PDL 21

Congratulations Everyone! Today marks the end of both the third week, and Purpose #2!

The Video
The #1 reason for a failed church is gossip. Even Listening to gossip makes you a trouble maker according to the bible. You are just as guilty, because you are listening to the gossip.

The Audio
the four things people base their decisions on:
1. Circumstance
2. Convenience
3. Criticism (sp?)
4. Convictions - only these will last. Build your convictions on something that is going to last.

Here are six convictions for Why We Do What We Do at Saddleback Church:
1. it’s all about God. For the glory of God alone. If it’s all about God - then loving God is your biggest priority. Matt 22:37-39. 
Three reasons people don’t come to God:
   A. Materialism - when you love God more than things, people get irritated (sp?).
   B. Immoral lifestyle - they don’t want to stop what they are doing to turn to God
   C. Peer Pressure - what will my friends think?

2. Only the church will last forever. Everything in the universe was created by God for his family, his Glory.

3. Since we are all going to live together forever, we have to love others and the Church. Love is more important than anything else. More than any differences we may have. God loves unity. On the night before his death Jesus prayed for unity. John 17.

Your neighbor is the hardest one to love:
   A. People who are different
   B. People who are difficult
   C. People who are dangerous
God says love your enemies and do well to them. God is good to the wicked and ungrateful. Your enemies are those that disagree with you, harm you, and hate you. Every time you love the unlovely you will be rewarded in heaven. You are to love EVERYONE, just as Jesus did.

4. The whole world needs Jesus.
The greatest commission for Christians:
   A. Go. Go and make a disciple (says see PDL). Jesus said, "I will always be with you."

***Here he explains he is running out of time, so will rush to finish!

5. Everything is possible with God. "All things are possible to him that believes in God."

6. You are the biggest problem. You have a choice. You must believe in God.

The Book
it is your job to protect the unity of your church. Unity is the soul of fellowship. The bible says, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Focus on what we have in common, not our differences. God wants unity NOT uniformity. Conflict is usually a sign that the focus has shifted to less important issues. Paul said, "...I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose."

Other believers will disappoint you and let you down. God tells us, "Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love." Instead of leaving the church, we need to stay and work it out if at all possible. Besides, there is no perfect church to escape to.
Every church should put out a sign that says, "No perfect people need apply. This is a place for only for those who admit they are sinners, need grace, and want to grow." When you criticize what another believer is doing in faith and from sincere conviction, you are interfering with Gods business.
It’s the devils job to blame, complain, and criticize members of Gods family. Anytime we do the same we are being duped into doing Satan’s work for him.
Refuse to listen to gossip. People who will gossip TO you will also gossip ABOUT you. It is sad in Gods flock; the greatest wounds usually come from other sheep, not wolves.
During conflict, it’s tempting to complain to a third party rather than courageously speak the truth in love to the person your upset with, you should go directly to the person involved.

Support your pastor and leaders. "Honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love." God blesses churches that are unified.

Debi. :o)