New Member Discovery Class Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

-Overview of the Gospel

-What We Believe

-Mission, Vision, Core Values & Culture of Destiny City Church

-Believe & Become

-Learning to Serve Faithfully

-Now What?

Overview of the The Gospel

To start, we need to be clear about the gospel itself. Simply put, the gospel is the (1)

news that though we were once dead in our sins and subject to God’s judgement, we now have new life by being born again through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that accomplishes redemption and restoration for all who believe and all of creation.

The gospel is a story of a Father doing everything it takes to bring his family home and together.

In his life Jesus perfectly (2)

the law and accomplished all righteousness on behalf of sinners who have broken every aspect of God’s Law.

In his death Jesus atones for our sin ,(3)

& (4)

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the wrath of God, securing forgiveness for all who believe.
In his resurrection Jesus’ (5)

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over sin and death is the guarantee of our victory over the same in and through him. Jesus’ saving work not only redeems sinners, uniting them to God the Father, but also assures the future restoration of all creation.

A member of Jesus’s church believes that He Himself is…
their greatest (6)

and (7)

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their deepest longing and (8)

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, and their most passionate (9)

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and (10)

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.

WHAT WE BELIEVE AT DESTINY CITY CHURCH

The following are the core beliefs of Destiny City Church based on the foundational truths taught in the bible. All of our teaching and ministry is rooted in and flows out of these biblical doctrines.

God
There is one eternally existing God who has three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He is the creator of all that exists, both visible and invisible, and is therefore worthy of all glory and praise.

God is

in love, power, holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom, justice, and mercy. He is unchangeable and therefore is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
The Bible

The Bible to be the inspired, the

infallible, authoritative Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth and morality.
Revelation

God has revealed himself to us through his son, Jesus Christ, who is the visible image of the invisible God, the holy scriptures, and through all of creation itself.

Mankind
Humans,

male and female, were

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in God’s image for His glory. The first humans, Adam and Eve, were created without sin and appointed as caretakers of the rest of God’s creations.

The Fall
When Adam and Eve chose not to

God, they ceased to be what they were made to be and became distorted images of God. This caused them to fall out of fellowship with God, and fractured all of creation ever since that time.

Salvation
Jesus Christ came to reconcile us with God. He lived a life without sin and willingly died on the cross to pay the penalty for our transgressions. God raised him from the dead and now, by grace, offers as a free gift eternal life to all who follow Christ, by faith, as their Lord and Savior. That is why salvation can only be found in Christ alone.

The Church
The Church is meant to be the

body of Christ, sent into the world to glorify God and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Water Baptism

to Christ’s command for Water Baptism as a biblical picture of the old life being put away and a new life emerging. In water baptism we publicly display that we identify with what Jesus did through his death and resurrection and with the power of the cross and resurrection to deliver us completely from the power and authority of sin and death.

The Ministry of The Holy Spirit
We believe in the

ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.

We also believe in the

of the Holy Spirit and in the exercise of spiritual gifts.

Resurrection
Jesus Christ is

one day to judge both the living and the dead and to usher in the fullness of God’s kingdom on earth.

Who is Jesus?
This is the story God is telling:

Creation: God created a

world (Gen. 1.31, Ps. 19.1-4).

Fall: Humans

, and our sin affected relationships with God, others, ourselves, and creation (Gen. 3:1-19, Is. 53.6, Rom. 1.21-23, Rom. 1:28-32, Gal. 5.19-21).

*Redemption:*Jesus, the

of God, came, died for our sins, and rose from the dead making available new life through Him. (Gen. 3.15, Luke 1.31-35, John 1.1-14, John 3.16, Luke 4.18-19, Rom. 5.12-21, Matt. 28.1-10, 1 Cor. 15.20-28, 1 Tim. 2:5, Matt. 28.18).

Restoration: As

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people, we join God in His work of restoring all things (2 Cor. 5.15-17, Matt. 28.18-20, Gen. 1.28-31, Mic. 6.8, Matt. 5.9) and await Christ’s return (Rev. 22.7).

