Core Values:
Christ Centered Hebrews 12:2 - God Disciplines His Son (12:1) "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (2) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Servant Leader Mark 10:42-43 - The Request of James and John (42) " Jesus called them together and said, You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them (43) Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. (44-45) and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (10:43) "Not so with you. Jesus overturns the value structure of the world. The life of discipleship is to be characterized by humble and loving service."
Precise (Relational) Luke 14:26-30 - The Cost of Being a Disciple . . . (26) "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brother and sisters - yes, even his own life - he cannot be my disciple. (27) Any anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. (26 Note) hate his father. A vivid hyperbole, meaning that one must love Jesus even more that one's immediate family. (28) "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? (29) For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, (30) saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'" (28 Note) estimate the cost. Jesus did not want a blind, naive, commitment that expected only blessings. As a builder estimates costs or a king evaluates military strength (v.31), so people must consider what Jesus expects of his followers before they commit their lives to him. 31 - 32 . . . (33) "In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." (33 Note) give up everything he has. The cost, Jesus warned, is complete surrender to him.
Accountable Roman 14:2 - Ephesians 5:21 - The Weak and the Strong (Roman 14:2) "One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables." (a) In contrast, Paul now describes the "strong" Christian. Here faith is used in the sense of assurance or confidence. Unity in the Body of Christ (Ephesians 5:21) (20) always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (21) "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (a) Paul shows in each relationship, each partner can have a conciliatory attitude that will help that relationship.
Association Luke 6:13a, 17a - The Twelve Apostles (6:13a) "He called his disciples. Among those who came to hear Jesus was a group who regularly followed him and were committed to his teachings. At least 72 men were included, since this many disciples were sent out on an evangelistic campaign Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-two (Luke10:1 - 17) After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. (2) He told them, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. (3) Go! I am sending you out like lambs among the wolves . . . "
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God bless -
Frank Myers, Executive Director
The Branches of the Vine
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