Authentic Christian Community Requires…

Listening to the teachings of Jesus

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. LUKE 5:1-3 NLT

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” JOHN 8:31-32 NLT

Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. PSALM 119:29 NLT

Going a little deeper than I am comfortable

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” LUKE 5:4 NLT

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. ISAIAH 41:10 NLT

Trusting Jesus despite my past results with people

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. LUKE 5:5 NLT

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. MATTHEW 5:11-12 NLT

Becoming vulnerable and sharing my personal struggle with sin.

When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. LUKE 5:8-10 NLT

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” —and I am the worst of them all. 1 TIMOTHY 1:15 NLT

Discovering my God-given potential to make a difference

Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. LUKE 5:10-11 NLT

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. EPHESIANS 2:10 NLT

Explore the BE REAL Series

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Building Authentic Christian Community

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