*
The following Creeds express the essential biblical doctrines that have been articulated, defended, and embraced for nearly two thousand years of church history. Many evangelical Christians throughout history have used the Apostles’ Creed as a personal proclamation of their own faith. In short, they are a summary of the biblical story of God’s redemption that have helped preserve the Christian faith through the ages and guard against heresy.*

Nicene Creed (AD325):

We believe in one God,the Father, the Almighty,maker of heaven and earth,of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy Christian church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Apostles Creed (AD451):

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of the saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

A common misunderstanding among evangelicals is the line that states, “I believe in … the holy catholic church.” In this creed the word catholic means “general, universal, concerning the whole” and does not refer exclusively to the Roman Catholic Church. (To avoid the confusion some churches say “holy Christian church.”) As the theologian Timothy George explains, “When we say that we ‘believe in the holy catholic church,’ we are confessing that Jesus Christ himself is the church’s one foundation, that all who truly trust in him as Savior and Lord are by God’s grace members of this church, and that the gates of hell shall never prevail against it.”

Chalcedon Creed (AD451):

We, then, following the holy fathers, all with one consent teach men to confess one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the same perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, of a rational soul and body; coessential with the Father according to the Godhead, and consubstantial with us according to the manhood; in all things like unto us, without sin; begotten before all ages of the Father according to the Godhead, and in these latter days, for us and for our salvation, born of the Virgin Mary, the [earthly] mother of God, according to the manhood; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, Only-begotten, to be acknowledged in two natures, without confusion, without change, without division, without separation; the distinction of natures being by no means taken away by the union, but rather the property of each nature being preserved, and concurring in one person and one subsistence, not parted or divided into two persons, but one and the same Son, and only begotten, God the Word, the Lord Jesus Christ; as the prophets from the beginning have declared concerning Him, and the Lord Jesus Christ Himself has taught us, and the creed of the holy fathers [apostles and teachers of the faith] has handed down to us.

The Mission, Vision, Core Values & Culture of Destiny City Church

DC Mission Statement
Helping others find and (11)

their God-given destiny.
The mission of Destiny City Church is to help others find and fulfill their God-given destiny by the same method and mission Jesus gave his followers: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

DC Vision Statement
To see all people

into the image of Jesus Christ.
The vision of Destiny City Church is to see all people transformed into the image of Jesus Christ by fostering a community of authentic believers and to witness a city transformed by the life changing reality of the gospel, as people come to know Jesus as their lord and savior.

DC Strategic Plan
To (12)

the people of God for (13)

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of service in our culture’s areas of influence identified as government, religion, education, family, media, arts and business by providing (14) discipleship through strong (15) biblical

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, (16)

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like Jesus, passionate (17)

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, compassionate (18)

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, world missions and church planting.

Core Values

We at Destiny City Church adhere to these core values.

DEVOTION
Jesus is the (19)

of our focus. He is our King, Savior, and Lord! We desire to connect deeply with God in (20)

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, prayer, and the (21)

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. We want to become more like him in our thinking, (22)

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, and actions. The number one priority and foundation of faith is an on-going, personal relationship with God. 

(23)

Because we desire His (24)

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at all times, we long to live a life of gratitude that is holy and pleasing to our Heavenly Father as our spiritual act of worship. We also desire to passionately and demonstratively display our acts of praise and worship unto the Lord through song, music, dance, shouts of praise and lifting of hands as the Bible instructs us so. (Romans 12:1; 1 Timothy 2:8)

(25)

We value Lordship and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords, therefore we believe that whole-hearted (26) submission to God’s will and His word is the starting point of the Christian faith and the foundation of all spiritual growth. So we willingly choose to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbors as we love our ourselves. (Colossians 2:6)

DISCIPLESHIP
As followers of Christ, we each (27) commit to a life-long journey of (28) learning His ways, hearing His voice, and going where He leads. We desire to grow together in faith and spiritual maturity, to continually walk in the power and authority He has given us. We aim to fulfill the Great Commission, by going into all the world and making disciples of all nations.

