. New Testament giving is marked by cheerfulness and willingness.

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”  (2 Corinthians 9:7)

6. We have an obligation to give to those who provide for our spiritual development.

“Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.” (1 Corinthians 9:13-14)

SRC’S AFFILIATES 

Great   Commission   Churches

South Ridge Church is affiliated with Great Commission Churches (GCC), a US based fellowship of churches and ministries united with churches throughout the world around shared values, a common history and especially the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.  GCC promotes conferences and mission opportunities and offers accountability and mediation services for member churches.  Great Commission Churches is a member of the National Association of Evangelicals and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. For more information about Great Commission Churches log on to  www.gccweb.org.

Regionally, South Ridge Church partners with other GCC member churches in the state including Chestnut Ridge Church in Morgantown, WV and River Ridge Church in Charleston and Teays Valley, WV.

READING:

No additional reading today.

What thoughts came to mind as you read through the six truths about tithing? 

What are the benefits of tithing regularly?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Isaiah 65 & 66

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for the a friend or colleague. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Friend:

1. Thank God for the miracle of friendship.
2. Thank God for any way in which your friend has changed your life.
3. Commit your friend’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

 

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     Day 3: The Road to Leadership

Pastoral leadership is a good thing to aspire to, and at SRC it is available to all men.  At SRC there is a distinct road to follow to become a pastor.  The first step involves a total commitment to Christ evidenced by a loving, serving life-style toward others.  Through this commitment, God will be developing the character qualifications necessary for effective leadership.  As character is developed, he will have opportunity to be entrusted with responsibilities in the church, and as faithfulness is demonstrated, greater responsibilities will be given.  During this time such men will be involved in personal training in the Bible, counseling and leadership and managerial skills offered by the existing pastoral team via a leadership program.

During the training it will become evident to all which men are qualified for the pastorate.  These men will then be approached and asked to prayerfully and thoughtfully consider joining the pastoral team, which usually will involve leaving their present occupation and becoming employed full-time by the church.  They would be asked to self-examine their lives in light of biblical qualifications for leadership.  If they feel before God that they are needed and qualified, their names would be submitted to the membership for affirmation. Each church member will have the opportunity to bring forth any evidence that may disqualify the person for biblical leadership.  If a legitimate reason comes up, the process would be halted until all is resolved.  When the existing pastor(s) feel all qualifications are met, an ordination meeting would be called, Great Commission Churches will be consulted, and he would be ordained as a pastor of SRC.

DEACONS

At this point in time, there are no formally recognized deacons or deaconesses.  However, many of our men and women hold positions of leadership that have the responsibilities of deacons and we are grateful to God for their service.

Note: South Ridge Church is full of volunteer Community Group leaders and other ministry leaders who use their abilities and gifts to teach and equip others to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ. We ask that all filling such a role be members of SRC.

PLURALITY GOVERNANCE

South Ridge Church is governed by a plurality of Pastor/ Elders, and in some cases, Commissioned Ministers and Deacons, in what is known as the Policy Board-Governance Model. The Board leads the church by setting its course. Once the Board of the church sets the policy and course, the pastors, staff, and membership are equipped and empowered to carry out the work of ministry.

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 4:1-21

SRC is led by a Plurality of Pastors. How does functioning as a Plurality help the church? 

What questions, if any, do you have about the the road to leadership at SRC? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Isaiah 52 & 53

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for your children or another loved one. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your children or children that God has placed in your life:

1. Thank God for the miracle of the children God has placed in your life.
2. Thank God for any way in which these children have changed your life.
3. Commit these children’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out how you may best guide and lead them.

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     Day 2: Role & Qualifications of a Pastor

BIBLICAL ROLE OF THE PASTORS

1. What can you expect from your pastors?
2. The pastors are committed to leading by example.
3. The pastors are committed to feeding (teaching) and leading (equipping) the church.
4. The pastors are committed to refuting wrong doctrine.
5. The pastors are committed to managing the church of God.
6. The pastors are committed to praying for the sick.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR A PASTOR 

(1 Timothy 3:2-7 & Titus 1:9)

Above Reproach

Husband of One Wife

Temperate

Prudent

Respectable

Hospitable

Able to Teach

Not addicted to Wine

Not Pugnacious

Uncontentious

Free From the Love of Money

Manage Own Household

Not a New Convert

Good Reputation with Outsiders

Not Self-Willed

Not Quick Tempered

Loves What Is Good

Just

Devout

Holding Fast the Faithful Word

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 4:14-21, 1 TIMOTHY 3:2-7, TITUS 1:9

In what ways do the qualifications of a Pastor help ensure church unity and spiritual growth among church members? 

