When it comes to assembling the Christian life, it requires much more than your faith and the Bible; it involves the

of

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(i.e., the Church).

The Christian life was never intended or designed to be a

endeavor.

3 AMERICAN VALUES OR IDEALS THAT GET IN THE WAY

1.

Freedom vs. Freedom in Christ
• American Value: Personal freedom is a core American ideal, emphasizing the right to choose, act, and live as one desires without undue restraint.
• Christian Value: Christianity teaches that true freedom is found in Christ, which involves being freed from sin and living a life that aligns with God’s purposes, even if it means surrendering certain personal liberties (Galatians 5:1, 1 Peter 2:16).

2. Autonomy vs.

to Authority
• American Value: Autonomy values independence and the ability to make one’s own choices without external control or influence.
• Christian Value: Christianity teaches submission to God’s authority and the recognition of His sovereignty over all aspects of life. It also emphasizes submission to spiritual and earthly authorities (Romans 13:1-2, James 4:7).

3.

vs. Community
• American Value: Individualism emphasizes personal independence, self-reliance, and the idea that each person is responsible for their own success and well-being.
• Christian Value: Christianity emphasizes the importance of community, interdependence, and the idea that believers are part of a collective body (the Church) where they support and care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Acts 2:42-47).

BUILDING FAITH AND BUILDING COMMUNITY GO HAND IN HAND

1. Christ is the

of all Christian communities. (ie. The Church)

Ephesians 2:19-22 (NLT)
19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. 20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. 22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.

2. We are being built together

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into one structure.

1 Peter 2:4-5 (NLT)
4 You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.
5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.

3. We are being assembled into a Holy

for God.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NLT)
16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 17 God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.