(29)

Because God’s heart is to reach the lost, we seek to evangelize by any creative means and through the love of Jesus using our spiritual gifts and natural talents in order to touch the mountains of our culture identified as: government, church, education, family, media, arts, and business.
(John 3:16, Luke 19:10)

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Because we are called to make disciples, our primary focus is ministering to people, not in conducting meetings, administrating programs or building buildings. Therefore, we make an effort to hold each other accountable to God’s word and to encourage and admonish each other in the holy faith. (Matthew 28:19,20)

Destiny
With our identities firmly established as sons and daughters of the King of all kings, Jesus Christ, we desire to serve not only our church but also this city and beyond. Equipped with God’s gifts and divine relationships, we can demonstrate His grace, love, and transformational, reconciling power. We are ambassadors of Christ and agents of change that are affecting our world.

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Because we are called to raise up spiritual leaders, we prioritize leadership training and deliberately create opportunities for potential young leadership to develop their gifts through serving. We long to use our God-given talents to make a lasting impact in our culture and lead the way in God-inspired innovation and creativity. (2 Timothy 2:2)
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& (33)

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Because the family is the foundation and validation for all ministry, we refuse to sacrifice our marriages and our children on the altars of success. Instead, we focus our efforts on building a strong spiritual family through covenant relationships (lasting relationships) and reject the idea of disposable relationships. We choose to make every effort to walk in lifelong covenant, love, respect and unity. (Psalm 127:1,3 Ephesians 4:3)

Our Culture

We desire as a church to develop & maintain the following culture…

*GOD is (34) *

Jesus reveals the love and priorities of the Father in His ministry and sacrifice – He is perfect theology. (Acts 17:28)

The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus comes to destroy demonic works and give us abundant life (John 10:10; 1 John 3:8)
God describes Himself as gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. God is good and, by nature, in a good mood. God is good regardless of our circumstances. (Romans 2:4; Psalm 145:9)
God is generous. As we remember and re-tell what He has done in testimonies, He’s able and eager to do it again. (Psalm 9:1)

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We are so grateful for all that our Heavenly Father has done, is doing, and will do!

We are first of all grateful for salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God and the empowerment He has given us through His Holy Spirit.

We choose to count our blessings and to continually keep praise on our lips, choosing to recount God’s favor and refusing to murmur or complain.
We know that our attitude of gratitude will ultimately affect our latitude in life and it lays the ground work for a successful life in Jesus Christ.

We know that we have everything that we ask of Him and if we’re not sure how to ask we can pray in the Holy Spirit and from a place of thanksgiving. (1 John 5:14; Romans 8:26)
We confess that we are, “Blessed with the best, not stressed and highly favored!”

A Culture of Relationship Based on (36)

We are a people of covenant relationships and we believe ministry is “all about relationships.” (1 Corinthians 12:26-27)

We will always strive to value, honor, and deal with each other out of love and we acknowledge that sometimes love is hard and covenant relationships are

.

Jesus said, “Love your neighbors as you love yourself.” It is very important to love yourself, receive God’s love, and receive each other’s love. (Luke 10:27)

to keep love at the center of all that you are and all that you do.

Empowering vs (37)

Culture

We strive to have a very empowering culture and work hard not to have a controlling culture. This means that as a church we look to call out destiny in each other. We strive to empower you to reach your full potential in Christ as a means to motivate each other towards our God-given destiny; and refuse to use fear, guilt, or shame to manipulate each another.

An empowering culture has

and

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as its core value and a controlling culture means you are motivated externally by the fear of others.

Understand that correction is not rejection! So be teachable if you wish to develop.

(38)

You will never reach your full potential until you take (39)

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for your own personal growth in Christ. (Philippians 2:12)

We can help solve your problems with you, but not for you and we will never work harder to solve your problems than you do.
(40) Accountability

We believe in discipleship and holding each other accountable in the body of Christ.