What questions, if any, came to mind as you read through 1 Corinthians 4:1-13, 1 Timothy 3:2-7, & Titus 1:9

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Isaiah 44 & 45

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for your spouse, or another loved one. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Spouse or Another Loved One:

1. Thank God for the miracle of your spouse and marriage or the loved one in your life.
2. Thank God for any way in which your spouse or loved one has changed your life.
3. Commit your spouse’s or loved one’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

 

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     Day 1: How SRC is Led

In the Bible, God has given a specific plan for leadership.  Obviously, the head of the church is Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23).  At SRC, we strive to follow a structure of leadership which will not detract from Jesus occupying this position.

At the same time, Scripture gives clear leadership responsibility to certain members of the body.  While these leaders are of no greater value in the sight of God, and while we recognize that every Christian has gifts with which they should minister in the body, at the same time the pastoral leaders are held accountable by God for the direction and well-being of the church (Hebrews 13:17).

Those responsible for leadership in the church are called elders (Acts 20:17), pastors (or shepherds – Acts 20:28), bishops (Acts 20:28 Gk.) and overseers (Acts 20:28).  While any of these names are appropriate since they refer to the same persons doing the same job, at SRC we usually go by the title of “pastor.”

The role of a pastor is to lead the church, care for its members, pray on their behalf, instruct them and be an example of Christian living.  The pastors at SRC are deeply committed to the spiritual growth of each of its members and the spreading of the gospel.

In the New Testament, men were appointed as pastors based on their spiritual maturity and character (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9).  At SRC, the final decision on appointment of a pastor will rest with their ability to meet these standards and with the approval of the national directors at Great Commission Churches.  In addition, a pastor must exhibit a genuine humility, a desire for spiritual excellence, a sincere love for people, and the basic skills necessary to carry out leadership responsibilities.

We do not believe a pastor must receive a full-time salary.  However, normally, he would, and it is the desire of the church to enable its leaders to have all the time necessary to build the church. Scripture teaches that those who work hard at teaching are worthy of double honor (1 Timothy—in context, this is usually understood to relate to financial compensation).

As necessary, deacons will also be appointed to serve the church, particularly in undertaking those areas of need that would otherwise prohibit pastors from performing their Biblical responsibilities (1 Timothy 3:8-12; Acts 6).

In response to the biblical pattern of leadership, members of the body are taught in Scripture to lovingly support their leaders and to submit to their leadership (Hebrews 13:17). As such, Scripture indicates that final authority and responsibility as to church doctrine, policy and procedures rest with the pastors. However, the pastors desire and need the thoughtful and prayerful input of each member. 

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 4:1-13

What do you most appreciate about how SRC is led? 

What questions, if any, came to mind as you read through 1 Corinthians 4:1-13?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Isaiah 6 & 9

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for the ministry of South Ridge Church. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Church:

1. Thank God for the miracle of SRC and our ministry.
2. Thank God for any way in which SRC has changed your life.
3. Commit SRC’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

 

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     Day 5: How SRC is Structured

The structure of the church should not be determined by culture, business practices, or even denominational traditions.

The nature of the church determines its structure.

1. The church is a fellowship.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship…”(Acts 2:42)

A top priority in a fellowship is unity and peace.

“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

Implication: A good structure promotes unity and downplays division.

“For it sounds as if more harm than good is done when you meet together. First, I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church, and to some extent I believe it.”  (1 Corinthians 11:17-18)

2. The church is a family.

“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters, be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.” (1 Peter 3:8)

Therefore, we operate on the basis of relationships NOT rules.

“Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.” (1 Timothy 5:1-2)

3. The church is a body.

We function on the basis of spiritual gifts NOT offices.  We have a simple structure so we can maximize ministry and minimize maintenance. 

“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

The people are the ministers.

The pastors are the administrators.

4. The church is a flock. (John 10:1-30, Matthew 26:31, Matthew 25:33)

Therefore, it is cared for and led by shepherds.

“Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”                  

 “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”…’Then feed my sheep.’”(John 21:16-17)

Three different terms are used in the New Testament to refer to the same church leaders.

POIMEN: Pastor

PRESBUTEROS: Elder

EPISCOPOS: Bishop or Overseer

“And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches…^.Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.” (1 Peter 5:1-2)

“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders.” (Acts 20:28)

READING:

Review 1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-27, 10:22-33, 5:1-13

What scripture passages stuck out to you the most this week? Why do you think that is?

