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People have many acquaintances but few real friendships-
as relationships are often based on their needs, the tasks, the activities, the
hobbies. They are temporal. Others may have been betrayed and hurt by those
closest to them. We also often bury our thirst for genuine friendships with our
busyness.
Jesus teaches us how to engage people , built
relationships, serve others in intimate relationships. He became friend to
Zacchaeus, Lazarus , Nicodemus, the centurion, rejected woman at the well and
countless who come into his path apart from his disciples James, John, Peter,
Mary and Martha..etc. There are 22 unique references on one anothering by early
dsiciples and early church- ministry is family based. To live as children of God
and impart the Father's love- Others focused and selfless lead to enduring
shared friendships. The early church is built on friendships, freedom,
flexibility and family as they have become others-focused like Jesus. It is a
way of living in relationship with the Father and God-centered - loving one
another in a hostile world.
Escaping the loneliness trap
Isolation In the Communication Age
With trans border mobility and compression of travel time, internet
connectivity and mobile apps, there is unlimited time and space and
more ways to connect with other people than ever before. So isn't it
ironic that people feel more isolated today?
We work alongside people we don't enjoy, still live next door to
others we don't know, and even gather in worship services where many
feel like just another face in the crowd. Even with close friends many
of us can't seem to steer the conversation beyond our children, jobs,
weather, or sports to share the depth of our spiritual lives.
In a culture that promotes isolation and autonomy, Every
man for himself, take care of your own problems, and when you hurt the
most it seems like everyone scatters into the busyness of their own
lives.
Beginning with God's simple
command to "love one another,"
ONE ANOTHERING takes it further to show you how
to:
develop deep, genuine
friendships
model to others a
relationship with Jesus
create meaningful
interaction with strangers
avoid the pitfalls of
judging others
show people love,
acceptance, kindness, and respect
The
life-changing methods for creating healthy
relationships and authentic community -
based on new Testament principles that
capture the essence of Jesus' teachings
about effectively caring, serving, and
loving one another.
These
biblical principles and practices will transform
and change your lives.
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Part 1 : starting
inside
Loving others like God loves you
A soft place to fall
It's not all about you
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Part 2 : opening
the door
Initial contact
Sharing God's kindness
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Part 3 : sharing
the journey
Lightening the load
Cheerleading
Pooling our wisdom
Taking it to God
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Part 4 : for mature
relationships
The genuine article
Partnering in the journey
Treasures waiting to be discovered.
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AUTHENTIC
Word of God