Do not expect anyone to provide accountability beyond your willingness to present yourself accountable. (2 Timothy 2:24-25)

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Faith is spelled “R-I-S-K”.
If you want to grow, you must take a risk.
If you do not fail once in a while, you are not taking enough risks (obviously we are not talking about moral or character failures). (Hebrews 11:6)

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Life flows from honor so let us strive to Honor God first and others as ourselves. (Rom 12:10)

There are levels of honor in the Kingdom of God. Take the low position first and serve and submit your way into leadership.
Always deal with God, your leaders, yourself and each other with honor and respect.

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& (44)

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When you find yourself in a situation where you need to confront a brother or sister in Christ, go to them directly and let them know of your offense. Do so in love and be quick to forgive even as Christ Jesus has forgiven you. (Mat 18:15, Ephesians 4:32)

Be quick to settle disputes and do everything in your ability to maintain peace and unity at all times. (Colossians 3:13)

Do not take the ‘

of Satan’ (offense) and avoid offense with everything that lies within you. (Ephesians 4:3)

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Power

You are in a culture that expects the supernatural to happen often as God has endued you (the believer) with His supernatural power to perform miracles. (Luke 24:49)

You will find yourself in situations where if God doesn’t do a miracle it will not work out right. Do not lose heart, these are the times to press in and pray and believe.

We strongly encourage and even expect DC members to walk in the supernatural power of God and to lay hands on the sick, the bound, the broken, and await God to do the impossible.

We know that our God is bigger than our problems. Let us learn to speak to our problems about the grandness of our God rather than speaking to our God about severity of our problems. (Mark 11:23)

A Life of (45)

The day you decided to follow Jesus is the day you entered the

, making your home a Ministry Center where your family, friends, and neighbors may receive salvation, deliverance, healing, and experience a lifestyle of worship unto God.

Sunday is the day we earnestly come together to

what God has done throughout the week. (Acts 2:46)

Jesus Christ is the Anointing and The Spirit of Jesus Christ is in us (the believer). Therefore we are anointed and sent to do the work that Jesus has sent us to do. The same authority (all authority) that Jesus has is within us because Christ is within us and we are co-laborers with Him. (Rom 8:11; Colossians 1:27-28; 1 Corinthians 3:9)

His

power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3)

A (46)

Identity
You are a royal chosen generation and a holy priesthood of the King of all kings. (1Peter 2:9)

You are NOT

, you ARE sons and daughters of God. We must learn to think and live out of our new identity. (Romans 8:17-19)

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Be honest no matter the cost.
Trust is built on honesty and integrity.
Telling half-truths, cheating, or lying destroys trust; so strive to be truthful.

Trust is the

of all good relationships.

Mind of (48)

As a Christian, you have the mind of Christ. (1 Cor 2:16)
We desire to teach you to learn how to think (like Christ) more than what to think; therefore, be creative, ask questions and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and the instruction of the Bible, God’s Word.

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Always pray, never despair, and never give up!
Perseverance is key to building godly character. (James 1:4)

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We desire the Presence of God for all that we do even down to our existence.

The believer CAN experience the presence of God every day, every second. (Hebrews 4:16)

Prayer is a conversation with God. Let us learn to commune with God. (1 John 1:3)

Our goal is to see the presence of heaven experienced here on earth. (Mat 6:10)

Be filled with the Holy Spirit and drink of Him until you

!

Commitment
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to God and commitment to His body is of extreme importance and it is vital in finding and developing our God-given destiny. (Hebrews 10:25; Gal 6:9)

We strive to be a people of faithfulness and commitment and do our best to come through on what we commit ourselves to regarding our time, talents, and treasure.

Generosity
We believe in (52) giving

and giving

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the Lord. We know that God provides us with food to eat and seed to sow. (2 Cor 9:10)
We know that when we give, it’s an investment into the kingdom of God that will yield a return 30, 60, and (53)

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fold.

We believe in taking care of our own within the body of Christ and also doing what we can to take care of those in need outside our church body.
We believe in giving a

(one tenth) of our income unto the Lord, believing that our ten percent belongs to God and we trust God to bless the ninety percent and to “rebuke the devourer on our behalf.”
We believe that anything we give beyond a tenth of our income is an (54)

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unto God.