What questions, if any, do you have from the readings this week?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Joel 1, 2, & 3

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for the ministry of South Ridge Church. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Church:

1. Thank God for the miracle of SRC and our ministry.
2. Thank God for any way in which SRC has changed your life.
3. Commit SRC’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

 

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     Day 4: Church Judgment – Part 2

Situation #2—Flagrant, ongoing, unrepentant sin

“I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you—something that even pagans don’t do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother.  You are so proud of yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame. And you should remove this man from your fellowship.

Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in the Spirit. And as though I were there, I have already passed judgment on this man in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church.  I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus. Then you must throw this man out and hand him over to Satan so that his sinful nature will be destroyed and he himself will be saved on the day the Lord returns.

Your boasting about this is terrible. Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old “yeast” by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth.

When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.

It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, ‘You must remove the evil person from among you.’” (1 Corinthians 5)

This passage differs from the situation described in Matthew 18.  Now we are looking at sins in the lives of individual church members that need dealt with regardless of the impact they have on other church members’ lives.  According to the Apostle Paul, the sins mentioned in this passage are so damaging to the reputation and moral fiber of the local church that they must be judged even if no offended person comes forward to initiate an accusation.

There are two reasons for this:

The first reason for removing the individual from local church membership, according to Paul, was so that his sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord (v. 5).  His behavior was so contrary to the will and desire of God that Paul appears to question his faith.  

Galatians 5:19-21 reads, “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” 

The purpose of church judgment, then, was to bring the individual to repentance so that he would ultimately be saved.  In the case of this man, the course of church judgment worked as it should.  The local church carried out Paul’s instruction and the man repented of his sin.  In 2 Corinthians 2:5-8, Paul acknowledges the man’s repentance and instructs the church to “forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed with excessive sorrow.”

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-27

Church judgment is often rare, but 1 Corinthians 5 and other passages do outline that it is sometimes necessary. Situations #2 and #3 in today’s reading outlines appropriate steps to take if there is ongoing flagrant sin or continual divisive behavior.

Have you ever experienced actions such as these cause divisiveness in a church? What was the result? 

In what ways may following the steps outlined in yesterday’s and today’s readings help maintain love and unity within a church?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Amos 1:1 & 9:1-15

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for the a friend or colleague. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Friend:

1. Thank God for the miracle of friendship.
2. Thank God for any way in which your friend has changed your life.
3. Commit your friend’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

 

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     Day 3: Church Judgment – Part 1

On occasion, a unique situation will arise which will require church judgment.  According to the Bible, church judgment is a form of discipline applied to members of the local church who are making decisions that are radically out of step with God’s will and the marks of a true Christian.  Their decisions have resulted in, or could result in, harm to the witness of the individual and the local church.  

It is important to note that church judgment is the last step in an attempt to bring an unrepentant member back into fellowship with the church.  Many other steps would be taken before church judgment is exercised.  If church judgment is exercised by the church, the individual being disciplined would be removed from church membership until repentance has taken place.  In every case, church judgment is an act of love aimed at the full reconciliation of the church member to God and the local church. 

Typically, there are only three situations that would result in church judgment:  

Situation #1—An unresolved offense between two members of the church.

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses.  If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.

I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:15-20)

According to this passage, church judgment is exercised when an individual member commits a sin against another individual member and, after it is brought to their attention in several different ways, they remain unrepentant.

What is the first step in confronting someone who sins against you?  

According to verse 15, it is to go to the one who has offended you in private.  How seldom this is done.  We are so quick to go to anyone and everyone else and tell them about somebody else’s faults rather than go to the source of the problem—to the only person who can do something about it.

The goal of this first step is not to humiliate or judge or get back at the person that has wronged us, but rather to win the person back to righteousness and restore the relationship.  

Note: Wise reprovers will first examine their own hearts and motives before confronting others (Matthew 7:1-5). 

What is the second step in confronting someone who sins against you?  

If the issue is resolved in private the issue is settled.  This is often the case at SRC and we praise God for that!  But, if the issue remains unresolved, then the offended individual is commanded to take two or three witnesses to confront the offender again.  The worst thing that could happen at this point is to just drop the issue because then no real reconciliation has occurred.  

The purpose of the witnesses is to investigate the issue and confirm what actually happened.  This way everybody has a clear understanding about the nature of the offense and can discern how legitimate it is.  They can also help to facilitate restitution and reconciliation between the two church members if the offender repents.  Finally, the witnesses can confirm that repentance did not take place if that is the case.

