In a world full of division, we are constantly told what to believe and how to live. However, true and lasting change doesn’t come from politics or trends. It comes through love, service, and humility—it comes from a life-giving relationship with Christ. As followers of Christ, what should we be doing? Our influence in the world stems from loving our neighbors and standing firm in the truth, one act of kindness, justice, and truth at a time. Our hope is in Christ alone.
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We encourage you to jot down what you hear God speaking to you about today as you listen to the teaching. Plan on diving deeper into the message by downloading the study guide on Sunday night so you can compare your notes with the guide as a path for deeper spiritual commitment. Once posted, the teaching video and study guide can be found under the Media tab.
The Great Debate - Week Four
Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him. Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?” “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.” —John 18:33-36 (NLT)
Pilate said, “So you are a king?” Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” “What is truth?” Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, “He is not guilty of any crime.” —John 18:37-38 (NLT)
Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash. —Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT)
The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So, here’s what you
can do, remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right
living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. —Romans 13:12-13 (NLT)
WWJD
What Would Jesus Do?
DWJD
Do What Jesus Did
Policies might change the way you vote, but hearts will be changed by the way that you live.
The primary goal of a Christian is not to be right but to be effective.
Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. —Romans 13:14 (NLT)
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! —Psalm 133:1 (NLT)
Harmony = Unity, not Uniformity.
When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, “Lord, should we fight? We brought the swords!” And one of them struck at the high priest’s slave, slashing off his right ear. —Luke 22:49-50 (NLT)
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