*Believe & Become *

How to be functional in the Body of Christ

As disciples of Jesus we not only take responsibility for our own development but also the development of others…

As a young man Jesus grew in both height and wisdom. He learned from local religious teachers, by living in community, and through regular times of listening to God. Jesus called others to follow his ways, to be his disciples and live in obedience to all that God commands. He then sent these followers out to make new disciples. We believe we are also called to be followers of Jesus who take responsibility for our own development and the development of others. This includes both our personal time with God as well as involvement together in training provided by spiritual leadership. (Luke2:52; Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-13; 2 Timothy 2:2)

Group Discussion Questions:
Give an example of a healthy relationship that you have in your life?

Relationship
When anyone enters into relationship with God by grace from, and faith in, the person and work of Jesus Christ they are entering into two covenants.
1. You and God.
2. You and God’s

.

Romans 12 (NLT) A Living Sacrifice to God
12 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Based on this passage, how does God transform us?

… 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly

*Based on this passage we just read, what are some of the gifts that God has provided for His body? *

As a believer in the body of Christ we are encouraged to be generous with our money, time and talents. Be generous! ☺

1. Joyful &

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   “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”
   (2 Cor. 9:7; cf. 8:2–3).

2. A (55)

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   part of life
   “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up” (1 Cor. 16:2).

3. (56)

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   “In a severe test of affliction, [the Macedonians’] abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave … beyond their means” (2 Cor. 8:2–3; cf. Prov. 14:21, 31; 19:17; 2 Cor. 9:6; 1 Tim. 6:18).

The poor widow with “two small copper coins” is commended by Jesus for putting into the offering “everything she had, all she had to live on” (Mark 12:42–44; cf. Acts 4:32–33; 2 Cor. 8:3).

Group Discussion Starter Questions:
Have you ever said or done anything to hurt someone else?

*If you apologized and asked that person for forgiveness, how did that effect your relationship with them?

*Have you ever been the object of gossip? If so, how did it make you feel?

Be a unifier, not a divider.*

How do we remain both diverse and unified?

Unity Is Not (57)

in The Body of Christ

Gossip & Negative Talk Will Destroy Unity in The Body of Christ
Consider the various sins Paul outlines in Romans 1:29-31:
29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
30

, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless,

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, ruthless. 32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

What are some of the adjectives Paul uses to associate with gossips in this passage?

Forgiveness fosters unity

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 sbut if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

*If you do not forgive others their trespasses against you, what does this passage say your Heavenly Father will not do for you? *

PHILIPPIANS 1:27 [ NLT ]
27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.

What is the end goal of this passage?

Ministry & The Body of Christ is not about my

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and desires

We are servants of God who serve others as a way of life
Fully God - fully human, Jesus took on the posture of a servant. He gave his life, even unto death, so that others could experience salvation, peace and restoration. Jesus said, “I am among you as one who serves…” All those who follow Jesus are called to serve in the same humility. For us this means joyful submission to God, leadership and to each other, as we serve whomever God brings into our lives. We do whatever needs doing, whenever it’s needed and wherever it leads us. (Matthew 20:25-28; 25:31-46; John 13:1-17; Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Peter 2:16)

Top Ten dominant behavior patterns of churches that are inward focused: (page 36-38 “I Am A Church Member)

Note: These are patterns we are trying to avoid!

1. (58)

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   Wars.
   One or more factions in the church want the music just the way they like it. Any deviation is met with anger and demands for change. The order of service must remain constant. Certain instrumentation is required while others are prohibited.

2. Prolonged minutia (59)

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   The church spends an inordinate amount of time in different meetings. Most of the meetings deal with the most inconsequential items, while the Great Commission and Great Commandment are rarely the topics of discussion.

3. (60)

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   focus
   The church facilities develop iconic status. One of the highest priorities in the church is the protection and preservation of rooms, furniture, and other visible parts of the church’s buildings and grounds.

4. (61)

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   Driven.
   Every church has programs even if they don’t admit it. When we start doing a ministry a certain way, it takes on programmatic status. The problem is not with programs. The problem develops when the program becomes an end instead of a means to a greater ministry.