What is the third step in confronting someone who sins against you?

If repentance and reconciliation has not taken place yet, then at this point the issue needs to be taken to the church.  At South Ridge, Community Groups and Service Teams often serve as “the church” in these cases, along with oversight from the pastors.  At this point, church officials will ask questions such as: Was the alleged sin truly a sin?  What Scriptures were violated?  Can the alleged sin be confirmed by two or three witnesses?  Did the offended person walk through the first two steps appropriately?  If so, were the offenses clearly presented with a clear presentation of the Scriptures that were violated?  Did the offender fail to respond to the offended?

If all these questions are answered affirmatively and the offender does not repent then Matthew 18:17 commands us, “let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”  What this means in context is that they are to be removed from membership of the local church until they are repentant of the offense against the individual.

At South Ridge Church, we recommend that these three steps be taken whenever there is a conflict between two individuals in the church.  In our experience, rarely will the issue get beyond step #1 because often repentance and reconciliation do take place between the individuals and unity and love within the church was upheld.  It should also be noted that often this leads to a better relationship moving forward between the two individuals—all because they obeyed the Scriptures!  

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 5:1-13

Church judgment is often rare, but 1 Corinthians 5 and other passages do outline that it is sometimes necessary. Situation #1 in today’s reading outlines appropriate steps to take if there is conflict between two individuals. In what ways do these steps help maintain love and unity in a church? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Hosea 1, 2, & 3

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for your children or another loved one. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your children or children that God has placed in your life:

1. Thank God for the miracle of the children God has placed in your life.
2. Thank God for any way in which these children have changed your life.
3. Commit these children’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out how you may best guide and lead them.

 

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     Day 2: Accountability

According to the Scriptures, members of South Ridge Church have a responsibility to protect one another from areas of ongoing sin.  Though we are ultimately accountable to God (Romans 14:12, 1 John 1:8-10), we are also accountable to one another (James 5:16, 19-20; Galatians 6:1, Hebrews 10:24-25).  Therefore, accountability is an understandable requirement to account for one’s conduct to both God and the local church.  Accountability generally takes place in the Community Groups or in even smaller groups of 2-3 people of the same sex.  It is viewed as one way that we can practice loving God and loving one another. 

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 10:22-33

Have you ever heard others say, “I have the right to do anything,” or something similar? 

What are 3-4 ways in which 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 still applies to our culture today?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Jonah 3 & 4

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for your spouse, or another loved one. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Spouse or Another Loved One:

1. Thank God for the miracle of your spouse and marriage or the loved one in your life.
2. Thank God for any way in which your spouse or loved one has changed your life.
3. Commit your spouse’s or loved one’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

 

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     Day 1: Maintaining Love & Unity

To quote author and pastor, John Ortberg, “Everybody’s Normal Until You Get to Know Them.” That is so true. God has made each one of us unique.  At South Ridge we appreciate that.  We have different personalities, passions, gifts, talents, and experiences. This creates a beautiful diversity in the church and shows off God’s creativity in bringing us together as a local body (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12).  It also provides the church with the people resources to do the work of ministry that God determined in advance to do through us (Ephesians 2:10) as well as an opportunity to practice a Christ-like love with one another (1 Corinthians 13).  

In order to fulfill our God-given purpose as individuals and as a local church we must maintain a spirit of unity and love.  Therefore, we commit to persevere through conflict and practice forgiveness.  In our inadequacies, we depend on God’s grace to live out passages of Scripture like Romans 12:9-21, which the ESV translation of the Bible summarizes with the heading, “Marks of a True Christian”.  We also commit to love one another, honor one another, be kind to one another, serve one another, and to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Furthermore, when a member of the local church is struggling with sin in an area of their life we view it as our responsibility to love them and help them with it in an understanding way (Matthew 7:1-5, Galatians 6:1).  Therefore, we also practice being accountable to one another. 

READING:

1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-27

Take the opportunity to think of at least 3-4 ways in which making yourself “a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible,” strengthens the church. (If possible, note additional scripture passages as well.)

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Jonah 1 & 2

Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method

PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for the ministry of South Ridge Church. The following outline may be helpful.

Four Prayers for Your Church:

1. Thank God for the miracle of SRC and our ministry.
2. Thank God for any way in which SRC has changed your life.
3. Commit SRC’s future to the Lord.
4. Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.

 

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