5. (62)

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   focused budget.
   A disproportionate share of the budget is used to meet the needs and comforts of the members instead of reaching beyond the walls of the church.

6. Inordinate (63)

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   for pastoral care.
   All church members deserve care and concern, especially in times of need and crisis. Problems develop, however, when church members have unreasonable expectations for even minor matters. Some members expect the pastoral staff to visit them regularly merely because they have membership status.

7. Attitudes of (64)

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   .
   This issue could be a catch-all for many of the points named here. The overarching attitude is one of demanding and having a sense of deserving special treatment.

8. Greater concern about (65)

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   than the gospel
   Almost any noticeable changes in the church evoke the ire of many; but those same passions are not evident about participating in the work of the gospel to change lives.

9. Anger and (66)

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   Members are consistently angry. They regularly express hostility toward the church staff and other members.

10. Evangelistic

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    Very few members share their faith on a regular basis. More are concerned about their own needs rather than the greatest eternal needs of the world and community in which they live.

Group Discussion Questions:
*What is a talent that you have that not many people know about? *

SERVE

Give your (67)

& talent.

WE ARE (68) CHILDREN OF GOD WHO LOVE &

FOR EACH OTHER.
God has always desired a people - an earthly family - who would live in such a way that the world would know what He is like. Jesus said that those who live in his ways and obey his Father are truly his family.

Through Jesus we believe we are children of God and brothers and sisters with each other. As family we see it as our obligation to personally care for the needs of one another – both physically and spiritually. We disciple, nurture and hold each other accountable to this covenant life together.

The willingness to serve others is not natural in our world and it was not natural for people in Jesus’ day either. In fact, the focus on position and authority had crept into the minds of several of his disciples.

In what way would you like to serve in the body of Christ?
What areas of need do you see in the body of Christ?

The Importance of Prayer

Pray for Your

Pray for each

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Pray for

, discernment, wisdom,

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, and physical & spiritual health.

Colossians 4:2
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:18
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

What stood out to you in these passages?

2 Thessalonians 3:1
1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.

Hebrews 13:18
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.

As you consider these verses, what are the primary reasons that Paul asks for prayer?

How to Train Your Family to be a Healthy Members of the Body of Christ.

Pray and worship

as a family.

Read page 58; then read the heading of the rest of the chapter from “I Am A Church Member”

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
What should we ‘stir’ each other up to do?

We are sent by God to restore all things to Himself.
God sent his son, Jesus, to Earth to take on human form and live within the culture. He worked, ate and interacted among the people; living in such a way that those around him could see and experience what God was truly like.

Jesus came so that all people, places and things could be restored to a right relationship with God. In the same way, we believe we are missionaries sent into our culture to restore all things to God through Jesus.

We live this out as part of a missional community.
(Read John 1:14; 20:21; Colossians 1:19; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

How to Treasure being a member of the Body of Christ as a (69)

Reveal Answer

.

Option 1 (Read page 68 from “I am a Church Member)

“In the first option we approach church membership similar to country club membership noted in chapter one. We are joining the church to see what we can get out of it. The pastor is to feed us through his sermons. We have specified an acceptable range for the length of the sermon. The music is to fit our style exactly. Any deviations are not acceptable. The programs and ministries are for our benefit. We will determine what we like and don’t like. We are members who expect perks, privileges, and service.”

*Option 2 (Read page 69 from “I am a Church Member)

“But there is a second option to church membership. It’s the biblical option that sees membership as a gift, something to be treasured. Membership means we have the opportunity to serve and give rather than the legalistic option to do so. Our entire attitude is different when we approach membership the biblical way.”

Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
What are we being “built together” into?

Even though we were dead in our sins, we were made alive in Jesus Christ. He paid our sin debt and made it possible for us to have a right relationship with God.

This is a priceless gift! It is important for us to recognize that our salvation means that we are part of the body of Christ. The free gift of salvation affords us another gift – being part of the body of Christ.

Summary and Review

I will be a (70) Functioning church member.
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
I will be a (71) Unifying church member.
Ephesians 4:1-3
I will (72) not let church be about my preferences.
Mark 9:35
I will (73) Pray for my church leaders.
1 Timothy 3:2-5
I will lead my family to be (74) healthy church members.
Ephesians 5:22-33, 6:1-4
I will (75) Treasure church membership as a gift.

OUR PRAYER FOR YOU

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people.”
EPHESIANS 1:17–18

“I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing Him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is He is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life He has for His followers.”
EPHESIANS 1:17-19 MSG

Our spiritual journey consists of four steps:

1. (76)
   Reveal Answer
   God

“[I pray]… that you may know Him better [personally].”
EPHESIANS 1:17–18

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you.’”
MATTHEW 7:21–23

1. (77)

   Reveal Answer
   Freedom
   “[I pray]… that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened [focused and clear].”
   EPHESIANS 1:17–18
   “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
   JAMES 5:16

2. (78) Discover

   Reveal Answer

“[I pray]…that you may know the hope to which He has called you.”
EPHESIANS 1:17–18

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.”ROMANS 12:6

“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” 1 CORINTHIANS 12:27 NLT

1. (79) Make a
   Reveal Answer

“[I pray]… that you may grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life He has for His followers [in his holy people].”-EPHESIANS 1:17–18

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”-JOHN 15:8, 11

“God has given gifts to each of you from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”-1 PETER 4:10 NLT

KNOW GOD
(80)

Services
We consider reaching people who do not know God personally to be one of our greatest responsibilities. Our Sunday services are for people at all stages in their spiritual journey but are primarily designed for those who do not yet have a genuine relationship with God.
Church services should focus on four values:
(81)

Reveal Answer

We believe church should be

.

“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’”
PSALM 122:1 NKJV
(82)

Church should be a place where people experience God’s

.

“But…when some unbelievers or ordinary people come in, they will be convinced of their sin by what they hear. They will be judged by all they hear, their secret thoughts will be brought into the open, and they will bow down and worship God, confessing, ‘Truly God is here among you!’” 1 CORINTHIANS 14:24–25 GNT

(83)

We believe church should be a place where people learn how the Bible applies to their daily lives.

“So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
EPHESIANS 4:11–12

(84)

We believe church should be a place where people can accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

“‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?”
ROMANS 10:13–14 NLT

How we share Christ with others:

“Go out into the country…and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.” LUKE 14:23 TLB

What kind of house does God want?

As we continue to reach people far from God, every one of us can do our part by following these four principles:

Accept the personal (85)

.

Build a personal (86)

.

Share your personal (87)

.

Give a personal (88)

.
In our city, our nation, and our world
“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
ACTS 1:8.

What does this passage mean to you?

In addition to our efforts during Church services, we are focused on reaching people in three key places designated by Jesus:

“In Jerusalem” (89) Our

“Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight.”
JAMES 1:27 MSG

The primary way we reach our city is through our Sunday services, Evangelistic Outreach and Connect Groups.

“In Judea and Samaria” (90) Our

“As they traveled from town to town, they presented the simple guidelines the Jerusalem apostles and leaders had come up with. That turned out to be most helpful. Day after day the congregations became stronger in faith and larger in size.”
ACTS 16:4–5 MSG

“To the ends of the earth” (91)Our

“Jesus said to His followers, ‘Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone.’” MARK 16:15 NCV

The primary way we reach our world is through strategic missions. At Destiny City Church, we intentionally invest a portion of our resources in missions’ work all around the world with a focus on unreached people groups, children, and church planting.

How you can participate:
1. (92)

Pray that we might reach people in each of these areas with the Good News of Jesus.

“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.’”
MATTHEW 9:37–38

1. (93)
   Reveal Answer
   . Give your time and resources to reach people for Christ.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.”
MATTHEW 6:19–21

What does Jesus say “not to do” in this passage?

1. (94)
   Reveal Answer
   !

Go to our cities, nation, and world to serve others and show people the love of God.

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’ He said, ‘Go and tell this people…’”
ISAIAH 6:8–9

What were questions in this passage and what was Isaiah’s response?

Grow Together

”Day after day, in the temple

and from

Reveal Answer

to

Reveal Answer

, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”
ACTS 5:42

What were the two places mentioned in this passage that “they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news” in?

“You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.”
ACTS 20:20

*(95)

Groups (Small Groups) *

What it’s all about:
1. A place to (96) connect with

.

“Yes, whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him.”
1 CORINTHIANS 9:22 TLB

Based on this passage, what should we try to find with people in order to tell them about Jesus Christ?

The body of Christ is all about

Reveal Answer

!

1. A place to (97)
   Reveal Answer
   each other.

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us.
So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
1 JOHN 3:16 NLT

When we do life together, our problems become smaller as God uses others to bring support and encouragement to our lives.

1. A place to (98)
   Reveal Answer
   together.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
PROVERBS 27:17

Every person is created with God-given potential to make a difference in the world. Connect Groups should be a place where you can grow with others to become more like Jesus and reach the potential God has put inside you.

DISCOVERING YOUR GIFTS

“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 NLT

1 My (99) Gifts and

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”
ROMANS 12:6–8

Based on this passage, should we all have the same gifts?

1. My (100) Life
   Reveal Answer
   
   “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him.”
   ROMANS 12:1 MSG

*Based on this passage, what is the best thing we can do for God? *

3 My (101)

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3–4

Based on this passage, God comforts us so that we can do what?

DESIGN REVEALS DESTINY

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
PSALM 139:13–14 NLT

(102)

my gifts.

(103)

my gifts.

(104)

my gifts.

**My purpose is to (105)

God by (106)

Reveal Answer

others.

A Life of Faithfulness

1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

1 Timothy 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me because he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.
Everyone is judge by this metric. It is the standard set by Jesus.
Matthew 25:23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

Faithfulness is where spiritual formation occurs to create the

that will carry you in life.

We judge faithfulness by

; God judge’s faithfulness in

Reveal Answer

.
Lasts longer than you want.

Faithfulness is the stage everyone says they made it through

than they actually have.

We are more interested in the clock than God is.
God is not in a hurry, even if you are.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. 3For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.

To God, faithfulness is more important than you think.
Faith is when we trust God. Faithfulness is when God can trust us.
This stage isn’t a talent question. Talent can be perceived as a false positive.

Faithfulness requires the ability to stay

.
1 Timothy 1:3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine

To be faithful, you have to get beyond:
1. I don’t want to do this.
2. I don’t feel like I’m making a difference.
3. I don’t think I can keep doing this.
4. Why would God have me do this?
5. This isn’t how I want to do this.
6. I’m no good at doing this.
7. I don’t like doing this.

We need to get to:
I’ll do this because God wants me to do this, and if he wants me to do this forever, I’ll keep doing this.

We don’t say we’re unfaithful, we just redefine it.

Faithfulness in our culture means:
1. I’m faithful as long as it is financially rewarding.
2. I’m faithful as long as it is fun and I like it.
3. I’m faithful as long as it is fulfilling.
4. I’m faithful as long as I have friends.

Biblical model of faithfulness
Matthew 25:18-21 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20“So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

1. Realize God has given you something.
2. Don’t compare what you’ve been given to others.
3. Faithfulness requires time. It is tested over time.
4. Ultimately we are judged according to it.

Now What?

1. Now that you’ve completed New Member’s Growth Track; ask God where you should serve. Hint: Many times, if we just take a simple step to serve in an area of need, it will begin to make room and lead us into our place of calling.

2. You may not initially serve in the area you are most gifted in, but if you faithfully serve where there is a need, God will open up doors for you to serve where you are gifted.

3. Serve your way into leadership and be careful to not let your gifts lead you where you character cannot sustain you. Always strive to be transformed into the image of Christ!

4. Often times God will use us in our weakness to show that Christ is strong! Remain open to be used in any area of need and listen and obey the leading of the Holy Spirit.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

5.Join a DCC Connect Group and let others hold you accountable to the teaching of God’s Word.

6.Take risks that require faith in God and walk in supernatural gifts and power!

7.Enjoy a close relationship with God and with fellow believers and walk in the freedom of His love!

Welcome to Destiny City Church!